Redha k Times Westwood High School
May 2013
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180 Turkey Farm Road Blythewood, SC 29016
Have a Fabulous Summer!
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www.richland2.org/wh
Vol. 1, No. 3
Prom sparkles as “A Red Carpet Event” Hard-working team puts on prom night to remember for seniors, juniors by Shayla Charles
Class officers for the 2013-2014 school year are ready and excited about next year: Aking Anderson, Aubria Myers, Haven Mumm, Lauren Drescher, Chichi Agim and Nick Hooks
New Student Government for 2013-2014 school year Student Body President: Brianna Temple Student Body Vice President: Ebony English
Senior Class President: Aubria Myers Senior Class Vice President: Aking Anderson Junior Class President: Lauren Drescher Junior Class Vice President: Haven Mumm Sophomore Class President: Nick Hooks Sophomore Class Vice President: Chichi Agim
Senate/House Members: Terrell Foster, Arri-
yanna Whitaker, Baili Byrd, Alyssa Castelluccio, Sophia Sudak, Arrian Bright, Julian Alexander, Whitney Johnson
Relay for Life has students running for good cause “Cancer never rests so, on May [24th], neither will we!” event coordinator Amanda Ashley said. From 4:30 pm until midnight on May 24, Relay for Life participants pace themselves around Blythewood HS track as part of the world’s largest walk to end cancer. Because this is a large charity event, Ashley teamed up with Blythewood teachers, Susie Hughes and Jennifer Cribbs, to put on a partnered walk. Together, Westwood and Blythewood’s 38 teams have raised over $30,000 for the charity. Relay for Life not only honors survivors and family members who’ve lost loved ones to cancer; it also raises awareness about preventative measures and to raise money for cancer research. Originally scheduled for May 17, Relay for Life’s date shifted to May 24 after Blythewood baseball team won Regionals and played a State tournament game on the 17th.
Prom is a night to feel like a prince or prin- that there was a good turnout of people, she cess, to dress up in gorgeous clothes and believes the place was too big for the size dance the night away. After weeks of plan- crowd that came this year. ning and talking about prom, students walked Adams wishes more people purchased into the Columbia Country Club on April 27 tickets and that more students were involved dressed to kill and ready to have a good time. in organizing the prom itself. “Overall, prom Junior class faculty advisor Katie Adams was a success, and I am looking forward to said they chose the country club because it attending many more Westwood proms,” is a beautiful and classy environment. To go said Adams. with the classic atmosphere, student counWinning the title of Prom Princess added cil voted on the theme “Red Carpet Affair”, to Myers’s excitement. “Winning felt very making the night explode with character. cool, because it really wasn’t something The small but determined group of junior I campaigned for. It feels good that I have class student government members put in ex- people who admire me enough to put me in tra time, planned hard, and put their minds this position.” Senior Tedra Hendricks was together to make the first prom as successful crowned the first Prom Queen, senior Reggie as possible. Miller was crowned the first Prom King and One of the organizers, junior Aubria My- junior Aking Anderson won Prom Prince. ers, said, “Before prom I was very worried. Prom is one of those nights that remain in There were times when prom committee was people’s hearts and memories. Myers said, wanting to kill each other, and the unknown “Prom is an important tradition because for feeling of how prom was actually going to one night its just you your friends are just be was stresshanging out. One ful. But, once night and just I actually got having fun, being there and saw relaxed, and it’s everything stress free. It’s we worked so also the last event hard to preother than gradupare for lookation that seniors ing right, it participate in, it’s lifted a weight one of people’s off, and I acbiggest memotually had a ry.” good time.” Barker also beSenior Nalieves that prom Kea Barker is an important attended prom milestone, sayCertainly a night to remember, Westwood’s first prom, held at the and said, “The Columbia Country Club, had juniors and seniors -- dressed to the nines -- ing, “It’s one of thing I liked dancing the night away in each others’ arms. photo by Shayla Charles our last hurrahs. most about It’s the greatest prom was the songs and the DJ. The high- memory to have as a senior and we will allight of the night was the middle of prom ways remember it for the rest of our life.” when everyone came out on the dance floor.” Of next year’s prom, the rising Senior Adams added, “I loved seeing the students Class President Myers said, “Hope all the all dressed up and dancing to the amazing seniors are excited for the prom next year! music produced by the DJ.” Class of 2014!” Of course, it being the first prom, there “Juniors who are going to be senior next are things that might need to be looked at year, GO TO PROM! It’s something you when planning the next. While Barker likes don’t want to miss out on,” Barker said.
CONGRATULATIONS to the First Graduating Class of Westwood High School! The first talent show on May 18 showed off the amazing amount of talent at Westwood. Freshman Wade Murphy accepts award from none other than Tina Turner. photo by Marquis Harris
We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors! GO REDHAWKS!
Class of 2013! Seniors Rule!
Hey, remember our first year at Westwood? Homecoming, pep rallies, Fall Harvest Festival, Miss Westwood, Coming Home, the Dedication, all those games Be SURE to remember a yearbook! $65 and events... with Room 1002 (in Learning Commons)
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Phashard Caldwell: Turnaround Student of the Year Senior Phashard Caldwell earned the title “Turnaround Student”, greatly improving his grades to stay on the A/B honor roll all this year, and becoming more actively involved at school by taking a leadership role in Convergence Media and becoming the sound expert for the school, playing music for pep rallies and basketball games. He passed along words of wisdom, learned from hard experience and challenges: “Junior year is that year you want to make sure your grades are top notch so that you can get into that college. Then once you’re a senior you just work hard to make sure you can stay with that college. Because they can take that admissions right away if you slip up your senior year.” “Watch out for the crowds of people you’re around. You don’t want to get caught up in mess. Mainly, just make sure you have be a great fun year and decrease the negative things you do because you’re trying to get into college you don’t have time for mistakes”. “Don’t slack off, that’s my biggest issue--I tend to slack off. You just don’t want to get caught up. Keep going!” Caldwell receives his turnaround award at a District ceremony honoring all turnaround students. His proud stepfather and mother follow behind as Caldwell shakes the hand of a school board member.
Congratulations to our Outstanding Seniors of 2013: M Jasmine Farmer, Jada Daniels, Ashly Ozuna, Phashard gie Miller, Will Rutkowski and Dennis Carrigan, pictu steps of the State House, looking fabulous.
ing Seniors
Rising seniors, listen up! These graduating seniors have some valuable advice for you
Most juniors begin their senior year with assumptions on how the year is going to be. These soon-to-be graduates tell it like it is. Senior Ashly Ozuna: “Have fun! Be proud to be a senior and that you’re a Redhawk and show your school pride! Don’t let the juniors, sophomores or freshmen win the pep rally battles because that’s your time to shine.” “Pick your battles! You’re feeling all grown ‘cause you’re a senior in high school about to get out of school and feeling like nobody can tell you nothing. No, that’s wrong, you don’t want to disrespect your parents or teachers because you will never know when you will need them in preparing for college.” Senior LaPatrick Pettway: “Grades are very important because, if you don’t get good grades, you probably won’t get into the good colleges and universities. Also start applying for college early because it will sneak up on you if you try to apply late.” “Always be open to making new friends, and listen to your teachers because they know what they are talking about and won’t steer you in the wrong direction.” “Stay humble and focus because senioritis is real. You don’t want to get caught up at the last minute without the grades to achieve the goals you set out for.” Senior Chasity Royal: “Associate with the right people because, as a senior, you need to be preparing for the adult life. It’s also a time where you wanna party and do whatever you want but you just need to stay focused.” “Grades are extremely important because, once your get to your senior year, some people stop trying. Don’t do that, your senior year grades are still going to matter so still try to do your best.” “Surround yourself with positive people. Get involved in organizations, clubs, and sports because it keeps you focused. You have to have a certain GPA so getting involved will push you to keep on top of your work.” “I see myself as being successful with whatever I am doing and loving it. I hope to be in New York and everyone starting to know my name.” -Will Rutkowski, Theater major College of Charleston “I see myself as the best lawyer there is, traveling the world, and going on vacation with my entire family -- all paid for by me.” -Melissa Polite, Pre-Law Unversity of South Carolina
Marshay Kearse, d Caldwell, Regured here on the
Seniors! Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
“Doing residency in a hospital with a PhD in medicine.” -Breci’a Toatley, Biology major Winthrop University “Fire chief in Charlotte with a son and engaged.” -Tyquan Williams, Engineering/Fire Technology SC State then UNC Charlotte “Working as a Nurse Practitioner with a family.” -Ashley Reese, Nursing University of Alabama
“I see myself successful with a doctorate degree and as an up-and-coming veterinarian. A family of one set of twins and either a son or daughter. I would like to take plenty of vacations away from the US.” -Robyn Hogg, Biology/PreVet South Carolina State University
“I see myself working for the FBI, making a difference in this world. I also hope to be married and maybe starting a family.” -Ashly Ozuna, Criminal Justice major USC-Upstate or Campbell U.
“I see myself in a career with journalism. I want to work at the Charlotte Observer.” Chasity Royal Communications major USC-Aiken
“Hopefully, installed in a practice.” -Jamie Nishimura, Audiology/Physical Therapy Unversity of Vermont
“At a good job, successful and happy, with at least one child...for now.” -Preston Mobley, Biology then grad school for Bio-Medical Engineering Winthrop Unversity
Teacher Superlatives As voted on by the Student Body
Best All Around: Richard Bonneville, US Government/Economics Hermayonne Epps, IBA Most school spirit: Terri Moss, Chemistry/Physical Science Rodney Summers, PE/Head Football Coach Most likely to run out of discipline notices: Ramsey Hill, History/Sociology Rebecca Graves, English Most gullible: Jimmy Crosby, World Geography Anne Richardson, Dance/Drama Most Likely to fail their class: Jennifer Callahan, Math/Algebra/PreCalculus Neil Blum, Physical Science Most likely to give homework over the summer: Richard Disharoon, English Angela McCullum, Algebra Most likely to call mom or dad: KaRon Webb, Algebra Susan Parker, GEAR-UP Most Intimidating: Terry Dozier, Head Basketball Coach Sheila Addison, Geometry Most likely to be mistaken for a student: Tyler Havird, US History/Government Katie Adams, World Geography Most Talkative: Nick Pelham, English/World History Christina Payne, Physical Science
Track & Field team wins Regionals, gives school its first State champions by Kevin Holloway Overall, the Track & Field team had a strong season, despite being a young team. Starting with the basics, the team worked hard, had an amazing season, and won Regionals. “[O]verall, we did great! To win region championships with the boys and girls in our first year speaks well of our coaches, students, and school,” said head coach Lawrence Terry. “Great! It shows how far we came as a team. Because we won that title together,” said runner Kelsey Briggs, junior. Briggs had a stellar season herself, becoming the first WHS athlete to win a state title. “Winning the Region Champions title was a really big deal for us. The atmosphere on the field that night was unlike anything any of us expected when we stepped off the bus that day,” said runner Richard Hall, freshman. “At the end of the day, we put in our work, left everything on the track and on the field and came out with two titles. Something to bring home, it was a great experience,” Sophomore Malik Beckman commented that the team’s dedication was one of the major strengths, “[W]e were really set on winning every possible meet.” “There will always be some things to work out with a new program,” Terry stated, mentioning, in particular, that the team still needs to work on its communication. Terry confirmed he will be back to coach Westwood next year, as will Distance Coach Brice Mann. Mann said, “Distance team did well, we made some strides towards getting better all
throughout the season.” Mann added that the best part of the season for him was winning the 4x8 title in the 3A Region 4 track meet. He believes that Westwood will be holding this particular title for a long time. After winning Regionals, some members progressed to the State level where Briggs became a state champion in the long jump, jumping 18.5 feet. “It feels amazing, man! Like, especially for me being the FIRST one here at Westwood. It’s crazy, but amazing all at the same time! Good job to Bre as well!” Briggs said. Junior Brianna Presley brought home the State title in both the 100m and 200m sprints. “It feels great because all my hard work like getting up at 5 am to work out paid off.” This year, five team members including Briggs and Pressley will be going to the New Balance High School Nationals on June 15 in Greensboro, North Carolina (see sidebar). Track & Field made history and plans to do so for years to come. “We work hard every day, but make sure that being on the team is a fun experience. Don’t think you can’t run three miles and be too scared to try out,” Mann said, encouraging people to try out for the team. “I know plenty of people who, on the first day, were the slowest ones on the team and, by the end of their senior year, were the fastest runners on the team. You get what you put into it and, I promise, if you come out for a week, you will be hooked and want to do it the rest of your high school career.”
State Championship Results 1st Place Kelsey Briggs Long Jump 1st Place Brianna Pressley 100 Meter Dash 1st Place Brianna Pressley 200 Meter Dash 2nd Place Anthony Friday Shot Put 2nd Place Adonus Lee High Jump 2nd Place Jai Lykes Shot Put 3rd Place Anthony Friday Discus 4th Place Jai Lykes Discus 5th Place Raymond Hall Pole Vault 5th Place Da’Sha Jobes Long Jump
Track and Field team wins Regionals, beaming with excitement as they pose with their teammates, coaches and trophies.
Headed to Nationals in June: Kelsey Briggs Anthony Friday Adonus Lee Jai Lykes Brianna Pressley
Long Jump (girls) Shot Put (boys) High Jump (boys) Shot Put (girls) 100 meter dash (girls) 200 meter dash (girls)
Spring Sports Wrap-Up
Boys soccer team looking forward to next year by Wendy Lara
With a huge step forward, the baseball pitcher powers up a pitch, aiming for the catcher’s glove -- and to strike out the batter. photo by Theo Kennedy
A teammate passes to a fellow Lady Redhawk, demonstrating one of the strengths the girls soccer team showed off all season.
With the end of the school year also comes the end of spring sports. The boys soccer team, lead by Coach Tyler Havird, won two games in their first season. Although they did not have a strong season, the coaches and players are ready to work hard and improve in the upcoming season. Havird said, “For a first year program with a first year head coach and first year varsity players, we did well. There were a few games that I felt we could have won if we played with more intensity.” Next year, strengthening the team is an objective. “We are excited about the potential of our team next season. With a year under our belt, myself and the players know what to expect from a fall varsity season and are anxious to build on the foundations we have created in our first season,” said Havird. To have that successful season, the players will have to be determined to advance. Junior Keyshawn Guess said he needs to improve his ball skills and take better touches. “As a team, we just have to mark opponents tighter and more physical to keep them from moving the ball where they want to go. As a player, I criticize myself in every aspect because I want to get better and work on every part of my game girls softball team meets on the mound to discuss strategy and get until I succeed.” says junior The ready for a great game. Todrey Hollins. photo by CJ Clay