REDHAWK TIMES
RT April 2014 Vol. II, No. 3
Make ‘em shine!
WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Blythewood, South Carolina
Teen suspect in Pa. school stabbings said to be shy, quiet By Robert Zullo Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (MCT)
Photo by Jasmine John
The March service project found students outside, washing school busses for the district’s transportation department, a group of people who are often overlooked. Work- Based Learning Coordinator Schiria Wilson, who organized the bus wash, said, “My response to them is that they are a group of people that we depend on every day and this was just a small way for Westwood to say ‘Thank You’.”
MURRYSVILLE, Pa. -- He always seemed to be “the shy kid in the corner,” a classmate said. Hours after a startling and savage attack on April 9 that left 21 students and a security guard wounded, that was the picture that began to emerge of 16-year-old Alex Hribal, a sophomore at Franklin Regional Senior High School. Armed with two 8-inch knives, he is accused of stabbing and slashing his way through a crowded hallway in an assault that was labeled “bizarre” by both a prosecutor and his own lawyer. Hribal was arraigned on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault and weapon possession. Many students said they did not know him. Others, like sophomore Anissa Park, who knew Hribal from elementary school but hadn’t talked with him for some time, invariably used the words “shy” and “quiet” to describe him. Another student who knew Hribal, though he spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was stunned by the attack. “I know him pretty well,” the boy said, adding that Hribal’s interests included hockey and video games. “I’ve never seen any anger from him, ever.” Hribal’s lawyer, Patrick Thomassey said the teen was not a loner nor was he aware of any instances of bullying that would have provoked the attack. “He’s scared,” Thomassey said. “He’s a young kid. He’s 16, looking like he’s 12. This is all still new to him.” Thomassey said Alex is a B-plus student from a stable home, describing his family as “like Ozzie and Harriet.” District Attorney John Peck said that Hribal made some statements after school officials tackled him that indicated he wanted to die.
Walking for a cause: Relay For Life
On May 16, Westwood High School and Blythewood High School join forces to host a Relay For Life event at the BHS track. The event lasts from 6pm-midnight. Groups across the country join the American Cancer Society every year to raise money for cancer patients. Each team or group walks around a track to fight for the cause. Usually there are things such as food, and toys sold on the side to contribute to help cancer patients. To register a team or as a team member go to www. relayforlife.org/richland2schoolssc.org. If you have questions, or would like to purchase any Relay For Life items or would like to donate see Relay Coordinator Mandy Ashley in room 240.
Redhawks dance night away at Moonlight Masquerade The Nae Nae came on over the speakers and immediately, the entire dance floor was packed as seniors, juniors and their dates partied the night away at the Moonlight Masquerade 2014 Prom. Senior Alicia Gripper said, “It was a night to remember. It was fun.” Girls spent months scouring boutiques from Charlotte to Atlanta searching for the perfect dress while others found their dream dresses online. “There was a rainbow of dresses, and everybody came dressed nice,” said Gripper. Bekah Williams, junior, said, “I’d never done anything like that before but it was really fun to see everyone dressed up and out of school. I liked all of it.” “Prom was fun. The food was delicious -- I loved the chocolate fondue,” said senior Francisco Martinez. Senior Wesley Randolph said, “Everybody said that I’d regret it if I didn’t go. While I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have regretted it if I didn’t go, I had a good time.” The dance floor was packed; people danced all night long with the
“Cupid Shuffle” and “Drunken Love” getting everyone, including some chaperones, moving. “Next year, I hope that they choose a theme that everyone likes,” said Williams. “That’s one thing we struggled with this year -- we wanted to make everyone happy. I hope we did!” “The music could have been better. Some of the songs the DJ played weren’t even on our list,” said Alandria Haynes, junior. “I hope there’s more dancing space next year. It was a little small.” All in all, the response to the Junior Class’s hard work on the prom was positive. “It had to be one of my favorite experiences in high school. I went last year and really saw the progress in the planning and everything,” senior Whitney Johnson said. “It was a magical night.” Dressed to the nines in a rainbow of styles and colors, students pack the dance floor as a favorite song comes on. Seniors Devon Harkness and Wendy Lara take a turn around the floor. Presenting: Prom King Theo Kennedy and Prom Queen Nadia Egipciao. Jairad Hydrick and Kelsey Briggs won the titles of prom prince and prom princess, respectively. Senior Quelle Canaday, WHS graduate Solomon Walden and junior Terrence Anderson strut their stuff in slick white tuxes and colorful accessories. Photo Credit: Lifetouch