Redhawk Times May 2014

REDHAWK TIMES

RT May 2014 Vol. II, No. 4

WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Blythewood, South Carolina

Students share their summer plans

By Alandria Haynes, RT Staff

The year is almost up, and it’s time to break out the shorts and sandals -- and to put together plans for a great summer.

Junior Taylor Bronson plans to work with athletic training. She also wants to practice with her tennis technique. Mid-summer, her family is going to Disney World.

Freshman Xavier Dobey will be playing basketball and football in his free time, getting pumped up for football and basketball season. He will also be hanging with friends, playing video games and shopping for the latest shoes.

Joshua Sullivan, junior, plans to playing local gigs with his band and write some new songs. Sullivan said, “I have so many ideas about making songs for my church band.” He has a summer job lined up at BI-LO, to help him save for college.

Chilling with her friends and swimming is freshman Zakerra Bibbins’s top priority. She wants to go to the latest stores and shop ‘til she drops. She is also going to Alabama to visit her family on her dad’s side. “Alabama is the place to be this summer more shopping, more hanging with family and more parties,” said Bibbins.

Junior Shanard Stokes, will be at football practice and camp training for next season though he eventually wants to find a job. Stokes said, “I can’t wait to go to Myrtle Beach, to go training there.”

Carowinds is calling junior Ashley Rudd’s name. She also wants to visit her grandmother in Tennessee. “I really, really want a job and get my license because I’m trying to be independent this year,” she said. Her goals by the end of the year are to find a job and work on getting her driver’s license.

Junior Brandi Mccoy plans to head to the sandy beach and shop all day long.

Her favorite stores are Forever 21, Wet Seal and Claire’s. Her plan is to get her model career going by taking some classes with modeling. She also, wants to focus on making super-cute outfits for the fashion show she’s putting together. “I just love-love-love fashion! I really can’t wait for my show!” said Mccoy.

News Around the ‘Wood

On May 5, the Special Olympics came to Westwood.

From four different counties came over 500 competitors to compete in the regional Special Olympics.

Coach Gina Graziosa, Special Olympics organizer, said, “This year we had a lot of people show up, and all the kids seemed to love the the softball and tennis ball throw it was by far the most crowded out of all of them.”

Student volunteers helped out with events and set-up.

Sophomore and volunteer Alyssa Hansen said, “ I loved doing the Special Olympics and working with the kids every day.”

On May 6, Westwood held a ceremony in the auditorium to present certificates to students, mainly seniors, who completed the Financial Literacy Course from EverFi, provided by BB&T.

Special guests included Dr. Mick Zais, State Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Debra Hamm, Richland School District 2’s Superintendent, and Mike Brenen, State President of BB&T, who spoke at the ceremony.

Senior Aubria Myers serves punch to an Media outlets as well as local dignitaries also attended attendee of “Golden Days Dinner and Dancing”, a community prom for senior this event. citizens held May 8. Hosted by Student Government, the prom offered bingo, dinner, dancing and a performance by Temptations impersonators. Photo by Baili Byrd

Held May 6, the second blood drive of the school year, hosted by HOSA and JROTC, netted 100 pints of blood which, in turn helped save 300 lives.

Renaissance Festival’s second year improves on success of first

By Katie McCarthy, RT Staff

More than 1300 knights and fair maidens flocked to the courtyard on April 25 to attend the Second Annual My Faire Westwood. The festival included a variety of activities including performances by the Fine Arts department, displays of traditional art, games, falconry and teachers in the stocks.

Eight students were also inducted into the Order of the Redhawk and knighted by King Ralph Schmidt. These students included: Sir Michael Doucette, Sir Aking Anderson, Sir Calvin Bright, Sir Adrian Baldwin, Dame Sophia Sudak, Dame Brittany Mixon, Dame Knights in full armour show the basics of handMilanys Tavarez-Diaz and Dame to-hand swordfighting. Students then had the chance to try their hand at the ancient art. Photo Victoria Houghton.

Overall, students found by Varsha Devarapalli the faire to be a great success. Said sophomore Marii Maechtle, “I really enjoyed the faire, especially the performances and bouncy castle. I can’t wait for next year!”

This year, students from Center for Knowledge attended the festival in the morning, and organizers plan to invite more elementary schools to Westwood for an educational and fun experience.

Plans for next year are already underway and include more pagentry, excellent food and plenty of activities and displays related to the With multiple stages, performers sang, danced and acted their way Renaissance time pethrough the Rennisance era. Photo by Jasmine John riod.

RT VOICES

Exchange year in US offers unique experience for student

By Kholida Khaldarova Exchange student, FLEX Program From Kazakhstan

As an exchange student from Kazakhstan, I am truly proud of my year studying at Westwood High School. Our school’s conditions, availability of facilities and the knowledge and openness of teachers gave me a very unique and unforgettable experience.

I have always wanted to attend an American high school and live with an American family and got the chance this year.

Here, I had a chance to do many community services. During this time, I got to learn more about American society. America is a wonderful country. Its uniqueness is remarkable, and people are very open and helpful.

During my stay here, I had the opportunity to live with two different host families. I experienced American holidays and drove to different places including Cherokee Reservation, Myrtle Beach, the Biltmore House and to Georgia to see the Aquarium and Coca Cola Factory as well as the CNN center. My favorite trip was to Florida to see Disney World.

Being here, experiencing a new culture and language While in Disney World, Khaldarova visited the has changed my perception of Swiss Family Robinson interactive experience. life. Also, some of my teachers have had a big influence on me. I have improved my interaction skills, allowing me to be able to be more sociable. I see things from a different point of view because the experience has opened my eyes to different cultures. I cannot wait to share all my knowledge and experiences when I get back to my home country of Kazakhstan.

I have a great appreciation for everybody who has helped me throughout the whole year. I am close to the end of my exchange year in the United States. So I really want to tell the world how wonderful my exchange year has been. I will miss everyone and the time I had here. For me, the year I spent in America will definitely be one of the greatest years in my life. Thank you so much for making this year so unique and one that I will never forget.

What’s on your summer to-do list?

By Stephanie Seabrooks, RT Staff

2013-2014

REDHAWK TIMES STAFF

School’s almost out and it’s time to figure out what to do for the summer. Some people have summer jobs, such as volunteering or waitressing. Others go to amusement parks, on cruises or to the beach.

“I’m volunteering with my teacher and other classmates to help with the Redhawk Dance and Drama Camp,” said sophomore William Ellis.

However, if you don’t have any obligations to tend to for this summer, you can “go with the flow”.

Not sure what to do? What about making a summer bucket list?

This list can vary from the simplest of plans to the wildest of ideas. They can include growing a garden to help your community, begining a workout regime, having a scavenger hunt, making a music video, learning how to play a new sport, having an overnight movie marathon or discover new music.

With the beginning of summer, teenagers have the chance to create new adventures and maybe earn a little spending money. Spending time with friends and family might lead to the best time of your life. Gather as many memories as you can before the summer is over and you have to head back into the classroom.

Remember, summer is only ten weeks long but, with a little initiative, you can make memories that will last forever.

STAFF: Brianna Brooks, Baili Byrd, Brianna Commander, Alandria Haynes, Monique Holland, Kevin Holloway, Katie McCarthy, Michaela Pinapfel, Wesley Randolph, Anisah Reed, Ashli White, Rebekah Williams PHOTOGRAPHERS: Aqsa Amir, Baili Byrd, Evan Cowles, Varsha Devarapalli, Jasmine John, Julia Mandel, Ashli White FACULTY ADVISOR: Mary Brebner Editorial Policy The purpose of the Redhawk Times is to inform the students, faculty and community of Westwood High School of events and issues which affect them. The paper also serves as a communication link between the students of WHS and the community at large. Editorials reflect the opinions of the staff and/or individual journalists and do not necessarily represent the views of the faculty or administration.

The Redhawk Times welcomes submissions, which may be edited for grammar, inappropriate language and length. Please email submissions to mbrebner@richland2.org. Subscriptions are also available. For more information, please contact Ms. Brebner or a member of the staff.

To send a letter to the editor: RedhawkTimesWHS@gmail.com To advertise: mbrebner@richland2.org or 803.691.4049 x36072

EDITORIAL OPINION Upholding dress code responsibility of all Double standards, warm weather lead to lax adherence

By Baili Byrd, RT Staff

What do many students in the South do when temperatures rise above 80 degrees?

Many of us break out our shorts -- from Bermudas to Daisy Dukes. However, with the warmer weather comes stricter enforcement of dress codes, especially in schools.

We can suck our teeth at administration all we want, but there are some things (after 12 years in the public school system and at least 16 years living on Planet Earth) we should know that are inappropriate to wear to school.

Most sensible students understand that crop tops exposing midriffs, shorts that show a bit more than is attractive and leggings that reveal every imperfection are absolutely NOT appropriate to wear to school. The dress code is meant to ensure that students are dressed appropriately -- and with that, most of us completely understand, agree and comply.

The problem lies in how the dress code is handled -- first and foremost, by us as students.

Why does it matter what we’re told to wear to a public school providing free education? If the dress code is THAT important to some, then perhaps they should explore the potential of home-schooling. It is our responsibility -- and duty -- as students to follow the rules of the school we attend. Don’t suck your teeth and say, “It’s not fair.” Just oblige.

When challenged on “inappropriate dress,” we turn to the excuse, “But so-and-so wore this yesterday and didn’t get in trouble!” As ridiculous -- and childish -- as this seems to be, there is some truth to the statement.

How administration handles the dress code is just as important as how students adhere it. Sometimes, it seems that administrators are singling out one student over another.

Administrators appear to only punish the student who breaks the code the worst. Instead, rules should be enforced across the board.

Granted, administrators cannot be everywhere -- and there are only a small number of them. But, sometimes, it appears that they will look over a 5’2, 115-pound female wearing leggings to punish a football player weighing 220 pounds wearing a tank top. The football player, in this case, typically suffers the consequences, while the petite female walks around all day wearing leggings that show everything.

Another concern is that the dress code does not reflect different body types. What is finger-tip length for one student may seem incredibly short for another. In fact, Clare Ettinger, a student in Virginia, was asked to leave her prom because parental chaperones believed her dress was too short. Ettinger made sure she bought a dress that met the finger-tip length dress code, but because her legs are longer than most other students’, she was asked to leave. Rather than having a dress code that varies from student to student, we should create rules that are standard and fitting for most of the student population.

What baffles this writer is that students who seem to get away with breaking the dress code are the same students who are “friends” with and respected by administrators.

I’ve seen students on a daily basis walk right by authority figures, waving and saying “hi” wearing tank tops, hats, “bagging and sagging,” or dressed in very short skirts.

Why don’t they get in trouble? Is it because the administration knows that they are an honor student -- or because they are a team’s star player? If we are going to have a dress code, ALL students should be required to comply with it. Certain people should not be given special treatment.

My biggest concern with the dress code is what it teaches students.

Instead of instilling self-control in the minds of our males, we stress the idea that females should dress more conservatively. Unfortunately, this attitude teaches boys that it is okay to objectify women and teaches girls it is their responsibility to prevent harassment.

How is it okay? If the sight of a female’s shoulders or kneecaps distracts young males, then we as a society have a much larger issue at hand. These “men” will be running the country in a matter of a few years. They’ll have families of their own. And my SHOULDER distracts them?

Allow me to reiterate: I do not have a problem with having dress codes in schools.

They are absolutely necessary. But the extent to which what is enforced and what is not is confusing. As students, the way we handle the dress code is unacceptable. But the way administration shows favoritism when assigning consequences is unfair.

Rather than leaving the dress code up for interpretation, there should be standards that stretch across the board, that are fitting for all body types. It should also be a code that all faculty and staff enforce.

I mentioned administration several times, but is it really their job to check for something as petty as dress code violations? They have much more important duties to fulfill around campus. Teachers should check that their students are honoring the code.

Students often refer to the teachers who enforce the dress code as “strict” or “mean,” while teachers who allow their students to get away with breaking the code are “nice” and “friendly”. Instead of having a split in interpretation and enforcement, the solution should be that everyone adheres to the dress code. What is the point of having a dress code that is not enforced?

The only way to completely solve and put an end to the dress code issue is to attack it from all three sides -- administrators, teachers, and students.

Administrators should enforce the dress code, but mainly the importance of enforcement is up to the teachers. Our four administrators should not be held responsible for over 1,200 students’ daily attire. Teachers should enforce the code, even if it means having a negative reputation among students. If every teacher followed and enforced the code in their classrooms, then reputation would not be a concern. But first and foremost, as students, we should honor and respect the dress code, even if we do not agree with every rule.

If everyone shared their complaints regarding the dress code, we could come up with lists. But the only real action comes from offering a solution. This solution should be that the leaders of the school -- athletes, student body, club members, faculty, and staff -come together on a “do-the-right-thing” campaign to turn the culture around.

By Michaela Pinapfel, Ashli White & Anisah Reed

Baseball

Starting the season with new baseball coach Jonathan Burroughs, the team had to do a bit of adjusting this year. However, Burroughs has over nine years of experience coaching high school baseball. He has coached at Mauldin High School in Greenville County and Loris High School in Horry County.

The team adapted to their coach and his style quickly with high hopes to only get better in years to come.

This season’s top Varsity players included Matt Kiely, Ian Miller, TJ White, Rashawn Green, and Ray Branson.

“We went 2-14. Even though we did not have a great season, we were able to pick up the first two region wins ever for Westwood baseball. Building a successful baseball program is a marathon not a sprint,” said Burroughs.

RT SPORTS

Spring sports teams see new coaches, new teams, victories

Softball

The softball team was in the same situation as baseball, having to adjust to a new coach, Coach Rhonda Goines.

“They won their first game in school history against Lower Richland [24-23]. So that is a stepping stone in the right direction; last year they didn’t win any games,” Athletic Director Jason Powell said.

A few of the players who shined this year were senior Aubria Myers (defense), senior Ashley Speaks (pitcher), sophomore Madison Oxendine (most talented) and freshman Shelby Leis (hitter).

“Our season was not a winning season. We were 1-18. However, we are continuing to grow the softball program and did improve from last year. We are looking forward to next season with new talent coming onboard,” said Goines.

Tennis

With the first boys tennis team formed and competing this season, the Redhawk boys had a lot prove.

They won two matches, beating Ridgeview twice. This was another sport where our region is highly competitive and includes River Bluff and AC Flora, who are in the top five in 3A boys’ tennis.

Junior Cameron Burke and Muller Road middle schooler Oliver Ellis were among the top players of the season.

Baseball pitcher Ray Branson, sophomore, winds up for the pitch during a night game while short stop Jackson Evans, senior, waits in the wings. Photo

by Evan Cowles Softball player Shelby Stewart, freshman warms up her pitching arm before a game. Photo by Julia Mandel

Golf

The boys golf season finished up on May 6 at the region championship. Boys golf also has several middle school students playing on the team as well as junior Elizabeth Holliman, who played with both the girls and the boys this year.

The team won two matches this year.

Track

Boys and girls both competed May 5 in the Region Championship at Dreher. Coach Lawrence Terry also is working to get boys and girls in top shape in an effort to bring home some championships.

In this division, Dreher has been the strongest competitors since the spring. The track team continues to improve and grow. Several of the key players on the boys team include top thrower senior Anthony Friday and top jumper junior Adonus Lee. Unfortunately, he was injured and had to sit out for much of the season. On the girls’ side, top competitors include top sprinter junior Kelsey Briggs and thrower senior Jacqueline Carter.

Soccer

The soccer teams played against very strong teams in the state, and surprised many people with their abilities.

Girls soccer team improved from winning two games last season to winning four games this year. Freshman player Emma Howe said, “I like the team aspect of it and having a thight group of people you can trust and play with is nice.”

Boys soccer won three games this year winning against Lower Richland twice and Ridgeview once. Senior forward Daevawn McCaskill said, “This year, we have a lot of new players on our team that are very aggressive. Our defense is a lot stronger.”

Plans for Next Year: Moving up to 4A

WHS is moving up to 4A next year. This means playing schools with bigger, more established and seasoned teams. Some sports this won’t affect much but others, such as football, will see a major differen. We also hope that more student participation. If the school enrollment reaches 1500, new sports will be added such as Lacrosse and maybe even a swim team. “It is going to be a little tougher moving into a new region, but we will be playing Richland 2 teams, and hopefully the student participation will rise.” says Jason Powell.

JV girls basketball coaches proud of accomplishments

A member of the inagural boys golf team lines up his drive on the tee box. Photo by Ashli White Be aggressive! Be-be aggressive! Destiny Edwards tries to outrun the opposing team and head down the field. Photo by Aqsa Amir

The JV girls basketball finish their season 8-7. They had a winning season this year.

The JV girls worked hard and the coaches were very impressed with what these young ladies accomplished.

“Being new to the coaching staff here at WHS, it meant a lot to me that these girls did not let that get in the way of what we accomplished. In fact their dedication and commitment was overwhelming. It was definitely a mutual appreciation and growing experience. I am honored to have this opportunity and foresee nothing but positive outcomes for girls basketball. The future for girls basketball looks very promising and the effort that these girls have displayed is a true indication of Redhawk Pride!” said Coach Lila Grooms.

Dear Ms. Parker,

GEAR UP was every senior’s lifesaver.

Life with a college degree in this day and age is beyond beneficial, and we are truly grateful for your guidance throughout high school and middle school.

GEAR UP was a fantastic program that allowed us to make brilliant decisions about our future.

There were so many great things about the program. It paid for trips to multiple colleges so we could visit and aided us with financial issues regarding our upcoming college expenses.

Jasmine Brown said GEAR UP was very helpful when it came to things like applications for schools and scholarships. Without it, she wouldn’t know what to do.

Kevin Holloway enjoyed the college trips and seeing college life in different environments.

GEAR UP helped Uriel Fernandez see where he wanted go to college and what he need to do to get there. He said he’ll miss the college trips just as he will miss you, Ms. Parker.

You have been so much help to us all.

“I can’t choose what I like BEST about Ms. Parker. I like everything about her,” said Daneth Hubble.

You lead us on a pathway to success and taught us things we would otherwise learn the hard way.

Afton Williams is right when she said you are not just a teacher, Ms. Parker, you are like a mother figure to us. You were always there.

Aubria Myers said you taught life lessons, and we wanted to listen. “You aren’t just an adult teaching us right from wrong; you are an adult that helped us teach ourselves right from wrong,” Myers said.

There are so many things that we love about you, Ms. Parker. We love how you are always the first to offer help in any situation. We love how welcoming you are to anyone.

Alaysia Boyd said you are a really nice and down-to-earth person and Akinyele Anderson couldn’t put it any better when he said, “You are the high school fairy godmother/guardian angel. You are never selfish with your time and the students are always in your best interest.”

You are a remarkable person, Ms. Parker and we will never forget all that you have done for us.

The GEAR UP Program has been a indescribably wonderful opportunity.

“You are a very loving person who cares for each of your seniors,” said Tristan Campos. “You made an effort to know everyone and made sure everyone had a option after graduation.”

The program has made great bonds between us, the Class of 2014, and helped create a bright future for us all. Ms. Parker, you opened the door to our future and we will never be able to thank you enough. You have done so much more than just help us with college and with life, Ms. Parker.

“I love how you are willing to talk to us by watching out for us and keeping us on our right paths,” said Victoria Houghton.

You have helped us grow as unique individuals. We will genuinely miss your sweet, loving and kind spirit.

Sincerely,

The Class of 2014

Advice to upcoming seniors from graduating seniors

By Kevin Holloway, RT Staff

For the upcoming seniors, this is a wake up call! Next year is your senior year!

Here is some tips for you to get through the year.

“Be prepared for class and STAY ORGANIZED!!” Amanda Fitzgerald said. Staying organized in school, keeping up with all of your work and syllabi will keep you from losing that one homework assignment that you ‘left at home’.

“It’s stressful!” said Jada Scott. With all of the clubs, sports, homework and other extracurricular activities, there is always that point where you go just a little crazy.

“Do what you have to do because, if you don’t, you won’t be going anywhere in life,” said Alexis Estrada.

Study Study Study! You cannot go through class without taking notes to help you out with your studies. “Keep your head in the books. Stay Smart!” said Afton Williams.

Just because you think you’re smart or you think you are in a ‘bird’ class (aka an easy, fly-by class), don’t blow things off. Come back to reality because, if you procrastinate or blow things off, you will most likely fail and not graduate.

Senior year is your final stretch -- finish strong. It’s not easy, unless you put in the work to make it easy for yourself.

Think of these little tidbits as the seniors’ going away present for you upcoming seniors. Cherish these words, you guys are really going to need them.

Decisions, decisions

By Jordan Patton & Bryanna Commander, RT Staff

The 2013-2014 school year is starting to come to an end and seniors cannot wait until they graduate.

Many of them will be attending college while others will be going into the Army or working to save their money and go to college afterwards.

Stacia Gayton plans to attend Charleston Southern and to major in physical therapy. She hopes to make the girl’s basketball team. Over the summer, Gayton is working to save up and take online classes to receive extra credits.

Theodore Kennedy wants to stay in state and close to home by attending South Carolina State University, majoring in business management. It will take him four years to get to where he wants to be and reach his goals. Like Gayton, he will work over the summer at Burger King to also save for college.

Attending college will prepare you for your future and will help you become successful in life. Some people never get a chance to go to college due to financial problems, grades that are not good enough to meet college criteria and more.

So when you are in high school, it is very important that you stay focused and be sure to make the right decisions.

For example, Charnae Wingard loves teaching kids.

That is why she will attend Midlands Technical College and major in early childhood education. She plans to work at summer camps to get a feel for working with and teaching kids.

Tyler Johnson will also be working with kids over the summer at a soccer camp. He will attend Winthrop in the fall to study biology and pre-dental.

Oh, Westwood. We’ll miss you!

By Monique Holland, RT Staff

Goodbye & Good Luck Class of 2014!

Seniors bid a fond farewell to Susan Parker, GEAR UP coordinator

Ah, finally. The school year is coming to a close. Underclassmen are preparing themselves for their next school year while seniors are impatiently anticipating graduation and their bright futures.

Some seniors may think that high school went by slow while others claim that it sped by. After many sleepless nights of doing homework, studying and stressing, it is safe to say that the stress is finally over... At least, for now.

So, what are graduating seniors going to miss the most about Westwood?

Jorri Sims said, “The thing I’m going to miss the most about high school is football.”

Adrianna Wright said, “The things that I’m going to miss about Westwood High School are the students, being able to go off campus during lunch and just the school all around.”

“The things that I’m going to miss about high school are my teacher’s and my friends,” Asiana Richardson said.

Malaysia Freeman said, “The things I’m going miss about high school is maybe the friends, the clubs, being a cheerleader, and learning new things.”

“I’m really going to miss the GEAR UP program,” said Rachel Harris.

“The things that I’m going to miss most about high school are the pep rallies, the football games, the teachers, the students. Oh my gosh, the list goes on! I’m just going to miss everything!” said Kevin Holloway.

The Class of 2014 will look back and reminisce on all of the moments and realize how amazing it was to be a Redhawk.

Seniors: share your post-high school bucket list

By Rebekah Williams, RT Staff