REDHAWK TIMES
RT October 2014 Vol. III, No. 1
HOSA’s fall blood drive nets record number of donations
WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Blythewood, South Carolina
News from around the world
By Stephanie Seabrooks, RT Staff The world has been buzzing about a terrorist group in the Middle East called ISIS or Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The group has captured and beheaded two American journalists, a British aid worker and thousands of civilians in the past few months alone. Egypt's most influential cleric Grand Mufti Shawqi Allam described ISIS as "an extremist and bloody group that poses a danger to Islam and Muslims." The U.S. led airstrikes against the terrorist organization Sept. 22, aiming at ISIS supplies and trucks, according to CNN. Huge swathes of California are on fire. As of Sept. 23, the King fire burning 50 miles east of Sacramento, covered 89,574 acres and was only 35 percent contained, according to The Washington Post. The true identify of Jack the Ripper has been a mystery for over two centuries but new evidence has been uncovered that could give us the identity of a serial murderer. In an interview published in London’s Daily Mail, author Russell Edwards claimed that Aaron Kosminski, a 23-year old Polish hairdresser was behind the killing spree in London’s East End ghettos in 1888. As proof, Edwards divulged how he used DNA testing from a shawl that belonged to one of the victims, which contained both the blood of the victim and their killer. In September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that, in a worst-case scenario, there could be 1.4 million Ebola cases in Liberia and Sierra Leone by the end of January if scientists and doctors can’t get it under control, according to USA Today. About 70 percent of patients are dying from the disease. A third American aid worker who contracted Ebola in Africa and came back to the U.S. for treatment was released from the hospital. A fourth remains hospitalized at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.
Twice a year, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) hosts a blood drive, raising awareness of the need to give while also collecting life-saving pints of blood for our community. During the fall blood drive, 108 students and faculty members came to donate. While some were deferred for medical or other reasons, others donated one or two pints bringing out total up to 83 pints of blood donated, topping our initial goal of 79. Approximately 240 people will be helped through the generosity of our donors. Photo Credit: Ryann Felder
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge sweeps nation Millions raised for research to find disease’s cure By Angel Salley, Journalism I
If you haven’t heard by now, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been (both literally and metaphorically) flooding the nation. People from all over the country and world have taken part, raising awareness for a disease known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”. The illness is named after baseball player Lou Gehrig, who was diagnosed in the 1930’s. ALS causes damage to motor neurons found in the brain and spinal cord, causing them to lose nutrients and become, over time, too weak for use. Credit for getting the challenge started go to Pete Frates, a former baseball player for Boston College who suffers from the disease himself. The rules of this challenge are: Once nominated, you have 24 hours to complete the challenge. If you choose to take the challenge, do not forget to donate $10 to the ALS Association, too. But, should you fail to complete the task, it’s time to pay up! Donate $100 to the ALS Association. So far, more than 15.6 million dollars have been raised and donated to research for Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and even President Barack Obama took on the challenge. Principal Ralph Schmidt, the volleyball and football teams, and many other Redhawks participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge over the past few months. Sophomores Countess Collaro and Kristian Wright both agreed that the challenge is going toward a good cause. Wright said, “It was fun, and I would do it all again if I knew it was [going] to help people.” When Superintendent Debbie Hamm challenged every principal in Richland Two in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, Principal Ralph Schmidt accepted. On a hot summer day during the teacher work week, Schmidt donned shorts and his Redhawks tee and prepared to be doused by Coach Rodney Summers and Rowdy while the entire staff and student government cheered him on. Schmidt then challenged the WHS Family to participate. Photo Credit: Katie McCarthy
RT VOICES
By Ryann Felder, RT Staff Unless you’ve been living under ple stood in front of the Police Department, dea rock, you must’ve heard about the manding justice. tragic death of Michael To make it even worse, the police Brown, a 19-year-old Afreceived death threats from some members of the community. rican American, in Ferguson, Mo. Records state Despite the violence, there were some peaceful protests, too. The that he was shot and killed streets were filled with people holdby a Caucasian cop, Daring signs, just wishing and hoping ren Wilson. for justice to be done. It began with a call Nevertheless, the police decided to the police station about to take action against the protesters a robbery. The responding police of-- both the peaceful and rowdy ones. ficer assumed Michael Brown was Ferguson police brought in armored a suspect in the robbery. The end vehicles, used tear gas, walked result: Michael Brown was shot six around fully armed with automattimes by the officer. ic weapons guns and arrested peoBrown was unarmed. Based ple in the wrong place at the wrong on the autopsy, the way Brown was time. shot was either from the back or Yet we cannot completely say all when he was close to the ground, the arrests are unjust, as there were like he was kneeling. Based on an looters, violent protesters and deeyewitness report, Brown did not structive people. put up a fight. On August 19, Governor Jay Ferguson, Mo., already Nixon declared a state of emergenstruggling with a large racial divide, cy; a situation of national danger or exploded with riots and protests, disaster in which a government sussome peaceful while others became pends normal constitutional procemore violent. Businesses closed dures in order to regain control. down, afraid of looters, and rightly This was lifted afterwards when so as several businesses were looted things settled down some. Unfortuand burned. nately, tensions boiled over again at Many were arrested as peo-
Fall TV lineup could prove to be intriguing mix
Suicide #10 cause of death in U.S., 16th worldwide By Michaela Pinapfel, RT Staff
“I am out here because I am part of the masses of people in St. Louis and soon to be in the nation that is exhausted and fatigued with the progression of police genocide. It’s not police brutality anymore. It’s genocide against young black Americans,” said Sunny Ford during a rally on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2014, in Clayton, Mo., protesting the fatal shooting of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer. Photo credit: Laurie Skrivan/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT
the end of September when a crowd of people smashed a store’s windows and several protesters were arrested after police clashed with demonstrators at a rally. Ferguson, Mo. a place where many of its residents are getting tired of justice not being served in their world. Ferguson police chief Tom Jackson and other officials have been sued for $40 million by a group alleging civil rights violations because of the arrests and police’s use of rubber bullets and tear gas on crowds during the protests. Residents continue protesting and going against the police department which seemingly is causing more mayhem than good. Hopefully, Brown and his family will get the justice they deserve, and the residents and police will learn to come together in harmony.
Top 5 Billboard Hits October 2014
This year’s fall TV picks bring an interesting twist to viewer’s television. While there are many new shows such as Selfie, black-ish and A to Z hoping for a successful first season, they’ve got to compete against top shows like The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, Pretty Little Liars and Once Upon a Time. Hopefully, producers and writers have concepts interesting enough to keep us wanting to come back for more. 2014-2015
REDHAWK TIMES STAFF
STAFF: Brianna Brooks, Baili Byrd, Ryann Felder, Alandria Haynes, Monique Holland, Katie McCarthy, Jeremiah McCoy, Mequel McDaniels, Abigayle Mabey, Michaela Pinapfel, Anisah Reed, Angel Salley, Stephanie Seabrooks, Ashli White, Rebekah Williams PHOTOGRAPHERS: Evan Cowles, Ryann Felder, Katie McCarthy, Lynn Washington 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
5 Top Grossing Movies As of October 2014
1. All About That Bass Meghan Trainor 2. Shake It Off Taylor Swift 3. Bang Bang Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj 4. Anaconda Nicki Minaj 5. Black Widow Iggy Azalea featuring Rita Ora
1. Guardians of the Galaxy $319 million 2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier $259 million 3. The LEGO Movie $257 million 4. Transformers: Age of Extinction $245 million 5. Maleficent $240 million
Stats from billboard.com/charts/hot-100
Stats from boxofficemojo.com/yearly
Waking up one morning and deciding to end your life is something no one plans. Suicide and depression are big factors in society that play a huge role in deaths in America. Suicide is ranked number ten in the leading cause of deaths within the United States and is ranked number sixteen worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Over 800,000 people die due to suicide each year, with many more who attempt suicide. Typically, people who are depressed carry a higher risk of suicide than others. Like many other comedians, Robin Williams, a beloved comedian and actor, struggled with depression his entire life, a disease which eventually led to his suicide on Aug. 11. The suicide of Robin Williams was a shock to many and seen as “spontaneous” to his wife and many others who knew him well, as reported by CBS News. Leading up to that day in August, Williams allegedly showed no signs of suicidal intentions, according to his family, making his death “spontaneous”, as many people view it, because it was unplanned. Just the previous day, Williams was planning for upcoming projects with his friend and wife, Susan Schneider. William’s friend, who chose to remain anonymous, said that Williams always seemed sad, but didn’t seem like a guy planning to commit suicide. Williams showed no signs of suicidal intentions and surprised everyone when he was found dead by his assistant Tuesday, Aug. 12 at his home in Tiburon, California. The previous night was like any other night. His wife went to bed before Williams and didn’t think twice before leaving that morning for work, because she figured he was still sleeping in the other room. His assistant found him later. After persistently knocking on the door, she let herself in and found him. When police and ambulance arrived at the scene, they realized Williams had attempted to kill himself one way before eventually killing himself by asphyxiation. Asphyxiation is when someone causes loss of consciousness by impairing normal breathing. Throughout Williams’s life, he struggled with depression and sadness and coped with it through Some Suicide Warning a combination of alcohol and Signs drugs, according to a story in Saying things like: the Los Angeles Times. My family/friends would be The summer of 2014 was a better off without me tough time for Williams beI won’t be in your way much cause he was on the verge longer of turning back to drugs and I feel like there is no way out alcohol. He entered rehab to I just can’t deal with everything help maintain his long-term, Life’s too hard 20-year sobriety. Withdrawal from friends, family & During the 70’s and earregular activities ly 80’s, Williams battled his Drug & alcohol abuse drug and alcohol addiction Unusual neglect of person appearance which eventually led to him Persistent boredom or decline in qualito a rehab center in 2006 for ty of work alcohol abuse. Frequent complaint about physical When Williams’s death was symptoms announced on the news and How to help: social media, the National Speak up if you’re worried Suicide Prevention Lifeline Respond quickly in a crisis in New York experienced the Offer help and support second highest volume of calls Source: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in the past twelve months, according to WebMD. Williams’s death impacted many people in such a way that they wanted to reach out before making the same choice that Williams -- and many others -- made. One in three hospital admissions for suicide involve a youth. By reaching out to others such as parents, family or friends, people can help lower their risk for suicide. However, some may not feel like they can ask for help. Awareness of the warning signs and support from friends and family can help lower the risk.
Marching band hosts district-wide exhibition to prepare for performances, competitions By Abigayle Mabey, RT Staff
RT NEWS
Depression played large role in actor Robin Williams’s suicide
Shooting death of Michael Brown sparks violence, protests in small town of Ferguson, Missouri
Marching bands from Richland School District Two all came together at an exhibition hosted at Westwood on Sept. 20 to prepare for future competitions. The Redhawk marching band organized this exhibition so bands could perform and experience what it is like to play for judges and unfamiliar audiences. Bands in this district usually only see each other perform at football games and sometimes other competitions. For example, our band only saw one band in the district perform last year. It was time for a change. “I think this exhibition is going to be a lot of fun and it will help us build some responsibility,” said junior and drum major Meleah Riddleprior to the big day. “I think we can learn more about coming together to work on something big.” Junior Abigail Goen said, “This is the first time [the band] will actually host an event here at Westwood. Because we are hosting it, there will be more responsibility falling on us.” “It’s something I haven't done but always wanted to be a part of, a hosting marching contest or exhibition,” sophomore James Salmond said. “Our district has some of the best bands in the state, so I expect the shows to be visually complex yet simple and the music to be original.” This wasn’t just for fun; it was a learning experience for both marching band members and guests. U r i a h a Smith, junior, said, “The band can learn how to grow and develop more The Redhawk Band performed in their first competition at River as one sound and as Bluff High School on Sept. 28, winning Best General Effect in their class, a rating of Excellent and third place overall. Photo Credit: Katie McCarthy one visual effect.” On the day of the exhibition, clinicians came to the performance and gave each band advice to prepare for the upcoming season. This advice is then used to make everyone’s marching show even better and will help further prepare the bands for future performances and competitions.
College & Career Corner:
Do’s & don’ts of talking to colleges
By Jeremiah McCoy, RT Staff For many seniors, these next few months are filled with college applications and, hopefully, college interviews. Luckily, our college and career specialists are here to help (they’re even bringing a ton of college representatives on campus so you can apply, interview and find out if you’re accepted in one fell swoop!). Number 1: “Make sure you introduce yourself to the representative,” said career specialist Megan Hefner. Presentation and poise are keys to every door that can be opened in life. Number 2: “Ask vigorous questions about the college and tell them why you’re interested,” said Hefner. Remember, you’re the one who wants the college’s acceptance, not the other way around. Number 3: “Dress nicely, please,” said Hefner. Take the first step of commitment by giving up one day of your swag. Prospective colleges and employers really do judge people by their appearance as well as their qualifications. Number 4: “Tell them about all the activities you participate in and, if you’re not doing anything, get active,” said senior Ekklesia Hawkins. This is not the time to be modest because they need and want to know what you can do, what you’re capable of. Show off your talents and skills! Number 5: When you’re at a college fair with lots of different colleges, get information from a wide variety of colleges. “Don’t talk to the quiet representatives. Talk to someone who actually appears as if they want you,” said Whitney McLeod, senior. If you really do want to know more about that college, wait until you’re one-on-one, when you can ask the hard questions and the rep has time to talk. Also, don’t go to a college just because you know people who attend there. Look for a college that’s going to benefit you then talk to people who attended that school and see how they liked it.
New regulations impact fundraisers, dining choices, vending machines, school store By Katie McCarthy, RT Staff Gone are the days of candy fundraisers and chicken biscuits being sold in your local carpool line. In are the days of baked chips and granola bars. The last stage of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, the Smart Snacks in School program, was implemented on July 1 by the U.S. government. It affects all “competitive foods”, which are defined as food sold on school campuses outside of the federal child nutrition programs, and include foods sold in vending machines, school stores and fundraisers during the school day. The goal of the act is to help fight the ongoing obesity epidemic in the United States, where one in three adults and more than 17% of children are overweight or obese. In South Carolina alone, the obesity rate among high schoolers rose from 29.6% in 2011 to 30.7% in 2013. The ruling “requires most schools to increase the availability of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free and low-fat fluid milk in school meals; reduce the levels of sodium, saturated fat, and trans fat in meals; and meet the nutrition needs of school children within their calorie requirements” according to a document released by the US Department of Agriculture in Jan. 2012. The recommendations came from the Institute of Medicine and the National Academies. As a participant in the National School Lunch Program, Richland School District 2 is affected by these new guidelines. Richland 2 Food Services serves over 2.6 million lunches and 1.1 million breakfasts to more than 27,000 students each year and, of these students, an estimated 46% qualify to receive free or reduced meals. “Richland School District 2 receives somewhere in the amount of $7.5 million a year through funding for the National School Lunch Program. If we didn’t comply with the Healthy Hun-
ger-Free Kids Act, we could lose that $7.5 million that the district receives annually,” said Larry Shepard, Director of Food and Nutrition Services. “It’s very important that we follow these regulations to the best of our ability.” Yet students do not seem to be to happy with the new changes, and many have complained that some food served in the cafeteria is making them sick. One of the major concerns at the beginning of the school year was whether or not students could make purchases at the vending machines during lunch, and on Aug. 26, the school board ruled that students were allowed to do so. But these new regulaPhoto credit: Tammy Ljungblad/Kansas City Star/MCT tions don’t only effect what’s inside the cafeteria doors; their effects are also being seen in the numerous fundraisers that were once held on campus. “I feel horrible because I would always bring money and actually buy things,” said junior Joel Celestaine. “I was always selling different snacks for different programs like the drama department. And, generally, we made a lot of money for the school doing that. I don’t know what the funds are now since we can’t sell it.” Students aren’t the only ones feeling frustrated. “I feel like I now have a new part-time job of fundraising on top of everything else,” said drama teacher Dr. Anne Richardson. “It’s frustrating, and it’s not just hard for me, it’s hard for the kids because they’ve got to turn around, their parents have to turn around, and [they have to] do all of these extra fundraisers. We can’t do the shows that we were going to do. I’ve had to completely change my season because we don’t have the money. We can’t do the big ra-ra musicals like we’ve been doing. We’re going to have to down scale everything.” The school store has also had to adjust. “We haven’t been able to sell any of the items that we sold last year,” said business teacher Jeremi Madden. “Many of those items go over the calorie and sugar guidelines that were set by the federal government. It will negatively affect sales. We definitely won’t do as much
“I think that the new food policy throughout schools is outrageous. I think that not allowing students to bring outside food on campus isn’t fair. Students should be allowed to bring outside food, and schools should sell healthier foods in vending machines instead.” -Tessra Gillyard, junior
Illustration: Michelle Kumata. The Seattle Times 2005
“I understand what the government is trying to do, but at the same time, selling food and candy is how the majority of organizations fundraise money. Also, the food in the cafeteria is no healthier than before.” -Meleah Riddle, junior
RT asks:
Smart Snacks
as we did last year, but that will be up to us to be more creative with our marketing and figure out a way to get people excited about what we can sell.” Seniors are also unable to bring food back into the building with them. “We should be able to bring what we want to eat on campus, and we should have the right to eat whatever we want,” said senior Ashleah Williams. Junior Kristen Lincoln, who is looking forward to next semester’s privileges, agreed. “I don’t like how seniors can’t bring in their own food; it’s the same if you bought it from home. ” According to Shepard, the decision regarding senior lunch was put in place by Westwood’s administration, and this rule could be different at other high schools, depending on what each school decides. Principal Ralph Schmidt said, “We’re just trying to comply with the law the best we can, and some of this legislation we’ve had to kind of interpret. We’ve had to say, ‘What does this mean for us?’, and we take our best guess. We don’t want to put ourselves in a position that we guess wrong and have the federal government standing over this and snatch this [funding] away.” Students and faculty alike are hoping to see change soon. Said Student Activities Director Janet Frick, “Hopefully, the legislation will look at this and see how much money has been affected. That different organizations will not have [the funds] and lighten up. That’s what we’re hoping -- that this is the worst and that maybe it’ll lighten up over time. But who knows. We’ll have to wait and see.”
in School
RT FEATURES
Say goodbye to those sweet, salty treats as government implements final stage of Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act
U.S. Department of Agriculture 2014
Nutritional Requirements Beverages:
•All schools may sell: °Plain water (with or without carbonation)
°Unflavored low fat milk °Unflavored or flavored fat free milk and milk alternatives permitted by NSLP/SBP °100% fruit or vegetable juice and °100% fruit or vegetable juice diluted with water (with or without carbonation), and no added sweeteners.
Foods:
•Any food sold in schools must: °Be a “whole grain-rich” grain product; or °Have as the first ingredient a fruit, a vegetable, a dairy product, or a protein food; or °Be a combination food that contains at least 1⁄4 cup o fruit and/or vegetable; or
°Contain 10% of the Daily Value (DV) of one of the nutrients of public health concern in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (calcium, potassium, vitamin D, or dietary fiber).
•Calorie limits:
°Snack items: ≤ 200 calories °Entrée items: ≤ 350 calories
°Snack items: ≤ 230 mg** °Entrée items: ≤ 480 mg
°Total fat: ≤35% of calories °Saturated fat: < 10% of calories °Trans fat: zero grams
° ≤ 35% of weight from total sugars in foods
•Sodium limits: •Fat limits:
•Sugar limit:
Time for government to reconsider new federal guidelines’ negative impact on high school seniors, fundraising OPINION:
By Baili Byrd, RT Staff The new federal food guidelines and regulations directly affects both the student body and the fundraising around campus. The most obvious impact is on us, the student body. When purchasing off-campus food, we are not allowed to bring it back on campus- that goes for food purchased for ourselves and food brought to other seniors. This means seniors who can’t leave during lunch must either consume cafeteria food or bring something from home. For example, as student body president and vice-president, Lauren Drescher and I can’t leave campus because we have meetings during lunch each day- we knew that going into our positions. That isn’t the issue. My
“I believe it goes against my civil rights for someone to make me spend money on food I don’t want in school. I think that not being able to bring outside food on campus gets in the way of students working hard to make it to senior year to get these perks [going off campus]. I don’t think it’s fair at all.” -Taylor Holloway, senior
I don’t think it’s a bad policy. There are ways it can be worked around. There are places seniors can eat off campus so...I don’t think it’s that bad of a policy.” -Eyon Brown, sophomore
What’s your take on the new food policy?
complaint is that our friends cannot bring food from off-campus back for us. We waited all four years of high school to enjoy off-campus food, and, thanks to our federal government’s attempt to make our country “healthier,” we can’t. This new rule would be understandable if our lunch was 45 minutes long like in the past but, since lunch is shorter now, students must choose between eating and travelling. If you choose to go off campus, you’d better be good at eating while driving as that’s the only way you’ll be able to eat lunch and make it back to school on time. Another major impact of the food guidelines is on fundraising. Football and wrestling sold Bojangles last year, raising a lot of money. Student Government sold Chick-fil-A to pay for supplies for pep rallies, lunchtime activities,
“I think the new food policy is alright. The food we eat at lunch is alright so I don't feel as if anything had changed. With that being said the vending machines need to be back the way they were. Stressful studies need junk food to relax not healthy food. I can eat healthy at home.” -Devin Wood, junior
“I think the new food policy is outrageous. No one should be allowed to contradict what we can and can’t eat. America is a very obese society and everyone realizes that, but one person shouldn’t be allowed to dictate everyone’s eating habits.” -Michaela Pinapfel, junior “I think it’s ridiculous. The fact that we are not allowed to bring off campus food back inside the school can cause serious problems. It forces students to stay and eat in their cars and scarf down their food with little time to actually enjoy it, so that they can get back inside school on time. This can lead to overeating and stomach issues, and even dramatic weight gain.” Evan Cowles, senior
and community service activities. Many clubs sold candy; it was quick and easy, and a money-maker. Now, we aren’t allowed to sell any food on campus between the hours of midnight and 4:15pm. So, good news--you can sell to students after 4:15pm. Oh wait…no one’s here except maybe a few janitors and athletes who are in practice or conditioning. Overall, I feel as though these new federal guidelines were a brilliant attempt to decrease childhood obesity levels nationwide. Stay tuned for the government’s takeover of McDonald’s and the ability to pay for gym memberships with food stamps. These new guidelines are not the fault of our administration or district. They are doing what they have to do in order to maintain state funding. The fault lies with the creators of these federal guidelines. It’s not too late for these laws and rules to be reconsidered.
“I really think the new food policy as a whole is really stupid. I understand that obesity is a big problem in this country, but I also realize that if a child is healthy up until high school there is absolutely no way they can become obese or overweight. I think it would be smarter for the policy to change based on age group because students our age have matured enough to know when enough is enough. The policy needs to change for more reasons than that though. Thanks to the new policy, it is nearly impossible for any school affiliated organization to raise money for itself. With the government holding back on grants and spending the majority of its money on mostly dead-end programs [SC Common Core], sports teams and smaller extra-curricular programs that currently exist will begin struggling more and more until they just can’t support themselves enough to continue to run the way they should. Extracurricular activities will eventually cease to exist and the ones that do survive will survive solely on the money of the parents of the children that can afford to pay the increasing fees. With little extracurricular activities, the students that are on the straight and narrow only because of their dedication to their sport or group will have an excess of free time causing an increase in crime and gang activity. Big decisions like this should really take into consideration the long-term negative affects on every level. On lower-level students, the negative effects are minimal but when applied to high school students, they greatly increase because of the number of extracurricular activities that rely so heavily on the income generated by the selling of goods.” -Richard Hall, junior
By Alandria Haynes, RT Staff
Senior Jordan Jones said, “So we need to work on being consistent no matter what the score is, how many games we have already played, or how well our opponent is playing.”
What does being in a certain division mean? It depends on the capacity of your school and, now that we have over 1300 students at our school, including 400 freshmen, we have moved up to the “big leagues”. We are now 4A. There are positives to being 4A: more opportunities, more students, bigger programs. There are also negatives: more competition, tougher opponents, more people. So, how do the students and the athletes who have to play those games feel about moving up to a larger division and competing against bigger schools? Senior Ashli Cullum feels that Westwood has come a long way since those first games and is still striving to succeed. “I am so excited that Westwood is finally 4A, and now we can beat those 4A teams!” Sophomore Jalen Smith said feels that it’s more competition and better opportunity for him as a football player. “We play a lot better schools and and more schools to beat,” junior Jalien Kelley said. Adonus Lee, senior, feels that it’s the
same because it seems like he plays the same teams every year while basketball player and senior Javonn King believes that it’s more competition and playing better schools. A good thing is that more scouts will be looking his way. Color guard member La’ Shazia Gilliard, senior, she’s glad because more bands will come and compete at and with Westwood. She’s interested can see all the other bands and how amazing they are. Senior Devante Jennings believes the move gives the football team an advantage when playing new schools, giving them better opportunities to dominate. “More people are coming in now and mostly for football because it’s better for them,” junior Corey Harrison said. Markayla Walls, senior, said, “[Being 4A] helps put Westwood on the map. The teams at Westwood are increasing and growing in number. Better opportunities and academics programs are now open at Westwood because of the number of students, and it will help in the future.”
Growth, consistency key compo- Impressive NFL draft has new crop looking at the spotlight nents to volleyball team’s success while strong players make for intriguing college match-ups By Anisah Reed, RT Staff
By Mequel McDaniels, RT Staff
Coach Ciji Kuhlman said they’ve come a long way and have grown and bonded together well. “They are respectful, responsible and willing to work hard. We want to win as a whole and we play together as a team.” Team captains, seniors Kelsey Keese and Jordan Jones, both agree that consistency is key. “We are a well-rounded team and we have great offensive players and great defensive players, but if we are tired, we tend to get sloppy,” said Jones. “For our strengths, we have a pretty good offense. Our hitters are pretty smart with placement and it earns us points almost every time,” said Keese.
This is the start of the new season for the Pro and College teams. The NFL has new and impressive draft picks that are looking to take the spotlight. Jadeveon Clowney, drafted by the Texans, was one of the most talented SEC players in the draft. The Browns’ draft of quarterback Johnny Manziel aka “Johnny Football” had tickets selling out to the fans twenty minutes after he was picked. Sammy Watkins was the best wide receiver picked up in the draft by the Bills, and they are a dominant threat this year with Sammy Watkins, EJ Manuel, and CJ Spiller. As for the NFL, people are already mak-
Player Spotlight
Jamila Minor
Senior, Varsity Volleyball Team Captain #6, Outside Middle
Nearly every prospect at the NFL Scouting Combine gets a similar, innocuous question: How did you get where you are today? Players from SEC schools inevitably credit their conference for their success. "That's why you want to come play in this conference, because it's the most exciting, and it has the most elite competitors and the most elite talent," South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw said. The SEC has had a team play in eight consecutive national championship games, winning seven. The only loss came in January when Florida State beat Auburn. It likely comes as no surprise, then, that the SEC has ruled the NFL Draft during that same time span. The conference could borrow the Olympic motto: Faster, higher, stronger. "SEC players ... play at a top-notch level," Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix said. "So if you play at a top level in the SEC, [you're the best of the best]." Though Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops might want to call it "propaganda," the numbers say otherwise. In the past seven drafts, NFL teams have selected 305 players from the SEC, including 63 first-rounders. That's 17.1 percent of the 1,779 draft picks, and 28.1 percent of the 224 first-rounders. "I don't think it's hype," Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith said. "I think you just look at the numbers. There are just so many good, quality programs, and so many good, quality athletes at every program. "I think there are some factors to that. When you're in a warm-weather place, you can play football year-round pretty much. I think that helps. Then, there's just the emphasis that's placed on football from junior high on. I know there are some other places like that, too, but it just seems like it's more so in the SEC." The SEC had a banner year in 2013. It set a record with 63 NFL
South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) and quarterback Connor Shaw (14) wave to fans after a 34-24 win against Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, in Orlando. (Gerry Melendez/The State/MCT)
Draft picks, more than double any other conference. The ACC's 31 selections ranked second but trailed even the SEC East, which had 32 picks, and tied the SEC West. Of the SEC's 63 selections last year, 12 were first-rounders. That tied the NFL Draft record. The bottom line: The NFL loves SEC players. "I think that the SEC is probably the deepest conference in college football, and I think you do see a little bit of a difference in those players just in the level of competition and what they've had to go up against," Oakland Raiders coach Dennis Allen said. "I wouldn't say it's all encompassing, but I think overall they're a little bit more NFL-ready." The SEC placed 305 players on NFL rosters for opening day last year, 18 percent of all 1,696 NFL players. LSU had 39 NFL players, Georgia 36, Alabama 30 and Tennessee 30. Every SEC school had double-digit NFL players last season except Vanderbilt, which had seven players on NFL rosters.
Team Briefs
Stephen Timmons Senior, Varsity Football Team Captain #44, Middle Linebacker
Redhawk Times: How long have you been playing football? Stephen Timmons: I’ve been playing football since freshman year.
RT: Who are you most excited to play against this season? Minor: It would probably be between Blythewood and Ridgeview.
RT: How would you say the season is going so far? Timmons: The season is going great!
RT: How do you prepare for a game? Minor: The day before we usually do a lot of serving, and serve-receive, since it’s one our weaker points. We don’t really work on our offense since it’s one of our stronger points.
By Charean Williams Fort Worth Star-Telegram (MCT 2014)
ing Super Bowl predictions and many include the Broncos and Panthers as a possible matchup. College football games dominate Saturdays every year. The best conference in college football is the SEC because of their prospects, coaches, and bringing home the championships in the last couple of years. Analysts are already thinking that in the National Championship Florida State and Alabama are going to go head-to-head with each other while others hope to see Oregon and Texas A&M play for the championship but, with the Florida State Quarterback Jameis Winston playing great football that matchup might not happen.
Redhawk Times: How long have you been playing volleyball? Jamila Minor: For about eight years now.
RT: Would you say the team is like a family? Or are you all still getting to know each other? Minor: It is. We’re a lot closer this year. I think everyday we learn something new about each other, but we still know each other from around school.
NFL teams love drafting SEC players
RT SPORTS
Westwood moves up to 4A division... But what does that mean for us?
RT: Are you planning to continue to play football as you enter college? Timmons: Yes, I am. I am hoping to get a scholarship. RT: Who are you most excited/anxious to play this season? Timmons: Dutch Fork, since they’re one of the top teams in the state. RT: How do you prepare for a game? Timmons: Basically stretch, try to keep my mind right, try to stay quiet and stay focused.
A handful of Redhawk defenders get together to take down the Keenan runningback. Photo credit: Evan Cowles
Cross Country: Mason East, sophomore, won the girls race against Blythewood and continues to improve her personal record (PR) each race. The boys finished second at the Hammond Invitational in the first race of the season. Senior Ereck Lewis finished 10th overall out of 388 runners in the Championship Division of the Coaches Classic with a time of 17:42. Tennis: Girls Tennis team is off to the best start in school history. Varsity volleyball: Eight solid wins and a few close losses to some of the best teams in the state for an overall season total of 8-9. Football: All football teams are currently undefeated (as of Sept. 24). Varsity’s defense hasn’t given up a passing touchdown all season and the average score for games is 35-7. According to Coach Ashley Powell, “The team is so good this year because the commitment to the weight room, offseason conditioning, and the players are veterans, they’re familiar with the offensive and defensive philosophies.” “I would like to take a moment to brag on all of our fall sports teams right now and give you an update as to what is going on with Redhawk Athletics cause we are ‘gettin redhawky!’” Coach Jason Powell said. “Congratulations to all of our coaches and athletes for getting our seasons off to a great start! Hope you will all come out and support our students!” Be sure to check out: www.MidlandsHighSchoolSports.com to see the latest articles and interviews with coaches and athletes including interviews with Coach Rodney Summers, junior Torrey Boone (football), senior Stephen Timmons (football), senior Jamila Minor (volleyball), senior Jordan Jones (volleyball) and freshman Caroline Stewart (tennis). Follow @midlandsHSsport on Twitter and on Facebook to keep up with the Redhawks.
Let’s Get Redhawky
Rowdy Board way to celebrate school spirit
By Monique Holland, RT Staff Pep-rallies are a great way for students, teachers, and staff to bond as a whole and celebrate their school spirit. Unfortunately the thought of earning the spirit stick for the classes did not seem as important as it should have in the previous years. So, student government came up with a solution to this by creating the Rowdy Board. But what is the Rowdy Board you ask? Student body president and senior Baili Byrd explained. “The Rowdy Board is an easy way for us to keep up with class points. The purpose was to try to make winning the spirit stick a much bigger deal than it was last year. We're hoping that it makes class participation and pep increase throughout the year, compared to last year.” And where is the Rowdy Board? Just outside the student activities room across from the cafeteria. Senior Taylor Holloway said, “I think the Rowdy Board shows us what to look for and what to get motivated for during the pep rally so I can be involved in the school.” So do you think it will make a difference with class participation in the future? Senior Charles Mills responded, “Yes. Class participation shows the school that students care and are willing to make the school better the best way that they can.” The Rowdy Board ties in with the school’s theme this year of being a family. #WHSFamily
What does it mean to be Redhawky? By Ryann Felder, RT Staff Have you ever wondered how to truly show school spirit when you come to a new high school? Sure they have colors, songs, and activities. However, in all honesty, showing school spirit is more than knowing your mascot and school colors. Here, we have a saying, “Be Redhawky!” If you’re like me, new to the school, you must be thinking, “What the heck does that even mean?” Through my own personal experience, I have come to the conclusion that to be Redhawky, you have to show school spirit, follow the five expectations: Community, Empathy, Integrity, Responsibility and Respect. It’s all about learning to be a family, with faculty and students combined. Angel Salley, sophomore, has her own opinions about being Redhawky. She said, “To be Redhawky, it means to have school spirit, and to support your team and school.” She added, “Redhawky is me; Redhawky is life.” It is just her own special way of saying that she whole-heartedly believes that to show and express school spirit, you must take it into your soul. Senior Evan Cowles said, “To be Redhawky is to have the utmost support, admiration and devotion to your school because you should be proud of where you go to school. To be Redhawky means you have that pride. Being Redhawky is more than just being a student...it’s a way of life.” “To be Redhawky means to be everything you can be,” said Ihaynna Cruz, freshman. Everyone has their own way of showing school spirit: dressing up, going wild at a pep rally or just watching the lunch time activities. No matter how you slice it, the most simple and effective way to show how much you care about our school is to follow the Westwood Way and to represent our school in a positive light.