Redhawk Times May 2016

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New student leaders plan to focus on spirit, diversity & involvement next year

RT May 2016 Vol. IV, No. 3

WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Blythewood, South Carolina

Election results for the 2016-2017 school year Senior Class

President: Da’Vetter Peoples Vice- President: Ryan Hiller Secretary/Treasurer: Trinity Scott

Junior Class

President: Brooke Jenkins Vice-President: Mya Singleton

Sophomore Class

President: Taylor McMickle Vice-President: Keliah Bonneau

Class Speakers at Graduation: Nick Hooks Alan Vereen

Summer break gives students time to relax, recharge energy

by Maysia Miles, editor Redhawks are you ready for summer? Chilling on the beach and hanging out with friends is coming among us.

Summer is the time for us to build back our energy for school in fall. Mostly it’s the time to relax and unwind.

Over the summer, lots of students get jobs. Usually they go throughout the year. Majority of the juniors and seniors get those jobs to either get a head start on college funds or to save up for a car. If you’re going to get a job and go throughout the year, make sure you’ll keep up those grades.

Spend your vacation wisely, you wouldn’t want to get in trouble with parents and/or authorities to the point where there’s no summer to enjoy. As annoying as your parents may get, don’t get rude with them. That would make it bad for both you and them.

Summer Checklist: • Make sure to keep in touch with friends • Travel, visit your family • Enjoy the outdoors • Hang out with your friends • Try not to get in trouble with your parents • Read a book

by Katie McCarthy, senior editor Each spring, students elect a student body president and vice president for the next school year. This term, two pairs of candidates ran: Jamisha Taylor (president) with Jeremiah Scott (vice president) and Xavier Vereen (president) with Hailey Zalewa (vice president).

Vereen and Zalewa won the election, and they will fill the shoes of current Student Body President Nick Hooks and Vice President Megan Knight once they are sworn into office this month. We sat down with the president and vice president elects to learn more about their plans for the next school year.

Redhawk Times: Why did you decide to run for SBP/VP? Xavier Vereen: Well, we decided to run for student body president and student body vice president because we wanted (to create) diversity at Westwood. We have similar goals, and we want to figure out how we can input these goals into Westwood and make Westwood a better school next year. Each year we get better and better, and next year there are going to be a lot of changes, but we are going to embrace these changes.

Hailey Zalewa: Student body vice president is a big role, and I also like being in charge of stuff [laughs]. It would be a great opportunity and experience as well.

RHT: What are some of your plans for next year?

XV: Some of our plans for next year include creating a student/faculty panel so that the faculty and students have major input as to what goes on throughout Westwood as well as the Blythewood community. We want to know what the people want, and so we kind of want to provide that opportunity to the people who are in our community.

HZ: Of course, school spirit is a big thing that we want to pep up some more because not many people participate in the spirit weeks. We want to get more of what the people like out there so that they’ll want to participate. And also, please get that student section going at football.

What is a problem that you have seen on campus that you want to fix?

XV: School spirit is a major thing we want to fix. We want to get more people to participate in everything that goes on at school and to also have that sense of pride in their school. While we can’t really control it, another thing is the trash Filled with big plans, sophomore Hailey Zalewa and junior Xavier Vereen and litter here. We would love for that are excited to start their tenures during the 2016-2017 school year. to go away.

HZ: Getting more people involved in the school and being proud of Westwood.

How do you plan to build school spirit?

HZ: Get what the students like because if they don’t like it, then they’re not going to do it. You can’t just do stuff that only a small group will want to do.

XV: That’s why we’re planning to put out Google Forms so that students can share what kind of activities and dress up days they want to see. We’re trying to make it more diverse, but at the same time we’re trying to cater to people so that they’ll want to get involved.

What have you learned from Nick and Megan this year?

XV: One of the things I have learned from Nick and Megan is to take charge; I’m not one of those people who takes charge a lot, and I’m not really good at delegation. Seeing how Nick and Megan balance it all has helped me learn how I can make myself more of a delegator and help people get things done.

HZ: I’ve learned how to run and manage stuff. Looking at Nick, I’ve learned how to manage my time. Nick puts too much on himself, and it makes me realize that’s part of this role. He has no time to sleep, he say’s he just sleeps when it fits in his schedule. I’ve learned not to take on too much. Even though they’ve said that it’s a lot of work, I know that I can do it.

What experiences have prepared you for the role of president and vice president? How will those experiences impact your leadership?

XV: I was in student government last year, so I got to see how (former Student Body President) Baili (Byrd) managed her time as well as watching Nick this year. It’s going to take a lot of work to figure out what is best for me. I’ve also taken part in One Can Make A Difference, which is a community service project. I’ve also had the chance to see what goes on at pep rallies and how much work it takes to make sure that nothing goes wrong -- communication is a major key.

HZ: I’ve been in student government for a while. This is my first year in senate, last year I was in freshman house. A lot of people plan to continue on with it next year, so I know them and their workstyles and what their strengths are. You have to really know the people you’re working with to be an effective leader.

Where do you see Westwood in five years? How do you see the role of Student Government growing and developing?

HZ: I see us up there. I see school spirit being a lot better; I feel like it’s gotten better over the years.

XV: I see Westwood being a successful school and more people wanting to come here. I see more school spirit and more of a family-like feel. I hope that everyone will eventually learn the Alma Mater and sing it with pride.

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p3: SBP Goodbye Letter p4: Seniors Rule!

p6: Spring Sports

p8: 2016 Prom

RT VOICES

Diverse representation still lacking on TV, in movies despite recent hits

by Ashley Epperson, Journalism I writer

Turn on network TV nowadays and you’ll see actors and actresses of all different colors and sizes taking the screen. Over the past few years, television networks and even streaming companies have begun creating and casting many different shows that center around people of color. Some of these hits include “Master of None”, “Jane the Virgin”, and “The Mindy Project”.

The success of these shows tends to be baffling their creators, who may have just produced the shows to temporarily increase viewers or to earn their “You Cast a POC Actor!” badge. It’s true that only 6% of network TV creators were a part of the minority, according to the most recent information, a report done after the 2012-2013 season.

Are the other 94% blind? Does it not make sense to them that it’s important to all audiences to be able to identify with a character, not only because of their struggles, but also because of the way that they look? If they think they’ll lose their white audiences when they cast people of color, the success of shows like Scandal and Fresh Off the Boat surely prove otherwise.

Representation is still an issue when the POC actors or gay characters are treated as the “token *insert characteristic here*”. Meaning when there’s gay representation, but he/she is constantly being treated differently or only seen with their partner to enforce that they are, in fact, gay. Or when a character cracks sort-of-racist joke at the only Asian character on the show. It’s called tokenism, and it runs rampant in the teeny-bopper shows that focus on the (usually) Hot White Male and his Pretty White Love Interest. But they’re living in a post-apocalyptic world, so it’s ok, right? News flash: there’s more than one Asian kid or lesbian in this whole world that has supposedly come together for survival. Just saying.

As a whole, representation in television has come a long way, but still has Kerry Washington in “Scandal.” (Nicole Wilder/ quite a ways to go as these issues become ABC). Photo credit: Hodelete HFA Orange County Out No Magazine Sales CA FEA more and more prevalent. LGBT characters should be working their way towards normalization in TV shows, especially ones geared towards the next generation. People of color should be cast without worrying about the toll on white jobs. Every kid should be able to turn on the TV and see someone like them winning the fight against the bad guy or saving the world.

Images of “perfect” women damaging to girls’ self esteem, body image

by Paden Moore, Journalism I writer In today’s society, there is an ideal body type that women must have to be considered “beautiful”. Women have to be a certain size and weigh a certain weight. A woman must look a certain way, but not be fake. She must have no imperfections or any other traits that make her different than the ideal woman. However, women are also human and come in all shapes and sizes, just like men. While there is some pressure on men to have the perfect body, it is more prominent for women.

A woman should not be told that she must look a certain way to get a job or to find love. Women are expected to keep up a certain appearance that, when they do not or choose not to look the way society deems, it is considered weird. Also, if a woman does not “keep up” with herself by wearing makeup or doing her hair a certain way, she is told that she is not taking care of herself.

According to the NYC Girls Project, over 80 percent of 10-year-old girls are afraid of being fat. By middle school, 40-70 percent of girls are dissatisfied with two or more parts of their body, and body satisfaction hits rock bottom between the ages of 12 and 15.

When young girls watch T.V. they are seeing the photoshopped images of beautiful women. This is a bigger issue when a girl is going through puberty and her body is changing. Girls in middle school and high school are very impressionable. They wonder why they do not look like the girls on T.V. or in the magazines and it can drastically lower their self esteem.

2015-2016

REDHAWK TIMES STAFF

STAFF: Channing Cross, Ryann Felder, Jazmine Goodson, Amaya Johnson, Katie McCarthy, Abigayle Mabey, Mequel McDaniels, Maysia Miles, Julian Narboni, Michaela Pinapfel, Anisah Reed, Angel Salley, Mya Singleton, Ashli White, Carmen White, Hailey Zalewa PHOTOGRAPHERS: Darshawna Barnes-Mack, Jasmine John, Kelly Smeby, Lynn Washington FACULTY ADVISER: 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

Beyonce, left, sings with Chris Martin of Coldplay and Bruno Mars, right, during the halftime show at Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. Photo credit: Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group/TNS

Beyoncé uses her star power, voice to shine light on issues

by Taylor Washington, Journalism I writer

Global sensation Beyoncé shocked the world with her record-shattering, no-promotion self-titled album, Beyoncé, back in 2013. With the 2016 release of Formation, it appears that Beyoncé is intent on keeping us talking for years to come.

On February 6, many were preparing for the Superbowl the next day.

Among the Americans scrambling, around making last minute preparations for the annual football festivities, Beyoncé was preparing, too. Rumored to be performing along with British band Coldplay, Beyoncé had something else up her sleeve.

In the vein of the critically acclaimed Beyoncé album, Beyoncé dropped the music video for her latest song, Formation, without any notice. A gem in the recent drought of quality music releases, Formation found Beyoncé praising her blackness and highlighting the black experience in America, something seldom acknowledged by her peers. Over a slinky beat produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, Beyoncé sings about “loving her negro nose and Jackson 5 nostrils” while asking her fellow ladies of color “to get in formation”.

Harmless fun, right? So, why is it controversial?

Generally, many recognize Beyoncé for fun, aimless pop songs like her career-defining single Crazy in Love or the iconic Single Ladies. Formation is anything but. Set in the culturally rich New Orleans, Formation is a stunner. With striking visuals like Beyoncé perched on top of a police car in a flooded New Orleans; a young boy with his hands raised, dancing in front of a police riot squad; and a newspaper with Dr. Martin Luther King on the cover, one can’t deny the fact that Formation is politically charged.

As a result of publicized tragedies such as the racially-charged murders of Michael Brown and Freddie Gray, and the most local tragedy, the Emanuel 9 in Charleston, it’s fair to say that race relations in America have been tense. But that still doesn’t explain why a radio single has so many breathing down Beyoncé’s neck.

Well, it’s simply because someone is choosing to combat and bring attention to these issues. While Queen Bey isn’t the first artist to use her platform to highlight one of the most serious issues plaguing America today, she is one of the loudest voices we have.

During her Super Bowl performance of the song that broke the internet, Beyoncé stood side by side with her female background dancers, clad in attire reminiscent of the Black Panthers and basically proclaimed to America, “I love being Black.”

For Beyoncé, who is often the subject of various tabloids claiming that she’s “whitewashed” or that her daughter’s hair is too “nappy”, this video was probably the ultimate release.

And for me it was, too. As a young African-American woman such as myself, the message of Formation is just so powerful. For many years, society has taught me to hate myself or that I wasn’t good enough. But for me and many others, Formation reminded us that we are good enough and that we matter.

Yet for many others, the message of Formation strikes a negative nerve. Despite some police officers protesting her Superbowl performance (a pathetic protest where only three showed up) and racists claiming the song is “anti-white”, Formation dropped at a time when it is much needed.

RT NEWS

2015-2016 Student Body President’s Goodbye Letter Dear Westwood High School, First, I would like to thank all of the adults who have helped get me through my four years here at Westwood. I’ll start with Mrs. Howard: thank you for knocking down my ego when it would get too big because everyone needs that one person in their life.

Thank you Mr. Holden and Ms. Faulkenberry for being awesome at the jobs you all do.

You both have always made me feel like as if I were your only priority, even though there were hundreds of other students you all worked with. You both deserve a raise!

Thank you Coach Powell for taking someone as un-athletic as myself and showing me that you could do well at anything you worked hard at.

Thank you Dr. Guy and Mr. Schmidt for working with me over the years in making Westwood the school that one day everyone will want to attend.

And last, but certainly not least, thank you Mrs. Frick for being my mother in and outside of school. The lessons you have taught will stick with me for a lifetime, and I will pass them along. I do not believe that I am fully able to appreciate everything you have told me and done for me, but I believe that I will in due time.

When I came to Westwood as a freshman, I knew exactly who I wanted to be and what I wanted to do by the time my senior year rolled around. I wanted to serve my school as student body president, and I wanted to be known for doing good for other people and helping others.

For the most part, I believe that I have done that.

The parent of a friend of mine did me a favor my senior year. They bought me something that I needed because I could not afford it. When I went to pay them back, they said, “I did not help you out because I was expecting something in return. I did it because I expect you to do it for someone else one day.”

This is the same mindset that I have had during my tenure as president. I did not run for the toughest task a student could take on their senior year of high school for something in return. I did it because I expect those of you still at Westwood to return the service to others around you just like I have served those around me at school.

My advice is to always put yourself out there. You will miss precious opportunities in your life because you were afraid of how something you would do or say would look to other people.

My second piece of advice to you all is to be kind to people. People will often forget what you did for them or what you gave them, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

At the end of the day, if you don’t remember anything I have said, remember this: Do as much good as you can, for as many people as you can, for as long as you can.

To Xavier and Hailey taking over next year, stay persistent! The job is tough. You will get tired and, at times, you will feel as if no one cares about the work at hand other than yourself, but I am confident that you all are fully capable of doing the job well next year. Westwood High School is in good hands next year.

It has been an honor serving this school as student body president and, although I am off to be a Gamecock next year, I will forever be a Redhawk.

Dragonslayer Jalil Bonds, senior, stabs the dragon and saves the day at this year’s Ren Faire (little did he know it was a friendly dragon. Poor dragon.) Photo credit: Jasmine John

Annual Renaissance Faire offers knights, human foozball, plenty of food for students to experience

by Ryann Felder, editor From a variety of food to activities, the 2016 Renaissance Faire was spot on.

In the morning, elementary students came from several schools, enjoying the Faire’s offerings. After lunch, it opened to students.

All over the school grounds, students could take a ride on the horses, watch the drama and dance performances, nibble on a variety of sweet and savory food offerings.

Junior Matthew Hartfield said that his experience at the Ren Faire was fun and enjoyable, especially hanging out and walking with friends.

Paden Moore, a senior who helped put on the play, said, “I thought that the Ren Faire went really well, considering we [drama] didn’t have a lot of time to put it all together.”

Moore added, “I thought that this years Ren Faire was fun, but not as fun as the ones in the past.”

Alyssa Moore, a junior who played a role in the play, said, “I wish that drama had more time to perform.” She added, “I thought the rest of the Faire went well from what I saw of it.”

Plans are already in the works for 2017’s Renaissance Faire.

Student Art Winners at Arts on the Ridge

Sincerely, Nick Hooks Student Body President 2015-2016

Dancers leap onto main stage with new moves, plans

by Amaya Johnson, editor Ever wondered what it is like to walk a mile in someone else’s jazz shoes? This school’s diverse students hold various talents that refuse to be suppressed, and no better way to express themselves than in the most creative way possible.

The dance department spends their time putting together dance concerts not only to entertain us, but to showcase their talent and reveal their truth through movement. When the stage lights come on, it’s time for the dancers to give it all they’ve got. Dance accepts all levels of experience, even beginners who are just now starting in high school.

“I’ve been dancing about a good 11 years in general and two years at Westwood,” sophomore Michaela Harrison stated.

Dance teacher Veneshia Stribling teaches dance classes starting at an intro class all the way up to the Gifted and Talented class. Not only can students sign up for dance, they can also join the dance club through audition.

The students of dance take trips to different elementary schools such as Windsor and ConDancers show their stuff at a variety of perfordor and teach the rising dancers a few tips and mances, both held both during the day and at moves for the future. night. Photo credit: Destani Robinson Harrison believes that the lessons will have a good impact on them in the long run. “Dance is very inspiring,” said Harrison. “It’s like a stress reliever when I’m up on stage.”

Stribling has been teaching at Westwood for two years and plans to keep the inspiration going next year by pushing her students to be the best they can be. “If anything, we’ll start off with ballet first to make everyone stronger,” Stribling said. “We will try to incorporate weight lifting to build up strength if we have time.” Stribling said all of her classes have advanced since they first began dancing, and have gotten better and better each semester.

Stribling also plans to have her students practice more techniques, such as partnering skills.

“I want to incorporate more partnering stuff, not just boy and girl,” stated Stribling.

Lauren Dinkins recieves her award from Chairperson Phyllis Gutierrez and explains her artwork to the crowd.

At this year’s Arts on the Ridge competition, sophomore Jewel Dinkins won Best in Show and 1st Place, sophomore Stephanie Daniel won 2nd Place; sophomore Alex Seyfried won 3rd Place. Senior Anna Bramlette won 1st Place and senior Gabriela Pagan won 2nd Place. There was a reception and an awards ceremony Saturday at the Ridgeway Town Hall.

Art teacher Bill Hicks said, “As always, extremely proud of these guys!”

Anime Club plans trip to Japan, offers opportunity for students to explore new language, culture

by Shailla Johnson, Journalism I writer The WHS Anime Club is planning a big trip for 2017. A trip to where, you might ask? To Japan, the heart and sole creator of anime.

“The trip is for anyone at Westwood to learn a new culture, language and explore the idea that a country, who had no Western influence until 1850, has come to be the biggest front runner in technology in less that 200 years,” said teacher Crystal Baily, adviser of the Anime Club.

Anyone going on this trip will get to see a variety of sights. They will see things like the first humanoid robot, take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, take a cooking class lead by a Japanese chef, visit the Imperial Palace Plaza and the Tokyo Museum and participate in daily language lessons. On the last day in Japan, travelers meet up with some Japanese students and have a night out for karaoke, a favorite activity of many Japanese people.

Even if you aren’t into anime and would like to go on the trip, you can still have loads of fun and experience new things in a whole different country.

The cost for the trip is $4,500 per student. Before you gasp too loudly, this price includes airfare and lodging as well as meals and transportation and admission to various activities. Students can bring money for extra things that they want to buy (like Japanese anime!).

There will be fundraisers to help students pay for this trip. The club is now on their third trip and will be having more fundraisers throughout the year.

Seniors, Where to you see yourself in 5 years?

Hopefully, being successful in whatever path I take, so I can take care of my family.

-Winslow Powell

Graduated undergraduate school, working with horses and in graduate school.

-Elizabeth Lara

I see myself finishing up my dual degree in Pre-Pharmacy/ Business. Within six years of being at USC-Columbia, I will have completed three degrees: Bachelor’s of Science, Master’s in Business and my Doctorate degree.

-Michaela Pinapfel Done with college, living with bae and making money.

-Brielle Jackson

84% The average four-year graduation rate in the State of SC is 80% Last year, Westwood’s four-year graduation rate was 84%

I see myself working in a Level 1 Trauma center as a nurse after graduating from the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

-Alyssa Hansen A successful man & proud father of my son.

-Aron JohnLewis

$8.5

In five years, I see myself living in a nice apartment, working in a hospital as a travel nurse or a surgical nurse.

-Jasmine Kearse

million

Still in college grinding to get where I want to get.

-Tatiana Aytch

For their first four years of college, WHS seniors were offered almost $8.5 million in scholarships.

I see myself in med school working part-time as a paramedic and engaged (hopefully).

-Jayla Cunningham Staring my first year of medical school.

-Tamil Hightower

In five years, I see myself on set for either a movie production or a TV out in LA. -Jalil Bonds

20 Seni

My favorite memory from being at West wood was during homecoming week and participating in all of the dress days.

-Jada White

In five years, I see myself married, with two kids and working as an anchor for CNN or hosting Entertainment Tonight.

Married to the -Kristen Lincoln money.

-Darnez Pringle

It ou Tim

Average Wages for Various Majors: Majoring in Education--middle school teacher in SC makes $49,320 on average Majoring in Pharmacy--pharmacist in SC makes $116,400 on average Majoring in Engineering--civil engineer in SC makes $79,420 on average Majoring in Marketing--marketing manager in SC makes $107,440 on average Majoring in Broadcast--producer in SC makes $49,570 on average

Either still in college or working in a school somewhere as a guidance counselor.

-Torrey Boone

I have many favorite memories here at West wood but definitely, I must say that being part of the West wood Student Government is my favorite memory, especially winning 4A Student Council of the Year!

-Milanys Tavarez-Diaz

In five years, I see myself being out of college working as an RN and working on my Master’s degree.

-Jada White Traveling the world and helping others along the way as a new geriatric pharmacist.

-Chinenye Agim

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RT FEATURES

I see myself fresh out of college and hopefully back here. I have actually enjoyed living in South Carolina. I had moved here my freshman year, and it Owning my own salon/ has kind of grown on me. I would like to spa business. be back here in five years and, hopeful-Katelyn Oates ly, have a job pursuing my career as a graphic designer.

-Gabriela Pagan-Marrero

Attending Alabama University for graduate school.

-Zacchaeus Heyward

67% of seniors are going to school out of state 33% of senior are going to school in state Almost everyone is staying on the East Coast.

In five years I see myself finishing college with a pre-med degree getting ready to go into medical school.

Also engaged.

-Rebekah Holliman

Either working or in the military.

-Kareem Wilson

My favorite West wood memory was prom, renaissance faires, and being a senior.....FINALLY.” -Bernita Benjamin

In five years, I see myself with my bachelors degree in computer engineering working for a IT company making laid back cash.

-Cory Bouknight

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In five years, I will have my engineering degree, a house and my business started.

-Johnathan Dyarmett

For their first year of college, WHS seniors were offered a little over $2 million in scholarships.

million

I see myself married with my Bachelor’s degree in Child and Rich and Famous.

Family Studies while working on -Danielle Rivers my Master’s degree and in the Army Reserve.

-Brandi IriAnna In medical school. Poppin.

Living it up.

-Briana Lewis I see myself making boss moves in the health care field.

-Allison Demary

Either getting my Master’s degree or going into the workplace.

-Ashli White All stats are as of 5/6/16

The Westys First Annual Westy Awards honor athletes in spirit of professionals’ ESPY awards

Spring sports teams finish seasons with mixed results, positive attitudes

by Jazmine Goodson, editor

Boys golf The boys golf team qualified for the 4A Upper State Qualifier by finishing in the top four of the Region Championship, which took place at the Oak Hills Golf Club. The team played at Cherokee National in Gafney to represent Westwood in the Upper State Qualifier.

Golfer Dylan Hendrix said, “I think the season went pretty good but there is always room for improvement, and we could have won more matches than we did.”

by Angel Salley, editor The first annual WESTY Awards, on May 18, recognizes outstanding athletes, nominated by their coaches.

Inspired by the ESPY awards, given to professional athletes and comparable to the Golden Globes of the sports world, the Westys honor the hard work and dedication of Redhawk athletes.

Male and female athletes from sports across The ‘Wood are nominated for 16 different potential awards.

The awards include Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. Even the coaches are getting in on the action with a Coach of the Year nod.

A total of 32 students received nominations. Junior Diamond Rush, track runner, was nominated for Female Athlete of the Year. “I’m very excited and shocked about the nomination.” said Rush. “It means a whole lot. It only shows the hard work and determination I’ve put forth into being the best that I can be in my sport. It’s a true blessing.”

Arriving in limousine, athletes then walk the red carpet before joining the show in the auditorium.

The nominees for the 2016 Westy Event are:

Best Female Single Game Performance: Girls Basketball: Unique Drake Volleyball: Jaida Carter Girls Soccer: Emma Howe Softball: Mackenzie Turner

Best Male Single Game Performance: Football: Rudy Mitchell Wrestling: Evan Carrigan Baseball: Lamar Gregory

Female Play of the Year: Girls Basketball: Taylor Britt Girls Basketball: Unique Drake Volleyball: Madison Oxendine, Quierra, Jaida Carter

Male Play of the Year: Football: Rudy Mitchell Track: Rudy Mitchell Baseball: Vance Summers

Female Newcomer of the Year: Girls Tennis: Victoria Notsovnaja Girls Basketball: Unique Drake Girls Basketball: Maliyah Lockett Girls Basketball: Essence Marshall Volleyball: Ta´Naya Corley Softball: Cayla Petty

Male Newcomer of the Year: Boys Basketball: Russell Jones Jr. Boys Cross Country: Paul McCants Boys Soccer: Amir McCall Boys Golf: Kendall Wallace Baseball: Dentrey Gallman Baseball: Lamar Gregory

Female Team of the Year: Girls Basketball Girls Soccer

Male Team of the Year: Football Westling Baseball

Female Redhawk Award: Basketball: Alaina Smith Volleyball: Madison Oxendine

Male Redhawk Award: Lacrosse: Tyler Endsley Baseball: Duncan White Wrestling: Nick Hooks Wrestling: Desean Harrington

Female Athlete of the Year: Girls Basketball: Unique Drake Girls Basketball: Mya Belton Volleyball: Jaida Carter Volleyball: Madison Oxendine Girls Track: Diamond Rush

Boys tennis Boys tennis team started the season with some losses, but scored several wins including matches credit: Laura Evans against Camden Military Academy, Ridge View High School, Lugoff-Elgin and Airport High School. However, they faced strong opponents and suffered some losses including matches against Spring Valley and Blythewood.

All in all, the boys’ tennis team had a mixed season this year. Tennis player Julian Narboni said, “It actually went very well. We did good for our region knowing that we have to face Spring Valley, Dutch Fork, and Blythewood, since they have really big tennis teams.”

Senior Tyler Evans lines up his shot to sink the ball. Photo

Boys soccer The team started their season with two victories. They had then lost a game to Richland Northeast, but bested them in a rematch. They also won a game against the Blazers. They suffered a losing streak afterwards, but broke the streak, beating Fairfield Central High School, but lost against Blythewood and Spring Valley.

They then won three more games, then had another three-game losing streak, broken by a victory against RNE. They ended the season with Senior Gurbir Malhi pulls back a four-game losing streak. With mixed results for a solid kick to get the ball this year, boys soccer ended the season with an past his opponents. Photo credit: Tammy Lewis overall record of 8-12, with 1-9 in the region.

Soccer player Jarvon English said, “I think we had a good season as a team.

In whole, it’s the best season we had since the school has been opened. We had a new lead and coach. We took on challenges. I know we only won one region game but we never gave up and we always kept our heads high!” He added, saying people can learn many lessons from soccer.

Girls soccer

Male Athlete of the Year: Wrestling: Evan Carrigan Football: Rudy Mitchell Football: Dareius McCaskill Baseball: TJ White

Coach of the Year: Wrestling: Ashley Powell Girls Basketball: Gregory Bauldrick Baseball: Jonathan Burroughs

Assistant Coach of the Year: Football: Nick Pelham Girls Basketball: Tonja Eaddy Baseball: Avery Jackson

The pitcher winds up and throws out the pitch. Photo credit: Jasmine John

The girls’ soccer team started off the season with two victories. They defeated Lower Richland to 6-0 then Fairfield Central with 5-0. Afterwards they ended up losing to Richland Northeast twice but came back with a win from Fairfield Central 3-1. Another set of mixed results this year, girls soccer ended the season with an overall record of 6-15, with 2-8 in the region.

Soccer player Emma Howe said, “I think that the season went rather well. Like every team, we had our ups and downs, but in the end, we all had fun and that’s what it’s all about.”

Baseball

After a shaky start to the season, varsity baseball brought home a 5-4 win at Dreher Invitational Spring Break Tournament.

After a win against Irmo on 4/20, the Redhawks lost a heartbreaker against Spring Valley. They ended the season with an overall record of 8-12 and 2-8 in the region.

Softball A tough season for the Lady Redhawks, as they fell short of a victory in their final game of the season against Lower Richland High School on April 11. According to the WHS athletic website, “The Lady Redhawks fought hard each inning but due to a few errors and controversial calls by the officials were declined and defeated during this competition.”

They finished the season with an overall record of 1-8, with 0-5 in the region.

Lacrosse

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant is mobbed by teammates after a 60-point effort in his final game, a 101-96 victory against the Utah Jazz, on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

According to the WHS athletic website, “As far as wins and losses go our 1st ever Boys Lacrosse team has had a tough season, but their hard work and improvement cannot go unnoticed...Coach Dyer has done an outstanding job of getting this program developed and teaching the rules/procedures and skills of the game.”

The Redhawks finished the season with an overall record of 0-9, with region 0-5.

Lacrosse players practiced nearly every afternoon this spring, learning the game.

Photo credit: Lifetouch

by Hailey Zalewa, editor In September 2015, junior Mark Mickens was injured in a football game against Clover High School.

Mickens suffered severe spinal cord injuries that left him partially paralyzed, but the student’s condition has continued to progress in a positive direction.

Mickens now has feeling in his feet, which is a large improvement. He has learned how to text his friends.

According to his friends, Mickens is a determined young man who can do whatever he puts his mind to.

Now on Tuesday and Thursday each week, MickProm Prince Ryan Hiller lets Mickens try ens returns to school for a half-day. He recieved a on his crown during the prom, held April very warm welcome when he returned to school and 23. had so many people asking how he was doing and wanting to know what was going on with him that he went on the Red Hot Report morning news show to speak to the entire school about his present condition and future hopes.

Mickens owns a motorized wheelchair that helps him get around faster and smoother. Just recently, Westwood held a Taste of the Town and Benefit Auction to raise money so Mickens’s parents could purchase a new wheelchair-accessible van for him to get around in, necessary for him, especially with longer trips.

The fundraiser raised enough money through the auction items and donations to purchase the van for Mickens. Now, Mickens is cruising in style in his silver wheelchair-accessible van.

At the end of April, Mickens was invited to prom by junior Trinity Scott and sophomore Hailey Zalewa. He said yes and attended the prom on April 23.

At prom, Mickens was surrounded by students as they weren’t expecting to see him. During the night, he danced and took many photos with students. Mark said, “It’s a night I won’t forget.”

Recently, teacher Amanda Ashley announced a new fundraiser to help the cause. A Lularoe Simply Comfortable fundraiser will take place May 20-May 22. During this fundraiser, various stylish clothing will be sold. All funds raised will go to help Mickens’s medical expenses.

Strong showing for Track & Field athletes overall, include State Championship qualifiers

by Trever Moore, Journalism I writer

New Head Football Coach Dustin Curtis lands at WHS

RT SPORTS

Injured football player returns to school, continues to improve

by DJ Fields, Journalism I writer After four years as the head of Westwood’s Football Program, Rodney Summers resigned from his position to take on the challenge of opening another new school, this time at May River High School in Bluffington, S.C., where he will run their football program.

Besides starting Westwood’s successful football program, Summers noteably coached the Redhawks to an 11-2 record in the 2013-2014 season and a shot at the playoffs.

The search for a new head coach began almost immediately after his official announcement.

Principal Cheryl Guy and Athletic Director Jason Powell searched through dozens of applications from people interested in taking on the head coaching position.

Out of the 49 applications, Powell and Guy found nine possible coaches. Next, they invited Student Activities Director Janet Frick, an assistant administrator, a faculty member, two football parents, and a retired football coach from a local community to help conduct the interviews for the perfect fit.

Before the interview, they all wrote specific things they expected from a coach, things they felt we needed to take our teams to the next level.

Guy said, “They wanted someone with integrity, a good role model, help build character, have experience working as a coach or coordinator and more on.”

Each interview lasted up to an hour and a half and the process took two nights to finish. Lastly, the interview team choose their top three coaches to invite back for a second round of interviews.

After a long and challenging process, the team invited Dustin Curtis to be the new head coach for the football team, which he accepted.

Dustin Curtis, new RedIt may be his first time as a part of hawk head football coach the Westwood Family, but according to Richland 2, he’s is no stranger to the school district. In the past, he worked at Killian Elementary and E.L. Wright as a physical education teacher. He also coached football at Spring Valley High School and helped lead his team to a 2006 region title.

This spring, Curtis took over the football program while Summers headed down to May River High School.

“I am thrilled that Coach Curtis is going to join the Redhawk Family. I was very impressed with his character as well as his knowledge of football,” said Guy. Powell said, “[We’re] very excited to have him on board, and he has been working tremendously hard in hiring new staff and getting spring practice going. Great energy and hard worker.”

Curtis himself said that he’s truly blessed to lead this football program in the upcoming years.

Continuing the legacy Summers left behind, Curtis set his ultimate goal: Keep Winning.

The boys track team kicked off with a strong record and, throughout the season, continued to prove themselves. Nine athletes qualified for the State Championships (held May 14).

Team Captain Keenan Javits said, “The boys team have brought back three trophies already this season (before Spring Break).”

Track is a highly competitive sport, and the individual effort of players adds to that spirit on the track, keeping the players motivated to continuously improve Javis plans to join the track team in college and see how good he can get. He has competRedhawks do indeed soar, as this long jumper shows with his ing since freshmen year and and *As of May 9 giant leap into the air. Photo credit: Adriana White has enjoyed every minute of it.

Offensive Coordinator: Matt Quinn. Quinn will be coming to He has goals that he still hasn’t us from Westside High School in Anderson, S.C. and will be teachreached and is continuously striving to reach them. “My goals are to make it to state in long ing social studies here next year. jump and succeed as a team,” Javits said.

Defensive Coordinator: James Reynolds. Reynolds will be Team member Tyrique Lewis really enjoys the sport. In his second year running track, he has coming to us from River Bluff High School in Columbia, S.C. and many goals he is working hard to make happen. Lewis said, “I still need to get my endurance will be teaching English here next year. up and work on my running form.”

Offensive Line: Matthew Bennett. Bennett will be coming to While Lewis doesn’t work on track outside of school and team practices due to commitments us from Boiling Springs High in Boiling Springs, S.C. and will be to other sports, he pushes himself when with the team. Making it through to the end of the teaching social studies here next year. challenging team workouts are the hardest for him because he has to push through the workout Football Staff: Anthony Bixler, Hassan Lee, and Jason Reynand finish. olds.

All three will be either volunteer coaches or non-district paid Team member Destiny Green employees as a part of our football staff.

Qualifiers for the State Championship joined track because she enjoys runStrength Coach: We have offered, and he has accepted. We are ning and thought it would be fun to on May 14: waiting on HR approval. join. Now in her second year, having • Rudy Mitchell: 100m Girls Soccer: we have offered, and she has accepted. We are joined the team junior year, Green • Kaden Briggs: 110 hurdles, 400 hurdles waiting on HR approval. does not plan to run track in college.

• Deundhray Steele: Shot Put Boys Basketball: we have offered, and he has accepted. We are She likes to practice outside of school • Keenan Javis: Long Jump waiting on School Board approval. to stay in good shape.

• Rudy Mitchell, Bradley Nelson, Dermonti Head Boys Lacrosse: Chris Shealy. Shealy is currently a WHS An example of the Redhawks’ Romey & Torran Going: 4x1 social studies teacher who has accepted the position for next year. strong season was at the Chick-fil-A • Diamond Rush: 100m, 200m Shealy helped this year with the team and will take over as head Invitational when Diamond Rush coach next year. won the 100m and the 200m female Head Wrestling Coach: This position is still vacant, though we events, while Kaden Briggs won both the male 110m Hurdles and the 400m Hurdles. Throughhave started interviewing potential candidates. out the season, the team continued to bring home the wins all the way up to State.

Coaching news from the Athletic Director:

Amaryllis Greene, Megan Knight, Delaney Woodham, Taylor Washington, Mikayla Baker and Jada Wilson

Kelsey Cantey and her date, Lillian Peay and Terrance Barnes

Faith Moss and date

An Enchanted Evening Prom 2016

Trinity Scott, Mark Mickens,and Hailey Zalewa

Jordan Tart and Tamia Profit

Nick Hooks

Rae’Jean Patterson and Ryan Hiller

by Taylor Washington, Journalism I writer For most teenagers, prom is a huge milestone for those trying to get the full high school experience and here, that’s no different. Westwood’s fourth annual prom was held on April 23 at the Leaside in downtown Columbia.

This year’s prom theme was “Enchanted Garden”, and the junior house has spared no expense. Inspired by magazine cutouts and the best of what the internet has to offer, prom coordinator Kamryn Addison, said that this year’s prom was the best one yet.

“We finna be lit!” she said with a cheerful smile. “The decorations [were] more exquisite than past years and just more put together all around.”

This year’s prom committee worked on the project since mid-January, while some students prepared even longer. Junior Delaney Woodham purchased her ticket in December and counted down the days until the big day.

“Prom is special because it’s a rite of passage. What high school student has never wanted to go to prom? It’s the end of your high school career and brings all of your old friends from the beginning back together again” she said.

While the prom is an annual spring event for students to get together in nonschool environment, for some, it’s more than just a night out to party with friends.

Since he missed his junior prom, senior Jalil Bonds was intent on making this year special.

“This is my last year, and I have to make it count,” he said.

Addison added, “This is a opportunity to make memories and is a once in a lifetime event.”

Kelsey Cantey and Sarah Greene

Dasha Miller, Bernita Benjamin, Tessra Gillyard, and Destinee McEachin

Brelyn Parker and Willie McConnell

Julian Narboni and Anna Bramlette

Ryann Felder, Sabrina Slone, Robert Harrington, Matthew Hartfield and date

Xavier Davis, Stacey Gayton and Tyree Lee

Arriyana Whitaker and Deuntrey Gallman

Ashli White

Anastasia Robinson and Caleb Major

Jalil Bonds and Alessandra Morales

Hunter Boone and Mackenzie Turner

Anisah Reed and Stephen Timmons

Darnez Pringle, Ryshun Gallman and Deunhdray Steele