May 2014 Eagle's Eye News

Summer Fun in KC............... Pg.8

Scenes from Prom..........pg. 16 Vol. IV Issue 5 May 2014

[A student publication of Ruskin High School]

A Change Is Coming

[Kansas City, MO]

Under The Sea Prom 2014

By Ere’Shay Winters STAFF REPORTER

Kiwaukee Thomas, Ruskin High School’s new varsity football coach for next year, is the talk of the school. Having a coach that played in the NFL has gotten everyone's attention.

Thomas said he has played five years with the Jackson Jaguars, one year with Miami Dolphins, two years with the Buffalo Bills, one year with the Montreal Alouettes, and gone through training camp with the Detroit Lions.

Thomas said he has been a football coach for four years on a permanent field and two years as a consultant. The former Assistant Coach of Defensive Backs at Webber International University said it will be no problem transitioning from coaching college athletes to coaching high school athletes.

“I was a receivers coach and then after four months my head coach told me I would be an assistant head coach as defensive coordinator soon as the season ended, so that’s four months on the job,” Thomas said. “I felt honored at the same time, just everyday go to work.”

See “New Coach,” cont. on page 11

Cokeeshia Simpson, Marcus McIntyre, Tayana Bankston, Raydale Briggs, Tesheena Johnson, Jamal Karriem, and Mia Cheatem dance the night away at the RHS 2014 Prom held April 26 at Arrowhead Stadium.

One City, Two Worlds

Random violence creates a dark side to living in Kansas City

By Tierra Taylor Staff Reporter

Recent horrifying events happening around the country have proven how crazy, violent people can cause chaos, destruction and death. It’s the kind of unexpected violence that makes you question whether you live in safe place. Until it happens to a loved one. Is there a way to stop the violence? To avoid being a victim? Or, are

the recent events just proof that even though people are alert of their surroundings, bad things are just going to happen.

Alex Hribal stabbed 21 students and a security guard at Franklin Regional Senior High School outside Pittsburgh on April 9, critically injuring four students. Assistant Principal Sam King allegedly tackled the stabber. There was no motive known. Hribal is being held without bail and is at a juvenile

detention facility.

Another incident at a Connecticut High School happened similar to this.

Chris Plaskon allegedly strangled, then stabbed his classmate, Maria Sanchez, after she refused to be his date to Junior Prom in late April. She later died from her injuries. Before Plaskon was put into his handcuffs he reportedly said, “I did it, just arrest me.” He was See “Crazy,” cont. on pg. 3

[ INSIDE THIS ISSUE... ] Are You Addicted? ....pg. 2

Turn Down For What.... pg.4

It’s A Barbies World....pg.5

College Is Ahead.....

Pg. 7

Places To Be ..Pg. 8-9

Watch What You Say....

Pg. 12

Farewell Coaches......

Pg. 14

Under The Sea.......Pg. 16

[FEATURES]

[PAGE 2]

Social Network Addiction

By Ere’Shay Winters STAFF REPORTER

As technology has progressed, teens are beginning to spend more and more of their time on social networks. Students tend to spend at least their whole day on their phone on an app or social network. Social networks are taking all their attention away. It’s becoming a substitute actually going out and hanging with your friends.

Junior Antoinette Daniels said she spends somewhat all of her day on her phone.

“I need something to occupy me,” Daniels said.

If you walk out in the halls, you are most likely to see more than half the students in the hall on their phones. They could be taking pictures, tweeting, posting something, or texting. But they are doing something with social networking all the time.

Can they not get away from it?

A recent Harvard study shows there may be a reason for the addiction.

“Social media gives the same pleasure as does food, money, and sex,” the study reported.

Researches learned from experiments that the “act of disclosing information about oneself activates the same part of the brain that is associated with the sensation of pleasure, the same pleasure that we get from eating food, getting money or having even having sex.”

The experiments that Harvard researchers have done

found that the parts of the brain linked with reward revealed that people talking about themselves were more engaged than them talking about someone else, showing that people are maybe addicted to themselves.

“There are so many apps that let you post pictures of yourself and post things about yourself. I guess you just begin to get addicted to it,” Daniels said.

As years have past, social networks have gotten more advanced. In the past, you were only able to post status updates on your Twitter, pictures of you and your friends on Bebo, and play games. But now you can Facetime your out of state family, ask anonymous questions on Ask, get cool ideas from Pinterest, stalk your favorite celebrity on Twitter, make goofy videos and become Vine famous and post thousands of random pictures on Instagram.

Senior Eri’Yasha Winters said she has to post at least five pictures of herself every day on Instagram.

“I can't just pick one I end up using all of them, I'm so beautiful I want the world to see me,” Winters said.

According to University Chronicle.net, “students born into a generation of increasing technology and convenience have another distraction on their hands. The development and growing popularity of social media websites is poised to add yet another item on the todo list before homework gets

done.”

Instagram and Twitter have become very popular over the years.

Some new websites that have gained popularity are Pinterest, Tumblr, and Vine.

(See sidebar for Top 15 Most Popular Social Networking Sites) According to a recent study led by researchers at the Miriam Hospital, using social media may impair academic performance.

“Social networks doesn't affect me but I do think it affects students’ work habits. I think it takes you away from your work,” Daniels said.

Junior Sydney Jackson agrees with Daniels.

See “Social Network,” cont on pg 3

Top 15 Most Popular Social Networking Sites 2014 *from eBizMBA Rank

1. Facebook 2. Twitter 3. LinkedIn 4. Pinterest 5. Google Plus+

6. Tumblr 7. Instagram 8. VK 9. Flickr 10. Myspace 11. Tagged 12. Ask.fm 13. Meetup 14. MeetMe 15. Classmates

[NEWS/FEATURES]

Party Rock At Cabaret

By Breonda Keith Staff Reporter

Yes, it was that time of year again for the sequin vests, neon colored shirts, and dancing shoes to come out. Cabaret was back and all of the RHS choir hours, under the musical direction of choir teacher Jennifer Gerding, accompanist Donna Fast and the choreography of RHS alumni LeAundre Williams combined to bring audiences one of the best ways to end the 2013-14 school year with “Party Rock At Cabaret 2014.” The combined choir classes took the stage May 9 and 10, at 7:00 p.m. with the annual Cabaret performances.

Each soloists, dancer, and choir member worked hard since early January to present the show. Cabaret has been

a tradition for more than 40 years. Cabaret was brought to Ruskin High School by Gerding.

“Cabaret began in 1973 at Hickman Mills High School,” Gerding said. “I know because I was in the first three shows!

That's how old I am.”

Gerding, who will be retiring this year, has worked diligently to make sure her last year conducting Cabaret is a memorable experience and is very excited to see the turnout of this year’s show.

“It is a variety show with solos, small groups and large groups singing and dancing,” Gerding said. “Sometimes seeing that kid that drives you crazy in class up on stage singing and dancing changes the way you feel about them.”

Senior Kourtnie McKinney, junior La’Rae Jackson, senior Antonio Cisneros, and junior Starie Johnson lead 5th, 6th, and 7th hour choirs in “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO, the first number in this year’s Cabaret performance.

“Social Network,” cont. from pg. 2 “I do think it affects your work habits because one minute you're doing your homework then you take a break to see what your friends posted and that break turns into the rest of the day,” Jackson said.

Senior Elexus Gillespie said she thinks it causes social outbreaks of people.

“It can cause a whole bunch of fonking and drama happens,” Gillespie said.

Junior Le’Ondra Wilson, who spends her whole day using her phone, thinks that teens spending all their time on social networks will start to cause them to do crazy things.

“People get addicted to things that they can't let go,” Wilson said.

[PAGE 3]

“Crazy World” cont. from front cover

caption

charged as an adult and has a $3 million dollar bond.

Unexpected violence like this has even hit home for Kansas City.

Mohammed Whitaker was accused of shooting at vehicles on Kansas City highways in April and wounded three drivers. Whitaker faces 18 felony accounts in over a dozen shootings. The police trailed Whitaker for over a week before taking action. The shootings happened near the Grandview Triangle on 71 Highway, Interstate 435, Interstate 49 and Interstate 470.

And that wasn’t the only recent shooting relevant to Kansas City.

Glenn Miller, a former member of the KKK, shot and killed two people near the Jewish Community Center and one at a nearby retirement community in Overland Park, Kan. When Miller was arrested, he reportedly yelled “Heil Hitler.”

The gunman had a long history of racist beliefs, and will face hate crime charges when in court. Ironically, none of those he killed were of Jewish faith.

When asked if the highway shootings worried people at RHS, teacher Kim Jacobs said she was very nervous when she heard about the them.

“When I’m coming to and from work, I drive in the same area that the shooter was in,”

Jacobs said.

Senior Sydney Jackson said she also was concerned but that life was too short to stay at home.

“When I heard about all the shootings in KC I was a little worried,” said Jackson.

“But you can’t hide in your house all day. Eventually, you need to leave.”

With so much random violence in the country, is there any way to stop it or not become a victim? Ruskin MJROTC instructor Sgt. Ivan Glasco said he would be proactive if he came across something that looked suspicious. ”I think I’m a very cautious driver because I ride a motorcycle so I have good situational awareness of what’s around me,” Glasco said. “If there were no cars around me and I saw someone pointing a gun, I would hit my brakes and let that car (shooter) go forward, get on my phone, and look at the cars license plates to report it.”

Jacobs suggested that regulating weapons may be a solution.

“One way to stop situations like this is to have police really crack down on gun control,” she said. “I think that guns should only be given to guards of that nature not the public.”

[FEATURES]

[PAGE 4]

Pressuring the “Turn up”

By Kourtnie McKinney

P

Staff Reporter

eer pressure is a big deal, especially in high school because there are more occasions to have parties.

And with parties, comes drinking, drugs, and possibly sex.

Teens must learn to have a mind of their own and say no.Saying no to alcohol is the best way to go, especially if you're driving and there are other people in the car. Driving drunk is also against the the law anyway.

And if you're in highschool that shouldn't even be in your plans because you're not of age. What if you got stopped by the police for reckless driving? Or worse.

There are a lot of risks when it comes to drinking alcohol, but some teens think it’s all about having a good time.

“Most of the time I do drink and/or smoke when I go out because it seems like I have more fun,” a Ruskin senior said.

Teens need to learn to have fun in other ways.

Unfortunately, like Anderson, consuming alcohol or doing drugs has been a pretty normal thing for American teens.

According to CBS News, the percentage of underage drinkers was 78 percent and the percentage of teens that had an opportunity to use drugs was 81 percent but the actual percent of teens that tried the drugs was 42.5 percent. Although some students do think drugs and alcohol is a must, thankfully, there are some sensible students at Ruskin.

“I do not think getting drunk and/or high just to go

out is cool because you can still have a good time and be sober,” senior Imunique Swinton said.

Smoking weed is illegal in our state, so that shouldn't even be an option, especially since it is the gateway drug to other drugs. Doing drugs is very harmful to your body and not to mention it can affect the way others view you.

Sometimes teens are pressured into doing these harmful things. When you're 18, you can go certain places and do certain things that younger kids might not be able to do. Certain things like, the hookah bar, 18 and older parties, being over 18 to buy certain things. So what happens when you're a sophomore and your close friend is a senior and you guys decide to go to a party, but the party is 18 and up? You’re 17, but your

friend pressures you into getting your older sister’s ID just so you guys can go out together. Another situation would be if you're in high school and hang out with people that are out of high school and able to drink and you're not, but your still pressured into doing it.

Situations like this occur a lot in high school.

Peer pressure doesn't only have to be drugs or alcohol, it can be sex too. Some teens find themselves drunk at a party and end up going home with a complete stranger and having a one night stand. Often one night stands come with STD’s, pregnancy, or emotional attachment. The best way to prevent this is to stay sober. This will help you have more sense to just say no.

See “Pressure,” cont. on pg. 11

[NEWS/FEATURES]

If Looks

By Tierra Taylor Staff Reporter

It’s time to teach all girls that they can be so much more than posing half naked on a Sports Magazine. They should celebrate who they are and never have to box in their full potential.

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, an estimated 70 percent of girls from grades 5 through 12 said magazine images influence their ideals of an ideal body.

In February, on the 50th anniversary of Barbie, the doll appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated wearing a bikini and caused backlash and controversy. The Barbie was first on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Magazine in 1959.

Mattel has changed Barbie with the times. It has gone through many reinventions with at least 150 different careers.

Barbie is the number one toy among dolls and is worth $1.3 billion in sales. But through recent years, Barbie has lost some popularity to newer toys like Mattel’s Monster High, American Girl, Baby Alive.

Branding expert Allan Adamson believes that making Barbie the cover of Sports

Illustrated isn’t the right way to revamp the brand.

“The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue is one step away from Playboy magazine,” Adamson said during an interview with the Washington Post.

“It is potentially sending the wrong message to girls.”

Opinionist Teresa Genaro from Forbes Magazine made her own column about Barbie Dolls.

“Sports Illustrated reminds me that in its world, women are still objects to be admired for what they look like not for what they do,” said Genaro.

Barbie is known for her great looks, and perfect body.

Some women spend up to thousands of dollars trying to have the perfect look, Including hair stylists, makeup artists, and drastic plastic surgery.

Sarah Burge, who referred to herself as the “Real life” Barbie Doll, reportedly spent over $500,000 trying to achieve the “Barbie look.”

[PAGE 5]

Could Kill Along with low self-esteem, Barbie also brings body image issues that may be the cause of serious eating disorders.

The National Center of Health Statistics states that 8 million people in the United States have an eating disorder.

Of those, 90% are female while 80% of those women are under the age of 20.

Te e n n i c k . com reports that the average girl from ages 3-11 owns at least ten Barbie dolls and spends hours playing with them and dressing them up.

According to The Center For Mental

Health Services, 90 percent of those that have an eating disorder are women between the ages of 12 to their early twenties. One year after the average girl has played with Barbies.

It’s time for girls to stop viewing Barbie as a role model.

She’s only a toy.

Eagle’s Eye Editorial Policy Do you have a comment on this or another article? We welcome your letters to the editor. See guidelines below.

A. Forum. Eagle’s Eye News is the official student-produced medium of news and information published/produced by Ruskin High School’s Eagle’s Eye News staff members. The Eagle’s Eye News has been established as a designated public forum for student expression used to inform, educate and entertain its readers as well as for the discussion of issues of concern to its audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publi-

cation or distribution. The content of Eagle’s Eye News is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials, the school, the Hickman Mills C-1 School District or any of its affiliates. Advisers may – and should – coach and discuss content – during the writing process. The Eagle’s Eye will print as many letters to the editor as space allows each issue. The Eagle’s Eye reserves the right not to print a letter.

B. Format. All letters to the editor

must include the writer’s name, signature and class or position. Typed, double-space letters are preferred, but legible, hand-written letters are acceptable. All letters must be signed.

C. Limitations. Letters should be limited to approximately 300 words, or about one-and-a-half double-spaced, typewritten pages.

D. Editing. Letters to the editor will not be edited, except in rare cases to prevent legal liability (libel, obscenity, invasion of

privacy, etc.), to edit material that is in poor taste, or to fit space requirements.

E. Address. Letters should be addressed to the editor, placed in an envelope and mailed to Eagle’s Eye c/o Ruskin High School; emailed to eagleseye@ ruskinnews.com, placed in Mrs. Williams’ mail box in the main office or hand-delivered to Room 102.

[SENIOR SPECIAL]

Countdown to Commencement

By Edward Goode Staff Reporter

The graduation season is just around the corner as seniors are preparing to walk across the stage in May. Most seniors are ready to go to college and begin the new journeys in life that awaits them.

“I’m very excited about graduating high school and going to college and taking the first steps to my new life,” senior Jaylon Goode said.

Some are just excited to be able to graduate from high school.

“I’m very excited. I can’t wait,” senior Lanisha Stone

said.

Some seniors are a little sad to be leaving behind high school as they transition to the next stage in their lives and leave things from high school behind. Things that they might have had an emotional connection to and meant a lot to them such as teachers, friends or food they might have enjoyed or loved while in high school.

“I’m going to miss some of my friends that are going to different colleges,” Goode said.

Other things that seniors might miss when they graduate is just being at Ruskin.

College Checklist

By Shannon Hogan staff reporter

The school year is over for seniors, and this summer they will be busy searching for materials that will help them in the next stage of life, Such as college and the things they will need for it. Below is a college checklist of some important things that will be helpful to start college off the right way:

Bedding:

Bed Sheets Blankets ($21.98 at Dormco.com for twin XL)

Tablet (Best Buy $200)

Headphones Microsoft Office Alarm Clock calculator

School/Desk Supplies: Pencil Pens (Officemax $10.99)

“I’m going to miss my friends, most of my teachers and just being at the school,” Stone said.

As graduation is fast approaching, a lot of seniors are trying to wrap some things up to ensure that they walk with the rest of their classmates.

Things such as finishing up any missing assignments, or paying any fines they might have.

“I need to make sure I turn in all my assignments and make sure I’m passing all my classes,” Goode said.

While some seniors still need to get their grades up and pay their fines, some are alrubberbands envelopes

Food:

Bottle water Ramen Noodles (Sam’s Club $6.87)

Granola Bars Energy drink Cereal Popcorn Mac & Cheese

[PAGE 6]

ready prepared to graduate and just to need to keep their grades up.

“I’m pretty much ready, I just need to make sure I keep all my grades up,” Stone said.

Graduation day looms around the corner as seniors are preparing and counting down to the day of commencement.

spoons, forks, knives

Toiletries:

Shampoo Shaving cream Soap Toothbrush toothpaste hairbrush/comb mirror lotion nail clippers dental floss hair spray toilet paper ($6.50 at Family Dollar)

Kitchen Supplies:

coffee maker microwave ($79.99 Office Depot)

razor mouthwash disinfecting wipes

Important Documents: Mattress Pad Pillow & Pillow cases

Technology:

Cell Phone/Charger Laptop USB Flash drive Printer/Printing paper

Paper Glue Paper clips Folders/binders staples ruler scissors white out calendar

Cups Dish detergent Chip clips paper plates papertowels Plastic food containers minifridge

Social security card driving licence student id list of emergency contacts car registration renter insurance

[SENIOR SPECIAL/NEWS]

Ruskin students prep for college

By Ere’Shay Winters staff reporter

What college/tech.school/ work will you attend and what will you major in and what are some things you are doing to prepare for college/tech. school/work?

A: “I will be attending Penn Valley I will become a CNA,” senior Leah Anderson said. “I’m taking a class to prepare me.”

A: “Tennessee State University in Nashville Tennessee and I will major in Biology,“ senior Andrea Baker said.

“Making good grades, filling out applications, and taking the ACT.“ A: “KU. I’ll major in Pre Med,“senior Shyniece Smith said.

“I’ve been studying and looking up courses I need to take and making sure I have all the credits I need to graduate on time.“ A: “Longview to get my associates first. I’ll major in Business Administration,” senior Aaron McNealy said. “I

took graphic design at Herndon and I already got my certificate so I just need to get my Associates, then transfer.”

A: “I will attending Penn Valley for nursing,” senior Mikayla Pickett said. “I took the ACT, did my FASFA, I've applied, I’ve been researching things that interest me as far as colleges and classes I wanna take and what I wanna go for.”

A: “Vatterott for cosmetology.

I wanna go to cosmetology school,” senior Mariah Fitzhugh said. “I've been buying makeup, buying supplies and stuff. I've been practicing on people like doing their makeup.”

A: “I'm going to attend Avila University to become a writer, director, actor, and own my own business and theatre,” senior Jimmy Nichols said. “I've been in

the play here, and I've written out my own play and movie.”

A: ”Before I go to college, I'm going to go to the Army Reserve, but right now I'm deciding between UMKC and KU, but I'm more leaning toward UMKC,”senior Yerym Baek said. “Right now, I took a lot of AP classes and dual credit classes that will help me prepare for college, because the more you challenge yourself the better prepared you are.”

A: “I'm attending UCM and I'm majoring in English,” senior Kahyla Taylor said. “I'm taking an AP Literature class and my parents are helping me through a lot.”

A: “University of Kansas and I'm going to major in Business Administration Entrepreneurship,” s e n i o r Bryce Stevenson said. “Everything everyone else is done; filing the FASFA, doing the new student orientation, paying my new student fee, just stuff they ask for.”

[PAGE 7]

2014-15 Dance Team Selected

A team of judges from inside and outside the school helped RHS Dance Coach Larryn Bankston select the 2014-15 Ruskin Dance Team.

“I think the 2014- 2015 Dance team is going to put Ruskin High School back on the map,” Bankston said. “I think I have chosen an outstanding team that can compete against the best teams from anywhere.”

Bankston not only had teachers and dance professionals judge the tryouts this year, the group added another first.

“We put a twist on things with adding in three young men this year,” Bankston said.

“This is going to be a great upcoming school year for the Ruskin Dance team!”

Also this year, Bankston and the current team members sold tickets for students to watch a Captain’s Battle - a competition to win captain honors. The battle was between Yahzmine Jackson, Charysma Smoot, Alexus Butts. Jackson won the competition and will serve as the team’s captain next year with Smoot as co-captain. “Thanks for conducting a professional tryout competition that could rival a TV dance competition!” business teacher Terri Redden said.

2014-15 Ruskin Eaglettes Dance Team Yahzmine Jackson – Captain Charysma Smoot – Co Captain Jasmine Martin Rodnesha Butts Traneece Dickerson Ronique Gause Kreshona Williams Aeriona Verge

Gentleman (Pep Assemblies) Tygee Faulkner Delshon Bradford Daquan Manor Coaches: Larryn Bankston and Le’Audre Williams

[ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]

[PAGE 8

By Kourtnie McKinney Staff Reporter

In the summertime, teens always complain that there is nothing to do in Kansas City.

But most of the time, it’s because of the teens that there is nothing to do.

“Teen violence prevents people from going to entertainment districts,” senior Elyse Hines said.

Regardless if teens think that there is nothing to do because of their ridiculous acts, there ARE great things to do and see right here in our own hometown!

Teen Place #1

Club KC!

Club KC is a place that the mayor came up with as a safe alternative for teens in the summertime.

Iit includes drinks, food and an MC at every event.

L o c a tions: Brush Creek – Every Friday & Saturday night this summer (closed July 4) Hillcrest – Some Fridays nights & every Saturday night this summer (closed July 4) Kansas City North – One Event on 7/18 Arts Tech – Various dates (please see calendar) Plaza Library – June 6, July 14, and August 9.

Nelson Art Events – Various dates during Club KC at high school locations. (please see calendar).

More Info: http://kcmayor. org/mayorsnights

Teen place #2

Crown Center WeekENDers

It’s a place where you can buy food, bring a blanket and some friends, watch a movie and chill out. It’s a perfect way to be violence-free in the summer time plus its FREE! Date: 7/11/2014, 7/11/2014, 7/25/2014, 8/1/2014, 8/8/2014, Time: Festivities begin at

FUN IDEAS er on regular days- $44.99 Sunday to Friday twilight -$24.99, pay once, visit twice - $54.99.

For guest under 48’ and seniors on regular Location: 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161

Rd., Kansas City, MO More Info: http://thebaykc.com/

Teen Place #5

Teen Place #4

The Bay

5 p.m., music at 6 p.m., movie at approximately 9 p.m.

Cost: FREE Location: 2450 Grand Blvd #200, Kansas City, MO 64108

The Bay is Kansas City’s newest water park that is in the Ruskin area. Its full of fun slides, a kiddie park and refreshments. With new lower prices plus food and drinks allowed you cant beat a better deal than this!

Date: Memorial Day- Labor Day

Teen Place #3

Worlds/Oceans of Fun

Worlds of Fun is Kansas City’s Theme park, Its full of over 100 rides, delicious food, and a good time! Now that Worlds of Fun is combined with Oceans of Fun you can ride and slide! Its the perfect way to chill out on a hot summer day!

Date: Open Year-Round Time: 10 a.m. - Midnight Cost: For guest 48’ or tall-

Time: Sat may 24; monfri noon -8 p.m.; sat & sun 11 a.m.-8 a.m.; holidays 11-6; closed mon-thurs until HMSD gets out Cost: Less than 48’ $5; 5-7$ depending on height; Reg price is $9 Location: 7101 Longview

Wabash BBQ Blues Garden Concerts

Just a short drive from the city, Wabash BBQ is a fun, family friendly place to enjoy Kansas City style BBQ! During the summer months of May - September they hold concerts for regional blues performers at the outdoor Blues Garden featuring artists like Nick Moss and 4 Fried Chickens and a Coke, with no cover charge. This is a great place to spend a summer evening! Not to mention the historic Elm’s hotel is right next door!

Date: Saturdays, May -

S

[ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]

FOR TEENS IN KC September, check website for schedule Time: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.

- 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Cost: FREE! Location: Excelsior Springs More Info: wabashbbq. com

This

spectacular

Teen Place #7

The Legends

Teen Place #6

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Varies according to days check website for details.

Cost: General admission $36.99 Location: 9400 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112 More Info: www.schlitterbahn.com/kansas-city

water

park is fairly new to Kansas City but don’t let that fool you, Schlitterbahn is one of the city’s top water parks. With the latest addition of the worlds tallest water slide, this place is sure to be jam packed with fun!

Date: Opens May 23 September 1 Time: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The Legends is an outside mall located in Kansas. This shopping center has just about everything from outlet stores to Dave and Busters. Not to mention that the MLS championship winners home is right across the street!

Date: All year Time: Mon - Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Location: 1843 Village W Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66109 More info: www.legendsshopping.com/

[PAGE 9]

Ruskin Theatre recognized in metro Ruskin High School’s theatre department is hauling in the award nominations for the two musicals presented this year, “Grease” and “Once on this Island.”

On May 1, Starlight Theatre presented senior Ty-Kiera Berry with a Blue Star Nomination for Outstanding Technical Achievement for her work on “Grease.” Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards®, Starlight’s Blue Star Awards recognizes achievement and excellence in high school musical theatre and is one of the largest of its kind in the nation. The program, sponsored by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City, annually serves approximately 5,000 area students who contribute either on the stage or behind the scenes to their schools’ musical theatre productions. For the 2013-2014 season, 46 schools presented 52 musicals.

On May 12, RHS theatre teacher Kelly Michale announced that the department had received eight Cappie nominations, as listed below.

The Kansas City’s Cappies program is a program through which high school theatre students across the nation are trained as critics, attend shows at surrounding high schools, write reviews, and publish those reviews in local newspapers like the Kansas City Star, Jackson County Advocate, Lees Summit Journal, Independence Examiner, etc. At the end of the year, the student critics vote for awards that are presented at a formal Cappies Gala which is being held at Ruskin High School this year on May 31 at 6:30 p.m.

There will be 15+ Kansas City area high schools attending the Gala, totaling over 500+ guests in the audience. The presenters that hand out the awards include local celebrities, professional actors, college representatives and local media personalities.

2013-2014 nominations for RHS

Special Effects and or Technology: Cherie Ramsey, Once On This Island

Female Vocalist: Itohan Amayo, Grease

Choreography: Crystal Rhodes, Once On This Island

Comic Actor in a Musical: Vincent Pellettiere, Grease

Creativty: Marvin Acosta, Domanique Clayton, Grease

Lead Actress in a Musical: Itohan Amayo, Once On This Island

Creativity: Rosetta Eiken, Once On This Island

The following students will perform in the Opening Medley of the Gala: Itohan Amayo, Akilah Bryan and Alex Arnold

Female Dancer: Crystal Rhodes, Once On This Island

Seniors Alex Arnold and Itohan Amayo lead the cast in one of the dance production numbers from the spring musical, “Once on this Island” which performed on April 10-12 in the RHS Auditorium. Senior Crystal Rhodes received a Cappies nomination for Choreopgraphy and Female Dancer for the musical.

[SENIOR SPECIAL]

[PAGE 10]

The Struggles of turning 18

By Shannon Hogan staff reporter

Most teens are excited about turning 18. They can buy cigarettes, lottery tickets, and blunt shells. But, turning 18 also means additional responsibilities for some students.

They often have to pay rent, get health insurance, get a car, and a job. These are the first steps of beginning to start the first stages of being on their own.

Some students at Ruskin High will have to experience to hardships of being an adult.

Senior Malaysia Campbell said after turning 18, her parents make her pay for everything she wants.

“My parents expect more

out of me now. If I make a mistake, my parents will expect me to know better and that I am getting “too old” and need to be more aware of my actions,” Campbell said.

Many young adults stay living at home with their parents after graduation because they’re not quite ready to move forward in their lives. But senior Marcus Ellis is excited about turning 18 because he feels more like an adult. He too will begin paying for his wants and more of his needs once he graduate.

“I can’t run to my mother for every little thing anymore,” Ellis said. “I have to start buying my own things.”

Most teens feel like they

are pressured to move out of their parents house right away after they graduate. Others say that their parents will let them stay as long as they want until they feel like they’re ready to move out on their own.

“I’m not moving out my parents house right after graduation because I need sometime to save my money up, I want to feel like I’m rushing being an adult.” senior Sara Black said.

“After all, I can never be a kid again!”

Many young adults return back home to living with their parents after experiencing the hardships of college, jobs, and broken relationships.

Most teens are used to relying on their parents supporting and

taking care of them. But what happens when your parent suddenly decides it’s time for you to move out and get a place of your own? Would you know what to do?

“I don’t have to pay rent at my mother’s house because I will be living on campus, paying my own rent and buying my own food,” Campbell said.

“But by me going to college I will stay on my parents health insurance for now.”

Ellis will be moving from his mother's house after graduation and in with his older brother. He will pitch in on the rent even though he is not obligated to pay it. Ellis will also supply food, his wants, and stay on his parents health insurance.

Four-Year Journey Comes to An End

By Anthony Glover staff reporter

Its that time of year. Juniors waiting eagerly for the turn.

Sophomores moving another year closer. Seniors walking across the stage, with just one thing on their mind. “What memory am I going to have forever when I leave this school.”

A: “Junior year we played hide

and seek in the whole school,” senior Britany Simmons said.

“The whole s o c c e r team.The boys locker room, the teachers lounge, if the office was open we hide in there. We hid everywhere. We would climb the gates. We ran all through the halls.”

A: “The assemblies,” se- coming queen,” senior Lanesha

nior Jada Griffin said.

“They be cracking low key. Or acting wild low key.

Meeting new people, getting to know new people.

But really the best memory is just having fun.”

A

through the sports.”

A

:

“When I won first runner up for home-

:

“Playing sports to be honest,” senior Jerome Asbury said.

“Meeting new people

Kimberly said. “I really didn’t think I was going to win. ”

A: “Theater,” senior Akilah Bryan said. “The plays and performing for the school.”

A: “Gym,” senior Malik Barbour said. “Just getting to hoop people and have fun and being P.B.I.S.” A: “Basketball season,”

s e n i o r J a m a r i Chalmers said.

“Returning from my (knee) injury when I got hurt.”

A: “The end of my sopho-

more year in gym,” senior Desirea Collins Abbott said.

“All my friends were in there, and we started playing truth or dare. It was just so fun. Everybody was daring everybody to do crazy stuff.

Like dance on the teacher. It was just really funny ‘cause everybody kept picking dare.”

A: “Coming into Fame the musical,” senior Itohan Amayo said. “Thats when my theater life began; and meeting my best friends that I will never regret having.”

A

:

“Going to the pep rallies,” senior Jenay Walker said.

[NEWS]

[PAGE 11]

OPINION - “Pressue,” cont. from pg. 4

“A Change Is Coming,” cont. from cover

With celebrations like prom and graduation or even your birthday, some teens feel pressure from their partners and think that sex is required.

“Yes, sometimes sex is expected after certain occasions,” senior Jada Griffin said.

But what happens when it’s only your partner that's forcing that on you and you don’t want to? It’s more difficult to say no when you’re in a relationship with someone and you want to please him or her.

Most of the time peer pressure comes from the ones closest to you, but teens need to know that it’s okay to say no if you’re not ready.

The next time you're a victim of peer pressure say no.

You dont have to fall into the trap.

Thomas said he has always wanted to be the best and is bringing that attitude to Ruskin. ”If it was laying carpet, painting tile, or painting a room, I always wanted to be the best at what I did,” Thomas said. That’s just kind of my mindset. Success, it feeds me, but I'm very humble.”

Thomas said the help of Ruskin’s student body will turn the football program around.

“With the help of the student body just giving the guys support,” he said. “Just saying ‘good job today,’ ‘go out there and work hard today,’ opposed to saying ‘oh y'all gonna lose anyways’,” Thomas said.

Thomas said they will eventually believe.

“Once they start learning the techniques and the skills and start believing in themselves then the job will be easy but right now its not going to be easy,” Thomas said.

Thomas wants the students to be proud of being part of Ruskin.

“When you graduate, I want you to be proud to say ‘I was a Ruskin Eagle. That’s my high school’. Once we can get you to say that, the job is done,” Thomas said.

Thomas said he has a couple of players that will probably come from the league and talk to Ruskin players. The biggest thing for Thomas is to have everyone come together and support each other. Many of the football players have said that they like their new coach.

Junior Jamal Karriem said he’s “real cool, he’s real inspiring.”

Sophomore Vernon Davis agrees.

Eagle’s Eye 2013-14 staff Breonda Kieth senior Kourtnie McKinney, senior Ere’Shay Winters, senior Edward Goode, junior Shannon Hogan, junior Anthony Glover, sophomore Tierra Taylor, sophomore

“I like him,” Davis said. “I know he will be a big impact on our football field.”

Junior Darius Walker thinks the team will become better with the new coach.

“A new coach from the NFL? Yeah we’ll be better than last year and the year before,” Walker said.

J u nior Deon Ward thinks it’s going to change Coach Thomas meets with his future football players on his first trip to Ruskin High School in April. Photo by Ere’Shay things. Soph- Winters omore Mike Young said he will be looking a player’s coach with Jack Del forward to wins in the upcom- Rio, so I had good experiencing season because of their for- es with the Jaguars,” Thomas said. mer NFL playing coach.

Thomas said he enjoyed Thomas first got drafted in everyday in the NFL. He went Jacksonville. He said he didn't to work with the mission of know too much, all he knew trying to be the best and trying was Tom Coughlin. to outwork everybody and his “He was the first coach coaching career is the same.

“I look at it the same,” that brought me in,” Thomas Thomas said. Everything in life said.

Getting drafted and be- is about hard work and being coming head coach is very committed.”

Thomas wants everyone similar, according to Thomas. to come together. Not only stuWhat he learned from his years with the Jaguars is one thing. dents but staff and parents also.

Be five minutes early.

“I learned discipline with Tom Coughlin and how to be

[SPORTS]

[PAGE 12]

Owners racist comments have consequences

By Shannon Hogan

T

STAFF REPORTER

he Los Angeles Clippers are under the pressure of getting sold after owner Donald Sterling made racist comments. Not knowing that his girlfriend, V. Stiviano, was secretly recording their private argument, Sterling told her that she shouldn’t post black people on her Instagram page.

Sterling referred, specifically, to a picture of her and former NBA player Magic Johnson, according to the audio tape, released by TMZ and authenticated by a variety of sources.

“I don’t understand, I don’t see your views. I wasn’t raised the way you were raised,” Stiviano said on the audio tape.

“You can sleep with [black people]. You can bring them in, you can do whatever you want.

The little I ask you is not to promote it on that ... and not to bring them to my games,” Sterling replied on the tape.

NBA officials received the recording and agreed that his remarks were extremely racist and offensive. The Clippers turned their jerseys inside out to silently protest against their owner. Other NBA teams did the same, such as the Miami Heat during a game against the Charlotte Bobcats in order to show their support and respect for the Clippers.

On April 29, NBA com-

Celebs SPEAK OUT... about Clippers owner Donald Sterling.

missioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from attending the Clippers games, and practices for the rest of his life and fined him $2.5 million. Sliver said then that he he would try to make Sterling sell the team, according to an April 29 article in the New York Times.

Silver has now instructed NBA owners to make Sterling sell the Clippers using the franchise agreement in which ¾ votes of the Board of Governors can terminate the membership of an owner for a variety of listed reasons. Sports Illustrated columnist Michael McCann wrote in an April 29 article that there could be some debate about the ousting among owners.

“No owner will defend Sterling’s racism, but some might question whether Article 13 (of the franchise agreement) and potentially other authorizing language was intended for this type of transgression,” McCann said in the article.

Silver thinks otherwise.

“I will urge the Board of Governors to exercise its authority to force the sale of the team,” Silver said in the SI article. “I will do everything in my power to ensure that that happens. … I fully expect to get the support I need from the other NBA owners.”

Many celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Floyd May-

weather Jr., Magic Johnson, S n o o p Dogg, and Rick Ross are reportedly interested in buying the Clippers if Sterling decides to sell the team. Los Angeles M a y o r Eric Garcetti said they he will continue to pressure Sterling into selling the team, but said it may take a “protracted fight” before the 80-yearold billionaire agrees to sell, according to a May 4 LA Times article.

Do you think the Clippers owner was right about what he said? Why/Why Not? “I dont believe that he is right. He’s offending the people that are making him most of his money by saying ignorant and racist things.” ~sophomore Tierra Taylor-Garcia “It was very offensive and racist, how would he feel if someone said that about white people.” ~junior Nick Johnson “It don’t matter to me he still making money.” ~junior Rodney Taylor “No, because America is trying to get to the point where racial discrimination does not exist and his comment does not set the example of racial equality.” junior Shardae Williams “No I don’t think he was right because he is perpetuating hate and hate has no place in this world.” ~ junior Hershel Rockett

Do you think him being forced to sell the team is fair? Why/Why Not? “I believe its fair because it doesn’t make any sense for a racist to own a black team.” ~sophomore Tierra Taylor-Garcia “Yes its fair, he should of kept his comments to himself.” ~junior Nick Johnson “No, everyone has there own opinion of things and he was raised in a different time period.” ~ junior Rodney Taylor “Yes because if someone can’t treat people fairly based off the color of their skin than how can they lead a team with more than one race.” junior Shardae Williams “Yes If he breaks a rule then there are consequences” ~ junior Hershel Rockett “No, I don’t think it’s fair. What he said was in his own home. It’s not like he was saying it in public.

People deserve privacy and have their own right to their opinion.” ~ junior Heaven Soemer

Snoop Dogg

Lil Wayne

Meek Mill

Barack Obama

Magic Johnson

[Donald Sterling is a] b**ch-a** redneck, white bread, chicken sh** mother f******.

If I was a Clipper fan, I wouldn’t be one anymore.

Itâs that simple. But if I was a Clipper player, a current Clipper player, you wouldn’t see me on the court anymore in that uniform

Donald sterling is the definition of racism .... He could be your judge.... Your doctor..... your teacher etc.

When ignorant folks want to advertise their ignorance, you don’t really have to do anything. You just let them talk. We’ve made enormous strides, but you’re going to continue to see this percolate up every so often.

It’s a shame that Donald Sterling feels that way about African-Americans. He has a team full of amazing AfricanAmerican basketball players that are working to bring a championship to Clippers fans.”

[SPORTS]

[PAGE 13]

No More N-word In The NFL?

By Tierra Taylor Staff Reporter

The NFL (National Football League) is considering the banning of some racial and homophobic slurs from players while on the field.

The Fritz Pollard Alliance is urging the NFL to make a 15-yard penalty for any players using the n-word regardless the player’s race or intent on the word used. During the second offense, players will get ejected from the game. The Fritz Pollard Alliance is an organization that has worked with the NFL trying to increase the number of black coaches and promoting diversity.

John Wooten, the chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation and former NFL lineman, doesn’t think a 15-yard long penalty is a strong enough punishment for use of the word. Wooten said he believes a second offense should result in the player getting kicked off the field.

“The word was created to make you feel, as a black man, that you were inferior; that you were nothing; that you were sub-human; that you had no talents; that all you could do is pick cotton,” Wooten said in an interview with ESPN. Eagle Wide Receiver Riley Cooper agrees that the ban would be a good thing.

In July of 2013, a video surfaced of Cooper using the word at a concert. He apologized then took a short leave of

absence from the Philadelphia Eagles Football team to receive counseling.

An RHS teacher agreed with the ban.

“I thought the word would have already been banned,” said social worker Ed Cason. “Its very unprofessional.

Teachers can’t go around calling each other the n-word. I think the right kind of penalty is to ban them $10,000. I bet they wouldn’t say that word again. ” Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman and some other NFL players disagreed.

“It is almost racist, to me,” Sherman said during an interview with themmqb.com. “Its weird that they’re targeting one specific word. Why wouldn’t all curse words be banned then?”

Sherman also stated that using the n-word ending in “-a” ending isn’t racist but using it with an “-er” is racist.

“The only people who say the N-word on the football field are African-Americans,” said Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin during an interview with News Tribune. “So for the rule to specifically to hone in on one word, it’s kind of odd to me when there’s so many other things that are more offensive that have been said on the field.”

“If you want to ban offensive language, let’s ban all offensive language, Baldwin said in a separate interview

Philadelphia Eagles’ Riley Cooper celebrates with Evan Mathis after his twopoint conversion against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013. Cooper has some experience with the consequences of using the “n” word and agrees that a ban would be good. (Ron Cortes/Philadelphia Inquirer/MCT)

with ESPN. “Not one particular word that is only used by one particular group.”

The ban could also affect players in other leagues like the NBA. “It’s a very tough situation,” Bosh said in an interview with ESPN. “If that’s the case, they should ban all slurs. If you’re going to penalize one word, then put them all in there. Use every slur, every negative curse word. I don’t know how they’re going to enforce it. I think that can get kind of tricky.”

Few students from RHS

agreed with the ban.

“The word is used on daily basis by many people at RHS,” said Ruskin Eagles wide receiver Trevell Young.

Junior Dominique Graves agreed with Young.

“That’s dumb to me,” said Graves. “That word should not affect how much money players make. It’s just a game.”

[SPORTS]

Coaches Moving On

By Anthony Glover Staff Reporter

Ruskin High School varsity head coaches, tenured and nontenured, are all moving on for next year. Many of coaches are leaving the school after this school year, either for retirement or to teach elsewhere.

Those coaches include: girls basketball coach Greg Stevens, boys basketball coach Gerry Marlin, boys track coach Roger Steward, and head football coach Damon Fishback.

Marlin has had a great deal of success here at RHS during his 12 years at Ruskin. Last year, his Eagles earned him his 500th career win in an exciting game at Ruskin High School.

“I’ve been fortunate to be a part of several championships,” Marlin said. “Including one state championship, three district championships, and four conference championships.”

Marlin shares a memory with junior Keaunta Love when he hit the game winner.

“When we went to Neosho and I hit a game winner,” Love said. “That was my first year playing for him. He was proud of me and it gave me confidence.”

Stevens has had two winning seasons throughout his three year tenure.

Sophomore Danielle Woodruff and Stevens had a great chemistry together.

“He just kept us together as one,” Woodruff said.

Steward has spent the most time at Ruskin. In 14 years he has won the Class 3A Coach of The Year.

“We’ve had numerous

state champions,” Steward said. “We’ve had over 100 all-state athletes.

We’re known around the state, put it that way.”

Steward Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Gerry Marlin shares a has given one heartwarming moment with senior Jamari Chalmers at boys track mem- senior night. Chalmers was a four-year starter for Marlin. ber a big confidence boost.

“When I broke sixty in my four-hundred; he told me good job,” sophomore Trevell Young said.

Fishback Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Greg Stevens stands on has challenged the sideline coaching his girls during a season game. every player to improve from the previous year and they all did just that.

He has also had one great memory with the whole football team.

“The Truman win,” Varsity Football Coach Damon Fishback reviews the sophomore Mi- playbook against Lee’s Summit West. chael Young said. “It was good seeing him happy. It was just fun sharing that experience with him.”

Track Coach Roger Steward talks to coach Sole and Coach Simpson during and indoor pre-season practice.

[PAGE 14]

Young Athletes Take Leadership in Girls Track and Field

By Tierra Taylor Staff Reporter

The RHS Girls Track Team is young and improving by working hard at practice as the season progresses. With only two seniors on the team, younger runners have taken over leadership.

Sophomore Captain Kristina Young has run track for four years.

“You need to know how to pace yourself and to know when you should speed up. The hardest thing for me to do is to keep my form when I get tired, Young said.”

The track team has been putting in a lot of effort in order to be better.

“I joined track team this year because I felt that I was starting to become too lazy,” junior Ashley Epperson said . “You have to keep pushing yourself no matter how hard it gets. I will continue track next year, so I can continue to push myself and get even better.”

The coaches are urging the girls to do their best in Conference.

“There are many promising girls,” assistant Coach Cunningham said. “We have many good kids that work hard at practice. Our competion years are still young as well as experience. It’s a year to focus on improvement. The team is See “Girls Track,” cont. on pg 15

[SPORTS]

[PAGE 15]

“Girls Track,” cont. from pg 14

Sophmore Valeczia Hooks sprints during a meet to pass the baton to Katrina Carter.

working on improving our times and working hard at practice so we can take off at Conference.”

Coach Tammie Williams said to get athletes to state level she uses a variety of techniques like training, conditioning, and working on their form in events.

“The team is becoming better as the season progresses,” said Williams, who has been coaching track for 15 years. “I teach the girls to warm up, do drills, stretch before workouts, and before each of their events during a track meet. These precautions will keep athletes from straining and pulling muscles.”

Junior Cecil Terrell waits in the dugout for his turn at bat. Photo by Brittanie Lott-Verhelle

Lucky Bracelets

By Brittanie Lott-Verhelle

The good and hard times of playing baseball

By Edward Goode Staff Reporter

Baseball season is underway and the baseball team is all set to win, improve their performance and have a successful season this year.

“We’ve been performing better than the last three seasons that we had,” senior JC Asbury said.

Although the baseball team’s performance has improved from what it was in the past, they still have a long way to go as their season has been nothing but a tough one this year with them losing a majority of their games they played this season.

“Our overall performance has been better than in the past,” Asbury said.

The baseball team has only been able to produce one win this season with their other

games being all losses.

“The best part of playing baseball is having fun and meeting new people,” Asbury said.

When preparing for a game different players engage in different things to prepare for each game.

“I put on my headphones and listen to my music and just focus on myself,” Asbury said.

For some players they play baseball because its a hobby or just to stay in shape but some play it because they just truly love to play the game.

“I play baseball because I love to play,” Asbury said.

This season has not been the best season for the baseball team as their season has only produced one win, but the team continues to improve their team and individual performances each season.

Contributing Writer

Pictures are worth a thousand words, but the stories within them are incomplete without knowing what story lies inside of the picture. All athletes have a game ritual or at least something they wear with their uniform that has significance or meaning to them.

Junior Cecil Terrell is very committed to baseball. Commitment to baseball comes in many forms, but the extent of the dedication is the decision of each individual player. Terrell wears two bracelets when he plays, and he keeps one in is right back pocket. One of the bracelets says, “Face the intensity” and the second one says, ”Missouri Council Economic Education.” Those two bracelets are very important to Cecil because he has always worn them and they have a lot of meaning to him. His bracelets are significant to him because he got them as gifts and he believes they give him good luck when he has baseball games.

The game of baseball is quite different than any other sport. There are other sports

where you need a helmet or a face mask covering up the faces of the players. But in baseball, it’s different.

“When I am up to bat, it’s like the game becomes between the batter and the pitcher, ”Terrell said, ”I can see right through my helmet and I feel like I can intimidate the pitcher just by looking right at him as he pitches the ball.”

Some teammates find it hard to get along and support each other, but not for Terrell.

“Baseball is very important to me, all my teammates support each other and we bring each other up when we are down,” Terrell said.

Terrell shows his commitment to baseball and to his teammates all year round. Terrell stays positive to help his teammates out and not only them, himself as well. Staying positive is healthy on the mind when you are playing team sports.

Pictures are worth a thousand words, and the stories within them are meaningful and can bring out a new world of expressions and someone’s life story.

[PROM]

[PAGE 16]

Prom 2014; Under the Sea

Prom King JC Asbury and Queen Marissa Huff prepare for the traditional Prom King and Queen dance after being crowned.

King- Jerome Asbury, Tyran Cunningham, Jaylon Goode,Jackie L o w e r y, J o r d a n Ragsdale, Bryce Stevenson Queen-Elise Hines, Marissa Huff, Jamiah Jordan, Alisha Holister, Cherie Ramsey, Gabrielle Taylor, Kassandra Torres Prince-Adrien Gatson Christan Graham,Isac Olivares,Cecil Terell Princess- Shereese Brown, Onijini Karimu, Sehreen Khan Deserea Collins-Abbott, Kierra McClendon Crystal Wright, Marrissa Caskey, Brittany Simmons and Kyeisha Williams show their excitement for Ruskin’s prom as they gather on the plaza in front of the fountains for pictures.

Vice-Principal Carrie Moutray gives Junior Prom Prince Christian Graham his pin.

Alaya Jackson and boyfriend Marcus Ellis arrive up the escalator at the Arrowhead Club to Prom.

Ruskin ladies show off their fancy prom dresses at the dance. Front row: I’mUnique Swinton, Tanesha Reeves, Chantay Brown, and Jiamiyah Jordan.

Back row: Sevilla Goldston, Cindy Menjivar, Jory Stevenson, Talia Nelson, and Cherie Ramsey.

Junior Shereese Brown was all smiles after being crowned Junior Prom Princess.

Emani Stemons and Aviance Johnson are “double trouble” as they rock the same dress on prom night.