The northridge reporter april 2014

northridgereporter.wordpress.com Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, Al• 35406

April 11, 2014 • Volume 11 • Issue 7

Photo by: Sumona Gupta

Coronation: Savannah Boyd, freshman, Shapyra Butler, sophomore, Mackenzie Millet, senior, D’Erika Lyles, senior, Nicole Trayvick, sophomore, and Lakesha Dailey, freshman, stand on stage while they get crowned Miss Congeniality, 3rd runner up, Miss Northridge, 2nd runner up, and 1st runner up respectively at the Beauty Walk held on April 4 in the auditorium.

Beauty walk contestants more than just beauties Rebecca Griesbach News Editor

T

he auditorium, filled with spectators, housed the annual Beauty Walk presented by the SGA on Friday, April 4.

Eager family members sat in reserved seats, waiting to see their beautiful daughters/granddaughters/nieces walk onto the brightly lit stage. Among them was sophomore Shapyra Butler’s grandmother, Vera Horton and mother, Sheila Butler.

Butler said “it sure did” take a lot of preparation for the event. “[Shapyra] was not used to walking in heels, so she has been practicing a lot,” Butler said. “She’s been working on her smile as well…”

“She already had the smile, though,” Horton interrupted. “She got that from her grandmother. In fact, she learned everything about pageants from her grandmother because her grandmother won all the contests when she was in high school. By the way, I am her grandmother.”

Horton, decked out in retro sunglasses and a pair of silver braided buns atop her head, said she competed in numerous pageants at Druid High School where she attended.

“I wish they had grandmothergranddaughter fashion shows,” Horton whispered to a friend.

Behind Shapyra’s family sat freshman Jonna Whitley’s mother, father and younger sister. Shannon McDaniel, Whitley’s mother, said shopping for the perfect dress was the most time-consuming aspect of getting ready.

“I was like, ‘How many dresses do we have to try on?’” added Whitley’s younger sister. “But she’s a sassy princess now.”

Another family, supporting freshman Raven Hill, stressed how much work went into preparing Raven for the event. “…getting dresses, fittings, hair,

makeup, everything! It’s been days and days and days, but she enjoyed it,” Stark Hill, Raven’s mother, said. “And we’re gonna be real happy when she wins!”

As the program began, Olivia Wilkes, 2009 graduate and a pageant winner, introduced herself as host. She also introduced judges Kristen Brichden, Allysa Holly and Amy Pugh, along with escorts Tracy Braggs and LaCorey Pratcher to the audience.

One by one, 12 contestants strutted onto the stage, sporting sparkling smiles and dazzling gowns.

“Contestant number three is Shapyra Butler,” Wilkes announced as Butler walked across the stage in a red gown.

“She is in the Spanish club, enjoys dancing and reading and plans to attend college at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to study nursing.”

As Butler descended back into the curtain, Horton stood up in her high heels and led the audience in applause.

After a few more contestants presented themselves, Wilkes introduced “Contestant number seven, Raven Hill.”

“Hill is on the softball team and is a Beyoncé fan. She aspires to be a singer or to become a Division One softball player,” Wilkes said.

As the last contestant walked onto the stage, the vast differences between the girls was evident; their dreams, values, likes and dislikes varied from one contestant to the next.

“Contestant number 13 is Jonna Whitley,” Wilkes said. “Jonna is a member of the French club and the Alabama Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

She wants to become the ‘most fabulous’ veterinarian out there.”

Whitley, sporting an elaborate up-do and white bejeweled dress, strutted onto the stage and showed her personality with a sassy smirk. A group of her friends cheered wildly from the back of the auditorium.

Whitley exited and the curtains closed as the judges reviewed their scores, allowing members of the SGA to lead a raffle that involved several surprisingly impressive door prizes. The club managed to receive donations from Soca Clothing (a free pair of jeans), numerous eateries and even gave away a pair of sunglasses.

The judges reappeared, and the girls formed a line on stage. Six names were called: Mallie McCleland, freshman, Kayla Johnson, senior, Nicole Trayvick, sophomore, Shapyra Butler, sophomore, Mackenzie Millet, senior, and D’Erika Lyles, senior. The final six contestants were asked to move up, transforming the straight line of 12 into a sporadic zigzag.

These contestants would participate in round two, “the question round.”

“First up is Miss Shapyra Butler,” Wilkes said into the microphone. Butler reached into a bowl to pull out a strip of paper that read, “Who is your role model?”

“My role model is my mom…,” Butler answered, referring to her mother in the audience, Sheila Butler.

Applause from the audience ensued as other contestants contrived carefully crafted responses to the questions they were asked.

Mackenzie Millet was among them.

Millet, a senior, mentor, president of the Jack and Jill club and LAJ Girl of the Year, practices spoken word poetry and aspires to become a psychologist or pageant coach in the future.

“My one wish would be instant happiness for those with disabilities because they go through so much pain that they don’t deserve,” Millet said.

Sophomore Nicole Trayvick, an FBLA, dance line, and National Society of Black Engineers member, also received a fair amount of applause for her response to “the one lesson she would teach to others.” “...We all make mistakes that we beat

ourselves up for,” Trayvick said. “But we have to learn to try again.”

The curtains closed once more while the judges decided on the lucky girl to be crowned Miss Northridge.

Wilkes took this opportunity to discuss her experience with pageants.

“It’s such a great experience [to be in a pageant],” Wilkes said. “[Pageants] are the largest providers for young women. They encompass scholarship, style, success, and service to allow for a well-rounded contestant. Many of the girls will go on to become CEOs, doctors and teachers.”

A lack of a talent portion of the show became evident as the judges reappeared, ready to announce the winner.

One by one the winners were announced.

Savannah Boyd, freshman, was crowned Miss Congeniality, followed by runner-ups Butler, Lyles, and Trayvick.

In the absence of a 2013 Miss Northridge (last year’s beauty walk was called off after little interest was shown), Katrina Struthwolf, Homecoming Queen, was appointed to crown the winners. Each winner was given a bouquet of red roses and Trayvick, first runner-up, received a crown that matched the one atop Struthwolf’s head.

“And the new Miss Northridge is...”

Wilkes said after asking for a drumroll from the audience. “...Mackenzie Millet!”

Millet’s jaw dropped as she received roses and a crown from Struthwolf. Millet showed off her gold, jewel encrusted dress and pearly white smile as she posed for a multitude of cameras.

Millet said she was used to the experience because she participated in pageants before.

“I received a national title: Miss Black Teen Alabama US Ambassador 2014; I know it’s a long name,” Millet said with a laugh.

“But, I’m very excited to win this title.”

Muppets Page 3

Soccer Beach Trip Website GLI CLUB Page 6

2OurOpinion Thoughts

The Northridge Reporter April 11, 2014

Headphones should be used appropriately

Headphones, with the obvious appeal of instant entertainment, pose both an obstacle and an aid to learning.

From a teacher’s standpoint, it is evident that headphones have the ability to hinder valuable listening skills and communication in the classroom. Loud music, especially from high quality headphones (a commonality at our school), can completely block outside sound from one’s ears, instructions from a teacher included.

However, headphones can assume the role of a learning device.

During non-instructional activities such as note-taking, studying or individual assignments, it may be beneficial to shut out distractions.

To some students, listening to certain music actually improves their performance. A study by the University of Phoenix states that classical music “provides short-term enhancement of mental tasks including memorization - known as ‘spatial-temporal reasoning.’”

We at The Northridge Reporter think headphones should be used in moderation. While engaging in interactive activities that require complete attention, students should put away headphones and other devices to allow for optimal learning. But, at times when it is beneficial and appropriate to listen to music, teachers should not prohibit their use.

Art by: Sumona Gupta

agree (10) disagree (0)

Johnson’s

Niiler finds pleasure in listening to classical music James Niiler Feature Editor

Niil e

Joke

Why did the elephants get kicked out of the public pool?

They kept dropping their trunks!

tt John son

this way.

Sure, listening to an entire symphony or all of the works of Bach can be overwhelming, and is certainly a different experience than listening to a few guitar chords being strummed.

But a lot of classical music, especially for a newcomer, is best experienced in smaller doses.

One can then appreciate its structure and beauty. Although there are varying degrees of complexity in classical music, all of it requires some extent of mental effort on the part of the listener.

I might also add that classical music isn’t just one genre.

There are several subgenres spanning the centuries, from the Middle Ages all the way to the present. Every era in which classical music has been played has resulted in vastly different sounds.

And just because one appreciates classical music doesn’t mean one can’t like other genres of music.

Classical music is my favorite musical variety, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like rock or pop!

Classical music has endured the centuries for a reason: it has touched the hearts and lives of those who hear it.

Art by: S co

Among my friends, I have developed a small amount of fame for not subscribing to r popular fads in music (or any music, in fact, that’s been written in the past one hundred years).

You see, I am a devoted fan of classical music.

To tell the truth, I really don’t know why I prefer classical music over other genres.

Perhaps it has something to do with my early childhood.

My first memory involves me listening to Bach’s “Second Brandenburg Concerto” while lying on the floor of my living room and feeling a thrill in my heart as I did so.

My musical education began in earnest at age 6, when I took up playing the piano. And when I was 11, I began my study of the viola.

Both I very happily continue.

Playing these instruments, which are very common throughout the genre of classical music, enabled me to grow both musically and personally.

Classical music has brought much happiness to my life, and inspired me numerous times. If

more people gave classical music a chance, it would do the same for them.

Several misconceptions plague classical music.

1. It’s boring.

A good deal of classical music is in fact boring.

Even music that wasn’t intended to be boring is often performed that way.

Most classical music, however, is dramatic, beautiful, sad or joyous, and overall, fascinating.

Listening to different groups of musicians performing the same piece is often very eye-opening.

2. It’s too fancy.

This depends on your definition of “fancy.” If you subscribe to Dictionary.com’s definition as being “ornamental; decorative; not plain,” then this should be a sign that classical music is anything but ordinary. Classical music can be truly elaborate, but also surprisingly simple. There’s something in it for everyone.

And no, it’s not just for snobs or Europeans!

3. It’s too scary.

This may sound odd, but this is the reason I think most people in America don’t care for classical music: it’s just too intimidating and intense. It doesn’t have to be

Jo h ns o n

Journalist of the Year 2013 • Bailey Thomson Award for Editorial Writing 2013 • Rick Bragg Feature Writing Award 2009 • NSPA 6th Place Best of Show 2013 • NSPA 5th Place Best of Show 2012 • NSPA 1st Place Best of Show 2011 • NSPA 5th Place Best of Show 2008 • NSPA 8th Place Best of Show 2008 • NSPA 9th Place Best of Show 2006 • CSPA Gold Medalist 2005-2011 • SIPA All-Southern 2003, 2005–2012 • ASPA All-Alabama 2003–2011 • NSPA All-American 2004, 2008, 2011 • Best SIPA Newspaper in Alabama 2003–2007 • NSPA News Story of the Year 2005 • SIPA First Place News Story 2007• SIPA First Place Review 2009

northridgereporter.wordpress.com Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 759-3734 ext. 295 Editor-in-Chief *Renu Pandit* Feature Editor *James Niiler News Editor *Rebecca Griesbach Opinion Editor *Sumona Gupta

Entertainment Editor *Sumona Gupta Sports Editor *Camri Mason Beat Editor *Renu Pandit Business Manager *Sumona Gupta

Copy Editor *Lauren Curtner-Smith Asst. Copy Editor *Sophie Fairbairn Infographics Editor *Sumona Gupta Art Editor *Sophie Fairbairn

The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are those of the students and not of the faculty or administration of Northridge High School or the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to publish all nonobscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. Submit letters to Susan Newell in room 109 or email to snewell@tusc.k12.al.us.

Artists *Sumona Gupta, *Rebecca Griesbach Photographer *Camri Mason Web Master *James Niiler Staff Writers KeShaun Byrd, Grayson Lent,, D’Aja Patrick

The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations. The newspaper is distributed monthly.

It is the official policy of the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, national origin, age or creed, be excluded for participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subject to discrimination under any program, activity or employment.

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Students: 1238 Faculty and staff: 90

Entertainment

The Northridge Reporter April 11, 2014

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Jailbreak: “Muppets Most Wanted” lets loose with wild shenanigans Sumona Gupta Entertainment Editor The Muppets are a timeless franchise we’ve all come to know and love. But in this generation, the magic of their upbeat, witty comedy can be lost. That’s why I’m happy to say that the newest sequel (or oct-quel) of the Muppets movie series, Muppets Most Wanted, went above and beyond my expectations.

The characters are known for their signature style of comedy.

Their exaggerated gags for kids are coupled with snarky self-referential humor and pop culture references for adults.

In 2011, after Disney began rebranding the franchise, a Muppets movie premiered after more than a decade. The movie, simply titled The Muppets, was a huge success in kick-starting a new generation of Muppet fans, and launched Muppets Most Wanted into action.

The movie began with the scene ending the previous movie.

Their final musical number was over, and the Muppets were at a loss on what to do next.

With the help of a mysterious “manager,” Dominic Badguy (played by Ricky Gervais), the group decided to go on a world tour of their famous show.

On that note, they started the first performance of the movie, “We’re Doing a Sequel.”

I could already tell the movie was off to a great start.

The wacky, over-the-top show tune set the tone with sporadic cameos and elaborate choreography.

Suddenly, the cheerful scene cut to a barren Siberian prison.

Constantine, the world’s most wanted criminal and “most dangerous frog,” managed to escape

Photo From: MCT Campus They’re Back!: The Muppets make a triumphant return in Muppets Most Wanted, starring Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, and the Muppets.

his maximum-security cell and just so happened to look identical to Kermit the Frog.

Badguy was secretly contacted

by Constantine and was revealed to Constantine’s number two.

As the Muppets began their world tour, Constantine and Badguy’s plan went into place.

The crude Russian frog switched places with Kermit, framing him and throwing him into prison.

What I found most funny about this role reversal was the way Constantine tried to act as Kermit. His exaggerated accent and

pushy attitude contrasted with everything Kermit is known for.

The Muppets, although a large ensemble, each displayed their personalities after Constantine let them run wild. Everyone from the starkly patriotic Sam Eagle to the infamous Miss Piggy was featured, and the outcome was very comical.

As usual, the movie had numerous celebrity appearances. Most were gone in almost a second, but I always enjoy seeing what part they play.

Ty Burrell, known for his role on Modern Family played the

role of Jean Pierre Napoleon, a stereotypical French Interpol detective.

Kermit’s prison stint starred Tina Fey as a hardened gulag warden, who was secretly an obsessive Kermit admirer.

The movie came to a climax during the staged wedding of Miss Piggy and Constantine. Of course, with the help of some friends, Kermit eventually came to the rescue.

In true Muppet fashion, the wedding turned into a disaster when the ring was revealed to actually be a bomb, and Miss Piggy

was kidnapped.

In the end, all was good, and the teamwork of the Muppets saved the day.

The sweet story exhibited the hallmark traits of the Muppets, with everything from a melodramatic Celine Dion ballad to a prison riot musical.

The movie was at some points very random, as expected from a goofy children’s movie.

Still, it was silly and heartwarming, keeping the Muppet’s legacy alive for people of all ages. Muppets Most Wanted sure did prove that it’s not easy being green!

Art by: Grayson Lent

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Feature

The Northridge Reporter April 11, 2014

PROMPOSAL!

THE BIG

Expected or excessive?

Lauren Curtner-Smith Copy Editor Nicoletta Versace, junior, made her usual way to her boyfriend’s car before school when she was met with a pleasant surprise: a box of donuts that read “I donut want to go to prom with anyone else.”

This could be characterized as a promposal.

A promposal is an invitation, especially one made in an elaborate manner, in which the invitee is asked to accompany the inviter to a prom, deriving from the words “prom” and “proposal,” according to Wiktionary.com.

Prom, an event that some students have anticipated since their freshman year, is a big deal to many who feel the need to find stylish outfits, beautiful scenery for pictures and timely, yet fancy restaurants for dinner.

Even through this planning, students’ search for a date to prom can be exciting but can cause nervousness.

Some people believe it is unnecessary to make a scene about asking their date to prom; others believe it makes the memory special.

“It’s nice [to ask in a special way] for sentimental value. There is a lot of presentation for the girl. The fact that you took your time to make her feel special is nice,” Lavares Howard, senior, said.

Senior Michael Gamble, who asked his date to prom at a Science National Honor Society meeting when he launched a rocket that read “Prom?”, knew the interests of his prom date and planned his promposal accordingly. “[Asking her to prom] was fun, and it will be nice to look back on, but I think how you ask a girl depends on what the girl likes and what they want,” Gamble said.

Versace said she loves the creativity of promposes.

“(Nick Fairbairn) made me a seashell tiara, and he left it on my desk in physics with a note that said, ‘There are many fish in the sea, will you go to prom with me?’ It was so cute.”

Brittany Johnson, senior

“It’s cute and not overrated. I love the hype, and it makes me really excited for prom,” Versace said. “[When a boy asks a girl to prom] he doesn’t have to go all out; he just has to try. It can be intimate and small and still be special, but I think big and elaborate is special too,” Versace said.

Mary Ruffin Moore, English teacher, said asking a girl to prom is a lot of pressure.

“It must be hard for the boys because they feel like they have to top other promposals,” Moore said.

“Asking someone to prom in a crowd sometimes forces them to say ‘yes,’” Ryan Peelor, senior, said.

Annabeth Northington, junior, said the idea of a promposal is funny.

“Someone being asked to prom is not as important as a proposal, but it’s sweet that people still care. I think it’s special no matter how people are asked. If you put effort into it, it shows you care. Girls like to take pictures of that stuff,” Northington said.

Northington, who was asked to prom at her house, had a group of onlookers.

“My friend took me out and when she drove me back to my house, I saw my car full of balloons and covered in sticky notes and a poster that said, ‘You’d be an airhead to not go to Prom with me’ then I had to pop all the balloons to find a note that said ‘Prom?’” Northingon said.

Kailey Bissell, senior, likes the surprises of prom.

“I like helping people get promposed to because I get out of class, and I get in on the surprise secrets,” she said.

Bissell said she will miss the experience of promposals when she is gone next year.

“I’ll miss the excitement of not knowing who is going to ask who. With prom season starting in February, you can almost feel it in the air. It’s so cool,” Bissell said.

“I got a poster and balloons and went up to the office. I called (senior Katrina Struthwolf) up to the office. The poster said, ‘Will the queen go to prom with the king?’ When she saw it, she said yes.”

Homecoming King Mercer Boatwright, senior

PRO

“I have office assistant seventh period and sat in Dr. Espy’s office. He called (Kailey Bissel) to the office, and it sounded really official. When she got there, I had a sign that said, ‘Prom?’”

Jack Hubner, senior

PROM PREP TIMELINE HIM HER

“(My boyfriend and I) went for a walk at Sokol Park. He started playing Frank Sinatra and asked me to dance with him, and I was really confused. He made this speech and used my full name, and then bowed down on one knee. It was easily the scariest moment of my life. He opened up a ring box, and there was a note inside that said ‘Prom with me?’”

Abby Allen, junior

5:30 p.m.

Shower and change into tux 12:00 p.m.

Prepare hair and makeup

2:00 p.m.

Get dressed

4:00 p.m.

Picture time with family

6:00 p.m.

More pictures!

Feature

The Northridge Reporter April 11, 2014

G NIGHT

Students willing to splurge on prom, want once-in-lifetime experience James Niiler Feature Editor

OM

5

For many upperclassmen, attending prom is at the height of the school year.

Although they look forward to a fun evening of dancing and dining, the cost for a perfect night can quickly become expensive.

“I think it’s such a fun experience, but I think it’s kind of exorbitant to spend all this money,” Brittany Johnson, senior, said.

Johnson said her dress from Dilliard’s costs $200, and the matching earrings and necklace cost about $30.

“You don’t have a choice (in the cost of) your dress, but it’s kind of necessary if you want to go to prom,” she said.

Johnson said that she and her group of friends also plan to go out to dinner at the Cypress Inn. She estimates the cost for one meal would be about $20. “(I get all this money) from my parents,” she said. “I’m not on my own yet.”

Senior Nick Fairbairn, Johnson’s date to prom, said that the amount of money spent on prom is worth the experience.

“Prom only comes twice in your life, and you only get one senior prom, and you look back on that moment for the rest of your life,” he said.

Although he has not yet rented his tuxedo, Fairbairn plans to get it at Burch & Hatfield, and estimates its cost to be about $100. He also plans to spend on some other necessities for the prom experience.

“I think generally a corsage is $40, depending on where you get it,” he said. “Prom tickets were $25 for seniors.”

Fairbairn said the money he will spend on prom is his own, including what he earned from his job at Newk’s. “(I’m getting the money) from my bank account,” he said.

Senior Kayla Johnson said she purchased her dress for $170 on Amazon.com.

“My makeup is $60, my shoes are $30, my hair is $35, (and) it’s $15 for a necklace,” she said.

Johnson said she won’t be paying for the cost incurred by her pre-dance activities.

“After we take our pictures, we plan on eating before prom and chilling with friends. My boyfriend’s paying for that,” she said.

Johnson said she receives her prom spending money from a variety of sources.

“I get it from working, [and from] my mom, my dad and my sister,” she said.

Johnson said she was able to find bargains on some prom necessities.

“The car was $40, and the room was 25 percent off,” she said.

Johnson has both pros and cons with the practice of splurging for prom.

Johnson said it is okay to splurge “because it’s my last experience of high school,” but “I could have put it away for graduation (instead),” she said.

Senior Trielle Lott spent $100 on his tuxedo and plans to spend $10 on a corsage. He also expects to pay, with his friends, “over $50” for food.

“We’re going to eat at IHOP,” he said.

Like other seniors, Lott said he doesn’t mind incurring a large bill as long as he has a good time at prom.

“It’s senior year, (and time to) have fun,” he said.

Prom Committee works to plan dance for students Renu Pandit Editor-in-Chief While dancing away at prom, students often forget who is responsible for their memorable evening. The prom committee, comprised solely of juniors, puts in months of effort to ensure its success.

Ms. Oatts, SGA advisor and prom committee leader, said she has been working on the prom committee for six years and has been one of the main teachers in charge of it for four years.

“My responsibilities include meeting with the 11th grade class officers and the prom committee to decide various aspects of prom, ordering all the supplies needed, organizing the selling of tickets and distributing the bags, and supervising the decorations being put up,” she said.

She said that there are currently 30 members in this year’s student committee.

“Students that are interested in being on the prom committee fill out the application that is put outside my room. Once the due date passed, all the applications were reviewed, overlooking the responses, GPA

7:00 p.m.

Pick up date

7:15 p.m.

Pictures with date

and discipline,” she said. “We also make sure the student is in 11th grade.”

She said the committee has planned almost everything for prom.

“Except king and queen, which will be voted on during lunch on April 9, the only things left to do before the big night is to pass out the prom bags, which includes the cup, shirt, tickets and information about the evening, and decorate the gym,” Oatts said.

Anna Claire Toxey, junior, said she submitted two teacher recommendations and one administrator recommendation along with her application to be selected for the prom committee.

“I recently moved here from Clearwater, Georgia, and I thought joining the prom committee would be a good way to get more involved with school activities,” she said.

She said the prom committee has meetings once or twice a week, and they usually discuss dates that they intend to stay after school, T-shirt ideas or decorations.

“We’ve chosen the theme, Aqua Abyss, and things like color schemes and decora-

7:30 p.m.

Dinner

tions,” Toxey said. “Some of the seniors liked our choices, and I feel bad about the ones who don’t. I think they’ll end up liking the final product though.”

She said another thing they did was plan their fundraiser, the car wash, which occurred on March 16 at the front of the school.

“It was a lot of fun. We basically just washed people’s cars for four hours,” Toxey said. “We sold tickets beforehand for five dollars, and the turnout was great.”

Toxey said the preparation for prom goes right until the very end.

“As prom gets closer we plan to spend more days after school setting up the gym and preparing the decorations,” Toxey said. “We want everything to be beautiful, and for all the guests to enjoy themselves.”

Rabisa Khan, junior, said she thinks prom will be a success this year.

“I can’t go because I’m busy that weekend, but I’ve looked at probably a thousand pictures of peoples’ dresses and heard a million people talk about how excited they are, so I don’t see how it could be anything but fun,” she said.

8:00 p.m.

Arrive at dance

9:00-12:00 p.m.

Prom dance!

Khan said she’s good friends with Toxey and other members of the prom committee.

“I know how much work and thought they put into everything they do regarding making prom a success, and I think people should appreciate it when they’re enjoying themselves at prom,” she said.

Nick Fairbairn, senior, said he was on prom committee last year.

“I remember how I initially felt when some seniors didn’t like the theme we had chosen,” Fairbairn said. “So, I’m not really bothered by the theme because I’m pretty sure the prom committee and Ms. Oatts will be able to pull it off in a way that is memorable and fun.”

Fairbairn said he knows how much effort goes into pulling off prom.

“We used to stay after school a lot and work for hours decorating the gym. Those who initially didn’t like the theme ended up having a good time, and I think that’ll be the case this year as well,” he said.

See pictures of Prom 2014 at www.northridgereporter. wordpress.com.

After 12:00 p.m.

The after party... waffles anyone?

Infographic designed by: James Niiler Information compiled by: Lauren Curtner-Smith

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News

The Northridge Reporter April 11, 2014

Girls spread awareness through love of baking Lauren Curtner-Smith Copy Editor

The Girls Learn International Club (GLI) spreads awareness and supports schools in different countries where girls’ education lags behind boys.

GLI may cover tuition and buy school supplies for girls in need.

Savannah Morgan, senior, founded the school’s chapter in 2013.

“Our chapter supports six other schools around the world and is the first chapter in all of Alabama.

There are over 115 chapters throughout the country,” Morgan said.

GLI will hold a fundraiser on May 16 at the transportation museum.

It will feature art from Kentuck, local elementary schools, high schools and the University of Alabama.

“The art will incorporate cultures from the different international schools we sponsor.

The funds will go towards our cause when people buy [the paintings]. We will also be showing a film called Half the Sky which will help spread awareness about girl human rights. We are selling food at this event with concessions and a bake sale,” Morgan said.

Brittany Johnson, senior, is helping to prepare for this event.

“I’m planning on baking brownies with pieces of Symphony Bar. You put [the bar] in between two layers of batter, so it’s still a little chewy. It’s one of my personal favorites,” Johnson said.

Johnson said she finds baking relaxing.

“I bake for people I love. I always think it’s great when you can mix things you like to do, like baking, and things that help others, like GLI because it brings mutual joy,” Johnson said.

Johnson will bake the brownies the night before the fundraiser event.

“That way it’ll be fresh the next day. All the girls who are baking are getting together the night before to package and bake together,” Johnson said.

Laura Worley, senior, will be baking chocolate chip cookies.

“I’ll use my family’s secret recipe. They’re so simple, but people always say they’re amazing. It takes bicep power because I don’t use a mixer.

I cream the butter by hand,” Worley said.

Worley said baking is calming for her.

“Baking is something I know I can always control. When life and school are crazy, I can bake my troubles away, and it almost always turns out awesome. It’s nice when people say they like what I cook because it makes all the hard work worth it. The way through anyone’s heart is through their stomach,” Worley said.

People should come to the fundraiser Worley said.

“I’m excited to bake for the GLI

Sporty headphones: Darrien May, sophomore, stands outside Rebecca Gardner’s Algebra 2 classroom on April 9. May wore a pair of bright blue Beats by Dre headphones across his neck. “I usually do not wear headphones in class; I just wore them on the bus from TCT and had not returned them to my backpack,” May said.

Photo by: Rebecca Griesbach

Photo by: Savannah Morgan

Spreading the love: Seniors Marianne Martin, Abby Armstrong, Britney Johnson, Julie Potts, Savannah Morgan, Laura Worley, and sophomore Mackenzie Johnson, members of the Girls Learn International Club, pose with cards they made for abused women. fundraiser because it combines two of my favorite things: people and food. Come to the fundraiser and buy my food,” she said.

The opportunity GLI gives Morgan to help serve others who are in need emotionally impacts her, Morgan said.

“We are so fortunate in the U.S. for the opportunity for equal education and representation

which is a benefit we take for granted. Having the fundraiser will help spread awareness, so we can help girls in other countries who don’t have the same benefits that we do. We can also help understand how gender inequality affects our country through problems like health issues, hunger and poverty that people aren’t aware of,” Morgan said..

Atkins remembers tragic car accident Camri Mason Sports Editor

S

enior Sami Atkins celebrated her one-year anniversity of her tragic accident that happened on her way to her grandmother’s house on Easter Sunday, March, 31, 2013.

Sami said she is “doing fine, besides getting grounded.”

Sami goes to school for six periods.

“I now leave at 2:27 p.m. when in sixth period,” Sami said.

Her friend, Kersey Hunt, senior, said she is back to normal. “[She is] just like she was before,” Hunt said.

Sami said everything is going fine at school and home, and she continues to move forward.

Headphones evoke teachers’ concerns Grayson Lent Staff Writer Students listen to music everywhere, and school is no exception. At school, many students listen to music with headphones.

Some teachers and students have differing opinions on the use of headphones in the school, though.

Science teacher Beth Allaway’s classes conducted an experiment at the school with headphones. The experiment involved having a student play their music at the normal level they listen to music at.

Allaway said that only one third of the students in the experiment listen at an appropriate volume. One third listened at a level a good bit above that and the last third listened to their music too loudly.

“Students sometimes say they concentrate better, but all the studies so far have proved that’s not true,” Allaway said.

According to the New Jersey Institute of Technology, students who listen to music while studying have lower test scores.

This can change depending on whether the student routinely listens to music or not.

For example, if a student listens to music at the same time while studying every day,

they will adapt to the routine and will be comfortable listening to music. Then it will not affect their test scores.

Erin Baggett, psychology teacher, said she thinks “headphones can be beneficial until they become a distraction or nuisance to others.”

She said if the headphones are a bright, attention-grabbing color, or if the music is able to be heard by those who do not listen to music during class, it can become a problem.

In some classes, listening to music through headphones isn’t allowed.

Samuel Marquis, freshman, who prefers to listen to metal music while doing classwork, said, “It depends on the teacher [whether or not headphones are allowed].”

Carson Vines, English teacher, said he thinks headphones should only be used when the teacher is not teaching.

Mary Glenn Agee, freshman, said she thinks listening to headphones “keeps people quiet” in class.

“I know it keeps me focused…while I’m doing homework,” Agee said.

See editorial on page 2.

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7

Sports Varsity softball players celebrate great wins The Northridge Reporter April 11, 2014

Rebecca Griesbach News Editor

The softball team, under the leadership of head coach Jack Hazelreig, crowned themselves “City/County Champs” after a win against Northside on Saturday, April 5.

Sami Story, Varsity player, contributed to the team’s 10-6 victory by hitting her first grand slam of the season.

“We were down four to two, and the bases were loaded,” Story said, “…and I just went up, swingin’ hard, and the ball went over [the fence]. It was a grand slammy first.” “…of many,” added Kersey Hunt, teammate.

“Then we went to the field and [Northside] scored two points, so it was tied 6-6. It was still a close game after we scored two more points. I was on base, and I knew I had to get another [run],” Story continued. “So I did, and that made the final score 10-6.”

Sophomore Hannah Brandon, JV player, said the team also celebrated a “huge win” over Tuscaloosa County High, beating them six to five points.

“Kerri Irvin hit the ball between second and first [base] and drove in two runs to win the game,” Brandon said.

Junior Varsity player, Kerri Irvin said that although she was a key player in that particular game, she has noticed progress in the team as a whole.

“We’re doing a whole lot better,” Irvin said.

Story and Varsity teammate Peyton Hamby also noted differences in the team compared to the beginning of the season.

“We’ve learned to work together,” Story said.

“But we fight more,” Hamby interjected with a laugh.

Brandon said the team has improved from a “hitting standpoint.”

“We have a higher batting average, and we are seeing fewer errors on the field,” Brandon said.

Senior Varsity player, Savannah Buck, said she is looking forward to pursuing softball at Hines College, where she will assume the role of pitcher.

As a player on the school’s team for two years, Buck said she has seen the team go through a lot of changes.

“I’ve played for different coaches before, so I’m used to [changes in coaching],” Buck said.

“I think our biggest accomplishment is how well we are meshing as a team,” she said.

VARSITY BASEBALL SCORES MARCH 03/01/2014

@ Southside High School .................................0-6 L

03/01/2014

@ Spain Park High School ...............................1-0 W

03/04/2014

@Bibb County High School ............................6-5 W

03/04/2014

@Bibb County High School ............................12-1 W

03/08/2014

@Oak Mountain High School ..........................3-2 W

03/08/2014

@Oak Mountain High School .........................3-0 W

03/11/2014

@ Oak Mountain High School............................2- 1 L

03/13/2014

@ Bibb County High School ...........................3-0 W

03/18/2014

@Prattville High School ...................................2-1 W

03/21/2014

@Bessemer City High ....................................10-0 W

03/25/2014

@ Vestavia Hills High........................................1-2 L

Photo by: Rebecca Griesbach

Batter up! JV sophmore players Elizabeth Danner (hitter), and Rachel Dubay(pitcher) practice in the cages. The softball team’s next game will be on April 24, against Tuscaloosa County High School.

New teacher becomes baseball coach Camri Mason Sports Editor

Chandler Morgan, senior, said Gregory is a good coach so far.

“He’s getting stuff done,” Morgan said.

Gregory is also balancing teaching.

Last year Hunter Gregory was a student He is also a 9th grade algebra teacher, assistant for the baseball team at the University of Alabama, and he coached a and he teaches one 10th grade geometry class. post 34 team this past summer.

“It keeps me very busy, but I’ve gotten Gregory is now coaching the schools’ more and more used to Varsity baseball team it,” Gregory said. for his first year of I enjoy seeing how the kids are “[But] I have to miss coaching.

“I think it’s going improving throughout the some afternoon classes when we have games well, and I enjoy season, both physically and depending on the the [players] a lot,” emotionally. location,” he said.

Gregory said.

Gregory works “They are a good Hunter Gregory, baseball coach with Coach Wells, the group of kids,” he volunteer coach for the said.

He specifically coaches hitters, infielders school’s team.

“He has taught me a lot about baseball and batters on the Varsity baseball team.

“I enjoy seeing how the kids are and life,” Gregory said. “He’s a great improving throughout the season, both person to be around and has a good sense physically and emotionally,” Gregory said. of humor.”

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The Northridge Reporter April 11, 2014

SISTERHOOD

Beat 8

Junior Cosmos ‘more than just status’

trips and compete in contests.

Senior JC member, Krislyn Smith, said she enjoys being in JC and doesn’t think of it as hard work.

“To me being a JC girl is about finding out your purpose in life. It helps you understand what type of person you want to be,” Smith said.

Prospective Junior Cosmos members need to be determined to keep up the pace, but the benefits of joining the Junior Cosmos are plentiful.

“This organization will make or break you,” Burrell said.

“You get to meet new people,” Smith said. “If you are shy, like I was, you kind of get out of that shyness and become more open.”

The president of the Tuscaloosa Junior Cosmos, Adrian Gee, is a senior at Bryant High School and has been a part of JC for four years.

“When I got my acceptance letter in the mail I was so happy,” she said.

“The girls welcomed me with open arms. I was the only freshman accepted that year, and they called me Baby G! I hated it,” Gee said with a laugh.

Gee said that if you are interested in becoming a Junior Cosmos member, it is important that you make yourself known to the members.

“Come to our events so that the girls can put a name with your face. Also, make sure you have good grades and a decent record. Make your letter sound good by including all of your extracurricular activities and a really good reason why you want to be a member of our sisterhood. Finally, if you are accepted, JC needs to be a priority,” Gee said.

Pretty in pink: Freshman Maya Campbell is a Junior Cosmos member. “[JC] allows me to do community service, teaches me things like being responsible, being on time, and the importance of having a good attitude,” Junior LeAmbreya Long said.

Photo by: D’Aja Patrick

According to Gee, being a member of the Junior Cosmos is more than just getting a special jacket and status.

“It’s something way deeper than that.

It is a prestigious sisterhood that was founded in 1948. This means that when you become a member, you become a part of a sisterhood that spreads nationwide. We do more than balls; that’s just what you see on the outside. We go on college tours, travel to different states for regionals and nationals and participate in numerous community service projects,” Gee said.

“We try to be the role models little girls look up to,”

JC does community service, maintains roots Keambria Washington Staff Writer

T

he Junior Cosmos (JC) are a group of young women who aim to form a sisterhood with unity.

Junior Cosmos member Estacia Burrell, senior, has been in the organization since the summer of her ninth grade year.

“JC is very fun, challenging and you are meeting new people just like you in certain ways to form a sisterhood,” Burrell, said.

According to their website, the Junior Cosmos organization was established in 1948, as the first federated organization for high school girls in Alabama.

The president and founder of WAAYC, Dr. Myrtle E. Gray, continues to serve as consultant to the Cosmos.

The national colors for the organization are purple and white, and the local chapter’s colors are pink and pea green.

“Everyone is unique in their own organization. We are the first and will always be on top. Everyone isn’t able to get in this organization because we have certain standards,” Burrell said.

Each member has to take part in serving the community in some kind of way.

“From grades, to community services, to social events, [there] is a lot to do all in one week’s time. JC is more than pretty girls and parties. We are one. We represent a sisterhood which makes up 36 lovely ladies. By doing community service, we give back to the community,” Burrell said.

The girls raise money, go on field

April 11, 2014 Volume 11 Issue 7

Photo by: Rebecca Griesbach

Katrina Struthwolf, senior

northridgereporter.wordpress.com

Beauty Walk page 1

Mackenzie Millet, senior