Quidditch page 8 November 30, 2013 • Volume 11 • Issue 3
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Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, Al• 35406
‘Fearless leader’ to depart next year, Espy returns to alma mater Renu Pandit Editor-in-Chief
D
r. Isaac Espy announced that he will be ending his five years as principal at the end of this school year to accept the position of principal at Tuscaloosa Academy (TA). Espy said he was offered the position of principal at TA on Wednesday, Oct. 16 by a member of the TA board of trustees who he went to school with. “I accepted the offer at that time; it seemed like my return to TA would be a good fit for the school,” Espy said. He said he met with teachers after school on Thursday Oct. 17 in the library. “I shared with them the opportunity that I had accepted, and how my path led to that point,” Espy said. “I also shared with them that it is extremely important to me that I take a prominent role in finding a replacement.” Espy said he accepted the position because the opportunity for an administrator to return to his or her alma mater is “a lifetime opportunity.” “There is no way to describe the feeling when you have made a full circle in your life and career. There is no way to fully express how wonderful my career has been, and how much I have enjoyed being a school principal,” Espy said. “To return to TA is amazing in many ways. I do not know that [this opportunity] would present itself again during my career; for that reason, the timing seemed right.” Espy said he did not anticipate this opportunity coming available. “I have learned that things happen; they just happen. They don’t ask you first, and they do not require your permission,” he said. “In this business, you don’t really know what will happen from day to day. Most of it is really good.” He said that accepting the offer was a very personal decision for him and for his family, and that there are many considerations in making a significant career change. “In 2009 when I returned to Tuscaloosa, my hometown, from my position as principal of Demopolis High School, I had to move, sell a house, buy a house and totally
Rabisa Khan, junior
restructure my life,” he said. “This career move is not as drastic in that sense. It is certainly difficult in that I have built strong relationships with our faculty, our parents and students at Northridge.” Espy said leaving the students “will be the most difficult part, by far.” “I really like the students here, and I have said that dozens of times. Our students are for the most part cooperative, hardworking and have great senses of humor. Our students have made me look really smart also. I love the creativity of the students here,” he said. “Who else could get away with a Christmas tree or red dragon for homecoming?” He said he came to Northridge in 2009, along with his daughter, LizAnne, a freshman at the time. “Her four years were the best that she has ever had. She loved Northridge,” Espy said. “We have done some great things as a school during my five years and have had some really difficult challenges. I love my connection with the All Academic Team; that has been epic.” Espy, who attended TA from 1980-1981, said he is excited about being reconnected with his former classmates who have children at Tuscaloosa Academy. “We had a great class and still keep in touch,” he said. Espy said he doesn’t think he will miss the big things as much as the little things. “I am sad about that. I will miss pushing the barrel at lunch, messing with students, selling football tickets and nosing around lunch boxes. I will miss running into my nephews, Carson and Marshall Brown, calling them ‘knuckle heads’ and giving them a hard time for no reason. I will miss standing with the students at basketball games hollering ‘AIR BALL.’ I will miss playing the piano with the jazz band,” he said. “These are the things I will remember long after I have retired. I will miss my administrative team— Mrs. Stallworth, Ms. Box, Mr. Anthony, Coach Harris, Mr. Spence and Ms. Shuttlesworth. We are very close. Mrs. Drane, Ms. Freeman and Mrs. Duvall have kept me out of trouble on a daily basis. I will certainly miss the wonderful and very talented teachers here.” “Finally, I don’t know if they serve crispitoes at TA, but if they don’t, well, let’s say that is a troubling aspect of
my departure. That is sad, very sad. We all know what a special day ‘crispito day’ is here,” he said. “Really.” “Closing out the school year, and walking out of Northridge at 4:30 p.m. on Monday June 30 will be emotional for me,” Espy said. “I will probably walk through the parking lot and pick up that last McDonald’s bag before I leave.” Espy said he encourages his students to be proud of their school. “I love Northridge and have been very lucky to be a part of the school. You are students in a school that has a great reputation, and your attendance here carries weight in college admissions. So, you have that going for you,” he said. “Which is nice.” Laura Worley, senior, said she heard Dr. Espy was leaving on the day of homecoming, Oct. 18. “I was completely in shock at first,” Worley said. “I have never met someone so passionate about what they do, and I couldn’t believe that our fearless leader was leaving us.” “Dr. Espy is the kind of principal who makes every single person feel special and like they belong, even when you walk in as a freshman, pumped full of high school horror stories. He’s the kind of principal who cleans up our crap from the parking lot day and night. He’s the kind of principal who joins you at the lunch table, making sure that he couldn’t do anything to help you out. He’s the kind of principal who has a different snazzy tie for every day of the year. He’s the kind of principal who rocks the banjo at the fall festival. He’s the kind of principal who keeps a Bible on his desk, and lives out every word in it through his work,” she said. “I have never been happier to be graduating, because I don’t know how I would function in a Northridge without Dr. Espy, what the day will be like without a hearty ‘Gooooooood morning high school, ball game tonight. Be there.’” Worley said it will definitely be a big adjustment, but that she has faith in the teachers “here to stick it out.” “I couldn’t be happier for this opportunity for Dr. Espy,” she said. “He’s headed back to his alma mater, and the TA kids have no idea the blessing they are getting in him.” See editorial on Page 2
I’ll miss how caring Dr. Espy is, not just towards his students but towards the school itself. The way he picks up trash from the parking lot shows how much he truly cares. I’ll miss him so much, and I’ll always remember how comfortable he made me feel when I moved here. Dr. Espy is so approachable; he always has a smile on his face. He’s a genuinely good person and a good Christian, and I really respect him for all the work he does for us.
Hannah Brandon, sophomore I will miss Dr. Espy’s ‘Goooood morning high school.’ They make my mornings, and next year will be different without them. Photo by: Camri Mason
DeMario Plott, junior
Basketball Page 7
Goooood Morning: Dr. Espy converses with seniors Corey Nevels, Kailyn Reed and Lakeitra Coleman after lunch in the hallway. “He’ll just walk up and talk to you,” Coleman said. “He makes you feel welcome and at ease.”
Horseback Riding Page 7
Quidditch page 8
2 Opinion
Our Thoughts
The Northridge Reporter November 30, 2013 Students seldom consider who must clean up after them.
Espy will be remembered, missed by The Northridge Reporter staff When the announcement came that Dr. Isaac Espy would be departing our school for a new position at Tuscaloosa Academy, we on The Northridge Reporter staff were naturally surprised and saddened. For four years, Espy has led this school in an extremely capable manner. He presided over advances in our school’s education, and his presence contributed to our school spirit and unity. The Northridge Reporter is especially grateful to him for encouraging freedom of the press and providing wonderful and entertaining interviews when needed. Next year, we will no longer have the familiar voice give us announcements and speeches. We will no longer have the determined face checking on us in the hallways. We will no longer have a principal whom we can boast runs 100-mile races and has great musical talent. We will no longer have one of the best principals in Tuscaloosa whom we can call our own. Although we will miss him, we know that Espy will achieve great things no matter where he goes. We wish you all the best, Dr. Espy, and thank you for being our principal here for five fantastic years. See story on Espy on Page 1
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Thanksgiving
FAVES
What’s your favorite Turkey Day treat? Turkey 17% Ham 1% Chicken & dumplings 3% Dressing 18% Macaroni 9% Cranberry sauce 10% Pie (pumpkin, pecan) 18%
53 students polled. Information compiled by Sujitha Peramsetty and George Turner. Infograpic designed by James Niiler.
Artwork by: Sophie Fairbairn
Halloween proves horrifying
Columnist’s car wreck prompts reflection
I wasn’t wearing my seatbelt. Out of fright, I pointlessly and quickly buckled my seatbelt right after comprehending the impact. I could have died because of not having my seatbelt Stupid, scared and extremely lucky: that’s how on, but luckily the only evidence I had to show from I feel after October 31. Halloween is a scary holiday ordinarily. er-Smiththe car accident was having three bruises across my n legs. People say “bring on the guts and Curt Just about a week earlier, I finished writing gore!” and whine about movies that a story about my friend Sami Atkins who only slightly make them scream. was also in a terrible car crash on a rainy My Halloween was frightening day. in the way that nobody wants. I couldn’t help but think that I hadn’t I was on my way from math listened to Sami’s advice when she said in tutoring to the thrift store to buy a the newspaper story to be careful. I realize that Halloween costume, when I was in a my friend and I could have had Facebook groups car accident with my best friend and her dedicated to us just like Sami Atkins, or people might boyfriend that totaled her mom’s minivan that have met at a flag pole to pray for us like they did for we were driving. Olivia Mills. It was dark and I feel that I’ve been given raining at the time of a second chance at life- to the crash. Everything My Halloween was frightenmake the best of my senior happened in slow ing in the way that nobody year, to try to do well on motion as I saw the Mrs. Lowery’s calculus car come rushing wants. tests, to remember to toward us run a red Lauren Curtner-Smith, Senior always turn in my media light and hit the front journals to Mrs. Reed of our van. before first period, to never forget to I was sitting in the back seat with my calculus wear my seatbelt, to say “I love you” to my friends notes strewn about my lap. My ears popped, and family. and I hit the driver’s seat in front of me before And for that I am truly grateful. slamming back into my own. Lauren Curtner-Smith Copy Editor
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
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Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 759-3734 ext. 295 Editor-in-Chief *Renu Pandit Feature Editors James Niiler News Editor Rebecca Griesbach Opinion Editor KeamBria Washington
*Denotes state, regional and national award winners Artists Twitter Editor Sumona Gupta, Rebecca Griesbach Lauren Curtener-Smith Business Manager Facebook Editor Sumona Gupta *Renu Pandit Photographers Adviser D’Aja Patrick, Camri Mason *Susan Newell Web Master James Niiler
Entertainment Editor Copy Editor KeamBria Washington Lauren Curtner-Smith Sports Editor Asst. Copy Editor Camri Mason Sophie Fairbairn Asst. Sports Editor Infographics Editor Keshaun Byrd Sumona Gupta Beat Editor Art Editor Sophie Fairbairn *Renu Pandit Editorial Policy: The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and those of the students and not of the faculty or administra- verify allegations. The newspaper is distributed monthly. tion of Northridge High School or the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to Tuscaloosa City Board Policy: It is the official policy of the Tuscaloosa publish all non-obscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the City Board of Education that no person shall, on the grounds of race, editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. Letters color, disability, sex, religion, national origin, age or creed, be excluded must be submitted to Susan Newell in room 109 or emailed for participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subject to discrimination under any program, activity or employment. to northridgereporter@gmail.com.
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Entertainment
The Northridge Reporter November 30, 2013
SPOOKED
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Halloween concert “thrills” reviewer Rebecca Griesbach News Editor The orchestra, choir, theatre production class and musical theatre class entertained an auditorium full of family, friends and faculty with a Halloweenthemed “Spooky Sounds” production on Oct 24. I was surprised at the amount of talent the school housed. The name of the production, “Spooky Sounds,” gave off an air of Halloween fun. There was also something humble about the way the students composed themselves; they were dressed in Halloween costumes and seemed to be enjoying themselves before the show started. Yet, as they started to play, sing, act and dance, it gave me goosebumps. Sarah Beth Goldstein, strings teacher, opened the performance with a spooky rendition of “In the
Hall of the Mountain King.” Goldstein’s students displayed impeccable technique, plucking and bowing as they read the cues of their composer. Even the little details of the performance were noteworthy; when the violinists were plucking their strings at the end of the piece, I noticed all of their bows were parallel and in sync. I could tell from these aspects of their performance just how hard the orchestra had practiced, and I was greatly impressed. After the orchestra set the tone of the production, soprano soloist Maggie McGuire, music teacher Beth McGuire’s daughter, made her way to the stage. The audience’s applause almost drowned out the sound of her voice as she hit the high notes and the low notes of “Queen of the Night Aria.” She received a standing ovation for her performance.
The orchestra also received quite a bit of attention from the audience. In the piece, “Curse of the Rosin Eating Zombies from Outer Space,” Goldstein’s students spooked the audience with intermittent scream solos. Their instrumental version of “Thriller” by Michael Jackson earned the second standing ovation of the night. Freshman Jake Williams stole the show with his Bobby Picket impersonation in “the Monster Mash.” Beth McGuire’s choir and Donna Wright’s musical theatre class accompanied Williams with backup singers and a dance routine that engaged the audience. The musical theatre class later lined the aisles of the auditorium and invited members of the audience to dance with them. Overall, I thought the performance was a “graveyard smash.”
We go to the Waysider every Sunday for breakfast. It’s like a family tradition.
Striking a Pose: Donna Wright’s theatre class poses at the end of their Halloween performance “Spooky Sounds.” Dance Away: Anna Beth Northington, junior, plays a part in the musical theatre’s medley from the Adams Family.
Lo ok in g Good
Hannah Brandon, sophomore Brandon
D’Aja Patrick Photographer
I like to go [to the Waysider] for breakfast. Scott Johnson, math teacher Johnson
[The Waysider] is a great resturaunt. The food’s delicious and the service is great. It’s location is a little out of the way though.
Thomas Mullins, sophomore
Down by the Waysider
Niiler takes culinary delight in Waysider Restaurant James Niiler Feature Editor I had the pleasure of eating at the famous Waysider Restaurant on Saturday, Nov. 9. It was not the first time I have gone to the Waysider. My family tries to go at least once a year during football season, and the restaurant stays as good as ever. That’s saying something, since it has been in business since 1906. When one goes, especially on a football gameday, it’s wise to go early, before the crowds pour in. I went to the Waysider the day Alabama played LSU. Hence, it was necessary to be on the road to the restaurant by 6 o’clock a.m. The Waysider is located in a small, charming house near downtown. Upon entering, one is struck by the numerous Daniel Moore paintings and other Crimson Tide paraphernalia that
Opening Up: Sarah Beth Goldstein leads the orchestra in “In the Hall of the Mountain King,” the opening act of the night on Oct. 24.
Students express themselves through fashion choices
Photos by: Sumona Gupta
Mullins
Photos by: Rebecca Griesbach
decorate the walls. The restaurant has only 17 tables, which means at times it can become somewhat cramped. However, the warm atmosphere more than covers for any seating inconveniences. The staff, too, is very friendly, courteous and anxious to please. For my most recent visit, I ordered hot chocolate, apple juice and French toast. The menu is in this vein, consisting of pancakes, eggs, omelets and the like, as well as the sourdough biscuits that made the Waysider famous. The prices, though, are a bit high. My “small” (four-ounce) glass of apple juice cost $1.75. The hot chocolate, too, was a disappointment. Although the restaurant is known for its coffee-biscuits duo, I found little excuse for a beverage that seemed to taste like it came out of a Swiss Miss box.
Despite the shortcomings, my French toast was excellent. It was two slices of thick bread, battered and lightly fried as French toast should be, and came with generous amounts of powdered sugar and maple syrup. The biscuits, too, were excellent as usual. Try one, and you’ll probably agree with me that they’re the best you’ve ever had. I left the Waysider feeling quite satisfied with the carbfilled breakfast I had just consumed. I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone, especially if you’re a Crimson Tide fan. The only things that keep the Waysider for gaining all five stars are its curiously high prices for slightly small sizes, and the substandard hot chocolate. Nevertheless, this restaurant is a fixture of Tuscaloosa, and deserves to appreciated.
Fashion is a way to express yourself. The clothes someone wears tells a lot about them. Kayla Moore. senior, said stripes is a big fashion statement. “Me, personally, I like stripes because I look good in them. There are a lot of patterns you can get them in,” Moore said. Another big thing this year is distressed jeans or better known as ripped jeans. “I love ripped up pants. I wear them a lot outside of school,” Moore said. Over the decades fashion has really changed. “I would love to go back to the 80’s because I love all the bright colors and different patterns,” Kayla said. Celebrities have a big impact on a lot of things people wear. Kayla said Rihanna is her favorite. “I like her because she has a very versatile style. Her wardrobe is out going and edgy. Not any one could just pull it off,” Kayla said. Kameron Peoples, junior, said Levis are a big thing. “Everyone wears them. They can be for boys and girls,” Peoples said. Kameron said he likes to wear camo. “Camo will go with anything. My favorite color to wear with it is red,” Peoples said. Jay Z influences Kameron’s fashion. “He’s always wearing something appealing to the eye,” Peoples said.
Photo by: Keambria Washington Pose: Summer Cochran, senior, wears faded jeans. “I’m very picky about the clothes I wear, and I love tennis shoes,” Cochran said.
Photo by: D’Aja Patrick Express yourself: Cassius Lanier, senior, wears a UCA sweatshirt and Converse shoes. “Fasion is a way of life,” Lanier said. “And I express myself with the clothes and shoes I wear.”
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Feature
The Northridge Reporter November 30, 2013
BEEN THERE, Engineering enthusiast takes advantage of University nanoscience opportunity
Photo by: Junchi Wu
It’s science! Kelly Burnham, 12, stands in front of “The Clean Room,” a dust-free chamber in which spin coating and other contaminant-sensitive treatments are performed.
make sense. AP Chemistry, AP Biology and Pre-Calculus were absolutely critical,” Burnham said. Burnham said the internship was a humbling experience. She said she learned that she did not know as much as she thought she did at the beginning of the experience. Burnham said she worked with “interesting machines” such as the Bruker Senterra System (costing $150,000) and the Scanning Electron Microscope. “[The microscope] was mesmerizing to look at,” Burnham said. Joy Burnham, Kelly’s mother, said she was not worried about Burnham handling expensive equipment because the supervision of the program was extremely close. Joy said she was proud of Burnham’s work ethic and desire to make the most out of this opportunity, and that Burnham was mature about her work commitment. “This [internship] offered her a perspective about collegiate work and campus activities,” Joy said. Burnham said she was thankful for the internship and very sad to leave. She said she is excited for what the future holds. “Engineering is in my blood. If anything, this internship made me even crazier about becoming an engineer.”
Senior finds challenges, fun in work as engineering intern Lauren Curtner-Smith Copy Editor Kelly Burnham, senior, performed general research alongside a team composed of faculty, graduate students and undergraduate students from the University of Alabama (U of A) physics and chemistry engineering departments this summer Burnham participated in the Nanoscience and Engineering High School Research Internship run by a program at the University of Alabama called the Center for Materials for Information Technology (MINT). She worked in Bevill Hall on the U of A campus. “The undergrads were a lot closer to my age, and we quickly went from formal acquaintances to good friends,” Burnham said.
Burnham worked 9 a.m. to 5 p.m from June 3 until Aug. 2. “Though not to brag, I often stayed later in the day just to complete more of my work,” Burnham said. Burnham said she received $2,000 for completing the internship before tax was deducted. Dr. Ria Evans, science teacher, said that the MINT program has great value because people move the information technology industry forward. “Being part of cutting edge technology and science is a rare opportunity, something that could change a person’s goals and improve their outlook for entering a career field where there are plenty of challenging, interesting, available jobs,” Evans said.
Burnham said she heard of this opportunity when Elizabeth Tiley, counselor, called Burnham in to review the application. The application included prerequisites such as AP Calculus, AP Biology or AP Chemistry. Burnham said she enjoyed AP Chemistry and Biology her junior year with teacher Marilyn Stephens. Laura Worley, senior, said Burnham is dedicated to science. “You can really see her love for science through her school work and daily life,” Worley said. Burnham, who aspires to be an aerospace engineer someday, said, “I am glad I took AP classes because when I can to MINT, [the AP classes] started to intermingle and
Photo by: UA Student
Friends forever: Kelly Burnham, senior, poses with her fellow interns at lunch on Aug. 2. “The people I worked with are simply fantastic,” Burnham said. “I couldn’t have hoped for more brilliant minds to be surrounded by. It was mind blowing to work with them, and I miss them very much.”
3301 Highway 69 South Beside McDonald’s
The Northridge Reporter November 30, 2013
Feature
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, DONE THAT Students audition for American Idol opportunity Sophie Fairbairn Assistant Copy Editor
McLaughlin was aware of the contract. “I just thought ‘Hey, it’s worth a shot’,” McLaughlin said. Six vocalists stood outside the Tuscaloosa McLaughlin and Crowe were informed Amphitheater on Wednesday, Aug. 21 in about the audition through the social nethopes of becoming the next vocal artist sen- working sites Twitter and Facebook. sation for the top charted “Lots of reality series, paperwork American had to be American Idol is based on whethIdol. filled out er or not you have a certain look, SaVannah to get in,” McLaughlin, sound, and personality. Crowe said. senior, was one During SaVanna Mclaughlin, Senior of these six. their audi“We waited tion, each in line for six hours,” McLaughlin said. contestant, including Wallace, was told to Our student participants included seniors stand outside on the Tuscaloosa AmphitheSaVanna McLaughlin and Reagan Wal- ater stage and face the empty audience, the lace, sophomore Margaret Crowe, juniors judges facing the contestant. Victoria Camp and Kiana Little and a ju“I thought the judges would be really nior student who must remain anonymous. mean, but they weren’t,” Wallace said, “not Crowe said she was ready for the audition. like Simon Cowell,” a former American “It’s been Idol judge something known for I thought the judges would be really I’ve wanted to his cruel redo since I was mean, but they weren’t. marks about six years old,” contestants Reagan Wallace, Senior Crowe said. vocal ability. Beginning Crowe its 13th season, American Idol took an said the audition didn’t give them much “Audition Bus Tour” across the southern feedback. states in hopes to find the next big voice. “The judges listened and then talked beThis tour ran through Little Rock, Arkan- hind clipboards. They then said either yes sas; Oxford, Mississippi; Knoxville, Ten- or no.” Crowe said. nessee; Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Only less than 20 out of 1000 in Tuscafinally Tuscaloosa. loosa made it to the next round. Each of McLaughlin our students said she tried who did not I’ll sing anywhere I can until I can’t out because of make it the convenient sing anymore. were told location. to try again SaVanna Mclaughlin, Senior “It’s not every the next day you get the year. opportunity to possibly be a part of a show “No one likes rejection, but I know there that makes people’s dreams come true.” will be a thousand ‘no’s’ before a ‘yes’,” McLaughlin said. McLaughlin said. Airing since June 11 2002, American Crowe said American Idol has a lot that Idol has been a competitive reality show in goes on behind the camera that most peowhich singers compete for the title “Amer- ple don’t know about. ican Idol,” which includes a one million “I heard they were looking for country dollar recording contract. singers,” the anonymous auditioner said.
Photo by: Leticia McLaughlin
Go for the gold: Senior SaVanna McLaughlin auditions for a spot on American Idol on Aug. 21. McLaughlin said “what you see is not way,” Crowe said. “Singing is my passion, what you get when it comes to American so I was disappointed that [the judges] said ‘no,’ I know I am still young and can defiIdol contestants.” “There are a lot of things that play into nitely try again next year.” Wallace and McLaughlin didn’t even the audition,” McLaughlin said. “American Idol is based on whether you have a plan to audition. “Realistically, I want to be a teacher,” Walcertain look, sound and personality that fit together in creating a perfect balance lace said, “but I enjoy singing, and I knew I of diversity to keep people entertained had a fair chance of getting on the show.” “When I was little, I wanted to be an with the show. They can’t have too many people who just run together. They also Olympic gymnast or ‘The’ ice cream man,” want you to have a story so that people McLaughlin said, “but eventually, I grew can connect with you on a personal lev- out of that and realized having a singing or acting career is definitely my ultimate el.” And even though five out of six of our dream.” Though she was turned away, McLaughstudents weren’t what the judges were looking for, the students still hold onto lin said she won’t give up. “I’ll sing anywhere I can until I can’t their dreams. “My dream is to be performer on Broad- sing anymore,” McLaughlin said.
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News
The Northridge Reporter November 30, 2013
Crowd gathers at statue to pray for Mills New Teachers A.J. McCarron, Crimson Tide quarterThe jaguar statue at the school was choback, dedicated his playing in the Ala- sen due to its central location. bama-Mississippi game on Sept. 28 to her Kennedy and Jessica Procter, senior, the event’s organizers, sent out word of the Students gathered around the jaguar stat- as well. “She literally lit up a room when she event through Facebook, Instagram and ue in ‘See You at the Jag’ before school on walked in,” text message. Sept. 26 for a solemn purpose. K a t h l e e n The event “It was to pray for Olivia Mills, who was K e n n e d y , drew about She literally lit up a room when she in a car accident on Sunday, Sept. 22,” said senior, said. 30 to 40 peoHannah Brandon, sophomore, who attendwalked in. She touched everyone “She touched ple, Brandon ed the event. she met. said. Mills, a senior at Sipsey Valley High everyone she Those asSchool, passed away on Saturday, Sept. met.” Kathleen Kennedy, senior ‘See You sembled 28 from injuries sustained in the accibegan by dent. While hospitalized, she gained the at the Jag’ was inspired by ‘See You at the singing the C h r i s t i a n attention of the media and public, with Pole’ that was held on Sept. 25 at songs “Come Thou Fount,” “The Valley” a Facebook page dedicated to praying for her recovery gathering over 40,000 high schools throughout the United and “He Loves Us,” accompanied on the States. guitar by junior Mary Margaret Murdock. ‘likes.’ Then the praying began. “We all held hands in a big circle, and I opened with a prayer,” Kennedy said. “Lots of people were crying; I didn’t expect that many to show up.” Two teachers were present: Coach Wiley Edwards and Darrin Spence. “I never knew her, but it felt like I did when I heard everyone talk about who she was and what she stood for,” Edwards said. The event was “pretty awesome,” Kennedy said. “I cried because people who didn’t know her were praying for her; it really moved me,” she said. Those who attended the event were given purple ribbons to wear in Mills’ honor, as purple was Mills’ favorite color. “[The event] was pretty moving; I think it speaks volumes about the person she chose to be,” Edwards said. Kerri Irvin, junior, another event particiPhoto by: Kerri Irvin pant, said that Mills “had a lot of faith” and See You at the Jag: Students form a prayer circle in front of the jaguar statue on “sacrificed her life for Christ.” Sept. 26. Mary Margaret Murdock, junior, strums to the tune of Christian songs as “She impacted a lot of people’s lives,” the group prays for Olivia Mills. Irvin said. James Niiler Feature Editor
Little changes, big differences
Esprit de Corps founded to boost teacher morale Moore said. “I also created it because we Renu Pandit as a faculty don’t really know each other.” Editor-in-Chief She said the committee has two funcA new club called Esprit de Corps was tions. introduced to the faculty at the start of the “First to show appreciation for our facschool year. Esprit de Corps was created by Mary ulty and staff; second to provide opportuniMoore, English teacher, when she ob- ties for our faculty and staff to get together outside of the school setting in order to beserved how low teacher morale was. come better “The club acquainted name means with one the common It’s hard to see the forest for the another.” spirit existing trees. Sometimes we lose sight of S h e in the memsaid she bers of a group our mission and get bogged down. hopes the and inspiring Stephen Black, club will enthusiasm, Spanish Teacher start to devotion and celebrate strong regard teachers’ birthdays with little treats, have for the honor of the group,” Moore said. She said that she, Ria Evans, Anna Halloween and Christmas secret pals and McEntire and Paige Spencer, science create more teacher gatherings. “We want to go on a faculty tubing trip teachers, along with Trina Busby, English teacher, Stephen Black, Spanish teacher, in the spring; we have “thirsty third Thursand Rebecca Gardner, math teacher, were days” at Pepito’s every month; we provide “randomly sitting together talking about snacks and entertainment at faculty meetways to make the school atmosphere hap- ings,” she said. “Also, with the help of our pier” at the teacher’s end of the year get- adopt-a-school partner, we provided little back-to-school treats in teachers’ boxes.” together. Moore said the club’s only obstacle is “So, I coordinated a meeting, and we got started at the close of the last school year,” finding a money source.
“Ms. Box so graciously donated money from a grant that she wrote in order to purchase snacks for a semester of faculty meetings. However, we do not currently have any other sources of money,” she said. Black said he is in charge of music. “It basically means I bring my iPod to meetings,” he said. “I joined because I felt like the staff needed encouragement and morale boosting, even though [morale] isn’t as low now as it has been in the past.” Black said the club mainly does little things, “like put treats in teacher’s boxes.” “It’s hard to see the forest for the trees,” he said. “Sometimes we lose sight of our mission and get bogged down.” Black said he knows what it feels like as a teacher to need a morale boost. “It’s usually whenever students’ performance is not what I expect it to be or when I get stressed balancing a full time teaching job and being a full time graduate student,” he said. Black said more workplaces could use a morale boosting committee “to relieve stress and to let teachers know that they’re not alone.” “I think the workforce could be happier in general,” he said.
Cheatham balances teaching, coaching Camri Mason Sports Editor Bruce Cheatham, government and history teacher, is not only new to the school, but to Tuscaloosa as well. Originally from Huntsville, Cheatham teaches seniors and one 10th grade history class. Before coming to the school, Cheatham said he taught at Sparkman High School for two years and coached football for four years. “During football season, I’m either working with football or in the classroom,” Cheatham said. Jennifer Reaves, senior, is a student in his government class. “He explains stuff [well], and if you don’t understand, you can always feel comfortable to ask him [anything].” Cheatham coaches Ronald McLaurin, sophomore. “He gets everybody lined up right,” McLaurin said. “I don’t have any problems with him, and we get along well.” Grade: Bruce Cheatham, history teacher, grades papers. Cheatham
Programmer brings experience to Career Prep classes Rebecca Griesbach News Editor Blank walls now replace the cheetah print, jungle décor of former BTA instructor, Teresa Meissner’s, classroom. In her swivel chair sits new teacher, Mike Shotts. This is the former computer programmer’s first teaching experience. “I like to see people achieve their goals,” Shotts said. “I enjoy helping people understand how to do things and seeing them learn.” Students in Shotts’ Career Prep class are warned about the dangers of the Internet. Tanner Lent, freshman, said Shotts has stressed identity theft prevention. Shotts said our generation’s emphasis on technology “has its plusses and minuses.” “Along with information comes a lot of responsibility,” he said. Lent said Shotts is willing to help students in any way he can. “He offered to buy a band T-shirt to help the band pay for their costs,” Lent said. “He’s a great guy.” Helping Hand: Mike Shotts, Career Prep teacher, helps a student with a task on the computer. Shotts Photos by: D’Aja Patrick
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Sports
The Northridge Reporter November 30, 2013
Champion
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Sophomore invited to compte in national equestrian competition Sumona Gupta Infographics Editor
Photo by: Camri Mason
My Ball: JV sophomore shooting guard Jordan Walker (11), gets ready to make a pass to sophomore Marquise Foster (10) in the Brookwood game on Nov. 12. The varsity team lost 47-51. The JV team beat Bibb County 72-22 on Nov. 21. The varsity team lost to Bibb County 38-66 and played Bryant on Nov. 22.
Brantley passionate about team D’Aja Patrick Photographer The boys basketball team began their season with a loss to Brookwood on Nov. 12. Bob Brantley, head boys basketball coach, has coached basketball for eighteen years. This is his nineteenth season. “I’m excited about going into this season. I have a lot of young players that I believe in,” Brantley said. Brantley said he loves coaching. “I couldn’t see myself doing anything else [but coaching],” Brantley said. He said he wants his players to take on his words of wisdom throughout life. “I want my players to remember that it was not just about basketball but the relationships,” he said. Desharis Dobbins, 11, plays point guard. He said before the season began that he believed the team would go undefeated.
“I have a lot of confidence in my boys. We have such great team chemistry that we work excellently together,” Dobbins said. Desharis said Brantley is a great coach. “We know that he cares about us, and he is the most loyal man I know,” Dobbins said. Marquis Gray, 11, plays small forward. He said that Brantley is hardworking and serious when it comes to basketball. “Everything he says I believe in. The plan he has for the 2013-2014 basketball team will work,” Gray said. Coach Brantley stays on the boys about grades and other things outside of school. “I like that he stays on us about our grades and pushes us to do better; he keeps us out of trouble,” Gray said. Gray said Brantley is a very willing person. He said he is willing to do anything to make the team their best. The boys played a tournament over the break against Shelby County and will play Brookwood on Dec. 6.
Mary Claire Ray, sophomore, ranked within the top 40 horseback riders in the country. She was invited to attend the Washington International Horse Show at the Verizon Center in Washington DC. The competition, held annually for 55 years, took place from Oct. 21 to 26. Ray was the youngest person in her division, riding her horse, Ambassador. “[The competition] was right at the heart of Washington. It was cool because they closed off some streets to put in horse stalls,” Ray said. The event was filled with prestigious riders of all ages. Ray said it was very different from most of the shows she’s been to and the opportunity to attend was exciting. “We were surrounded by Olympians. All the best riders go there,” she said. Ray said the horse show wasn’t just meant for horse enthusiasts but for any passers-by. “It was a really exciting event. There was so much activity going on,” Ray said. To enter the competition there were many prerequisites. In order to qualify, riders from the east coast were required to be within the top 30, while riders from the west coast were from the top 10 riders in the country. Ray said that riders in her division were required to be younger than 18 years old, and they should compete every weekend in order to maintain their position. “A huge accomplishment for me was just being accepted,” Ray said. Ray began riding at six, when a Sunday school teacher introduced the sport to her.
Borden Ray, Mary Claire’s father, thanks Dr. Espy and her teachers for their support. “It’s been enjoyable to watch Mary Claire compete at the highest level of her sport against the top riders from the United States and Canada,” he said. With the support of her parents, Ray began winning competitions. At nine, Ray competed in and won two prestigious championships on her pony Caption. Now, she drives for four hours every weekend to train in Memphis. “I practice almost every weekend there’s not a horse show. I have to do a lot of schoolwork on the road,” she said. Ray misses one to two school days on the weeks that she competes. The repercussion of this is a large amount of missed schoolwork. Despite this, Ray continues taking AP and honors classes, as well as Pre-Calculus. Science teacher Beth Allaway said Ray is an admirable student. “I’ve had her for two years, and she’s a super student; ninety-eights and hundreds on everything. She’s also very disciplined in her equestrian work,” Allaway said. Ray is set to compete at the Devon Horse Show, another national competition, sometime between May 22 and June 1, and said she hopes to continue competing throughout her high school career. She said she hopes to follow in the footsteps of her role model, Katie Dinan, a horseback rider at Grand Prix level who juggles professional riding with an education at Harvard. “I hope I can balance college and riding,” Ray said. “I’ll probably always ride, even if I don’t make a career out of it. It’s definitely worth it.”
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Victory jump: Mary Claire Ray, sophomore, competes in the Washington International Horse Show on Oct. 21-26.
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The Northridge Reporter November 30, 2013
Beat 8
“Once the seeker catches the snitch, the team that the seeker is on gets thirty extra points and the game is over.” He said the person acting as The Snitch isn’t on any team but serves as a type of ball. “The Snitch is a person dressed in all yellow and has a yellow sock in the back of his/her pants for the seeker to grab. The Snitch can run anywhere, and I mean anywhere,” he said. “There are no boundaries for The Snitch, and The Snitch follows no rules.” Lane said he decided to ask Stephen Black, Spanish teacher, to sponsor the club. “I decided Mr. Black would be a good sponsor because he’s a teacher that wouldn’t be afraid to embrace something as unique as Quidditch,” Lane said. “Plus his name is S. Black, and in the Harry Potter books Harry’s uncle’s name is Serious Black. S. Black. Serious Black. Coincidence?” Black said he agreed to sponsor because he thought it would be a great way to get students involved in team activities. “When it comes to Quidditch, all I would like to say is ‘That’s so wizard,’” Black said. “I’ve read all the Harry Potter books, and I’ve seen all the movies. I’ve also seen students play Quidditch on the Quad at the University of Alabama.” He said he aspires to learn a lot from the Quidditch team. “The players show a lot of spirit,” Black said. “They truly love to do it.” Lane said that as of now the future of Quidditch is undecided. “Right now we just meet up every Tuesday and Thursday at Sokol Park around 4:30 p.m. to play quick games of Quidditch. There isn’t really any competitive system yet, but hopefully as more people join the Quidditch team we can split up into small teams within the Quidditch team and play intermural Quidditch,” he said. “Anyone who wants to be in the club can be in the club, and we make sure that anyone who is in Quidditch gets to play. The way for someone to join the team is just come to practice, we accept anyone!”
Quidditch team lifts off to inaugural season Renu Pandit Editor-in-Chief Fifty points to Gryffindor! The first high school Quidditch team in Tuscaloosa has now been founded. Charles Lane, junior, said he decided to start a Quidditch team during the summer, and then set his plan in action when school started. “Once you break Quidditch down, it really isn’t so complex,” Lane said. “Quidditch is based off of the fictional sport invented by J.K Rowling in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. In Quidditch, two teams, each with seven players, run around with brooms in between their legs and try to reach the score limit or get the most points in the given amount of time.” Lane said that in the books, instead of running with brooms between their legs, the characters actually fly on them. “Some people say Quidditch would be a ‘legit’ sport if it weren’t for the broom, but without the broom it wouldn’t be Quidditch,” he said. “The broom creates a challenge, kind of like having to kick the ball in soccer, or dribbling the ball in basketball. Sure it would be easier just to carry the ball with both hands, but where is the fun in that?” Lane said that on each team there are two chasers, two beaters, one keeper and one seeker. “The chaser uses a deflated volleyball called the ‘Quaffle,’ which they try to throw through one of three hoops. Once the Quaffle gets through one of said hoops, the team who scored gets ten points. The beaters are the defense of the game; they use a dodge ball called the ‘Bludger’ to throw at the other team. Once hit by a Bludger, the player must get off their broom, sprint back to the goal post, and then return to the position that they previously were. The keeper defends the three hoops and does everything he/ she can to make sure that the Quaffle doesn’t make it through. The seeker chases after a person designated as ‘The Snitch,’” he said.
Photos by: Renu Pandit
Fly: Seniors Daniel Gregory and Sean Miller run drills on their broomsticks on the practice field. After practicing running and simultaneously holding a broomstick between his legs, Miller said the Quidditch team is off to a great start, and should improve as more members join. “We aren’t organized enough to have and keep positions,” Miller said. “So, we usually change it up every game we play. I’m usually the snitch, though.”
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Novemner 30, 2013 Volume 11 Issue 3
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