March 2019
Volume 12 Number 3
Nation Ford High School
1400 A.O. Jones Blvd.
Fort Mill, SC 29715
What It’s Like To Be A Private Investigator
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FAMILY
by Kayla Southwood gentle shake from his mother wakes eightyear-old Brady Sellers. It’s just after 4 a.m. He drags himself out of bed, trudges down the stairs, snags a banana for breakfast and follows his mom to the car in the deathly quiet dawn. “We get up early in the morning,” says Brady. “Like really early. It’s our routine.” Brady makes himself comfortable in the car with a pillow and blanket, letting his burdensome eyelids get the best of him, and dozes off while his mom goes to work. Brady’s mom Amy, is a private investigator, which means she is hired to discreetly investigate a variety of cases. Often times she is trailing suspicious individuals, taking photos and notes– and most importantly, observing. Amy moved with her family from Evansville, Ind. to Fort Mill less than two years ago. She is self-employed, and for five years, all kinds of individuals and companies have been reaching out to her in hopes of
F SPIES
satisfying their suspicions. People will hire Amy when they visit her online profile or hear about her business from word of mouth. She says she meets with the client before every case to discuss the situation. Next, she types up a contract discussing the rate she’ll be paid and everything she will have to do to prove her client’s case. Everyone who meets her can see her stand behind her work with confidence and passion in her eyes. “They just want that security,” Amy says. Although Amy didn’t originally plan on becoming a P.I., there’s no doubt she enjoys it. “Even though parts of it might be boring, it’s always something different,” she says. “There might be an hour that I’m bored, but the cases are interesting. And I like to try to figure out more than what they ask me to – I always try to put the whole puzzle together.” But being a P.I. has its difficulties too. Generally, Amy manages a number of worries, for instancestressing that she’ll lose the suspect she’s chasing. continued on page 6
2 • news
“If there’s something that you want to do but you’re not sure about doing, just go for it and get out of your comfort zone.” Payton Deal (‘19)
d “We’re focusing on what’s in the person— what’s behind the face, makeup and dress— so the Miss Nation Ford Pageant has substance to it. ” Kathy Seastead, Student Council Adviser
Miss Nation Ford Pageant
Students Work Behind Scenes On Glamorous Event by Kailey Cota “If there’s something that you want to do but you’re not sure about doing, just go for it and get out of your comfort zone,” said 2019 Miss Nation Ford, Payton Deal. “You’ll regret the chances you didn’t take.” The Miss Nation Ford Scholarship Pageant is an annual event for all grade levels. Student Council Advisor Kathy Seastead and a team of officers begin planning for the pageant and picking a charity to sponsor during summer. The 2019 charity is Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, and each contestant is required to perform two hours of community service on site. Additionally, participants are required to sell $125 in advertising, which pays for the scholarships each winner receives. Miss Nation Ford receives $1,000; Miss Senior, Junior, Sophomore and Freshman receive $500; Miss Congeniality and Miss Ad Sales receive $50. The summer after graduation, all scholarships are directly sent to the college each girl decides to attend. Health Science teacher, Lori Jackson hand-picked two active and seasoned judges for the 2019 pageant. “The pageant is 100 percent student-run,” Student Body President and Co-Director/ Emcee, Josh Causey said. “Student Council Treasurer Mary Werner and I were in charge of organizing all the logistics behind the pageant and making sure everything was perfect. If something didn’t go right, it was on us, so the pressure was definitely high. Although it was a ton of hard work, we were able to pull it all together and had a blast doing so.” While this was Deal’s first year in the Miss Nation Ford Pageant, she participated in the 2015 Strawberry Pageant. Because she had such a positive experience with the Strawberry Pageant, and because it is her senior year, Deal
After being named Miss Nation Ford on Feb. 7, Payton Deal (‘19), stands shocked in the middle of the stage while awaiting her crown and sash. Photo by Julia Lako decided to step out of her comfort zone and compete in a pageant once again. “The most important part of the pageant is to be yourself— you have to be confident in who you are,” Deal said. In the future, Deal plans on attending either the University of South Carolina or Clemson University, and she would love to participate in future pageants. “They’re so uplifting and inspiring and your confidence level soars during and after a pageant,” Deal said. In future Miss Nation Ford Scholarship Pageants, Seastead said that com-
munity service is going to continue to be a requirement, and she hopes that the event is going to better stay on pace. “It is an amazing experience that every female student at Nation Ford should experience,” Seastead said. “Girls should try it next year because it is incredibly rewarding to showcase yourself, get out of your comfort zone, and make new friends. We’re focusing on what’s in the person— what’s behind the face, makeup and dress— so the Miss Nation Ford Pageant has substance to it. ”
Measles Epidemic
Airborne Disease Causes States Of Emergency
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source: Mayo Clinic
by Taylor Rumsey
The Talon
ith multiple states calling for a state of emergency, the measles is becoming a rising issue, and many people at Nation Ford have not been vaccinated, which could be a problem some day.vvvvvvvv “There’s not much going around here,” Nurse Kim Dixon said, “but there has already been a total of 84 measles cases this year [in the U.S.].”vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv A serious outbreak in the state of Washington and in the states around it has occurred in recent months. People who are classified as contagious have been going to places such as restaurants, airports, and schools, which is spreading the measles to other parts of the country. As of Feb. 25, there were a total of 66 confirmed cases in Washington state alone. vvvvvvvv Measles is a serious airborne disease that is passed from person to person and can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and sometimes death. In 2018, a total of over 390 cases were confirmed in America. The best known way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated, however in recent years,
many people have not been vaccinated. People at Nation Ford have chosen not to get vaccinated for different reasons. According to Nurse Dixon, people do not get the vaccination because of religious or medical exemptions. Others may not chose to get it because they believe that it is unsafe and are concerned about the risks involved.
“In 2018, a total of over 390 cases were confirmed in America.” Center for Disease Control So is getting the vaccination worth it?vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv “Immunizations have had an enormous impact on the health of children,” according to a statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics said. “The prevention of disease by vaccination is one of the single greatest public health achievements of the last century.”vvvvvvvv
Nurse Dixon said that if the vaccinations are available, she recommends getting them. She said that statistically speaking vaccinations do work and the benefits often do outweigh the risks.vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv After the measles vaccination was first used in 1963, no cases were reported and the vaccination has statistically shown a reduced number of breakthroughs.nnnnnn Nurse Dixon explains that breakthroughs are usually caused by people who are unvaccinated or people who miss their dosings because of traveling due to work or vacation.vvvvvvvv If students are diagnosed with the measles, they will be contagious six days prior to the rash which will last a total of four days. Students must then stay home six days after the rash is gone, which is a total of sixteen days away from school. nnnnnn Although no students at Nation Ford have been diagnosed with the measles yet, it has been a growing problem in the U.S. and will continue to grow unless stopped by the best known method – which is vaccination. Measels are only one of many diseases vaccines can prevent.
MARCH 2019
news •3
Model UN Students Prepare For Upcoming Competition Winthrop University will hold a competition for High School Model UN students March 20-22
In the Nation Ford library on Feb. 6, Josh Willoughby (‘19) and Andrew Wilson (‘19) present a nutrient additive system for hydroponic farming at the InvenTeam Community Reception in the Media Center.
InvenTeam Recieves $10,000 Grant From MIT Lemelson by Grace Asaad & Enoch Ibarra The Nation Ford InvenTeam is one of 15 teams in the U.S. who won a grant of $10,000 from Lemelson-MIT program, a national grants initiative. The team won the grant for designing an automated nutrient additive system for hydroponic farming, which grows plants in water without soil. “Our team is focused on helping hydroponic farmers with an automated nutrient injection system which will be monitored through an app and website,” Gina Perry, one of the sponsoring faculty members, said. Science teacher Blair Tate also supports the students with the project. The team is growing plants with probes in the water that send the nutrients the plant needs to a
machine called SNAS, short for Smart Nutrition Additive System. “It is an awesome concept that is going to detect when a nutrient is too high or too low and then allow the farmer to add the exact amount to the water system wirelessly,” Mrs. Perry said. The team will use the $10,000 grant to improve on this project. “Since we had found a local hydroponic farmer who had some potential inventions for us to try, we thought we would take a stab at it,” Charlotte Pollack said. The students on the team were beyond excited to win this award. “Finding out that we won the grant was one of the most surreal experiences I’ve had in high school.” Madeleine Pollack said. “Ecstatic does not even begin to describe it.”
by Sam Frank Nation Ford’s Model United Nations (UN) is preparing to head to the WUMUN Conference XLIII at Winthrop on March 20-22. The Nation Ford team will be sending students representing the countries of Hungary, Finland, Equatorial Guinea, and Indonesia to the conference March 20. The team has had a successful history at the competition with Falcons winning awards each year for their accomplishments. “The year we won the Winthrop Cup for best school/delegation was exciting,” said Model U.N. Club sponsor Brendan Wright. “However, what is always most exciting for me is to see a student who is normally a little reserved and quiet get really involved in the competition and take over a room with their participation.” The club can provide a fun, courtlike atmosphere where students who all share an interest in history, geography, and debate can openly interact and discuss global affairs. “It emphasizes public speaking, problem-solving, and understanding glob-
al issues from a number of different viewpoints,” Mr. Wright said. While Mr. Wright leads the club, many Nation Ford students are involved and are looking forward to the competition. “I would definitely recommend students join the club,” said Claire Mattes (’20). “Not only do you learn so much about another country and politics, but you also learn basic debating skills that I can easily say I’ve used in tons of other classes.” “[Model U.N.] tackles the fear of public speaking, and it’s always important to know what’s going on in the world,” Leah Letterhos (‘19) said.
“It emphasizes public speaking, problem-solving, and understanding global issues from a number of different viewpoints.” Students have differing opinions regarding which country they’d like to see Nation Ford representing. “I would prefer to represent Jordan because I represented Jordan in the class,” said Mattes. “I loved representing them because there are so many conflicts surrounding them, so there’s always something to talk about.” “North Korea,” said Letterhos. “It would be fun seeing an ideology we aren’t familiar with.”
Club Unify Hosts Polar Plunge For Special Olympics by Kailey Cota & Kendall Grahl
At the Baxter YMCA Polar Plunge on Feb. 9, Principal Jason Johns splashes into the pool to help support the fundraising for Special Olympics. Photo by Kailey Cota
MARCH 2019
Participants or “plungers” jumped into freezing water at the Baxter YMCA on Feb. 9 at noon at the Polar Plunge Fundraiser. The effort helped raise more than $20,000 to support athletes in the South Carolina Area 11 Special Olympics. “It was a lot of fun— I actually look forward to the polar plunge every year,” Instructional Assistant Carole Pebbles said. “It’s one of my most favorite events, and so far I’ve been to six. I’m going to the polar plunge at Lake Wylie next week. “I love the polar plunge because it’s cold, and you freeze, but you have a lot of fun doing it-- and it’s for a great cause,” she added. “That’s why they call it ‘Freezin for a Reason.’” All of the Fort Mill Schools including Nation Ford’s Club Unify, and Junior Civitans participated in the Polar Plunge. The money from the event helps support athletes in the Chester, Lancaster and York areas. “The Special Olympics mean the world to our students— the
faces that they make when they get a ribbon is so special,” Special Services Instructional Assistant Courtney Smith said. “They feel so proud because they get to compete alongside other people that are of the same ability, so it shows them that they can do things that other people can do, too.” The proceeds provide sport training, leadership skills and health services for athletes with disabilities. The Special Olympics empowers athletes to develop physical fitness, celebrate their sportsmanship, experience teamwork and participate in their communities. There is still time to donate at the South Carolina Special Olympics website. Another way Nation Ford teachers can support the Special Education program is by buying a cup of coffee for $1. Faculty can request coffee through Google Drive or by emailing Katie Clenshaw, and it will be delivered to classrooms during first and second block any day .
The Talon
4• sports
Boys Varsity Soccer Prepares For Season With Tough Scrimmages
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Dunking against Fort Mill High School, South Carolina 5A Player of the Year Zeb Graham (‘19) gives the Falcons a twopoint lead on Feb. 8. Graham credits his athletic team and strong offense for the Falcons making it to the third round of playoffs.
Falcons Finish Strong Season Boys Basketball Closes Season In Third Round Playoff Game Loss by Lila Zois The Nation Ford boys’s varsity basketball team finished off an astonishing season with a 25-4 record. After taking a victory against crosstown rival Fort Mill High School, the Falcons advanced into the Class 5A boys’s varsity basketball playoffs. In the third round playoff game, the Falcons lost at home to Mauldin High School in a close match with a final score of 79-75. Nation Ford played a close game, despite the South Caroli-
“Our goal [was] to get closer as a team to reach our destination.” na 5A Player of the Year Zeb Graham (PG)(‘19) being out for the game with a foot injury. Shaman Alston (G)(‘19), scored 27 points, and Malik Bryant (G)(‘19), scored 23 points, leading the team on offense. The team’s strength and dedication led to success this season, players say. “We [had] a really fast team and athletic team with different skills which [made] us hard to guard on offense,” Graham said. Head Coach Jared Adamson started coaching at Nation Ford three years ago. “Every opponent is a big opponent. Our goal [was] to get closer as a team to reach our destination,” he said.
The Talon
by Eric Finley
he varsity boy’s soccer team travels to take on Myrtle Beach High to play one of their final two scrimmages before the regular season. The trip to Myrtle Beach will allow for team building and perhaps confidence building as well. The team gave their all in Rock Hill in the Northwestern Invitational last weekend, losing to Clover in the Championship match but they went 4-0 prior beating York, Ashley Ridge, Dorman, and Bishop England. The team beat Dorman High School in a re-match 1-0 in their third game of the Northwestern Invitational on Feb. 23, a match up they tied in their first meeting. Dorman is a strong team a lot of potential. Captain Kyle Wells (‘20) was hurt throughout most of last season, and his return will help the team return to complete their ultimate goal of a state title. “So far, I think we are doing better than we once thought and we are building chemistry as a team,” Wells said. As the team moves forward into the 2019 season, they are building on last year’s success while filling gaps left by the 2018 graduating class. “This year's team is a lot younger. We lost over 12 seniors,” head coach Kenny Halas said. “This team is certainly going to have a target on its back from the success we had.” Team captains Curtis Johnson (‘19) and Wells will be the vocal leaders of the team, as they have the most experience on the team. “We have brought a younger core into the team, so were a little inexperienced but we have the belief,” Johnson said. “We are more technical than last
Making an accurate pass, Curtis Johnson (‘19) lets go off the ball to set up his player and hoping for a score. In a 4-0 beat down of Indian Land High School Feb. 14, smart decisions and accurate shots from the Falcons gives them hope for another successful season. Photo by Eric Finley year, and we believe we can hang with the big boys.” The team looks to ride with this sense of pride and belief in an effort to win states this year, a feat that one goal kept them from achieving in a loss 2-1 in last year's state finals. “Our style of play is going to be possession-oriented – we have a real quality group of players in the midfield,” Coach Halas said. “We are pretty strong in the back field and very technical in the mid field.” The team this year looks to take advantage of keeping possession with
strong midfield play and a cycling group of attacking players. Coach Halas plans to run a 3-5-2 formation that will work with their style. Although the Falcons have tied in their first two scrimmages of the year against Dorman and Riverbluff, these two teams are top ten in the state. Those matches give the team a sense of hope going into conference play. The team beat Indian Land 4-0 on Feb. 15 with goals from Dylan Dority (’21), Stephen Griffen (‘19), Johnson, and Josue Garcia (‘20).
Linebacker Battles Type 1 Diabetes
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ic and athleticism speak n the outside, #45 loudly about him.” appears to be a Will has had to sit out healthy and carefree of multiple games befootball player. But cause of his illness. “It off the field, linebacker Will sucks when you’re not Lowman (‘22) is silently batable to work for your tling Type 1 Diabetes. team,” he said. Will was diagnosed with If his blood sugar passdiabetes at the age of 4. “It was a es 190 mg, it’s too high. If complete shock to our enit’s below 70 mg, it’s too tire family,” says Jaime low. These fluctuations Lowman, Will’s mom. can be caused by adren “He doesn’t remember life aline or stress on game without diabetes.” days-- this is one of the Will’s family each plays many concerns Jaime has a role in keeping him safe, during football season. healthy, and alive. They say it’s “I worry that his blood a family disease. sugar will go too low But 11 years later, Jaime while playing, or his pod sometimes still mourns the fact Despite being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, Varsity (OmniPod insulin pump) that Will doesn’t have a “nor- Linebacker Will Lowman (‘22) consistently fights and plays to his best ability on the field. Photo by Ava Pidhayny will get ripped out mal life”. while playing,” Jaime When it comes to sports, Will tell people about it unless it comes admits. is very positive and motivated. He doesn’t let what he calls “this little up-- he worries people may treat him She said she also worries about differently. He pushes himself extra dehydration, which happens more thing” affect his life, he said. often to athletes with diabetes. About Still, diabetes can sometimes hard. affect how he plays or acts toward his “He always goes the extra mile,” 1.5 million people are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes each year. teammates, depending on his blood Jaime says. sugar. “It makes me feel different. But It’s as if he’s trying to make up for As for Will, he feels he is lucky to the fact that he has this condition, she have his family by his side. it’s okay to be different,” he says. Will’s parents say he doesn’t make explains. “If his team has to run 10 laps, On game days, you can’t miss his a big deal about his diabetes, or even he’ll run 11,” Jaime said. “His work eth- enthusiasm and love for the game.
march 2019
sports • 5
S P C O
O R T L U M
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Real Battles In Football
Blowing past her defender, Nation Ford attacker Peri Evans (‘20) cuts toward the goal, looking for the open shot in the first scrimmage of the season. The girls lacrosse team braced the cold weather to beat AC Flora in the home scrimmage on Feb. 9. Photo by Maddy Doan
Varsity Girls Lacrosse Fights Dorman Thursday In Roebuck up to varsity and they have got the skills, but they need to get faster at it,” Coach McNeil said. The Nation Ford women’s lacrosse team takes With eleven returning varsity players and eight playon Dorman March 6 in the second game of the ers moving up from JV, the team is working hard to be regular season. The lady Falcons suffered a 10-6 able to work together and connect on the field. loss against the Cavaliers and they aim to re- “We have a lot of talent – it’s just hard sometimes deem themselves in Thursday’s away game. to bring talent together, but if we can do that, I think The girls are looking to improve sig- we can go pretty far,” Kelsey Gleason (‘19) said. nificantly from last year’s tough 5-9 re- Gleason is a four-year varsity player and cord hoping to make it to playoffs this year. was one of the leading scorers last season. “My goals are to play as a team and to hopeful- “There are so many great parts about being on ly make playoffs,” Sophia Catan (’19) said. this team, but I love the This year is Catan’s trips we take together! fifth year playing for the “We have a lot of talent – it’s just They can be really fun, high school team and her sometimes long and tiring, hard to bring talent together, fourth year on varsity. but there’s always a lot of but if we can do that, I think we laughter and jokes when “I want to make better shots and get my endurwe hang out with each othcan go pretty far.” ance up this season,” Peri er,” Gleason said. -Kelsey Gleason (‘19) Evans (‘20) said. It is a tradition of the team Head coach Tom McNeil to take an annual spring and assistant coach Julianna Jeffers remind the girls break trip to Hilton Head and is a well deserved break whenever they get the chance that they are working after their hard work during the regular season, but it for the playoffs on April 27. With that date engraved wouldn’t happen without all of the training and prepainto their minds, the girls train hard for two hours ration that goes into their practices and games. every night to make sure the team is in top shape for “I practice really hard during the week, and the approaching season. The coaches hope the intense I eat a good meal before – and I also drink lots of training will pay off in the regular season games. water to hydrate and listen to some pump up mu “The greatest challenges for the team this year sic to get ready for the game,” Catan said. are probably learning to grow our offense and we With the intense efforts being put into the practichave two new defenders who are just stepping es, the team hopes for them to reflect in their season. by Maddy Doan
Fierce Girls Basketball Season Finishes
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by Sophia Plate “I knew this season was going to be someith the title of region champs under thing great,” guard Keeley Wong (‘20) said. their belt, the lady Falcon’s varsity “We’re all friends on and off the court, so we realbasketball team has officially ended ly clicked as a team from the start. So, we became a powerhouse on the court, their season but more that, we became a with a 23-6 record. family.” Ranked twelfth in the “I knew this season was going Their teamwork was obstate, the ladies took the to be something great.” vious in games like the Millclass 5A girls basketball town showdown at Fort Mill playoffs by storm. They -Keeley Wong (‘20) High School on Jan. 22. wrapped up their successThe girls won 39-38 in a ful season with a tough loss battle to the last second, and against Spring Valley where they fought to the very end, losing 76-45 on Feb. 18, with a game-saving three-pointer from guard Adrienne Ruffalo (‘20), they remained undefeated in the 2019. The girl’s chemistry on the court was electric and region. Many of the girls agree that the moment only improved as the season went on. was the highlight of their season.
march 2019
4 out of 5 NFL players suffer from CTE, a disease that stems from concussions
291 concussions occurred from the 2017-18 NFL season Players are three times more likely to die from a neurodegenerative disease by Hayden Biebel
Improvement Needed To Prevent Injury, Concussions by Daniel Childs
When the lights click on and the field lights up, the players are ready for a battle. But after the game, some players end up fighting another battle – a battle with concussions. Concussions are a huge problem in high school football. Teen’s brains are still developing, and concussions can damage their brains for years to come. About 47 percent of all concussions in high school sports come from football. Many athletes who get concussions in sport don’t know they have one, so they don’t report it. Concussions can be very dangerous because they can lead to brain bleeds. Some of the symptoms of concussions are headaches, confusion, memory loss, and vision challenge. These symptoms can last into adulthood, if not treated correctly. If an athlete gets three or more concussions, the brain can swell, possibly resulting in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). CTE causes clumps of brain matter that slowly spread throughout the brain, killing brain cells. A study done by beginning in 2007 is working to determine how CTE has affected NFL players. Another study by Dr. Nicholas Theodore Chairman of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee, showed that 96 percent of all former NFL players have CTE. CTE is caused by concussions and can be solved by wearing better helmets and teaching the right tackling technique. Helmets aren’t very protective. Teams should buy helmets that offer more protection against head injuries. One helmet to help prevent concussions is the Schutt F7 Football Helmet, which costs about $850 per helmet. Although helmets are examined before the season, schools could be doing more to protect football players. Coaches can learn safer techniques from classes on CoachUpNation.com. After taking these classes they can pass on the skills they learned to their players. With better helmets and better tackling technique, concussions in football can be a thing of the past.
The Talon
6• centerspread
Amy Sellers, P.I.
“I can usually get anybody to talk. That’s why I’m good at it.” - Amy Sellers, P.I.
“I think, ‘Who else is crazy?’ He looks perfectly normal.” - Amy Sellers, P.I.
FAMILY by Kayla Southwood
F SPIES
Nation Ford Kids Learn The Ins & Outs Of Detective Work While Riding Along With Their Mom – Amy Sellers, P.I. Amy has raised inside each he’s normal, he’s at track meets. Who else A continued from Cover warriors of her kids, but the quality is alive is crazy and goes to track meets?”
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in them all.zz z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z ometimes she takes the whole family with her to work, and “You do something bad, you get it,” they come together as a team Brady says. to pound criminals with that Brady enjoys the ride-alongs with his mom. He says they listen to music swift hammer of justice. “I remember we videoed a guy and talk about his sisters. and Claire took a picture of his li- But the third-grader won’t be following in his mom’s footsteps. Brady cense plate,” Brady recalls. Claire (‘20) is Amy’s oldest daugh- says he plans to become a professional ter. “It was night and my flash turned soccer player or a paleontologist. Throughout her career, Amy has on!” Claire adds. experienced countless unusual sce Why take the kids along? “I felt like if I had them with me, narios. One memory sticks out: I was less suspicious,” says Amy. “It was weird,” Amy begins. “What kind of P.I. would have their “It was in a little town where we used to live, and it was a fake store. kids with them?” Amy has covered a range of cas- So all the things in there were old, es including custody and divorce old boxes of stuff they don’t even s e l l situations, a n y cheating spousmore, es, insurance l i k e investigations, really and more. She is f a k e responsible for stuff. taking photos, So I tracking down - Hunter Mattes (‘22) w a s witnesses, findsupposed to go in and just take ing information and serving papers. Her family has become used to the pictures of all the stuff with job and seldom worries for her safe- my phone, and I was talking to ty anymore. Amy’s husband, Andy the employees and snapping Sellers, is concerned that she’s by pictures. But they were realherself in bad areas, and they never know ly selling drugs.” what’s going to happen. But her children Amy shared another story know how strong and capa- where a man was sending creepy and disturbing letters to a random ble their mom is. Brady says he’s not afraid when man hundreds of miles away. Hunthe tags along with Amy. He feels safe “It’s like poetry,” commented. “But for because his mom possesses weap- er ons such as a taser and pepper spray. psychotic people.” The family’s concerns don’t leave “Which makes me think a lot,” when she comes home though. Amy wonders aloud. “I think, “I used to get super paranoid that ‘Who else is crazy?’ He looks perpeople would come into our house fectly normal. His wife works for and try to kill her,” says Hunter the Welfare office with our neighMattes (‘22), Amy’s second daughter. bor. His daughter ran track, his Upon first impressions, an outsid- son went into the military. It just er would likely not notice the small makes me think... People think
“I used to get super paranoid that people would come into our house and try to kill her.”
The Talon
As a mother, Amy sometimes has trouble balancing her career and her children. “The P.I. work actually made it easier because I could control the hours and move them around if I needed to,” she says. Her children often find it difficult to getting away with things thanks to their mom’s sharp investigative instincts. At the end of the day, Amy is grateful that she can spend quality time with her family, all while working on solving crimes. Her footprints a r e small, but she’s there, making a difference.
March 2019
centerspread • 7
TAKEOUT S by Kayla Southwood
What It’s Really Like To Ride Along With Private Investigator Amy Sellers And Her Teenage Daughter Hunter
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very sneaky neighborhood,” says Hunter, the 14-year-old junior P.I. Her breathy voice fills the still, velvety night. The van pulls onto the main road and we speed after it. “I think to be a [Private Investigator] you have to be really great at driving,” says Hunter. I am riding along with Amy to see what detective work is really like. “I took classes,” Amy says. “We went on this track and you had to pull out in front of people so you could teach yourself how to control your car.” We continue to trail the cryptic minivan. “I’m going to guess that’s a woman because women usually drive a lot faster than men,” she says. Hunter reads the suspect’s license plate and examines the stickers on the back. “Any hypothesis to where they’re going?” Amy asks the car full of prodigy investigators. Hunter and her mother exchanged guesses and more observations. “I think they’re going to a class or something,” Amy says. “A lady driving a minivan at six at night.” The car drives steadily, turning occasionally, and we blindly followed close behind, pretending it was pure happenstance we were headed in the same direction. “There were times I thought people wondered about me,” Amy says. “I’d go so many times, I’d think ‘they’ve got to know!’ But they never did.” Parking for a stakeout must also be strategic and sly- the location can’t be too busy or too empty. As we travel through the streets, Amy, the private investigator of five years, shares tips and tells me stories: Tip #1: Always check your gas before beginning an unknown journey. Tip #2: Wear hats and put your hair up so you have less of a chance of
Art by Kate Guerra
March 2019
being recognized. have quality time with their sneaky Tip #3: It’s best to be in a place mother. you’re familiar with so you’re more “The P.I. work actually made [beexperienced with the routes. Hunter ing with my children] easier, because adds to never point the camera direct- I could control the hours and move ly at the target when taking photosthem around if I needed to,” she adds. this appears more natural. Finally,zHunter and I decide to put It doesn’t take long before the sus- our impatience to practical use. I abanpect reaches her destination– Indian don my bulky Canon camera, and we Land High School. step out of the car and into the cool We turn into the parking lot right night. behind the mysterious driver and “coThe parking lot is dotted with towincidentally” settle in a spot only a ering streetlights that struggle to light couple rows over. Finally, in our range our path. My footsteps trace Hunter’s of sight, we study the girl. as I follow her dark outline under the “I think she’s Claire’s age,” Hunter clear sky. The night is young and full of guesses. unknown “About potential. sixteen.” A n y The sust h i n g pect cuts could hapoff her enpen. gine and “Stay steps out cool, stay - Amy Sellers, P.I. of the vec a l m , ” hicle, only Hunter, to pull another door open to duck and the true daughter of a P.I., whispers to enter the dark car adjacent to her. The me. We blend in and act as if we bedriver of the second car appeared to long. be a friend, as the two women sat and Walking silently, but casually, down conversed in the car for several min- the fluorescently lit hallway, we memutes. orize everything in sight and study We waited for something, anything, anything that could be a potential clue. to happen. We moved swiftly and carefully. The “Even though parts of it might be hallway is filled with encouraging boring, it’s always something differ- posters and impressive student works, ent,” Amy says. “There might be an like any American high school. hour that I’m bored, but the cases are We walk by a small classroom filled interesting. And I like to try to figure with desks, but few students occupy out more than what they ask me to; I them. One male teacher stands in the try to put the whole puzzle together.” front of the room mumbling words Optimism is key when spying and from the papers he holds. We only Amy holds this quality snug under her have moments to observe if we want belt along with patience, justice, cour- to stay undetected. Immediately after age, a taser, determination, pepper passing the door frame, Hunter briskly spray, ingenuity, and much more. moves her back against the wall and “It sucked sometimes because the silently turns her head, listening to our hours were bad but I made the best suspects. The mumbles begin to form of it.” she said. words, and we take in all the informaWhile Amy works full-time tion we can. as a spy, her four co-workWe continue walking down the hallers occupy more of her time. way, unsure of our destination. EvenAmy’s children– Claire, Hunt- tually, we reach a pair of blue doors er, Hailey, and Brady– always and Hunter peers through the cracks, searching for anyone who may endanger our cover. We turn so we’re back-toback and keep watch. We hear faint yells echo and bounce off walls behind the doors. We reunite, and she informs me of my new mission– to enter the
“Even though parts of it might be boring, it’s always something different.”
room and observe what I can. She noticed people, so I need a plan to fit in. Hunter tears a shred of paper off a nearby sign. “There’s a trash can in there,” she informs me. “Go throw this away so you don’t look suspicious.” I snag the paper and head through the doors. I locate my target, the trash bin, and begin to inspect everything in my line of sight as quickly as I can. I’m in a cafeteria, and there’s classic high school tables and chairs scattered above the tiled floor. The cinder block walls are painted blue and white, matching the hallway After my ruse, I turn to exit and notice a single woman, wrapped in an apron, plastic gloves and a hair net walking towards me. I leave and alert Hunter of my observations. In an attempt to understand why our suspects are at a high school at 6:30 p.m., we began to examine posters, hoping to find one with the same date, time and location. Suddenly two teenage boys with baggy sweatshirts and basketball shorts come walking towards us. We spin around in surprise when they address us. “What are y’all doing?” asks the one in black Vans. We stayed silent, contemplating a response. “Are y’all sneaking around?” he demands. “No man, we go here,” Hunter replied. “Are you sneaking around?” It was his turn to hesitate. He stood in silence, then he whirls around to fall into place after his friend. The confrontation was over. We glanced at each other, relieved. After being detected, Hunter and I make our way towards the nearest exit, curious as to why we were a subject of suspicion. I propel the heavy door open, and we make our way towards the car, a Toyota Camry; a car seen so commonly it’s perfect for a private investigator. It is between a group of other cars, to avoid exposure, and is lit by a single orange street light. Before successfully retreating, Hunter and I noticed four teenage girls walking and laughing on the sidewalk, coming nearer. Their disembodied voices echo through the dark. As our paths cross, Hunter discreetly looks them over and mutters to me, “Nose ring, glasses, Disney sweatshirt, eyeliner, crimped hair.” I looked at her, stunned. “Was that our suspect?” I asked. “Yeah.” We discuss the idea of the students preparing for the SAT. Amy checked the school’s website and social media for information. “Usually that’s a good resource because people will post what’s going on,” she said. We find no helpful information and at 7:03 p.m. we leave the premises. The ridealong may be over, but the case will linger in our brains for a long time to come, the hunger of curiosity never satisfied.
8• features
Protecting The President:
Resource Officer Dave Prescott Looks Back To 1981 S.W.A.T. dent Reagan receiving death threats. Prescott and his team also had to worry about more possible threats, including car bombs, terrorists that could
by Daniel Childs
When President Ronald Reagan came to Germany in 1985, the Air Force SWAT team protected him. One young man on that team was someone students see everyday at school. That man is Resource Officer Dave Prescott. “This was one of the most stressful times in my life,” says Officer Prescott. He was part of the prestigious S.W.A.T. detail for President Ronald Reagan when he arrived in Bitburg, Germany in May of 1985 to honor the WWII dead on the 40th Anniversary of the end of the war. Officer Prescott was on the Air Force Special Weapons and Tactics team for four years. He had to go through tough training and tryouts, and after passing many tests, Prescott was given the title of a member of the U.S. Air Force S.W.A.T team. The S.W.A.T team’s role in the USAF is to carry out security missions. z Prescott was assigned to many dangerous and exciting missions, including protecting former President Reagan on his trip to Germany. While he was there, Reagan wanted to pay his respects to the U.S. soldiers buried in Germany – but it was later revealed that members of the Waffen-SS, the military arm of Nazi Germany were also buried in the same cemetery. The controversy led to Presi-
have harmed the President. The S.W.A.T. team had to set up security perimeters and check cars for bombs. Car bombs had become a common way to kill many people. Officer Prescott never dreamed he would be
protecting the president when he joined in the S.W.A.T. team in 1981. “I needed to grow up,” Prescott said. He believed that the Air Force was his best choice. At 18 Officer Prescott needed to make a choice, and his grandfather didn’t approve of him join the Marine Corps because he had been in the Army, and the two branches have a great rivalry. So Prescott went to his second choice – the Air Force. The Air Force S.W.A.T. team requires many skills, including repelling. “This was probably the hardest part of training,” Officer Prescott admits. “The choice to join the Air Force made me who I am today,” he says. Prescott admitted that he was a lost kid until he found his way in the Air Force. He fit right into the Air Force because of his love for planes. Some of his experiences include traveling all over the world, protecting political officials, and going on dangerous missions.zzTo become part of the Air Force S.W.A.T. team candidates must successfully complete the Special Operations Weather physical ability and stamina test. This test is composed of five swimming tests, a mile and a half run, pull-ups, and finally sit-ups. Vigorous training prepares them for challenges to come. After leaving the Air Force, Officer Prescott spent 27 years on S.W.A.T. teams across the country. After tough training and amazing experiences, he found a home at Nation Ford High where his experience makes students safer every day.
NC Poet Warrior Glenis Redmond Empowers Community Through Her Inspirational Poetry
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Glenis Redmond
he writes about her culture and empowerment, so it’s no surprise that poet Glenis Redmond gets inspiration from strong women. “I am fascinated and intrigued by the past,” Redmond says. “Because black history is not told in full, I use poetry as a way to dig archaeologically. What I learn generally turns into poems. I write a full range of experienc-
es from joy to sorrow.” Born in Sumter, SC, Redmond had been an avid reader since the age of 5, when she begged her mother to get her first library card. Her love for poetry didn’t start until she attended Ms. Sergeant’s English class at Woodmont Junior and Senior High School. She didn’t intentionally become a poetic speaker. “Because I became known as a poet in my community, schools, universities, and conferences would reach out and ask me to speak or perform.” Redmond says. Although she has many accomplishments, and has won many awards, she does not find writing to be a simple task. “I am compelled to write,” Redmond says, “but I do not find the act easy. It is hard work from which I derive great satisfaction.”
The Talon
by Kelise Williams Redmond doesn’t just snatch amazing poems out of the air. “I write multiple drafts. 15 to 100 depending on the poem and subject matter.” Over the course of 25 years, she has written and memorized over 100 poems, and has not thrown a single one of them away. “Poems that are not work-
“Because black history is not told in full, I use poetry as a way to dig archaeologically. What I learn generally turns into poems. I write a full range of experiences from joy to sorrow.” – Glenis Redmond ing just linger in my journal. They might make their debut in another poem or essay,” she says. Redmond has inspirations behind each and every one of her poems, whether it’s a person, place, or thing, her inspiration mostly comes from her mother and grandmother whom she loves deeply. “They have lived their lives with so little resources, but are still the most generous people, they are the source of my inspiration,” she said. She continues to grow as a poet and
Poet, teaching artist and imagination activist Glenis Redmond writes black history-themed poetry. She gains most of her inspiration from her mother and grandmother, and hopes to inspire her children and grandchildren. a teaching artist every day. “I have become more organized as a poet, and my poems have become more muscular on both the page and the stage.” Redmond has gone through many struggles and triumphs as a writer. “My greatest struggle is finding time to write as I teach and curate poetry programs,” Redmond said. “My greatest triumph is that I have been able to provide for my family through poetry. “I am glad that my daughters Amber and Celeste have grown up seeing their mother doing what she loves, and now my grandson will witness the benefit from my creative pursuits.”
features • 9
Close Achieves Lifelong Dream
A Look into Anne Springs Close’s Big Climb of Kilimanjaro by Riley Cota At age 92, her body is thin and frail, but a determined strength lies deep within her bones. It’s that strength that she drew from 36 years ago as she climbed 19,341 feet into the sky. It was February of 1982 the first time Anne Springs Close, philanthropist and founder of the Anne Springs Close Greenway, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. It was a lifelong dream of hers. A dream she wouldn’t let go. “I had always wanted to do it. For years and years I had wanted to do it,” Close said. “I had an opportunity to go in 1982, so I did.” Close’s dream of climbing Kilimanjaro bloomed when she was a teenager, when the stories of other hikers took root in her imagination. “I just remember reading a lot about Africa,” she said. “I always wanted to go to Africa… I never thought about not going.” However, getting to Africa was only the first of her challenges. “There’s no real way to train for altitude [sickness] and that’s the thing that gets most people- the lack of oxygen,” Close said. Altitude sickness is caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevations and impacts about 20 percent of people at elevations under 18,000 ft. “I’ve just been lucky,” Close said. “There’s no way you can tell whether you are going to get it or not. And then some people who have climbed a lot and have never gotten it, suddenly get it.” While altitude sickness didn’t impact Close, the hike itself was difficult on her body. “The hardest part was the last night. You start at about 1 a.m., and you hike for about five hours-- the first four in the dark-- and it’s pretty steep,” Close said. “You’re pulling yourself up over big boulders, and it’s pretty strenuous.”
At the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, Anne Springs Close smiles for a photograph with her climbing companions in February 1982. Photo Courtesy of Anne Springs Close According to the Kilimanjaro Trek Guide, only 27 percent of people make it to the peak of Kilimanjaro on the five-day route. “Getting to the top has to be [the best part] because you are just so focused on that the whole time,” Close said. “You’re exhausted when you get over the top, but you’re just so excited to be there. When you get there, the sun has risen… and the sunrise is an amazing sight.” NFHS media specialist and Close’s friend, Julie Hooper, spoke of the unwavering resolution Close has to accomplish her goals. “Determined,” is how Hooper describes Close. “She is still doing so much that somebody my age-- I’m younger than most of her children-- can’t do. She’s so active, so involved
in things. She is just an amazing woman.” Even with the accomplishment of making it to the peak, the anxiety of holding their lives in their own hands took a toll on Close’s climbing group of 13. “Everybody gets more nervous as you climb -- Am I going to make it?” Close said. “The wondering if you were going to make it and the excitement when you do [motivates you]. You just want to pinch yourself. It was like being in a whole ‘nother world.” Overcoming the anxiety of the mountain climb taught Close to believe in herself. “It gave me some self-confidence, which women of my generation didn’t have a whole lot of,” Close said. “It boosts your self-confidence a little bit when you accomplish something that you thought about for a long time. To finally do it makes you feel good.”
Science Explains Some Bad Behavior In Teens by Elana White Doing drugs, smoking, sneaking out, drinking alcohol, fighting peers and yelling at adults. Teenagers are the reigning kings and queens of bad behavior. There are plenty of causes underlying bad behavior. Life changes, bullying, abuse, learning disabilities, health issues, poor parenting, stress, trauma, neglect and brain development can all cause kids to act out in ways the adults find frustrating. Bad behavior occurs every once in a while with most individuals. Why do teens take bad behavior to the extremes though? The answer is brain development. Teenagers’ brains are constantly developing, and according to the University of Rochester Medical Center, the rational part of their brains, or the “executive” portion, isn’t fully developed until the age of 25. This makes poor judgment a problem young people struggle with all around the world. The adult brain operates under different chemical influences than the teenage brain, and grownups consider long term consequences. The teenage brain runs mainly on emotion. Instead of thinking with their minds, teens tend to often think with their hearts, experts say. They go through their day focusing more on their feelings than their rational ideas. According to research and studies done by Dr. David Walsh, an American psychologist, teenagers are more sensitive to dopamine, a neurotransmitter compound that makes people feel happy, and teens’ supply of dopamine creates a rush for them that adults don’t feel. New, risky, or exciting experiences cause high releases of dopamine. This is what tends to make teenagers feel more alive and engage in activities classified under ‘bad behavior.” When an activity seems like it would get adrenaline flowing, teens take part in it because they’re more focused on the way it’ll make them feel than what possible consequences they could be risking. This behavior also ties in with peer approval. Of-
March 2019
Art by Bethaney Houston ten times, teenagers take part in crazier stunts when Dopamine is a drug and almost all teenagers they are with their friends verses when they’re alone. are addicted. The teenage brain is geared in a way The science behind this is that can create trouble, but there that dopamine is a reward are other factors that also feed into “New, risky, or exciting chemical. When teens do bad behavior. Life events shape things to make friends a person into who they are. Acexperiences cause high laugh, think they’re cool, cording to experts, hurtful, abureleases of dopamine. This is sive, and neglectful situations can or just to make their jaws drop, it releases more what tends to make teenagers make kids act out as the get older. dopamine than particimemories and the feel more alive and engage in wayChildhood pating in the same stunts children are raised have huge activities classified under when a teen is alone. impacts on the person they become. Drugs also cause high reThere’s no exact science behind bad behavior.” leases of dopamine. Teenall bad behavior because there are agers can try a drug once a lot of situations that can factor because they crave peer approval and attention, and into the way teens act, but brain development is instantly get hooked. Teens become addicted more certainly a large factor of this issue. Understanding easily because of their dopamine-craving sensations. that fact may be helpful to both teens and adults.
The Talon
10• opinion
Birth Control Medicine Should Not Be Available To Teens Without Prescription
T
by Savannah Mitchell
hree in 10 American teens will get pregnant at least once before the age of 20, according to DoSomething.org, an organization that promotes social change. That’s nearly 750,000 teen pregnancies every year. About 25 percent of teen moms have a second child within 24 months of their first child. Over the counter pills taken within 24 hours after having sexual intercourse are 95 percent effective while prescription birth control pills are 99 percent effective. While teens are in need of better sex education and access to birth control, teens should not be allowed to get birth control pills without a prescription if they are 17-years-old or younger. Using birth control can cause many unintended side effects. A few of the side effects of birth control are: breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and liver cancer. According to Medical News Today, the side effects of the pill include changes to eyesight while wearing contacts, weight gain, mood changes, and a decreased sex drive. Using birth control pills could also increase a women’s chances of developing a blood clot. Getting birth control from a medical professional is the safest way to receive it because they will know the right kind of hormones that should be in the medication. If there is no medical record of a young woman going on the pill, and something goes wrong, the doctors may not know the problem. Another reason birth control pills should not be purchased over the counter is that it is not a one-size-fits-all medication. According to PlannedParenthood. org, “If you are to purchase a 28 day combination pill pack, and you consume a inactive pill rather than one that is active, there is a possible chance of becoming pregnant if you have intercourse seven days after a missed pill.” With that, if women decide to get birth control without a prescription,
The Talon Asks...
Should birth control pills be available over the counter? by Joi Nelson & Nick Roarty
“Yes, because if they aren’t comfortable talking to their doctor, they can get it themselves.” - Kyasiah Jeter (‘22) by Kate Guerra they might not get the right instructions on how to use the pill and could possibly end up becoming pregnant. Each pill in a combination pack has different levels of hormones, and not knowing the right way to take it could cause the opposite effect of what women taking the pill would want – pregnancy. Taking birth control can be a beneficial thing if a woman’s intention is to void pregnancy, but what some people might not know is that birth control pills do not stop a Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) from being spread. “The birth control pill may change the cervix in ways that make it more susceptible to Chlamydia infections,” according to OBGYN. net. Chlamydia is an STD that a man or woman can contract, and affected areas include the cervix, rectum, or throat, or urethra. The only true way to protect yourself and your partner from a STD is to use a condom. Using a condom should be the first and ob-
The Talon Staff EditorS-In-Chief: Hayden Biebel Kailey Cota Editors: Hailey Fletcher Julia Lako Joi Nelson ad manager: Nick Roarty Adviser: Beth Swann
Staff: Grace Asaad Sam Frank Kendall Grahl Kate Guerra Enoch Ibarra-Garcia James Liles Haley McCurry Nate Merrit Ryan Nguyen Taylor Rumsey Devin Taylor
Nation Ford High School 803-835-0000 1400 A.O. Jones Blvd. Fort Mill, SC 29715
This issue of The Talon features work by the Intro Class Red & Black news magazine staff.
The Talon
vious choice of protection, but even that does not give a 100 percent protection against becoming pregnant. Because some young men do not use a condom properly, the effectiveness rate of condoms is only around 82 percent, according to birthcontrol.com, a website that offers the facts about birth control methods available on the market today. While engaging in intercourse, not only should men wear a condom, but their partners should use birth control as well. Birth control pills are a drug, so getting them without a prescription could be dangerous. Young men and women need to talk to their doctors and become more educated on what kind of contraceptives (birth control) to use and how to use it. Without the help of a doctor, and proper use of birth control, teens put themselves at risk for many contagious diseases in addition to the possibility of unwanted pregnancies.
“Yes, because it’s much better to be protected.” - Sierra Lindquist (‘21)
“No, because it’s a pill.” - Brooks Baxley (‘20)
“No, because people would misuse it.” - Delany Jungles (‘19)
The Talon Policy The Talon provides students with an opportunity to research and write informative articles related to Nation Ford High School or topics students find interesting. The paper’s objective is to notify the school community of the news in a timely and informative manner and to entertain them through articles and columns. The staff encourages letters to the editor. Nation Ford High School students, staff members, and the public can express their opinions and reactions to the articles in The Talon. Letters should be signed and should not exceed 150 words. Letters submitted may be published in the paper at the discretion of The Talon staff and will be edited for accuracy, length, and grammar, as well as offensive or inappropriate content. The staff may permanently keep all unpublished letters for reference or guidance for future writing. All submissions should be submitted to Mrs. Swann, room D111, or via email to swanne@fortmillschools.org. Please keep in mind that opinions voiced in the articles and personal columns are not those of the Nation Ford High School newspaper staff or Nation Ford High School’s administration, faculty, or staff; opinions are solely those of the author who submitted the article. 2015 Best Newspaper in South Carolina 2015 Newspaper Palmetto Award ALL STATE Rating for 2015 International 1st Place by Quill and Scroll Society 2015, 2016
march 2019
opinion • 11
Avoid Vaping Trend
Extensive Health Risks Too Great HEALTH RISKS OF JUULING - Heartburn & High Blood Pressure - Dry mouth, Cough, Nose bleeds & Acne - Addiction, Headaches, Depression & Weight Gain - Popcorn Lungs & Airway Damage Causes Shortness of Breath - Seizures, Dizziness & Death HEALTHLINE.COM
Staff Editorial U.S., killing more than 480,000 tudents wait eagerly for their people. Some side effects of Juuling teachers to turn their backs. are dry mouth, dizziness, cough, dry That’s their cue to reach skin, nose bleeds, and popcorn lungs, a quietly for a small, sleek device they can condition that damages easily conceal in their palms. It your smallest airways resembles a flash drive, but instead and makes you cough of computer files, this device stores and feel short of nicotine, an addictive chemical found breath. Who would in cigarettes. “Juuling” might look want to have that? cool, but it’s dangerous. Juuling is The law requires now a trend because it is easy to hide, buyers to be 18 years unlike cigarettes, and many teens think of age or older, it’s cool to blow rings of smoke in the however, many kids and air. Juul Labs is an electronic cigarette teenagers are getting company Juuls from that uses older sibh i g h l y lings or addictive friends. nicotine Some buy Juuls off of salts in Ebay or Craigslist. Juuls leaf-based were originally made to tobacco help stop adults from as its key smoking cigarettes, ingredient. however teens are Accordgetting addicted. Dr. Adam Lackey, ing to the “Doctors are conChief of Thoractic Surgery Centers cerned there’s a misfor Disease conception among Control, smoking is the leading cause teens that e-cigarettes are safe. of preventable death in the Smoking e-cigarettes actually
S
“Smoking e-cigarettes actually delivers cancer-causing chemicals that get into the body... fruity flavors are the worst.”
“The lungs are not designed to breathe in anything other than clean air.”
Physical Education
delivers cancer-causing chemicals that get into the body, and popular fruity flavors are the worst,” researchers at the University of California reported recently. “Each Juul pod contains an amount of nicotine equivalent to one pack of cigarettes or 200 puffs,” according to Juul Labs, the manufacturer. Don’t be fooled into thinking that Juuls are without risk or are healthy for you. “The lungs are not designed to breathe in anything other than clean air,” said Dr. Adam Lackey, chief of thoracic surgery. Before anyone tries vaping, they should consider the health risks and addiction that could be caused. -L.S.
Wellness Check-Ups
School Sponsored Sports Should Schools Should Provide Mental Count As Physical Education Credit Health Check-Ups For All Students by Halle Guerra any students are involved in after school sports that can last for hours. They often get home late and do not have enough time to do all their homework which can lead to bad grades. Hundreds of students practice hard after school most days of the week. By the time they get home, students are so exhausted that they fall immediately into bed; no time for demanding homework. Grades slowly drop as the work piles up and yet they have little time to accomplish their work. Physical education is one of the classes that students are required to take. Waking up early every week day to sit through a long day of school then going to practice immediately after can be very tiring. Most student athletes practice on average 18 to 20 hours a week. Physical education averages five hours a week therefore school sports are more physically taxing. Life as a student athlete can be very stressful, especially when they are required to take challenging classes. Yet student athletes do more than the average
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march 2019
Most student athletes practice an average 18 to 20 hours a week. physical education class. Most student athletes are concerned about injuries, and if they are injured in physical education class, it could ruin their chance to play or earn scholarships. Band instructor Martin Dickey has been working with South Carolina state government about
Art by Megan Bouchard
Fort Mill School District band participants are no longer required to take P.E.
having band included as a sport and to allow all student athletes to be excluded from physical education class. As of December, all high school students in the Fort Mill School District who participate in band are no longer required to take a Physical Education class.
by Joi Nelson Depression and anxiety have become two of the fastest growing diagnosis in millennials since 2016. One in five teens is struggling with a mental illnesses, and 15 percent of students in high school are impacted by a mental illness, according to the National Association of Secondary Principals. High School 101 could be the class where students learn ways to better cope with mental illnesses and how to get help when needed. The majority of the curriculum is aimed to help students to succeed and excel through high school, but mental health education should be a broadened subject. As of Feb. 6, 2019 South Carolina representatives are considering adding mental health and illness awareness in schools from seventh grade until ninth grade. The mental health unit covered in HS101 is not enough to support students throughout the four years of high school. While the curriculum covers topics that are important to a student’s knowledge, not enough mental health
is taught to make the curriculum effective as it could be. Nation Ford should have individual checkups with either their guidance counselors or school psychologist Carly Seymour or with Dr. Kelly Chrimes, the new mental health and wellness psychologist.. Another possibility is to add another school psychologist who can check with students struggling with a mental illness. Checkups every six weeks to see how a student is feeling will make a difference. Nearly 80 percent of youth who have a mental illness don’t get the help and assistance that they need. Nation Ford does have a psychologist on campus but needs to support in order to check in with every student. While this may be costly, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster wants to set aside $2.2 million away for each school to have a psychologist according to the new bill “Rural School District Economic Development Closing Fund”. Mental illness is impacting students every day, so educating and covering anxiety and depression awareness in schools is valuable. Having an addi-
Mental Health
1 in 5 teens are diagnosed or will be diagnosed with a mental illness Teens without treatment 32.2%
Teens that receive treatment 29.8%
Teens with mental illness 31.5%
Teens with anxiety 6.5% by Joi Nelson
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