PDA raises privacy concerns, 7
Robotics team headed to nationals, 12
Holiday 2015 _________________________________________________
the
Student council takes on hunger, 2
Volume 50, Issue 3 _______________________________________________
Commodore Cruiser
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER @DORESCRUISER ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AN OXFORD TRADITION
To Wave or Not to Wave by Barrett Childress
Ever since that controversy of the Confederate flag in Mississippi and in the other southern states, many schools and public places have lowered the flag. Many people want to take the Confederate flag away from all southern states. The Confederate flag represents a war fought over slavery in the south. Some people think that the Confederate flag is a symbol of racism. Retail stores, including Amazon and Walmart, have discontinued selling the Confederate flag. There have also been calls to remove the Confederate symbol from the Mississippi flag. LHS band members marched in Oxford’s annual Christmas parade on December 7. Pictured above, Erin McChesney plays a carol with her fellow saxophonists. The band was one of many organizations that participated in the parade. Some other groups that marched in the parade include Lafayete’s FFA chapter, cheer team, and the softball team. The parade is a festive way to start the holiday season and to show off different businesses, talent, and accomplishments. Kids, and even adults, always love going and watching the parade every December.
One side argues to remove everything about the Confederate flag because it represents slavery. The other side argues to keep the flag flying because...
See Wave on page 5
STUDENT NEWS The Commodore Cruiser Lafayette High School 160 Commodore Dr. Oxford, MS 38655 (662) 234-3614 Staff Natalie Boone Brock Burge Barrett Childress Hailey Edwards Thomas Hinton Olivia Howie Javieus Lyons Destiny Mooneyham Mary Kate Newman La’Keirra Owens Brook Savage Katie Sicks Kady Smith Audrey Tapp Editorial Policy The views and opinions expressed in this paper are of an editorial nature and do not necessarily represent the views of the Cruiser staff, advisors, school faculty, or administrators of the Lafayette County School District. Guest editorials may be submitted to the Cruiser and will be published to according to available space and relevance. Annonymous submissions will not be considered.
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
New Faces Meet Hunger
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Hunger H8ers by Olivia Howie Hairnets secured, gloves on, ready to serve. October 27, 2015 was not just a “day gone by” for a few select members of the Lafayette High School Student Council. 10 representatives traveled to Delta State University, located in Cleveland, Mississippi to take part in the kick-off of the Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy. Gathered in the Bologna Performing Arts Center, schools from every corner of the state participated in a high energy and informative event. The program, a year long commitment of monthly labs with a massive end-of-the-year service project, inspires student leaders to impact others through action. Shortly after arriving to the kick-off event the council learned that they would be packing one million meals to be given to families in need. The project, Feeding Children
Everywhere, was just what the council needed to spark an instant desire to make a difference. “First, we separated into a line where each individual did something different. For example, one person put the meal in the bag, someone else measured it, another person sealed the bags, and then, the final person actually packed the meals. We just had to make sure all of the meals had the right amount of food in them. After we finished a box, we cheered and danced like no one was watching to let other groups know that we had finished. It was such a wonderful experience for student council knowing that we fed thousands of children everywhere, even in our own community,” Junior council member Gabrielle Dunn said. Alone, the Lafayette representatives packed about 500 meals. As a total, the schools
Starvation Solicitude
by Audrey Tapp As student council kicks off their year, they started with a strongly, underestimated topic - hunger. Tuesday, October 27, 2015 student council members headed to Delta State University to not only attend Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy, but pledged to feed, as a group, 75,000 hungry Mississippians. LHS student council provides many resources in the community. Whether it is participating can food drives,
Operation Christmas Child, attending nursing homes, Feeding America, or funding to families in need. With the help of fellow students, an impact can be made to someone who lacks nutrition. The hunger rate in Mississippi is not something to joke around about. Mississippi has the highest hunger rate in the United States at 22 percent in 2015. Arkansas, running in at second, with 19.9 percent.
Pictured above: Student council members Zach Meagrow, Audrey Tapp, Alexis McClarty, Gabrielle Dunn, Morgan Bishop, and Olivia Howie. packed a little over 101,000 meals. The event concluded with lunch, a time to socialize with other schools, learn more about Delta State, and eat Chick-Fil-A. “I know that our school doesn’t have leaders that step up, but the leader academy would help the LHS Student Council show the rest of the the student body that they also can be leaders and have an impact on the community and the future children of LHS,” Senior
class president Khalil Martin believes. A bright sun is on the horizon for the Lafayette High School Student Council as they continue throughout the year with informative workshops, plan an epic impact project, and give a new definition to the word “leader.”
All around the world, approximately 48.1 million Americans live in homes that often go hungry, including 32.8 million adults and 15.3 million children in 2014. Each year the hunger rate increases by about 11.3 percent. One out of eight, people go to bed hungry each night. The hunger or starvation stats continue to increase daily. Many people do not realize how many children, seniors, and adults hunger kills each year. Hunger causes more deaths each year than AIDS, malaria,
and tuberculosis combined. Not just LHS student council, but how could Lafayette, as a whole, contribute to preventing hunger in the state of Mississippi or simply helping out in the community. It only takes one person to change someone’s life. To find out more about helping Lafayette prevent hunger or around the community, find a student council member or stop by Mrs. Calwell’s room for more information.
STUDENT NEWS
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
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Captivating Creed by Kady Smith Drawing in a sharp breath, Creed Brown pulls the arrow to the corner of his mouth. With determination set in his jaw, he fixes his eyes on the target. Simultaneously, he exhales and lets go of the arrow, satisfaction dances across his face when he hears the thud against the target. Brown is not only involved on the Archery Team but also ROTC and the Book Club.
Though he is more dedicated to the Archery Team, “It feels like there’s nothing else around me, just draw, pull, then shoot,” state’s Brown. Like many other students, Brown has a life outside of school. He has two older siblings: a 19 year old sister and a 23 year old brother. He grew up in Oxford, but did not come to Lafayette until 3rd grade. Brown also has a very interest-
Let’s Mention Detention
ing hobby, one that not many people do but is quite inspiring. He mends old books. “I once watched a movie where this old man repaired books. When he repaired them the characters in the story would return back to normal from their problems. I felt that when I fixed old books that were torn in places and save them, it would be like saving a bunch of characters myself,” says a very passionate Brown.
Creed Brown
mation. Grant Crockett, assistant principal of Lafayette High, clarified how these punishments are effective. “If some kid is acting up, doing something he or she shouldn’t do you put them in there hoping they won’t do it again but does that always happen? No,” said Crockett. “If a student
is in a classroom and they are acting out, then we have no alternative but to pull that student out, because they are lessening other students chances to be educated,” explained Crockett. It makes an effect on the other students class time and education. Crockett said in some ways in-school detention and after school detention are effective on the students. ISD however does have the issue that when these students are placed in there, they are not getting taught the skills by their teachers. Crockett said that this is one of the hardest things. However, all their classwork goes to the class and Mrs.
by Katie Sicks
Your best friend has become the walls on each side of you that separate each desk. You have no contact with anybody else in the room besides the teacher. In-school detention and after school detention, respectively called ISD and ASD, have very strict standards, but the question is are these standards effective? In-school detention may be put into effect as a disciplinary procedure. Students are put into this class when they disobey one of Lafayette High’s rules. While in these classes the students are expected to follow the rules. If they fail to do otherwise the students get additional
days added or an out of school suspension. Look on page forty of your student handbook you
received at the beginning of this school year, if you would like to know additional infor-
Dempsey helps the students. The students also have the advantage of using their phone sometimes and computers as resources. Crockett said that this is one of the tie backs to this, but sometimes it is necessary because of the distractions that student makes in the classroom. In-school detention and after school detention do have their advantages and disadvantages. However, overall these classes do affect a student in some way.
STUDENT NEWS
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
The Gender Guide by Natalie Boone
“You’re either a boy or a girl, that’s it.” Right? Wrong. Male and female are sexes. People can have many different gender identities, it is not set in stone that a person has to identify as male or female. An individual’s sex is male or female. The gender of an individual is what they identify as. Considering this common misconception, this article was created to provide a layout of the different genders. Pronouns It is very important to ask someone about their pronouns. Pronouns include he/him, she/ her, and they/them. It can be very difficult to get into the habit of using the correct pronouns, just correct yourself and
it will be fine. The Other Sexes Transgender/Transsexual: A person who is transgender has physically or hormonally transitioned to a sex other than the biological sex they were assigned at birth. Do not ask transitioning people invasive questions about their treatment or their genitals unless they give you permission to do so. Some people do not undergo sexual reassignment surgery. Whether or not they choose to undergo this surgery is none of your business. Intersexual: A person who was born as neither entirely male or female. Intersex is a physical state and does not dictate gender.
It is incredibly rude to ask an intersex person about how their genitals look or function, as you would expect with any other person. The Genders These are not all of the genders, just the most common ones. Cisgender: If a person identifies as cisgender, their self-identity conforms with the gender that corresponds to their biological sex. In this case, they are either male or female. Agender: A person who is agender does not identify as any gender. They have no gender identity. Agender people tend to use they/them pronouns, but using masculine and feminine pronouns does not make them any less agender. Example: If asked if they are male or female, an agender per-
Exams: Schedule, Tea and Tips
son would most-likely respond with a simple ‘neither.’ Non-Binary: A person who is non-binary identifies as a gender that is, simply, not limited to male or female. Genderfluid: A genderfluid person changes the gender they identify as throughout the gender spectrum. Their gender identity at any time can be a binary or non-binary gender. A person who identifies as
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genderfluid may change their pronouns as they go about the gender spectrum. Bigender: A person who is bigender alternates between two distinct points of the gender spectrum. These could be boy or girl, or could include a non-binary gender. Demigender: A person who feels a partial, emotional connection to a gender.
Source: lemonteaflower.tumblr.com
Hot Ponyo Tea
(A recommended concoction to soothe headaches) - Ingredients: A small container of your prefered brand of honey, cinnamon, a reliable source of hopefully clean water, and your prefered type of milk. Directions: - Add two teaspoons of honey to your favorite mug. - Add a small pinch of cinnamon.
- Fill the mug halfway with boiling water and stir well. - Fill to the top with milk and stir well. - Enjoy!
Good Studying Habbits
- Prepare well in advance. - Develop good sleeping habits. - Practice breathing exercises. - Take study breaks.
STUDENT NEWS
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
Wave:
Pictured above: the courthouse on the historic Oxford Square. A Confederate flag is seen waving on the pole.
...because some of the people say it represents southern pride. In Charleston, SC, a white man shot nine African Americans in a church while they were praying. There were 12 people in the room. Out of those 12 people, only three escaped to tell everyone what had happened on probably one of the most terrifying days of their life. Dylann Roof, the man responsible for the murders, is in jail and is waiting to see what will happen in his future. In a survey, over half of the people say that the Confederate flag is not a symbol of racism. According to debate.org, only
27% of people interviewed say that the Confederate flag is racist. The other 73% disagree, saying that it is not racist and it is a symbol of southern pride. Recently, the University of Mississippi removed the Confederate flag from their campus. There is a law in place that says that public places have to fly the state flag in Mississippi. Mississippi State University has voted to keep the flag still in the air. Is it possible that the University of Mississippi is breaking the law because they took down the state flag? With all of the controversy, many people want to take the
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Confederate flag down. With the majority of people wanting to keep the confederate flag, hopefully the flag will not be removed. The longer this controversy continues, no one can predict how long the Confederate flag will be a symbol of the south.
Smiles in Shoeboxes by Hailey Edwards
Operation Christmas Child is blessing children with love, gifts, and a powerful message all around the world. Operation Christmas Child is a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian humanitarian organizations that provides gifts to people in need of missionary work. Operation Christmas Child was created by Dave Cook and his wife in 1990 for children in Romania. From then it became more popular. Now churches, schools, and many other places are gathering people to pack these boxes for children who don’t get what most kids yet for Christmas. Every November churches, groups, and donors everywhere collect shoeboxes packed with school supplies,
personal items, clothing items, and hygiene items. Operation Christmas Child has collected and shipped more than 215 million gifts to children and families in more than 150 countries. The shoebox gifts are collected in the U.S., Finland, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Japan, Canada, Spain, and the U.K. In the U.S., there are more than 100,000 volunteers that take part in shipping, collecting, and distributing these gifts every year. There are some do’s and don’ts of packing a shoebox gift. In the shoeboxes include items like toys, school supplies, non-liquid hygiene items, crafts, clothing, and a personal note so that the child will feel loved. Do not include used, dangerous items,
or war like items such as toy guns, knives, military figures, liquids or lotions, chocolate or food, medications or vitamins, or glass items. Make a child on the other side of the world feel special and loved by packing a shoebox, because some are not as fortunate as others.
The shoeboxes lined Mrs. Caldwell’s classroom before being sent off.
STUDENT NEWS
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
Competition Pride by Destiny Mooneyham
Cadets stand in formation, waiting for the announcer to break the news. Fingers begin twitching, feet begin hurting from standing too long. Then finally, “Now, the school who will walk away with the first place trophy today will be,” the announcer pauses, forcing everyone to hold their breath. “Lafayette High School!” The cadets break barring, which is when they cannot smile or fidget or show any emotion, without meaning to and grin from ear to ear. Once they are told to fall out they begin hugging, laughing, and some even have tears in their eyes. The work and dedication it took
every single one of these cadets to get here finally paid off, and they couldn’t be happier. Every Monday through Thursday cadets stay after school just to practice to be good enough to make it this far. Mondays are armed and unarmed exhibition, this is when they have rifles and are throwing them around in creative patterns. Unarmed exhibition, is when they have no rifles, and are flaunting themselves in extraordinary and thoughtful ways. While Tuesday is unarmed regulation, where they do all the basic movements without rifles. Wednesday is when the cadets do armed regu-
Above: ROTC cadets smile proudly after competing at Regionals
lation, which is where they are doing basic movements with rifles. Thursday is Color Guard, where they hold gideons, flags, in the air and do different and extravagant movements. Many students in the school don’t even realize what the point of ROTC is. JROTC has Three Core Values. Number one, Integrity first. Number two, Service before self. Number three, Excellence in all they do. The main point of JROTC is to build better citizens out of teenagers, to earn the respect of others around them. “It takes these cadets complete dedication to get where they are. This competition coming up, they have to be ready. The cadets down there in Biloxi, they were raised to do what they do. They are going to be hard to beat,” Sergeant Fleming pauses, “good is relative.” Fleming tells that this year, about 45% of the AS1’s(Freshman) come to practices, he believes that their the best AS1’s anyone can remember having. Even the seniors of ROTC seem to agree. “Every senior in ROTC puts about ten plus hours a week to make ROTC something. Not only are we working while we’re in class, but all of us come back during our time to leave to work
on stuff. ROTC builds leadership and it gives you leadership experience. The seniors always leave something behind for you guys. We, as the seniors, are leaving stuff for ROTC, but it’s also leaving stuff for us. We put in much dedication, and i’ll tell you everyone is like one big family,” Austin Hartfield says. Cadets have to have motivation, have to dedicate themselves, and have to do better than what you aimed for. Hartfield says that when he leaves, along with the rest of the senior staff, they hope that they are twice the core they were. On the fouteenth of November, ROTC as a group went up to Biloxi for the state competition. Although they placed in nothing, the cadets still had dedication. At the end Kyle Snow, the Core Commander, called all cadets of Lafayette High School to attention, then led them into a motivation check. Every single cadet had a glint in their eye, you could tell it hurt that they didn’t place but they still had motivation to hold themselves up.
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ROTC Senior Staff -Kyle Snow -Josh Purviance -Ricky Keisling -Austin Hartfield -Paul Winters -Jesus Escobedo -Jonathan Rogge -Breeanna Baker -William Story -Brelynn Hudgins -Mathew Smith
OPINION
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
Hallway Hickies by Thomas Hinton
“There’s something happening in the corner,” I heard someone say. I looked over to see two students. They were indeed in the corner, but I couldn’t really see what was happening. I looked away to see something more disgusting than any form of PDA: at least a dozen students recording the moment for their Snapchat stories. A public display of affection, or, simply PDA, is whenever people show how attracted they are to other people through physical means, such as hugging, kissing, or performing a striptease for your partner in front of hundreds of people on government-owned property. That’s fine and dandy for private places, especially that last one, but there are limits as to what should and what should not be allowed on this fine institution of learning. Based on multiple accounts of PDA, it seems the student body would rather post these inappropriate acts to social media than report it to a school official. Not only does this make the school look like a brothel, it is considered cyberbullying, and that could potentially lead to lawsuits against the students and the school. Also, “pornography” is defined as “printed or visual material containing the explicit description or display of sexual activity.” Since the majority of high school students are under 18, that basically makes people who post PDA to social media producers of child pornography. However, some students are not so bold as to post things on the internet. Senior Ashley Avent once witnessed an ex-
plicit sexual act in the classroom that went completely unnoticed by the teacher. “We weren’t really sure what to do,” she said. Statements like these are a huge area of concern for Dr. Glenn Kitchens, the school principal. “Anything we don’t know about concerns me,” he said, “There are 771 students in this school and they need to feel safe in this environment of learning.” Avent didn’t feel safe that day. She would have said something if she weren’t afraid of the stigma of being a “tattletale.” “There are so many routes students can take to report things,” Dr. Kitchens said. And he’s right. Students have the opportunity to request anonymity when reporting things or they could write a letter to the school and still remain anonymous. That means the person you report will never find out. Ever. No one in this school should be afraid of anything, especially students that are so sexually promiscuous that they would choose to be naughty in a classroom full of people. When people say, “Get a room,” they mean a room without other people. Dr. Kitchens assures that he and his team are constantly on the lookout for strange things -- PDA included. But with 771 students, some things are bound to slip through the cracks. “This is a public school, and therefore, a public place,” he said, “There really is no private place on this campus.” Sadly, some students believe otherwise. Enough is enough.
Gaddie Johnson, Drew Mulkey, and Julianna Mikell demonstrate the video recoring of PDA.
7 A Couple’s Perspective “Of course I’ve thought about PDA,” said senior Gaddie Johson, “Have you seen him?” Johson is referring to her boyfriend, Drew Mulkey. Johnson and Mulkey have been dating for over a year and try to keep their PDA to a minimum. “At least we try to have respect for other people,” she said, “Hand holding is as far as we go!” Johnson feels very strongly about her anti-PDA stance. “If you’re clogging up hallway traffic to be with your bae, you need to stop,” she warned, “You can see them later!”
OPINION
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
Beaten Brains by Brock Burge
1. Bleeding in the Eyes 2. Bruising around the Body
Signs of a Concussion
3. Significant changes in behavior Concussions are a common thing in schools all around the word due to all of the physical activity the world does. Concussions are considered temporary but they can actually last a long time. They are caused by a blow to the head and can cause bruising . They are difficult to diagnose because people can’t physically see them. Symptoms of concussions can be and are not limited to: blurred vision, bleeding, severe bruises, and blackouts.Most concussions are in the american sport “Football” due to all the physical contact. Many Athletes have had concussions some time in their career. Concussions can last up to four months, which can lead to some serious trauma inside your noggin. The most difficult things about concussions is that they are so hard to foresee coming to you or someone you know. Most football players have had concussions on the field due to hard hits and bigger people on the other people. “We have had no one come in this year for concussions,” says Nurse Ingram “and I hope we don’t see any at all. When we do see concussions it’s mainly during the football season. Mainly athletes go see a personal trainer after the injury and will not come and see me. Sometimes we have students
that will have wrecks over the weekend and will come in to see if they might be experiencing from the crash. If we do have people come in claiming that they might have a concussion we run through all the test that we can do to test and see.” In all be cautious about concussions and watch out because something like this may be coming to you soon. In 2012 let alone there was 3,800,000 concussions around the world. Here are a few tips to help if you think you may have a concussion. If you are experiencing any of these please go to a local doctor or a school nurse. The number one rule when you think or you have a concussion is Dont go to sleep because you risk gaining serious injurys like a stutter.In doing so you can help save yourself a lot of trouble in the future.
4. "Seeing Stars" 5. Vomiting
6. Slurred Speech 7. Fatigued 8. Confusion
9. Delayed response to questions 10. Migraines or bad Headaches
Be the first to find the Commodore and turn it into Mrs. Atkinson in room 35 to win a prize!
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OPINION
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
Electronic Frenzy by Kady Smith
In this day and age, cell phones (and just technology period) plays a big role in our everyday life, even our school life. From simply sending a text to a friend or even taking a quiz. But is cell phone use in our school hurting or helping us? Last year, school officials really cracked down on cell phone use. They were so strict about it that you couldn’t even have the electronic devices in the hallways. If you were seen with them, then your phone would be taken up right then and there. This year, it’s seems everywhere you turn you see these electronics glued to everyone’s hands even in the classroom.
How do our teachers deal with cellar devices? “It’s up to me to guide the students and let them decide when phones are being a distraction so they can be ready to pay attention in class”, states Mrs. Bautista. At times cell phones can be a serious distraction to students and that is one of the reasons why some teachers don’t allow phones in the classroom. As students we should be more respectful of our teachers. We can put down our phones for few minutes to learn (something we are suppose to do at school). There are moments when we can be on them, but while our teachers are trying to
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feel our heads with knowledge is not the time. They’re not only a distraction in the classroom, but also a safety hazard. “Students often question why earbuds are such a big deal...when you’re in a school building with earbuds in a school building I have to physically go up to a student to get their attention and get their attention. This is a very, very serious safety concern,” says Dr. Kitchens. This generation grew up with all forms of technology. It is up to us to understand when it is acceptable to use phones and other devices and when it is rude.
Hours: 6am-9pm Monday-Saturday 662-234-5041
1200 North Lamar Oxford, MS 38655
SPORTS
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
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Football Finale by Audrey Tapp
As LHS wrapped up their football season, they sadly ended their 2015 football season at Noxubee High School. At seven PM, Friday, November 13, 2015 Commodore football players, coaches, cheerleaders, and fans traveled to Noxubee County hoping to leave with a win and head to North Half, but after a long, competitive fight senior football players made their last play as a high school student. Lafayette entered their playoff season with a nine in
two record, and had big ambitions to walk away from their 2015 football season with championship rings. Commodore football players fought hard for this record. Every game they played, win or lose, they played to the best of their abilities all season long. On Friday, November 6, 2015 at Robert L. Buford stadium the Commodores walked away with a great ending score of 48-7 against the Gentry Rams. On a nasty, rainy, chilly night LHS football play-
ers entered the field with much excitement even though the stands were empty, they still performed to their maximum ability. On the other hand, Lafayette left Noxubee County disappointed, losing against the Tigers with a final score of 19-13. The Commodores and Tigers kept their fans out of their seats the whole game. The game started slowly and the score was tight and in a split second with only 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter,
A Passed-Down Passion by La’ Keirra Owens
In 1981, at Lafayette High School there were a few people who went to MHSAA (Mississippi High School Activities Assocoation) for basketball. Some of the people who went to MHSAA have children who attend Lafayette now. Shelbi Buford’s mother played basketball when she was in school and she went to MHSAA and now, Shelbi has the opportunity to follow in her mother’s foot steps.
“I feel good about it. It was new to me in the middle school, but I kinda got the hang of it each year I played and it’s my escape from life, and my teammates make it worth playing.” stated Buford. It’s amazing how there are so many people who went to Lafayette and took their high school basketball career to the next level. “ We just have to have heart and hunger to get there and win.” said Buford.
With MHSAA in the air Shelbi has plans. “Our team this year has unfinished business to handle and I’m confident me and my team will step up and handle it the Lady Commodore way!” said Buford. The banner in the middle school gym has been retired but the legend lives on.
a shocking play took place that costed us the game. Many angry football players sat on the sidelines as seniors took the field with only four seconds left to make their last play as a high school football player. Lafayette High wants to congratulate all their senior football players for all of their hard work. LHS also wishes them best of luck in college. Zeke Liggins (#1), Vincent Lewis (#5), Allan Mathis (#6), Quin Jones (#7), Tyrell Price (#8), Juwan Kinds (#9), Rashun
Rockette (#11), Malik Vaughn (#15), Josh Hamilton (#24), Bradley Winters (#30), Vassar Marion (#45), Keontre Toles (#46), Darius Sanders (#50), Jarod Tolbert (#53), Bradley Thomas (#57), Jordan Jamison (Double J) (#70), Cody Brewer (#73), Eli Johnson (#75), My’kal Wade (#82).
SPORTS
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
Commodore Kick Start by Javieus Lyons It’s soccer season at Lafayette High School and the field is packed with the energy of determined soccer players. The Lafayette soccer teams practice five days out of every week. Playing their hearts outs seems to be working. The girls soccer team is 5-0 while the boys are 3-4. If they continue at this pace the boys soccer team will make it to the championship in no time and the girls soccer team returning champs will be ready for anything. “I think if we all just keep our heads up and think positive, we will have a good year,” says Brian Leyva,one of the many seniors on the boys soccer team.
Although the boys soccer team lost their December 1st game, they will continue holding their heads up high, doing their best, and thinking positive. “I think this season will be a great year for Lafayette soccer. I believe if we keep putting in the extra work, we can achieve another state title,” says senior Alley Houghton. The soccer teams need all the support they can get to reassure them that they are doing a great job, which they are!
Left to Right: Brian Leyva,Jose Lopez, and Jason Reeveles.
Lafayette Girls/
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Boys Soccer Schedule Saturday, December 12 Ripley 10:00 am/12:00 Tuesday, December 15 @ Pontotoc * 5:00/7:00pm Friday, December 18 @ FNC (Oxford Tournament) Florence(Girls) 6:15pm Caledonia(Boys) 5:00pm Saturday, December 19 Itawamba(Boys) 9:30am Brandon(Girls) 2:50pm Washington(Boys) Kosciusko(Boys) 6:30pm Richland(Girls) 7:50pm Saturday, January 2 @ Amory 11:00/1:00am Tuesday, January 5 @ Senatobia * 5:00/7:00pm Friday, January 8 @ Cleveland * 5:30/7:30pm Saturday, January 9 OPEN Tuesday, January 12 Pontotoc * 5:00/7:00pm Friday, January 15 @ North Pontotoc 5:30/7:30pm Saturday, January 16 @Tupelo(Girls Only) 5:00pm Tuesday, January 19 Senatobia * 5:00/7:00pm Friday, January 22 Cleveland * 5:30/7:30pm Saturday, January 23 District Makeup Tuesday, January 26 1st Round Saturday, January 30 2nd Round *Distict Games
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
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ROBO Dores to the RES-Q by Olivia Howie
The 3:05 dismissal bell sounds on Friday afternoon. Nearly all of Lafayette High’s students load up in car pools and buses, fired up about their weekend plans. But for Lafayette High Robotics Team, the week has not yet ended. Little know what Coach Langford’s room transforms into after hours. Sure, most have noticed the little gizmos and gadgets that crowd his classroom, but how and who uses them remains a mystery. To get in on the secret, one must linger behind the dismissal bell and peek into room 25. After a brief exchange about what needs to be accomplished in the time they have, the RoboDores, as they are often referred to, divide to continue constructing and experimenting. Abby Elliott and William Story quickly get to work on the base of the bot. Halfway through placing the motor over the two back wheels, Story knocks over and spills an entire case of screws, nails, spacers, and washers all over Langford’s classroom floor. To this, Mary Morris Jackson laughs. “Happens every year,” she says. The people that she has met through robotics is what Elliott enjoys the most. “You get to hang out with people that you never really got to know before and now that you know them, it’s fun. This will be the fourth year that the team has competed in the First Tech Challenge. The national competition, which is held in December, consists of a game in which the pre-programmed bot is teamed up with another school’s robot to complete a mission.
This year’s game is called RES-Q. The object of the game is to try to get the robot up a barred ramp with buckets in the center. To get points, the robot must place balls and cubes into buckets. The team is given extra points if the robot climbs to the top of the ramp and does a pull up, much like a human would. Do not go by the stereotypical image of how robotic teams are portrayed on television, get to know one of Lafayette’s own. One will quickly find out that they are nothing less that unique. The RoboDores may not compete in an area of sweat-dripping or goal scoring, but they are making just as much of an impact on LHS.
Mary Morris Jackson and Abby Elliott get to work on separate parts of the robot that they will take to compete.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
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25: Album Review by Thomas Hinton
“Thank you for the time I’ve been given,” Adele writes in the sleeve of her latest masterpiece, 25. It has been four long years since the singer released an album. Four years is a long time for a recording artist to go without releasing material, especially in the dog-eat-dog world of pop music. But Adele’s been busy. First off, she had a baby: Angelo James Konecki (she kept his name a secret for five months). Second, she had major surgery on her vocal cords and wasn’t sure if she would be able to sing again. And third, she almost released an album a few years ago about “being a mum,” but she scrapped it and began crafting what would eventually become 25. 25 is a departure from Adele’s vengeful anger at the lovers who wronged her in her last two albums, 19 and 21. This time, she reflects on all of the relationships in her life; family, lovers, and friends; past and present. There’s a lot of nostalgia and a lot for listeners to relate to. Standout Tracks Cracking the album open is “Hello.” We’ve all listened and
cried to it a hundred times, so there’s no need to say anything about this perfection. Shhh. “Send My Love (to Your New Lover)” is the most radio-friendly song Adele has ever produced. Don’t listen to it too much unless you want to sing it in your sleep and wake up your family like I did a few weeks ago. “When We Were Young” is a beautiful ballad about young love that’ll have your grandparents crying a puddle of tears. Once again, Adele tears into your soul in “Remedy,” a ballad about promising to be there for the one you love. Who doesn’t love a bad boy? Adele sure does in “Water Under the Bridge,” but she knows he’s no good for her and gets her heart broken… again. In “River Lea,” Adele compares the pollution of the River Lea in London to the failure of a relationship. It’s got a powerful chorus that I guarantee you’ll love. “Million Years Ago” is another heartbreaking ballad that will make you cry. Adele hums in this song and it is one of the most beautiful sounds I’ve ever heard
“Thank you for listening and for letting me into your lives again,” Adele writes in
closing. No, thank you, Adele. Just don’t wait four years again. I really don’t think my body can take the torture again.
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MISCELLANEOUS
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Christmas in Deutschland by Katie Sicks
Americans expect to have gifts under the tree when they wake up on Christmas day, but in other countries they might not be so lucky to wake up to such things. Dana Kaczmarek, is a foreign exchange student from Germany and will be celebrating Christmas in the United States this year. In Germany on Christmas eve, they usually go to church and then later on that night wait for Santa to come. Germans
decorate with christmas lights, wreaths, and other decorations similar to Americans. “Um...the presents,” said Kaczmarek about her favorite part of Christmas. “One time I got an odd pirate ship for christmas, I wasn’t into pirate ships, I actually just wanted a barbie doll,” said Kaczmarek. “I got something like a couch, it was like a big bag you can sit on,” Kaczmarek said referring back to her favorite
present. Germany stays in spirit by listening to “Frohliche Weihnachten” and “Happy X-mas”. Christmas in Germany is similar to Christmas in America. In America they celebrate Christmas by putting up trees, lights, and other decorations. Some Americans even take it to the extreme and have almost every inch of their property covered in decorations.
On Christmas eve children put out milk and cookies for Santa to enjoy during his stop at their house. When they wake up the next morning the family usually gathers around the tree. They then start unwrapping the presents that lay beneath it. The families will usually play with their new belongings throughout the day. Some people will listen to christmas music such as “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells”
or other songs to go along with the holiday. When night falls the family sits down for dinner, which might include ham and some other sides. Christmas is celebrated in many different ways throughout the world. Each country has something unique about their Christmas culture.
Christmas Around The Globe by Barrett Childress As most people put up their Christmas trees in the United States, other people throughout the world have other traditions in their homes. In most homes in Mississippi, and all around the rest of the United States, many people celebrate Christmas by going to church and opening presents with their families. In the United States, Christmas is celebrated on December 25. In other places like Egypt, Ethiopia, Serbia, and Russia, they celebrate Christmas on
January 7. Most countries put up Christmas trees and decorate them for the Christmas season, whether they celebrate the holiday on December 25 or not. In Japan, Christmas is not a public holiday, but in South Korea, it is a public holiday. In some countries, certain foods are eaten to celebrate the Christmas holiday. In Sweden, Lussekatts is eaten, Lussekatts is a type of bread that is a breakfast meal on Christmas. Many people also attend
Father Christmas is called Père Noël. Depending on what country someone is in around the world, Christmas there could be celebrated differently there than in the United States. In the US, Christmas is celebrated differently than in other parts of the the world. church the day before Christmas and the day of Christmas. Depending on the country, the church services are called different things.
Santa Claus is also called different things around the world. In Hong Kong, Santa is called “Sing Daan Lou Yan”, meaning Christmas Old Man.In France,
MISCELLANEOUS
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Christmas Traditions by Hailey Edwards
Most countries, mostly America, have changed ways they celebrate Christmas, but some traditions are still the same. Christmas has been an iconic holiday for many place around the world. Some people from earlier centuries believe that Christmas traditions have been changed a lot. Though some from this century think that the Christmas nowadays is perfectly fine. Many people still celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Only 79% of Americans plan to put up a Christmas tree this year, related to the 92% who said they typically put up a Christmas tree when they were children. More families
sent holiday cards during their childhood then they planned to do so this year. In the earlier years people caroled during Christmas. Now, you rarely see or hear of carolers coming to people’s houses singing Christmas songs. People have even strayed from giving gifts wrapped in paper with bow on the top. Now they are more likely to give money, or some might not give gifts. Some people believe that others have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. It used to be families coming together, children not caring what they got, and joy all around the world. Most of the time, now, kids expect everything they put
on their list they will get. Families might not come together as much as they did in the past. Also, some people might just hate the thought of Christmas
all together. Though most traditions have changed for the better, it’s making Christmas even richer. Keeping most Christmas tradi-
tions makes us appreciate the past, while newer ones can fit our time and lifestyle.
THE ANCHOR
THE COMMODORE CRUISER
The Anchor
Teacher
COACH JONES
Freshman
ALYSSA FARROW
Sophomore
ANDREW COX
Junior
Senior
SALANTHIA COOKE
RASHUN ROCKETT
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
What’s your favor ite Christmas movie?
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
“National Lampoons Christmas Holiday Vacation.”
“Nightmare Before Christmas.”
“The Grinch who stole Christmas.”
“Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
“Friday After Next.”
How do you feel about twerking?
How do you feel about twerking?
How do you feel about twerking?
How do you feel about twerking?
As long as nobody’s doing It’s ok it in my presence, If you could go anyI’m good where with one
I love it, sometimes when I walk down the hall I just stop and start twerk- If you could go anyperson, where ing.
If you could go anywhere with one person, where would it be and who? With Doc Brown to the future in the Delorean
How do you feel about Adele’s new song, Hello? Not my kind of music
Are your eyebrows on fleek or nah? No clue
There’s a way to do it classy and a way to do it nasty either way I wish I could twerk
If you could go anywhere with one would it be and where with one perperson, where would who? son, where would it it be and who? If I had to go anywhere it be and who? City of Museum with Alex Vramer
How do you feel about Adele’s new song, Hello? Meh *shrugs shoulders*
Are your eyebrows on fleek or nah? No comment
would be to Australia.
How do you feel about Adele’s new song, Hello? I don’t listen to Adele
Are your eyebrows on fleek or nah? My eyebrows are totally on fleek.
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New York with my main ninja Chelsea.
How do you feel about Adele’s new song, Hello? It gives off the mood that I should call my ex up and that’s a no no so I don’t really like it
Are your eyebrows on fleek or nah? No, not at the moment but this weekend though.
How do you feel about twerking? Interesting thing to watch
If you could go anywhere with one person, where would it be and who? I would go to Atlanta, and with my mom.
How do you feel about Adele’s new song, Hello? Haven’t heard it
Are your eyebrows on fleek or nah? Viciously on fleek