October 2015 issue

October 2015 _________________________________________________

the

Volume 50, Issue 2 _________________________________________________

Commodore Cruiser

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THE LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER

@DORESCRUISER _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS

Inside

Trunk-or-Treat PAGE

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The Price to Win? PAGE

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The Lady Dores volleyball team (above) pose for a post-victory picture after beating Ripley 3-1 in the playoff game of the season. (pictured at left) Edi Kent, Cylie Robertson, Kylie Glass, Emily Robinson, Shelbi Buford, and Kirkland Harwell cheer wildly after winning the game.

The Lady Dores lost against Lewisburg on October 22, 2015.

PHOTOS BY THOMAS HINTON

Why is Edi making this face? See PAGE

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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

Security for the Cadets

by Natalie Boone

During the spring of 2013, while one of the Girls’ Bathrooms within the main building of Lafayette High School erupted with flames, the students within the AFJROTC Building continued having class.

Unlike the majority of the school, the ROTC Building did not evacuate, because there was a failure to follow instructions. According to Major Harvey Rice, whomever is in the office at the time of a fire and/or lockdown is supposed to contact the ROTC Building via intercom.

Many of the students who go to the building on a daily basis are unaware of this, because they have never been in the building during a drill.

It is expected for whomever is present in the office at the time of the drill to call the teachers in the ROTC Building and inform them of the drill or emergency. However, when there was an actual fire in the school, no one remembered to alert the building over the intercom.

The students within the building at the time remained in their classrooms and, without any knowledge as to what was happening in the main building at the time, continued class as if it were any other school day.

“The office has to call us over the intercom to let us know,” said Senior Master Sergeant Tony Fleming.

“It’d be easier if they linked the alarms in the school.”

“The school would be safer if teachers would keep their doors shut and pay attention,” said Officer Jonathon

Grantham, a sheriff’s deputy of ten years and one of the people to assist in extinguishing the fire in the spring of 2013.

“Linking the alarms is a good idea, but it’s up to the school.”

“We would have to talk to the Central Office and superintendent,” said Assistant Principal Greg Lewis.

“I’m not really worried, because we have Sergeant Fleming in there, and I’m pretty sure he could take down a shooter,” said Michael Kapp. “It is kind of scary thinking that the school could be evacuating and we’d still be having class, though.”

While it was a mere bathroom in that instance and the fire did not spread to

the other areas of the building, the lives of the students within the building at the time could have been in jeopardy had such a thing happened.

The AFJROTC building is frequented by students daily.

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STUDENT NEWS

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

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Club Spotlight

by Hailey Edwards

The second letter of the Greek alphabet is beta. Lafayette High School has a club with that name.

The original founder of the Beta Club, Dr. John W. Harris, chose the name “beta” because “b” represents “bios” which is the Greek word for life. He believed that club members should learn how to make a life for themselves.

The local sponsor of the Lafayette High School Beta Club is Mrs. Kim Pugh. “Beta club

stresses academic achievement, community service, character, and leadership,” Pugh said.

The National Beta Club, which was organized more than 80 years ago, is the largest independent non-profit educational youth organization in America. The mission statement of the National Beta Club is “to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service, and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.” More than 450,000

active members and about 8,750 clubs nationally and internationally exist today.

The LHS Beta Club has a long history at Lafayette High School. The LHS Beta Club and Lafayette High School were both established in 1966.

This year they celebrate their 50th birthday.

Several activities and benefits are planned for the coming school year. On Sept. 3 Lafayette High School Beta Club had “Beta for Batson Bake Sale”

my students to have that same energy for LEARNING.” Jimenez has been at Lafayette High School since 2013 and that’s 3 years for those who can’t do the math. Recently lafayette has had a bowling team. Who came up with that?

Jimenez, that’s who.

“With the construction of the new bowling alley, I knew the bowling team would present an opportunity to students who are not included with our athletic department to do so.”

“Did you know that Costa Rica is right around the corner?” Jimenez asked. “Twelve

people signed up for our Costa Rica trip this summer! It will be a nine day trip to see everything the biodiverse country has to offer.”

In Jimenez’s free time he plays video games and plays with his puppy dog, Thatcher.

So, why not take up Spanish class as one of your classes for a year or two because Jimenez wants everybody to know, “ In my class, we keep it fun, by asking lots of funny questions in Spanish and telling funny stories.”

Teacher Spotlight

by Lakierra Owens

Scott “Scotty” Jimenez, 31, attended Ole Miss where he decided to become a teacher. “ I wanted to become a teacher because I want to make a positive impact on student’s lives, just like my own teachers made a positive impact on me.”

Jimenez last taught at Madison Central High School which is located in Madison MS. Most students walk by Jimenez’s class in the morning, and notice that he’s always hyper and happy. Why? Nobody has any idea, but Jimenez stated, “ I like to think with positive attitude and enthusiasm, that I can influence

which benefited patients of Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson. A school-wide blood drive and continuing donations for Love Packs, which benefit students at Lafayette Elementary School and Lafayette Upper Elementary School, are also scheduled for the 20152016 school year.

In order to become a member of the LHS Beta Club, students must meet several qualifications and must be invited to club membership. The qualifications

include academic achievements, five hours of community service each semester, character, and leadership skills. Pugh stressed, “Beta members learn the importance of serving others while developing their individual leadership skills.”

STUDENT NEWS

Gasping for Air

by Brook Savage

It is like drowning but seeing everyone around you breathe.

Depression is like a disease that pulls you under the words that seep into your skin and cause pain. This disease tackles many of it’s victims through social media, sometimes even face to face, never knowing when to stop before someone breaks.

Lafayette High School is full of spirited students, but do some of these students fake a smile? Guidance Counselor, Tammy Quarles, agreed to an interview on her side of the story. Students don’t often go to the counselor because they get the thought in their mind that “counselor’s don’t know what they’re talking about.”

Quarles genuinely cares about the students that come in to visit her. She actually listens and feels empathy towards them.

Quarles is aware that most everyone feels that way about counselors. “We just want them to know that we are here, and our door is open. We’re here for them.”

Taylor Babb is one out of the handful of students that suffer from the disease of depression.

The past usually affects the future of the students. She has definitely experienced a hard

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

time. Most events happened to Babb in the year of 8th grade.

“When I think about what kind of put me in my depression, I guess it does bring me down more.” One can hear the pain sit on her tongue while she describes her past. Even if it hurts, she keeps it inside.

Lafayette High encourages every student, whatever problem, to seek a teacher or counselor. Maybe these teachers don’t struggle with all of the insecurities you do, but they do listen to what you have to say.

It always feels better to breathe and release your thoughts to someone who cares. Don’t struggle to keep what you feel inside, the emotions will take over and spread.

Lafayette needs to be a few steps closer to full understanding of students.

Take this step, make a difference in Lafayette High.

Why Bully?

by Javieus Lyons

Be the first to find the Commodore and turn it into Mrs.Atkinson in room 35 to win a prize!

Follow the Lafayette Cruiser on Twitter @DoresCruiser

Nothing gives another person the right to make others feel bad about themselves, not race, religion, money, cultural background. “ Most people look at you like your crazy when you tell them you’re being bullied,” says a LHS student.

4,400 deaths per year occur because of bullying alone. Bullied victims are 7% to 9% more likely to consider suicide and over 14% of high schoolers alone think about it and 7% attempt it.

160,000 kids stay home for a fear of being bullied.

Signs of Bullying - Withdrawal from others - Losing interest in favorite activities - Trouble sleeping or eating - Deep Depression - Isolation These are just some of the signs of being bullied, also bullying does not always take place at school it can happen anywhere, and it’s not just kids being bullied.

Parents, teachers, and bosses from work can be bullies as well and in this new age and era you can even be bullied over

the internet.

If you are being bullied or if you see someone being bullied don’t just stand by, please tell an adult or someone in charge or if you just wish to talk about such things you can email to Bullyfree@gocommodores.org and you don’t have to tell them who you are it is completely anonymous and if you want you can talk to the counselor any time.

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STUDENT NEWS

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

Treats From the Trunk

by Brook Savage

FFA put on an event for students, adults, and anyone in the community that came down and enjoyed themselves. In the years before there was a record of 200 people that attended this event. Meredith McCurdy leads on the FFA team as they strived to make this Trunk or Treat better than before.

This event took place on October 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the high school parking lot. There was face painting,

pony rides, trunk or treating, train rides, and many more fun games to entertain you. Your stomach probably hurt after this, because there was a lot of candy.

There was also a terrifying haunted house, hosted by the Drama team. Last years haunted house was a big success, it had kids running out of the door. This year, the haunted house moved into a bigger environment, the old gym.

Turf...Hazardous to Your Health?

The Commodore Cruiser also played a role this year including the photobooth. Props were held so you could bring friends and take pictures. This was a great way to start off your week before Halloween.

by Katie Sicks

Lafayette High school athletes could possibly be performing on a source of cancer.

Those little black dots people pick up on the field, well they might want to quit.

Those millions of pieces of turf on the field are made with rubber from tires. Tires use a pretty good bit of chemicals.

Athletes should know the feeling of having this get in your mouth sometimes. Having cut up pieces of rubber tires in your mouth doesn’t seem very pleasing or good for your health.

Football player, Cody Brewer, thinks strongly about this.

“Yes, it is possible for artificial turf to cause cancer, because it all depends on what is in our turf,” Brewer stated. “More than likely it is the turf not the sun, because the chemicals, the blood, and the bacteria that gets in it. So when you fall all that could get inside your cut and cause cancer,” said Brewer.

Lafayette High’s football coach Eric Robertson hasn’t heard anything about this topic

before. “I’m sure there is something in the carpet that someone could link to cancer, but that’s the case with all aspects of daily life,” Robertson stated.

“Hopefully more energy and attention will be given to finding a cure, instead of just adding to a list of possible causes,” added Robertson.

Not only is this artificial turf on Lafayette High’s field, but it is on thousands and thousands of fields in America. Many soccer players and other athletes check in hospitals for chemo therapies a year. This has not yet been proven a fact that the artificial turf could be causing cancer, but this definitely did raise some suspense.

Try to avoid getting the turf in your mouth or getting wounds from this turf. Stay cautious when you are on artificial turf and be careful when playing on it.

LEFT: Pictures from Trunk or Treat.

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OPINION

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

Heat and Repeat

by Thomas Hinton

“Blimey,” I said as the microwave door flew open. Before me were the remains of a Hot Pocket explosion and a fuzzy, blue mold. At least I think that’s what it was.

The microwave (also known as “el microonda in Spanish)is a nifty little invention that was introduced to the world in 1946, and has been popularly used to reheat cold leftovers ever since.

It’s a wonderful thing that LHS allows students to use microwaves, but it becomes a serious problem when people become too frightened to even heat up their food.

I knew I wasn’t alone in my thoughts, so I took to the cafeteria with a mission to find other microwave users who knew the daily struggle.

As third lunch began, I saw a boy struggling to find a clean microwave for his frozen lunch.

Meet Walker Gossett, a senior.

“They need to clean up their mess, and pay attention,” Gossett said. “I don’t want to put my food in there with that stuff.”

Gossett frequents the microwaves almost everyday, but sometimes he is simply too frightened to heat up his food.

“Some days I just can’t do it,” he said.

Makayla Hairston finds herself “grossed out” whenever she has to even look at one of the cafeteria’s microwaves.

“People need to be responsible,” she said about the explosion of burned cheese. “I don’t want to get sick.”

Hairston’s health concerns resonate with many LHS students (like me), and rightfully so. Nobody deserves to become ill because someone else was too lazy too clean up their mess.

Much like the school bathrooms, the microwaves are not the janitor’s responsibility. The

consensus says that it is the student’s responsibility.

If you’re part of this issue, you seriously need to sit down and evaluate your poor choices. Letting your food blow up in the microwave is irresponsible and just plain nasty, not to mention a health risk.

Here are some of the microwave rules that I abide by, since some of you obviously don’t know what you’re doing: 1.) Do not leave your food unattended.

You need to be there to listen for the pops. 2.) Know how long it will take to heat up your food.

3.) If your food splatters, clean that mess up. Don’t leave it in there for someone else. 4.) Don’t cut in line, or someone will cut you. 5.) Cover your food, and not with aluminum. It will blow the school up. 6.) Don’t hog the

Edi Kent does not approve of this microwave.

microwave. You’re not a pig, you’re a (supposedly) civilized human being.

If you can’t follow these basic rules, just do us all a favor and never use the microwave ever again, please.

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Respect school property, your peers, and the hard working staff of LHS. They will all appreciate your efforts to become a more civilized human being.

This is one of the many things causing a panic at the microwave.

OPINION

by Mary Kate Newman

ID’s were a very big deal last year at Lafayette high school.

They were to be worn at all times and if forgotten at home then you could be written up for it.This year ID’s are only needed at lunch.

I think we should wear the ID’s at all times. If a student was caught doing something good and a teacher wanted to reward them learning earnings and didn’t know their name what would they do?

You wouldn’t want to tell them about this and them be prideful or maybe even try to be good only around you.

Some teachers like to put names to faces and without ID’s this is not possible.

I think wearing the ID’s would help people keep up with them more. Some people have

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

IDs Yes or No?

misplaced theirs from not wearing it and not knowing where they left it. Also if you wear your ID everyday you could get into Friday night games for a dollar.

I like them because I feel like you have to keep up with it and you know the people around you. I feel like if I wore it everyday I wouldn’t ever misplace it. It helps when I meet new people that I might not know their name and I can put a name to a face.

If you don’t have your ID at lunch when you get The majority of students do not up to the front they send you to the back of the line. If deem it necessary to wear IDs. everyone just would wear theirs this wouldn’t happen as often.

by Brook Savage

At the beginning of the year students are taken in front of a camera to take the picture that will reflect on them for the rest of the year. That picture is clicked onto a lanyard and put in the student’s hand.

One look at that picture and your self esteem lowers, unless you’re really confident in your looks.

Some may like the idea of having ID’s, while others absolutely dread the fact of having to wear an awful tag around their neck.

Kirsten Bucher explains, “the ID’s basically ruin your outfit.

If you show up to school in a cute outfit, the red tag clashes.”

Bucher adds that teachers should be able to tell which

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kids are students, and which are not. Bucher is not the only student who feels this way, Calvin Oaks feels like it should be a student’s choice to wear it.

Some people don’t like their picture taken.

Everyone might feel a different way about the ID policy, the ID policy should stay the way it is. Not everyone feels confident enough to wear their ID with pride. “Using them at lunch does let me get food faster though,” says Oaks.

HOMECOMING

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

Mixing the Past and Present in One

by Katie Sicks

The lights shone down on each homecoming maid as they walked across the field, making each of them a princess for the night. One specific couple stood out as they stepped foot on the field for the first time since 1966. The first homecoming queen, Bette McDaniel, and mister LHS, Mickey Nelson, came back to Lafayette High to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

Lafayette actually didn’t have homecoming their first year. Lafayette had it the following year in 1966 and that is when they got their first king and queen. It is now 2015 and Lafayette has celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Gail Caldwell had a huge helping hand when it came to homecoming. She is the advisor of student council, which

is a club that take a big part in helping with school activities.

“She’s going to be back and escorting her is Mickey Nelson, and he was on the original first football team, he’s actually the first Mister LHS also,” Caldwell said. “The first Miss LHS was Bette McDaniel who’s now Bette Robins. She’s also going to be on the field with Mickey Nelson. Caldwell said.

The hardest part about homecoming to Caldwell was making sure everything went smoothly and everything is in place. “It’s just been a lot of fun with to the 50th, just seeing how everyone’s gotten excited about it and how the community has really got involved,” added Caldwell.

William L. Buford stadium was packed October 16, 2015.

People who graduated from different classes and others who were helping celebrate were recgonized throughout the game.

Katie Tidwell (left): LHS 2014 Homecoming Queen returned to crown this years Homecoming queen.

Mickey Nelson (middle) and Bette McDaniel (right)

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HOMECOMING

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

Road to a Royal Representative

by Olivia Howie

Girls ran feverishly through the hallways in order to hang their posters in the perfect spot.

The long-awaited fall event had arrived. Homecoming is the one event everyone entering high school knows nothing about, and everyone leaving, well, knows too much about.

Most students think of homecoming as a time title-crazed girls shower you, an innocent bystander, with stickers, suckers, and an enthusiastic, “Don’t forget to vote for me!” And, yes, it was indeed this, but it was also a time that the alumni came back and celebrated the place they spent 13 years of their life.

The title, homecoming, inferred that the alumni are “coming home.” This was a time to meet up with old classmates and visit campus. Although many colleges, such as Baylor, Southwestern, Illinois, and Missouri, claim to be the first to have a modern homecoming, The University of Missouri’s 1911 football game against Kansas is the most widely known origin.

The week-long event at Lafayette High School consisted of spirit days, such as homecoming t-shirt day, luau day, and

blast to the past day. The grades also competed in a competition to see who could decorate a hallway to showcase the most school spirit. On the morning of October 16, 2015, there was a pep rally in which the football team, cheerleaders, choir, band, and homecoming court participated. Lafayette was in the small percentage of schools that did not include a homecoming dance in the week of festivities.

The event that was most looked forward to among teachers, parents, and students alike was watching the homecoming court on the field during halftime. The court consisted of freshmen representatives, Dominique Herron and Alexis McLarty, sophomore representatives, Kori Cupps and Julianna Mikell, junior representatives Morgan Bishop and Makayla Hairston. The senior maids were Shelbi Buford, Anna Lee Davis, Kylie Glass, and Madison Hill. The sought-after title was achieved

by Madison Hill after two things, nominations and votes.

Votes followed after the top four girls are nominated from each grade (six for seniors).

Junior Morgan Bishop voiced all the winners when she said, “I was completely shocked just to have been nominated! Especially with all the girls that were on the list with me. I was ecstatic! I felt like it was definitely an honor to be chosen to represent our class.”

Duties such as finding an escort and, more importantly, a show-stopping dress were considered, after one got on

the court. For most, choosing an escort was a breeze. “Mack Bishop has been my best friend since pre-K. He has always been there for me,” according to the 2015 Homecoming Queen, Madison Hill.

How much are homecoming expenses? Try $500. That’s what Freshman maid Alexis McLarty estimated it will costed her and her parents. The dress itself can be anywhere be-

tween $150 and $250 and this is before you add all the other details, such as shoes, hair, and manicures to name a few.

Spirit days, silly pep rally skits, and electing peers onto court are just some of the few reasons why homecoming remains a favorite week among students. It gave and will continue to give everyone ample opportunities to get involved in what makes LHS just so special.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

by Destiny Mooneyham

by Kady Smith

secrets.

The main character, Amy Gumm, has had a hard life. Everything was pretty decent until her dad left and her mother got in an accident, making her a human slug with all the pills. Amy has always wanted to get out of Kansas and start a new life, she was planning on taking the bus, but I suppose a tornado can do the trick.

Dorothy Must DIE is the first book to this series by Danielle Paige. The LHS library only has the first two books at the moment, but will hopefully get the rest of the series soon. I am currently reading the book and I cannot put it down. It gives a whole new perspective of the story I grew up with and

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Goosebumps Gallore

Dorothy Must DIE

“As I passed the statue of Dorothy, I changed my mind one more time. ‘Just tell me one thing,’ I asked her, spinning around… ‘They talk about Oz where I’m from. I’ve heard about it my whole life. But this is messed up. What happened here?’ Indigo’s impassive face twisted into a snarl. ‘Dorothy happened,’ she said.” Dorothy Must DIE, page 43.

This book gives a new and dark twist to the classic story The Wizard of Oz. We all know the song about the rainbow and the “Lions, tigers, and bears.

Oh my!”. But have you ever wondered what happened after the book closes, when the screen goes black? This book reveals all of Oz’s deep, dark

loved as a child. There’s never ending twists and turns after every page I read through. It is the first good read I’ve had in a long time.

A classic horror story author, known as R.L. Stine, or Robert Lawrence Stine, became a big hit once he began writing horror stories. His name was just shortened to R.L., but his family members proceeded to call him Bob. When he was nine he found an old typewriter up in his attic, and began typing stories and little joke books. Once Stine was married he began writing scary stories, and he published his first ever scary book Blind Date. In 1989 he created the Fear Street series. So far, out of all of his books, Stine has sold over 350 million books.

Another popular series of his many may know about is

Goosebumps. It still comes on tv every October for anyone to watch and is sold on DVD. He started creating the series Goosebumps in 1992. It quickly became a hit all around the world, and was translated into thirty-two different languages.

He doesn’t just write hair-rising chillers, but also vampire novels. Giving kids the creeps is definitely something he’s good at.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

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The Lonely Seductress

by Thomas Hinton CLARKSDALE, MS - Taylor Perkins ascended to the stage of the Tennessee Williams Festival on October 3, hoping for a good time. And boy did she have fun.

The festival is an annual event that celebrates the life and work of Tennessee Williams, a famous playwright from Mississippi. Contestants are to choose either a monologue or a scene from one of his many plays, and perform them before a crowd and a handful judges, who then critique the performance.

Perkins took on the role of Maggie

from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Maggie is a lonesome seductress who longs for the attention of her husband.

“She’s very sexy,” Perkins snickered, “like me.”

Upon arrival at the festival, Perkins discovered she would be the second person to go on stage. “I couldn’t even eat breakfast, I was so scared,” she said.

After nearly walking out while the first performance was going on, Perkins finally stood before the crowd and judges, anxious and “wanting to just

Top 10 Horror Movies

by Kady Smith

When teenagers think of Halloween, they think all things horror. This is Lafayette High School’s 2015 top 10 Horror movies. LHS students were surveyed on their top three horror movies Here are the results. The Commodore Cruiser staff received many unique responses. One of the top unique responses was Dalton Johnson’s number three which was “Dylan’s Hollowell’s birth footage”. No comment.

Number one on this gruesome list is the 2010 horror film “Insidious.”

This PG-13 thriller is about a little boy going into a comatose and slowly gets possessed by an evil spirit. His family tries to all they can to help him.

1. Insidious 2. The Conjuring 3.Paranormal Activity 4.Halloween 5.Poltergeist 6.The Visit 7.Sinister 8.Annabelle 9.The Purge 10.Child’s Play

die.”

Perkins delivered her monologue well until the end, where she was forced to improvise a new ending.

“I think I swallowed my soul,” she said about facing the judges’ comments.

“They said I did well, but I just needed to memorize my lines.”

Perkins now has a vengence within her, and hopes to “crush the competition to the ground” next year. She is eager to bring home an award for the drama program.

Perkins strikes a pose in character on the square.

HALLOWEEN

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

Running for the Haunted Hills

by Destiny Mooneyham

Walking through a hallway with nothing but a buzz in the air, fear gripping you from the inside out. Monsters jumping out from all corners, daring to take you away. Then stepping out into daylight, but wanting to go back in because it gives your heart a rush.

If you love haunted houses, then Tupelo, Mississippi is the

place to go. Tupelo has a terror house, Haunted Hill, and from the reviews, you would fall dead for. If you happen to find yourself wanting to attend, go from Tupelo then take Highway 78E about one mile to Auburn road exit 90. Turn left on Auburn road for 3 miles to road 1057. Turn left on road 1057 for 1.1 miles to Haunted

Hill on the left, just look for the black Cadillac Hearses parked out front.

The entry fee is only $5 per person, with a good time. For 2015, they are open every Friday and Saturday night, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Trick-or-Treating in Oxford

by Barrett Childress

Trick-or-Treating is a big part of many children’s’ childhoods, and it is also a very fun night in Oxford and all around the world, too.

There are many places in Oxford that children and families can Trick-or-Treat and get delicious treats from places around town. Some of the few places that you are able to get candy at are on North Lamar, the Square, neighborhoods, and different churches around town.

The Square has an event called Halloween Spooktacular Safestop. It is an event for children and families to participate in games and get candy.

Houses on North Lamar and South Lamar give out candy to

the children that come to their doors. Churches around Oxford have Trunk-or-Treats to give out candy. Trunk-or-Treating is when people decorate the trunk of people’s cars and give out candy on Halloween night.

Trick-or-Treating is a fun way to get candy and be able to dress up. It is also a good way to spend time with your family and friends.

The phrase “Trick or Treat” gets children candy when you go up to people and their houses. The term Trick-or-Treating came from North America in the 1920s and 1930s.

“I usually go trick-or-treating in Yocona Ridge.” Freshman, Morgan Hicks said. “Hallow-

een, to me, means that I get to eat lots of candy, I get to have fun with friends, and I am able to dress up like someone that is a role model to me. Halloween is also a day of not judging people.” Hicks added.

Halloween night is a fun way for children and adults to have a good time. Children especially like it because they get candy and get to dress up.

In Oxford, there are also haunted houses that you can go to. Every year, the fire department puts on a haunted house at the fire station. Hicks enjoys going to the haunted house at the fire department every year.

“I like going to the haunted house because the fighters give

#GoDores

you candy at the end.

Halloween is a big part of October in Oxford. Children love to go around house to house getting candy and dressing up on Halloween night.

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SPORTS

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

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Our Goal is Stopping Yours

by Audrey Tapp

willpower; it will take sacrifice. You will need to push your body to the max.

There will be temptation, but I promise you, when you reach your goal, it’s all worth it,” said Moss.

On the other hand, Jonathan Page, a sophomore athlete on the Lafayette High School Soccer Team, focuses on performing to the best of his ability.

Moss “It will hurt; it will take time; it will take ded- a n t i c ipates ication; it will require willpower; it will take on ansacrifice. You will need to push your body other soccer to the max. There will be temptation, but I season promise you, when you reach your goal, it’s all s i t t i n g on the worth it.” side - Kaitlyn Moss lines with a right torn ACL and meniscus injury. In

As students prepare for winter weather again, soccer athletes have other things on their mind.

Kaitlyn Moss, a freshman athlete on the Lafayette High School Lady Soccer Team, prepares for soccer season sitting on the sideline with another torn ACL injury. “It will hurt; it will take time; it will take dedication; it will require

2014, Moss tore her left ACL and me- will be the best 4A team around and has niscus and was in recovery for almost a confidence in going to the play offs. year. For the 2015-2016 soccer season, Coach Scruggs and Coach AnderMoss will son encourages not be “I’d rather die on my feet than these athletes daip l a y i n g live on my knees, so never give ly, in many ways. b e c a u s e up and always keep going.”

Scruggs has helped of a torn Moss through reACL inju- covery and has ry, but she - Jonathan Page always been there is lookfor her. Anderson ing forward to sitting on the sidelines encourages Page to work harder and to watching her teammates grow stronger never give up on anything you set your as a soccer family. She believes that if mind to. Join them on November 10, they set their minds to it, they will, yet 2015 as they play North Pontotoc. Anyagain, make it to the championship. one is welcome to support them at WilPage visualizes a lot for his team this liam L. Buford Stadium at 7:00. year. He is looking forward to playing with a group of fearless seniors and also, one of the best teams Lafayette has had in some time. Page conceives that they

SPORTS

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

Hoops are Here

by Mary Kate Newman

The crowd is hyped.Timers running out. Coaches yelling and players sweating. All this for a win.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. Basketball season. For Shelbi Buford, a senior, this is nothing. She has played basketball for six years now and it’s strange for it to be coming to an end. “I guess it feels surreal in a way. Just ready to make the most of it.” Buford said. Before every game Buford prays then listens to music to get hyped up.

This year’s Lafayette High School Lady Dores Team consists of hard workers with experience.

“There is no recipe for a great team however many attributes will make your team great. Leadership, respect, col-

laboration, and hard work. In order to have a great team you must have a great leader. The leadership reflects what type of respect, trust , and work ethic others will have. Leadership comes from a mixture of coaches, players, parents, and even fans! We have new leadership (Coach Linzy) and our team is “bought” in. With Lafayette girls we don’t have a star. Not every team needs that one superstar player to excel. We can beat one person but one person can’t beat a team. The ultimate characteristic of a great team is keeping God first. My beliefs have allowed me to be blessed with great teams throughout my career.” This is what Coach Adams, one of the coaches of the LHS Lady Dores team, says in

Pink Out With a Win

by Audrey Tapp

Kicking off October always starts with a little pink to support the breast cancer patients. Friday, Oct. 2, Commodore students and fans filled the stands of the William L. Buford Stadium wearing pink for breast cancer awareness month. Cheerleaders and football players represented breast cancer patients by wearing pink in their honor and their fight to battle breast cancer.

As students cheered them on, football players raced onto the field to take on the Ripley Tigers. The fans and students, wearing pink, pump up the football team as they began the game. The final score of the football game was 45-14.

A new addition to the LHS family was the new Commodore mascot. The Commo-

dore also participated with the cheerleaders. Murphee, the new Commodore mascot, also interacted rambunctiously with the LHS student section. Everyone who attended the football game was very ecstatic to witness the unveiling of the new mascot.

her opinion is what it takes to have a great team.

Lady Dores will be playing in Water Valley for a Jamboree on October 31, but the first game is at the Tupelo Classic on November 7. They will be playing Starkville at the Classic.

Be sure to show your spirit and support the LHS basketball teams this season.

Adams’ coaches the Lady Dores basketball team along with three others.

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MISCELLANEOUS

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

Where Do You Live?

by Hailey Edwards

Fun is one aspect of living in a college town, but there are also many other things that come with living in a college town: students, traffic, and many other things.

The University of Mississippi is one of many colleges in the United states. Located in Oxford, Miss., it was established on February 24, 1844. It was the only public institution of higher learning for 23 years in Mississippi. It established the fourth state law school in

the nation, one of the first to offer engineering education, and also one of the first in the South to permit women to enroll in the school. From the first class having 80 students, the university has grown to more than 21,500 students.

The University of Mississippi is not only know for education, but also for its food, shops, lifestyle, sports and events that happen year round. The Square, located in Oxford, is where students go to shop

Autumn Events Around the World

in boutiques, athletic stores, a bookstore, and much more cultural and southern shops and restaurants. On the Square you will find the Lafayette County Courthouse, constructed in 1840. It currently holds several judicial courtrooms and offices, serving Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Lafayette,

Marshall, Tippah, and Union counties. Both the Courthouse and the Square were attacked in 1861 when the Civil War broke out. Later on when Oxford had a busy town and bright future hard times still struck them. On October 29, 1929 the Great Depression hit and the stock market crashed. If work was accessible the, salary was as low as ten cents per hour.

One thing the University of Mississippi is proud of, is long football history. In its 122 year the Ole Miss football program has claimed three national championships, six Southeast-

ern Conference titles, and one SEC Western title. Some Ole Miss football players are now playing or have played in the NFL like the Manning Family, Deuce McAllister, Dexter McCluster, Terrence Metcalf, Donte Moncrief, and many more.

Ole Miss is proud of, known for, and loves many of these things about their campus and plans to live and tell the history of The University of Mississippi.

by Barrett Childress

Autumn is the time of the year when temperatures start to drop and night comes earlier. Around the world, there are many events that happen in Autumn.

One of the most known events in North America is Halloween. Halloween takes place on October 31 at night.

On that night, children dress up like their favorite character or famous figure. The children go from door to door saying “Trick-or-Treat.� After saying that phrase, people give the children candy and they go to the next house. It is a fun way to spend time with friends and

family while also getting candy.

The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is when people race across Tulsagin Commons lake in over-sized pumpkins. Many people race to the finish line around the West Coast to try and beat their competition.

In Thailand, around late October, people have a light show to celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent. They make the boats with lights in them and send them down the Naga.

On the third Sunday in October, people hurl themselves off of the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia. This adrenaline-pumping activity is

for people who seek big thrills.

They BASE jump off of the second-highest bridge in the world with only eight seconds to open their parachutes after they have freefallen. These people jump and compete with others at BASE jumping.

These examples of Autumn events are some of the few that take place around the world.

The events are all of people around the world to have fun during the cooler months.

People are able to take part in these events and they are also able to spend time with their families and friends while they are having fun doing the events.

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Since there are so many autumn activities, there is bound to be something for everyone.

Racers getting their pumpkins ready for the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.

THE ANCHOR

Teacher

Freshman

THE COMMODORE CRUISER

The Anchor

Sophomore

Ying Bing Tan

Haley Anderson

Sonie Brandon

What is your favorite candy?

I don’t have one Favorite Halloween costume?

I like Elsa’s costume from Disney’s Frozen Favorite monster or creature?

Dragon Where will you be this Halloween?

Around; I’m not sure where

What is your favorite candy? Jolly Ranchers Favorite Halloween costume?

Werewolves Favorite monster or creature? Kitsune Where will you be this Halloween? I have no idea

What is your favorite candy?

Sour Sweet Tarts Favorite Halloween costume?

Cheshire Cat Favorite monster or creature?

Sphinx Where will you be this Halloween?

Probably home.

Junior

Sarah Smiley

What is your favorite candy?

Kit Kat Favorite Halloween costume?

Ladybug Favorite monster or creature?

Werewolf Where will you be this Halloween?

Helping kids at the hospital.

Senior

Maraih Dune

What is your favorite candy?

Hershey’s Chocolate Favorite Halloween costume? Nothing Favorite monster or creature? The Scream man Where will you be this Halloween? My house

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