The Northridge Reporter - April

Hair types explained

Soccer teams say farewell

page 8

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The Northridge

Painters find religious inspiration

r e t r o Re p

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Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406

April 28, 2011 • Volume 8, Issue 7

Little slip, big impact

Graduation exam results arrive anu pandit editor in chief The bonus block and a hired tutor were measures taken to ensure success.

On March 29 and 30, the verdicts were in, on little slips of paper that contained the results of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam.

For an anonymous senior, it was a shock.

“I didn’t pass reading. I was shocked because I’d only been four points off, just four little points. I won’t get to walk with my class. I’m sad, but not that sad because I’ll get to walk during a ceremony in the summer,” she said.

Isaac Espy, principal, said that seniors who didn’t pass during the last testing session will be given another chance.

“We did our very best to

make sure that every senior would Shantre Wilder, senior, said pass math and reading. Seniors that she “just made it.” will be able to take the gradua“I get to walk because I tion exam in July. We will have passed math, reading and biolan additional graduation cer- ogy. I didn’t pass social studies emony in August for those who or language, but I came really passed the required courses and close to passing language. I’m the grada little bit uation upset, but We had significant gains in exam,” the peopassing rates in accounthe said. ple who ability groups. These are H e aren’t juniors taking math and s a i d graduatthat the ing are reading. We had a roughly passing probably ten percent improvement rate was more upin both areas. higher set. Evfor this eryone ~ Isaac Espy, principal adminiswants to tration of the exams than for pre- walk and graduate. vious ones.

She said that it was unfair “We had significant gains in for the graduation exam to be passing rates in accountabil- the only determining factor in ity groups. These are juniors tak- walking. ing math and reading. We had a “It hurts me that the kids roughly ten percent improvement who didn’t pass won’t be able in both areas,” he said. to walk because they worked

“

”

hard for twelve years, and they won’t get any reward for that,” she said.

Joshua Edgar, senior, said that graduation exams are a negligible factor in graduation.

“I despise graduation exams. It does not bother me that a test standardizes the necessary educational capabilities for students, only that the standard is so pitifully low,” he said.

Sabrina Lewis, junior, said she is worried about her passing rate so far.

“I’m already a junior, and I didn’t pass reading, language and math. I know at least 50 people who say they’re going to drop out because they didn’t pass. A lot of the seniors didn’t pass. It’s messed up. I think the seniors should at least get to walk, regardless of whether they passed [the exam] or not,” she said.

E-Readers

in brief

Chess club elects officers lane russell staff writer Checkmate! Raiha Bajwa, sophomore, wins again against Mahtahb Monowar, senior, in a chess game during a meeting of Northridge Chess Club.

Some of the members didn’t know how to play when they joined.

“Most people in the club want to learn to play chess,” Adrika Venkatanarayanan, senior, said.

Monowar, co-president, said that they will teach new members to play.

“You don’t have to know how to play; we will teach you,” Monowar said.

The chess club doesn’t yet have competitions.

“We don’t have competitions against other schools yet, but we are hoping to,” Renu Pandit, freshman and newly elected treasurer, said.

The club recently had elections for upcoming officers.

Anu Pandit, junior, was named president; Joshua Thomas, sophomore, was named vice president; Renu Pandit was named treasurer, and Shuwen Yue, junior, was named secretary.

The chess club meets Tuesdays after school in the library until 4:30 p.m. Membership costs $5 and all interested are welcome to join.

snap shot

Board considers electronic reading devices anu pandit editor in chief

47 18

YES

NO polled by anu pandit 65 students polled

Do you think the school would benefit from E-readers?

“ I think they’re a great idea. It’ll make class a lot easier.”

-Jacobi Scott, senior

New developments in textbook funding may be lightening backpacks.

The Tuscaloosa City School Board is considering replacing hard copies of textbooks with electronic reading devices.

The switch would entail a one-time cost of approximately $500,000.

Andrew Maxey, assistant principal, said that the benefits of the E-readers outweigh the costs.

“I think they’re great. I own one myself. Instead of carrying 50 pounds of books, you’ll carry a two pound E-reader. The cost isn’t really that much when you break it down. When things were going the way they’re supposed to, we would get $75 per student per year for textbooks. Multiply that by about 10,000 students, and you get $750,000 per year. Now, we get about $15, but that’s still $150,000 per year. If this is a one time cost, it’s actually relatively cheap. The only issue is how much money the state is willing to pay,” he said.

Isaac Espy, principal, said that the devices would require money over time and use.

“If they are purchased, there will be ongoing replacement, maintenance, and upgrade costs,” he said.

He said that the devices could be a potential solution to the textbook shortage.

“There are many considerations, such as our ability to provide a device for every student. Also, funding sources and rapid advances in technology may make almost any device obsolete in a short period of time,” he said. “There are pros and cons about any proposal. It sounds like a good solution.”

Nancy Reed, history teacher, said she supported the proposal for Ereaders.

“It’s the trend in colleges. If you want to get in with the 21st century, it’s a good idea,” she said.

Shakelvia Spencer, junior, said that although the E-readers were a good idea, there would be potential problems.

“People would try and steal them or tear them up. Even if they’re a better option than textbooks, they’re easier to break and more valuable,” she said.

photo by anu pandit

Anna McEntire, chemistry teacher, is taking the place of Carol McDougal, former chemistry teacher. She graduated from Auburn University in the class of 2010.

“I have always loved science and what’s going on in the world around me. I love teaching because I love that “now I get it” look from students. I love to see their moment of clarity,” she said.

2

opinion

the northridge reporter april 28, 2011

our thoughts

Tuscaloosa school board changes schedule

D

on’t get comfortable with this schedule just yet.

The Tuscaloosa City School Board voted to introduce a new schedule arrangement at their March 29 meeting.

The reasoning behind the change is the need to meet an A+ College Ready grant requirement which states that all AP classes must be year-round.

The board’s solution is an A/B schedule; in which students take alternating arrangements of classes; four on one day, and another four on the next.

The Northridge Reporter feels that although the new schedule presents some challenges, they are dwarfed by the overwhelming benefits presented by the grant and new schedule.

For starters, this schedule is similar to one used in many colleges.

The introduction of it at a high school level will teach students better organizational and time-management skills, giving them an advantage when faced with a college workload. Spreading class time over a year-long period also provides for better retention of learned material and less time spent on review.

This is not the first time the schedule has been changed. In January 2011, a bonus period between first and second block classes was introduced with the hope of raising graduation exam scores and making AYP. Also, no class time will be compromised or cut with the new schedule; it will simply be rearranged.

The grant will expand AP offerings at the school and pay the exam costs for students taking English, math, and science AP exams. If the student passes the exam, they will receive an additional $100. This grant will encourage more students to take AP exams and excel in them, which will more efficiently prepare them for college classes.

Despite all of the minor inconveniences associated with the change of schedule, The Northridge Reporter feels that it is a small price to pay considering the possible benefits of the grant.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 7

staff opinion

agree (4) disagree (3) neutral (2)

TALK TO US

The Northridge Reporter welcomes letters to the editor.

Bring yours to room 109 or email it to northridgereporter@gmail.com

The Northridge

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Northridge High School 2901 Northridge Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 759-3734 ext. 235

NSPA 5th Place Best of Show 2008 • NSPA 8th Place Best of Show 2008 NSPA 9th Place Best of Show 2006 • CSPA Silver Medalist (2003, 2004) CSPA Gold Medalist (2005-2010) • SIPA All-Southern (2003, 2005–2010) ASPA All-Alabama (2003–2010) • All-American, four Marks of Distinction (2004, 2008) • Best SIPA Newspaper in Alabama (2003–2007) NSPA News Story of the Year ( 2005) • SIPA First Place News Story (2007) SIPA First Place Review (2009) • Rick Bragg Award for Feature Writing (2009)

Rebecca Black opens Pappas’ eyes to the future Keeping all of these successful failures in mind, it is my pleasure to announce I have decided to become an artist.

Yes, I sing; yes, I play piano; however, I am not I would like to thank the thirteen-year-old, auto-tuned-to-oblivion “singer” Rebecca ‘RB’ going to be a musical artist, oh no.

I am going to be a visual artist.

Black, recently made famous due to her horrenI have already started working on my dous single “Friday,” for opening collection entitled A Teenager’s Musmy eyes to a truth that is becoming ings on Serious Things; a few examples ever more prevalent in the modern from the collection are printed below. world: you don’t actually have to be The collected pieces tell a coming of talented to make money or become age story filled with unrequited love famous. and the battle between good and evil.

In fact, you can be really awful at It’s really symbolic, I promise! whatever you are trying to pass off as The pieces will be showcased and a skill and in less than a month, more photo by kate davis auctioned off at my house on July 15. than 100 million people might know Each piece will be sold separately with prices your name.

I guess I should have noticed this sooner; Stepha- starting no lower than $5,000, so be sure to bring nie Meyer has made millions publishing (what I your money.

I look forward to your wasting of monetary units think is) garbage; Sarah Palin still calls herself a politician; Hagar the Horrible is still being inserted on my rubbish just like so many people have on Rebecca Black’s horrendous single. into countless newspapers. nick pappas staff writer

Nick Pappas’ artistic work throughout the years *

“Nick Pappas”: The first piece of Pappas’ career. His own self-portrait. This took him to the Rockefeller Art Festival. c 2006 Editor-in-Chief: Entertainment Editor: Feature Editor: Opinion Editor: News Editor: Sports Editor: Business Manager: Photographers: Copy Editor: Infographics Editor: Art Editor:

Anu Pandit* Kate Davis Anu Pandit* Kate Davis Trent Clanton* Foster Beck Anu Pandit Kate Davis, Trent Clanton*, Anu Pandit*, Foster Beck Anu Pandit*, Trent Clanton* Trent Clanton* Trent Clanton*

* “A Dinosaur and a Tree”: started Pappas’ multimillion dollar era. Now located in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art c 2009

Adviser: Susan Newell*

*Denotes state, regional and national award winners

Find us on the web at http://northridgereporter.wordpress.com/news/ Become a fan of The Northridge Reporter on facebook Advertising and Subscriptions: Contact The Northridge Reporter Staff at (205) 759-3734 ext. 235 or snewell@tusc.k12.al.us to advertise in or subscribe to The Northridge Reporter.

Editorial Policy: The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are those of the students and not of the faculty or administration of Northridge High School or the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education. It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to publish all non-obscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. All letters must be submitted to Mrs. Newell in room 109. The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations.

* “The White House”: Pappas’ most famous drawing. Now preserved in the Smithsonian Institute as an epic example of American artwork. There is now speculation of him receiving a Nobel Prize.

2010 c

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

*

:not intended to be a factual statement.

entertainment

the northridge reporter april 28, 2011

Band of Horses & The Avett Brothers Real

3 23

New Tuscaloosa amphitheater starts off strong minded me of the guiltless noise that the wind makes. It was beautiful.

The Avett Brothers did an amazing job as well.

Their act was lively and fun. It was captivating. The way they played was fascinating. It was like they were not just made up of five people.

The band would break if it were not constructed of every single person in the audience.

The layout of the amphitheater is very straight-forward, yet interesting. photo by nathan chambliss The venue is separatThe Avett Brothers performing at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre on April 1. ed into three different sections. From farthest kate davis ence, the Tuscaloosa amfrom the stage to closest opinion/entertainment phitheater is my new favor- to the stage, the sections editor ite place. are divided into reserved As for the first acts of the seats, box seats and general I was very eager. My amphitheater, they were admission. My seats were friend put me on his shoul- amazing! Both of the perfor- located in general admisders. I rose up into the air mances were extraordinary. sion. and shrieked with excite- Their live songs sounded The general admission ment. better than iTunes. section was very pleasant.

As I screamed, I grabbed I believe Band of Horses The section was crowdthe attention of Ben was the best performance I ed, yet you still had good Bridwell, lead singer of Band have ever seen. breathing room. of Horses. He acknowledged Their songs were betThe view of the stage was my presence by addressing ter than perfect. Bridwell’s perfect. Unless there was a me with the gun and the voice was angelic. It was “giant” in front of you, you wink. I was in awe. almost an innocent sound. could see the act remarkBecause of this experi- The naïve softness re- ably.

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Fake

17 = 10 Students compiled by kate davis

Real or Fake?: Well HAIR it is

Girls’ hair changes day to day

destiny stewart staff writer

Is that your REAL hair?

Diamond Williams, senior, said she feels she is asked this question more often than necessary.

“I get tired of people asking me if I’m mixed just because I have good hair,” Williams said.

She said she usually gets her hair done once a month, but it all depends on when her mom gets paid.

“The proper term for what I get done is called a press and curl. It is basically heating a comb on the stove and running it through your hair, which straightens it. After that I can style and curl it anyway I want,” she said.

Alexus Sommerville, senior, said people tell her she has “good hair” too. “[For my hair] it usually takes no more than two hours, but maybe more. It depends on how long I have to wait. The perm has to sit, then be washed, conditioned and washed again,” Sommerville said.

Alex Thorton, senior, said the most annoying question people ask her is if her hair is actually hers.

“I like having long hair because I don’t have to buy weave,” Thorton said.

Thorton said people who hate on girls with long hair should just go get some weave.

Jasmine Stewart, senior, said she likes her long hair because she can change it to a variety of styles.

Stewart said her advice for those who hate on other girls because of their hair is to not be jealous.

“I was blessed, that’s not my fault,” Stewart said.

Williams said she feels her hair is long enough without

weave and that she doesn’t see herself adding anymore hair anytime soon.

photo by kate davis Adrienne Crawford. sophomore, has a weave. “To fix my hair, I gel my hair down, put a cap on and glue tracks on.”

photo by kate davis Bria Wood, sophomore, has all natural hair. “All I do is wash it and press it with a flat iron.”

Some girls like their hair whether it is long, short, curly, colored or cut fancy.

Cekeithia Oden, freshman, said she gets her hair done “every two weeks and spends about $20-$30 on hair.”

“I do have hair, but I like weave because I like longer hair, like people on TV,” she said.

Demetriana Washington, senior, said she likes weave because “it’s convenient, and you don’t have to do your hair every day.”

“When I get my hair done, I only get the color of my hair because I think wild colors can be tacky,” Washington said.

Other students feel that color adds to the outfit.

April Collins, sophomore,

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said she’s been adding color in her hair since elementary school.

“When people see me, they call me rainbow or skittles, but I do not respond. I don’t care what people say about me because I won’t see them after high school, and it really doesn’t matter because the people who talk about me are the same people who do what I do.”

Collins said she likes color in her hair because she is a “colorful person.”

“I just like color. I don’t do this to get attention,” she said.

Collins said she has a variety of styles and usually themes her hair off an upcoming holiday or event.

“For Halloween I had black and orange; for the 4th of July I had red, white and blue; and for Christmas I’ll have green and maybe other colors,” Collins said.

“The most I’ve ever had in one day though, was orange, blue, purple and pink.

I like to coordinate [my hair] with what I wear.”

Collins said when she first began to use color her mom didn’t like it, but now she buys [the hair] for her.

“It’s really easy to do. I cut off how much [hair] I need, put glue on the end, not the strand though because that will take your hair out. And then when I want to change the color it comes off easy so I can reuse it.”

Williams said her advice for girls who want to wear weave is that if you decide to get tracks, make sure the track, glue, and cap are not showing and that it matches the color and texture of your hair.

“Or just sew it in,” she said. “That works just fine.”

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4

feature

the northridge reporter april 28, 2011

TRANSC

Local musicians

Singer signs to Hackberry record label kate davis opinion/ entertainment editor

L

photo by rachael roberts

Lena Dice, singer/songwriter, has been singing since the age of 13 and is signed to Hackberry Records.

ena Dice, graduate, has been singing, playing and writing since she was 13. She was recently signed to local record label Hackberry Records.

Hackberry was established in 2006

by Reed Watson and Stuart Bond. They help local talents find their way to a career. However, Dice said she wouldn’t consider what she does a career.

“I sing and play because it makes me happy; the fact that I can have that effect on others is heartwarming and uplifting,” Dice said.

Dice is a freshman at Shelton State Community College, majoring in musical performance.

She will be coming out with an EP, a recording longer than a single but too short to be a full album.

“I will have a few of my originals and a few covers. The idea of a single has been buzzing around, but the main focus now is getting everything recorded,” Dice said.

She said that although everything was going wonderfully, there is room for improvement.

“I would say that everything is slowly falling into place, but I do not feel quite accomplished yet. There are many things I would like to improve. I know I need to work to bring out the most of my potential and do the best I can to feel ‘accomplished’, especially with my own songs,” Dice said.

Dice said she enjoys writing her own music but loves the sound of other’s music.

“I write songs, but I would never consider myself a ‘songwriter’ if that makes sense. Bottom line, there is always more work that can be done,” Dice said.

Reed Watson, president of Hackberry Records, said he and others at Hackberry are very fond of Lena.

“She used to come to open-mic nights around town, and I was always enamored with her talent. I told her that if she ever got some original material together that I would love to

work with her. She got some together, and for me it was a no-brainer. I am so thrilled to have her on our label and represent her,” Watson said.

Dice said that Hackberry is being very good to her, though at first they intimidated her because they were such good musicians themselves.

“Their main goal was to help me gain experience playing around town and to spread my music around.

Granted, the thought of others hearing my original songs makes me nauseous, but they are patient with me, and they know I have some anxieties about the whole thing, and they have been with me every step of the way,” Dice said.

As for the future of Dice’s career, Watson said he is very confident in her.

“Lena is a talented young woman, first of all. We hope we can have a positive effect on the number of people that are able to hear her incredible stuff. Her attitude is unmatched. She has got charm, and I obviously believe she is quite the talent. The sky is the limit for her, and I am excited about it,” Watson said.

Musical family, background influence singer anu pandit editor in chief

A

melia Webber, graduate, is not the average college sophomore.

A budding singer/songwriter, she has written and performed her own songs, with musical accompaniment, at venues such as Green Bar and the Druid City Arts Festival.

Webber said she was exposed to music in the womb.

“My mother was actually in a play while she was pregnant with me. I would sing along with her when I was young, and it felt so good I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop,” Webber said.

She said that her musical talent stems from her family.

“My family is so talented it’s nauseating. I’m actually not even talented compared to my sisters and parents. I’m definitely the least musically inclined of the family. I perform with my sister Rosie, who is a genius on the piano and has the most beautiful voice imaginable,” she said.

After receiving her first guitar at the age of 15, Webber said she was hooked, and could not imagine a life without performing.

“It makes me feel like I’m really alive. A lot of times, I get caught up in mundane, everyday tasks, like going to school and work and just getting by. But when I get on stage and I’m singing songs that I wrote and saying

words I really mean, it’s exhilarating. Don’t get me wrong, it scares me, but it’s what makes everything worthwhile. Live performances are the culmination of everything - the experiences, the music, the hard work, the emotion...it all comes together there in the performance, and if you do it right you leave every ounce of yourself on the stage,” she said.

She said that although she performs, she is not associated with a record label.

“I am not signed with anyone. I’m just trying to get by on my own right now, play a few gigs and write a few songs. I would love to say that I have plans for the future, but I think art is one of those things you can’t plan. If it happens, it happens and that’s beautiful,” she said.

Webber said that she is inspired by artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, James Taylor, Jim Croce, Citizen Cope and The Avett Brothers, and that their songs give her inspiration for her own music.

“I think if any artist, musician or otherwise, feels as though they are done changing and growing they may not be much of an artist at all. That’s what art is. It’s constantly evolving and (hopefully) getting better. There are so many things I don’t know that I can’t wait to learn. It’s not a bad thing to want to grow and be better at what you do; it’s a human thing and it’s the only way to move forward,” she said.

Craig First, sophomore, has been good friends with Amelia and Rosie for almost two years.

“Amelia’s voice is very passionate and emotional, and her lyrics are so meaningful.

There’s something in them that everyone can

relate to,” he said.

First said he owns one of Amelia’s albums, and that her music relaxes him.

“I can definitely see her having a very bright career in music. She’s just so talented., and she’s going to go really far,” he said.

photo by mary beth hinton Amelia Webber, graduate and singer/songwriter, plays her guitar as she practices her songs. “I knew [singing] felt so good that, once I started, I wouldn’t be able to stop,” she said.

feature

the northridge reporter april 28, 2011

5

ENDING

s perform, inspire all ages

Tyler Carter, Bennett Limbaugh and Jamison Herrington, juniors, play at the Mellow Mushroom on Nov. 11 for a Hackberry Records Showcase. “I felt really comfortable up there; it was a lot of fun. We’re the newest artists in Hackberry Records, and I think we represented them well,” Herrington said.

The Brooms

Band performs, prepares for new album trent clanton news editor

A

fter turning on his amp, Tyler Carter, junior, tunes his guitar at the Mellow Mushroom. He prepares to play with his band.

The band, The Brooms, plays blues and rock and roll music.

“We got the name of the band from our blues influence. There is a famous blues song called ‘Dust My Broom’ by Robert Johnson, and it kind of came from that,” Carter said.

Other members of the band include juniors Jamison Herrington, drummer, and Bennett Limbaugh, bass guitarist. Carter provides lead guitar and vocals.

The band is affiliated with Hackberry Records, a local record company that promotes original artists in the community.

“We kind of got started because I was playing guitar and Jamo [Herrington] was playing drums, and we got Bennett to pick up bass. We started to hang out just for fun and started to play together,” Carter said.

Herrington said he likes playing music in a band because it reminds him of a team sport.

“It’s kind of like soccer; we all work together to make this awesome thing,” he said.

“

We got the name of the band from our blues influence. There’s a famous blues song called “Dust My Broom” by Robert Johnson, and it kind of came from that. ~ Tyler Carter, junior and band member

”

Speaking of “making awesome things,” The Brooms are close to releasing a new album.

Carter said it should be out by the middle or end of May. “We usually like to play gigs at Mellow Mushroom, but we haven’t booked any lately because we’re finishing up the album. We released a demo CD a while ago, but that just for fun,” he said.

Limbaugh said the new album will be celebrated on release.

“We’ll have a city release party for it. It’s going to have 10 new original songs, and Henry Busby is doing the artwork for the cover,” Limbaugh said.

Herrington said the album’s name is still up in the air.

“We’re thinking about ‘The Runway Blues,’” Herrington said.

Limbaugh said he enjoys playing music with his friends because it is convenient.

“It’s always easier to practice together and schedule things with your friends. I think the best thing about playing music is it’s a way to express myself. We [the band] hang out a lot, too, so it’s pretty enjoyable,” he said.

Maggie Snead, junior, said she was a fan of The Brooms.

“I enjoy their music, and I like going to see them play because they’re my good friends, and they always play in fun places,” she said.

Snead said she was excited about the new album.

The Brooms have a lot more fans, too. Max Gustus, junior, said they had potential.

“The whole band is good, and Tyler is amazing at guitar,” he said.

Parker Shields, junior, is a Brooms fan, too.

“They’re a great band, and I think they have a great future,” Shields said.

Carter said he has thoughts on the future of the band.

“I definitely want to put out another album. Maybe, if we all go to the same college, we’ll continue playing after high school,” he said.

E N E R A T I O N S

6 Changing the world with a brush news

the northridge reporter april 28, 2011

Painters utilize religious motivations for artwork renu pandit staff writer

off of songs.

“I’ve given most of my paintings away to people,” Kennedy said. “It makes me very renumorning pandit when Kathleen Ken- happy when people like them.” nedy wakes up, she sees a peacock.

Kennedy said she speaks about the love staff writer When Katrina Struthwolf wakes up, she of Christ through her art. sees a pink flower.

“Everyone is different, and the paintThey’re not real, they’re paintings, and ing made for them needs to reflect on they were painted by their owners. what they need,” Kennedy said. morning when Kathleen wakes up,have she sees When Katrina Struthwolf KathleenEvery Kennedy, freshman, has beenKennedy Both artists theira peacock. own favorite wakes up, she sees a pink flower. painting since she was in second grade when works. she was enrolled in an art class.

Kennedy said that her two favorite paintnot real, they’re and they were painted by their owners.

“I didn’tThey’re like people telling mepaintings, what ings are of a peacock that she recently paintto paint and how to paint it, so I quit the ed and one of a lion.

Kathleen Kennedy, freshman, has been painting since she was in second grade when she was class and started painting on my own,” she “I painted a lion because the song Like enrolled in an art class. said. a Lion means a lot to me and the person Katrina “IStruthwolf, also a telling freshman, who gave and it to,” Kennedy said. didn’t like people me what to Ipaint how to paint it, so I quit the class and started said shepainting has always liked painting, but Kennedy described her art as more on my own,” Kennedy said. only seriously started painting about a “modern” than realistic, and said she usuyear ago. Katrina Struthwolf, freshman, said ally getsalways her ideas forpainting, her creations from she has liked but only seriously started paint“Mosting ofabout my family likes to paint,” her imagination and songs. a year ago.

Struthwolf said. “So I wanted to try it out, “Whenever I search for ideas, I always too.”

“Most of my family likes to paint,” Struthwolf said.so“So wanted it out, too.” tweak it a bit, it’sI more of to mytry style,” Both Kennedy and Struthwolf said they Kennedy said.

Boththey Kennedy and Struthwolf said they paint whenever haveis time, and that they wish they paint whenever have time, and that they Struthwolf said her they favorite one she wish theycould coulddodoititmore moreoften. often. did of a cross.

“I paint because I love it, or maybe it just “I loved the painting that inspired me paint because I love or maybe ittojust runs the family,”said.

Struthwolf said. “Overall though, I use runs in the “I family,” Struthwolf said.it,“Overall paint it,”inStruthwolf my paintings to glorify God, whether it’s for a church service series or just to make a friend happy.” though, I use my paintings to glorify God, Kathleen and Katrina are both creatwhether it’s for a church service series or just ing murals at First United Methodist Struthwolf paintings from Bible verses, other paintings that she likes to make a friend happy.”said she gets ideas for her Church. and Sips ‘n Strokes, where she sometimes goespainting to paint.it for a new thing we Struthwolf said she gets ideas for her works “We’re from Bible verses, other paintings that she started called Youth Worship Arts, or photos by anu pandit “I’ve given most of my paintings away to people,” Kennedy said. “It makes me happy when people likes and Sips ‘n Strokes, where she some- YWA, and the room will be solely dedi- Top: Kathleen Kennedy, freshman, said like them.” she loved to paint. “I really like painting times goes to paint. cated to it,” Struthwolf said. abstract things with a lot of colors,” she Struthwolf describes her art style as Struthwolf said they started work about Kennedy said that most of her intense paintings are based off songs. said. “modern and abstract.” She said she doesn’t a month and a half ago. like to paint “nature scenes” or portraits of “One itwall ministry’s “If I’m giving it to someone, I try to base off ofisa our songstudent that speaks to themMiddle: aboutKatrina the love of Struthwolf, freshman, real people, andEveryone that she has painted and vari-thelogo and another will be the YWA Christ. is different, painting made for them needs to logo,” reflect on whatinthey need,”Richard Nowell’s, paints art teacher ous crosses and types Struthwolf said. “Some walls will have room. “I love painting with Kennedy said.of flowers.

“If the painting is for someone, then words on them to describe what YWA oil. There are so many it dependsStruthwolf on what they want her or what I means possibilities color and to theand youth group, another describes art style as “modern abstract.”

She saidwall she doesn’t like with to paint texture,” Struthwolf think they wouldscenes” most enjoy,” Struthwolf will be and a bigthat abstract mural of a city be- crosses “nature or portraits of real people, she has painted various and types ofsaid. said. flowers. cause YWA’s main purpose is to spread Kennedy has a different inspiration. She the love of God through worship and art Bottom: Kennedy laughs as she tries out different said she bases most of her intense paintings then “If the painting is for someone, it depends I think they would to the world.” on what they want or whatbrush strokes and most enjoy,” Struthwolf said. colors for an art

E

project.

Kennedy said that her two favorite paintings are a painting of a peacock that she recently painted and a painting of a lion.

art by trent clanton

“I painted a lion because the song Like a Lion means a lot to me and the person who I gave it to,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy describes her art as more “modern” than realistic and said she usually gets her ideas for her paintings from her imagination and songs.

Kathleen Kennedy, freshman, painted this. Kennedy said she likes to be “modern” and “abstract” in her art, rather than realistic, like in this painting she did.

Kennedy said she got the idea for this painting from a song.

“I really like the song ‘Like a Lion,’ so I used it as inspiration for my painting,” Kennedy said.

Katrina Struthwolf, freshman, painted this.

Struthwolf said she gets ideas for some of her works, like this one, from Bible verses. She said she also enjoys creating artwork to give to others.

Another painting by Struthwolf. She said she liked this picture that she painted because of the setting.

“The buildings aren’t modern, and so it captures the beauty of history,” she said.

news

the northridge reporter april 28, 2011

A change of plans

New rotating schedule to be introduced next year trent clanton news editor A new class schedule will be introduced next school year, as decided at the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education meeting on March 29.

The need for a schedule change came when the school received a grant that required all AP classes to be year round.

Isaac Espy, principal, said the change would be for all classes, not just AP classes, as previously thought.

Espy said the newly modified schedDo you think the new A/B schedule will be beneficial or detrimental to students?

Beneficial

Detrimental

49 11

compiled by trent clanton

Poll out 60 students

ule will run through both semesters.

“We are planning on students taking all eight classes yearlong, but every other day, so students will have four classes on one day and another four classes on the next day. This is called the A/B schedule,” he said.

Espy said other schools have had success with this format.

Debra Downs, Spanish teacher, said she was in favor of the change.

“I like it because we [teachers] will have the same students year-round.

They say it will all equal up to the same amount of time spent in each class as it does now, but I think it will improve teacher-class relations, and give us an opportunity to go farther in the material,” she said.

Downs said the schedule change could eventually run smoothly.

“The adjustment will be challenging, but we’ll get used to it,” she said.

Zach Adams, junior, said he thought the new schedule would be more like college.

“I came from a school that had eight

periods a day, so I like the new change,” Adams said.

Connor Fridley, senior, said he welcomed the change, though he is graduating this year.

“It will have more of a college feel to it. Because you don’t have a certain class one day, you have more time to study for that class,” he said.

Amber Box, sophomore, said she prefers the current schedule.

“I don’t really want to have the same classes all year; I would get tired of seeing the same teachers every day,” she said.

Box said the new schedule would be very overwhelming.

“It will be extremely difficult for students. There will be a lot of homework, and it will get too confusing to try to keep up with which classes to go to and what is due each day,” she said.

Bradley Coons, senior, said it will cause a significant decrease in student performance.

“People would be way more likely to stop paying attention,” Coons said.

Caught in the Act: Johnson’s Jerry Garcia adds to criminal record anu pandit editor in chief A mugshot and profile flash across the smartboard as Scott Johnson, math teacher, shakes his head sadly.

Jerry Garcia, stuffed doll, had struck again.

“You know, I got a call during my prep period the other day and it was the sheriff. Apparently, Jerry had been caught shoplifting a pair of Ray-Bans from the Sunglass Hut in Midtown Village,” he said. “He has a hearing with the magistrate soon, so you might not see him around for awhile.”

Johnson said that he and Jerry the doll have been friends for a while.

“Back in my college days, and back before I became a teacher, I followed the band The Grateful Dead around. Jerry Garcia was their front man, and I don’t remember how I ended up with the doll, but he’s been with me for a few decades now,” he said.

“I figured that he’d be better off at school than just sitting on the shelf at my house all day.”

Those who walk into Johnson’s classroom can see Jerry in numerous hiding places and commiting criminal activities on a daily basis.

“Before, he just used to sit on the windowsill, but then I got the idea of making him do stuff. Now I try and make him do new things every day,” he said. “He’s been in the ceiling tiles, hanging off just about everything I can hang him on, defacing my wall posters, and just being a nut. I sit down every day and try and think of new places to put him. I’m starting to run out of ideas.”

Johnson said that although Jerry was a delinquent, he’s resulted in a lot of good things.

photo by anu pandit

Jerry Garcia and Scott Johnson, long time friends, enjoy a cup of coffee together. Garcia disappeared a couple of weeks ago.

“He’s sort of an ice breaker. [His exploits] give us something to talk about every day besides math. Being a math teacher is hard because math isn’t something that lends itself to being interesting all of the time,” he said. “So I try and use Jerry, among other things, to make it more fun.”

Mahtab Monowar, senior, said that Jerry was a bad influence on students, but in a good way.

“He’s getting arrested for things like shoplifting, he’s defaced school property, he’s already had a board hearing, it’s crazy. Just wait, our class is going to start getting into all kinds of trouble,” he said. “It’ll be fun.”

Cammie Cook, junior, learned of Jerry’s recent abduction via Facebook.

“It’s sad Jerry’s been missing for two weeks,” Cook said.

“I’ve heard there’s even a ransom note involved.”

Board develops specific dress code jah’meka baxter staff writer The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education has decided to have a stricter dress code instead of giving uniforms to students.

In a meeting that took place on March 24, the board’s student uniform committee proposed a draft of the new policies after reviewing numerous school dress codes in order to make decisions about what would be changed.

Some of the proposed changes to the dress code include making girls tuck in their shirts and blouses and prohibing students from wearing pajamas or sleepwear.

Terralyn James, junior, disagrees with the new policy for female students.

“Girls have never had to tuck in their shirts before,” she said.

Chardonna Dunner, junior, said she felt there was no point in tucking in her shirt if her pants are pulled up.

“If everything is covered up then there should be no need to tuck,” she said.

Elexus Zavala, junior, said that students were mature enough to dress right.

“This is high school. We are almost grown, so why can’t we wear what we want?” Zavala said.

Zavala said she believed that the dress code might cause some trouble among students.

“It’s either uniforms or what you want to wear because nobody is about to come to school half-way dressed,” she said Scott Johnson, math teacher, said he feels that the dress code will not work unless it is enforced by the teachers of each class.

“Any dress code will be as good as the teachers who enforce it. If teachers aren’t willing to enforce the dress code, then students will not follow it,” Johnson said.

Some students prefer the stronger dress code compared to having uniforms. “[At least] I can express myself with the dress code instead of the uniforms,” James said.

Dunner said she didn’t like uniforms, but there shouldn’t be a dress code that strict.

She said that we should be able to wear hoodies to school.

“If it’s raining outside then we need hoodies,” she said.

Would you rather follow the new dress code or wear uniforms?

New Dress Code Uniforms

35

15

compiled by trent clanton

Poll out of 50 students

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the northridge reporter april 28, 2011

games I will ever play in high school,” Horn said.

“My favorite part of the game was when I yelled at a girl on the other team, then at the referee for not calling anything against them all game.”

Joe Hollingsworth, senior, said the win put them closer to playoffs.

“The game was so special because for one, I had my first hat trick, which is scoring three goals in one game, and second of all we won 9-0, so we really made it big,” Hollingsworth said.

With a huge grin on his face, Hollingsworth said, “My favorite part of the game was Matthew Brown scoring two goals.”

The soccer team still has more games coming up, including another game against Hillcrest on April 18.

“We WILL get Hillcrest this time,” Horn said.

There will also be a make-up game against Bessemer in Bessemer on Friday, Aprill 22.

sports 8

photo by susan mays Vincent Prescott, senior, aims for a kick during the game against Hillcrest on senior night on April 13.

Soccer teams celebrate senior night foster beck sports editor Goal! The crowd goes wild with cheers, hoots, hollers and clapping.

On Wednesday, April 13, the boys and girls soccer teams held home games against Hillcrest and had senior night.

The girls played at 5:00 p.m., and the boys played at 7:00 p.m.

The boys won 9-0 and the girls lost 0-3.

Serge Miroff, soccer coach, said that three seniors on the boys team scored against Hillcrest.

“We announced each senior, saying a brief biography of them and their soccer highlights over the stadium speakers before the games,” Miroff said.

The seniors also received flowers, which they gave to their parents as they walked to the middle of the field.

Meredith Horn, senior, said the game was a memorable event.

“This game was so special because it’s one of the last soccer

jah’meka baxter staff writer

As a first year tennis player, Alex Shealy, junior, competes in different matches alongside students who have been playing the sport for several years.

“I enjoy playing sectionals,” Shealy said.

Shealy said that he became inspired to participate in tennis after seeing his friends play.

“I started taking lessons in the summer,” he said.

Shealy said that when he finished taking lessons, he joined the tennis team and has played in singles and doubles matches.

“It is fun to challenge new

people and learn strategies to win against opponents,” Shealy said.

John Cain, boys tennis coach, said that Shealy is a very determined player on the team.

“I think he is a very hard worker, and he is always striving to do his best,” Cain said.

Connor Nelson, tennis player, said that he gives his all when he competes in matches.

“He goes for every ball and does not give up,” Nelson said.

“He has a very tough mentality when he plays,” he said.

Shealy said that he would like to continue playing tennis in the future.

“It would help to get exercise in and stay in shape, and I enjoy having fun with my friends,” he said.

Tennis player perfects technique, enjoys matches

photo by kimberly vanhorn Alex Shealy, junior, returns a serve during tennis practice on April 15. “It’s fun to challenge new people and learn strategies against opponents,” he said.

April 28, 2011 · Volume 8, Issue 7 · Northridge High School ·Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406

The Northridge

http://northridgereporter.wordpress.com/news/

Reporte r

Morgan Wilson and Matthew Brown, sophomores, get ready for a corner kick during the game against Thompson on March 21. photo by susan mays