Beth Gabriel Page 7
BCN Problems Page 6 http://northridgereporter.wordpress.com Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, Al• 35406
April 12, 2012 • Volume 9 • Issue 7
Leaving school for lunch forbidden; students ski p anyway Trent Clanton News Editor
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hen the bell rings to dismiss for lunch, most students head to the lunchroom. But some head to the parking lot, leave campus and buy their lunch at a fast food restaurant. The only problem is: leaving campus, even for lunch, is against the rules. Isaac Espy, principal, said it is board policy that students can’t leave campus without checking out. “The punishment for skipping lunch is in-school suspension with a parent conference. The only students permitted to leave campus during lunch are the ones in programs like Co-Op or SGA, and students with a class at TCT that period,” Espy said. An anonymous senior said that he skips lunch frequently and has been caught before. “I typically go to McDonald’s, Taco Casa or Taco Bell. I always make it back to school in time for my classes, though. I get my own lunch because I don’t like the taste or portion size of the cafeteria food, and it’s nice to get away from the school for a little while,” he said. James Donahoe, senior, said he used to go offcampus for lunch until he got caught. “I think some students just don’t want to go to school lunch and so are willing to pay a little extra to eat something like Taco Casa,” he said. Donahoe said he didn’t think he did anything wrong when he went off-campus for lunch because of the fact that he got back to school before his lunch period even ended. However, the policy is for more than just trying
Photo illustration by Alex Hauser
M
anga Book Club met on March 27 in the library to discuss their favorite Mangas and what they like best about the genre. Neilann Thomas, librarian and sponsor of the club, said that those who attended the meeting showcased their Manga themed artwork. Popular Mangas that were released in the past will be ordered to place in the library, Thomas said. The club members chose two Manga books to read: Fullmetal Alchemist and Blue Exorcist.
Fullmetal Alchemist is written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. The series is about two brothers who want to restore their bodies after a disastrous failed attempt to bring their mother back to life through alchemy. In the manga series, Blue Exorcist written and illustrated by Kazue Kato, humans live in the world of Assiah as demons reside in Gehenna. The two dimensions are not meant to interfere with each other, but demons still possess creatures in Assiah in spite of this. The humans who can fight these demons are known as exorcists. Both Mangas are written by
women, and they have some religious references. Manga Book Club members Kanjalla Dancer, sophomore, and Joshua Thomas, junior, are fans of the Manga series and have their own personal favorites. “I think that [Blue Exorcist] is a very interesting series, and I love the Anime,” Dancer said. “[Fullmetal Alchemist] is a popular series and one that I enjoy watching,” Thomas said. The Manga Book Club will meet on April 11 during advisory to begin reading one of the selected manga. (See the first story on the Manga Book Club on the web at www. northridgereporter.wordpress. com)
(see talent show at www.northridgereporter )
Jah’’’meka Baxter Infographics Editor
Jaguar Star Meet the new
Photos by Beth Allaway
Two books chosen New book club interests Manga readers
to keep students in school. Mike Morgan, zoology teacher, said the rules are in place to protect students. “I think the biggest reason students can’t skip lunch is obviously the safety factor. Having teens out driving unsupervised presents the possibility of them getting in a wreck and getting hurt, not coming back to school or even getting into some other kind of trouble,” he said. Morgan said he believed the punishment for going off-campus without permission should be changed slightly. “The first couple of times, ISI is fine, but I think after multiple offenses the student should have their parking pass taken away for a week or two,” he said. Laine Elliott, junior, said she didn’t think it was fair that students attending classes at TCT 3rd period were able to skip lunch and others aren’t. “I think we should all be able to leave for lunch and have longer lunch shifts. If they’re worried about liabilities, I’ll sign a piece of paper or get my parents to sign one that says I can leave,” Elliott said. On the other hand, the anonymous senior said he somewhat agrees with not letting everyone leave for lunch. “I think the rule is appropriate; hundreds of cars leaving the school in the middle of the day is impractical. As for TCT students, they should have the privilege to go off-campus for lunch because the school already entrusts them to drive to another location,” he said. (See editorial on page 2)
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Opinion
The Northridge Reporter April 12, 2012 Art by Trent Clanton
Our Thoughts
Lunch rules implemented inconsistently
D
espite some people’s beliefs, not all rules are meant to be broken. The Tuscaloosa City School System implements strict rules against skipping school during lunch to eat out. Students are supposed to stay on campus and any outside fast food, such as sodas and McDonald’s are not even permitted in the lunchroom. Exceptions to this rule might include students who have to travel to TCT or run errands for classes such as SGA. Some students choose not to acknowledge these rules and head off campus during their lunch shift anyway. No wonder our administrators don’t trust us. Students who have to travel to TCT to attend classes can get away with stopping by a drive thru on their way between schools. There is really no way of regulating that they do not do this. But even some students who stay in the building during lunch period are allowed to leave and get food depending on what class they are in, making it unfair for others who are forced to stay in the lunchroom and get into trouble if caught bringing in food from outside. The Northridge Reporter believes that whatever the rules are, they should be consistently enforced upon every student, with no special exceptions. Either everyone should be allowed to go get some Taco Casa during lunch, or no one should. (See story Skipping on page 1)
agree (11) disagree (3)
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Alex Hauser* Raiha Bajwa* Renu Pandit* Jane Yu* Trent Clanton* Alexandra Stewart* Raiha Bajwa* Nick Motz*, Tyesha Pinnock, Sarah Katherine Barnes*, Rand Schille*, Candace Wiggins Sara Beth Hartley, Renu Pandit* Trent Clanton* Jane Yu* Ja’’hmeka Baxter* Rand Schille* Staff Writers: Sarah Katherine Barnes*, Parker Evans*, Ceecee Gardner, Sara Beth Hartley*, Ebony Hughuley, Emma Jackson*, Maddie Mayfield, Nick Motz*, Cece Partlow, Tyesha Pinnock, Brianna Shaw, Keith Spencer, Aasiayah Sullivan*, Marcellus Taylor, Reagan Walker, KeamBria Washington, Candace Wiggins Adviser: Susan Newell*, Spring Assistant: Ashlee Frazier *Denotes state, regional and national award winners 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 or emailed to northridgereporter@gmail.com. The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations. 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.
Backpacks weigh down on student health Sarah Katherine Barnes Staff Writer Inventions – they’re helpful. In 1933, however, one man’s invention altered the world of education. His invention was the backpack. For most, the man was a hero; he created a way to ease the confusion of having to carry all your books in your arms. What people don’t realize is that this man created a monster. Cigarettes, shock therapy, lobotomy – these are things that are unhealthy. Luckily for the clueless American consumer, these things have already been declared unhealthy thanks to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). However, in the same way these things are obviously degrading for one’s health, so is a backpack. However useful you find your bag, however trendy you feel walking down the hallways with it, your book-bag is taking advantage of you. Consider the number of books you’re carrying. Suppose
you’re taking math; you carry a math book. You’re also taking history and biology - that’s another two textbooks, say, with an average of 600 pages each, not to mention your English notes and Barne Spanish binder. s Your backpack is heavy, and there’s not much room for the French-English dictionary you’re hoping to cram in there. It’s a bit of a struggle trying to fit in your track shoes and change of clothes, but you manage to get the zipper most of the way closed. After all this, you take a deep breath before you haul off the 20 pounds of misery on your back to school. By now, your back is probably screaming with pain and your shoulders rest three inches lower than they should. Call your chiropractor. He’ll let you know how badly you’ve damaged your spine if the pain in your back doesn’t already give you a hint. Are backpacks killing you? Maybe. Until modern technology, the
escape from the weighted backpack was thin. However, some students have found relief within the last year from their back and neck pains by investing in new products such as the Apple iPad or Samsung Tablet. Such products allow students to purchase textbooks in the App Store, and load them electronically to their device (these textbooks have no mass or weight). But, of course, it’s a convenience that doesn’t come cheap, with the going price for a new iPad as high as $600. Since students may not actually stay on task, because of the easy access to the Internet and a larger interest in using it rather than the textbook app on these devices, some high schools won’t allow these electronics in school, and let’s face it, most students can’t afford an iPad anyway. A solution to the problem? I don’t have one; I’m not an entrepreneur, I’m a freshman. Hopefully, someone will find one in the near future or before my shoulders fall off. Until then, I’m just another student, struggling from class to class under the weight of my backpack, dreading the trek to 3rd period, in which the climbing of stairs is required.
Your Thoughts
Corporal punishment will help disci pline students
Dear Editor, I am in favor of bringing back corporal punishment to the Tuscaloosa City Schools. What I am referring to is not barbaric beatings with a cane or throwing rocks at a child, I am recommending the Board of Education designate two administrators in each school, give them professional development training, and hand them each a paddle with the school’s motto carved into the wood. They would then have the responsibility of educating our students with an effective teaching tool. Was it not the late great president Theodore Roosevelt who said, spare the rod and spoil the child.” Our students are too rowdy and too spoiled. They believe ISI is a joke and are still not following the system’s dress code. The teachers and parents need a better deterrent in our schools. The State of Alabama allows for corporal punishment in all schools that they fund. Why are we
afraid to use the paddle? If we have parents grant consent at the beginning of each school year like other systems do, we will be covered legally. Those parents who refuse to let us spank their children, can take off work early, pick them up from school, and keep them home for three days every time they get into trouble. I am not a barbarian, and I am not advocating beating up kids. I am in favor of giving the advantage of fear back to the teachers and administrators in our system. I was afraid of my teachers and principal when I went to school. So were my parents and grandparents. That fear of being paddled keeps Nowell children in line. In this instance, fear is a good motivator. We should love our students and children enough to do what is best for them. In these times, bringing back the paddle is a great option.
Entertainment
The Northridge Reporter April 12 2012
Ironman, Hulk, Thor, Captain America
Avengers assemble Trent Clanton News Editor Feeding off of the success of their previous blockbusters, like X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Iron Man 2 and Thor, Marvel Studios is at it again with The Avengers. Since the first Spider-Man movie in 2002, Marvel has reimagined many of their popular superhero characters with the help of Hollywood magic. Most of Marvel’s previous films focus on one superhero and develop their story throughout the course of one to three films. Never before have they created a movie portraying an entire team of superheroes that were previously featured in their own movies; never before, until now. In Marvel comics and cartoons, the Avengers have always been an elite group of superheroes, but this concept is easier to create in comic books than in movies, sim-
ply because of the differences between the two industries. After the release of three movie trailers so far, it is apparent that The Avengers has succeeded in the development of such a film and will most likely be one of the biggest movies of the year. The Avengers will feature a massive crossover of storylines and characters from five different movies made over the past four years, not to mention a truly huge all-star cast. Robert Downey, Jr. plays Tony Stark/Iron Man, the genius billionaire playboy who invented an armed robotic suit, and Chris Hemsworth plays Thor, a superhero based on the Norse god of thunder. Other team members include Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, Chris Evans as Captain America and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow. Though not many details have been released about the plot, the main storyline of the movie in-
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volves the leader of the Avengers initiative (Samuel L. Jackson) rounding up this group of superheroes to combat the main villain Loki, who is Thor’s adoptive brother based on another Norse deity. The movie had a $220 million budget. It incorporates massive amounts of CGI and special effects to create and combine the huge amount of elements used in the movie, like Iron Man’s suit, the Hulk and giant robotic ships. Not everything in the film is artificial, though. Sets were created in the streets of cities like Cleveland, Ohio and New York City. Army Reserve soldiers assigned to a Columbus, Ohio army base were used for background action during climactic battle scenes. Real explosives were also used during filming. The Avengers was directed by Joss Whedon and is set to come out in 3D and 2D theatres on May 4.
Poster from imdb.com
Repin
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Photo by permission from tuscaloosaampitheater.com
Graphics b y
Jane Yu
Students, teachers, children, parents... everyone falls in love with Pinterest have followers, and you can comment and like people’s pins, but on Pinterest you don’t inform people about your life like you do on Twitter and Facebook. With everything from crafts to cooking “I’m on Pinterest throughout the day. recipes, Pinterest, a virtual collage board, I’m addicted,” Cauthen said. “I spend way is beginning to attract student interest. more time on Pinterest than Facebook and Students like Ellie Cauthen, junior, and Twitter.” Julie Potts, sophomore, say that the latest Cauthen said she has re-pinned around Internet sensation is Pinterest. 3,000 pins. “Pinterest is a website onto which people “I love pinning clothes and things on my post arts and crafts, ...I am on Pinterest thoughout bucket list,” Cauthen recipes and other said. the day. I am addicted... random things,” Students aren’t the Potts said. only people interested in Pinterest, Potts said that to get a Pinterest teachers are as well. Kathleen Oatts, you have to request an invitation nutrition teacher, and on Pinterest.com. Traci Watson, English Then, you receive -Ellie Cauthen, junior teacher, are also “pinan email telling you ners.” to join. “I love the recipes, DIY section, and see“You can also get a friend who already ing what other people pin. There are also has a Pinterest to send you an invitation,” some really good quotes,” Oatts said. Potts said. She said she loves Pinterest because of Potts, who enjoys crafts and projects, “all the different ideas and projects that are said she mainly admires the creativity of so unique and creative.” people’s pins and has even recreated a few “I spend at least thirty minutes on-andof them. off. The best time is when I can’t sleep, so “I haven’t uploaded any of my crafts on I get on Pinterest, and it somehow seems to there yet,” Potts said. “I love doing crafts, calm me down,” Oatts said. but I’m not very creative.” Watson said she enjoys looking at the Potts said that anyone who likes “nature, recipes and decoration ideas. crafts, fashion, food, or anything of that “I spend around ten minutes a day on it,” sort, would love Pinterest.” Watson said. “I haven’t really gotten into Cauthen said that Pinterest, Facebook it yet.” and Twitter are related because you can
Renu Pandit Feature Editor
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Tuscaloosa’ ' s ampitheater becomes place for music lovers Parker Evans Staff Writer Last April, The Avett Brothers and Band of Horses christened the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater with an energetic wave of music that was the start to a diverse first season. Last year’s line-up included rock, blues, R&B and country. Other events were held like a boxing match and a Fourth of July celebration. This year the Amp, as it is nicknamed, will host the likes of Hank Williams, Jr. and 38 Special; Luke Bryan; Crosby, Stills and Nash; Merle Haggard and the legendary Beatle Ringo Starr. Cammie Cook, senior, has been a faithful patron since the first show. “I saw the Avetts, Band of Horses, Patty LaBelle, Kenny Chesney, Uncle Kracker, Miranda Lambert, and I had tickets to Sugarland until they cancelled,” she said. “I had tickets to John Mayer too, but he won’t be playing either.” Cook said the location of the Amp is “perfect. I think it’s great to see a show
with the river and the train trestle in the background. It’s just picturesque. Also, it’s getting Tuscaloosa known for something other than football.” Sophomore Jack Hubner’s parents work at the concession stand at the Amphitheater. “If I could work there, I would,” he said. “I think it’s in a pretty good area. Sometimes people are able to pull up boats behind it and listen. It’s easily accessible, and it brings a lot of good business to Tuscaloosa.” However, the Amp is more than just a music venue. The Amp hosted the boxing tournament that also included Olympic bronze medalist Deontay Wilder. Martha Kate Mullins, sophomore, watched her dad win one of the matches. “I really liked the Amp itself,” she said. “It could be bigger, but the facilities are really nice, and it looks expensive.” Even with Sugarland cancelling last year, the Amphitheatre still brought in a hefty profit of $172,000 according to The Tuscaloosa News and has brought new business and attraction to Tuscaloosa.
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Feature
The Northridge Reporter April 12, 2012
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Photo by Nick Motz
Michelle Fuller’s rebuilt home is surrounded for two blocks by the effects of the April 27 tornado: complete nothingness. University Place school which meets elsewhere after severe damage from the storm sits in the background. This photo was taken 4/2/2012.
Coming back slowly
Community heals despite past horror Renu Pandit Feature Editor
cause we hadn’t had that before.” Tannehill said her family has Fuller said she likes the new recovered incredibly since the house better than her old one, tornado damaged her house and The memory of the April 27 tor- which she lived in for 13 years, killed some of the people she but that the saddest thing is that cared about. nado is indelibly etched into the she isn’t living next to her neigh“We have repaired the majority hearts of Tuscaloosa residents. of our house, but we still have no Michelle Fuller, BTA teacher, bors anymore. “In fact, we don’t live next to grass,” Tannehill said. “Most of said it still feels like the tornado anyone,” Fuller said. “Our house our neighbors haven’t built back, was yesterday because she can is the only livable house on our so the neighborhood is basically remember every single detail of b l o c k flat.” it. and the Jameson Hubbard, junior, said “I remember n e x t that he, his two brothers and my husband sayI was praying the block.” their father were watching James ing ‘It’ll never Lord’’s Prayer...the closer it F u l l e r Spann, of ABC 33/40, and other hit this neighborsaid it weather channels while his mothhood’,” Fuller got, the louder I got, f e e l s er cooked supper before the torsaid with a sad great to nado hit. half-smile. “Then -Michelle Fuller teacher s e t t l e “We went into the downstairs we were all hudd o w n hallway and held a mattress over dling in front of a g a i n our heads,” Hubbard said. the bathroom as because at the start of the school Hubbard said the tornado dethe tornado came closer.” year her family was living in a stroyed the house they had lived Fuller said the arriving tornado rental house. in for 12 years, their car and their sounded like a train whistle. “I think we as a city have come trees. “I was praying the Lord’s “Nobody was really injured, Prayer,” Fuller said while slowly a far way since the tornado, but we should focus on build- mainly just a few cuts and shaking her head with tears in her ing emergency shelters in case scrapes,” Hubbard said. “When I eyes. “The closer it got, the loudsomething like this happens was helping my elderly neighbors er I got.” again, and we should also fo- out of their house, a lot of insulaFuller said after the tornado struck, she and her family hurried cus on replenishing all the trees tion got on my skin. But there was that the tornado knocked over,” nothing really severe; everyone on to Forest Lake Baptist Church in Fuller said. our street case a second tornado was going Fuller said survived.” to hit. Through these though H u b b a r d “It was like Noah’s Ark in there. she hopes that her daughter that his Everyone had brought their anitimes, all we wanted was said will earn her family is mals—dogs, cats and even exotic normalcy again, Girl Scout serrebuilding birds like toucans that some guy vice award for where their had brought,” Fuller said. planting trees old house The next day, Fuller came to -Jameson Hubbard, junior stood, and in her neighschool. borhood. they moved “I didn’t miss a day,” Fuller said. Haley Tanin over “I was right here calling students nehill, sophomore, said she re- spring break. to see if they were ok.” members the tornado hitting while “Through these tough times, all Now, one year later, her family she was sitting with her family we wanted was normalcy again,” has rebuilt their house and cleared planning her grandmother’s fu- Hubbard said. “When people start away most of the debris. moving back in, it will become “We’ve added dry walls, painted neral service. “She had died the day before,” more normal for us and many the outside and added new furniture and hardwood floors in the Tannehill said. “As sad as this others.” (See the cover page and look living room,” Fuller said. “We sounds, the tornado kind of helped on the web at www.northridgereme get over my grandmother’s added these French doors leading porter.wordpress.com to see addipassing because it focused my to the living room and a fence in mind on recovering rather than tional photos made in early April the backyard, which is nice be2012.) grieving.”
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Photo by Laurie Hubbard
Jameson Hubbard’’s home before the April 27 tornado. “My old house was a home, not just a house. It was my home for 12 years, and I was just so used to it being there. It really wasn’’t an amazing house or anything, but it was a good home for those 12 years,” Hubbard said. He said he especially loved the huge oak trees that used to shade the house.
Photo by Laurie Hubbard
Hubbard’’s house after tornado damage. “After the tornado, I was definetly thinking about my house, but I had other thoughts too. I was worried about my neighbors and friends,” Hubbard said.
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Photo by Jameson Hubbard
Hubbard’s house being rebuilt. “I love the house,” Hubbard said. “It feels great to be back in it. It’ s been getting closer to normalcy now that we are back home.”
Calm after the
The Northridge Reporter April 12 2012
the
5 STORM Feature
Spann'’ s Storm Alert
Tour helps eliminate fear of storms
Alexandra Stewart Sports Editor
Photo by Nick Motz
Forest Lake on 15th Street on Monday, April 2, 2012, after the neighborhood homeowners association began si phoning water from the pond to allow the city to examine debris from the April 27 tornado. (some of this information is from Chris Pow/al.com) (Additional photos of Forest Lake and photos of Crescent Ridge Road can be found on the web at www.northridgereporter.)
Photo by Emma Jackson
Morning glories bloom near the destruction of the Greater Faith and Victory Worshi p Center on Thursday, April 5. (see additional creative shots of Tuscaloosa'’s recovery by Emma Jackson at www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com.)
Smiling as he looked at a full crowd in the Central High School auditorium, James Spann, Chief Meteorologist at ABC 33/40, said he was glad to be back in the town that welcomed him in as a boy. Spann kicked off his 2012 Storm Alert Tour in Tuscaloosa on Feb. 2 at Central. He began the program talking about when he was a boy. “Most of you know my story, but some of you may not. If you don’t know, my father left me and my mother when I was three,” he said. “We moved to Tuscaloosa, and I went to school at Verner Elementary, and I went to high school at Tuscaloosa City High School, which isn’t around anymore. So when the April 27 tornado hit, it really hit me hard.” Spann said he has been interested in the weather since he was a child. “I’ve been in meteorology for 33 years,” he said. “I have simply loved weather since I was a small child. I’ve always had a passion for it.” Spann said he started the Storm Alert Tours 14 years ago in 1997. “When I joined ABC 33/40 when the station signed on in 1996, the station allowed me to start the tour. I wanted to go across Alabama to help people get ready for severe weather. The first tour was a huge success, and we love doing them,” he said. Spann said he does the program for one main reason: to get people ready for the spring tornado season. “The most rewarding part is helping during times of severe weather, but I even love the routine weather days. Our weather is always interesting,” he said. Ashley Brand, meteorologist at ABC 33/40 said that she can agree to that.
“I love the sunny days and the fun snow days, but days like April 27 are the reason we got into our business,” she said. “Those kinds of forecasts just tear at our gut. You wish you could call every single person and tell them ‘Look, this is something that’s possible.’” Brand said she broke down crying many times on April 27 because she knew what was coming. Spann said, “My favorite part of my job is being able to communicate Alabama’s weather story to the masses. I enjoy the work I do online.” He said that storms are not something you should be afraid of. “Storms are good. Rain is good. Tornadoes are bad. But there are not that many, so it’s okay,” Spann said. Spann said that this year’s Storm Alert program is the most powerful Spann one ever. “There will probably be a few tears shed this year. Stories we have are very powerful and emotional. None of us are really over April 27 just yet. Most years we get to share lots of laughs,” he said. Spann said that he is still trying to figure out why there were such a great number of deaths in the April tornadoes. “After the tornado, I was angry. I was angry at myself, and I was angry at God. I didn’t understand where I went wrong. I never thought there would be 252 deaths,” he said. “We have people who study social behavior, trying to figure out how people died. Because if you look at the pictures, all of the center rooms, closets and bathrooms were the only rooms still standing. If you weren’t in that center room, you would not have survived.” [At the program] Spann showed videos from April 27 and demonstrated his devotion to Alabama. “If there was anything I could say to the victims of April 27, I would tell them, ‘you survived a once in a lifetime tornado event. You are here for a purpose; try and find out what that purpose is, and never, ever be afraid of storms’,” he said.
Mayor Maddox calls for leadershi p from city’s youth
brought 99% of the debris to be removed in under a year, when it was originally predicted to take In a matter of minutes, lives over three years. Citizens of Tuscaloosa, and were lost, homes were destroyed surrounding areas, owe much of and iconic landmarks in Tusthe morale and support to one caloosa, which represented the another, emergency city’s history, were responders, and destroyed. workers at the TusOn April 27, 2011, caloosa City Hall, the city of Tuscaloowho can be credited sa suffered an ordeal for shifts lasting worthy of the world up to twenty-three records. hours long. The recovery of Tuscaloosa MayTuscaloosa and its or Walt Maddox citizens was expectsaid he is astonished ed to take several by the teamwork of years, and it was the city and proud to Photo by Nick Motz said that people’s see the community lives would never be Maddox working together so the same. However, well. volunteers of Tus“I’ve really never seen anycaloosa swiftly put those predicthing like this. The progress that tions to rest. this city has made in under a year The unity created through reis unreal, and the unity that we covering victims and volunteers
Nick Motz Staff Writer
have achieved is better than any new buildings that could replace the destruction,” Mayor Maddox said. On the one year anniversary of last year’s tornado, a public week of remembrance has been planned, including ceremonies to be held at the Bama Theatre at five p.m., to put Tuscaloosa’s destruction in context of other national disasters from across the country. “In the past year, if someone were to take every tornado that set down in America, combine them, and measure the projected damage, it would not equal the April tornado that we endured. “ Mayor Maddox said. “After the recovery process, Tuscaloosa will be stronger than ever. We will be able to repair the infrastructure of areas that were declining before, and take those areas from something that was substandard, to a new and better level.” On the night of the tornado,
fears and concerns quickly became believed rumors, which spread like wildfire, all across social networks and word of mouth. Forest Lake was an affected area, which was said to have up to 36 dead bodies floating about, and it was also believed that the city was retrieving dead bodies and keeping them at the city hall. Possibly the most farfetched, was the story of several corpses on top of one of Tuscaloosa’s malls. “People were so scared by the disorder after the storm, and at one point, Sports Illustrated was even reporting untrue rumors, and that caused lots of additional panic,” Mayor Maddox said. In the article written by Sports Illustrated, covering Alabama’s snapper Javier Arenas, it was reported that three victims were thrown on top of the shopping mall Midtown Village. After the Tuscaloosa Fire Department did an extensive search of the roof and surrounding areas, the rumor
was confirmed as untrue. Robert Spicer, senior, said that after a year of recovery, his situation has improved, but he won’t forget that fateful night. “After that night, we stayed at a friend’s place for a while, and I remember not having power for a week. I had a lot of trouble sleeping for a long time after. There were times that I’d randomly wake up and have trouble getting back to sleep. It’s the kind of thing that will probably stay in my head forever,” Spicer said. Whether it’s through a lost life, or a lost home, much of Tuscaloosa’s youth has been deeply affected by this storm. “Now is the time for action. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the youth of Tuscaloosa to make a tremendous difference through volunteer work, donations and leadership. Some people don’t even realize how much of a difference that they can make,” Mayor Maddox said.
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News
The Northridge Reporter April 12, 2012
Lack of cable causes unrest in schools TV news show by students, for students unable to be watched Sara Beth Hartley Copy Editor Friday mornings usually begin with beaming faces of excited students ready for the weekend, and if available, the BCN TV show. Ever since last semester, or even longer, students at Bryant, Central and Northridge haven’t been able to watch the weekly BCN TV program because of cable issues. Christopher King, TV productions teacher at TCT, said that it’s because of monthly tariffs. “The last time cable was on was in September 2011. The reason the cable is off is because the Tuscaloosa City School System has to pay a monthly tariff on cable boxes due to the digital conversion. TCT upgraded last year through Comcast, so I wonder why it
hasn’t been done at all the three city “The Tuscaloosa City School Sysschools,” he said. tem didn’t pay for cable. TCT still has King said he cable, but the schools thinks cable is necdon’t,” she said. essary for BCN to Estrada said she remain dynamic. thinks cable is impor“We need the tant for BCN’s viewcable back on beership by students and cause cable is the faculty. backbone of our “We work hard in TV Production prothe class, and the show gram. The show not still comes on cable being on cable has and on the Internet, but caused a decrease nobody watches it bein viewership by cause it’s cut off in the students and facschools,” she said. Photo by Trent Clanton ulty,” he said. Alex Ray, senior Priscilla Estrada, Miller Smith, freshman, signs a BCN staff member, senior BCN staff petition to bring cable back said that it was cut off member, said that to the city schools. because of budgets. it’s up to the city “The city schools school system to pay for cable again. are broke,” he said. “They wanted to
save money.” Ray said a lot of the BCN staff members have created petitions for their classmates and faculty to sign so that schools can have cable again. “Once people start complaining and signing the petitions, [the cable should be back on],” he said. Ray, just like Estrada, said that it’s difficult not having cable in the schools. “It’s inconvenient when the people that work hard don’t get their packages watched. Plus, we can’t do fundraisers like we used to,” he said. “Our show still airs on Fridays, but the three high schools have no access to watch it. I hope the cable will be back on before the end of the semester. If it’s not, students can watch BCN at our website www.bcntv.org or vimeo.com/bcntv,” King said. Photo Illustrations by Trent Clanton
Modern day technology causes addictions, distractions Cikerri Gardner Staff Writer Many teens are staying up all night playing video games, when they could be studying for a test. Other students can’t focus on their school work because their phones suddenly vibrate. Some teens should be doing research for a project that’s due tomorrow, but they’re tweeting instead. These technologies are becoming a “Must Have” instead of a superfluous accessory. Adam Abawi, freshman, said video games are awesome. “The only game system I have is a PS3, but I have plenty of games. I play my video games all day. The longest I have ever played is twelve hours. I don’t think video games are a distraction because they teach you ‘handeye’ coordination,” he said. Kerri Irvin, freshman, said she texts a lot. “I text all during the day and about five people at a time. I love my phone, but it is a distraction because I’m on it all the time. My phone is something I try to have with me all the time,” she said. Abby Allen, freshman, said she likes Twitter a lot more than any other social network. “I like Twitter because it’s simple, fun and something new. I’ve had my Twitter since March
of 2011. I ‘tweet’ about 10 to 15 times a day, and I’m on Twitter about 30 minutes at a time,” Allen said. Jasmine Thompson, freshman, said she likes Facebook and “tweets” every once in a while. “I like Facebook, but it would be a lot better without all the mess and drama. I have had my Facebook since the beginning of seventh grade, and ever since then, I’ve been on it every day. I like Facebook just like Twitter, but before you know it, Twitter will be just as bad as Facebook,” Thompson said.
Sports
The Northridge Reporter April 12, 2012
Living on the edge of competition
7
Good character, support builds accomplished gymnast [the fear of] getting out there and doing hard things, and knowing she was getting judged and having to do her best,” she said. “There is a T-shirt that says, ‘Football 4 quarters, eth Gabriel, junior, literally flipped into gymnastics basketball 2 halves, gymnastics 1 chance;’ you only have when she was three. one chance to do your best.” “When I was little, I would flip around the house and Gabriel said she has won numerous stuff, so my mom decided to put me God helped us out in her gym- awards that she is very proud of. in gymnastics,” she said. nastics, just like He helped me “The award I’m most proud of is winwith my exit exams. I want ning regionals two years ago,” she said. “I Susan Gabriel, Beth’s mom, said [Beth] to achievI will support won my age division and beam. Beam is she was a gymnast from the start. my sister no matter what. “My first memory is when she my best event, so I always feel confident was about a year and a half - she when I compete...even though I still get would stand on her head ALL THE -Allison Gabriel, senior nervous.” TIME! I mean, she watched TV on Susan remembers when Beth had disher head; she would look at books, or be read to, standing appointments. on her head,” she said. “At one state meet, she was doing a back hand-spring on the Gabriel said she started competing early for her age. beam and hand-springed off the beam and landed flat on the “I’ve done ‘little’ classes since I was three years old and floor. She got right back up and finished the routine great,” she competitive gymnastics since 2nd grade,” she said. said. “She had to mentally prepare herself for the next event. Gabriel said, “My favorite part is meeting new people She didn’t dwell on the fact that beam wasn’t great, so she got because, at most of your meets, you compete with them,” first,” she said. she said. “You learn about them, cheer them on and beGabriel said her sister, Allison, is her “biggest fan.” come close.” Allison Gabriel, senior, Beth’s older sister, said she loves Gabriel said that she loves everything about competitive cheering for Beth. gymnastics. “I motivate Beth by cheering her on for everything she does, “Most of our meets are out of town,” she said. “My fa- and when she’s down, I encourage her,” she said. vorite one is The Wilderness Meet in Tennessee because Allison said she is very proud of Beth’s achievements. they have a waterpark inside the hotel, and it’s really fun!” “God helped us out in her gymnastics, just like He helped she said, laughing. me with my exit exams,” she said. “I will support my sister no Susan said that she has enjoyed the relationships that she matter what.” has made because of gymnastics. Susan said that a hectic schedule has helped Beth achieve. “I have enjoyed going to the different places for Beth’s “Practice is [all week and some Saturdays]—so our night meets. It has made our family spend a lot of time together,” time routine revolves around that,” she said. “Gymnastics is a she said. “I have enjoyed the friendships we have made family commitment.” with the other families. We are like one big family with the Gabriel said she is looking forward to attending college other gymnasts.” at The University of Alabama; however, she doesn’t want She said when it comes to character and attitude, gym- to pursue gymnastics at the collegiate level. nastics requires just about everything. “My friends always talk about how they want to make “Perseverance is what you need most because you have gymnastics a career, but for me, this is just for fun,” she said. to learn to overcome your obstacles,” she said. “Good at“Ever since I was little, I have wanted to be a teacher. titude also ties in because your attitude determines your For Christmas, I would get marker boards and things like performance.” that,” she said laughing. Susan said that gymnastics comes with many challenges. “Recently, I have been thinking about becoming an “The biggest thing that Beth has had to face was fear; athletic trainer, since I love people and sports,” she said. Sara Beth Hartley Copy Editor
Photo by Susan Gabriel
Beth Gabriel, junior, performs a back handspring in the beam event, her best gymnastics event. "It’'s cool being able to do a back handspring on a four inch piece of wood," she said. Gabriel said the beam is also her favorite event to do.
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The Northridge Reporter April 12, 2012
Beat 8
Favorite Teachers teacher is Sherri Shuttlesworth, social studies teacher. She said, “She cares about her students, and she breaks down information so everyone can understand it,” Sweet said. Shuttlesworth said she builds relationships with her students because she enjoys getting to know her students. “[I think getting to know students] is a part of becoming a teacher; we are here to help students become successful and to become productive students,” she said. “How can you help [students] if you don’t know them?” Shuttlesworth said as she builds relationships with her students, she is also building trust with her students. “[Building trust] eliminates major discipline problems in the classroom,” she said. “If a student knows you care about them, they will go the extra mile for you.” Shuttlesworth said she hopes she has made an impact in her student’s lives. “Teaching is the profession where we may never see the impact we have on students, whether that impact was positive or negative,” she said. “We hope it is always positive.” Shuttlesworth said the number one thing she hears her students say they want in a teacher is someone who teaches. “[Students] want to be able to ask questions when they don’t understand and to receive help, even if it takes more than once or twice before they really get it. [They also want someone] who cares about them and pushes them,” she said. “My seniors have said that they know when they were in ninth grade they made some “unwise”
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choices because they were kids, and they wish they could go back. They understand that they can’t and that they have lost valuable academic time; they just want teachers to understand that kids can change and are trying to do better.” Sam Yang, senior, said his idea of a great teacher is someone who really went out of their way to connect with their students. He said the teachers who look out for their students and go the extra mile are extremely valuable. “I work harder and do better in classes where I know the teacher is invested and wants me to succeed,” Yang said. He said he thinks it is really important for teachers to be passionate about students “because teaching is just passing knowledge.”
Teachers with certain qualities please students Regan Walker Staff Writer
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ome students think a “good teacher” is someone who has a party in their classroom most days and allows their students to go below the radar on school rules, while other students think a “good teacher” is someone who genuinely cares about them and about the information they are teaching. Regina Travis, junior, said she thinks a good teacher is someone who really helps their students. “A teacher should take the time to explain things to their students and answer questions that their students have,” Travis said. She said Anna Schwartz, chemistry teacher, is her favorite teacher. “[She] is my favorite teacher because she helps me keep my grade up by letting me make up tests, and she helps me study for makeup tests. She is always in a good mood because she is always smiling,” Travis said. Schwartz said she builds relationships with her students to an extent. “I want [my students] to know that I care about them, and I want them to succeed, but they need to respect me as well,” Schwartz said. She said she hopes she has made an impact in her students’ lives. “You don’t know whether or not you have made an impact in someone’s life until you see them out one day, years and years down the road,” Schwartz said. “But if I just see the moment when a student goes ‘oh, I get it now’ I feel like I made an impact in their lives. That is the moment I live for.” Schwartz said she thinks students idea of a favorite teacher are teachers who are fun, easy going and change things up. “Teachers who are organized, who have good transitions between activities, and who don’t show too much personality and don’t bring their personal lives to school [make good teachers],” Schwartz said. Messiah Sweet, junior, said her favorite
alities do yo u q ul hat Strict o W
April 12, 2012 Volume 9 Issue 7
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Photos by Nick Motz
Forest Lake and Crescent Ridge Road on Aoril 4, 2012. (See pages 4 & 5.)