November 28th, 2011

Claire Petit Page 7

Working students must manage time minutes to study,” she said. “My mom tells me no bad grades or no job. And I love my job.”

Balancing school and work can be difficult, but Duncan said that as long as priorities are kept straight, it’s not impossible.

“It’s very difficult [finding time to study] because you work long hours, get tired and then you become lazy,” she said. “It sometimes [affects my grades], but overall it motivates me to work harder.”

Will Pritchett, junior, works at Newk’s and advises that students not work too much on weekdays.

“Jobs look great and wonderful, like marriage.

The paychecks are definitely awesome,” he said. “[But if anyone] gets a job try not to work more than three days a week and make sure one of those days is on a weekend.”

Hudgins said students need to assess their work load and adjust their work schedule accordingly.

“Students who play sports typically find their work days to be Saturdays and Sundays. Students who balance heavy course loads may need to consider the same option. A student’s fulltime job is simply that - being a student. The part-time job should work around the demands of the full-time job.”

Duncan said working puts her in a better mood and would recommend anyone getting a job to pick something they love.

“Working tells a lot about yourself. It makes you feel good when you realize that you can keep good grades, have a job and have clubs you participate in after school,” she said.

In the news QR Codes provide easy link Jah’meka Baxter Infographics Editor Students who enter the science and social studies wings can find interesting bar codes that they can scan to help them understand assignments and keep up-to-date on classroom activities.

These bar codes are called QR (Quick Response) Codes. They are two-dimensional barcodes that allow someone with a mobile phone to take a picture of the code and access the website that the code is connected to. The codes were originally created in Japan by Denso Wave in 1994 to track Toyota vehicles during the manufacturing process according to Wikipedia.

Neilann Thomas, librarian, learned to make QR Codes from the webinar QR code First Friday that was provided by the state of Alabama.

She has used what she has learned to help some teachers at the school create their own QR Code for their classroom.

The senior meeting that took place on Tuesday, Oct 18, allowed students to scan a Balfour QR Code to access the website for additional graduation information and an opportunity to have their own personalized QR Code with a graduation message hidden within the code for family and friends.

QR Codes can be found in magazines such as Elle, Time and Seventeen. Companies are now using QR Codes to allow customers to find special deals and help boost advertising.

Students have the opportunity to create their own QR Codes with personalized colors and buttons from websites that provide help with creating them.

play

Between school, homework and studying for tests, it’s a wonder that students have time for anything else. But some students also have to work.

Jacqueline Hudgins, counselor, said jobs are a great way for students to understand the amount of work that is needed to earn just a few dollars.

“When you have to work 20 hours a week just to put gas in your car and pay your monthly cell phone bill, you gain a better understanding of what it is like to be responsible with money and learn to make choices as far as spending goes,” she said, “Also, it helps develop responsibility and opens doors for career opportunities.”

Junior LaJessica Duncan works at Sonic on weekends and select Fridays as well as participates in Beta Club, Spanish Club, SGA and color guard.

“I sometimes pull up to 15 hours on one weekend,” Duncan said. “Balancing school and work is difficult, but I maintain time by studying at work. It’s all about managing time.”

Duncan said other employees help her study when they have down time.

“Sometimes we play a game [at work] to study. One of my coworkers calls out a definition, and I have to say the word in less than 5 seconds. It makes it fun,” she said.

Duncan said she uses all her extra time to study so she can keep her grades up.

“I use time during school to get a few more

or

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

November 28, 2011 • Volume 9 • Issue 3

Alex Hauser Editor-in-Chief

Dreads Page 3

“

Jobs look great and wonderful, like marriage. The paychecks are definitely awesome. But...

”

Will Pritchett, Junior

Interview with the new superintendent Aasiyah Sullivan Staff Reporter

What are some positive outcomes that you would like to see this 2011-2012 school year?

Well, the first year for a new superintendent is really

What was the process of becoming superinten- rough because you have to try and fix things that the other dent? superintendent has messed up. One positive thing I want Tuscaloosa City Schools uses Ray and Associates to find a superintendent. They open the position and narrow it down to eight people. In a period of a month, I went to three interviews for superintendent.

Paul McKendrick, superintendent

to see this school year is to try to fix things dealing with AYP.

What are some obstacles that you had to face to get this far?

Why did you decide to come out of retirement and I wouldn’t call them “obstacles.” I would call them chalwork for the Tuscaloosa City Schools Board of Edu- lenges. Having 40 to 50 people to apply for the same job cation? is really hard. It is really important to get the training that I have a son in college, and I didn’t want to move while he was still in high school. My thoughts when I left was that I would want to work somewhere with a big university in another city or state.

What are some changes that you would like to see occur in the city school system?

To have more acceleration in elementary schools. To get more AP classes in high schools because Alabama is the only state that doesn’t have many AP classes. Also to have more training for the new teachers.

Photo by: Nick Motz

I have because many people have the same training that you will have, and they can get the same job as you. The biggest challenge for me is getting the experience, going to school, and actually going into the field that you went to school for.

Why is education so important to you with this growing generation?

Simply without education, you will not survive. The world has gotten smaller simply because technology has gotten so large with this generation. If you do not have an education, you will not be able to get a well-paying job.

You can’t look at graduating high school as like it is the end. Without getting a more advanced education, life will get tougher.

2

Opinion

The Northridge Reporter November 28, 2011

Our Thoughts Students who manage jobs, schoolwork are applauded

A

long with the responsibilities of everyday schoolwork and extra-curricular activities, some students also have added the responsibility of holding a part-

time job.

Be it for gas money, extra allowance, or a contribution to the household bills, students choose to work for different reasons.

Some may even be motivated simply for the work experience or because they enjoy it.

Working teaches them responsibility, time management, grants them a bit of independence and prepares them for practical life after graduation.

But the tricky part is managing to give both school and work the time and attention they each need.

This is a difficult feat, and one that many may fail at.

The Northridge Reporter applauds students who manage to balance a job and hectic schoolwork.

We strongly urge everyone not to sacrifice their education for the sake of a job.

As advantageous as a job might be at the moment, it should not be allowed to jeopardize one’s chances of a job in the future by taking away from your education.

Jane Yu

Junior works with disabled, is touched

agree (19) disagree (0)

Jane Yu Entertainment Editor

Visit us on Facebook and check out our website at Northridgereporter.wordpress.com Northridge High School 2901 Northridge Road Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 (205) 759-3734 ext. 235

NSPA 1st Place Best of Show 2011 • 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, 2005–2011) • ASPA All-Alabama (2003–2011) NSPA All-American (2004, 2008, 2011) • 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)

Alex Hauser* Raiha Bajwa* Renu Pandit Jane Yu* Trent Clanton* Alexandra Stewart James Roberts Raiha Bajwa* Nick Motz, Sarah Katherine Barnes, Rand Schille, Candace Wiggins Renu Pandit Trent Clanton* Jane Yu*, Parker Evans Ja’’hmeka Baxter Rand Schille Staff Writers: Sarah Katherine Barnes, Parker Evans, Ebony Hughuley, Emma Jackson, Nick Motz, Tyesha Pinnock, James Roberts, Brianna Shaw, Aasiayah Sullivan, KeamBria Washington, Candace Wiggins, Rand Schille Adviser: Susan Newell* *Denotes state, regional and national award winners Editor-in-Chief: Opinion Editor: Feature Editor: Entertainment Editor: News Editor: Sports Editor: Beat Editor: Business Manager: Photographers: Copy Editor: Art Editor: Artists: Infographic Editor: Web Master:

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.

I have always been scared of balls. When I was in the seventh grade, I went to a softball game for the first time and saw a person right next to me get hit on his head by a ball, so I decided to watch sports only on television.

Despite my fear, I went to a baseball game on Oct. 29. This surprising phenomenon can be traced back to the Key Club. We decided to help the Miracle League; a baseball league for the disabled. As a ballphobic, I decided not to volunteer.

As time passed, I almost forgot about the event until Zoe Bakker, junior, told me that volunteering at Miracle League was mandatory. I still did not want to volunteer but the word “mandatory” forced me to do it. So I had to set foot on a baseball field after four years of avoiding it.

When I arrived around ten o’clock, the first game had already started.

Within a minute, I noticed something odd.

There was no such thing as a ‘strike.’ Every player was given unlimited time to hit the ball. Also, every player had someone running right next to them,

and their running buddy continuously cheered as they ran. Most importantly, every player made a home run. The balls that players hit were magically missed by opponents.

As I sat on a bleacher, I felt something tingling Yu in my heart; warmth. I had not felt anything pierce my heart like that in a long time.

The second game was between two teams with disabled members. Despite their difficulties, players hit, threw and caught the ball precisely. They made numerous home runs. Their phenomenal plays made me oblivious of their physical defects.

I bet it took them hundreds of practices to hit a ball and a lot of time to create a strong bond as a team. At the end, happiness compensated for their hardship. They played fantastically.

As they played, I realized something. Their every movement told a story- a story of their struggle; a story of their life.

I admired their persistence. Also, watching them was an opportunity to look back at my 17 years of life. I have always complained about everything like a baby, while those players made the best out of their given conditions like an adult.

At the end of the game, I gave them chocolate and a medal. They smiled. They smiled beautifully.

Your Thoughts Reprint with corrections

School policies continue to be ignored by students Dear Editor, By the time this letter runs in the next edition of the Reporter, our administrative team would have added yet another policy that most students will choose to ignore and that some faculty and staff will choose not to enforce – Identification Badges.

Terrific! We can add this to our list of policies and rules that very few follow and even fewer enforce. It can be like the policy, “shirts and blouses should be tucked into pants and/or skirts” or “students are required to use clear book bags”. Or how about the one, “students are not allowed to wear or carry caps or hats”. Or the classic, “cell phones must remain in the power off position at school and on the school bus”. In case you’re wondering, my personal favorite is “the maximum speed limit anywhere on campus is 5 mph”. Have you been in the student parking lot at 3:22??

Thank goodness the citizenry of Tuscaloosa are

(for the most part) not like our student body. They realize that rules and laws are created for the greater good and, like them or not, they are inclined to follow and obey them. Imagine how unsafe the community would be if the citizens showed the same disregard for the rule of law as our students show for school rules. ANARCHY!!

Also we are quite fortunate that local law enforcement (again, for the most part) do not pick and choose which laws they want to enforce and which laws they choose to ignore like some of our faculty and staff seem to do. Chances are if you run a stop sign with a cop, a sheriff, or a trooper sitting there, you will be pulled over and punished for your oversight. I believe students would be hard-pressed to break the rules if every adult in the building was equally hell-bent on enforcing them.

-C. S. Johnson

The Northridge Reporter November 28, 2011

Entertainment

Never Ending Decade

3

The 1980’s have returned to our mp3s, closet

Sarah Katherine Barnes Staff Writer

Photo from MCT Campus Vintage style reappears on the runway.

Students who praise the return of 1980s also dress in Vintage style.

It’s around eight o’clock on a Monday night as I step into the dimly lit atmosphere of a record store on 14th Street.

Earth, Wind, and Fire’s September is playing low in the background – a song you’d expect to hear as you flip through albums

by Gowan, Cutting Crew, and Jim Croce, which, on a typical visit, is exactly what you’ll find amongst fifty or so other vinyl records crammed in one old cardboard box after the next.

However, this particular Monday night, I didn’t just come upon Chicago’s tracks on the “C” shelf - I found an album by… Chris Brown?

Lady Gaga, Sean Kingston, Ke$ha, Jason Derülo – they’re all artists I found littering the shelves of the supposed “vintage” galleria.

For those who don’t spin, own turntables, or spend their afternoons searching pawn shops and garage sales for relatively unscratched vinyls, you probably don’t realize what it means to see T-Pain’s singles under twelve inches of album cover.

Well, it’s essentially the same concept behind the high-top converse and off-the-shoulder sweatshirt trends.

The 1980s has returned.

Statistics show that approximately every three decades, society’s eyes turn to look back at the glory days of its former reality, and in nostalgia, America says

to itself, “Hey, look how cool we were thirty years ago!” Thus begins a phenomenon of fads that resemble the ones from years before. It’s a cycle that’s always changing decade-to-decade.

Fashion, entertainment, advertising – even our lingo is influenced by these trends. For instance, do you remember when being “fresh” got you in detention, or when that burger you just ate was “the bomb”?

Ever seen commercials with the digitally modified version of the Alka-Seltzer Boy or the StayPuft Marshmallow man? Do you play games like Pac-Man or Tetris on your phone? Chances are you do because you’re living in the essence of a world run by yesteryear.

Vintage is the new mainstream.

Even as I write, I find myself pulling my hand from the keyboard every few minutes to push my Ray-Ban Wayferrer eyeglasses further up my nose. Yes, even I, individual as I am, conform to a degree of the decade fad.

Some say these trends are the effects of a disintegrating creativity on the Hollywood producers’ part; that many find themselves slacking on new ideas for movies and as a result, steal plots from old TV shows like The Smurfs and Star Trek.

Some just enjoy revisiting their high school years in sweet nostalgia – which, all in all, would be marvelous, besides the fact that I walk in on my bald father sporting his beloved novelty mulletstyle wig more frequently than I’d like to.

NeedToBreathe brings concert to Bama Theater Alex Hauser Editor-in-Chief After the fourth time playing in Tuscaloosa and the second playing at the Bama Theatre, NeedToBreathe performed in a sold-out concert the night before the biggest football game in history.

I got to the Bama at 6:00 p.m. to wait in line, so we could get good seats, but 30 minutes before the door opened, they shifted the line to the other side, making us lose our great spot in line.

After getting over the disheartening feeling that we wouldn’t get front row seats, we devised a game plan, taking into account that I stand at 5’3” and wouldn’t be able to see over the standing crowd if we were too far back.

We darted to the balcony as soon as we were let it, bypassing the mob trying to get front seats on the main level.

We got amazing seats where we could see the whole stage perfectly.

The opening act was Ben Rector. I’ve never quite liked his music much, but his performance changed my mind.

He is truly a great performer, even with improv. He took a subject from the audience and created a song on the spot.

I was impressed, especially with his extensive knowledge of cacti.

During his last song, his pianist and guitar player busted out a keytar, giving me a new life goal.

I will learn how to play the keytar.

I haven’t been so fascinated in my whole life. It is a truly fabulous instrument.

NeedToBreathe finally began. I was entranced.

They started with “Devil’s Been Talking,” a song from their brand new album, “The Reckoning.”

They mostly played songs from their year-old album, “The Outsiders,” and performed a couple from their older albums, “Daylight” and “The Heat.”

One of my favorite songs they played was “Washed by the Water.” They played the opening riffs for a while and the audience sang the song for quite a while.

Bear Reinhart interrupted by saying, “I’ve never had to ask the audience to stop singing. So I won’t” and started singing the song.

They put a twist on the song by flawlessly merging into the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”

The only song I was both disappointed and surprised they didn’t play was “Slumber,” which was the first single to be released from their new album and arguably their most famous.

I’ve worked lighting at the

Bama several times, and it was amazing seeing the traditional building transformed into a rock concert with just some strategically placed lighting. It was surreal how different it looked.

Because the concert was the night before the Alabama vs.

LSU game, it was great seeing the Bama sold-out.

Bear and Bryant “Bo” Reinhart were both named after Paul Bear Bryant. They grew up as big Alabama fans.

They made-up fans missing any pre-game festivities by taking the time between the set and the encore to play the Alabama fight song and having Big Al come on stage.

It was such a great experience being from Tuscaloosa, and I can’t wait until their next concert here in Tuscaloosa, which will hopefully be moved to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.

Photo Illustration by Jane Yu

http://www.panamconsultants.com/ We offer our clients efficient and cost effective solutions to their cultural resources permitting needs.

Fashionistas grow dreads Tevin Riddle, senior, has been growing his for about five to six months. Every two to three weeks Dreads are one of the latest he gets them re-twisted by his friend. trends.

“I got dreads because I thought Mostly males have them, but they were tight. It’s just me big also a few females. dog T-raye,” Riddle said.

C h r i s He said Lee, sophno one omore, has could get been growhis dreads ing dreads to stay for about locked unfour years. til he let “Dreads his friend are a famdo them ily thing for him. because KanJalla my whole Dancer, family has sophothem,” Lee more, has said. “I got dreads my tips Photo by Nick Motz g r o w i n g done just all the way because I Landon Church, junior, smiles with his dreads. down her wanted to.” back.

Teddy McMullen, senior, has She has been growing her been growing his for about a year dreads for four years now. and nine months.

“The longer you have them, “I wanted a new look, so I got dreads,” McMullen said. “My the more the tips change color,” mother usually does it by twisting Dancer said.

She said growing dreads was my dreads counterclockwise.”

Some people have not been just something that she wanted to do. growing their dreads for long.

Keambria Washington Staff Writer

Jim McCoy’s Landscaping Phone number: 1-205-792-1339

4

HIGHLI

Feature

The Northridge Reporter November 28, 2011

Administrators reflect on pasts

Box gives peek to her past Jane Yu Entertainment Editor

W

hen students see Jennifer Box, assistant principal, in the hallway, they sometimes feel distanced by her no nonsense expression.

However, Box once was a high school student, too. She went to high school in Lamar County.

“I grew up on a farm in the countryside,” Box said.

She said that unlike Northridge, the school she went to was “small” and had only “60 graduates” the year she graduated.

“Everyone is involved in everything in a small school like that,” Box said. “I played volleyball, softball and basketball.”

She also did cheerleading, ballet and dance.

“For my senior beauty pageant in my high school, I did ballet,” Box said. “It was great fun.”

Ironically, the girl who loved sports wanted to enter the medical field.

“Having my dad as a physician and my mom as a retired nurse, I always wanted to be a physician as a young child,” Box said.

As she recollects her childhood, she said her childhood was “blessed” by her “great parents and siblings.”

“My dad always left the home first to work,” Box said. “And my mom made a breakfast for me and my siblings.”

Box’s dad was a “hard disciplined” father who told her to cry only if she was bleeding.

“When I was really young, I bought Mickey Mouse ears with my name on them in Disney World,” she said. “My dad got mad at me for losing them.”

Box said she is more like her “emotional” mom than her “harddisciplined” dad.

“I am so emotional,” Box said.

“I even cry over a touchy dog food commercial.”

Box has three siblings: Greg, Rebecca and Lyles. Lyles is her “closest” sibling. Greg is eight years older and Rebecca four years older.

“With Lyles, I rode four wheelers and went fishing,” Box said.

“We also enjoyed sports, including Alabama sports.”

Box not only enjoyed hanging out with her family but also with her best friends, Bobbi Roberts and Jennifer Kingry.

“Bobbi was a cheerleader in Lamar County with me and still lives there,” Box said. “Jennifer used to teach science at TMS.” Box, Roberts and Kingry would ride around town after football games on Friday or drive to Columbus, Mississippi on Saturdays for a movie or dinner.

“I had my most amazing time in high school,” Box said.

Along with her friends, Box also remembers her favorite teacher.

“Brenda Gartman was my history teacher for four years and a senior sponsor,” Box said. “She cared about what she did.”

Another important person for Box during her high school years

was her boyfriend at that time.

“He kind of led me to be an assistant principal,” Box said. “He knew me well.”

She said she wants to help students realize the opportunities they have in high school.

“I love to organize, work on staffing issues and enjoy my job,” Box said. “I like having less stress than a principal,” Box said.

She said she is a “loyal, hardworking and empathetic” person.

She said she is grateful to work with Dr. Espy and at Northridge.

“I think [Northridge] offers great experiences to students academically, and it is the best school in West Alabama.”

Carrie Nyugen, a senior, said Box seems stricter and more disciplined than Maxey.

Elizabeth Tiley, counselor, said she has known her since 2006.

She said they both got pistol permit over the summer.

Jackie Hudgins, counselor, has known her for six and a half years. She said Box is “a lot of fun and likes to laugh, eat out and shop.”

“When I started to work here, she [Box] was the first one I started to develop a relationship with,” Hudgins said. “She took me out to dinner.”

Hudgins and Box love to make cheesy jokes.

“The only thing I did not tell you is my blood type,” Box said.

“It is B negative.”

“No Ms. Box,” Hudgins said.

“B positive.”

Photo by: Lucy Box During her senior beauty pageant, Jennifer Box, assistant princi pal, dances.

Photo by: Lucy Box While at her farm, Jennifer Box holds her pet goat, Chocolate.

Old assistant princi pal talks about his new job Nick

Motz Staff Writer

A

t the start of the 2011 school year, juniorhigh students tooktheir seats at Rock Quarry Middle School. Some attended for the first time, and others for the last.

However, one new face is not a student. Andrew Maxey, former Northridge administrator, took over at Rock Quarry as the new principal.

In charge of around 470 students, Maxey said, “Being a principal is as different from being an assistant principal as water is different than ice. Exactly the same, but totally different. Similarly, describing the differences between middle school and high school students is like comparing

relative difficulty levels of being a shepherd and a lion tamer.”

“Both are exciting, both include the risk of rebellion, both are more than a lot of people are willing to put up with. There is one way in which high school and middle school are exactly the same: I get paid to pour my heart into human beings in ways that have a positive impact on their entire future. I am quite certain that no other profession comes close,” he said.

According to Maxey, having what it takes to be a grade A principal of an industrious, high class middle school involves genuinely loving your job.

“I love being the principal of 470 of the most interesting, energetic, and hard-working young people in the state,” he said.

Photo by: Nick Motz Andrew Maxey, princi pal at Rock Quarry Middle School, sits in his new office. He said he enjoys his new post and loves enlightening children.

Photo by: Lucy Box Jennifer Box swings at Box Lake on a tire swing that her father made.

IGHTS

Feature

The Northridge Reporter November 28, 2011

5

s, look forward to change

Photo by: Teresa Meissner Stallworth stands in front of the jaguar as she patrols the courtyard.

Strict but experienced security guard gives advice based on past

“She talks about real stuff, like getting to class on time “Summer after high school, being foolish, I got pregand working hard,” he said. “Stuff that helps you in the long nant,” she said. “I had a few family members here, and my run.” mom lived here.”

April Ross, Stallworth’s daughter and a substitute teachA single mother most of her life, she has three children ou may have been caught in the hallway wither, said people underestimate the work Stallworth puts into of her own, and was also a foster mother for her sister’s out a pass, with inappropriate attire, or trying doing her job and how important her children. to sneak by the vending machine during lunch; advice is.

Ross said her mother did her job Wenneta Stallworth, head of security, seems to be all over “When she talks to these kids, right.

“When she talks to these kids, they the school putting students in their place. they better listen because what “She worked very hard and [took Even though she may seem strict, it’s only part of her better listen because what she’s tellshe’s telling them is going to help care of ] everything, and made sure we ing them is going to help them,” she job. them.” were taken care of,” she said. “She was Stallworth has been at the school since it first started, origi- said.

Stallworth has come up with a never very strict. She let us do what we nally part of Central High School, which later broke into three few tactics to help her get through wanted. She just didn’t want us to go schools.

-April Ross, Stallworth’’s’ daughter to jail or have a baby. She trusted us, to students.

Even if she knows their “I don’t make the rules, I just enforce them,” Stallworth and we never did anything wrong.” said. “I try to be nice and talk to the kids, but I still have names, she is known for calling female students ‘Lucy.’

“I can always talk to her. Even when to do my job.”

“When I started at Central West I noticed that the feI was a teenager, I could always talk to her about anyChris Walker, senior, said she’s “cool but can be strict.” males most of the time were aggressive towards me, and thing,” Ross said.

“She’s an awesome mom.”

“I think even though she’s strict, she does her job really I thought to myself about what I could do to make them Stallworth said God has always been an important part well,” he said. less offensive,” Stallworth said.

“My of her life, so she pursued joining the ministry and now When she tells students that skipping mum had ten kids and a lot of girls holds a position as an Elder-elect at Guiding Light Worclass isn’t the best idea, she speaks “I had a bad habit of skipping so she used to call us girls Lucy. It ship Center, as well as holds a license as an international from past experience. class back in high school,” was a term of endearment for her, so minister.

“I had a bad habit of skipping class I started using it. It breaks the ice.”

“I was raised in a traditional Baptist church, and I left back in high school,” she said. “I “Teachers ask me how the stuwhen I was called to the ministry. We found a church that would skip my home-economics class -Wenneta Stallworth, security gaurd dents know I’m calling them, and I accepted women, the FACC, and I stayed there for four because I thought it was stupid. I had say that the one who’s doing someyears,” she said. “Now I’m an Elder, which is the last posito go to summer school in order to get thing wrong is going to be the one tion before Bishop, which I have no plans of becoming.” the credit and graduate.” who turns around,” she said.

Having been influenced by her mother greatly, StallShe said that in the long run her teacher’s decision to fail Coming from a large family, Stallworth said she’s alworth said she has always had a firm belief in God, despite her helped her make a change in her life. ways been involved with kids. a break she took from attending church.

“It changed me, that teacher helped me,” she said. “I “I’ve always loved kids, and I love working with them,” “[My mother] always had a scripture to give to you didn’t like it at the time, but I appreciated it later.” she said.

“I come from a big family, so I’ve been babywhen you needed uplifting,” she said. “At one point, I She focuses on encouraging students by giving them words sitting my entire life.” didn’t go to church for a year or two, and I didn’t like how of advice.

She first moved back to Tuscaloosa from Miami, Florida my life was at the time, so I went back, and I’ve stayed Devonte Robinson, senior, said he finds her advice useful. in 1974, right after having her first child. ever since.”

Raiha Bajwa Opinion Editor

Y

“

“

”

”

6

News

The Northridge Reporter November 28, 2011

In the news Stepping

Leaky ceilings cause problems on campus Parker Evans Staff Writer The school is flawed. Literally. There are leaks in the library, the auditorium and various classrooms.

Marcia Irvin, librarian, said the roof in the library has leaked, “since the beginning of time, or it feels that way. It’s been leaking since the school was built, but hurricane Ivan made it worse.

After Ivan the carpet was soaked. We had to dry books out by hand.”

If you walk into the library after a good rain, you can see the stains on the ceiling and feel the damp carpet. Tarps and buckets have to be set up.

Donna Wright, drama teacher, said the auditorium has also been leaking “since the school opened.”

“It got worse with Katrina. The leaks are in front of the light and sound booth,” Wright said.

In addition to these, there are leaks in classrooms.

Patsy Lowery, math teacher, said that she has a leak in her closet that she first noticed after hurricane Ivan.

So after eight years, what has been done?

Irvin said that the library has had workers from a company called “Service Masters,” but there has been no visible advancements.

Nothing has been done about Lowery’s room or the auditorium.

“I’m never sure if [the men coming in] are here to look and see what the problem is or to fix the problem,” Wright said.

Isaac Espy said there’s only so much that can be done.

“When it rains vertically, we’re fine. It’s when it rains diagonally that it gets in. Every year we get about two or three Biblical rains,” Espy said.

Espy said the “outstanding maintenance staff” has been fighting the problem.

Photos by Nick Motz

Leaks in the ceiling in the library show on the ceiling tiles. The library isn’t the only place with leaks; the auditorium and some classrooms also have them.

Police use force on students after LSU game Parker Evans Staff Writer

The weekend of the LSU game, three freshmen were stopped and held at gunpoint by the police. Several minutes later, they were let go without a second thought.

This “misunderstanding” was a result of Joseph Mohabbat simply running to catch up with his friends Faulcon Fitts and Trey Cauthen.

“We were running across the front area of the stadium, when these two cops started chasing after us and told us to get on the ground. I got up, but they pushed me back down,” Mohabbat said.

Fitts didn’t know whether to take it seriously at first.

“The cops ran up and told us to put our hands on our heads.

We had no idea what was going on. We thought it was a joke until one of the cops pushed Joseph back down, and I got a gun pointed at me,” Fitts said.

“I was calm because I knew I hadn’t done anything wrong,” Mohabbat said. “I wasn’t worried.”

It turns out there wasn’t anything to be worried about because “another cop came up and said we were the wrong guys. They

said they got a call right before they saw us about a group of kids vandalizing the campus,” Fitts said.

According to Mohabbat, when the third cop came up he said, “when we see someone running we think it’s the suspect.”

“After the other cop came up and said we were the wrong ones, they just walked away like they didn’t care what they just did,” Cauthen said.

Photo by Rand Schille Freshmen Trey Cauthen, Joseph Mohabbat, and Faulcon Fitts were accidentally stopped by police on the night of the Alabama-LSU game.

Blood Drive helps people in need son for donating.

“I have a disorder where my body does not metabolize iron well,” Shaw Some students saved a life by donat- said, “so giving blood is essential for ing blood. my health.”

Jesse Parker, senior, donated his Katie Plott, senior, had health conblood for the first time at the SGA cerns that prevented her from donating sponsored blood drive on Nov. 1. this time.

“I wanted to help unfortunate people “I have given blood twice before, and who need blood,” Parker said.

I felt fine,” Plott said. “However, my Parker said that it felt like nothing. iron level was too low this time.”

“I got a bruise on my arm,” Parker Plott lamented when she figured out said. “I think it looks really cool.” she could not help those in need.

Angela Shaw, SGA sponsor, said do“I wanted to help Tuscaloosa County nating blood is important. which currently has a blood shortage,” “And at some point in everyone’s life Plott said. he or she may need blood,” Shaw said.

She said she appreciated many people She said the worst part is pricking showing up to donate their blood. the finger and putting the needle in.

“They [students] showed their comShaw said she also has another rea- mitment to our society,” Plott said.

Girl’ s perform with boys team Jah’meka Baxter Staff Writer The step team which originally consisted of an all-boys team is now a merged step team that includes girls. This is the first time that girls have been on the team. The girls and boys step team practices Monday thru Friday to learn new steps and improve their team.

Philip Cunningham, junior, said the step team will perform at various events outside of school and at step shows around the city.

Cunningham said that they want the step teams to be similar to college fraternities and sororities with a strong sense of dedication.

Freshman Tyesha Pinnock, captain, said she enjoys her position on the team because it gives her a sense of leadership.

“It feels really empowering [to be captain], and it makes me feel more mature,” Pinnock said.

She said she hopes that her leadership will inspire her team members to grow as people and that they will inspire others with their steps.

Regina Travis, co-captain, said that being on the step team is the same as being on any other team at the school.

Travis said the best part of being on the team is that they are growing together and earning respect for themselves.

Marcus Eberendu, member, said he enjoys having the girls on the step team and thinks they help the overall experience.

“They help the team to be louder in their performance and show the audience how proud we are as a team,” Eberendu said.

He said that he likes the dedication and the confidence the girls show in practice, and when they perform. “[The step team members] can tell who wants to be a part of the team based on how well they dedicate themselves to the team.

The step team will perform among other student groups at the Barnes and Noble Book Fair on Thursday, Dec. 8.

University Orthodontics, PC

Jane Yu Entertainment Editor

641 Helen Keller Boulevard Tel: (205) 553-2524

UNIVERSITY ORTHODONTICS

Fax: (205) 553-6617

Robert C. Haraway, Jr., D.M.D., M.S. CHILDREN & ADULT ORTHODONTICS

rharaway@dbetch.net

Sports

The Northridge Reporter November 28, 2011

Sports Column

7

This is Cross Country: the experience of the race Emma Jackson Staff Writer

Photo by: Beth Allaway Claire Petitt, senior, pole vaults at a track meet. When she was a junior she broke a school record with 11 feet and 6 inches.

With school and sports, Pettit manages to stay on track Renu Pandit Feature Editor Claire Pettit, senior, seems to manage juggling track, family life and her education with ease.

“This will be my fourth year running track,” Claire said.

She said she took track because she used to take gymnastics, and that would make her a better pole vaulter.

“I’ve always been interested in trying something new, especially sports, so I did.”

Claire said.

However, track isn’t the only thing that Claire can do.

“I used to take dance, cheer and run track.

Once that became to much, I knew I had to stop one, so dance was the first to go. I had to give up cheering last year due to our first indoor season in track coming up because there would be too much conflict with the two sports activities,” Claire said.

She said it can be difficult balancing school and sports, especially during the season because of the meets every weekend.

“I try to stay really organized and always plan ahead, so I can stay on track, pun intended,” Claire said.

Pam Pettit, Claire’s mother, said Claire’s athletic ability showed through at an early age.

“Claire was only three years old when she started swimming and four years old when she began tumbling. Right away, I noticed she was incredibly strong and coordinated for her age,” Pam said.

Pam said that she’s extremely proud of Claire, and that it’s an amazing feeling to watch her pole vault.

“It’s a blast to watch Claire gracefully sail through the air when pole vaulting.

She is so intense and always determined to jump as high as possible, but I hold my breath and hope for a safe jump every

time,” Pam said.

Pam said Claire is an amazing young lady.

“Her athletic training and ultimately athletic success have given her a strong sense of self-discipline and confidence,” she said.

Jeff Sparks, track coach, said that Claire is a dedicated athlete.

“Claire is the top worker in our program both in event work and in the weight room,” he said.

Sparks has been coaching Claire for the four years she’s been doing track. He said that she has made improvements every year.

“In ninth grade [Claire] cleared 10 feet in the pole vault and finished fifth at the state. In tenth grade [Claire had a] broken ankle, and missed the season. In eleventh grade [Claire] cleared eleven feet and six inches, which was a new school record in pole vault and jumped five feet and six inches in the high jump. She finished third in the state meet in both events,” Sparks said.

Anna Lee Pettit, Claire’s younger sister, said Claire is constantly busy.

“She is always doing something, whether it is track, baby-sitting, homework, dance, or anything you could possibly think of,” Anna Lee said.

Anna Lee said that despite her busy schedule, Claire is still a great older sister.

“She is amazing. She always takes me to a lot of places, makes me breakfast, helps me with my homework, and keeps me focused in school. She’s my motivator,” Anna Lee said.

Anna Lee also said that Claire “strives to be the best.”

“She is always working out, and she’s really good at pole vaulting. She could do any sport she wanted and still be great at it,” Anna Lee said.

Vintage Vibe boutique

406 Queen City Avenue East

For the cross country team, Nov. 3 was the last meet of their season. For those who have never run cross country this is what cross country is.

You bend your body and feel your muscles comfortably stretch. You take deep breathes and try to conserve energy while you run a warm up lap.

Your coach calls your name and tells you to line up.

You stand in your box and look around at people all are around you. You wonder if you can beat any of them. Your heart races, and you feel sick.

You hear your teammates say, “You’ll do fine,” and “You got this;” you hear them, and it makes you feel ten times better.

A man with an orange sleeve tells you the rules and guide lines; he holds up a gun and you get in stance.

The gun fires.

You’re half way down the field and you know the first turn is coming up.

You’re sweating, your feet are throbbing and your muscles are screaming at you to stop running, but you know you can’t stop now. There are three more miles to go.

Two miles later your face is red and your throat is hurting from breathing so deeply. You see your coach and teammates on the side of the trail cheering you on. You know you can do this.

You can see the finish line.

You start to sprint and use any energy you have left.

You have run 3.1 miles, and now you’re almost done.

You have just crossed the line. You are shoved into a line, and your number is taken and put on a string, so they know who came after who. Someone hands you a cup of water, and you realize how exhausted you really are.

This is Cross Country.

Hard work, devotion pays off Cross country team practices hard, finishes season Emma Jackson Staff writer The Cross Country team has dedicated the last two to three months to running.

They all get together to run whenever they can.

Rain or shine, hot or cold, in pain or not, they wake up early on their Saturdays to show off how fast they are and how much stamina they may have.

Kristi Cooper is the head coach of the cross country team.

“Overall, the athletes performed very well for having such a young team and athletes who haven’t run cross country previously. The boys team bonded well and worked extremely hard. The girls team was much smaller than the boys, but it didn’t keep them from practicing and competing.

Overall, a great start to an improving team in the future,” Cooper said.

The cross country team competed in eight races. Most were out of town with

about 250 other runners.

Kelsey McNeil, junior, has run cross country since the seventh grade.

She said, “I like running, and I get to hang out with friends six days a week.”

After a race cross country members eat together.

“We like to eat out at Cracker Barrel as a team after a meet,” McNeil said.

The cross country team has about 11 runners, Cooper said.

They had enough to make a boys team but were a little short on making a girls team.

They all run varsity races, but the girls ran as individuals and not as a team.

“I hope to get word out about cross country for next season in hopes of recruiting new athletes to make the team bigger.

We will still be in the growing process, but hopefully year by year we will continue to add a few more. Hopefully, words passed on from the former athletes will encourage others to join,” Cooper said.

Dr. Arti Pandey, MD Internist 4810 Harkey Lane Tuscaloosa, AL (behind McDonald’s on Rice Mine Rd., near Lake Tuscaloosa)

208 McFarland Circle N. Tuscaloosa, Al 35406

Office: (205) 345-7000

For Appointments: (205) 345-2000

The Northridge Reporter November 28, 2011

Beat 8

Big role, little credit piano in addition to tuba.

“We are the boom of the band, we are the pulse. Without the pulse, everything dies,” Hill said.

Michael Bearden, freshmen, has been playing since 6th grade. He said he started playing because “it’s fun, and I just liked the band.”

However, some people may not appreciate the work that goes into playing the tuba.

Mary Leigh Derry, sophomore, never really gave it any thought.

“At first I thought it was easy, until Taylor [Goodall] told me otherwise. I have a lot of respect for them, and now I really appreciate what they do. You can always hear them over everyone else. The band wouldn’t be the same without them,” Derry said.

Taylor Goodall, junior, is a person that actually knows what it takes to play tuba, Photo by Beth Allaway having spent a lot of time around the tuba Freshman Michael Bearden and junior Jimmy Hill perform as players when he played drums in the middle part of the tuba section at a football game. “We are the school band. boom of the band, we are the pulse,“ Hill said.

“It takes strong lungs for the amount of time that they play, and it takes determinahis favorite section of the band. tion and practice,” Goodall said. “The band “They always get me pumped up at the would be nothing without them.” pep rallies and the games,” Ledbetter said.

Wil Ledbetter, senior, said the tubas are

Marching band’s tuba section plays big part in pumping up students Parker Evans Staff Writer You may not have heard of them, but you have definitely heard them. They’re the marching band’s tuba section.

Jameson Hubbard, junior, Jimmy Hill, junior, and Michael Bearden, freshman, make up the tuba section.

John Cain, marching band director, said he is proud of his tuba section.

“I would put our tubas up against anyone else in the area,” Cain said.

“Jameson and Jimmy have been playing together outside of the band, and they work well together. While Michael doesn’t have the same experience, he has learned a lot in his first year,” Cain said.

Hubbard started playing the tuba in the sixth grade as a hobby. His brother, Ben, who graduated in 2010, also played tuba in marching band.

Hubbard also plays harmonica, baritone, jaw harp and some guitar.

Jimmy Hill, junior, has been playing tuba since 8th grade, but he started out playing saxophone. He also plays trumpet, trombone and

Photo by Anu Panditt TOMS shoes are a fashion trend rising in popularity. They were created with charity in mind. making different styles,” Moore said.

Mycoskie wanted to give away shoes because he wanted the children to be protected

from a disease called Podoconisis, or “mossy foot,” which affects lymphatic systems in the lower leg. Shoes can prevent this disease.

According to its website, TOMS have donated shoes in over 20 countries. By September 2010, they had donated their 1,000,000th pair of shoes.

Kinnucan’s is a store in Midtown Village that sells TOMS. Kelly Morrison, a worker at Kinnucan’s, said there is no demographic for the fact that everyone loves TOMS. “Black canvas are our most popular or houndstooth if you’re from around here,” she said.

TOMS will host “One Day Without Shoes,” a day to show the difficulty of living without shoes to raise awareness for the relief effort.

They will release the date soon.

TOMS buyers wear shoes for comfort, charity Emma Jackson Staff Writer TOMS, a shoe brand created by entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie, makes a point in their motto “One for One.” According to the TOMS blog, Mycoskie visited Argentina as part of “The Amazing Race” TV show, and after seeing the poverty and need for shoes in the country he thought of a plan to open a shoe company that would donate a pair of shoes for every one sold.

Kayla Moore, sophomore, wears TOMS. “I like the fact that every time you buy a pair of TOMS, a child in need gets a pair. I have one pair now, but I plan on going back to get another pair. I’ll keep buying them if they keep

http://northridgereporter.wordpress.com/

November 28, 2011 Volume 9 Issue 2

The boom of the band Page 8

Photos by: Beth Allaway