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The Northridge

Reporter

October 22, 2010 • Volume 8, Issue 2

Proration

for

DUMMIES

Proration: to divide, distribute, or calculate money proportionately. Applying to Tuscaloosa City schools, the cuts that have been made by the school board.

Education Trust Fund: a fund in which money is set aside for education and can’t be used for anything else Fiscal Year: any yearly period without regard to the calendar year, at the end of which finacial condition is determined.

Fiscal Year 2009 Total proration reduction in state funds results in a six million dollar loss for Tuscaloosa City Schools.

August 13, 2010 Troy King files a lawsuit against BP.

page 4

Fashion trends dominate page 9

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

financial freeze Supply cuts due to two percent proration increase anu pandit editor-in-chief

will continue to save money by conserving electricity and postponing discretionary expenditures for projects,” he said.

The federal government is providing three et ready to pay for more forks and to sources of additional revenue to partially offset share more textbooks.

Bob Riley, governor, announced the loss as well.

“The first funding source is money provided an additional proration of 2% on the Educational directly to the district in the form of ARRA Trust Fund.

For Tuscaloosa City Schools, this means Title (based on free & reduced certifications) or ARRA IDEA (Special Education specific). another one million dollars lost.

Isaac Espy, principal, said the cuts were a The second source of funds is money provided to the state and allocated to the district as “State direct result of politics related to the oil spill.

“Funds that BP set aside to make up for this Fiscal Stabilization Money.”

The third source is the Federal Jobs Bill of disaster, according to Governor Riley, are not there because of a lawsuit filed by Troy King. August 2010, which will bring two million This is a political battle, and many point to it dollars,” Ed LaVigne, chief school financial officer, said in his financial as a cause of [the ...you can’t quit, even if report. cuts],” he said. you’re struggling. No matJane Yu, sophomore, came King, Alabama’s face to face with the effects of attorney general, ter what, theres no option proration. filed a lawsuit to quit. These are kid’s “I was in the cafeteria one against BP in an lives. day, and I’d forgotten a fork. effort to regain the ~ Donna Wright, English teacher I went up to the lunch lady to revenue lost over get one, and she charged me 15 the oil spill.

Ironically, the lawsuit paralyzed ongoing cents,” she said.

Yu said that proration had a negative effect negotiations to recover the money from BP in monthly increments and resulted in BP blocking on education.

“People already don’t hold Alabama in high payment before the end of the fiscal year.

Espy said that Governor Riley disagreed esteem for education. Proration isn’t going to help remedy that,” she said. with the lawsuit but couldn’t stop King.

Donna Wright, English teacher, has had to “I presume that the general fund budget may be affected, but I do not believe that our use personal income to properly supply her students will see the effects of proration in classroom since proration began.

“I’ve had to buy the paper; I’ve already gone the classroom on a day to day basis or in the through three ink cartridges from home. We don’t general operation of the school,” Espy said.

The final proration percentage for have enough books, so I send home copies on Tuscaloosa City School’s 2010 fiscal year is paper that I buy. It’s a vicious cycle,” she said.

Wright said that although funds have been 9.5%, equivalent to a loss of nearly five million dollars in state funding, according to email sent cut, teacher’s needs haven’t.

“These supplies have to come from out to teachers by Espy.

Espy said the board of education will look somewhere. Students come up to me and for additional revenue to make up for the loss. ask for pencils, so now I pick up pencils off “Funding for education is a priority. We the floor. When I see a child throw away a

G

“

”

notebook, I dig it out of the trash can and see if there’s paper left inside,” she said. “People just don’t understand that there are things a teacher has to have.”

Wright said the shortage of funds is caused, in part, by money designated for specific purposes.

“The money is there, earmarked for something, and even if it doesn’t get spent, it’s stuck there and can’t be used for anything else. It’s hard when you use computers that are old and junky, and then see middle school kids with iMac’s,” she said.

She said a bright side was that her pay has not been cut.

“If anything, I’m still going to get my paycheck,” she said wryly.

According to the financial report sent out

by LaVigne, teachers should “feel confident that the district has adequate cash to meet this month’s payroll.”

It further stipulated that in October, the board of education will be asked to authorize a cash flow loan with the district’s bank to assure sufficient available cash for future payrolls, even when proration is declared in the new fiscal year.

Teachers should not be concerned, as this is a “normal school district operating procedure,” Espy said.

Additional funds from property tax revenues will begin to arrive in either December or January, as stated in Espy’s email.

“Historically, over 65% of our local property tax revenue arrives then and will be distributed to local government agencies,” Espy said in an email sent out to teachers.

Wright said she hopes [the financial situation] will get better.

“It’s like the myth of Sisyphus. You have this monumental task to complete, and you’re almost at the top of the mountain. Then something makes you fall, but you can’t quit, even if you’re struggling. No matter what, there’s no option to quit. These are kid’s lives,” she said.

Thoughts about proration

Fiscal Year 2010 Total proration of state funds results in a loss of five million dollars for Tuscaloosa City Schools.

Total Losses

Including losses from the 2008 fiscal year, total loss in funding approaches 11 million dollars.

isaac espy

andrew maxey assistant principal principal “It is unfor“[It’s] devastattunate, but ing. Frankly , when you’re I’m no ecoout of money, nomic expert, you’re out. but when the You can’t use economy sufmonopoly fers, of course, money.” the schools will too.”

traci watson donna wright ramsey eaton junior teacher teacher “It’s sad to think that our state and it’s government think so little of our education.”

“This state wants business and industry, but no one wants to come to Alabama if we have no education”

“A million dollars is a lot of money.

The school’s already poor, and proration doesn’t help with that.”

56 students polled compiled by mackenzie underwood

see poll on page 4

2

opinion

the northridge reporter october 22, 2010

our thoughts

Failure means state takeover

T

his is a make or break year for the school. Failure to make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the third year in a row gives the State Department the power to take over the school, making any changes they deem necessary.

AYP for the class of 2011 has already been determined by the class of 2010, but students – especially class of 2012 juniors – have a chance to improve future performance.

The Northridge Reporter encourages every member of the school to make the most of the time and technology provided, in order to meet the high standards that have already been set.

Teachers already do not utilize of the 98 minutes given to them in class. Often, teachers either attempt to stretch 45 minutes worth of material or simply fill the remaining time with the dreaded “busy work.” More comprehensive teaching techniques can help bridge the gap between the quantity of time and the quality of education. Instead of spending time on “busy work” or in unproductive silence, teachers should provide educational opportunities from bell to bell. Students also should take the initiative to be fully involved in their own education, even if it means a little more listening or a little more work.

In addition to the best use of time, we should also take advantage of the school’s technology. Teachers have been given cutting-edge tools, from Promethean Boards to Elmos, with which to provide a higher standard of education. We encourage them to use these in as many ways as possible and not let them go to waste. Students should also realize that this technology is a unique opportunity that they should not treat lightly.

The Northridge Reporter believes that the school has the potential to make AYP. We already have access to everything we need, from time to technology. The trick is to know how to use it.

We believe that if we use what we have wisely, we will undoubtedly be able to achieve the difficult task of making Northridge High School even better.

SEE STORY AND INFOGRAPHIC ON PAGE 5

staff opinion

agree (19) disagree (3)

The Northridge

Reporter

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

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

Editor-in-Chief: Entertainment Editor : Feature Editor: Opinion Editor: News Editor: Beat Editor: Sports Editors: Business Manager: Photographers: Copy Editors: Infographics Editor: Art Editors:

Anu Pandit Nick Pappas* Alex Hauser Raiha Naeem Bajwa* Samuel Yang* Laine Ellliott Brock Hartley, Regan Walker Raiha Naeem Bajwa* Brock Hartley, Nick Pappas* Renu Pandit, Maia Wade, Trent Clanton Craig First Maia Wade, Zoey Simpson, Trent Clanton

Staff Writers: Foster Beck, Elli Cauthen, Madison Fraser, Brooke Houston, Maddy Ingram, Justin Jackson, SaVanna McLaughlin, Claire Nicholson, James Roberts, Chelsea Shepard, Alexandra Stewart, Destiny Stewart, Sami Story, MacKenzie Underwood, Adviser: Susan Newell*

*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 if you wish to advertise in or subscribe to The Northridge Reporter.

Editorial Policy: The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are those of the students and not of the faculty or administration of Northridge High School or the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education.

It is the policy of The Northridge Reporter to publish all non-obscene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. All letters must be submitted to Mrs. Newell in room 109. The Northridge Reporter reserves the right to edit letters and verify allegations.

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.

109 class roster

craig first

Innocent junior finds feud silly nick pappas entertainment editor On the night of the Sept. 30 bonfire, some juniors vandalized some cars or did something that really annoyed the seniors.

Although I am a junior, I did not know about what happened until I arrived at school on the morning of the Homecoming game.

I didn’t realize that painting other people’s cars was a rite of passage when you became a senior.

The senior class was a bit frazzled by the junior class’s little prank, so much so that they did the unthinkable: they complained about it on Twitter.

Here’s my summarization of all of the tweets that I have read: “Juniors, we know you want to be seniors, but you don’t own anything. And you can’t spell. And you need to stop being so immature! Jeez.”

Let’s take this apart bit by bit.

I don’t want to be a senior.

I am perfectly happy with who I am.

I feel like if I could, I would stay a junior forever.

Despite my 81 in Mr. Johnson’s pre-calculus class, I have to say junior year has been my favorite of my high school career thus far.

I’ve also discovered I really enjoy graphic design, which I’m probably going to minor in when I get to pappas college.

Speaking of college, I know when senior year rolls around I won’t be too excited about applying for colleges, arguing with my parents (and Tuscaloosa) about my curfew, and an overall indifference towards schoolwork in general.

Let’s face it; senior year is not that great.

This belief that the senior class owns the school is ridiculous.

You may be the oldest, but that doesn’t mean that only you get to have fun.

Now, I take the shot at my abil-

ity to spell rather personally.

The vandalism that occurred on that fateful night was not written by the junior class as a whole, but rather, by a small group of juniors.

After I didn’t spell the word ‘ginger’ right in my third grade Spelling Bee (“G-I-N-E-R”), I became somewhat of a spelling Obama.

(Yes, that was a joke about Obama being Hitler.)

I talked to my friend about the typo.

“Oops! That was me,” he said.

Oh, now for my favorite: Immaturity!

I don’t have much to say about this, except, if you’re going to complain about a group of people (who, by the way, are only a year younger than you) being immature, and say things like “Why don’t you just say this stuff to our faces?” I would suggest that you don’t do it over Twitter.

Being part of the innocent party, I think both classes could use a little growing up.

Jeez.

your thoughts

School lunch system irritates student lunch food isn’t very good during certain shifts.

Fourth shift lunch students say “they were running out I would like to state my of food and opinion on the the foods are lunch food and looking like prices. leftovers.

There are Also, students many students can’t go to who complain another place about lunch. and come back.

The prices So since we this year are can’t go and too high; many get food from students can’t somewhere keep constantly paying for lunch jones else, the lunch food should be everyday at these prices. The

cooked and served right, and they should have more food for fourth shift lunch.

Thank you.

TALK TO US The Northridge Reporter welcomes letters to the editor.

Bring yours to room 109.

opinion

the northridge reporter october 22, 2010

Wasted newspapers angers student journalist alexandra stewart staff writer “Yes!” I thought to myself as I saw all of the cardboard boxes come in, full of what was in store for me as well as all of the other students at Northridge, “The paper had finally arrived!”

Excitedly, I pushed through the other newspaper students, trying to get a paper, so I could see what stories of mine went in, and who else’s stories went in, as well as the amazing page designs.

I’m always so excited to see the paper and to have the opportunity to hand out papers to all of the students who look forward to this day, like me; I enjoy seeing the enthusiastic and anticipating looks in their eyes, waiting to see what big stories are in this issue.

I felt like a little child on Christmas, as I waited with my fellow students to hand out the paper during my first lunch shift.

“Ding! Ding! Ding,” sounded the bell, and all of the students rushed in, rushing to get in the lunch line or to steal a spot next

to their best friend, excited even more when they see that the paper has arrived.

We handed out papers, and waited for the next lunch shift to approach. As we waited, I walked around and picked up all the papers that had been thrown away or tossed onto the ground.

Being the optimistic person I am, I assumed there would only be about maybe two or stewart three papers lying around. Suddenly, I felt my face turn from a huge smile to a saddening frown, as I saw the piles of newspapers in the trash can and on the floor. As I picked up the papers that were not damaged, to pass out to the next shift, I shrugged it off, thinking that surely the next lunch shift will not be quite as bad, but sadly, I was mistaken.

After passing out papers at the next lunch shift, I walked around the courtyard to collect any papers lying around. I felt my heart sink, as I saw what lie in front of me; a wonderful copy of the Northridge Reporter, completely torn to shreds.

Senior goes through horrors to get her “suggies” brooke houston staff writer

art by trent clanton I was extremely disappointed and felt quite hurt having to see how many papers had been wasted in the trash or torn to shreds, like the one that I found. It made me sad to see the paper like this, knowing how much hard work was put into making the pages and writing the stories.

As disappointed as I was however, I am still thankful for all of the devoted readers and fans that we have for the paper, and I still look forward to the day that the next paper comes out and giving it to the students.

But next time you’re about to ball up a newspaper and throw it away, take into consideration the hard work and preparation put into making the paper happen.

Politicians can take cues from reality TV samuel yang news editor It’s election time (again). It’s the time of year when America votes for a champion based on their talent, their personality, their charm, their identity (or the one they’ve cooked up), and sometimes more than we like to admit, their looks and sob stories.

Sound familiar?

Yeah, that’s pretty much the way American Idol works too.

Based on Congress’ historically and dangerously low approval ratings, it may seem that whatever we’ve been doing isn’t working out. Maybe it’s time take some cues from America’s favorite reality show (I’m sorry, Representative Smith, you’re in Alabama’s Bottom Two tonight.)

After all, American Idol winners are notorious for playing up to their audiences and voting demographics on their first albums. Forget artistry and innovation; what their new best friends decided we need is a big, soaring anthem and then a really fast, really catchy tell-off. Critics call it a sellout; they call it a tribute to their voters. Let’s give them a chance to ignore us (Kelly can rock! Fantasia can sang! Carrie can be mad! Taylor can continue to do what he’s been doing under the radar.) and ask the politicians to try that instead. Really, it would be to their advantage. After all, our votes keep them around – maybe not on a weekly basis, but they are

our public servants.

What America needs is a strong leader who can rise above it all and follow the higher road, do what’s right no matter what anybody says, while maintaining integrity and humility. In the absence of that, we’ll take the next best thing: A politician who sucks up to us. Well, maybe not sucks up, but at least a politician who pays attention to us after we vote them into office. A lot of politicians right now seem to think yang they’re above the rest of the American people and they seem to think the job comes with a get-out-of-jail-freecard. Recent legally-challenged politicians have reminded us that it’s more of a get-out-of-jail-witha-criminally-minimal-sentenceat-the-taxpayer’s-expense but the fact that so many politicians are starting to think they break the law or act in big ways against big opposition says a lot about their mindsets.

If anybody gets to ignore the public and do what they want after they win, it’s our American Idols.

Our politicians need to keep listening to us.

If you’re curious, by the way, what the judging on America’s Next Top Senator would

3

sound like, here’s a preview: Randy Jackson: Yo, dawg, that was hot. That was hot. I mean, it was little pitchy in the middle there, but I played bass for [major celebrity] and you’ve got that quality.

Simon Cowell: Uh, I don’t think it was that good. It was an improvement, but – oh stop booing – it was just alright. It was a little like legislative wallpaper – I don’t know that I’ll remember it next week.

And our favorite bubbly choreographer?

Paula Abdul: I just, oh, I just – you know, you’re what this show’s about. I just see you growing every week and it’s so great to watch and you just look so beautiful tonight and I – and – and – and – you know, America loves you.

But, unless something changes in the way a lot of our politicians are treating us, she’ll still be wrong.

The first time I saw my little baby girls, I instantly knew that it was going to be a long road to tame them. As I looked in their wire cage, I heard something that sounded like a broken windup toy having a temper tantrum. Being the stubborn person I am, I reached my hand in there and the little stinker attacked me!

From before I was a freshman, I knew I had to have those precious little sugar gliders. The way they slept in my pocket and the way they looked at me with those big black eyes-I just couldn’t resist them.

Now, the time has finally come.

I am in Zoology! The second I got into the classroom on the first day I yelled, “Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Shaw!

Can we reserve the suggies?”

Judging by her response, I am sure about 20 other people had run up to her and asked her the same question that same day.

From that moment, I knew there were only two things standing between me and my babies; my parents and those students who wanted them as bad as I did.

I did excessive searching on the internet for about a month for any breeder of these interesting little creatures.

I finally found this woman who would give me two gliders and a cage for $325. I thought it was a little pricey but hey, these guys came from Australia so what the heck!

Right as I was about to close the deal, another person e-mailed me and said that he would give me the same thing for $250.

I e-mailed him back right away and said DONE!

I did it! I got the suggies!

Going to pick them up was quite a journey. My boyfriend, Jacob, and I had to drive all the way to the north side of Birmingham, Alabama to a truck stop to meet the breeder.

Super sketchy, I know! We got there an hour early because both of us were hoping that for some reason the man would show up early.

“I’ll be in a turquoise car.” Those were the only words I had to houston identify this person.

Exactly an hour later, a turquoise car pulled up next to me, and the man in the driver’s seat nodded at me. I turned to my boyfriend and said, “I guess this is it!”

The moment I saw them my heart melted. They were everything I had dreamed of; I mean, except the part when they bite me.

Anyway, we got them in the back seat of the car in their cage and the whole one hour, 10 minute drive back all we heard was “waa waa waa waa waa waa waa.”

As soon as I got home, I was so anxious to hold them that I just reached my hand in there, and I bet you can guess what happened.

One of them bit the fire out of me. Did that discourage me? Of course, not!

I just kept on trying because if I backed down that would show the glider that it is dominant over me and that is not how I roll.

About a week later, I started writing this and guess who sat in my lap the whole time I was writing this? Yes, my baby. She was in a T-shirt, of course, so she didn’t get away, but we have made so much progress in less than a week!

photos by samuel yang Houston works to get her sugar glider to take a picture. The glider was very uncooperative. Look for a follow-up column in the next issue.

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news

LIFE YOUNGLIFE WYLDLIFE SHARPTOP ASSASSINS

the northridge reporter october 22, 2010

snapshot

CHRISTIAN STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN STUDIES, CAMPS AND MURDER

ife

oung

(not really)

maddy ingram staff writer

A

ttendance at YoungLife, a Christian group that meets at a different member’s house every Monday night, reached record numbers at the beginning of the year with 114 attendees, in comparison to the 20 to 30 students they averaged when they began.

Ashley Rumanek, a YoungLife leader, has been involved in YoungLife for six years.

“Every year, our numbers have grown, and this year we’ve been experiencing our largest crowds ever,” she said.

Allison Barger, sophomore, attends regularly.

“I go to socialize with my friends, to make new friends and to learn about Jesus,” she said.

The national organization began in 1941 but was started in the fall of 2005 in Tuscaloosa by Mike Buckalew.

“I enjoy the opportunities I have through YoungLife to share Jesus with teenagers,” she said. “I love that high school [students] get to know their leaders and experience a consistency from them that [the leaders] have all experienced from God.” Another regular attendee is freshman Natalie Cignetti.

“When I go to YoungLife it puts me in a good mood. Every time I go it is more fun than the last,” she said. “I like the songs and the skits, but I love getting to hang out with all of my friends.”

WYLD SHARP TOP LIFE COVE

brock hartley sports editor

F

ive years ago Wyldlife came to Tuscaloosa as a Christian outreach to middle school students.

Every Thursday night middle school students go to a different house to play games, skits and sing songs to worship.

Afterwards, one of the thirteen Wyldlife leaders gives a fifteen minute message to the middle school students.

Harris Busby, junior, has been attending Wyldlife since the sixth grade and is now one of the new Wyldlife leaders.

“I have always wanted to be involved with Wyldlife because I go to Younglife which is basically the same thing except college students are the leaders,” he said.

Greg Singleton, sophomore, helps lead Wyldlife because when he was young his brother was a Wyldlife leader.

“I really wanted to be a Wyldlife leader because my brother told me it was a great opportunity to get involved with the younger kids to help them get ready for high school,” he said.

High school leaders tailgate with the middle school students before Northridge games.

Joe Limbaugh, senior, really thinks Wyldlife is a good way to become a better person.

“We really just want to show middle school students a good example and to live life in the eyes of God,” he said.

savanna mclaughlin staff writer

S

harptop Cove, a Younglife sponsored camp, took place on Oct. 1-3 in Georgia.

“Sharptop is a Christian related event that provides a getaway for young people to build relationships and have fun,” Courtney Plott, junior, said.

Set in the foothills of the Appalachians, Sharptop has everything from skits, zip line and games.

“There’s so much to do at Sharptop. We have club, which is basically where we watch funny skits and sing songs, and we also have a dress up day,” Wesley Walker, senior, said.

Some students, like junior Whit Chambers, left after the homecoming dance to be a part of this event.

“I want to keep going back every year. You grow closer with people that may not be in your regular circle of friends,” he said. “It’s definitely worth experiencing.”

WHAT

YOUNGLIFE DOES

photo by susan newell The football team plays the Gardendale Rockets for Homecoming on Oct. 1. The Rockets, no. 9 in the state, were picked to win, but Bo Scarborough, freshman, and Antonio Easterwood, junior, scored three times for a 19-10 win that was covered by local FOX and CBS sports television.

Half day approved foster beck staff writer

Having a national championship winning football team at a university in your town can have a big impact on things, even things such as school.

The school board has voted to have a half day on Nov. 18, for the Alabama vs. Georgia State football game at 6:30 p.m.

Kelly Burnham, freshman, likes the idea of having a half day for the game.

“I think this way because school can be a very stressful environment, and a break would be beneficial to everyone,” Burnham said.

This will give students who are Alabama fans a chance to be able to enjoy watching the game, and a safer way to get home.

Sena Stewart, District 3 Board Representative, was in favor of having a half day.

“The football games bring

so many additional people into Tuscaloosa causing traffic congestion.

Many of our students live close to campus and the buses have routes in these areas. It was felt that it would be safer to dismiss school earlier so all students would be at home when the heaviest traffic started. Also, the school board typically tries to align our schedule with the University,” Stewart said. The schools will dismiss in forty minute increments, starting with high schools at 11:30 a.m.

“The reason that high school will dismiss first is that older students will arrive home before their younger brothers and sister in case the parents aren’t home yet. I think this was a good decision by the board because we certainly want to take every step necessary to keep out students safe while being transported to and from school,” Stewart said.

the board

SEE STORY ON PAGE ONE

holds meetings for an average of 80 students every week runs Wyldlife, a ministry for middle school students. Thirteen leaders attend the school. sponsors Sharptop Cove, a camp in October

Assassins

Game pits ‘killers’ against each other renu pandit copy editor

P

eople stare at Hannah Starnes, freshman, as she runs through the courtyard screaming.

She lets out a final yelp when Hallie Young, freshman, catches up to her and sprays her with water.

“Assassins is a game played

by YoungLife,” Starnes said.

“When you get a target you

have to kind of stalk them and find out where they are, then you spray them with water to kill them.”

Ashley Rumanek, a YoungLife leader, is the coordinator of Assassins.

“I text the kids their targets, and when they kill their target I get them a new one,” Rumanek said.

Only kids in high school can play Assassins.

“There are other rules too,”

Rumanek said. “You can’t kill your target during school, during after school activities, at church or at YoungLife meetings.”

This is the second year that it is being played.

There are two people left in the game, Lauren CurtnerSmith, freshman, and John Cameron Wilhite, senior.

Wilhite won last year, and Curtner-Smith said she wants to be the first freshman to ever win.

infographic by samuel yang information compiled by nick pappas

news

the northridge reporter october 22, 2010

MAKE OR BREAK

Third year of SIS critical for school The CIP or Continuous Improvement Plan team, is made up of the school’s department heads, counselor Elizabeth Tiley, Vice-Principal Anthony Maxey AYP. Every school year, those three and Principal Isaac Espy.

They meet monthly to determine what letters determine an alphabet soup of changes. Whether NHS will have SIS the school needs to improve.

“We didn’t make AYP in reading [last and whether our CIP team will have to work on our AHSGE scores to meet year],” Hudgins said, pulling up the statistics available on the school’s web site. the standards of NCLB. T h e AYP stands numbers for Adequate There are so many things are plugged Yearly Progress you’re fighting against. into a chart and according to with colored guidance counselor ~Jacqueline Hudgins, counselor blocks, Jacqueline Hudgins indicating is dependent on the school’s performance on the AHSGE, whether or not the standard was met; or Alabama High School Graduation red for no, green for yes, like a statistical Exams, in reading and math, as well Christmas present.

Hudgins said NCLB or the No Child as the school’s graduation rate.

“We have to continue to perform Left Behind Act was the “legislation that better than the year before,” she said. created standards for determining AYP.” The act requires that states “Sometimes, when you have down years, you have to improve AYP use standardized assessments for determining AYP, but Hudgins said consistently for two years.”

The school has had two down years there were “fluctuations from state to in a row, making this year two of state.”

“No Child Left Behind’s intentions “school improvement,” the second year that the school has had SIS or were good, but sometimes unrealistic,” School Improvement Status. A third she said. “There are so many things down year would give the State you’re fighting against.”

Hudgins said the school is now Department the power to come in and providing extra resources like tutoring to take over the school.

Hudgins said the State Department’s help students but that early age literacy was important. mentality is one of change.

Senior Anondo Banerjee said AYP “If you can’t change the kids, and you can’t change the population or the building, “didn’t benefit anyone.”

“It’s kind of a vicious cycle,” he said. then what can you change?” she said. samuel yang news editor

“

”

Frank M. Cauthen, Jr. attorney at law

phone (205)349-4101 fax (205)349-4189 fcauthen@bellsouth.net 601 Greensboro Avenue Alston Place, Suite 1-A Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

He said the school had difficulty making progress because its standard was higher to begin with.

“We do better than most schools,” he said. “You really have to work to make Northridge even better.”

Hudgins said some of the original graduation rates were inaccurate. When Central High School split, all dropouts from the first graduating classes were counted against the school where the students’ spent their freshman year, giving the new Northridge and Bryant High Schools exceptionally high graduation rates.

Even now, AYP is determined relatively to the previous years’ performance.

Next year’s AYP is determined by the performance of this year’s juniors.

“As far as what students can do, [they can] stay in school and graduate on time,” she said.

Students will have an opportunity in March, and finally in August, to pass the graduation exam. Hudgins said that even though it may be too late to change this year’s AYP, it is still important to focus on areas of weakness and maintain strengths. This year’s performance will define next year’s AYP. This year’s AYP will make the difference between a third down year – and potential takeover by the State Department – and escaping School Improvement Status. The scores and rates for determining that, though, are the scores and rates of the class of 2010.

“It’s all written in the books already,” Hudgins said.

Guidebook

to

5

AYP

Adequate Yearly Progress

(n): Consistent progress on the AHSGE and rate of graduation

SIS

School Improvement Status

(n): “Down year;” three years of SIS gives the State Department the power to come in and make changes

CIP

Continuous Improvement Plan (n): CIP team is made up of department heads, counselors, Vice-Principal and Principal

NCLB

No Child Left Behind

(n): Legislation that created requirements and standards for AYP SEE EDITORIAL ON PAGE 2 FOLLOW-UP IN NOVEMBER

208 McFarland Circle N. Tuscaloosa, Al 35406

Office: (205) 345-7000

For Appointments: (205) 345-2000

NORTH RIVER

Doctors

Burgess & Simpson

221 Rice Mine Rd NE #A 1825 McFarland BLVD N #D Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 205-758-3341

6

feature

the northridge reporter october 22, 2010

Teachers make use of new tecnology nick pappas entertainment editor

work on their activities,” she said, “and then they can e-mail it to me.”

Beemer said this will help students prepare n a fluorescent-lit classroom, penguins for college, when more classes are taken with dance crisply across a projection on a online aspects involved. white board.

“And it saves paper,” she said.

Students laugh as Scott Johnson, math There are long-term goals Beemer said she teacher, uses an Elmo, a Japanese camera, hopes to achieve with the access lab. and a Smart Board to present penguins to his “The end goal is to get a student class, and also to teach them math. somewhere else in the state to take the class “I like the Elmo because it’s a cross with Interactive Video Conferencing,” she between a white board and an overhead said. “There are cameras so we can see them, projector, without the mess of markers or and they can see us.” grease pencils,” Johnson said, “or whatever Summer Atkins, senior, took French III we used.” with Beemer in the fall Some teachers don’t... know- of 2009.

In addition to the what a chalkboard is.

Elmo, Johnson also uses “The class [was] a Smart Board when ~Scott Johnson, math teacher more interesting,” she teaching calculus. said. “When you’re in “It’s nice to [be able to] just project the there with all that technology, it’s not so internet on the screen,” he said. monotonous and bland.”

Alex Heatherly, junior, said he likes the Atkins said there were some drawbacks.

Elmo during Johnson’s class.

“The laptops’ battery would always go “[The Elmo] is clearer and it’s not as down thirty minutes into class,” she said. plain and boring,” he said. “[I] can see what Even with all the new technology, Johnson [Johnson] is doing better.” said he misses some of the old.

Barbara Beemer, French teacher, uses the “I liked chalk boards,” he said. “[They] access lab to teach her upper level French weren’t as messy.” classes.

The chalk board also offered entertainment Although she is the only teacher who uses for students. the access lab right now, she said she thinks “Kids could clap the erasers,” Johnson other teachers are training to use it. said. “[They] don’t get to do that anymore.”

“I just want it for one class a day,” she said.

Teachers from a younger generation missed The access lab has an Elmo, a smart board, out on the joys of the chalk board. two large televisions and 30 lap tops.

“Some teachers don’t even know what a “The students can sit at their own desk and chalk board is,” he said.

I

“

New technology in classrooms Number of Elmo projectors - 8 Number of Promethean boards -5 Number of reading pens - 40

combiled by craig first picture by maddy ingram illustration by alex hauser

”

feature

the northridge reporter october 22, 2010

New technology added while old computers struggle samuel yang news editor

T

he white board is dead. At least, it seems like it sometimes.

With the rise of the Elmo – a sleek, white recording magnifier – teachers can jot something on a sheet of paper on their desk and project it onto the wall.

If they prefer, they can calibrate their Promethean board, an unassuming rolling board that becomes a touch screen companion to a computer, complete with virtual marker set and eraser.

Marcia Irvin, media specialist, works with Vice Principal Andrew Maxey, whom she calls a “techproficient guru,” to work new technology into the school’s classroom instruction.

“We are moving towards new technology,” she said.

“We don’t want to be behind.”

Irvin said she looks for technology that is “inventive and beneficial to instruction.”

Two Promethean boards and seven Elmos are used, alongside other smaller tools designed to improve instruction.

“We look at all the things that are out there,” she said.

“We…always keep our ears open for new things.”

Old computers create headaches Irvin works in the school’s library, where – in contrast to the cutting edge technology around the school – five-year old computers are faithfully chugging away, often dying or requiring repair.

The eight-year-old computers in teachers’ classrooms are the ones that Irvin said “are in the worst shape.”

“We patch what we have and make it work,” she said.

She said the addition of new software to old computers that have a “hard time handling it” keep her “battling.”

“It’s an uphill climb to keep everything up and running,” she said.

Irvin said the school’s funds are being “[focused] on newer technology because the district hopefully in the next year will be replacing computers.”

“The school board as a whole is responsible for replacing computers,” she said.

The city schools are on a leasing option with Dell, and the schools are on a three-year cycle rotation.

After the first rotation, the school received new computers that went to the library, computer labs and administration.

The second rotation coincided with the opening of the Southview Elementary and Middle Schools.

The third rotation, effective next year, will probably not yield any computers either, as the board is in proration.

“They couldn’t buy any computers for anybody,” Irvin said. “The first time [we missed it], we had bad timing. The economy got us the second time.”

Title I provides funding Last year, the state did not provide technology funding to the school “at all.” The school’s Title I funds were the “only source of possible funding,” Irvin said. “[We’re trying to] use money as wisely and efficiently as possible,” she said.

The resulting purchases were mostly distributed to English and Math classes,

because Title I funds are said. “If I was in the position designated to improve math and to, I would fix the computers reading initiatives, she said. and then move on to newer Irvin said the school is technology.” looking for the most “bang Andrews said she could for the buck” when it selects “learn without the new technology, using a bid technology,” but that Elmos process. were “very helpful.” “[We look at how the She said the school board technology] fits into the should “focus on the basics” school, the We have something when it came curriculum to funding for everybody. and we look and repairing at its cost,” ~Marcia Irvin, librarian technology. she said.

Irvin said “[We look for] direct links the school’s emphasis on to instruction.” new technology did not On Oct. 1, new “reading equal giving up on the old pens” were debuted. technology.

Irvin said the device was “We can’t give up on the useful for students who were old,” she said. “We don’t reading below grade level or have funds to replace them.” learning English as a second There is no sign yet that language. the computer is going the The same day, a third way of the printing press or Promethean board was given of the mimeograph, and no to math teacher Lytrice sign that the old always goes Washington. out when the new comes in.

The math department, Spreading her hands and because of its Title I laughing, Irvin looked at connections, already had a her library with its mix of number of Elmos. computers and encyclopedias Junior Emily Andrews and said, “We have something said she had teachers who for everybody.” used their Elmos and “You don’t need a computer. teachers who fought with You can always pick up a their dying computers. book,” she said. “We have “I think they should fix the shelves and shelves of books. essentials first,” Andrews We still love books.”

“

”

error

Computer problems hinder classroom learning Regan Walker Assistant Sports Editor

Graves said the school board should make sure the computers are working. “[They need to] make sure they don’t have viruses and ome computers in the school are as old as eight years make sue the internet is working,” she said. old.

Clark said the school “should just get new computers.”

Andrew Maxey, assistant principal, said the school has been “At the beginning of the school year, we were a couple of working with the city schools technology center to fix them. days behind all the other classes because of login problems,” “The main solution is that [the school] needs new she said computers,” Maxey said. “We will get them when we have Graves said the class cannot always get its work done. money to buy them.”

“Sometimes, I’m happy because I don’t have to do my work Alexis Graves, freshman, said the internet and sometimes, I’m mad because I If I could fix them, they in her computer class does not work at want to get done with my work.” would be fixed... times.

Edward LaVigne is in charge of the ~Patricia Fuller, BTA teacher funds for the city schools and said Meagan Clark, freshman, also has a computer class. that the computers are a top priority “In the first few weeks of school the computers wouldn’t let for education when they are used as a tool. us log in, so we had to restart the computers,” she said. “[The main reason the school doesn’t have new computers] Patricia Fuller, BTA teacher, said Zen Works was the is because of the economy,” LaVigne said. “It is more source of the login problems. She said she also has network important to have a good teacher in front of the classroom problems. instead of a whole bunch of new computers with a teacher “[Also], MicroType doesn’t load properly,” she said. that doesn’t know how to work them.”

In order to fix to get her computre fixed, she has to fill out Fuller said she did not know why the computers were broken. a support form on the computer.

“If I could fix them, they would be fixed yesterday,” she “It’s an issue for the central office,” she said. said.

S

“

”

7

8Last Harry Potter film generates hype entertainment

nick pappas entertainment editor The Harry Potter film series will begin to end on Nov. 19 with the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.

This film is the first in the series to be split into two parts.

Steve Kloves, scriptwriter for the film, said the film was split into two parts because of the large amount of material in the books.

Kloves said it would be too difficult to realize all the needed material in just one film.

Maggie Snead, junior, said she is

excited for the film. “[I’ve watched the preview], like, 35 times,” Snead said.

She said she has read the series twice (“That’s kind of disappointing isn’t it?” she said.) and she “love[s] Harry Potter.” “[I like Harry Potter] because I like reading and it’s a different world,” she said. “It’s complicated, and it takes thinking. It’s magical.”

Snead said she has already started planning for the movie’s release.

“I’ll probably get there ten hours early and make friends with the people in line, like last year,” she said.

Brooke Seawell, junior and Snead’s

friend, said every so often she gets a familiar text from her. “[Snead] watches the Harry Potter Marathon Weekend on ABC Family every time it comes on,” Seawell said.

Snead said she always sends a text to Seawell on the marathon weekends, so she won’t expect any plans.

“I own all of [the films], [so] I don’t know why I wait for [those] weekend[s],” Snead said.

Ryheim Miller, junior, said he likes the movies because he “likes magic.”

“The first [films] were alright, but now they keep adding new stuff. It’s not the same old thing over and over again,” he said.

photos by Warner Bros.

Three of the fifteen promotional photos released on Sept. 22. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released on Nov. 19 across the country. “It’s going to be awesome, it’s going to be sick, it’s going to be wicked,” Jamison Herrington, junior said.

July 31, 1991: Harry Potter celebrates 11th birthday. Receives letter from Hogwarts.

November, 1992: Harry speaks Parseltongue for the first time, learns how unique it is.

June, 1992: Harry and friends discover Professor Quirrell working with Lord Voldemort, defeat him.

the northridge reporter october 22, 2010

review: Potter series inspires musical alex hauser feature editor

It’s the YouTube sensation sweeping the nation.

With over 2,000,000 hits, A Very Potter Musical has taken over the Harry Potter fan base since its internet release July 5, 2009. It started out as a group of college students who call themselves Team Starkid. They performed this self-written, two-act musical at the University of Michigan for around 300 viewers. Afterwards, it was put on YouTube for their friends and family to see, where it is viewed by millions.

A Very Potter Musical spirals through Harry’s second semester at Hogwarts, combining elements from most of the books. It contains a unique plot, although it sticks with details every Potter fan knows and loves.

Harry meets all of his friends back for his second year at Hogwarts only to be faced with several new and familiar obstacles.

The play creatively transitions through the story with witty dialogue, catchy songs and more developed characters.

Darren Criss portrays Harry as a “twelve-yearold superhero.” He’s a guitar playing, songwriting, loveable character who is adored by all.

Harry’s best friend Ron Weasley is played

Harry Potter Through the Ages A brief history of important events in Harry Potter’s life leading

November, 1993: Harry passes out during the Gryffendor-Hufflepuff game because of dementors.

up to the Deathly Hallows

June 6, 1994: Harry and friends discover Sirius Black is his godfather, helps him escape execution.

June 24, 1995: Harry wins the Triwizard tournament, Edward Cullen is killed.

by Joey Richter, who brings the character to life, magnifying his loyalty to Harry and love of Hermione.

Ron’s love interest Hermione Granger, played by Bonnie Gruesen, is the same frumpy, frizzy-haired, girl from the books. She loves school and uses her ever growing knowledge to help Harry with his troubles.

The antagonist, Draco Malfoy, portrayed by Lauren Lopez, is the most altered character compared to the books.

He (or she) is the only character that keeps the traditional British accent, and now is transformed into a whiny boy whose only goals in life are to get accepted into Pigfarts and to make Harry’s life miserable.

A Very Potter Musical’s publicity has grown since its release in 2009, and on July 22, 2010, its followup, A Very Potter Sequel, was released.

Unexpectedly, the sequel received good reviews from fans of the original.

Fans even started asking for a “threequel,” wanting more for their Starkid fix.

Although there is no news of a “threequel,” it has been announced that Darren Criss will be on the TV show Glee.

The musical seems to be better than the actual Harry Potter books themselves.

June, 1996: Sirius Black is killed in a battle at the Ministry of Magic, Harry screams a lot.

August 12, 1995: Harry is almost expelled for using magic outside of Hogwarts, name cleared.

timeline compiled and designed by nick pappas

June, 1997: The Death Eaters infiltrate Hogwarts Albus Dumbledore is killed, Harry screams more.

Lil Wayne fans cry ‘Free Weezy’ savanna mclaughlin staff writer

Since Lil Wayne was put in jail on March 8, people have been asking for his release, most noticeably through T-shirts and bracelets with a cry to “FREE WEEZY.” Sophomore Amanda Burns is a self-proclaimed “Lil Wayne fanatic” and said she likes him because he is a lyrical genius. “[Lil Wayne is] creative and no one can rap like him,” Burns said. “The message he sends out isn’t that great, but who cares?”

Burns said “no one is on [her] level,” and the “Free

Weezy” movement is more for the masses.

“I think ‘Free Weezy’ has turned into a bit of a trend,” she said.

Dallis McCain, senior, said Lil Wayne’s influence was negative, but he loves his music.

“It’s not his job to be a role model. He is just here for the enjoyment of good music,” McCain said.

Hillcrest senior Quadeem Ali Hassan’s political views on Facebook are set to “Lil Wayne for president.”

“For some, ‘Free Weezy’ is just a trend, but [I] take him being away [as] missing [a] part of [my life],” Hassan said.

Salad, Sandwich, Cake

photo by nick pappas “People are craving [Lil Wayne’s] music,” Whit Chambers, junior, said. “He’s creative and his lyrics are deep and really thought out.”

205 University Blvd.

(205) 758-2455

entertainment

the northridge reporter october 22, 2010

kendrick

gustus

stallworth

in memoriam:

johnson

Burke remembered sam yang news editor

photo by mackenzie underwood

photo by nick pappas

photo by mackenzie underwood

Oct. 10 was not a good day to be a legendary singer – or, for that matter, a listener of great music.

Only two days after acclaimed soprano Joan Sutherland died, gospel royalty Albertina Walker passed away at 81. No matter what your feelings about opera or gospel, it is just about impossible to deny their impact. I think, though, that those cursed with a tin ear or heart of stone would still be moved by King of Rock ‘n Soul Solomon Burke, who also died on Oct. 10 at 70.

Burke’s peerless voice possessed fervent evidence of his youth as a wonder-boy gospel preacher but was tempered by a keening blues edge and an otherworldly character few other soul

photo by regan walker

Students, teachers discuss fashion regan walker sports editor

When Jasemine Johnson, junior, walks into a store, she is thinking about the season.

“You have to look for certain things every time the season changes,” Johnson said.

Wearing a white blouse that has a black and silver waist belt attached to it, a pair of black pants and accessories that matched every aspect of her outfit, Johnson described her process of how she picked out her clothes when she goes shopping. “[When I am shopping, I ask myself], ‘is it cute,’ and ‘can I wear it with something later,?’” Johnson said.

Johnson said she also asks herself if it follows the dress code and if it looks good to her.

“I have to abide by the dress code but the clothes have to look good,” Johnson said. “[I pick out] my pants first because if you pick out your pants you can find your shirt easily.”

Johnson said that sew-ins, rain boots and Levis are very popular for girls right now.

Erin Kendrick, junior, said she always goes straight for jewelry stores.

“My favorite part of every outfit that I wear is jewelry,” Kendrick said.

Wearing a white blouse with a floral pattern and blue skinny jeans, Kendrick said that she buys her clothes to express her personality.

“I don’t really follow what’s in magazines,”

she said.

LaDarius Stallworth, junior, said Levi’s jeans are in style. “[I follow what’s in fashion] because I don’t want to walk around in last season’s style,” Stallworth said.

Stallworth said that when he is buying clothes he asks himself “does it look good on me?”

“Why would I buy clothes and I don’t have anything to wear with it,” Stallworth said. “[I ask myself if it looks good to me] because they are my clothes and I don’t care about the dress code.”

Wearing a long sleeve collar shirt with khaki shorts, Maxwell Gustus described what he thought was in style. Gustus said he buys clothes that go with his personality. “[I try to match my own personality] because I don’t care what people think,” Gustus said. “[I buy what looks good to me] because I know what I buy goes by the dress code.” “[I think] dark jeans and Polo shirts are in style [as well as Toms and graphic T-shirts],” Gustus said.

Debra Downs, Spanish teacher, said she doesn’t dress casually even when she’s at home. “[When I’m dressing for school] I dress professional and incorporate my own little personal twist to my outfit because that’s my personality,” Downs said.

She said she likes the dress code because teachers should dress professionally.

photo by carrie nguyen Concentrating on their next moves, Sungjae Cho, senior and Cameron Conner, senior, play chess and look stylish. “[I wear] whatever fits me well, bright colors usually,” Conner said. “I’m not that good at fashion.”

The Classroom Blah, blah, blah.

So that’s the right answer.

w Wo

x+3=0 x=-3

It’s hot in here.

Hey, Mrs. Teacher!

Can you turn the air conditioner on?

math, math, math.

10 minutes later That feels a lot better!

ON

Another 10 minutes later S-s-so C-C-COLD

singers could summon.

He set this voice to soul standards that were covered by Otis Redding and The Rolling Stones, though he himself never had the same success.

In 2002, he made an electrifying comeback with the near-perfect, Grammy Award-winning Don’t Give Up on Me. He released four more albums and has another one, Hold on Tight, due out posthumously this month.

Don’t Give Up on Me was one of the first CDs I bought, and I can testify to having spent more than a few late nights working, falling asleep or just thinking to his soul-drenched power, hoping that one of his 21 children, 90 grandchildren or 19 great-grandchildren inherited just an ounce of his talent.

Long live the King.

review:

M. Night’s latest try, decent maia wade copy editor

photo by nick pappas Kate Davis, junior, said she tries to have an earthy style with her outfits.

10 minutes later

9

Sure.

The movie Devil, based on a story by M. Night Shyamalan, came to theatres on Sept. 17.

The entire plot is foreshadowed by a story told by a religious security guard, the narrator.

The story goes that, occasionally, the devil will unite people destined for hell. He then traps and tortures them before gathering their souls.

The story kicks off when five people united by their murky pasts meet in an elevator (the cameras of which are being manned by the narrator).

The elevator conveniently breaks down, and mayhem ensues.

As I sat down to watch the film, I had my doubts.

At a different movie, I had seen the trailer. When Shyamalan’s name flashed on screen, the audience literally groaned.

H ow ever, d e s p i t e his more recent (and unpopular) work, I was happily surprised.

The movie built suspense nicely, and the escalation of the plot was well done.

As the film goes on, the deaths get more gruesome, and as the range of potential killers narrows, the interactions between the characters become more desperate and violent.

The film incorporates a variety of human fears and emotions.

The setting, an elevator, lends some claustrophobia.

The villain is a supernatural entity, which appeals to anyone with a fear of ghosts.

As the movie’s body count rises, the protagonists begin to blame each other for what’s happening.

As secrets are revealed and true colors are shown, the viewer can’t help but wonder if a little bit of villainy exists in the characters themselves, and not just their captor.

Overall, while the movie was nowhere near the caliber of some of Shyamalan’s earlier films (The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, etc.), it was still a far cry in the right direction from such slumps as The Happening. It was nothing revolutionary, but an okay way to spend an afternoon.

It had a solid, if a little bit elementary, story, some occasional gore, and a jump or two. In a word, it was decent.

Finally, an almostspoiler: To any stillexisting Shyamalan fans, the movie doesn’t fail to deliver the trademark twist ending, complete with a closing moment of sentimentality.

10

sports

the northridge reporter october 22, 2010

Cook juggles volleyball, AP classes

craig first infographics editor

photo by nick pappas Vinnie Sunseri runs to return a punt during the County High game on Sept. 4. The football team lost 6-41, but has since won six games.

Sunseri recruited for UA football savanna mclaughlin staff writer

They say practice makes perfect.

Vinnie Sunseri, senior, spends most of his time preparing, practicing for and focused on one sport: football. His hard work resulted in recruitment by Louisville, Pittsburg, Southern Miss, Vanderbilt and the defending National Champion team, Alabama.

“My dad has coached the positions for years, so I guess I just picked them up from him,” Sunseri, linebacker and punt returner, said.

He said these positions are his favorite because they are what he’s good at and most familiar with.

Vinnie Sunseri is the first from our school to receive a football scholarship to the University of Alabama where his dad, Sal Sunseri, is the outside linebackers coach.

“My son has been able to take what he has learned and apply it,” Coach Sunseri said.

“He’s got good qualities like his work ethic, ability to prepare physically and mentally for the game, his desire to be the best and his knowledge of the game.”

“I knew at a young age, when Vinnie was playing flag football, that he had a natural ability,” he said.

“People who make plays get noticed more, and that’s just what he does,” Coach Sunseri said.

“It doesn’t matter who Vinnie plays for because he’d be successful wherever he went, but having him play for Alabama is exciting and a blessing,” he said. “He’ll feel

like he has to work even harder with me coaching for the team he’s playing on.”

Sunseri said his most memorable moment happened when he lived in North Carolina.

“We were playing Anson, and I had two picks, a fumble recovery, one touchdown and sixteen tackles,” he said.

He said his worst experience happened this football season when “we were killed

by County High.”

“When we lose, it feels like the whole week’s work was all for nothing,” Sunseri said. “When we win, it feels like all our hard work paid off.”

“Football is the only sport I do, and when I’m not doing it, I usually go run around the university or either just hangout,” he said.

Sunseri stays busy from when his day begins at 7:00 a.m until he goes to bed around 11:30 p.m.

“I wake up and drink a muscle milkshake, get football stuff organized and head to school. After third block, I get my football stuff and drink another muscle milkshake, workout, go to football practice, break for another muscle milkshake, go home, watch film with my dad, get cleaned up and do home work.”

Fullback and inside linebacker, Joey Hamilton, senior, said, “[Sunseri] knowledge of the game brings an aspect to the team that in the past we’ve never had.”

Being gifted athletically runs in the Sunseri family and for Vinnie Sunseri, it’s in his blood.

“My dream is to go pro,” he said.

University Orthodontics, PC

641 Helen Keller Boulevard

Tel: (205) 553-2524

Cammie Cook, varsity volleyball player and member of the traveling team called Club Crimson, juggles AP classes with her sports and yet still comes out on top.

“With school volleyball, we practice every weekday and occasionally on the weekend. With club, it is usually three times a week until very late at night. Also, we play in tournaments most every weekend,” Cook said.

With practice every weekday and games on the weekend, it would seem as if she would have no time to do anything other than go to school and play volleyball, leaving no time for school work. Not just any school work, but AP school work.

“My sophomore year, I took AP psychology during club season. It was really difficult because I would be at the gym until 9:30 every night and still have homework

to do. Right now, I’m taking AP biology, which I consider to be the most challenging class I’ve taken,” Cook said.

“I always have to do my homework late at night, or in another class if we have extra time,” she said.

Hamilton Cook, team manager and Cammie’s brother, said he is proud of her for taking so many AP classes and playing volleyball at the same time.

“It takes a lot of courage and determination,” Hamilton said.

Cammie said she loves both school and volleyball and “wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Taking AP classes and playing sports is extremely stressful, but equally rewarding.

Sometimes I think that it would always be easier if I didn’t do one of the two, but I am extremely grateful for the friends I have made through volleyball, and the GPA I have managed to maintain through AP classes,” Cammie said.

photos by beth allaway Cammie talks to Coach Sherri Shuttlesworth and her brother Hamilton, on Oct. 5 during Senior Night. Cammie serves the ball during a game against County High on Aug. 26.

Alabama Environmental, Inc. Ken McLaughlin Vice-President

ASBESTOS+LEAD ABATEMENT Phone: 205-507-7495 Fax: 205-507-7496 Cell: 205-394-5725

UNIVERSITY ORTHODONTICS Robert C. Haraway, Jr., D.M.D., M.S.

Fax: (205) 553-6617

CHILDREN & ADULT ORTHODONTICS

rharaway@dbetch.net

P.O. Box 116, Cottondale, AL 35453 Email: anenvironmental@att.net

sports

the northridge reporter october 22, 2010

11

Volleyball season, in brief Junior helps mom in bike race

wins brookwood hillcrest bessemer fayatte bibb county bryant county high sipsey valley central

losses holy spirit brookwood

-The girls volleyball team ended their season with a 26-4 record.

-The team won the Stillman Challenge, the Brookwood Brawl, and the Area Tournament.

-Ashlyn Sunseri was named MVP at the Brookwood Brawl and the Area Tournament.

-Carly Cignetti, Kenyatta Moffett, and Lizzi McElwain were on the All-Tournament Team at the Area Tournament. McElwain and Cignetti were also on the All-Tournament Team at the Brookwood Brawl.

compiled by ellie cauthen

Volleyball team continues to win craig first infographics editor The girls volleyball team won the area tournament for the first time since 2005 during fourth period on Oct. 12.

Hosted and sponsored by Northridge, the team played Bessemer City and Hillcrest.

The first round of games in the tournament were played against Bessemer City.

“Before the [first] game, I was in my normal routine trying to set up and get my girls ready for the game. I didn’t allow time for myself to get nervous, but I was excited,” Coach Sherri Shuttlesworth said.

The whistle blew and the game started at 2:02 p.m. and within the next ten minutes the score was 16 to 5, Northridge. Then, five minutes later the score was 24 to 9, only one point away from Northridge winning.

And, in the blink of an eye 30 seconds later the first game was won, Northridge 25 and Bessemer City 10.

“Normally, I’m not into sports, but during the first game it got pretty intense. I really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to see the next one,” Lane Russell, spectator, said.

In the first few minutes of the second

game, Northridge started the game leading with a score of 7 to 0, but then a series of blunders led Bessemer City to gain 5 points. For the rest of the game, the scoring fluttered back and forth between the teams with scores such as: 15 to 9, then 16 to 11 and 18 to 15. With less ease than the first game, Northridge still managed to come out on top with a final score of 25 to 17.

As for the third game, the score was neck and neck. Then, for the first time in the championship, Bessemer City got a lead on Northridge by three points. After that, it was fairly close. But again, Northridge beat Bessemer City, but the score was even closer than before with Northridge scoring 25 points and Bessemer scoring 20 points.

Later after the school bell rang and students went home, Northridge went on to beat Hillcrest three games out of three and won the tournament.

“During the Hillcrest game our team really came together and played as one. We beat Hillcrest in three games straight and won the whole area tournament. [This was] one of our biggest goals from the beginning of this season,” Natalie Cignetti, freshman, said.

Ingle Demolition and Salvage

alex hauser feature editor

Their team name, “Life is Grand, Eh?” proudly “defined [their Canadian heritage” as they suited up for the big race.

Andrew Lattner, junior, and his mom, Patricia Tessner participated in the Pedal, Paddle, Pedal race on Sept. 18 at Lake Lurleen State Park.

“It was a race done by the Druid City Bike Club that included a 23 mile long bike race, 2.2 miles of paddling and a 23 mile mountain bike loop,” Lattner said. “I did the paddling portion in a kayak.”

Lattner’s training for the race consisted of one practice lap a week before the race, although he’s been kayaking for four years.

“We just did it for fun. We knew that some of the people doing this would be serious athletes, and we probably couldn’t beat them anyway. It was lots of fun doing it as a mother-son team,” he said.

Lattner first kayaked at a YMCA camp on Paradise Lake in St. Jacobs, Canada, and continued participating in the sport because he “thought it was really fun because [he] could go at [his] own pace.”

“I just enjoy the feeling of freedom I get while kayaking, it’s just me and the boat, there’s nothing to distract you. It’s just your own thoughts. It’s calming,” Lattner said.

Lattner said he was pleased with his performance and his personal time.

“I [think I] kayaked rather quickly; I had a pretty good time, and I was able to make up two minutes of our time,” he said. “[But] I’m not a professional, not even close, because I know there are people a lot better than me. I don’t know if there’s professional kayaking, but if there were, I couldn’t do that.” Lattner said being able to see his competition gave him motivation.

“It gives me the goal to beat [my competition], but when I’m alone, or I’m on a river that has a lot of bends, I can’t see [my competition]. It’s hard to find motivation when you don’t have a goal,” he said.

Lattner and Tessner were the only twoperson team, Tessner competing in both the cycling and mountain bike loop.

“She’s a really good athlete,” Lattner said. “[I’m proud of her] because I know I can’t do it, and the fact that she’s more than twice my age, that’s a big accomplishment.”

Knowing she could check off doing both a road and mountain bike ride in

one day from her lifetime list was one thing that helped her finish the race.

“Andrew was there supporting me, no matter how long it took,” Tessner said.

“And the fact that the mountain bike trail goes around a lake so you have no choice but to finish; other than swimming across the lake with a bike.”

Tessner’s favorite part of the race was tagging off between the events.

“We spent the extra few seconds to give each other a hug and wish each other luck,” she said.

Lattner and Tessner, although having a disadvantage of only having two people, loved doing the race as a mother-son team.

“Andrew is so laid back. I could enjoy all of the race, without any pressure to win.

We cheered each other on just because we support each other’s effort,” Tessner said.

Lattner said he worked hard, not wanting to disappoint his mom.

“I didn’t want to let her down, she was biking so far and long, and I wanted to help her achieve her goals,” he said.

His mom said she “almost wishes he had gone a little slower so [she] could have had a little more rest between the road and mountain bike rides.”

“If he decides to become a free agent for next year’s race, I’m sure there will be teams interested in recruiting him,” Tessner said.

photo by becci hauser Lattner splashes through the shallows at Lake Lurleen State Park. He participated in a race with his mom on Sept. 18.

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the beat

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“

You have to be fast and able to jump really high to play Ultimate Frisbee.

“

”

~ Morgan Wilson, sophomore wr

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Ultimate Frisbee requires stamina and agility. It’s harder than people think. ~ Kyle Anderson, sophomore

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Frisbee is played by using many different defensive and offensive techniques.

”

~ Colt Wrobel, sophomore

Veillon tries to catch a Frisbee thrown

by Anderson. “Frisbee is a way of life,” Nick Motz said.

Anderson throws the Frisbee during the game Saturday, Oct. 2. “You’re only allowed to play frisbee if you have nice eyebrows,” Anderson said. photos by laine elliott

Even with the sun in his eyes, Wrobel manages to catch the Frisbee.

catch

Frisbee becomes popular among students laine elliott beat editor NUFL, or the Northridge Ultimate Frisbee League, meets every Saturday at 3 p.m. at Sokol Park or the Northridge practice field to play what Vaughan Veillon, sophomore and Frisbee player, said is “the best thing since Zeus’s facial hair.”

In NUFL, there are two teams that regularly play against each other; captains of these teams are Kyle Anderson, sophomore, and Colt Wrobel, sophomore.

“Frisbee is harder than [people] think; it’s not as simple as throwing and catching,” Wrobel said.

Anderson first came up with the idea of an Ultimate Frisbee team.

“Ultimate Frisbee requires stamina,” he said. “We tank up with ‘brotein’ shakes and gratuitous amounts of electrolytes before every game.”

Ultimate Frisbee has a specific way of being played.

It’s played by “using different strategies” and “many defensive and

offensive techniques,” Wrobel said.

Anderson explained that games get very intense.

“If we win a game, we brofist and fist pump to show our excitement,” Anderson said.

Nick Motz, sophomore and fellow Frisbee player, said the team wants to make Ultimate Frisbee a school sport, but they need a sponsor.

“We want to make it a school organization, if we can get Bryant and Hillcrest and other high schools to participate also,” Anderson said.

Dr. Isaac Espy, principal, said he is in favor of starting a Frisbee team at school.

The current members of NUFL are Anderson, Wrobel, Veillon, Motz, Alex Stella, junior, Bill Snow, junior, Charles Williams, senior, Will Pritchett, sophomore, Wil Ledbetter, junior, and Jared Lotfi, sophomore, but they said they are always looking for new recruits.

“You know how in Star Wars episode 1 when the 2 pod racers got stuck together? Well, that’s how Frisbee works when you’re focused on the disc,” Motz said.

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Locally Owned and Operated by Rick & Mary Ellen Hanna 4840 Rice Mine Road NE Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 205-345-0045 photo by laine elliott Colt Wrobel and Kyle Anderson, sophomores, leap to catch the Frisbee to decide who wins the game.