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

September 21, 2010 • Volume 8, Issue 1

Ignition: JJ aguar JJumpstart in brief

New mentors welcome incoming freshmen New suspension

laine elliott beat editor

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lizabeth Tiley and Kathleen Oatts organized a mentor program for the upcoming freshmen that took place on Aug. 9 called the Jaguar Jumpstart.

The program included 44 sophomores, juniors, and seniors as mentors who helped introduce the 220 freshman who attended to the school.

“The day was intended to help entering freshmen become familiar with high school, introduce them to teachers, have fun, and to meet other students,” Tiley, 9th grade counselor, said.

Jessica Procter, freshman, said, “I really enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends.”

Hannah Bell, one of the mentors and junior, said the day was productive.

“We showed them their classrooms and they met their teachers,” Bell said. “It

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Money crunch

3 photos by porfirio solaranzo

also helped them make the transition from middle school to high school.”

The mentors went to the school for two days over the summer for 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. training sessions. They did activities including trust falls, confidence exercises and rope courses.

“We wanted to make them feel more comfortable and give them something to remember for the rest of their high school careers,” Bell said.

Tiley said the idea came from a program for which she got a grant. She said that college freshmen often do this when they are entering college, so she wanted to do the same for freshmen entering high school.

Cammie Cook, junior and mentor, said she wish she had had Jaguar Jumpstart when she was a freshman.

“Freshman year can be really confusing and I was glad I could help these new kids,” Cook said.

1) Kaitlyn Stuart, senior and mentor, and Anna Cassels, senior and mentor, lead their freshmen groups across the courtyard to go to lunch. 2) Grace Tant, senior and mentor, holds up team signs for freshmen at jaguar jumpstart on Aug. 9. “I really enjoyed working with the freshmen. It was a great opportunity for everyone, even the mentors,” Tant said.

3) Anna Cassels, mentor and senior, helps tie a bandana around Kayla Moore, freshman, during the ropes course.

Teachers suffer from lack of classroom supply money, room supplies alexandra stewart staff writer

A

s the new school year began, our school as well as many other schools and businesses were affected by the economy.

McCall Robinson, junior, like many other students noticed that some teachers asked for donations and things such as Kleenex and hand sanitizer.

“For some teachers, I think it’s necessary because you don’t pay for their class, but some teachers that you do pay for, I don’t think it’s as necessary,” Robinson said. “I think it can be kind of aggravating not having enough money, if the teachers have lesson plans they can’t fulfill.”

Since teachers have less money, some find it harder to provide the full enrichment they would like to provide.

“Normally, teachers are given state funds to buy supplies, but this year as far as I know, we are not being given any state money,” Trina Busby, English teacher, said. “Students are being required to have more of their own materials and are asked to donate materials as well. If things get worse, it’s possible

that some projects students complete for supplies,” he said. enrichment will be eliminated because of a Along with donations from students, lack of money,” she said. many other efforts are being made to help Rumors have been going around as to with the loss of supply money. what has happened to the money and why “We try to use available local funds it is more of a problem, than years in including PTA and Adopt-A-School the past. partnerships to assist in providing Isaac Espy, principal, said, supplies. We have an awesome PTA, “With the recent economic and PTA President, Sena Stewart, downturn, tax revenues for education have helping us out this year, providing not been as robust as in previous years. teachers with $50,” Espy said. “It The two main tax sources for education are will just help us with basics such as sales tax and income tax. Teachers dry erase markers,” he said. are typically provided fee money which is about $400 per year for classroom supplies.”

“Other areas that are funded include the library and $ professional development for $ teachers. In putting together $ $ a budget for education, $ $ lawmakers, working with AEA, must prioritize expenditures. $ $ Teacher positions are protected $ $ in the budget as a priority.

This would account in part for the lack of funds in the state $ equals 5 compiled by anu pandit education budget for classroom 50 students polled

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Have you

policy implemented trent clanton art editor

Last year, the suspension policy landed someone with four suspensions in the superintendent’s office.

If there was another suspension, the student would be referred to the city’s District Attorney, who had the power to punish parents as well.

A new policy is now in place.

Assistant Principal Andrew Maxey said last year’s policy did very well, but the school board felt that taking care of the problems earlier would be more successful.

“Now, heavier consequences start at the second suspension,” Maxey said.

Connor Fridley, senior, said the new policy is better than the old one because students have fewer chances, therefore discouraging bad behavior.

SEE POLL ON PAGE 5, EDITORIAL ON PAGE 2

Hands-on experience inspires, educates renu pandit copy editor Students watch as Beth Allaway, biology teacher, yanks a carrot out of the ground.

Allaway is growing biology gardens with her 2nd period class. She has been growing gardens with her students for about five years. “[It] shows students how difficult it is to grow food. We will also use measurement and graphing skills, study the flowers the plants grow before the vegetables and test the soil for nutrients,” she said.

Kelly Burnham, freshman, is growing sunflowers, spearmint and cat grass.

“We went online and figured out how to grow the seeds,” she said.

Burnham said that they go outside and pull weeds.

“It can be difficult in the heat,” she said.

Allaway said that growing these gardens are a unique experience.

“Out of a class of 36, only about three have ever grown anything,” Allaway said.

donated supplies

yes

no

to your classroom?

photo by beth allaway Anna Lee Petitt, freshman, and Colby Goldstein, freshman, plant seeds in their biology garden on Aug. 19.

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opinion

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

our thoughts

Parents should not be jailed

T

he Tuscaloosa City School Board has moved up the possibility of parent jail-time from after the fourth suspension to after the second suspension.

Designed to prevent disruptive behavior, the policy has the power to punish both the offenders and their parents by referring them to the district attorney.

The policy essentially punishes the wrong person, a minor detail it is willing to overlook in favor of what it considers overwhelming benefits.

These benefits are clear in the prevention part of the policy.

Logically, a parent would indeed enforce harsher discipline in order to keep themselves out of jail.

If the parent does go to jail, however, the policy loses its power.

Theoretically, the parent would now fall back on their ultimate punishment and the child would be embarrassed at having sent their parent to jail.

In reality, however, the parent may have already used their ultimate punishment in trying to stay out of jail (that was the point, right?) or may turn to methods the school board may have trouble approving.

Furthermore, discipline problems that stem from family troubles may worsen with the strain of a parent in jail. There is no alternative or substitute to even a bad parent. A struggling child needs their parent.

The policy depends far too much on the intensely personal reactions of extremely unpredictable people.

The Northridge Reporter feels the parents should not be put in jail for their child’s behavior.

SEE POLL ON PAGE 5, BRIEF ON PAGE 1

staff opinion

agree (26) disagree (1)

TALK TO US

The Northridge Reporter welcomes letters to the editor.

Bring yours to room 109.

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, Sammi 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.

Artificial culture frightens, irritates student anu pandit editor-in-chief We live in the 21st century, where nothing is real and everything has superpowers. Even water.

pandit

While perusing the two aisles of my local supermarket devoted to promoting this miraculous beverage, I came upon the wildest incarnations of it imaginable: water from Fiji, water from Sweden, water from on top of a mountain, water from a valley, water with fizz, water with flavor, water that was smart, and water that had superpowers.

Yes, superpowers.

Because now, water has accomplished that which modern medicine can only dream of. It can make you a star athlete with its rare and amazing blends of vitamins, it can cleanse your system of all disease and scum, and it can even

prevent heart disease and cancer.

Best of all, it’s now only ten calories!

Whilst standing there with my mouth agape at the wonder of it all, I found myself in a fix. Where was the water?

You know, the plain old, regular water? The kind that comes out of a tap, not from some exotic locale? Ring a bell?

Confused, I asked a sales assistant, who, not understanding my request, led me to the health food section, which boasted water that combats viruses and infection, and water that buffs up your immune system.

Water is now a health food.

I began to feel faint at the prospect of not a single bottle of regular water in the store.

I headed towards the checkout area, which usually is supplied with mini-fridges full of various beverages. I

crossed my fingers and prayed for a bottle of Dasani.

God must have been busy.

However, among the Diet Coke, Monster and Fuze, I did find some Vitamin Water. Picking it up, I appraised it, thinking it could serve as a satisfactory water substitute.

Wow, a water substitute.

However, catching sight of the 33 grams of sugar per bottle, I gagged and put it back. I didn’t fancy spending more than half my recommended daily intake of sugar on my water bottle.

This was too much. Clutching the bag of celery sticks I had picked up, I decided to ignore my thirst and wait until I got home.

Then I saw something that restored my faith in humanity.

Thank God for water fountains.

opinion

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

Youth minister leaves, inspires student alexandra stewart staff writer It was just an ordinary Sunday night at youth, everything was going great, and it was a great kick off to the year. As it got close to the end, however, things made a turn to the downside.

My youth minister, Patrick Laney, called everyone together in the dining hall downstairs.

I thought we were just simply closing in prayer, but I was caught by surprise.

Patrick started it out saying there was a very important reason he had brought us downstairs. The minute he said this, I knew it was not going to turn out good.

He went on, reminding us of his favorite Bible story, which he used

so many times about Samuel and Eli. He said that in his case, he felt like Eli. He explained that he felt like God was calling him to work at Cynthiana Presbyterian Church in Kentucky, with 140 people.

I was in shock, I couldn’t form any words. I felt the warm rush of tears coming to my eyes and tried to blink them away. I looked around at every other person and all appeared to be tearing up. meant a stewart Patrick lot to me. He took the time to understand me and help me seek out my calling. He was an amazing person, because he really showed who he was and showed his imperfections.

I felt as if my heart had been torn into two. But everyone was

experiencing this loss together; we all cried together and exchanged hugs.

That still did not change the loss we had to endure.

Patrick Laney was the best youth minister I could have ever wished for. As I watched the impact that he had on people and the faith that he had, it helped me to grow stronger in my faith, and brought me to the realization that I would like to be a youth minister one day.

As I write this, with sadness in my heart,, I am reminded still of how thankful I am. I am ever grateful for all the time and effort that Patrick put into his work.

Patrick Laney was the biggest inspiration to my faith, and he will always remain in my heart, for he has a special place. For that, I am grateful.

I hope one day, I can inspire others, the way he inspired me.

Junior gives up when it comes to uniforms nick pappas entertainment editor Last spring, an idea sprung up in the city schools to implement mandatory uniforms.

A survey was taken among all teachers in the 24 city schools which showed overwhelming support in favor of school uniforms.

But because more research needed to be done, it was agreed a decision couldn’t be made in time for the start of school.

Now, we have until January.

And we get to vote! Exciting, right?

Well, no, not really.

We don’t actually get to vote.

That is left up to the principals of the three high schools in the city.

However, my fellow classmates and I learned at our junior

assembly we vote daily with how well we follow the current dress code policy, leaving the ultimate decision to Espy.

Our principal went on to tell us a good way to decide if our wardrobe decisions in the morning are smart: “Ask yourself, ‘What would Stallworth, [security guard,] do?”

I thought this over for a bit.

What would Stallworth do?

I’m not sure. I think pappas I’d look a bit funny in a blouse and heels.

And I don’t think anyone should wear green, except her.

I talked to a friend about the assembly afterwards. She was very excited to cast her vote in January. I don’t think everyone was fully clear with the hypothetical vote thing.

I guess we should just expect for Espy to vote ‘yes’ in the coming

election.

After years of being faced with multiple principals trying to prevent sagging or too-short skirts, I now just subconsciously untuck my shirt as soon as I’m free of the watchful eye of administrators.

This is simply because I think I look ridiculous when I tuck my T-shirt (black, with a funny picture reading: “You’re no ninja, you’re just a guy in a ninja suit!”) into my gray corduroy pants.

I’m color blind as it is. I don’t want anything else hampering my fashion capabilities.

I find it unrealistic for anyone to believe that more than a thousand, hormone-driven, rebellious teenagers will change the way they dress, even with the threat of uniforms.

I am not for school uniforms; it’s just that I can tell when a situation is hopeless.

Now, I’m just hoping I can still look sexy.

“Burn a Quran Day” causes nothing but damage samuel yang news editor Nothing gets us together like getting mad.

That’s why it’s so cathartic when the entire nation can collectively be furious. We’ve been fighting and yelling, but at last, we can all agree, even if we’re agreeing to be angry.

“You’re right!”

“You’re wrong!”

“Kanye West really should not have taken that microphone from Taylor Swift.”

“Yeah.”

Much more importantly, “Pastor” Terry Jones and his church’s plan to burn Qurans on the anniversary of 9/11 has inspired collective fury.

I passed the Dove World Outreach Center (whose name alone should’ve denounced their actions) every day for nearly two years while I lived in Gainesville.

It’s sad that I can’t think of anything they’ve done except for

their recent string of attacks.

Nothing about their plan made any sense – it wasn’t going to resolve conflicts and all the points it made were hateful and bigoted.

Before all else, I am a Christian and as a result of that, the outrage I feel is rooted in the damage Jones has done.

Quran burning, apparently, fits into an awkward, ugly little space between free speech and freedom of religion. It does not, yang however, fit into the Bible.

Even the threat of Quran burning has hurt Jesus’ mission of spreading salvation, and the idea of preventing someone from coming to know Jesus should terrify a Christian.

Jesus’ own actions in a world that almost never agreed with Him were filled with compassion and respect.

There are some harsh truths in Christianity, but God’s plan of salvation is not a maze. God designed a simple plan of deliverance through

His son Jesus Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and triumph – an act that defined mercy, something the Dove World Outreach Center seems to be unwilling to extend alongside its judgment.

Christians should stand firmly for what they know is the truth, but they should always treat others – whether or not they agree – with respect and grace, the same kind they were shown.

Jones’ eventual retreat led him to New York, where he met with the imam behind the controversial Islamic community center a block from Ground Zero.

The higher road, whether we’re dealing with a bigoted pastor or an insensitive imam, is to acknowledge their right to hold their beliefs. Their higher road, though, is to not abuse the liberty they’re trying to protect.

Liberty has taken too much abuse lately, as has the environment.

Speaking of which, aren’t the CEOs of BP awful people?

See? There’s something we can agree on.

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your thoughts Actions cause uniform policy There is a subset of the student population who for years has steadfastly refused to comply with the TCS Dress Policy. As stated in the TCS Student/Parent Resource Guide: “student’s clothing, makeup and hair styles should reflect neatness, cleanliness and self-respect so that the school is a desirable place in which to promote learning and character development.”

Simply put, you have been asked for years to dress in a mature and responsible manner and to leave your “street attire” at home in your closets.

Oddly enough, it is these same non-compliant students (for the most part) who have demonstrated an inability to thrive successfully in the adult academic setting they find themselves in. Therefore, there does seem to be a link between student dress and academic success (not to mention behavioral maturity).

It appears that the TCS central office and the TCS board of education have also discovered this relationship. Unable to

achieve compliance to dress code policies by merely stating them in the Resource Guide, the decision making bodies are closing in on a blanket school uniform policy that will affect all TCS students.

It is possible that this school uniform could be in affect by January, 2011. It is a shame that even the successful students who always dress nicely for school must be subjected to a forced uniform policy, but as always, they will accept it and follow it in a mature and dutiful johnson way.

As for those of you who, on a daily basis, refuse to dress appropriately for school even when reminded dozens of times each day, I hope you are happy with your new look. I can hardly wait to see you in nice shirts and long, khaki pants. Guess you should’ve listened!

C. S. Johnson

Teacher expresses condolences I would like to take a moment to express my condolences to members of the Northridge faculty and staff who have lost family members over the summer break.

We are a family, here at Northridge, and all of us feel the heartbreak when our fellow workers mourn the loss of someone close to them.

I would like for everyone to remember Mrs. Stallworth’s family, at the passing of her sister, Mrs. Abbey’s family, at the passing of her husband, Mr. Cain’s family, at the passing of his father-in-law, and last but not least, Mr. Stevenson’s family, for

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the loss of his beloved wife.

Life is not without rewards, however. And, we have been rewarded lately with new additions to our family at Northridge.

Proud new mothers include: Mrs. Canterbury, Mrs. Reed, and Mrs. Moore.

When we see these faculty members in our halls we should offer them a quick smile and remember that it takes a whole village to raise a child.

Richard Nowell nowell

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news

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

Dancing Queens

County Junior Miss has ‘Ridge roots WINNING NUMBERS

$52 million in scholarships. The samuel yang program has roots, though, in news editor s she had done for “so Alabama. It was started 53 years many years,” senior Mary ago in Mobile, where the national Katherine Lake waited program is still hosted.

It was Montgomery, though, that expectantly in the Bama Theatre amount awarded to participants on a on a Sunday night. On Aug. 29, would be the first destination for national level she was waiting with a crowd of the evening’s winner. In January, almost 600 to hear the judges of around 50 winners from county Tuscaloosa County’s Junior Miss competitions will meet there, and program announce the winner for a state winner will be selected to represent Alabama at the national 2010. amount awarded to participants at the Lake had gone to the program level. local program The afternoon before the local ever since she was a young girl, but there was something crucially production, the girls had a standing different this time around: Lake interview with the judges – ten amount awarded to Mary Katherine was on the stage with eight others minutes of standing in a suit and Lake, not including a $26,000 scholarship heels. waiting to see Our goal is to encourSenior if her name to Troy University age these young ladies to Victoria would be continue their education .

R u n g e , summer. called. clearly voiced in its new name winner of ~ Vickie Brown, chairman In that “I had to fill out tons of forms Distinguished Young Women, the local about myself,” she said. “I had effective next year. moment, Signature contest to work with Lake was thinking that she was not program’s Brown (most signatures on a Junior Miss someone on going to win. said the Every girl there wanted “Whenever I looked at the signature page), said all the talking my interview new name to make a difference . judges, it seemed like they were forced her out of her comfort and onstage highlights looking for someone else,” she zone. t h e questions, I ~Mary Katherine Lake, senior “[That was] personally the best had to prepare said. program’s That one moment was the thing I got out of [the program], a talent [a emphasis result of months of work for those aside from meeting some great dance to “Imagine,” as sung by the on talent and scholastics. participating in the scholarship people,” she said. “Naturally, I cast of Glee], and I had to work “Every girl there wanted to am a very quiet person. Preparing out. The whole process is pretty make a difference,” Lake said. “I program.

“A lot of people think it’s a for this helped me to overcome stressful but at the same time want to be a role model for young pageant,” Lake said. “It’s really my fear of talking to a large group really fun.” girls. I always went when I was a way for well-rounded young of people and people I didn’t

By Lake’s count, the girls logged younger, and I really looked up to women to earn scholarship know. I think that the interview around 30 hours of rehearsal for the [the competitors].” aspect of it is great because as night’s dance numbers and fitness money.”

Lake, who is Vice-President of Tuscaloosa County Junior you get older, interviews are so routine in addition to personal the civic organization Civinettes Miss Chairman Vickie Brown important.” practice and and the senior class, is a member ...the girls who particiThat long said the purpose of the program time spent of three honor societies and pate are great role models was to provide scholarships as day, though, w r i t i n g Ambassadors. She dances with “opportunities for continued was just part of for young girls in our for a “Be Tuscaloosa Community Dance a process that development.” community .

Your Best Centre Company and attends “Our goal is to encourage these was already in Self” essay Trinity Presbyterian Church. ~ Victoria Runge, senior young ladies to continue their motion at the She said her experience with the contest. end of May, when Lake began to education,” she said.

Runge said Junior Miss “really dance company helped her even Brown also has a parent’s practice her dance solo to “Stars brings out” its motto, “Be Your outside of her talent showcase, perspective, as her three daughters and Stripes” for the talent portion Best Self,” in the girls who do the giving her confidence on the stage participated in the program. Two of the competition. where she stood waiting for the program.

“There was so much were Junior Misses, and one “I believe [the program] had announcement of the winner. was an alternate. She said the preparation,” she said. “A lot goes a great impact on the community Advancement to the state level scholarship money paid for the into the process.” because the girls who participated would mean Lake would have to Runge, too, was already are great role models for younger do the same things she had done freshman year of her daughters’ preparing at the beginning of girls in our community,” she said. over the summer to prepare for the college educations.

“I’ve tried to continue and be The program seeks to find well- county event. involved because it’s such a great Beyond that work, though, Lake rounded young women, a mission program,” she said. said she wanted to start a project.

The program “promotes “Hopefully, [I can] do something transition,” she said, from high to make a difference in the school to college to productive community,” she said. adult in the community.

Lake, who describes herself as a Long before the night of the hard worker, said she “[doesn’t] do production, Brown and the anything halfway.

Junior Miss board of directors, A quality nearly 600 people with the help of volunteers, witnessed as she stepped forward worked to get sponsors for the to accept her title as Tuscaloosa program.

County’s 2010 Junior Miss.

“We awarded $8000 in cash,” she said.

On a national level, the program awarded

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$52 MILLION

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Seniors Mary Katherine Lake and Victoria Runge pose backstage at the 2010 Tuscaloosa County Junior Miss program.

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in brief New I.D. machine purchased madison frazer staff writer Thanks to a new I.D machine, students can get their I.D. picture the same day they get their picture made for them.

Marcia Irvin, librarian, purchased the machine from Laminex, in April of last school year.

“The old one was outdated and running slow, but the new machine is working great,” Irvin said.

Irvin said the only negative about the new machine is that the printing ribbon ran out while they still had students who needed their picture taken.

Senior James Prewitt was one of the students who took pictures on the new machine.

“To take a picture all you do is double click and that makes taking pictures much easier,” Prewitt said.

Honors party planned trent clanton staff writer

After this six weeks has ended, students will once again be partying.

Students who have made all A’s and B’s on their report cards enjoy a snack and a break from class to socialize. The first party for this year will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 29.

Elizabeth Tiley, counselor, said that it is sponsored by the local Radiology Clinic and Capstone Bank. These sponsors provide money for the cookies and drinks, may send volunteers to distribute snacks and provide money for the prizes for JAG Award winners.

SGA also helps.

“We [also] have to notify teachers which are invited, prepare tickets and go to Sam’s to buy the snacks,” Tiley said.

Tiley said that it motivates those who are not invited to make better grades.

“It gives students a chance to get out of class and visit with each other,” she said. “Students enjoy the snacks and the break is nice.”

Curfew law discussed zoey simpson staff writer

A new curfew law was implemented in Tuscaloosa last May. Teens under the age of eighteen cannot be out in public places past ten on weekdays and eleven on weekends.

Senior Ashton Clark said she does not agree with the new law.

“I think it should be at least midnight,” Clark said.

The curfew law was passed to stop some crimes and have teens in a safe environment during the night.

“Underage children should be home at the same time,” Robert Darling, police officer, said.

Refusing to abide by the law can result in a citation and a fine up to $250 with the Tuscaloosa Police Department.

news

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

5

infographic by sam yang and craig first

Board considers uniforms

brooke houston staff writer photo by gkelly17

HEAD START Students start college online

anu pandit editor-in-chief

separated into modules, or sections of topics High school students can earn up to a year learning done in a certain of college credit.

[Learning An online program from the University order. of Alabama called Early College allows techniques] include reading, high school students to take college classes book PowerPoint or video early.

Jacqueline Hudgins, counselor, has helped lectures provided by t h e the roughly 30 students who have joined the professor and class discussions,” she said.

Guenther said the program in the past.

When you join the only drawback was “There are a variety of the cost. benefits, among which program, you actually “My mom works are tremendous tuition become an official college for the university, so discounts, the ability to student .

I got a 50% discount do coursework at home ~ Alyssa Guenther, sophomore on my class fees. But or during vacation, and I still had to pay a lot. being able to take care of entry level courses that are usually very However, students who maintain [a certain] average get an automatic scholarship,” she large in class size,” she said.

Online courses are available year-round, said.

She said that overall, it was a very 24/7, and can be taken anywhere with Internet access. On-campus classes are enriching experience.

“It’s great for people who want to get a available over the summer.

“Any junior or senior with at least a 3.0 feel for college classes. When you join the GPA and a signed recommendation from a program, you actually become an official college student. You get a university campus counselor is applicable,” Hudgins said.

Classes offered include Anthropology, ID and everything,” she said.

For those who continue with the program, Art History, Japanese, Human Development living on-campus can be an option. and more.

“Second-year Early College students can, “Students here are limited to certain courses due to Northridge’s course if allowed by their parents, get a chance to actually live on campus. Although there are offerings,” she said.

Credits earned in the program are valid only a few classes you’re allowed to take on at The University of Alabama and are campus, it would be a great experience,” she transferable to most colleges in the country. said.

For more information about Early However, they are not averaged into high College, call 1-877-823-8759 or visit their school GPA’s.

“Unless a student applies for a dual- Web site at uaearlycollege.ua.edu. Online enrollment credit, the courses at UA have no Information Sessions are also available for impact on the high school transcript. It’s a those with Internet access.

Current juniors and seniors can now completely separate program,” Hudgins said.

Alyssa Guenther, junior, took Introduction apply for Fall 2010 classes, and sophomores are eligible to apply in Spring 2011. The to Anthropology over the summer.

“It was really easy to do. The classes are application deadline is Sept. 28.

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In January, the school board is going to vote on whether or not to incorporate school uniforms into the Tuscaloosa City Public School System.

Dr. Isaac Espy, principal, said, “The uniform policy is a means of solving a problem.”

The Policy has risen to the attention of the school board after the excessive failure to follow the dress code.

Ashton Clark, senior, said that even more problems may arise from the possible policy. Clark said a uniform would not be a good idea because, “Not everyone may be able to afford a uniform. They are expensive!”

If students really want to violate the dress code, they will, even if that means sagging their uniforms or leaving their shirttails un-tucked.

“This issue has risen to the forefront, in all likelihood because of a handful of horrifying

habits that we see in this day and age. Sagging, for example, has prompted state legislature to develop laws that target those behaviors,” Espy said.

To void having to switch over to uniforms in the middle of the year, the students must comply with the dress code rules by not sagging, wearing a belt, tucking shirts in, and wearing skirts and dresses that are appropriate lengths.

“As we consider requiring students to wear a common selection of clothing” said Espy, “their desires will be evident in how they continue to either comply or fail to comply with our dress code. I believe that most students would rather make a few adjustments than to face the requirement of a school uniform. We will vote on the school uniforms every day and if the students want a vote of no then they must simply comply with our dress code policy. Guys, tuck your shirts in and pull your pants up, seriously!”

School unites to help Miroff giving school spirit

photo by nick pappas

SGA sponsor Angela Shaw presents history teacher Serge Miroff with a check to help him recover from a house fire.

destiny stewart staff writer History teacher Serge Miroff received a call on Aug. 20 stating his home was struck by lightning and burned down. Miroff and his wife suffered a complete loss, including all valuable possessions and a family dog.

The entire school responded within 24 hours by raising money. Emails were sent, announcements were made and the word spread.

“For the support I received, I was very grateful,” Miroff said.

Guidance counselor Jackie Hudgins said her immediate reaction was sadness.

“He’d lost his home, and everything in it,” she said.

“I was shocked,” Kearston Wells, sophomore, said. “I thought: ‘Why do bad things happen to good people?”

A week and a half later, on Aug. 26, at the school’s first pep rally, Miroff was presented with a check for $2,500. By Sept.

1, the amount of money has increased to $3,065.75.

“It was unbelievable,” Miroff said. “I was happily surprised. I had no expectations, and I was definitely shocked.

Miroff said the money given to him is

going towards necessities, like clothes.

“Pretty much everything was gone. We’re using it [the money] little by little. It was a huge relief,” Miroff said.

The event has made some students and teachers rethink their way of life.

“It’s made me want to talk to my insurance agent and inventory everything in my house if I ever want to replace it,” Richard Nowell, ceramics teachers, said.

“You realize that life’s not about stuff, but if that’s what you want to put your thought and time into, it can be taken away,” Hudgins said. “I know we’ve had teachers offer financial support and necessity items.”

Nowell said it “brought [students and teachers] together.”

“This is a second year teacher, but kids were motivated to help him out,” Nowell said.

Dr. Isaac Espy, principal, said the event was “a terrible thing.”

“We felt very sad about the loss of his house. It was shocking news, but sometimes that’s life. Things happen, and they don’t ask first; they do not require permission. Mr. Miroff is a strong guy, and I admired the way he handled this adversity.”

Miroff said he was “overwhelmed.”

“I give you my deepest gratitude from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “Thank you.”

6

feature

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

Summer Co Histo

alex hauser feature editor

P

April 20 BP-licensed Transocean drilling rig, Deepwater Horizon exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. Eleven people were reported missing and seventeen injured.

April 28 A third leak is found, increasing estimates to 5,000 bpd.

april April 22 Deepwater Horizon sinks 5,000 feet. Five mile long oil slick is reported.

chemicals,” Evans said. “The impact on the local fishing industries— especially small businesses—has been devastating, and we have no way of knowing if or when it will bounce back.”

The oil spill has not been completely stopped. On Aug, 2, official estimates reported that 2,604,000 gallons of oil per day were being released from the oil rig.

“I think there will be devastating effects in the future that we cannot predict right now.

The ‘cap’ or ‘plug’ has not stopped all the oil from coming out,” she said.

oil

ulling up to her family’s condo, Abby Hayes, sophomore, gets pumped for yet another trip to the beach. But upon arriving, she was disappointed in the results of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“When I went to the beach, I couldn’t even get in the water. The water was all oily, and there were construction trucks everywhere,” Hayes said. “I only went twice this summer, and I usually go a lot more.”

Jared Lotfi, sophomore, said he tried not to let the oil spill damper his summer vacation.

“I tried to enjoy it, but it made my vacation less entertaining because you could smell the oil, and after swimming [in the Gulf of Mexico] for awhile a film-like substance stuck to your skin.”

Ria Evans, science teacher, explained the basics of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

“The oil rig started shooting out methane gas on April 20 and sunk on April 22. The deep water hole in the rig was not plugged until July 15. This is insane that the rig was gushing oil into the Gulf for three months,” Evans said.

A controversial subject is the cleanup of the oil. Many people don’t agree with the way it was handled, including Evans.

“This is the biggest marine oil disaster in the history of petroleum p r o d u c t s ,”

Evans said. “BP and other companies saved a lot of money by not having safety measures, a workable emergency plan or even a shut-off valve on this 9-year-old rig.”

Lotfi suggested BP should clean up their mess and quickly.

Evans said she doesn’t agree with some of the solutions and is worried that it will harm the environment.

“Much of the cleanup effort was dumping chemicals onto the surface, with little or no attention to oil that was dispersing below the surface. Those chemicals do not just disappear; they become part of the environment,” Evans said.

Endangered sea turtles were released on Aug. 18 back into the wild after being rescued from the spill, according to an article on www.al.com.

“This makes me wonder how many turtles, birds and other marine life were not found and saved. We will never know how big this number might be,” Evans said.

Evans said the oil-infected waters weren’t the only thing killing the marine life but also the chemicals put in to clean-up the oil.

“It will take decades to know how all the marine life is being affected by those

e f ry o t h

Oil spill disaster disrupts summer plans

.May 8 May 5 BP attaches a valve to BP report blames the the end of the broken explosion on a methane drilling pipe hoping to bubble. stop the flow. It did not reduce the amount of .May 14 oil coming out, so officials conducted conBP plans to insert a 4 trolled burns to get rid in. tube to place in the of the oil. ruptured pipe to bring the oil to surface.

May 26 BP pumps thousands of barrels of mud into the well to plug the leak. It fails.

may April 25 US Coast Guard cameras reports that the well is leaking 1,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd).

May 7 BP engineers used underwater robots to move a containment chamber over the two remainder leaks.

.May 20 Experts estimate there is now 20,000 bpd.

May 12 Failure of a 4-story-high dome to draw out the oil results in BP lowering a five-foot-high dome to cover the leak.

spi

l

june June 12 Scientists double their estimates to 40,000 bpd.

feature

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

oil, heat, recipe for disaster

ooking:

Summer heat indexes

93.2 94.1

96

e er ag av

lo w

hi gh

Hot water

Water temperature ruins fun at lake anu pandit editor-in-chief

J

ack Blankenship sat fishing with his father at the lake.

It had been a long day, and they hadn’t had any luck. Jack’s father turned to him and said “Son, it’s even too hot for the fish.”

Record-high temperatures, the third highest in state history, increased water temperatures at Lake Tuscaloosa, which, according to Blankenship, “made it difficult for us to really enjoy the water.”

Blankenship, senior, said that the lake got hot unusually fast.

“Usually it takes until the midweek of July for the lake to get too hot to be comfortable in the water, but this year it was like bathwater near the end of June,” he said.

ll June 14 Obama compares spill to 9/11.

Blankenship said that one day at the lake, the heat was so bad that he and his friends sweated profusely.

“There was honestly more water on our bodies from sweat than from the swim we’d just taken,” he said.

Wesley Walker, senior, said that he went to the lake two or three times a week over the summer to go boating.

“You’d have to swim down twenty feet to get to the cool spots.

Instead of swimming, which would have been useless, I would just get wet and then drive around in my truck so the wind would cool me off,” he said.

Kaitlin Krueger, senior, said that she frequented the Captain’s Cabin at the Northriver Yacht Club.

“I was laying out one day, and the heat made me feel dizzy and light-headed. I tried to go for a swim to help me cool off, but it felt like

Temperature soars laine elliott beat editor

T

august

june

june

76°

august

75°

june

june

august

july

june

75°

illustration by alex hauser information compiled by craig first

106° 109°

116°

there was a stove underneath the lake, heating up the water. It was hotter than Robert Pattinson,” she said.

Whit Chambers, junior, said that he and his friends used alternative methods to escape the heat.

“We’d keep the ceiling fans [on the boat dock] at full blast, and if we were feeling really hot we’d freeze a water bottle and pour it all over ourselves. It would keep us cool for about five minutes; then we’d just do it again,” he said.

Blankenship is what he calls a “regular” at the lake.

“It’s the place to be. Everyone goes there to hang out and swim and boat, and we weren’t going to stop because of the heat, even if it felt like swimming in coffee,” he said.

emperatures were in the hundreds this summer, with a record-breaking 116 degrees on Aug. 3, making this summer the third hottest in Tuscaloosa’s history.

Students speculate it could have something to do with global warming.

Lynn Kyle, sophomore, said she enjoys walking her dogs and having picnics, but the heat got in the way.

“It was too hot every day; I didn’t really do anything. The heat made me feel lazy,” Kyle said.

Some students found it difficult to be outside, especially students who play sports.

Walter Hall, sophomore, and Paaras Agrawal, sophomore both played club soccer.

“My soccer coach made us bring a gallon of water with us, so we wouldn’t get dehydrated or get heat exhaustion,” Hall said.

“While we were practicing, more than once, people had to sit out because they got so light-headed and started throwing up,” Agrawal said.

Kristy Cooper, math teacher, said she also had problems with the heat.

“I wanted to take my baby to the pool, but it was so hot, and I didn’t want her to get burned,” Cooper said.

Other

july July 13 BP installs a tighter cap on the ruptured wellhead.

summer days were in the high 90s and 100s. The highest temperatures were 106 degrees on June 14, and 109 on July 30.

“This summer was way hotter than previous summers,” Zoë Bakker, sophomore, said. “It most likely was caused by global warming.”

“I didn’t really think the heat had anything to do with global warming, but it may have caused all the other natural disasters that have been happening lately,” Hall said. “It’s always hot in Alabama.”

The natural disasters Hall is referring to are the recent floods in Brazil and Pakistan.

What some students might think of as global warming could logically be described as The Greenhouse Effect, Nerissa Deramus, science teacher, said.

“The heat is caused by too many emissions of carbon dioxide,” she said. This breaks up the ozone layer, so the sun shines more intensely, resulting in hotter weather.

Andrew Hubbard, junior, said he believes strongly that global warming is the cause of this weather.

“I went to Summer Snow to get a snow cone and before I could even eat it, it melted,” Hubbard said. “It made me very sad. It’s all global warming’s fault,” he said.

Carson Thweatt, junior, said she likes to hike and do outdoor activities but wasn’t able to participate in them.

“Whether it’s global warming or not, the heat affected me a lot this summer,” she said. “It was really awful.”

August 2 BP attempts to stem flow by pumping heavy drilling mud and cement into well.

July 15 BP completely stops the oil for the first time in 87 days.

June 30 Hurricane Alex disrupts clean-up

June 23 BP’s cap breaks causing oil to flow uninterrupted for several hours.

7

august July 23 Tropical storm Bonnie suspends relief well drilling. It is revealed that the alarm systems were turned off the time of the explosion to allow the workers to sleep undisturbed.

August 4 BP reports that the “static kill” was successful, though more mud will be pumped in it to close it permanently.

August 11 The relief well drilling suspended to allow a tropical storm to pass.

information from www.guardian.co.uk photo illustration by zoey simpson and alex hauser

8

entertainment

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

Construction delayed nick pappas entertainment editor

The City of Tuscaloosa Amphitheater being built near downtown Tuscaloosa was expected to open this month, but due to over 60 days of rain before June, the construction was set back.

Despite the delay, Walt Maddox, mayor, is looking forward to the amphitheater’s completion.

“I am excited, and it is going to be a great thing for Tuscaloosa,” he said.

“I would [personally] love to see the Black Crowes, B.B. King and Sugarland [perform at the theater].”

Maddox said the amphitheater will be finished before the end of the year.

“The construction will be complete by December, and we will open in March 2011 for the Spring Concert Season,” he said.

Performances are already being lined up for the Spring season, Maddox said.

“Red Mountain Entertainment is currently putting together a concert series,” he said, “and [there should be] an

announcement by November.”

Ryan Martin, junior, who said he was ecstatic about the amphitheater in 2009, said he is still ecstatic.

“My dream concert: I would really love [to see] the alternative band Let’s Get it,” he said.

Walter Hall, sophomore, in 2009 said he didn’t expect the amphitheater to live up to expectations.

“I’m excited [about the theater] as long as they attract interesting and new artists,” he said. “I don’t think that will happen.”

Hall said the theater would be a nice addition to Tuscaloosa. “[There’s] not much to do [in Tuscaloosa], and this would be one more thing,” he said. “It [will] be fun.”

Morgan Wilson, sophomore, said he does not expect much in the way of artists coming to Tuscaloosa.

“All we’ll get is country, country, and country,” he said. “[We’ll see] Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Nickelback.

photo by moonstone

review: Bad movie, great fun

laine elliott beat editor

Known as the “worst film ever made” by iMDB, Rotten Tomatoes and almost every other movie review Web site, Troll 2 definitely lives up to its reputation.

On Aug. 24, the Bama Theater showed The Best Worst Movie, which followed the Alabama dentist-turnedactor George Hardy and former child star of the film Michael Stephenson.

They embarked on a journey to find the rest of the cast and discuss their experiences with Troll 2.

Since 1990 when the movie was released, these actors have tried to erase the memories of embarrassment Troll 2 has caused them but are now forced to laugh at themselves in this hilarious documentary.

Hardy, Stephenson and the whole documentary crew will be touring the country and screening Troll 2 to its cult followers. Tuscaloosa happened to be the first stop on the tour.

Following the documentary, they

showed the actual film.

Don’t be fooled by the name. Troll 2 has absolutely nothing to do with trolls. It’s all about goblins.

This cult classic horror story begins when a family of four goes on vacation to the quaint town of Nilbog (which, shockingly, is goblin spelled backwards).

The townspeople attempt to turn the family into goblins by making them eat suspicious green slime.

The only one who realizes the townspeople are evil is the son, Joshua, but he might have some psychological problems since he frequently talks to his dead grandfather.

Five minutes into the movie, I discovered it was already the cheesiest movie I’d ever seen, and it continued to make less and less sense as it progressed.

Screenwriting genius led to wonderfully out of place lines like, “Goblins! Are you on dope?”

The effects were awful, everything was covered in green slime and the goblin costumes looked like they were made by 5-year-olds.

This film was cinematic brilliance and the best unintentional comedy I have ever seen; I see now why it is such a phenomenon.

screenshot from Troll 2 Arnold (played by Darren Ewing) realizes the trolls are eating his friend, and once they finish, they will eat him. A video clip of this scene has millions of views on youtube.com

photo by nick pappas The amphitheater in construction across from The Tuscaloosa News. Originally expected to open this month, the theater is now slated for opening in March, 2011.

For fans of Inception you might also enjoy Nolan brother’s recent success reminds of past nick pappas entertainment editor With the release of The Dark Knight in 2008, and more recently Inception over the summer, Christopher and Jonathan Nolan have been the subject of critical acclaim.

Their film Memento, released in 2000, was a box office success, as well a popular hit with critics with its non-linear style showing the plot of the movie.

Andrew Maxey, assistant principal, said Memento was more impressive than recent, similar movies.

“A lot of movies now are not start to finish,” he said. “[Memento] gets outside the linear views of movies.

[It] does it very well.”

Anondo Banerjee, senior, said Memento was “messed up.”

“It’s probably the first movie in ten

years that’s actually surprised me,” he said.

Memento is rated R for violence, language and some drug content.

Not recommended for younger siblings.

photo by christophernolan.net

entertainment

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

review:

9

goes back to herself

samuel yang news editor­ Back to Me is right. If anybody has earned the right to demand that, it’s Fantasia.

She nailed everything from disco to country during her American Idol run and then sang with some of the biggest names in music. She’s practically the last great soul-singer on the radio.

That’s why it’s sad that she still seems to be at the mercy of her producers, singing whatever pop ditties (Free Yourself) or perceived urban hits (Fantasia) they throw at her.

The first 10 seconds of Back to Me are pretty encouraging that maybe Fantasia has finally found a groove. A menacing Usher-style effect is met by a thumping old-school piano line that comes in, only to be joined by a synth in the next few beats.

It sums up the artistic statement Back to Me seems to make: combining the old and new. The production, with help from samples, adds healthy doses of old-school soul to more current trends.

“Man of the House” is the album’s moment of genius. Over a whirling bed of vocals, synths and beats, Fantasia turns her street-smart singing into a stinging rebuke. “If you gon’ be the man/then be the man/’cause if you can’t/baby, I can,” she snaps (Ne-Yo’s

lyrics). My ego won’t appreciate it, but she hoops. She never gets to let loose and frankly, has a point and she sounds pretty fine while Cee-Lo Green’s part is slightly creepy.

“I know you’re twice my age,” she sings doing it. to him and he sounds every bit the part –not “Who’s Been Loving You” may feel like good when he’s singing to a 26 year old a genetically engineered R&B song with its whose youth is part of her trademark. flowing piano, steady beat, and swooping The closing number is literally a closing background vocals, but it’s done so perfectly number.

“I’m Here” was Fantasia’s big that all but the snobbiest listeners will feel anthem during her critically applauded something.

Broadway run in The I appreciate the brilliance Color Purple.

Like Mary of “Man of the House,” but J. Blige’s “I Can See in “Who’s Been Loving You” is Color,” it closes the album my instinctive favorite – say and does away with digital it’s the chord progressions, editing and exposing but this one’s been on repeat.

Fantasia’s glorious voice.

Unfortunately, after a Live, the song focuses strong start, Back to Me goes on her voice, backing it downhill. “Teach Me” and with piano or subtle strings.

“Move on Me” are misses.

Here, it’s a little overdressed “Teach Me” has an awkward with its over-bearing indecisiveness and “Move on strings; plus, it drags where Me” sounds like a Beyonce she usually kicks into high photo by jyle dupuis outtake with with horns gear.

Her voice lacks its Fantasia Barrino after winthrown in. typical rawness, but it’s I would never judge, ning the third season of not the weak link here (or American Idol.

Barrino’s but part of me hoped that a latest album, Back to Me anywhere else). woman with Fantasia’s life Ultimately, Back to Me is experiences and roots (she’s was released on Aug. 24. probably closer to the real never been shy about her Fantasia than her studio faith) would have more wisdom to impart handlers have ever let her be (though I guess than the blatant come-on of “Move on Me.” only Fantasia will ever really know how “The Thrill is Gone” goes in the right close).

Still, her once-in-musical-history direction when it comes to a swampy, drumbased late-night groove, but it still has presence and voice often fail to show up in Fantasia jumping through sweet little R&B photo illustration and font by nick pappas

I’m Doing Me: The right mix of old-school bounce and contemporary edge, but its chorus (with its spastic “I’m doing me”) never seems to totally melt into the slow-burning verses.

Bittersweet: A minor chart hit, and a safe, familiar surefire fallback.

Fitting the video, where Fantasia plays an old-fashioned nightclub singer, it has a barely vintage thudding backing track with crashing vocals that ache with yearning. It’s not revolutionary, but it plays up to all the right places.

Collard Greens: Armed with a brilliant sample of Marvin and Tammi’s classic “Your Precious Love,” it moves in the right direction but something about it hasn’t been fully developed.

Trust Him: A slice of well-done old-fashioned production, but its effortless throwback vibe is hijacked by too-sweet-too-much-toocheesy background vocals.

the studio.

Her wails, riffs and runs – some which I’ve never heard anyone else do – are rarely captured on record.

When this album is good, it’s great. Its mix of classic and innovation is refreshing, but it misses a few chances towards the middle to really explore those connections.

It doesn’t hurt my respect for Fantasia, but it makes me a little indignant for her.

It’s certainly not bad (it might be great, especially when lined up with what else is out), different from Fantasia and it has an artistic identity that she can build on.

The good news is, Fantasia’s young.

She has plenty of chances to outgrow some of the lyrics on this album and to grow into whatever artistic identity she chooses. Once she chooses, I hope her producers give her the freedom to do what she wants.

In the meantime, Fantasia deserves any success she gets and also, support and encouragement. The recent attention paid to what may have been an affair with a married man turned ugly when she landed in the hospital after a “suicide attempt.”

So even if she doesn’t take them in musical form, I sincerely pray that Fantasia gets all the chances she needs to find herself – for real, this time.

The album debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on Billboard’s R&B chart.

THE SONG FILE

Falling in Love Tonight: A bit of a comeback, but it’s too late. It’s a strict dance hit that’s perfectly arranged over a crisp beat, handclaps, and autotuned male backup singers (though the extended instrumental section at the end is a little misleading). It’s a brilliant fast slow dance, but now it’s too late to really go old-school.

Even Angels: Even more of a safe hit than “Bittersweet,” and though it’s a little too sugary, it revisits the higher points of her past R&B hits.

Recommended (Live) Listening: Tributes to Aretha Franklin (Baby, I Love You; Rock Steady), Patti LaBelle (Somebody Loves You, Lady Marmalade); Pre-Grammy party duet with Chaka Khan (Summertime); I’m Here, performed on Oprah and at Tony’s.

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sports

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

Serving it up photo by beth allaway Ashlyn Sunseri, junior, Lizzy McElwain, senior, and Carly Cignetti, senior celebrate their win against Central.

photo by beth allaway The volleyball team shakes hands with their opponents after defeating Central on Sept. 2. “Central wanted the game bad, but in the end we wanted it more,” Cook said.

Volleyball experiences winning streak ellie cauthen staff writer

photo by beth allaway Varsity volleyball team members discuss the game on the bench.

Wins Losses Hillcrest County High Bryant Sipsey Valley Bibb County Central Fayette Bessemerr

Brookwood Holy Spirit

The Lady Jags have been undefeated this season except for games against Brookwood and Holy Spirit.

“Even when we were losing we got it together, came The Volleyball team defeated Hillcrest High School in back and killed them,” Cignetti said. a home game on Aug. 31. They played two area games Shirlyncia Moore, sophomore, is on the varsity team. against Hillcrest and County High and defeated them both.

“It upset us [if we lose], but we just shook it off,” “It feels amazing that all of our hard work paid off,” Moore said. “We use that loss to motivate us to do better Natalie Cignetti, freshman, next time.” said.

“I have had these girls for four Sherri Shuttlesworth, varsity years and consistency makes the volleyball coach, said area difference. Plus the addition of games are the most important.

Ashlyn Sunseri pulls our team “Area games are the way we together,” Shuttlesworth said. advance, so these are the games Ashlyn Sunseri, junior, moved we must win,” Shuttlesworth here from North Carolina last year ~ Ashlyn Sunseri said. “So it’s always sweet to and has been an important asset to win an area game.” the team.

The jags won four out of five games against Hillcrest.

“We do what we have to do to get the ball over the net,” The scores were 25-16, 19-25, 21-25, 25-21, and 15-7.

Sunseri said. “It’s all about focus.”

“It was our best game ever,” said Shuttlesworth.

Shuttlesworth said the team’s dedication is what drives Ashlyn Sunseri led the jags with 14 kills, two aces, two them. assists, one block, and 22 digs. Kenyatta Moffett also had “Our team is really good about keeping the ball up; we five aces, 11 kills, and five digs. have great communication and great leaders,” she said.

“

We do what we have to to get the ball over the net.

”

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sports

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

11

Jones balances three sports regan walker assistant sports editor

photo by meredith horn Brooks Burns, quarterback, does a running play for a first down in the game against Minor on Sept. 10.

Football team wins first game Freshman Scarbrough leads scores brock hartley sports editor The football team won their first game of the season against Minor on Sept. 10 at Northridge.

The ending score was 35-24. Twentyeight points were scored by Bo Scarbrough, freshman. The other touchdown was scored by James Cox, sophomore.

Bo said that on his third touchdown the play almost didn’t go as planned.

“I dove in the end zone and that was not in the play at all,” Bo said.

The other touchdown was a 24 yard pass delivered from quarterback Brooks Burns to wide receiver James Cox. Brooks said it felt great to have a

touchdown pass, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

“The play went perfect. James did an amazing job in reading the play and getting the Jags some more points on the board,” Brooks said.

James was scared at first that he might not catch the throw but ended up making the play happen.

“For awhile I didn’t think I was going to catch it because it was thrown a little inside, but I pulled through and caught it,” James said.

Jackson Blankenship, senior, grew his beard out until the team’s first win.

“It was exhilarating and heart-thumping [getting to shave my beard off],” he said. “I could feel the adrenaline pumping through my wrist as the razor cut my [beard].”

photos by meredith horn Left, the football team bursts through the banner before their game against Minor.

Right, Andrew Maxey, assistant principal, supervises the pep rally on Sept. 10.

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Anyone looking for Darryl Jones would find him practicing for one of three sports: football, track or basketball.

“Track [is my favorite sport],” Jones said. “I started in the seventh grade; Coach Giddeon saw me at P.E. and asked me to join.”

Jones said track is his favorite because it’s where he excels; however, he said he has to work more in basketball. “[Basketball] doesn’t always come naturally to me. I have to work harder at it,” Jones said.

Jeff Sparks, track coach, said that Jones is a diligent athlete. “[Jones] contributes a hard work ethic and a positive outlook to the team,” Sparks said.

However, Jones said he sometimes has trouble keeping up with his class work because of his sports.

“I’m here [at school practicing] all day,” Jones said. “[Sports] are everything to me.”

Jones said his best memory in sports happened last season.

“I found out I was second in the nation for sophomores in triple jump,” he said. “I was so excited.”

Jones said he sees sports as a definite link to his future.

“I want to get a scholarship to college, maybe in the S.E.C. and eventually find a job that involves sports,” he said.

photo by kimberly van horn Darryl Jones, junior, practices for foot ball after school on Sept. 15.

athlete to watch

alison fridley

Tennis player loves competing alexandra stewart staff writer

Alison Fridley, junior, picked up a tennis racket for the first time in 6th grade.

“My mom and my friends really encouraged me to play,” she said. “Once I started playing, it was really fun. I loved playing in the tournaments and meeting new people,” she said.

Every year, Fridley has played on the tennis team.

Becci Hauser, tennis coach, said she has seen lots of improvement in her.

“She has some of the best skills at Northridge. She works hard to get better every day,” she said.

Fridley uses various outlets to enhance her game.

“I have a tennis coach in Birmingham, at Lake Shore, where I attend a clinic four times a week,” she said.

Fridley not only plays on the tennis team for Northridge, but she plays in tennis tournaments every weekend.

She plays in tournaments from South Carolina to Arkansas.

“I have like no time anymore. I’m starting to think home schooling would be better,” she said. “I have one this weekend, and if I advance, then I could have to stay until Monday, and I have one in Mobile next weekend.

I have to check out Friday, Sept. 17, and that one could go to Monday, too,” she said.

Hauser said that the tournaments help Fridley to become a better player.

“She plays a variety of different people that have different strengths and weaknesses. She has never played them before, so she has to figure out how they play on the court,” she said, “I think it’s how she gets better; she’s played a lot of tough competition,” she said.

As much time as the tournaments take up, she said she still really enjoys every aspect of them.

“I love the tournaments, basically because I am really competitive, and I meet a lot of new people,” she said.

“My first big tournament, I played on stadium court, first round, with a seated line judge against a girl who became one of my best friends,” she said.

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the beat

the northridge reporter september 21, 2010

Seniors burst through their sign that read “Forgot the other classes...they’re all done, we’re the class of double one!”

12 photo by beth allaway

Courtyard pep rally gets mixed reviews

claire nicholson staff writer

photo by beth allaway Jack Blankenship, senior flag boy, runs with the flag. He let his beard grow until the team’s first win.

The first pep rally of the year was held on Aug. 26 in the courtyard in preparation for the game against Walker.

In the past, pep rallies have been held in the gym.

Dr. Isaac Espy, principal, said, “We had some concern about space limitations in the gym.”

Students had different opinions on the pep rally in the courtyard.

Courtney Plott, junior, said, “I couldn’t see what was going on. I don’t think freshmen got the full experience. It was basically people standing around looking lost and confused.”

Haley Foster, junior, said she liked the pep rally, but it could have been better.

“We should’ve had it in the gym and had more music,” she said.

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Espy said he was happy with the behavior at the pep rally.

“I thought we had a nice time,” he said. “I didn’t have any complaints; we’ll call that a success.”

At the beginning of the pep rally, the senior class ripped through their sign.

Ashton Clark, senior, got part of her toenail ripped off during the run through.

“After we ripped the sign, someone stepped on my toe while we were running, and it ripped the middle of my toe nail off.

My toe was bleeding for the rest of the pep rally,” Clark said.

The pep rally featured cheers, the dance line, words from the football coach, the football team walking in, the band and the colorguard.

Espy said future pep rallies are expected to be in the gym, stadium or back in the courtyard.

photo by beth allaway Dance line girls and cheerleaders raise school spirit.

photo by nick pappas Students sway to the music played by the band.