Spartan BaNNER Volume 55
February 2016
Issue 6
WHAT’S INSIDE! Meet the Candidates, p. 2 Learn who the major candidates are and their supporters at East.
New Wristband that tracks your feelings, p. 3
Learn how you really are feeling throughout the day.
Effects of Caffeine, p. 4 Discover side effects of feeling the buzz of caffeine.
Results from the DYW competition, p. 5
Winners from the distinguished young women competition reveal details from the event.
Essay becomes opportunity to make global difference By Philip Klinker, staff writer (photo credit Adam Storch, staff photographer)
In English 1o Honors it is common for students to pick a major issue in a foreign country and to write a research paper outlining the problem and possible solutions for it. However, students both current and former have done little with this assignment, compared to what Hana Siddiqui did for her paper this year. Hana’s issue was education (specifically for girls) in Pakistan. Of all the countries in the world, Pakistan has the second most children out of school, ⅔ of which are girls. One main reason for this is the presence of the Taliban. The Taliban is a radical, fundamentalist, terrorist organization that controls swaths
of several countries. One of their goals is to prevent women’s education, which they view as an affront to God. To begin, Hana went to her teacher, Mrs. Ryan, for help in writing an introduction to her essay. Hana revealed that she had relatives back in Pakistan and that her grandfather owned land that has a new, all-girls school on it. Mrs. Ryan mentioned that a real life connection like that could make for a good introduction paragraph. Hana would go on to write a spectacular essay and would win her class’s essay presentations. The prize for this is a donation to a charity for relieving the problem the win-
ner wrote about. Hana chose to donate t0 the very school that is on her grandfather’s land. Mrs. Ryan says that the real life connection Hana has was a once in a lifetime opportunity to have a student’s work in class make a difference on the other side of the world. It is an opportunity to show every student that they can make a difference. Not only were collections for money and school supplies made in all of Mrs. Ryan’s classes, but also several other classes in the school. The school supplies are badly needed and the money will go towards various scholarships and a breakfast program. For some girls at
the school, the lunch it gives is the only meal they have all day so the breakfast program is a godsend. The scholarships can be used to sponsor a student for her entire education or several for a shorter amount of time. The money would also go to families who would be forced to send their kids to work without financial support. Hana chose this cause because in our country education is a given for many children. However, in Pakistan it is a rare privilege. It gives us some perspective. It shows us how fortunate we are to have what we do and encourages us to not take it for granted. Mrs. Ryan has said, “My hope
would be that with the money and supplies sent over that they can have a sustainable start. That they feel the support of their western counterparts. Beyond the money I hope that they can find trained and compassionate educators to work with the young girls and end the vicious cycle of a lack of education.” At the end of the fundraiser $1,423 and hundreds of school supplies were collected. Both Mrs. Ryan and Hana would like to thank countless students, teachers, and parents for their generosity. They have touched the lives of young girls who, with their assistance, will receive the education they deserve.
Black History Month: a look into past celebrations By Emma Barbian, staff writer
Every February, the United States celebrates the history of African Americans. Black History Month became officially, nationally recognized in 1976. Prior to this, it was known as Negro History Week, which began in 1926. In the same year, historian Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History dedicated the second week of February to
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be celebrated, as it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Emphasis was placed on educating children in public schools about African American history. The first event was only partially successful, and many were hesitant to embrace the idea. Three years later, in 1929, media began publicizing the event, making it
more widely known and popular. This time it was met with a warm welcome. There was a significant increase in interest in black history, including the creation of black history clubs and a greater incorporation into classrooms. One of the most prevalent African Americans in US history is Martin Luther King Jr. King played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement,
spanning from 1954 to 1968. He is best known for his nonviolent approach to civil disobedience, and for his “I Have a Dream” speech, given at the March on Washington in August of 1963. His career as an activist began with the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott. In 1964, King received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to eliminate racial inequality. Up until his assassination in April
of 1968, King strove to achieve racial justice. In his honor, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated every year on January 18. This February, remember those who fought for equality, for justice, and for peace. Remember the people like Martin Luther King Jr who dreamed of a better world.
Spartan Banner — February 2016