The Wolverine Volume XV Issue 3

December 2013

Volume XV | Issue 3

The Wolverine

Athlete of the Month: Robert Baker - Page 10

INSIDE

snapshot | 2

news | 3-5, 12

lifestyle | 6-9, 11

sports | 10

2

The Wolverine

Welcome to The Wolverine.

Journalism Adviser Ms. Kaitlyn Ranney

Snapshot: December

Here’s a look at what’s coming up in the future.

2013-2014 Staff Editors-In-Chief: Travis King, ‘14 Mary Grace Walsh, ‘14 Sports Editor: Victoria Hudson, ‘14 Layout Editor Coleman Hedden, ‘14 Assistant Editors: Annabelle Mathis, ‘14 Alex Brack, ‘15 Reporters: Hensley Babb, ‘14 Claire Harper, ‘14 Nehal Sanghi, ‘14 Honor Stoner, ‘14 Stacey Agadoni, ‘15 Connor Sudderth, ‘15 Zach Hamilton, ‘16 Ally Chebuhar, ‘17

today (12/13) ◊ d day ◊ holiday assembly from 9:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. ◊ german club holiday party and plätzchen in the mezzanine during both lunches ◊ varsity basketball games at fellowship. girls play at 6:30 p.m. boys play at 8:00 p.m.

next week this month ◊ monday is a reading day ◊ tuesday through thursday are exams Tuesday: Math (9:00 a.m.) and English (12:00 p.m.)

Wednesday: Language (9:00 a.m.) and Social Studies (12:00 p.m.)

Thursday: Science (8:00 a.m.)

happy holidays!

◊ holiday break: Mon, Dec. 23 to Friday, Jan. 3 ◊ Christmas: Wed, Dec. 25 ◊ new years: Tues, Dec. 31 ◊ school resumes Mon, Jan. 6

(L-R) Back Row: Zach Hamilton (Reporter), Connor Sudderth (Reporter), Kaitlyn Ranney (Adviser), Kerry Bossak (Asst. Teacher). Middle Row: Ally Chebuhar (Reporter), Claire Harper (Reporter), Honor Stoner (Reporter), Annabelle Mathis (Asst. Editor), Travis King (Editor-in-Chief), Alex Brack (Asst. Editor), Mary Grace Walsh (Editor-in-Chief). Front Row: Stacey Agadoni (Reporter), Nehal Sanghi (Reporter), Hensley Babb (Reporter), Victoria Hudson (Sports Editor).

All staff may be reached via email at firstname.lastname@twswolverine. com.

Cover Photo Sophomore Robert Baker takes a shot during a home basketball game. Photo: Mike Mackey/The Walker School

Advertising The Wolverine offers free advertising to eligible businesses. For more information, visit TWSWolverine.com/Advertising.

Community Submissions The Wolverine welcomes submissions from the Walker community, including students, faculty, and staff. For more information, guidelines, and to submit your piece, visit TWSWolverine.com/Community.

The staff of The Wolverine wishes you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season! See you in January!

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he Wolverine, founded in 1999, is the newspaper of The Walker School. The Wolverine is published seven times during the school year by the members of the student body. Content contained within these pages does not necessarily represent the opinions of The Walker School, its administration, or employees. Copyright authority to the material (articles, graphics, etc.) contained in this publication is strictly held under reserve by the Editorial Board. Any reproduction or alteration without written consent is strictly prohibited. The staff of The Wolverine is comprised of members of the Upper School Journalism Class, led by adviser Kaitlyn Ranney (‘03).

The Wolverine serves as a voice for the Walker Community.

LGBTQ: The Movement Hits Walker

by Claire Harper reporter

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he LGBT(Q) community, also known as lesbian gay bisexual and transgender, and sometimes including queer/ questioning, is a group of individuals that come together to enjoy their constitutional rights of equality. The LGBTQ community gives its supporters a place to live openly and have their relationships be respected instead of criticized. LGBTQ is intended to emphasize a diversity of sexuality and gender identitybased cultures.

LGBTQ has been at Walker for several years now.

New this year, Director of the Student Diversity Leadership Program Ira Dawson challenged the members of the Diversity Club to revamp and bring back LGBTQ by creating the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA).

The GSA serves as allies to the LGBTQ community.

Senior member of the program, Yeoryia Papadopoulos, said, “Our goal is to create a safe and open space

“

We hope to create a place where open dialogue can be exchanged.”

for members of LGBTQ and those who may not be members, but want to be informed about the matter. We hope to create a place where open dialogue can be exchanged.”

Senior Jassy Tuteja who has also played a role in recreating the LGBTQ program said, “We’re trying to get everyone involved with this [Gay-Straight Alliance] instead of having just one particular group of students.” The creation of this aspect of the program is still in its final stages, but the Upper and Middle School should expect to see presentations on it soon.

Diversity Club has

December 2013 3 Technology at Walker on Rapid Rise

by Alex Brack assistant editor

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echnology is becoming a vital component in many education systems throughout the United States and even the world. Interactive also created something called whiteboards, iPads, laptops, and the Middle School Alliance. web based teaching applications Members of the club created are examples of the many forms this aspect of the Gay-Straight of technology that can be seen in Alliance to inform middle I believe that the addischoolers that words can be tion of new technology harmful. In a New York Times to the school is very Article, “L.G.B.T.Q. Youth and important for both the Pressures of Coming Out,” the students and the faculty.” expert Dr. Kenneth Fishberger said, “With LGBTQ four times as classrooms today. The classrooms likely as their heterosexual peers at Walker are no exception to to attempt suicide…youth [are] the worldwide adaptation of being forced to drop out of school technology into classrooms. because of harassment resulting The beginning of the 2013from their sexual orientation.”

2014 school year marked a People have heard significant increase in Walker’s countless times words can hurt amount and use of technology. those around them, but being a Director of Technology Kerry Middle School student, one does Bossak and several other not realize that saying “that’s faculty members worked very gay” can hurt someone. The hard to integrate all of the Diversity Club plans on handing technological updates into the out surveys to determine how school. Specifically, all teachers much the Middle School students now have their own laptop understand about the LGBTQ in addition to their desktop, community.

Walker isn’t the only internet speed was increased, school to hop on board this tablet and laptop carts were movement. Woodward and added, and the energy usage of Marist both hold retreats where all computers was decreased.

Several years ago, students can learn about the interactive whiteboards – or LGBTQ community and where members of the community can Active Boards – started to share their stories. The program appear around the school. is world-reknown and continues Now they can be found in to grow, creating a safe place for every room throughout Walker.

Today, there are hundreds of members of the community.

“

Junior Austin Gignilliat works on an assignment on one of the library’s numerous computers available for student use.

Photo Courtesy of Alex Brack

computers on Walker’s campus as well as Active Boards and tablets. Having such a strong technological influence is certainly beneficial to students, teachers, and administrators. It provides organization and easy access to useful information and programs for all of the faculty and students of Walker.

However, it may also be considered that technology can be a distraction for students resulting in impacted grades.

Clearly, funding all of the new technology was not cheap. Nevertheless the school rightfully believed that it would be a step in the right direction.

“I believe that the addition of new technology to the school is very important for both the students and the faculty,” said Bossak. However, Bossak adds that he does not believe Walker is ready for a one-to one-system, an educational system where every student has their own personal device.

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) agree with Bossak’s opinion. The ISTE and the CoSN have found that classrooms with technology readily available have improved academic performance in the major fields, teachers meeting higher criteria, and an all around higher productivity rate.

Junior Allen Perez agrees that technology has had a big influence on his classroom experience. “I have gone to Walker for a long time and I remember the first time I had an Active Board in my classroom.

Since then it seems like there is so much technology around school,” said Perez. In the future, the Walker community can expect to see the integration of more technological components to the school.

E: Editorial

by The Wolverine Editorial Board

Students Annoyed With Lunch Period Rules

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he library is a place that should be open to all students at any time for quiet studying. Students often need to work on a computer, read, or print something out. If they’re disturbing others, they should be asked to leave. But if students are quiet, why would they not be able to use the library?

Starting this year, study halls for sophomores and juniors are held in the library instead of individual classrooms. Due to this change, students have been asked to stay out of the library during their lunch period in an effort to keep study hall quiet.

However, our hour-long lunch periods are also supposed to be used for homework. There’s

a problem with this rule: If students are not allowed to be in the library, then how are they going to use their lunch periods to study? An anonymous junior said, “The fact that we have to be in study hall to use the library is beyond obnoxious.”

Students have also been asked to stay out of the hallway and in a classroom instead; yet, in order for students to even get to a classroom to see a teacher or work on an assignment, they must use the hallway.

Unfortunately, the only true common area for students consists of the cafeteria and plaza. “They need to designate a spot for us,” an anonymous senior said. The plaza isn’t always an option during the

winter when it is too cold to be outside. The cafeteria is perfectly fine, but this does not provide a quiet area for students who are interested in doing homework.

These rules are also not enforced consistently. Students can be found in the hallway during lunch almost every day.

If the rules are going to be put into place, then they should be consistently enforced in order for our student body to respect them. Students are confused.

Where are we allowed to be during lunch? If these rules were clearly addressed on a daily basis, then students may be more apt to follow them.

They could be posted in the daily announcements or on the hallway televisions for

clarification.

These rules seem to have been created because of disturbances by a few students.

If these students have abused the privilege, then they should be punished rather than punishing

“

If the rules are going to be put into place, then they should be consistently enforced in order for our student body to respect them.”

the entire student body. At the beginning of the school year, we were asked to pave our own sidewalks. We were given the privilege to be where we wished during our lunch period. This does not seem to be the case anymore.

Administration Needs to Enforce Dress Code

By The Wolverine Editorial Board

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hirts must have collars.

This direct quotation from Walker’s student handbook has been hammered into the heads of students and faculty alike countless times, yet it has easily become the most broken rule across campus. Take a stroll down the hallway and look at what we’re wearing – you’ll notice a sea of t-shirts, athletic shorts, and flipflops. Sure, those sweatpants may be the most comfortable thing you’ve ever worn, but in theory, they’re against the rules.

Fortunately for most students, the administration has seemingly been turning a blind eye on such violations.

Many teachers don’t notice, and those students that are even sent to the office are often let off with a warning not to wear

the offending clothing item again. This isn’t what should happen. If the school is going

“

If the established dress code is going to be ignored, should it even be a policy in the first place?”

to implement a dress code, it should be enforced. If not, then why should it be in place at all?

Look around. Teachers wear some form of business attire, a requirement stated in the faculty handbook (which establishes guidelines and procedures for employees, much like the student handbook does for students). They show up every day dressed as required.

Male teachers won’t come to school sporting Vineyard Vines t-shirts or flip-flops, and female

teachers won’t show up wearing sweatpants or dresses that go halfway to their knee. In the real world, this is how it works.

Adults are expected to abide by policies such as a dress code. As disappointing as it may be for most students, this is how it is going to be until retirement. Get used to it.

However, if the established dress code is going to be ignored by students and the administration alike, should it even be a policy in the first place?

Teenagers typically challenge the status quo. Therefore, if they break the dress code and aren’t punished appropriately, then what stops them from doing it again? Soon, other students take notice and more and more Polo t-shirts, sweatpants, and even bare feet can be spotted in the

hallways. This begs the question: why does the school feature a dress code if it isn’t going to be enforced? Because currently the dress code exists in theory only, and if the administration isn’t going to back up teachers who are doing their best to enforce the policy, maybe it should be completely thrown out the window altogether.

Policies such as the dress code exist to give the school a uniform look without requiring a uniform. But if it is going to be ignored, then what’s the point of having it in the first place? The administration needs to make a decision: either enforce the dress code, or get rid of it.

December 2013

5

PowerSchool: Behind the Scenes

by Zach Hamilton reporter

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owerSchool is a centralized online grading system that was introduced to Walker in 2007 to make the grading system more efficient, more structured, and more accessible to students and their families. Walker is one of the few independent schools in the area that has a grading system with online access like PowerSchool.

Before PowerSchool, teachers kept individual gradebooks that were compiled at the end of the quarter so that report cards could be sent out.

Although many teachers still keep hard copies of student grades, all teachers are required to keep up with their students’ grades online. The decision to switch to PowerSchool was made in large part to create consistency.

“The main thing is having one centralized database for all of the academic data,” said Director of Studies Michael Arjona.

Now, not only are grades for all of a student’s classes in one place, but so are many other things, such as their attendance record and schedule. PowerSchool can be edited and accessed from anywhere at any time, and can be used as a great tool by both teachers

and students. “PowerSchool has really changed how I manage my grades, it’s a great tool to use and it has helped me a lot in all of my classes,” said sophomore Read Baca.

Lately, however, the talk surrounding PowerSchool has been about the decision to shut down the access to parents and students for the beginning of each quarter. The change is controversial between students, but the change itself was made to aid students.

“Some students’ parents are controlled by PowerSchool which hurts the students, so I get the change, even though it didn’t affect me,” said sophomore Ava Vecellio. The decision was made to give the students more control of their grades. Arjona thinks that the responsibility of grades needs

to be given to the students, saying, “students should get the feedback from the teacher, and then talk to their parents about what they see.”

PowerSchool has become more and more of a part of Walker and its students’ lives as the years have gone by. Arjona believes that PowerSchool has changed Walker both negatively and positively, especially the online access facet of it. However, PowerSchool and the rules around it are not set in stone. Students fall on both side on the fence as to whether they like the change or not, but changes next year will try to incorporate the feedback given to the administration.

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PlayStation4 vs. XBOX One: Which is Best?

by Connor Sudderth reporter

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he Xbox One and the PlayStation Four are two of the hottest selling items in stores this holiday season. Many people have a certain preference, either for Sony or Microsoft, and this will affect the sales of these next-gen consoles this month. But which will they buy?

One of the two next-gen consoles is the PlayStation Four.

The PlayStation Four or PS4, as referred by most gamers, is the Sony’s latest gaming system.

The last console by Sony was the PlayStation Three or PS3.

Currently, the console is on sale for $400.

The other next-gen console out for sale this holiday is the Xbox One, Microsoft’s newest console since the Xbox 360. It was announced in May earlier this year and was released November 22, a week after the launch of the PS4.

This console is more expensive than the PS4, with a price of $500, and has unique features as well.

Both the PS4 and Xbox One

contain 8 GB of memory, allowing the user to keep more data and play as many games as they desire. Each console features WIFI and Ethernet capability, as well as Bluetooth and two USB ports.

The Xbox One does not allow movies unlike the PS4, which has a Blu-ray disc player built in that enables people to watch movies on their PS4 in addition to playing videogames. The graphics on both consoles give each player a quality gaming experience.

Both Sony and Microsoft introduced a new controller to accompany their new products.

The new controller for the PS4 is the Dual Shock 4. Like the previous PlayStation controller, this controller connects to the console

by Bluetooth and has the typical triangles, square, cross, and circle buttons. A new feature added is a touch screen pad on the controller, a feature Sony adapted from its handheld gaming devices, the PSP and PS Vita. The new controller for the Xbox is almost identical to the previous controller.

Two Upper School students getting the PS4 instead of the Xbox One are juniors Matt Berry and Alex Schwartz. Berry said, “I chose to get the PS4 because I have a PS3, and I feel that PlayStation is a better console than the Xbox One.” Schwartz agreed with Berry and said, “The price also makes

the console worth buying.”

While both consoles are great, the PS4 has the edge on the Xbox One. At a price of $400, and with the features that the console has, the PS4 is the better console to buy. In order to have the best next-gen gaming experience, buy the PS4 instead of the Xbox One.

Both the Xbox One and the PlayStation Four will be hot gift items this holiday season.

Photo Courtesy of The Inquirer

L: Lifestyle the top ten worst christmas movies

by Honor Stoner 10. The Nativity Story (2006)

8. Surving Christmas (2004)

Sixteen year old actor Keisha Castle-Hughes plays the Virgin Mary in the film, while accidentally pregnant herself. Holy awkward.

Unfortunately Hughes’ baby did not come about like the Virgin Mary’s did in this scandalous movie.

A lonely guy named Drew hires a family to spend Christmas with him and tricks his girlfriend into thinking that this is his true family. While pathetic, Drew could have just told his girlfriend that his parents were dead to avoid having to hire a family.

9. Four Christmases (2008) A couple is forced to spend time at all four of their family’s houses for the Christmas holiday. As much fun as that sounds, you get the joy of watching it all. Awesome.

5. Santa Claus Conquers The Martians (1964) A classic bad movie. Santa gets kidnapped by Martians, but somehow manages to escape. Santa’s job is not to conquer the Martians, but in this movie he ends up doing just that and at a boring pace too.

6. Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) 7. Jingle All The Way (1998)

3. Deck The Halls (2006)

4. Fred Claus (2007) Have you ever wondered what Santa’s brother does? Neither has anyone else.

While this movie, has big star Vince Vaughn in it, Fred Claus falls just short of somewhat mediocre. The jokes are bad and the plot is overdone.

The title says it all.

Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a father on a mission to get his son’s dream toy. This whole movie is about getting a spoiled kid the toy he wants. For goodness sake, just buy the rip-off version of the toy.

1. Jack Frost (1998)

Two men claim to be the “Father of Christmas” in their town and have an all out battle between who has the best Christmas decorations.

Great. No one cares.

2. Black Christmas (2008) You know what really gets people into the holiday spirit? “Horror movies set during Christmas,” said no one ever. In this movie, Santa Claus goes on a murdering spree. This movie is just outright horrible and not so kid friendly for your family holiday movie marathon.

Jack Frost dies in a car accident, but comes back to protect his son as a snowman. You read that right. A snowman. Really? What happens when it’s summer? Not only is it weird, the snowman is mean and creepy as all get out. Please avoid this movie at all costs this holiday.

review: tasty china

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asty China Restaurant, an independent restaurant located on Franklin Road, puts a new spin on classic Chinese cuisine. It presents customers with a variety of spicy options.

I ordered chicken and vegetables which were spicy, but not to the point where they were overwhelming. The dish tasted both fresh and light and was steaming hot. I also had the wonton soup, which

A-

was surprisingly bland and just decent. Each item however, came out promptly after being ordered. The service was both kind and pleasant, and the environment inside the restaurant was nothing like that outside.

Inside it was casual, cozy, and clean. However, it could only hold about twenty customers at a time. rystle W. who reviewed Tasty China on Yelp.com

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said, “Hands-down the best Sichuan cuisine in the entire metro area. I came here for the first time last summer and the waitress recommended their Bamboo Fish, which is a lightly breaded grouper tossed in a fantastic chili sauce and chives.

Best dish ever!” She added, “The service here is also excellent - food comes out fast even when they are busy, and the servers make sure you’re en-

joying everything.” Tasty China was rated in the Top Ten Best Atlanta restaurants in Atlanta Magazine for 2013. I would definitely come back to Tasty China to sample many more of their hot and spicy options.

Tasty China 585 Franklin Road, Marietta (770) 419-9849 Open Sunday - Thursday 11a-10p Friday - Saturday 11a-11p

by Ally Chebuhar

faculty favorite things

by Annabelle Mathis

Matt Eisenman US English

Anna Kennedy US Counselor

Q: What is one present you have always wanted but never gotten?

A: A pony.

Q: What do you want most for the holidays?

A: I love good purses...or vacations.

Q: What is the best gift you have ever gotten?

A: I remember getting a Nintendo with a Power Pad which was the thing you use to run on for the track and field video game when were little. That was pretty awesome.

Q: What is the best gift you have ever gotten?

A: My dog, Tucker.

Q: What is the best gift you have ever given?

A: My love.

Q: What is one present you have always wanted?

A: One of the Barbie Jeeps that you could sit in as a toddler and drive around.

Always wanted one, but never got it.

Q: Any gift-giving advice?

A: Put some effort into it. Don’t just go to Bath & Body Works and buy something that smells good. Get to know the person you are trying to buy a gift for.

December 2013 7 classes focus less on easy homework grades and more on test and essay grades, while on level classes often have homework assignments that are frequently checked along with tests Dear Daisy, and quizzes. I hate to break it to you, Do tests and quizzes level but school is not going to get much out as the years of high easier from this point forward. But this school go on? doesn’t mean that you should give up now. If you stay organized and plan Sincerely, ahead, tests and quizzes won’t sneak Stressed up on you, and you’ll be even more prepared.

dear daisy

Q: A:

Dear Stressed, It really depends on what classes you choose to take. Some AP

Q:

A:

Dear Hopelessly Devoted,

This is never an easy task. Believe me, if I had an answer, I would tell you. Even though there’s no magic way to get over someone, you can still make an effort to move on with your life. Don’t allow yourself to dwell on the past or the person; I know this is easier said than done, but if you really want to get over the person, you have to take this first step. Don’t waste time pitying yourself or wishing that special someone felt Dear Daisy, What’s the best way to get differently, but instead fill your life over someone? with things you love to do and people you enjoy spending time with. In time, Sincerely, things will get better. Good luck!

Hopelessly Devoted

Want to submit your own question to Daisy? It’s easy! Just visit TWSWolverine.com/Daisy or email daisy@twswolverine.com. Your question will be completely anonymous!

It’s that time of the year again! Black Friday has come and gone, and the holiday season is well underway. The joys of decorating, baking, and Christmas carols are accompanied by the stress of finding and buying the perfect presents for loved-ones. Here are a few tips to help you come up with superb gifts!

1. Gift cards!

No, it is not impersonable to give a gift card! Considering that things like iTunes and Kindle eBooks take only credit cards or gift cards, they can be necessary for teenagers who don’t have credit cards to make such purchases. Sophomore Lauren Brock said, “It’s nice to already have money set aside for something special like Starbucks or Chick-FilA.” See number two about Visa gift cards, and why NOT to give them.

2. And on that note cash!

I don’t know who decided that cash was a big no-no when it comes to presents, but they were so unforgivably wrong. There are few things more annoying than getting a Visa gift card, which is basically the same thing as getting cash, except it expires! Yes, look at the back, there is an expiration date after which Visa

deducts money from the card. Just don’t do it, despite what Nike says. However, the beautiful thing about cash is that it doesn’t go away unless you spend it, and you can use it on whatever you want. Trust me, no one is going to complain about getting a funny card and Andrew Jackson for Christmas. Please note, that if you are going to give cash, you should get a card to go with it, preferably something funny or that plays music.

3. For girls: scarves, fuzzy socks, jewelry.

Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of girls, particularly at Walker, are easy to shop for. Stores like Francesca’s and Charming Charlie (both located at the West Cobb Avenue, among other places) have cute and affordable necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and scarves. Senior Amitha Muthiah said, “I love almost everything both those stores have!” Girls also tend to

how to find the perfect present

love fuzzy and comfortable items such as socks. They are a cheap and fun present coming in all different colors and designs. Along that line, a blanket could also be a possibility (although it is not considered a proper way to stay warm in school) as long as it’s an unquestionably magnificent blanket.

Just for liability issues, make note that these ideas are a generalization of what girls like, and do not apply to every girl. Also, there are ugly scarves, jewelry, fuzzy socks, and blankets, so think your choice through.

Don’t just close your eyes and pick off the pile or use “eeny, meeny, miny, moe.”

4. Don’t wait until the last moment.

I know this is pretty obvious, but even with constant nagging everyone does it.

Even if you don’t have time to go out a buy everything before school gets out, the least you can do is make a list and figure out exactly what you’re going to get ev-

eryone. That way when it’s the time comes to hit the mall, it will be a much simpler excursion.

5. Ask around if you don’t know what to get someone.

You know the expression, “Two heads are better than one?” Well, it is true. Lots of people can be extremely difficult to shop for. Whether they don’t like much, or the only things they like are way out of your price range, I promise you there is a present out there for them.

Ask some of your friends, siblings, or parents for their thoughts. Throwing ideas around with others could result in a better gift than you imagined. Believe it or not, even teachers can have great ideas! They spend five days a week with teenagers, and sometimes they can know us better than ourselves.

by Annabelle Mathis

8

The Wolverine

Walker Accepts The Green Cup Challenge

by Claire Harper reporter

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ver the past two years Walker has hopped on the train to “Go Green!” One of the most substantial changes aiding this movement was the inception of the Walker Compositing Club created by Walker alumna Mohini Chakravorty (’13) last year. The Composting Club has been taken over by current seniors Afton Nourzad and Jade Grogan.

Grogan said, “The Composting Club has helped students become aware of our environment.” The central goal of the club is to eliminate as much kitchen waste as possible. Members of the club take all items possible for composting to the gravel lot located north of the library. The food sits and decomposes turning into organic matter used for fertilizer or soil.

This year Grogan and Nourzad are trying to spread the word on what the Composting Club does to the

rest of the school and get younger students involved. Nourzad and Grogan, as well as other members of the club, have gone several times to the middle and lower school to teach the students more about what composting is. Nourzad said, “By reaching out to younger kids, the members of the club hope to inspire students to help eliminate our school’s waste and keep the earth clean.”

Recently Middle School math teacher Jamie Rubens visited the Upper School to tell the students about the Middle School’s latest project. They are accepting old or broken electronics to recycle because, if left sitting for too long, the electronics can release harmful chemicals into the environment. The Middle School is helping to gather these electronics by collecting them throughout the entire school. To help the effort, bring any old electronics to Ruben’s

room in the Middle School.

The efforts to go green are not limited to the Middle and Upper schools. Take a look around. On the light switches in all of the bathrooms there is a sign saying, “Remember to turn off the lights when you leave.”

This was the work of Lower School science teacher Denise Mullins about three years ago. Having the sign there continues to have an impact just by reminding people to save energy. Walker has previously been entered in a contest with other schools to see which school could conserve the most energy.

These efforts were successful and benefitted the continual work of the “go green” commitment.

Last year, Head of School Jack Hall decided to continue Walker’s involvement in the Green Cup Challenge.

The Green Cup Challenge is a competition where students, teachers, and staff are challenged to conserve energy from the end of January to middle of February.

The creators of the contest take the energy bills from the previous years and compare the consumption of energy to the current year. The competition has become so big that schools are divided into regions.

Hall said, “There are probably around 300 schools involved today, causing schools to now compete in their region against 30 to 50 other independent schools.” Walker placed third in the southeast.

New Year’s Eve Style Guide

by Ally Chebuhar reporter

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hopping around New Year’s is an exciting time because there are so many looks to chose from! Go cute, casual, and cosy or bright, bold, and daring. Either way, you can’t go wrong if you follow the basics and remember to have fun with your look!

Think that wearing shorts to a party is a fashion no no? Think again because shorts are a new hot trend right off the runway! A pair of Striking ZigZag shorts like these from Forever 21 are $22.80 and are a different and fresh option. They are a great alternative to wearing the typical skirt or dress. It is definitely a statement piece and is sure to stand out in the crowd.

Because the shorts are high wasted they will make your legs look like they are miles long!

For a stunning dress to wear to a more formal party or dance, check out this embellished pleat bodice dress in the junior’s section at Nordstrom’s for $33.98. Fancy Ashley.com said, “Sequins, glitter, pom-poms, and pink are always appropriate.” If that is the case, then this dress seems to have it all! The sparkly, halter neckline makes this fuchsia A-line mini stand out from the usual strapless party dress. The simple black kitten heels and Fab’rik’s Sequin Top clutch keep this look simple, is modest with its crew cut classy, and certainly cute! neckline, but still has that flare ever girl is looking to wear on New Year’s. This top is festive and can be dressed up or down depending on the party venue.

Pair this leopard statement piece Stay comfortable with with a basic, black skirt and this grey boxy t-shirt with a leggings or dark wash skinny sparkly frocket and accents on jeans! the sleeves. It is new at Dress

Up Boutique for $28. Freshman, Kendall Baker, a frequent shopper at Dress Up, said, “I love this sparkle frocket shirt!

It’s both cute and casual!” Pair it with skinny jeans, bangle bracelets, and your favorite pair of boots for a laid back look to match your laid back night!

One of the most popular choices of attire for New Year’s is a sequin skirt! They can be found in many festive colors and textiles and pair fabulously with silk tanks or long sleeved frocks. Accessorise a skirt like this one lightly with your nicest pair of hoop earrings and a long chain, but stay away from skyhigh stilettos.

December 2013 9 School Holds Toys For Tots Charity Game

The SSO’s Achievements

by Stacey Agadoni reporter

by Hensley Babb reporter

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We CAN Do It: A Look Back At

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his year, the Student Service Organization has without a doubt made a significant impact on our community, and its members encourage Walker students to keep up the good work.

Students have invested their time and money in ways such as writing letters to soldiers, doing trail work on Kennesaw Mountain, and collecting over $800 to provide meals to the Extension program. The blood drive in October was also a success, collecting enough blood to save 91 lives! The SSO’s most recent, and possibly the biggest achievement was the annual canned food drive.

Each grade surpassed the 750 can goal, allowing the Upper School as a whole to collect 4004 cans for the Salvation Army this holiday season.

Malanda Murchison, faculty sponsor of Walker’s SSO, encourages students to keep contributing and has been satisfied with the school’s achievements. “I have been impressed with the number of students who stop by to ask how to help,” she said. However, Murchison does recommend that more people invest their time in upcoming events such as the second blood drive in March. “I feel like more students Fans brought in a wide variety of toys to the could give blood, especially December 3 Toys For Tots game. more male students,” she said.

Murchison also believes that Photo Courtesy of Hensley Babb school “needs more service students, faculty, and parents infants to pre-teens. Senior and projects for students to give time to donate whatever they can Basketball Cheerleader Natalie and help out in the community,” throughout the holiday season Turner said, “I love Toys for Tots. allowing students to have more and to remember those less It is such a great feeling knowing opportunities to donate their fortunate. Toys for Tots is run that we are helping people that time rather than their money. by the United State Marine are in need this season.” Coach Senior Tatyana Louis, an SSO Corps Reserve which distributes Steffen was very proud of the officer, said, “Students should toys donated by people to level of participation of the get involved in SSO for not only underprivileged families who cheerleading squad this year. the hours but [because] you are If you and your able to serve people at Walker cannot afford toys for their children for Christmas. The family would like to donate and outside the community.”

Currently, the SSO is program was founded in 1947 by to this incredible cause, go www.toysfortots.org. working on the Christmas reservist Major Bill Hendricks. to Families project, and students are Originally, Toys for Tots began in encouraged to help out in their Los Angeles, but soon spread to n December 7, the annual Toys for Tots charity game was held at Cole’s Athletic Center against Our Lady of Mercy. Although both boys and girls Varsity basketball games resulted in losses, the games brought in a multitude of toys. The toy donations were overflowing.

The Walker community was very generous this year. Now, several children’s faces will light up on Christmas morning because of the donations made by the Walker community.

Every year, the Walker basketball program has a charity that benefits the Toys for Tots Foundation and this year was no different. Walker asks

become a nationwide charitable organization that now touches millions of families. The Walker community is proud to be a part of this incredible organization.

As a Walker tradition, the Varsity Basketball Cheerleading Squad goes toy shopping to kick off the toy drive. The girls travel to Town Center Mall to take a picture with Santa Claus and go to the local Walmart to shop for toys. Junior Sarah Condon has now participated in this event for the past three years and said, “I really like going shopping with the team for toys for the kids. It’s a lot of fun and it makes me very thankful for everything I have.” The team buys toys for all different age groups from

advisories. This yearly project gives students the opportunity to not only help out families in need, but also to collaborate with other advisories and share their success with students in different grades. After the holiday break, the SSO plans on sponsoring several fundraisers leading up to the annual Relay for Life event in May, with all proceeds going towards the American Cancer Society. They also plan to coordinate at least four more Extension meals after the success earlier this year.

However, community service is not limited to events that the SSO sponsors in school.

Students who are interested in doing community service outside of school can look on Murchison’s teacher page for information about programs such as Mostly Mutts and FOCUS that provide extra service opportunities.

SSO By The Numbers Meals provided to the Extension program Pints of blood collected Money raised at $800 Pregame on the Plaza Cans donated to 4004 the Salvation Army

6

31

S: Sports Swimming On Road To State

Walker Fall Activities Recap

Page 10

Page 11

Swimming on coming up Road to State today (12/13) this weekend w varsity girls basketball (at Fellowship - 6:30 p.m.) w varsity boys basketball (at Fellowship - 8:00 p.m.)

by Honor Stoner reporter

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alker Varsity Swimming has almost doubled its number of members from last year, helping fill the spots of the strong senior swimmers that graduated last year. Led by Coach Bill Schreiner, the team is aiming to have every member qualify for the county championship and hoping to have more than half of the team to qualify for the state tournament.

The team is led by senior captains Josh Reini, Myers Hines, and Afton Nourzad.

Nourzad said, “Swimming is a lot of hard work and is one of the hardest sports to do.”

New members to the team were surprised by the challenging practices, but have excelled in meets. Schreiner is hoping to become more competitive at meets since they can enter swimmers in each event. The team is comprised now of over 30 members.

The team is excited to see new faces and their contributions to the team overall.

The season outlook is positive. “I know we are going to have an amazing season, I can feel it,” said Nourzad. The team bond has not faltered from past years and is becoming strong with team members cheering each other on during practices and meets. Reini said, “Much of our team chemistry has carried over from last year which will be necessary to our success because of less pool time this year.” The team is dedicated to building their strength and improving their speed.

New swimmers have also posted impressive times. Schreiner said, “I expect a few of them to pass some of the more experienced swimmers if they continue to work hard.”

This also adds to the pressure the swimmers put on each other to compete at their best.

Along with the swim team, Walker also has a dive team. Junior Maddie Mitchell is the lone member. Schreiner said, “I expect her to qualify for state within the next couple of weeks. She is absolutely wonderful.”

The swim team has a meet tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 14 at Lovett. Schreiner and the captains urge people to come and cheer on their peers. The Cobb County Diving Championships will be held Thursday, Jan. 23 and the Varsity Swim County Finals will be held Saturday, Jan. 25. The State Prelims and Championship will be held on Feb. 7 and 8.

w varsity girls basketball (at Sprayberry 3:00 p.m.) w varsity boys basketball (at Sprayberry 4:30 p.m.)

next week w varsity swimming (friday, dec. 20 - at Wheeler) w varsity wrestling (saturday, dec. 21 - at Milton)

in brief Ê On Tuesday, Varsity Boys Basketball fell to Mt. Paran, making the team’s record 5-1. The team will play at Fellowship on Friday at 8:00 p.m, and plays Mt. Paran again on January 21.

Ê Varsity Girls Basketball also fell to Mt. Paran on Tuesday, leaving them with a 4-2 record. They also take on Fellowship Friday at 8:00 p.m.

Ê Varsity Wrestling began the season with a dual-meet against North Cobb Christian and Yeshiva.

The team lost to Yeshiva 54-24 and North Cobb Christian 42-21.

They wrestle again Saturday, December 21 at Milton.

Athlete of the Month: Robert Baker

by Zach Hamilton reporter

I

t’s hard to miss six-footseven varsity forward and sophomore Robert Baker in the hallways or on the court. Baker shines on the court for Walker as well as his AAU team, the Georgia Stars. Although he has missed some games early in the season, he has been a key player for the varsity boys.

Baker first started playing basketball recreationally at the age of five, but was already playing AAU by the time he was seven. AAU stands for Amateur Athletic Union and consists of great athletes playing basketball at a very high level. Baker came to Walker in sixth grade, and was the only sixth grader to play on the middle school A team that year. In eighth grade he was once again the only student from his grade

to be on the JV team for the high school. Both this year and last year he has been a vital part of the Varsity team’s success. Although it is early in the season, Baker is putting up monster numbers. Baker is averaging 18.5 points a game, which is fifth in region 6b, three blocks a game, which is first, and five steals a game, which is tied for second. “Robert is a huge part of our team. He puts up greats stats himself, but also makes everybody around him better,” said junior Glenn Strother.

What has motivated Baker to become the ninth ranked sophomore in the state of Georgia by recruiting website Future150? Winning.

While Baker acknowledges that adversity can help him grow, he puts in all of his effort to see his team ahead on the scoreboard at the end of games. Baker already resembles six-foot-ten NBA player Kevin Durant

physically as he is six-footseven and still growing, but Baker said he also tries to emulate Durant on the court.

“Everybody talks about Robert being a great player, but he’s much better than people know,” said junior Matt Wheeler.

Baker has lots of potential, which comes with a lot of expectations to meet. “It can be tough trying to meet everybody’s expectations, but it is well worth it when I meet them,” said Baker. Robert has been looked at by multiple colleges including Wake Forest, Cornell, and Northwestern.

Baker has future goals for his basketball career, but he tries not to think too far ahead. “My current goal is just to win the next game,” said Baker, “but my main long-term goal is to get a basketball scholarship to a good academic institution.”

December 2013 11 Fall Semester Brought New Clubs, Travel, and Championships

by Nehal Sanghi reporter

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he 2013 term takes Walker to greater heights and achievements. The introduction of new clubs and faculty members, along with better technology and improved sports, brings the Walker community to the front line of all activities.

With the creation of Walker Wellness And Health Club, senior Jumana Master focuses health awareness in the community.

The club organizes activities every other Friday which the students enthusiastically support.

Also, the Walker student body is building upon its skills in digital photographic processes due to the newly formed Photography Club. The students share themebased work each month, view established artists’ work, enter shows, and participate in field trips.

This fall, Walker students flaunt their technological knowledge with the launch of Walker News Network. Members of class of 2014 provide the first

look at campus updates online.

The episodes are uploaded on Youtube, and every Thursday an episode is telecast. Accompanied by the advance technology, the community strongly holds on to its past. The return of Grease, after 10 years, proves to be a success for Walker’s drama program.

To watch this musical, Walker Alumni especially returned to school to refresh some of their memories. For the first time at Walker, the tickets for play were sold online.

Walker is involved in not only on-campus activities but also in programs off-campus.

This November the students got a chance to peek into different cultures. Janet Ward, Upper School German Teacher, organized an exchange program in which 15 German students stayed at Walker for two weeks. Additionally, a French Exchange program was held by Jennifer May, Upper School French Teacher, in which 17 French students stayed at the

school for a fortnight. Both of these groups of students took interest in school activities, participated in field trips, and visited places in Georgia.

The Walker Robotics Team 4495A won their tournament championship and programming award at the Vex Robotics Competition.

The team came from behind to first place after facing major technical difficulties. The basketball season is in the air, and both Varsity teams made us proud with their recent victories.

The fever of basketball has started off in the school. At the start of this fall, few new faculty members joined the Upper School. The school is glad to have them and appreciates the return of Katie Hartsock to the Upper School. The Walker community is delighted to have had a fulfilling fall and hope to have an even better spring term.

Artist of the Month: Hyatt Mamoun

By Mary Grace Walsh editor-in-chief

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enior Hyatt Mamoun has been making art for as long as she can remember.

Whether on paper or through video, Mamoun’s creations can be found all over campus. As the founder of the Walker News Network (WNN) and an AP Art student, she has been able to make an impact on the school community.

Mamoun has chosen an AP Art concentration inspired by Alaskan Native Art; she gets her inspiration through travel. “I’m going to take a country, look at their traditional art, put it in the shape of an animal, and put this on a piece of wood and carve it out.” Mamoun has recently enjoyed using oil pastel, too.

She said, “Everyone in my AP Art class inspires me: Michelle [Malmberg], Jesse [Young], Robert [Blackwell], and Mr. Peterson.”

Mamoun is not only known for her artwork, but also for her videos. She started the Walker News Network this year and has been able to bring school news to students almost every week. Though not seen on camera, Mamoun has been a major contributor the creating and filming of the WNN. She said, “I started making videos in seventh grade when my cousin taught me how to use my first editing program. He was making a Lego video and wanted me to edit it. Since then I’ve progressed and now I use Final Cut, one of the most professional programs out there. I also use Adobe Premiere.”

Looking towards the future, Mamoun hopes to continue making visual art for fun, but not as a career. “I want to major in Film Production. I’m just now applying to UCLA; it’s

my dream school,” she said. She loves nature and animals, and would like to minor in Zoology if it is possible. “I would like to make documentaries when I’m older, rather than movies,” Mamoun said.

Mamoun’s years of experience have taught her to pay attention to constructive criticism, but still have confidence in her work. For younger artists, Mamoun offered some advice.

She said, “Now, you should take advice from artists who have experience, but from just the average kid who doesn’t like your ideas, don’t listen to them because they probably don’t know what they’re talking about.

No one can tell you ‘You can’t do this.’ People will criticize your work, but if they can’t do it themselves, then there’s no reason to listen.”

Review: The Local Exchange

by Annabelle Mathis assistant editor

The Local Exchange is the most recent addition to the Marietta Square.

Located on the south side, this modern day general store prides itself with providing a variety of locally made products from fresh food and drinks to art and antiques. With only a few exceptions, everything in the shop is made in Georgia or one of the surrounding states. It is not uncommon to see producers stopping by to drop of more products or see how their items are selling. One of the store’s most popular items is the Red Hare Root Beer on tap that is brewed right here in Marietta.

With the Christmas shopping season well underway, there are many great items that are quite affordable and perfect for presents, or you can pick up something for yourself! For people who love good food, the store has many different types of goodies like pumpkin bread, cheese straws, organic chocolate and peanut butter energy bars, and Arden’s Garden smoothies.

Seniors, they even have sandwich and soup options if you are looking for a quick fix for Senior Lunch. There are also many collegiate items such as ornaments that represent colleges all over the southeast.

The whole place is filled with delicious, cute, and funny items! Be sure to stop in, maybe grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and take a look around.

The interior of The Local Exchange.

Photo Courtesy of The Local Exchange

12

The Wolverine Day in the Life: 20 Years Ago

College Football Welcomes New Playoff System in 2014

by Alex Brack assistant editor

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alking through the Walker Upper School hallway twenty years ago was an entirely different experience than it is today. In 1993, many things about Walker were different – the people, the fashion, the latest trends, and so much more. Walker was a much smaller school then as it was just beginning to develop into what we know it as today.

At the time, there was no football team, many current buildings did not exist, and the Upper School was made up of only one hallway.

World Language Department Chair and German Teacher, Janet Ward, remembers these days of Walker distinctly.

“The school as well as the time period was a lot different. The most significant change that I have noticed is how much larger the school has become,” said Ward.

“I was teaching several French classes, but did not have my own room because there simply was not enough space,” said Ward.

Student life at Walker was nothing short of exuberant. Walker teenagers were no exception to the social norms of the early ‘90s.

As the “big hair” days of the 1980s came to an end, teenager found themselves fascinated by bands like Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, and Madonna. Television shows such as Beverly Hills, 90210 and Friends were booming in popularity.

Cell phones were also starting to become popular among the youth as well as video games such as the Super Nintendo. Among both the girls and boys, the “grunge” style of music brought the look of layers of flannel clothes with holes in popularity. Of course Walker’s dress code still kept students dressing moderately.

Because there was not a football team yet, soccer games were a huge deal. Each match, students from all grades would come to cheer on Athletic Director, Gary Blohm’s varsity soccer team.

“The 1990’s in general were very successful years for the boys’ soccer program,” said Blohm. “The players and coaches expected to win every time they stepped on the field. The school seemed to rally around the program that had a tradition of excellence,” said

by Connor Sudderth reporter Blohm. At the time, Director of Admission, Brad Brown, was an accomplished player on the 19931994 soccer team.

Attorney and 1993-1994 Walker graduate, Joshua Schiffer recalls his experience at Walker as an immensely meaningful chapter in his life. Schiffer enjoyed what many other guys his aged liked: cars, car stereos, heavy metal, chasing girls, and of course sneaking around the hallways to avoid “Mr. Richardson.” Schiffer said, “Walker was the first place where I stood up, successfully, for myself against authority, a common theme in my career.” Many teachers that are familiar to us today had lasting impacts on the life of Schiffer and many other students. Teachers like Luis DeSantiago, Jean Stricklen, and Cheryl Rogers – described by Schiffer as “the princess of Walker” – had meaningful roles in the lives of their student careers twenty years ago. Today, Schiffer is an attorney and even owns his own law firm in Buckhead.

The past twenty years have marked massive changes throughout the Walker community.

Well over a thousand students have made their way through and graduated from Walker in these twenty years. Even though many faculty members have left or retired from Walker and several new buildings have been built around campus, the optimistic and cheerful spirit of Walker has remained the same and will for years to come.

S

ince 1998, college football has used the BCS system to determine team rankings, but that will soon change. The Bowl Championship Series relies on polls and computer selection methods to come up with the rankings. At the end of the season, the two teams ranked number one and two by the BCS system are given the opportunity to play for the national championship.

Starting with the 2014 college football season, a new playoff system will replace the BCS system to decide the national champion. In the new playoff system, four teams will play in two semifinal games, with the winners advancing to the final championship game.

The BCS system is one of the most controversial topics discussed in sports today. Those opposed to the BCS argue that it is unfair to choose the two teams for the national championship without a form a playoffs. With a playoff system, the four best teams will play each other, which will determine the top two teams for the final game. Many people argue that some teams play weaker schedules than other teams. In an interview with Tom Tolbert and Eric Byrnes, ESPN commentator Kirk Herbstreit said, “I think this new four-team playoff that we’re

Cheerleaders form a pyramid on the practice field.

Photo Courtesy of the 1993 Flame

eventually going to get to, with the selection committee, is going to reward people for playing tough schedules.”

Members of the NCAA voted to replace the BCS with the Plus-One system in 2011. Unlike the former system, the playoff system will not use computer rankings or polls in the selection of the 12 top teams. Instead, it will be regulated by a committee of 13 members. Mike Gould, a former superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy and a committee member, said, “We should be able to add that human element and improve on what we got from the BCS rankings. We will use everything that is available. Lots of data is out there, but being able to get together and talk and refine our criteria, I think, will be an improvement.”

In addition to selecting the four playoff teams, the committee will pick the pairings for the other bowl games.

Like the Super Bowl, cities will submit bids to be the host of the championship game during that year. The bids must include a host stadium with a capacity of 65,000 spectators. The city cannot host both the championship and semifinal games the same year. In 2014, AT&T Stadium, the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in Arlington, Texas, will host the first national championship game under the new playoff system. ESPN paid over $7.3 billion for the television rights.

ESPN president John Skipper said, “Because of college football’s widespread popularity and the incredible passion of its fans, few events are more meaningful than these games,” Skipper said. “We are ecstatic at the opportunity to continue to crown a college football champion on ESPN’s outlets for years to come, the perfect finale to our year-round commitment to the sport.”