Volume XV Issue 5 of The Wolverine

March 2014

Volume XV | Issue 5

The Wolverine

Varsity Soccer Sees Success

- Page 11

Visit us online at TWSWolverine.com!

INSIDE

snapshot | 2

news | 3-5, 12

lifestyle | 6-9

sports | 10-11

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The Wolverine TWSWolverine.com

Snapshot: March

Welcome to The Wolverine.

Journalism Adviser Ms. Kaitlyn Ranney

2013-2014 Staff Editors-In-Chief: Travis King, ‘14 Mary Grace Walsh, ‘14 Sports Editor: Victoria Hudson, ‘14

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

today (3/19) ◊◊ g day ◊◊ prom payments due to mr. mccurdy in the upper school office

Layout Editor Coleman Hedden, ‘14 Assistant Editors: Victoria Hudson, ‘14 Alex Brack, ‘15

◊◊ thursday, march 20: sodalitas evening meeting from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the activity center ◊◊ friday, march 21: prom at the biltmore in midtown atlanta Doors open at 8:00 p.m.

Prom court presented at 9:00 p.m.

Dance ends at 11:00 p.m.

this month

◊◊ fifth grade grandparents day: Mon, Mar. 24 ◊◊ red cross blood drive: Monday, Mar. 24 ◊◊ spring break: Mon, Mar. 31 to Friday, April 4 ◊◊ school resumes Mon, April 7

featured photo Courtesy of Coleman Hedden

Reporters: Hensley Babb, ‘14 Claire Harper, ‘14 Myers Hines, ‘14 Bradley Moore, ‘14 Hunter Robertson, ‘14 Nehal Sanghi, ‘14 Stacey Agadoni, ‘15 Joe Reich, ‘15 Connor Sudderth, ‘15 Ally Chebuhar, ‘17 Ryan Louis, ‘17 Hannah Manning, ‘17 Nicole Simon, ‘17

this week

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

Cover Photo

Senior Honor Stoner saves a goal during a Varsity Girls Soccer Game. Photo: Mike Mackey/The Walker School

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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.

A behind-the-scenes glimpse at a rehearsal of The Miser. The French comedy ran earlier this month in the Mozley Studio Theatre and was the last Walker production for senior Thespians.

T

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.

March 2014

Surviving the Prom Day Process

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by Claire Harper and Bradley Moore reporters

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s the time for prom quickly approaches and girls have been asked, the dresses and tuxes have been bought, and the corsages and boutonnieres have been picked up, it’s time for the real deal. Prom day is filled with pretty girls in pretty dresses and handsome fellas looking sharp in their tuxes. But first, everyone has to get ready. The preparation process for girls and boys is drastically different.

This year, however, due to inclement weather throughout the semester, the administration has decided to add full academic school days (all 7 classes, 50 minutes long) on prom day (Friday, March 21) and Good Friday (Friday, April 18). Regarding prom day, all students attending the prom that have hair appointments or need to pick up their tuxes are allowed to check out at 12:30 p.m. If the students planning on attending prom do not go to school from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. then they will not be admitted to the dance. This, of course, caused an uproar from the junior and senior girls. While the thought of being pushed for time left most girls frantic, boys were only inconvenienced because their game of Madden might be cut short.

their house for a quick game of Madden.

For boys, the most stressful part of the day is probably just their nagging mothers. The guys take their quick, normal showers, and think they’re all ready to go until their moms come in claiming their hair isn’t combed right and their tie isn’t straight.

A f t e r battling with their m o m s on how they get to comb t h e i r hair, the boys are ready to put on

the perfect dress, making hair appointments, and getting nails done, the day is finally here.

Senior Riley Kole said, “Half the fun of prom is getting ready.”

G i r l s normally wake up early to make it to hair

most stressful part, it took so long, but in the end it was so worth it to see how it turned out.” The next step of the day is make-up. Girls normally tend to get their make-up done professionally, but they need to make sure they keep a natural look.

After spending a day being pampered, it’s time to go home and finally put on the dress. Slipping into the dress appointments that makes every girl feel like on time; a princess is the best part. After the stressful time leading up to prom, it’s all worth it when you

“

Take all the pictures you can and cherish the moment, because you only go to prom twice.”

see your date’s face as you walk down the stairs.

The last step of prom for both boys and girls is to enjoy the night. Whether a senior or a junior, prom night is one of the most exciting nights of high school. Take all the pictures you can and cherish the moment, because you only go to prom twice.

Prom 2014

Boys

For all the boys out there, prom day isn’t quite as stressful as it is for girls. Senior Zach Eikost said, “I literally sit around and wait until five minutes before I have to leave to get ready.” Boys wake up at their leisure and tend to lay around for most of the day. Of course they must make time to meet up with their friends, grab a bite to eat, and head back to

their jackets and shoes and head over to pick up the girl. Don’t forget to shave, boys; looking sharp and clean is the most important part.

Girls

Prom day for girls is a hectic event, but it’s all worth it when the process is done.

After weeks of shopping for

however, they must make sure they get enough sleep so they don’t look tired. When getting their hair done, girls think about what will work best with their hair along with what will look good with their dress. Upper School Guidance Counselor Anna Kennedy, remembering her prom day, said, “For me getting my hair done was the

This year’s Prom dance will be held at The Biltmore (in midtown Atlanta) on Friday, March 21. The dance begins at 8:00 p.m. with Court being presented at 9:00 p.m.

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The Wolverine TWSWolverine.com

Saying Goodbye to John East

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oach John East announced his decision to leave Walker and take a job as an athletic director at another school located somewhere in the Southeast on Wednesday, February 19. After a two year period at Walker, his presence and drive has influenced many people, and added to Walker’s promise of creating the best learning and growing environment possible.

Coach East’s path to Walker was quite unusual. In 2010, while working as the athletic director at a regional opponent, Whitefield Academy, he was offered the job of a lifetime.

The Pinecrest School in south Florida, headed by education mogul Hank Battle, offered him a position that was too good to pass up. Unfortunately for

him, the job only lasted three months due to some internal administration issues. When the job search began again, East found Walker. Looking to build a lacrosse program, Athletic Director Gary Blohm hired him as a community coach, and then as the Head Football coach when Ben Williamson stepped down.

Though he had not coached in 20 years, the nationwide search for a new coach ended right in our backyard.

In his two year tenure, Coach East amassed a resúme that many couldn’t do in ten years. In his first six months at Walker, he led the football team to an undefeated record and a region 6A title, a historical first for the school. He also brought the football team out of a “player drought” to an almost

60 man roster, rivaling the numbers of some AAA schools. He also brought the school together around the team, bringing game attendance numbers up by almost two-fold, and starting a chant that represents our school in two short words: “Walker Pride.”

Described as “a caring man who always has my back,” by Junior James Pittinger, it’s easy to see why he was so loved by the Walker community.

Reflecting on his time here, East said, “I’m going to miss it, I love coaching football, I love coaching lacrosse,

Courtesy of the Marietta Daily Journal

by Joe Reich reporter

and I appreciate the community more and more each day.”

Serious Injuries End Sports Careers for High School Athletes

by Claire Harper reporter

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ever again.” Moore disregarded his doctor’s opinions and chose to continue playing sports.

Although Moore never wrestled again, he played on the football and lacrosse team. His back occasionally bothers him today, but after extensive physical therapy, his back was able to heal completely.

Last year during a varsity baseball game, senior Gaines LaHue broke his jaw after a collision with teammate Kevin Bray. Both players went to catch a pop fly and Bray’s head hit LaHue’s jaw. His jaw was broken and he had to have surgery and lock his jaw together for several weeks.

LaHue said, “My doctor said I would make a full recovery and go back to playing baseball, but I still had to wear special equipment to protect my jaw.”

Osteoporosis causes a decrease in bone mass and density in a person’s bones,

which can lead to frequent fractures. Senior Hensley Babb recently found out she has osteoporosis in her hip. This was caused by extensive strain on her legs from sports, along with not having enough calcium in her body. Her body would have to eat away at her bones in order to get the calcium it needed.

She said, “My doctor told me my osteoporosis would lead me to have arthritis in the future.”

For Babb, who has early onset osteoporosis (diagnosed before

35), it is still reversible. She takes calcium supplements every day in order to make her hip bone stronger. Babb is allowed to play sports, but feels pain as she runs.

Serious injuries happen more frequently than thought and they can be altering to an athlete’s sports career and even an athlete’s life. Wearing protective gear and staying off the field until one is completely healed are the most effective ways to avoid future injuries.

Courtesy of Coras.org

ith 23 varsity sports in the Upper School, the chance for injuries is common, but what people don’t know is that serious, even life-altering, injuries occur frequently during the high school years. Several Upper School students from all grades have experienced multiple or severe injuries such as a broken back, broken jaw, osteoporosis, and even a fractured spine. A few of these students have been told by their doctor to never to play sports again, but others still have a chance in future athletics.

Two seniors, Alexis Bruton and Bradley Moore, broke their backs while playing sports. A broken back can be described as broken or fractured vertebrae on the spine. Moore broke his back freshman year during a wrestling match. Moore said, “My doctor advised me that I shouldn’t play contact sports

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March 2014

Facebook “Epidemic” on the Rise

by Alex Brack assistant editor

by Mary Grace Walsh editor-in-chief

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e all remember the middle school days when getting a Facebook was a rite of passage.

Since then, Facebook has started to decline in popularity amongst teenagers, and some believe it will soon be “extinct.” A recent study by Princeton University predicted that Facebook would lose 80% of its users by 2017, but users should not be too quick to buy into this conclusion.

A recent LA Times article titled “Could Facebook really lose 80% of its users by 2017?

Not Likely” stated that this prediction is not completely accurate. First off, this research followed a formula from epidemiology that is used to predict the spread of disease.

The researchers followed the pattern of MySpace and its decline. The problem is that MySpace was never nearly as popular as Facebook, which has active users worldwide (about 1.19 billion). Facebook may be declining in popularity among teenagers, but its number of active users has only been increasing since it began in 2004.

The site is not simply for social networking now; it is used by companies to advertise and connect with consumers.

Communications Associate Meghan Stauts spoke about Facebook’s past and predicted future. Stauts got a Facebook as a college student in 2004. “I think it was kind of revolutionary,” Stauts said when discussing Facebook’s first years. MySpace was more limited compared to Facebook.

“It just appealed to people my age, especially in college, with the social aspect, because we had never had anything like that before.”

So why has “the world’s directory” become so unpopular among younger users? Other social networking platforms

Exempting Senior Exams

like Instagram and Twitter have drawn in teenagers because of their fast, accessible natures.

Stauts believes Facebook began its decline just as other social media sites started popping up.

Twitter appeared in 2006 but did not become popular until a few years later. Instagram also influenced Facebook users. “I think Instagram really changed the name of the game for people because it took that visual aspect of Facebook and moved it off of a popular platform, so it was ideal for kids, probably looking to get away from their parents on Facebook,” Stauts said.

As Facebook has made innovations to add more to the site, it has gotten to be less accessible. “Facebook seems more clunky to people, and it can’t be as easily digested as something as Instagram where it’s just one photo and you scroll, and Vine and Twitter being the same way. I think their platform, in its efforts to expand, has alienated some of its users,” Stauts explained.

“I think unless they go in the direction of simpler

platforms, Facebook will probably decline among the younger generation, but it will plateau with the older generation,” Stauts said.

The Huffington Post’s 2013 article, “Facebook’s Rapidly Declining Popularity With Teens In 1 Chart” by Bianca Bosker summarized a survey of teenagers’social networking preferences.

Bosker said, “Facebook’s popularity among teen users has been on a steady slide, with many complaining that its size, privacy risks and tendency to incite drama has made it a ‘social burden’.” A survey completed by 130 Walker upper school students asked what social media platform they prefered the most. Facebook was less popular than Instagram and Twitter, confirming that its decline has also reached us.

There is no question that Facebook is in decline, but it is not likely to completely disappear. Its success will continue because of its ability to connect people worldwide, and its popularity among adults is still growing.

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f you are a senior and are in an on-level class, now is the time to start considering exempting your exams. As the school year nears the start of the fourth quarter, students and faculty keep the approaching finals in mind. Final exams mark the official end of the school year. They are one of the most important aspects of the year, because all of the material covered from August to May is on them. Beginning in May, students take exams ranging from AP level, to honors, to onlevel.

In only a mere few months, you will be sitting at a table taking a test on material that may have been covered in September. As displeasing as they are, finals must be done.

However, seniors are able to exempt certain exams if criteria are met. A senior is only able to exempt exams that are in an on level class. In addition to this, you must have at least a yearly average of 87. If you meet these demands, talk to your teachers now and let them know what your plans are. If you have any further questions, contact Academic Dean Michael Arjona.

130 students responded to a survey sent to Upper Schoolers about their favorite social media site show that Twitter and Instagram are overwhelmingly popular popular at 36%, with Facebook at a distant 8%.

Photo Courtesy of Mary Grace Walsh

L: Lifestyle the three best spring break activities

If you are staying in our beautiful city for Spring Break, you might get bored just sitting around all week. Here are some fun things you can do locally in Atlanta!

by Hensley Babb

The Georgia Aquarium Kennesaw Mountain

Atlanta Hawks Game

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he Georgia Aquarium is full of marine life that really makes you have that “under the sea” feel. There is a new feature in the Georgia Aquarium called “Dolphin Encounters” where you can get up close and personal with one of the most amazing creatures on this planet.

It may seem a bit childish, but the Georgia Aquarium never fails to please the crowd. ÊÊ The Georgia Aquarium is located in down town Atlanta. Get there via I-75 S. For more information, visit georgiaaquarium.com.

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pend a day at the historic Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield. Hike the trails and appreciate the beautiful view of the whole state the top of the mountain has to offer.

With plenty of history behind it, Kennesaw Mountain is a great place to go outside and relax and explore the many different trails. ÊÊ Kennesaw Mountain is located just out side Marietta (about 5 minutes north of Walker). Get there via Old Highway 41. For

more information, visit nps.gov/kemo.

Georgia Aquarium

US English

He dated a girl, and the day they broke up he asked out her best friend. When they broke up, he asked first girl out again.

by Nicole Simon

Malanda Murchison

US Math

She wanted bangs, so gave herself a hair cut the day before picture day.

Regena Simpson

Robyn Johnson

Mom and Dad said they wanted a new car, and a different color, so she spraypainted the car for them.

She tried to ride her Barbie Beach Bus, and it broke, but her family would not get her a new one.

MS Drama

College Office

Kevin Tilley MS Science

At age 5, he tried to help his father out by cleaning their antique telescope and dropped the main glass piece, the most expensive piece. His dad was mad when he found out.

DilemmaX

faculty members’ most embarassing moments

US German

Matt Eisenman

o and support the Atlanta Hawks Wednesday, April 2 at 7:30 versus the Chicago Bulls and Friday, April 4 also at 7:30 versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Basketball games are a great way to get out of your house for the night and go out on the town. ÊÊ The Atlanta Hawks play at Philips Arena just west of downtown Atlanta. Get there

via I-75 S. For more information and to pur chase tickets, visit nba.com/hawks.

ChrisPhotoGuy

Janet Ward Her mom said, “You can’t leave the table until you eat all of your food!” so she dumped her porridge right on her own head.

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Joe Konieczny

Anna Kennedy

He wanted a swing on the school playground during recess. Since there was a limited number, he would have to be one of the first ones there. So, he ran out as soon as story time ended, without looking where he was running. He accidentally clotheslined himself on a vault bar. Then he had to go to the hospital to get stitches.

Bars surrounded Ronald McDonald at McDonald’s so that children would not play on him or try to vandalize him. She wanted to go and be with him, so she stuck her head through the bars to go see him. Her head got stuck and firemen had to come and cut her out.

US Science

US Guidance

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March 2014 the best in 140 characters

News

y d e n by Joe Reich

r less

Parody Not Jonny Manziel

CNN

ESPN

@CNN Also known as Cable News Network, this TV giant comes in at number one in this category as it offers worldwide 24/7 news coverage to every one of its followers.

Comedy

Twitter has become one of the biggest social media platforms amongst teenagers, and it is only getting bigger. Created in March of 2006 by four college roommates named Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams, Biz Stone and Noah Glass, its resurrection of the dying pound key “hashtag” and short 140 character blips has allowed users to express their feelings, comical worth, and opinions via Tweets across the internet. Though many people use it to gauge success with their follower-to-following ratio and the number of favorites and retweets they get on any Tweet, others have used it to make people laugh, keep them informed on recent news, and poke fun at athletes’ misfortune.

@ESPN

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

The Worldwide Leader in sports has taken to Twitter to highlight new stories, posterizing dunks, sports discussion, and almost anything else sport related.

A common application on any avid sports fan’s phone, Bleacher Report via Team Stream covers every sport all over the world, while giving in-depth details that any sports fanatic would desire.

Common White Best Vines @The_Best_Vines Girl @TypicalWhite This account shows followers the best six second videos that can be found on the app Vine.

It allows followers to see the funniest Vines from that day without the hassle of finding them.

The stereotypical “common white girl” is the main focus here, showing the issues of lack-of-sleep, wrong Starbucks orders, and messy make up that a “common white girl” might have.

Kevin Hart @KevinHart4Real The verified account of the comedian Kevin Hart. Follow him as he pokes fun at people, news, himself, and ironic happenings he encounters.

@JohnnyFootball

The parody account posing as future NFL quarterback Jonny Manziel tweets about his nonexistent relationship with AJ McCarron’s girlfriend Katherine Webb and his crazy partying before and after games with all-SEC receiver Mike Evans.

Fake Dan Uggla @FakeDanUggla

This parody account details the struggles of Atlanta Braves’ second baseman Dan Uggla. The only thing worse than his batting average is the account itself.

Faux John Madden @FauxJohnMadden A parody about a Hall of Fame football coach and a man scared to ride on plane. They poke fun at anything NFL football-related.

album reviews: then and now

by Hunter Robertson

Old: “2112” by Rush

New: “Beyonce” by Beyonce

My Pick: “Altered State” by TesseracT

ven mentioning the number 2112 (said twenty-one twelve) will have Rush fans raving about how impeccable the album is.

Being one of two albums by Rush from the list of “1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die,” 2112 is a very unique album, especially because it was released in 1976. The whole album tells a story about a man who finds an ancient guitar to play his own music. Though it sounds a bit cheesey, the the album is marvelous. This rock opera is filled with catchy guitar licks by Alex Lifeson, complex drum fills

by Neil Peart, and finally, the talented, hightenor voice of Geddy Lee. This album is a 10 out of 10 because this was the album that made Rush a well-known prog-rock band.

espite Beyoncé having produced and released this album in secret, it sold 828,773 copies in three days. The album is a little bit repetitive.Each song lyric from the 66 minute album is made up of either the pride of being a woman, and tons of sexual innuendos, which honestly contradict themselves. In the songs “Drunk in Love” and “Grown Woman,” Beyoncé tends to repeat the titles in a sassy way. When asked about the album, senior Myers Hines commented. He said, “I personally enjoy the song Drunk in Love because of its sick beat.

Although I was impressed by the album, it was not my favorite album of all time.” I would listen to the whole album if I were doing something and the music was in the background. There were, however, two songs I did enjoy; Grown Woman (which was only released as a music video) and Blow. Overall, I give the album a 7 out of 10.

Released Dec. 13, 2013 • 66:35 • Pop

s the follow up to TesseracT’s freshman studio album entitled “One,” Altered State is unremarkably one of my favorite albums up to date.

First of all, don’t be afraid of the term “metal”. This album is different than your stereotypical metal album. It offers everything from polyrhythms (which are two different beat happening at once), the classic djenty noise (which is an onomatopoeia for the deep, heavy sound the guitar makes) , a beautiful harmony in every song, and it even has astounding saxophone solos. Yes, that’s right, sax solos in not one, but two, songs. The singer, Ashe O’Hare, has a beautiful and appropriate voice that perfectly matches the deep guitar sound and the complex drum patterns. The one problem I have with this album is that it has abrupt and somewhat odd transitions. Overall, I would give it a 9.5 out of 10.

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A+

Released April 1, 1976 • 38:44 • Progressive Rock

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C

A

A+

Released May 28, 2013 • 50:41 • Metal

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The Wolverine Honors Day Medals Change

by Mary Grace Walsh editor-in-chief

by Alex Brack assistant editor

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t was recently announced in assembly that medals awarded on Honors Day will no longer be distinguished between gold, silver, and bronze. The medals had been awarded based on GPA within the academic class and it has been this way for many years.

In the past, the student with the highest GPA would receive the gold medal, and so on for silver and bronze. This will not be the case from now on.

Upper School English Department Chair Kate McConnaughey led the committee that chose to make this change.

The committee consisted of both administration and teachers.

Every few years, a committee reviews what should be changed for Honors Day. They evaluate what’s working and what’s not.

“We don’t want it where everyone gets an award,” Mconnaughey said.

With medals in particular, the difference between gold,

by Ally Chebuhar reporter

Carnation Sale Proves Success

silver, and bronze is often only hundredths of a point. “We also have to have a deadline, so something like the next quiz might change things. It ended up just being a game of numbers instead of recognizing true excellence. The medals are still for the absolute top in the class,” McConnaughey said. Since there is a deadline, the medals do not always reflect the way the student has performed in the class all year long.

McConnaughey knows that teachers feel uncomfortable distinguishing between outstanding students. There is often not a huge gap between grades. “I understand that in sports it comes down to the fractions of a second, and I think people understand that. It’s a little different with grades,” McConnaughey said. There will be no change in who receives the medals, just a difference in what they are called.

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he Latin Club has made the annual carnation sale a tradition at Walker. A few weeks before Valentine’s Day, members of Latin Club begin to carry order forms everywhere they go. For only one dollar, students and faculty are able to purchase either a pink carnation (indicating a friend), a red carnation (indicating love), or a white carnation (indicating a secret admirer). All of the proceeds from the sale are donated to the Scott Shockley foundation to fund cancer research.

However, the past few weeks of winter weather have been nothing short of hectic for the Walker community. In addition to this dilemma, Upper School Latin teacher Randy Fields left for Italy on a study abroad trip with several students, leaving juniors Parker

Smith and Daniel Palladino in charge of the entire carnation sale.

It was not long before the Latin Club began to feel the pinch of the constant impending weather.

“I was worried that we would not be able to deliver the carnations because of the weather,” said Palladino.

Fortunately, the Walker community was pleasantly surprised upon returning to school on February 18 to find carnations from friends and secret admirers in their locker. Against all odds, the Latin Club was able to deliver nearly 700 carnations to students and raise 200 dollars. Although this year was slightly more difficult than previous years, the Latin Club knew that the carnation sale was important to the school community and strove to make sure this year was memorable.

Stepping Into Spring Style

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shine! A popular online shop, ThePinkMonogram.com wrote about the monogrammed items that celebrities are wearing and said, “Vintage Monogram necklaces and bracelets have been featured in the pages of InStyle, People Stylewatch, OK!, and Redbook, and are a wardrobe favorite of Carrie Underwood, Mischa Barton, Tori Spelling, and Marcia Cross. Hollywood Models and Music’s Superstars, celebrities are sporting these from the beach to the Oscars like Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Sarah Jessica Parker and more.

This first outfit is perfect This monogrammed jewelry is for the transition from late the best of the best.” Periwinkle winter into early spring. The nail polish and a purple cross white jeans go perfectly with an body from Kate Spade adds a aqua loose knit sweater and hot cute touch. This outfit is great pink bubble necklace. Pair it with for school because it is not too gold gladiator Steve Madden dressy and easy to put on in the sandals and a gold monogram morning. ring for a little sparkle and eap into the new season with stylish outfits for school days, weekends, and parties! Bright colors and modern prints will stand out this season along with bubble necklaces and fun nail polish!

Be prepared for all the festivities that spring will bring with the right cheerful attire.

of jeans.” Stick to one metallic like gold or silver and add earrings or a ring in that tone.

Adenim shirt with colored shorts is a classic Saturday basic.

When it gets warm no one wants to feel trapped in layers. While creating spring outfits, stick to one or two basic pieces in solid neutrals: black, brown, navy, grey, and white. Then add two pops of color, don’t overload an outfit with two many. Also, fit in a pattern, including one or more of the colors you are wearing for an eye-catching result.

Freshman Jordan Chang said, “Lilly Pulitzer always comes up with cutest prints that are so unique in vibrant colors and patterns. The Elsa top with the pattern Tusk in the Sun, which is navy blue and white, makes the perfect outfit paired with a pair

For a pre-summer luncheon, baby shower, wedding, or any dressy-casual party, experiment with an outfit filled with your favorite things! Adorable hair ties, Lilly Pulitzer floral phone cases, and unexpected Forever 21 nail polish are just three of thousands of accessories that make outfits personalized. In the outfit above, a classic white dress with a Kate Spade aqua-colored necklace and a pair of stud earrings is a chic outfit that can be worn to a number of venues.

March 2014

9

Artist of the Month: How Safe are “Safety” Schools?

Austin Gignilliat

nby Alex Brack .assistant editor n unior Austin Gignilliat has f . shown enthusiasm for the t arts throughout most of shis Upper School career. Many dstudents and faculty around the

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Walker

community

probably

rknow Gignilliat for his notable y role as Sonny in Walker’s l 2013 production of “Grease.” s Walking through the hallways s ,with leather jackets like the rT-Birds themselves, Gignilliat sand the rest of the cast were hard hto miss. However, many people emay not know Gignilliat for his ekeen interest in art and music. nFor as long as he can remember, lGignilliat has enjoyed drawing eand making music.

“My favorite aspect of the arts is how everything is up to interpretation,” said Gignilliat.

This year, Gignilliat was new to Walker musicals. Though it was very demanding, Gignilliat had a great experience being part of the musical. Gignilliat is slowly expanding his interests in the arts. “I also really like how you can express things in the arts that you normally couldn’t in words,” said Gignilliat.

Gignilliat’s interest for the arts began with drawing. Since he was very young, Gignilliat enjoyed drawing pictures.

His freshman year, Gignilliat drew several pieces of artwork illustrating various members of The Beatles. His Beatles’ artwork was praised by many students and faculty members, including English teacher and Beatles aficionado Chris Golden.

Gignilliat’s Beatles artwork was eventually put on display in the Walker art showcase.

Sometimes you can catch Gignilliat outside during lunch or break with his guitar playing famous songs and riffs for people. Many students agree that Gignilliat is an extremely talented guitarist. In fact, he has only been playing for a few years and is entirely self taught.

Currently, Gignilliat is also

teaching himself how to play the piano and the harmonica.

Gignilliat was musically inspired by many bands, such as the Beatles and Pink Floyd.

Gignilliat is an extremely well-rounded student and a textbook example of what differentiates Walker students from other schools. Gignilliat consistently maintains an average above 90.0 in spite of all of his extracurricular activities.

Gignilliat primarily plays center on the Varsity Basketball team.

He is also the Vice President of the Catholic Club. His favorite music genres are classic rock and alternative rock. Outside of school, Gignilliat enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and his friends.

In the future, Gignilliat has plans to continue expanding his wide variety of artistic interests and will be trying out for next year’s Walker musical.

by Nehal Sanghi reporter

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ollege counseling sessions are crucial for all Upper School students at Walker, and the process of finding the right college can be stressful. From freshmen to seniors, everyone is aware of the idea of Reach, Aim, and Safety schools, but only a small number of students know their actual meaning.

At the beginning of each year, most seniors have a plan for their college future. They list the colleges they wish to attend, along with a “safety school,” otherwise known as a “backup plan.” However, as this procedure continues, students realize the true meaning of a safety school. In theory a “safety” school is the one in which a student is most likely to be accepted, but in practice it means different. Dean of College Counseling and Guidance Neil Clark said, “A school isn’t a true safety until you get an acceptance letter.” Therefore students are recommended to apply to at least one rolling admission college so that they

can hear about their decision by early October and November. A true safety school is the one from which a student receives the first college acceptance letter.

Having a safety school is not only about applying to any rolling admissions college but also about seeing other necessary criteria. “In the past sometimes they [students] do go to safety college because of a parental loss or an economic problem,” said Clark. Time keeps changing and any kind of situation can appear during this process. So when exploring the safety school options, it is important to be sure that the college is a fiscally safe one for your family.

In any event, having a plan works the best. If a student has investigated a range of colleges then there shouldn’t be any problem in this process.

Even so there is no right way to prepare because every year college demand is different.

A point not to be overlooked is that the concept of having a safety school is an important key in this process.

Juniors Austin Gignilliat and Nicolette Paglioni pose on stage during Grease in Fall 2013. No stranger to Walker stages, Gignilliat has starred in several other Walker productions along with playing Varsity Basketball and serving as Vice President of the Catholic Club.

Photo Courtesy of The Walker School

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The Wolverine TWSWolverine.com

First Year Of Varsity Boys Lacrosse Begins

by Bradley Moore reporter

W

alker’s Boys Lacrosse team has taken on new challenges as they play their first full Varsity season this spring. After two years of a Junior Varsity schedule, the team qualified to be a Varsity team and will take on many veteran teams in the Atlanta area. There are only two classifications for boys lacrosse, and Walker is part of the 1A-5A classification, which includes teams like Kell, North Cobb, and the defending State Champs Westminster. Walker coaches are now building the foundation to a successful program with Walker-fed teams from youth to the varsity level.

Head Lacrosse Coach John East is very optimistic about the program, saying, “Walker’s Boys and Girls Lacrosse teams are on the fast-track to success.”

The school has established youth feeder teams whose

rosters consist of mainly Walker students. The feeder teams add to the caliber of the entire program and the sport itself is becoming more popular. More students have interest playing the sport, building the legacy for future success. The first Varsity year marks a huge steppingstone for the sport of lacrosse at Walker. The Wolverines will now try to make their mark as a lacrosse heavy weight.

Junior Michael Knautz seems ecstatic to show his skills at the Varsity level saying, “We have a great chance to do big things this season against very tough competition.” After playing Junior Varsity teams for two years, Walker must now make the transition to a full Varsity schedule and get ready for more skilled opponents.

Walker Lacrosse seeks many wins this season to make a statement for the program

as a whole. With the help of on rival Whitefield Academy. community coaches, Coach East Both of these games will be looks to punch a ticket to the played at home and the team is The Varsity Boys take on Kell High School on March 3.

The Wolverines lost 0-15.

Photo Courtesy of Mike Mackey

playoffs the first season. The coaches throughout all levels of the program strive to push for perfect technique and teamwork at each level.

Walker plays its next home game on Friday, March 28 against North Paulding and looks for the first win of the season. The team will also take

hoping for a big turnout for two very exciting games. Walker looks for success at all levels of lacrosse and encourages all who have interest to come out.

There will be six home games all at different times, and both the boys and girls lacrosse teams are asking for support from the student base.

Madness Starts Over March Basketball

by Connor Sudderth reporter

E

very March, 64 teams compete in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, and all are vying to be National Champions.

Each year there are upsets and Cinderella teams that surprise everyone.

People compete in ESPN’s bracket challenge, making picks for every game and picking the team they think will win it all. Never has there been a perfect bracket, but that doesn’t sway people from competing year after year.

This year however, is different, because what’s at stake is not just perfection, but also one billion dollars.

Warren Buffett is not just one the richest men in America, but also in the world. Buffett is an avid competitor in the bracket challenge, competing almost

every year. This prompted Buffett to put one billion dollars at stake for whoever can correctly pick every game in the tournament. Buffett said in an interview that if someone is one game away from the perfect bracket, he will accompany him to the national championship on April 7. He added, “He and I will probably be pulling for different teams. I’m not eager to write a check for one billion dollars.” This may seem an easy feat to do, but in reality is near impossible to complete.

The chances of someone winning the lottery are one in 175,223,510. This may seem pretty big, but the chances of winning the lottery are actually higher than having a perfect bracket. There is a one in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808

chance for a perfect bracket, which is near impossible. With upsets happening every year, anything can happen the NCAA tournament.

Each year, there is usually a Cinderella team that ends up in the Final Four. A number16-seed has never beaten a number-one-seed, but last year a number-15-seeded Florida Gulf Coast upset number two seeded Georgetown in the opening round of the tournament.

Another underdog team, Wichita State, drew national publicity as it advanced to the Final Four as a number-nine-seed. As seen in years past, anything can happen in the tournament.

The bracket challenge this year will be more intense with a prize of one billion dollars for whomever can correctly pick

every tournament game. The challenge is near impossible, with the chances being incredibly slim. But as seen in the tournament, anything can happen.

Interested in building your own bracket?

ESPN offers a bracket creator (espn.go.com/ bracket) as well as game previews, fantasy basketball, and more! Just visit espn.com.

Want to watch the games live?

Just visit ncaa.com/ march-madness!

S: Sports

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Varsity Boys Lacrosse

Varsity Soccer Season Starts

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Braves Lock Down coming up . e Young Talent today s

o r s l . l e s e

by Victoria Hudson sports editor

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s Spring Training starts up, the Atlanta Braves are in good position to be dominant in their National League East Division. Over the 2013-2014 offseason, Braves’ General Manager Frank Wren has extended contracts on many of the Braves’ key players. All Star first baseman Freddie Freeman received an eight-year, $135 million extension on his contract. Gold Glove right fielder Jason Heyward extended his contract for two years and $13.3 million, and shortstop Andrelton Simmons signed a seven-year, $58 million deal.

Closer Craig Kimbrel and starting pitcher Julio Teheran also signed contract extensions in the winter months.

The Braves obviously plan to expand their budget in the coming seasons. These extensions will result in an increase in payroll for the organization, but that is a sacrifice the club is willing to make. Wren said, “We still have flexibility to make moves as we go through the season. I think as you look at our long-term payroll, it fits for us. It has worked out well.”

One major change all of Major League Baseball will face this season is the use of instant replay. The new rule states that a manager has one challenge during the first seven innings, meaning a manager can demand the umpires review one play by replay in the first seven innings. Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez met with officials from Major League Baseball and discussed the rule change early on during Spring Training. Gonzalez said, “After the meeting, you feel comfortable that you can work with it.

I’m going to go into Spring Training looking for every play that you can challenge.” Some worry the inception of replay will delay the already slow pace of the game, but players are glad the umpires will have the opportunity to review close calls and make the right decision.

Even with all of the hype about contract extensions, some questions still remain, such as “Will B.J. Upton bounce back from his subpar 2013?” It is no secret that 2013 was a letdown year for Upton; he posted career lows in multiple offensive categories, but the real question is whether he will reach the high expectations the organization and fans have for him. Regarding his return, Upton said, “This is where I am at and this is where I want to stay. No matter what happens, I want to stay right here because what I am doing right now is efficient and it will work. It’s just when it isn’t going well, I can’t hit the panic button like I did last year.”

ww varsity baseball at fellowship (fellowship - 5:00 p.m.) ww varsity girls soccer vs pace (robertson field - 5:00 p.m.) ww varsity tennis vs n. cobb christian (tennis courts - 4:00 p.m.)

this week

ww tomorrow: varsity baseball at mt. pisgah (mt. pisgah 5:30 p.m.) ww tomorrow: varsity boys soccer at excel (excel - 7:00 p.m.) ww tomorrow: varsity boys golf at pace (pace - 4:00 p.m.)

this weekend

ww varsity track at cobb county championships (saturday - mceachern) ww jv girls lacrosse tournament (saturday - sprayberry)

Varsity Soccer Season Starts

by Hannah Manning reporter

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oth the Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer teams started off their season with strong.

Varsity Boys Soccer started the season off strong winning their first game against Holy Innocents five to four on Feb. 19 and beating Christian Heritage in their second game; winning eight to zero on Feb. 21. With such a good start in the season many are wondering, what is to come? Gary Blohm, Coach of the Varsity Boys said, “It was a great way to start off the season. Out first game was great because it was a little bit of redemption.”

Last year the Varsity Boys lost to Holy Innocents. This year the team came back strong, beating them five to four. “The second game wasn’t really a big challenge for us; we beat them 8 to 0. However, since it’s so early in the season, it’s hard to judge our skill level.” said Blohm.

“All in all we started the season off strong and confident in our abilities as a team. Although, we have some challenging teams ahead, I think we will go far this year as a team.”

As for the Varsity

Girls, they had a little bit of a rough patch in their first game of the season, losing one to seven against Holy Innocents. However, they came back strong and beat Christian Heritage four to zero in their second game.

Jamie Rubens, Coach of the Varsity Girls Soccer team, said, “In our first game we definitely had a little bit of a rough start, but that’s was expected because the long break we took for the snow took away from our prac-

tice time. So I feel that we were a little unprepared.

But, we came together in our second game.”

Both coaches agree that the remainder of the season should be great for both teams. However, they have no expectations for the season records. What they really care about is their players going out and playing the game to the best of their abilities and having a good attitude whether they win or lose.

Freshman Goalie Colby Turner kicks the ball out of the box during the February 19 season opener against Holy Innocents. The Wolverines went on to win 5-4.

Photo Courtesy of Mike Mackey

12

The Wolverine

Athlete of the Month: Karmin Shute

by Stacey Agadoni reporter

by Hensley Babb reporter

W

ith the spring sports season already underway, senior Karmin Shute is hard at work with the Walker Track and Field Team. This will be Shute’s third year participating in the sport.

Outside of Walker’s team, in the off season, she trains with her indoor team Sprint Athletics to keep in shape and improve her times. In the indoor circuit, she runs the 4x200m, 200m, 400m, and 4x400m. For the Walker team, she runs the 100m, 4x100m, 400m, 200m, 100m, and 4x400m.

Shute’s love for track blossomed at an early age. “I started running track in fifth grade and then I picked it back up again my sophomore year,” Shute said. She grew up around the track because her father was also a very talented track athlete himself. Shute said, “Watching my dad run inspired me to want to run. Track was in my blood from the beginning.”

By following in her father’s footsteps, she has transformed into the gifted athlete she is today.

To Shute, track is more than just a sport.“Running is a way for me to express myself and get out emotions. Track is one of the few sports that is individual

From “Promenade” to “Promposals”

except for a few events and that makes you zone in on how you are doing and fix certain points about your performance,” she said. Going to practice after school with her teammates and encouraging coach, Upper School English Teacher Matt Eisenman, makes her love for the sport grow even stronger.

She also enjoys the camaraderie she feels between her and her teammates: “I enjoy meeting new people and bonding with my teammates.”

Outside of track, she enjoys a wide variety of activities. She is a senior class representative for the Student Activities Union as well as a member of Walker’s Health and Wellness Club. Her enthusiastic demeanor is illustrated in her weekly broadcasts as the Walker News Network’s meteorologist.

Her hopes for this upcoming season include adding to her broken records which include completing the 200m with a time of 26.67 seconds.

She hopes to win state and break school records for the 100m and the 400m. She also plans to go to college for track but is sure as of where yet. She is looking at High Point University, Birmingham Southern College, University of South Florida, and Hampton University.

F

or many years, prom has been one of the most important events of a student’s high school experience.

The word “prom” is short for promenade, which refers to a formal march of the guests at the beginning of a party. This originates from the late 1800s, when proms started out as small college gatherings meant to teach good manners. By the 1930s, the prom tradition had spread to high schools nationwide.

However, the modern prom is noticeably different from proms of the mid-20th century in terms of dress, venue, music, and more. While most proms today are associated with upscale, offcampus locations, they were typically held in school gyms until around the 1950s. But now that venues are more stylish, students also want to arrive there in style with large vehicles like limos, stretch Hummers, and party buses.

The styles for prom attire have also transformed quite a bit. The tradition of girls wearing long gowns has remained the same, although some of the poufy dresses of the 80s would never be seen today.

Formal accessories like white gloves, pearls, and sashes are usually no longer seen. Hairstyles have generally become more “relaxed” with trends such as messy buns and long waves becoming preferable to tight, perfectly styled updos.

Interestingly, boys once wore more casual shirts and pants to prom, but they now have reverted to traditional tuxedos.

One of the most recent

differences people are noticing about the prom is the use of “promposals,” or asking fellow students to the dance in elaborate, flashy, or romantic ways. Some go to lengths such as organizing flash mobs, creating scavenger hunts, or even writing letters in the sky to surprise their person of interest. While this might be the expectation for students now, the phenomenon was practically unheard of in past years. Anna Kennedy, Upper School counselor and Walker alumna, said, “Normally people just walked up to you and asked to go to prom - no going to houses and laying out flowers or getting a team involved in asking.”

Walker’s proms in particular have a different feel now than they did in the past.

Katie Hartsock, Upper School English teacher and Walker alumna, said that the “biggest difference was the size or number of people who attended.”

Because her graduating class had much fewer students, Hartsock said “the dance floor often could turn into a ghost town.” Another notable change is that the Senior Walk, which is now held at a separate assembly in school, used to be at the prom.

“Everyone’s parents were there, and then the parents watched when the king and queen were announced,” said Kennedy.

Although proms have seen some major transformations throughout time, they still remain one of the most memorable and anticipated events of students’ high school years.

A collage of Walker Prom photos from 1983. The theme was “The Long and Winding Road,” and was held at the Marietta Country Club. Steve McCoy (of the radio show Steve and Vicki) served as the DJ. Photo Courtesy of the 1983 Flame