October/November2015

VOLUME 74 ISSUE 2

TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL

4125 Golden Wave Dr., Tupelo, Mississippi 38801

Rock ‘N’ Rollin’

THE

HI-TIMES

See more Homecoming Week photos. PG10

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 A STUDENT NEWSPAPER

INDEX

• NEWS.................................2 • FEATURES....................3 • OPINIONS..........................5

• SPORTS...............7

• ART&ENTERTAINMENT........9

BAND MAKES A SPLASH

JEREMY HINDS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

From left, Matthew Pugh, Hayden Raymer and Sam Smith started out making music for fun. Now their punk/alternative band Slush Fund has a strong local fan base.

THIS SLUSH WON’T GIVE YOU A BRAIN FREEZE Anhthu Truong @anhthu_truong Staff Writer

Talent can be found anywhere at Tupelo High School. It’s just a matter of whether or not you’re willing to look for it.

What started as just two friends making songs for fun on their computer has become a three-piece punk/alternative rock band.

Matthew Pugh, the lead guitarist and vocalist for Slush Fund, has been playing for eight years.

Watching his dad perform with numerous bands inspired his interest to start playing guitar. Originally Sam Smith also played the guitar, but he switched to bass. Last but not least, Hayden Raymer started drumming after finding inspiration in Avenge Sevenfold. Slush Fund was met with great responses after their first show in Starkville on July 17.

“The feeling you get from playing live gives me such a rush,” Pugh said. “It’s a natural high.”

Forming a band was easy, but thinking of a band name was easier for the THS seniors.

“Who doesn’t agree that slushies from Sonic aren’t good?” said Pugh, who joins his bandmates every Friday after school for the frozen drink.

“It’s actually kind of a cool name, because it also is a term for money set aside by the government to

JEREMY HINDS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sam Smith is the bass guitarist for Slush Fund.

use for things,” Smith said.

The band’s music is a little more difficult to describe. It’s like “a punch to the face that doesn’t hurt, like ‘I needed that wake up punch,’” Pugh said, to which Smith added, “It’s like getting punched by a hot girl and you won’t be mad because she touched you.”

Slush Fund has been working almost every day in Raymer’s garage to produce new music on Soundcloud, iTunes and Spotify. They plan to go to the studio at the end of November.

Pugh said he and Smith both write the lyrics and they all get together and work on the music and it just evolves from there. Most of their music is influenced by Green Day, Blink 182, The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes and The Ramones.

Pugh said all of Slush Fund’s songs are about “fictitious females and struggles from being a teenager.”

The song “Human Fedora” is a social commentary about the hipster lifestyle. One of the band’s most recent songs, “Demur,” is Nirvana influenced.

“It’s about wanting to leave your hometown and causing trouble,” Pugh said. “We don’t condone illegal things. We’re just speaking what everyone on the inside is thinking.”

If you want to check out the local trio, their song “Green” can be found on Spotify. “Green” has a very raw, garage band feel to it.

“Slush fund is a lovely burst of energy,” Ben Policicchio senior said.

Fans can connect with Slush Fund on Twitter (@ slushfundband) or on Instagram (slushfundband).

Pugh said there are currently two styles of T-shirts available that can be bought through any of the band members or through social media.

“New T-shirts will be coming in in about two weeks,” he said.

THS first in state with AP Capstone program

Bryan Kwag @kwagbryan Staff Writer

Tupelo High School is the first in Mississippi to offer the AP Capstone program.

“AP Capstone is a new, diploma program made from College Board that enables students to engage into academic skills necessary for college,” said Holly Gray, who is teaching the class of 21 students in the school’s Media Center. “It’s exciting and unique to have this program in our school, because Tupelo High School is the first school in the state of Mississippi to have this program along with more than 136 other schools across the United States.”

Gray said the program will benefit

the students taking it by “reinforcing skills in research and collaboration.”

The two parts of the program are AP Seminar and AP Research. For AP Seminar, there are three components: a group research paper and presentation, an individual research paper and presentation, and a writing exam. In AP Research, the students design, plan and manage a yearlong research-based investigation on a chosen subject.

“The difference between the two classes is that AP Seminar is the beginning, and we need to have the knowledge of the basics by working together in a group or discussing arguments,” Gray said. “AP Research is all independent work that is taken after AP Seminar.”

Sophomore Avery Claire Littleton said the course has multiple benefits.

“I took AP Capstone because I thought it would look good on my college application,” Littleton said. “Also, my mom made me take the class.

Some benefits for taking this class were that I would become a better writer because I love to write and edit stories, and I can be more prepared for advanced classes in the future.”

Additionally, students must take at least four other AP classes of their choice. To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must score a three or higher on four of the other AP classes, and students must score a three or higher on AP Seminar and AP Research.

If students do not score a three or higher on all exams, they will receive the AP Capstone Certificate. The difference between these two is that the AP

“AP Capstone is

Gray

a new, diploma program made from College Board that enables students to engage into academic skills necessary for college.”

Capstone Diplo- Holly Gray ma shows that AP Capstone Teacher the student successfully passed the program and passed the AP exam, while AP Capstone Certificate shows that the student only completed the program and not the AP exam.

See AP Capstone PG2

2NEWS

{

{

WHAT’S COMIN’ UP

• THS Football vs.

Southaven, 7 p.m.

Homecoming Oct. 9 • No School Oct. 9

• Miranda Lambert concert @ BancorpSouth Arean, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9 • MHSAA Region 1 State Marching Band Evaluation Oct. 10 • No School Oct. 12 • Florida Georgia Line concert @ Snowden Grove Park, Southaven, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 15 • THS Football vs.

South Panola, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16 • Chili Fest Oct. 16 • Bloomin Bluegrass Festival, Farmers Branch Historical Park, Olive Branch Oct. 16-17 • Barktoberfest Oct. 17 • Zombie Fun Run Oct. 17 • Celebration Village Oct. 21-24 • THS Football vs.

DeSoto Central Oct. 23 • Newsboys concert @ BancorpSouth Arena, 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 • Porktoberfest Movie Night, Memphis Botanic Garden Oct. 23 • ACT Oct. 24 • Mac Miller @ The Lyric Oxford, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 • Norah Jones, The Orpheum, Memphis, 8-10:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 • Halloween Egg Hunt/ Trunk or Treat Oct. 29 • THS Football vs. Horn Lake, 7 p.m.

• Halloween Oct. 31 • City Lights - The Music of Charlie Chaplin in Tupelo @ Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 31 • Disney On Ice @ BancorpSouth Arena Nov. 5 • The Stolen Faces @ Blue Canoe, 8 p.m.

Nov. 6

THE HI-TIMES • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER /NO-O

Moles once again invade Tupelo Aaron Kwag @AaronKwag Staff Writer

M

any may know moles as little animals with dark fur that dig underground. In chemistry, however, a mole is a unit that equals 6.02x10^23.

The mole originated from Italian chemist Amedeo Avogadro in the year of 1811 when he published “Avogadro’s Hypothesis.”

The purpose of the mole unit was to use a method to convert from atoms and molecules to grams or weight.

Moles, therefore, are constantly used in chemistry as it is an integral part of it. In addition, it allows the weighing out of substances like iron and sulfur. The mole even coined the term “a chemist’s dozen” as to show its frequent use in chemistry.

As moles became more oftenly used in chemistry classes and other fields of chemistry, moles eventually caused a holiday to promote a special day for chemistry.

For chemistry classes in Tupelo High School, there comes Mole Day, a day in which Avogadro’s discovery of the mole is celebrated.

Along with many other comes from the beginning of schools, Mole Day has been an the unit which is 6.02. Furongoing tradition in THS for thermore, it is on Oct. 23 bemany years. cause the ten represents the “I would say probably 15 month and the exponent 23 years. Around 14 or 15 years represents the day it is ocMole Day has been in Tu- curred on. pelo High School,” chemistry Instead of a single Mole Day teacher Monica only on Oct. 23 Rowe said. during the first “Mole Day is a The Mole national holiday for semester, THS Day tradition, of chemistry students. celebrates mole course, was also day in the secThe number is started by someond semester by actually six point one a long time changing up a zero two times 10 ago. few things with “A lady by the to the 23rd, so 10 to the dating. name of Dee Coo- the 23rd is why we “Oct. 23 is acper started Mole do it at 10/23, and we tual Mole Day Day at Tupelo start at 6:02 in the for first semesHigh School.” morning.” ter,” Rowe said.

Rowe said.

“For second se - Moncia Rowe Chemistry teacher Rowe also exmester we have plains Mole Day to do it a little in a nutshell and differently besays when it will happen. cause of the dating.”

“Mole Day is a national holMole Day isn’t a day in iday for chemistry students,” which students sit in a classRowe explained. room and learn about the “The number is actually six mole and its application in point zero two times ten to chemistry. Instead, students the twenty-third, so ten to the have the opportunity to intertwenty-third is why we do it at act in many different activi10/23, and we start at 6:02 in ties that do not require sitting the morning.” down and listening to a lecThe reason behind the ex- ture about Avogadro and his act times of Mole day directly discovery of the mole. relates to its actual value. It “We encourage the kids to occurs from 6:02 A.M. to 6:02 come up with unique ways P.M. because the numbers to come up and remember

things about the mole and factual information around about what the mole is in chemistry.

They might write poems, they might make up a rap, and they might sing a song,” Rowe said.

“They may have some activities where they actually relate to the concept.”

Now that Mole Day has passed for the first semester, we can expect the same to happen for the moles, digging underground then rising up to the surface for Mole Day in the spring for chemistry students.

MEREDITH BEASLEY

Molemaid smiles for the camera.

AP Capstone Continued from PG1 According to www.collegeboard.org, taking AP Capstone benefits current high school students and upcoming college students. It helps high school students advance in research, argumentation and communication skills that are at the core of college readiness and important for learning. It also provides a foundation based on the knowledge and precise course work of AP in a collaborate format.

After completing high school, AP Capstone offers students a unique opportunity to differentiate themselves to colleges and universities. The program also helps new college students by helping identify students who are prepared to go to college with the research, writing, and collaboration skills necessary for successful college completion. Also, it provides consistent, externally validated measures of student ability. This can be done by demonstrating student research and writing abilities through a 5,000-word scholarly research paper.

According to www.collegeboard.org, AP Capstone was made in response to feedback from higher education. AP Seminar and AP Research support the rigor of AP courses and exams by equipping students with the ability to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. This is the ability of combining scholarly practice with academic intensity. The results of being able to complete this process should get students results of analyzing topics through multiple lenses to construct meaning or gain understanding, planning and conducting a study or investigation and proposing solutions to re-

Students listen to Holly Gray during the AP Capstone class at Tupelo High School.

al-world problems, producing communication in various forms, collaborating to solve a problem, and conjoining to make cross-curricular connections.

College Board also mentions that AP Capstone collaborated with colleges and

BRYAN KWAG

universities to define its contents and standards. It applies structures and learning objectives uniquely aligned with AP skills and practices and other skills-based learning objectives identified by many other educational programs.

New tide comes into Journalism Department Nathan Jackson @yasnthn Editor-In-Chief

Tupelo High School’s Journalism Department has a new and improved website.

“We are redesigning the whole website this year to make it a more welcoming place that students can go to,” yearbook design editor Georgia McGee said.

The department used to host its own website, but contracted with School Newspapers Online last year.

SNO allows high

school publications the option of online advertising, which can bring more revenue for the department.

SNO is also better for mobile users.

The THS Journalism Department is made up of yearbook, newspaper and broadcast. At thscurrent. org, the yearbook staff adds photos of current events and student life going on around campus. The newspaper staff contributes exclusive stories and photos online in addition to the stores that are published

in the school newspaper.

Broadcast, otherwise know as WTHS, adds their weekly news broadcast and hype videos for games.

Newspaper staffs have so far put football game reports and exclusive photos of volleyball on the website.

WTHS has been making sure to put up their videos up and yearbook is putting photo slide after photo slide of events going on.

Like the senior parade at the first day of school and the pep rally downtown for

the first football game of the season.

McGee plans to change the website’s header depending on the sports that are in season.

The website has been honored by the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association, which sponsors awards for high school journalism publications at its annual spring conference. There is a category for webpage design and McGee said she plans to enter her online header for that category.

Deafness doesn’t stop Tyler Berry

Freshman Tyler Berry communicates with interpreter Gloria Jarrell while he takes a break from football practice.

Karlee Avery @karleeavery Business Manager

Tyler Berry does not let his deafness prevent him from playing the game he loves.

The Tupelo High School freshman was diagnosed with a bilateral sensorineural hearing loss when he was nine months old. He also learned sign language and started speech therapy at an early age and can read lips. At 13 months, Berry got hearing aids, which he wears under his helmet when he plays for the ninth-grade football team.

“There’s nothing hard about it,” said Berry, shrugging his shoulders.

In fact, his deafness may actually be an advantage on the field.

“He’ll never be called offsides for a hard count,” said Gloria “Ms. G” Jarrell, Berry’s interpreter.

SNHL occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or to the nerve pathways from the inner ear to the brain, according to the American Speech-LanguageHearing Association website.Most of the time, SNHL can’t be medically or surgically corrected.

SNHL is also the most common type of permanent hearing loss, but it’s not that uncommon to be deaf and play a sport. Derrick Coleman, a fullback for the Seattle Seahawks, is the first deaf offensive player in the NFL. Tee Shepard, former cornerback for the Ole Miss Rebels, communicated with his coaches by reading lips and using hand signals, but not sign language.

David Clayton, an assistant football coach at THS, has gone the extra mile to help Berry by learning sign language.

“I’m trying to learn a little bit so I can make the conversation faster,” he said.

Still, communicating with Berry does have its difficulties.

“It’s a little bit of a challenge,” said head ninthgrade football coach Chris Shoup. “It’s a little bit different having a kid that’s difficult to communicate with, being that I’m not familiar with signing. Having Ms. G helps with that. She’s able to relay any information that we need so that definitely helps, but it’s

definitely a challenge.”

Berry is new to football, Shoup said, but is one of the hardest workers on the team.

“He’s a kid that hasn’t played football before, so coming out, he’s at a disadvantage having to learn not just what we do but just learning football period,” Shoup said. “He comes out and works hard, doesn’t complain, puts in work and does what he needs to do, and that’s paid off for him because he’s gotten to play a lot this year.”

As a punt returner and corner for the Golden Wave, Berry has seen plenty of action.

“He’s had a couple chances of punt returning,” Shoup said. “He does a good job of catching. He doesn’t hear any of the traffic coming, so that makes it easier. He catches it and makes a good return on it, and he’s taken a couple licks on it and he’s popped right back up. That was a worry for me, understanding that he was going to take a lick on it and he got right back up and wanted to go again.”

His teammates have also taken notice.

“They encourage him,” Shoup said. “They try to take care of him, and they cheer for him whenever he gets his opportunities and makes plays, so I think they get excited to know his situation and the struggles that he goes through.”

Stephon McGlaun said the team is ready to help Berry in any way it can.

“We’re really protective,” McGlaun said. “If anything happens to him, then the team is going to come in.”

Jarrell recalled the game against West Point, when Berry was tackled after catching a punt.

“About the time that he caught the ball, one of West Point’s players hit him hard,” she said.

“When that happened, all of his team members were wanting to make sure that he was going to get up. One of his teammates said, ‘You wait until the next play.’ He was going to get that guy.”

“Playing with them is the most exciting part about being on the football team,” said Berry through his translator. “I just like catching the ball and making tackles.”

3

FEATURES

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • THE HI-TIMES

JEREMY HINDS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

JEREMY HINDS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Tyler Berry was diagnosed with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss when he was nine months old.

Tyler Berry and his teammates stretch together before practice on Renasant Field at Golden Wave stadium.

Serving people from Tupelo since 2004. The very best in service and selection for all your running and cycling needs

B, 549 Coley Rd Tupelo, MS 38801

Phone Number: (662) 690-6620

JEREMY HINDS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

4FEATURES

THE HI-TIMES • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015O

American Sign Language club is back

Tamara Crump @marycate2018 Staff Writer

As of 2015, Tupelo High School has approximately 60 clubs. Eight of them are new to the school. Starting a club requires a student/teacher completing an application that must be submitted by the first Friday in August.

One of the new clubs is the American Sign Language club, which was started by deaf education teacher Kelly King.

“So many students have an interest in learning sign language, and it’s such a neat language,” King said. “I love, too, that once kids learn sign language, they can talk to my students, which really makes them feel more a part of their peer groups.”

Another deaf education teacher, 13 years prior to King, formed the first ASL club at THS. It became inactive after some time, but students were still intrigued with the nonverbal language. King revived the club when students continued to express their interest in sign language.

The club is more interactive than other clubs when it comes to meetings. Instead of only meeting during TA like other clubs, the ASL members meet every Tuesday morning at 7:10.

“It may seem early, but plenty of consideration was put into the time of the meetings,” King said.

“Many students have activities such as sports and jobs after school, so it is harder to have regular meetings after school. It’s easier in the mornings because everyone isn’t trying to go to different places. Everyone is coming to the same place.”

With such limited time, members are not going to be fluent in the language. Although, they will have a nice, basic vocabulary and one on one communication wouldn’t be too much of a struggle.

The members meet in A110. No prior knowledge of sign language is required to join. “We start from scratch,” King said. “We start with the alphabet and work our way up to phrases and sentences.”

Every year the club will teach most of the same material, but King believes in the “if you’re not us-

JEREMY HINDS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kelly King teaches ASL Club members how to sign “How many?”

ing it, you’re losing it” theory. Signing up for the club in following years will be like a review. The previous and the new members can be split so that they can practice different material ranging in difficulty. Prior members will also be able to move through the material more quickly and can help new members with learning the basics. That kind of club work would create opportunities for learning more sign language for everyone.

A big event that the club is hoping to participate in is a big Christmas party. The party would consist of the members of the club, deaf students from other Tupelo public schools and even schools from nearby towns.

“There will be food and learning games,” King said. “Which will allow the students to interact with deaf peers as well as hearing peers. It kind of unites the two worlds.”

This allows the members to practice their new language skills while also letting deaf students stray from talking mostly to only deaf students. To be eligible for the party, a member has to have attended at least five meetings.

ASL FACTS American Sign Language is a complex language that involves a combination of body movements and facial expressions.

American Sign Language is the third most widely used language in the US. There are approximately 6,000 types of sign language. The country one lives in decides which type they use.

Nine out of 10 children who are born deaf are born to parents who can hear.

SOURCE: KELLY KING

CAITI ELLIS GOES TO WASHINGTON

COURTESY OF CAITI ELLIS

While in Washington, DC, for the Al Neuharth Free Spirit Journalism Conference, Caiti Ellis visited the Federal Court.

Austin Nguyen @squishynguyen Staff Writer

Senior Caiti Ellis has been in yearbook for three years and was asked by Shari Chumley to apply for the Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference. The ANFSJC is a program that focuses on students who have an interest in becoming journalists to get a glance of how journalism really works.

The program includes an all-expenses-paid journalism conference at the Newseum which is located at 555 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. It began in 1999 and was started by Al Neuharth, the founder of USA Today.

The program chooses one representative from each of the 50 states and one from Washington D.C. every year. Mississippi’s 2015 representative was Caiti Ellis.

“I filled out the application online, it was the typical application process: GPA, electives, etc.,” Ellis said. “I had to write two essays and send up some pieces of my work, so I also sent in three of my spreads from the yearbook. Basically we stayed at this really nice hotel in downtown DC, we could literally walk to the national mall.”

Ellis really enjoyed this trip, through the trip she met 50 other people who had the same interest as she does, as well as the trip in general. They went to the Newseum where Ellis performed a speech in front of all the members of the conference. They had five-star meals made by Wolfgang Amadeo, and they also stayed at a fancy hotel.

Ellis befriended Haleigh Bourque the representative from Louisiana, they are still friends to this day and still text each other daily, through this experience they both bonded closer from mere acquaintances to being the best of friends; even though they live in different states they still make the time to communicate showing that friendship

does not have to be only in person and being with that said person, but can have contact with them even afterwards.

“Free press, free speech and free spirit,” Neuharth said. “The first two are easy to grasp: Free Press: The freedom to print or broadcast without censorship. Free Speech: The freedom to speak without compromise. Free Spirit is harder to define. Free spirits dream, dare and do. A free spirit can also be a risk-taker, a visionary, an innovative leader, an entrepreneur or a courageous achiever who accomplishes great things beyond his or her normal circumstances. The Freedom Forum is committed to nurturing freedom across the USA. We hope the information on this website will inspire you to join in our mission to promote free press, free speech and free spirit for all people.”

Neuharth founded this program to focus on the vitalness of the first amendment of free speech. He managed the Conference until his death in 2013; the conference is now run by his family.

THE

CURRENT thscurrent.org

TO TAX OR NOT TO TAX THE GREAT CHURCH DEBATE

Non-tax exemption church-state violation

T

Churches should not be tax exempt

T

Jeremy Hinds

Chris Patty

@hurdle_gang Chief Photographer

@chrispatty97 Staff Writer

he issue of taxes has been so powerful in the history of the U.S. that it was an integral part in the creation of our country.

As much as we all hate having to dig in our pockets for those extra couple cents we owe, we all know taxes are necessary – but there are some things we just do not tax.

Ever since 1894, churches have received tax exemption from the government. A hot topic since that time, the privilege is still hotly contested between anti-religious and religious organizations. This privilege, while it is a privilege, is not there for no reason – and is very necessary. Although categorized as a “privilege,” tax exemption status shows our goodwill towards organizations that strive to help our community in a positive way.

Churches and non-profit organizations alike need the freedom from the burden of taxes for the simple fact that they rely on the kindness of people’s hearts to survive. Taking away the tax exemption status of churches especially is nothing but mean spirited. Churches and

[

he money churchgoers donate to churches should ethically and logically go towardfeeding the poor, offering healthcare and housing to low-income people, but recently churches have been having other ideas of what to do with their income.

Churches make up for $78 billion of untaxed property, plus they earn all the donations from their attendants. Most churches are no more than a business with the fear of God to scare people into giving their last few dollars. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for religion and God, but many modern-day churches are being fueled by what little money the poor have, while the one percent is giving just as much as the them.

I believe that churches shouldn’t be tax exempt because all the revenue they don’t contribute could be put toward healthcare and charities, whereas the money is currently going toward promoting political parties and directly disobeying separation of church and state.

Churches and the government alike argue for sepaIllustration by Shanna McCauley

their staff do nothing but positivity by spreading the good word of their respective religions. Anti-religious activists hell bent on completely scrubbing the public square of religious organizations are the main ones that push for these reforms. The repealing of church tax exemption “This 200-yearwould violate the separation of old tradition has church and state. While no relakept churches tion at all between the two would operational and be impossible, the exemption doing good all keeps it at an absolute minimum.

The two exist knowing the agree- over the nation ment and the only communica- free from extra, tion is when the church actually unnecessary applies for the exemption. If the charges.” exemption was repealed, the government could freely raise taxes on religious organizations with - Jeremy Hinds no discretion whatsoever. In the Supreme Court decision in McCullough v. Maryland, the court stated that “the power to tax is the power to destroy.”

If the government had to freedom to tax churches, abuse of the system would definitely occur. Criticism of the current administration and opposing views on hot button issues frequently occur between church and state, but the tax exemption has always kept each party from doing harm to the other. Churches not only spread the good word and give hope to millions of people, they also are involved in their respective communities to people in need. Taxing churches into the ground would leave millions without places of worship and millions of dependents of churches volunteer work without aid. The homeless and people in extreme poverty would not receive the help that they get from kindhearted leaders of local churches. For over 200 years churches in the Untied States have received tax exemption status and no problems, economical or social, have arisen. The U.S. is still definitely has not turned into a theocracy, the church has not tried to stage a violent coup to take the government open. This exemption hurts nobody, and is not a detriment to how our country functions so there is no reason to do away with it.

This 200-year-old tradition has kept churches operational and doing good all over the nation free from extra, unnecessary charges.

ration of church and state, but if we’re treating them better than the average business, that introduces huge bias towards the churches. Giving them a tax break just because it is a church is a direct violation of separation of church and state.

“Churches and other nonprofits “When it comes are strictly prohibited from engagdown to it, ing in political campaigning.” This churches are prohibition stems from the requirejust like any ments of Section 501(c)(3) of the Inother business. ternal Revenue Code. Even though We don’t need a churches know this rule, they still church to show choose to go directly against it. our religious The modern day church will spend beliefs.” hundreds of thousands or even million on promoting political parties. Time and time again churches - Chris Patty will use their money to promote a certain person in politics or push a specific issue, such as same-sex marriage, but the second churches start messing with politics, they deserve to pay the fee.

When it comes down to it, churches are just like any other business. We don’t need a church to show our religious beliefs. For all the religious people out there, you will know that your relationship with your God is personal and it doesn’t have to be shared with the entire world, rendering churches more obsolete than we make them out to be. After saying this, going to church is not at all a bad thing, as it can be the push needed to hold your religion, but all I’m saying is that you shouldn’t need the fear of God to be religious.

For anyone that isn’t particularly religious or chooses not to attend church, the tax break churches have forces everyone to support some type of religion. To add to the outrage, the tax code doesn’t make any difference between authentic religions and made-up ones which take advantage of the taxpayers, which opens the door to anyone creating any religion and benefitting at everyone’s expense.

All in all, I believe churches should not be tax exempt. Religion is great for people, and church is good in moderation, but always be aware that we could be helping more homegrown and foreign plebeians once we realize churches are taking advantage of the rules given to them.

5

OPINIONS

Opinions

[

5OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • THE HI-TIMES

THE

HI-TIMES A STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Editor-in-Chief: Nathan Jackson Chief Photographer: Jeremy Hinds Business Manager: Karlee Avery Sports Editor: Meredith Beasley Staff Writers: Tamara Crump Aaron Kwag Bryan Kwag Mary Catherine Miller Austin Nguyen Chris Patty Keywanna Rogers Anhthu Truong Tayolor Witherspoon Adviser: Ginny Miller See more news and photos at thscurrent.org Follow us on Twitter @tupelohitimes

Corrections The Hi-Times newspaper staff is committed to writing the most accurate and compelling news. We strive for integrity. If there is a misprint in an article, photo cutline or infographic, please tell us, and we will correct the mistake in our next issue.

Editorial Policy It is the intent of the editorial staff to provide Tupelo High School students with an opportunity to create a productive forum to further enhance a positive academic environment at the school.

The opinions expressed on the editorial page reflect the feelings of the entire Hi-Times staff unless otherwise bylined.

Guest editorials may be submitted to The Hi-Times and will be published according to available space and relevance.

Anonymous submissions will not be considered.

6OPINIONS

THE HI-TIMES • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015O

Dear Tayolor: Homecoming Advice

Tayolor Witherspoon @tayolorjay Staff Writer

As Homecoming season approaches, some of you may have a few questions. “How do I ask someone to be my Homecoming date?” “Do I have to buy my date a corsage?” Or more importantly, “What should I wear?”

There are many different ways to ask someone to Homecoming. Some like to go all out, while others choose to do things in a simple, more conventional way.

Personally, I think that asking someone to Homecoming using a cheesy pick up line written on a poster board is definitely the way to go! It’s a cute, yet witty way to ensure a big “Yes!” Also, including a small gift to go along

IN THE HALLS

with the poster is super adorable. Junior Charlie Greer asked Katherine Stone with a large bag of miniature Kit-Kat candies and a poster that said, “Hey Kit Kat! Let’s Kick it at Homecoming!”

In my opinion, I don’t think it’s the best idea to ask through a text message or over the phone. I would, without a doubt, prefer a more informal homecoming proposal. Asking through a cellular device isn’t a girl’s ideal way of being asked to Homecoming. Face to face interactions are always better.

Don’t be shy, you’ll never know unless you try! Step out of your comfort zone, take a deep breath and go for it!

Some of you may not even want to or cannot go with an actual date.

Some people would just rather go with friends. Gather a group of people, take

plenty of pictures, and vow to have a great night. Memories like this last a lifetime!

On another note, the whole corsage idea is heavily debated. Some think it’s a waste of time and money, while others lean more toward tradition. I personally feel that it is completely up to the guy to decide if he wants to purchase a corsage for his date. They are pricey and don’t last very long. I admit, it’s such a cute accessory, but realistically has no value. But, to each their own...

Last, but definitely not least, the good part. “What should I wear?”

Fashion, my favorite topic! First thing’s first. Homecoming is formal, so it is a must that you look your best.

You should choose something that fits your personality, yet something that’ll

stand out. For example, wearing something in your most flattering color. “As of right now, I’m aiming for a pink dress!” said sophomore Avery Burks.

You could even try to match your date. Do keep in mind that Homecoming is in October and our weather here in Mississippi can sometimes get pretty tricky. It’s all up to you and what you feel most comfortable in.

Overall, Homecoming is by far one of the most exciting events here at THS! You get to vote for five different Homecoming maids, participate in Homecoming week, attend a special parade and pep rally, and enjoy cheering on our school football team, all while looking great.

Don’t forget to have fun. And, Happy Homecoming.

What’s the best way to ask someone to Homecoming?

“A sign.”

Miles Roy

Junior

“Just straight up ask her.”

“Find a poster online and copy it.”

“A sign and setup.”

“Use food.

Everyone likes food.”

Ty Wells

Greg Williams

Harrison Walker

Rico Garcia

Sophomore

Junior

Junior

Sophomore

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda Jeremy Hinds @hurdle_gang Chief Photographer

At the end of the long academic journey known as high school, some alumni could reflect on the past years and think, “I wish I would’ve done more.”

Whether it’s regret because of a missed opportunity or a mistake with serious consequences, many wish that they had a guide through those turbulent four years.

2015 Tupelo High School graduates Shawanda Jones and Quintera Berry both have things they would have done differently, and they want to guide current students from the mistakes they made.

“The most important advice I have for students at Tupelo High is to be mind-

ful of the opportunities you are awarded with here,” Jones said. “There are a lot of other school districts that don’t have the same opportunities as us.”

A common mistake that many high school underclassmen will make is to assume that all of their life will fall into place their junior and senior years.

This assumption and resistance against teachers who try to teach differently takes away valuable time that could have been spent being proactive about future challenges.

“I owe my survival in high school to a lot of prayer and teachers like T. Braden and Mrs. Miller,” Jones said, referring to her journalism instructors, T. Braden Bishop and Ginny Miller. “My senior year was the roughest year of high school due to senior projects, Advance Placement classes and time manage-

ment.”

A student’s survival, not only mentally and physically, but of their grades and GPA as well, is the solid base of the journey into college and beyond. Going into college with a good work ethic and good grades gives students a well needed boost that, sadly, most don’t have.

Turning in assignments late, coming to class late, and general bad time management plagues many students who do not have the discipline. While juggling classes, extracurricular activities and sports may be hard for some students – the stress is worth it. Not only does it shape self-discipline, but it also shapes character.

Someone who has experienced the horrors of high school before makes for a wise and reliable guide through some of the challenging times of high school.

“Having older friends helped me so much and they are fun, but whenever they graduate you will miss them and cry,” Berry said. “I encourage older, upperclassmen friends because they can give you good advice like I am trying to do now.”

Having older friends can teach younger students maturity and how to be proactive in their preparing for the years to come. Underclassmen bracing themselves for new challenges, instead of waiting for them to come, can take ambitious teens very far in life.

“My most important advice to students now is that procrastination is the devil,” Berry said.

“And all current students now should remember that quote.

Let the teachers speak Chris Patty @chrispatty97 Staff Writer

Many teachers have very conflicting ideas on what they can and can’t say in their own classrooms, while few know the true rules that back it up.

More times than not, teachers believe they cannot share their own political and religious beliefs in the classroom. It is pretty obvious that school isn’t a church, so trying to teach religion gets into touchy areas, but when asked “What religion do you believe in?” you have a right to answer and explain your religious beliefs.

When sharing your beliefs with students, you must keep in mind the age of the student that wanted to know, as younger aged children are less inclined to distinguish the teacher’s be-

lief and the school’s belief. You also need to make sure that you specify that it is just your belief and not a part of your life you are promoting to the children.

Jewelry is openly allowed, such as necklaces and rings displaying a cross or a Star of David. The First Amendment center claims that you can wear unobtrusive jewelry and clothing, as long as they doesn’t have any proselytizing messages.

Legally speaking, athletic directors and coaches can’t lead group prayers before a school event, but there have been many legal arguments in the news attempting to combat the issue.

In many instances, the coaches will simply not participate in the group prayer, and leave it on the group chaplain to lead the prayer. However, some coaches actively participate in their group prayers, despite them

knowing it’s not legal, primarily to add hype to the pregame.

You’ve probably seen the bumper sticker “Get prayer back into the public schools.” This sticker implies that prayer isn’t allowed at all. Prayer in schools isn’t illegal for students, but the law prevents students from imposing their prayers on others who don’t want to hear them, and that’s a good thing, because you wouldn’t want other people trying to impose their religion on you.

In circumstances where students are not present, teachers can talk about religious topics and share views just as much as any other government employee. In many cases, organizations or school religious groups meet after school, and many people have questioned what are the exact laws surrounding the issue. Teachers are allowed to fully support and lead

these groups, as long as you make it clear that the school is not endorsing the activity.

On the topic of scientific matters, many science teachers believe they can teach whatever core theory they believe in. Almost every school in America pushes the theory of evolution over creationism. Government statutes have made it clear that creationism is not to be taught in the classroom and that you may not teach that humankind was created by a divine being. You are never forced to believe in what you’re taught, but you have to understand the principle. If you are a religious person, the schools will teach evolution as fact whether you believe it or not, but people need to understand they are not trying to change your opinions, but just following curriculum and keeping religious neutrality.

7

SPORTS

5OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • THE HI-TIMES

TUPELO LADY WAVE VOLLEYBALL GOES FOR THE KILL Austin Nguyen @squishynguyen Staff Writer

Although Tupelo High School has many fall sports, volleyball has made its way to the spotlight.

THS volleyball ended the season 30-9, 2-1.

The Lady Wave made it all the way to State, but lost to DeSoto Central last year.

The Lady Wave only graduated two seniors last year, Alexis Zosel and Georgeanna Bowen, so their team composition is still strong.

“Well, when I first came the team was very talented and we had a lot of height and we graduated those girls,” head volleyball coach Laurie Bishop said. “So we kind of had to build a new team and we did that over the last few years. We have really learned to how speed up our game and just play a lot better defense.

“I would say our defense has come a long way over the past couple of years,” Bishop said. “I think this year we have seven sophomores and five of them played last year as freshmen, so I think just the experience and the girls getting older has helped us be successful this season.”

Bishop played volleyball at THS from 2000-2002.

In 2001, she played on the varsity team that won the state championship.

When she received her first teaching job, Bishop was asked to coach the Columbus volleyball team, which is how she first started coaching volleyball.

After a couple of years of coaching Columbus, she moved to coaching Shannon. When the position for head coach at THS opened, she said she happily accepted the job. Bishop has been coaching Lady Wave volleyball for five years now.

Senior Kaitlyn Wilson, libero for the varsity team, is one of the main players.

“Well, I’m going to set the standard high and say win state championship,” Wilson said. “It’s been since 2011 since we won one before, I guess being the best leader I can and win a state championship.”

In addition to Wilson, other volleyball team members are seniors Lydia Smith and Mariah O’Neal; junior Raven McHaney; and sophomores Tishira Atkins, Addie Bridges, Reagan Cook, Gabbie Freeman, Leigh Ellis Grisham, Olivia Scott and Addy Parker Spees.

The varsity team is heavily comprised of sophomores, five of whom have played since their freshmen year, leading to a stronger team as they reach their senior years, Bishop said.

JEREMY HINDS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Lady Wave volleyball team ended the season 30-9.

Addy Parker Spees focuses on her serve.

Reagan Cook spikes the ball to Caledonia.

NATHANJ JACKSON

Addie Bridges defends the ball.

NATHAN JACKSON

NATHAN JACKSON

JEREMY HINDS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Lady Wave comes together for a huddle.

Rugby more than just a club Bryan Kwag @kwagbryan Staff Writer

As dangerous as it seems, rugby is not as bad as any other sport.

With Guy McCoy as the Tupelo High School rugby coach, he has high expectations for this year’s team.

This year a total of 30 students signed up, but McCoy expected some to back down. Rugby differs from many sports because of its lack of usage for protective gear.

“There’s a common misperception of rugby being dangerous because the players wear less protective gear than other sports, but it has the same potential risk as any other sport can have,” McCoy said.

The THS rugby club also competes against other schools.

“The schools that we compete against are in the West Tennessee Conference,” McCoy said. “Some schools that play there are Christian Brother, Brighten, Soulsville, Germantown, Freedom Prep and more.

The majority of the schools we play are mostly private and some public.”

There has been some changes made to the rugby team due to a good number of seniors leaving.

One of those changes are new players replacing the available spots left.

“There’s always new players joining every year, and the experienced players show dedication to what they’re doing,”McCoy said. Another change would be getting adjusted to the team as one rather than thinking

it is just a club. to the sport as The rugby well. club doesn’t get “If you send to win a state someone out title; instead, in the field they play for with no techfun and dedicanique and contion. In sports, fidence, that there’s pros could be danand cons based gerous,” Mcon athlete’s Coy said. size. But Mc“Anyone Coy thought of willing to give something else it a shot then go when it relates right ahead,” to rugby. he said. “ It’s “Even though all about resize might consponsibility that tribute to one’s admakes a differvantage in rugby, ence in what you that doesn’t mean can do.” he will be a good To McCoy, player. In basketrugby is a sport ball, height may that is special be useful, but that to him because doesn’t necessarhe thinks that ily mean that athpeople will learn lete will be a good what it means to player. In football, be in a team. strength is a ben“You learn efit, but that also from your teamdoesn’t mean he’s mates and value going to be a good each other, and I BRYAN KWAG player. It all dethink that’s what McCoy, in top photo, and the rugby jersey pends on properGuy it means to when he first played. technique,” Mcbe in a team Coy said. sport.” McCoy said.

McCoy said that technique matThe rugby club meets every Tuesters more than size, and any physical days and Thursdays if anyone is inor mental strength can be beneficial terested, and they meet at Church

Street School from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. They practice by doing drills, and they play rugby with each other if possible. Rugby is a sport that requires responsibility and dedication along with great mental and physical strength. Then, the rest is up to you if you want to give this club a try.

There is nothing to lose. It doesn’t matter how big or tall someone is; instead, it matters about how much technique and experience a person has. In McCoy’s opinion, the person with technique will always win in a game.

“At first, rugby starts out as a club and not a whole,” McCoy said. “But as we play more games, we become like a team and become closer like a whole.”

8SPORTS

GET

THE HI-TIMES • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015O

Ali & Ivy Watts: Sisters in action

HYPED Meredith Beasley @mbeez33 Sports Editor

It’s no doubt that student sections make or break the atmosphere of Friday night football, and Tupelo’s seems to make it every week.

Something about a student body coming together to cheer for their peers on the field is electrifying. From themed games to the famous ESPN cheer, Tupelo High School’s student section is one to be admired.

Only three games into the 2015 season, our student section has had a beach theme and a white out. The beach theme, where students brought out their Hawaiian shirts and floaties, was at Corinth. Having themed games when Tupelo plays on the road draws students and makes for an awesome atmosphere, even without the homefield advantage.

For our first home game, we had a whiteout against Shannon. Everyone wore white and packets of baby powder were passed out. At the end of the ESPN cheer, the packets were ripped open and powder was thrown everywhere, making a cloud of white that was a sight to see.

The hype grabbed statewide attention when photos of the student section throwing the powder spread like wildfire on Twitter.

THS Sports Information Director Braden Bishop (@ tbradenbishop) tweeted the pictures and said, “I’ve been at @TupeloHigh 6 years and I’ve never seen an atmosphere like last night. Pride is FOREVER. #themblankets”.

An anonymous Twitter account that tweets studentsubmitted drama, jokes, opinions, or just smack talk about high schools in Mississippi (@ SMACKHighMS) named THS’s student section the Student Section of the Week after the whiteout and said “Congrats to the Dirty- T!! We felt the energy in this student section!”

You might be wondering who is in charge of organizing the student section shenanigans, and to that I say: Meet the TUPELO Boys. These six seniors are the hype guys.

They run out with the football team and then head to the stands to lead the section in cheers. This year’s TUPELO Boys are Lee Holman (T), Alex Scruggs (U), Austin Bouchillon (P), Isaac Tullos (E), Martavious Young (L) and Garrett McGee (O).

“Our role is just to make sure all the students are paying attention and having a good time and enjoying the game,” Bouchillon said. “If students enjoy the game and have a good time it helps our football team out.”

Holman agreed and added, “We just try to get the crowd to get more into the game and do the cheers.”

So does a student section really affect the game and the players? Rdarious Edwards, Tupelo’s cornerback, says it does.

“It makes us football players more comfortable,” Edwards said. “It helps knowing we have fans behind us.”

Senior left tackle Reed Sanders agrees, especially when it comes to away games.

“It’s good having a lot of support at away games,” he said. “Not a lot of students do that for other schools.”

JEREMY HINDS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Ivy Watts, left, and Ali Watts put on their game faces on the softball field.

Meredith Beasley @mbeez33 Sports Editor

Ali and Ivy Watts use their sisterly bond to push each other on the softball field.

Friends on and off the field, these sisters work together, challenge each other and play the game they love without strife or even sibling rivalry.

Ali, a senior, and Ivy, a freshman, are both significant assets to Tupelo’s softball team and say that playing together only brings positive results.

“I love playing with Ivy,” Ali said.

“We’re best friends on and off the field.”

Ali, a left-fielder, has been playing softball for 13 years. Being the only senior on the team this year, she is a leader for not only her younger sister but for the rest of the girls on the team as well.

Ali said with her younger sister looking up to her, she feels more pressure to be a good role model.

“It’s harder to be a role model for her than for the rest of the team,” Ali said.

Teammate Kendall Brooks, a junior, said Ali may be the best senior she’s ever played with.

“She’s done a really good job of keep-

ing the team up,” Brooks said. “She sends us texts to motivate us.”

Brooks also said Ali plans times for the team to hang out and said this keeps a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere. Ivy agreed her sister is a great role model and senior leader for the team.

“Ali is a very great player and I look up to her,” Ivy said. “She knows how to talk to the younger girls and guide them and show them what to do.”

“I probably look up to her more than she looks up to me,” Ali said with a laugh.

Ivy plays shortstop and has been playing the game since she was 4 years old.

She said she plans to continue her softball career in college.

The sisters’ teammates and coaches agree that Ali and Ivy playing together is beneficial for everyone.

“You can tell there’s a lot of love in that family,” Head coach Dana Rhea said. “Those two are really tight together.”

Rhea said that the way Ali and Ivy look out for each other and the team makes them good teammates.

“They play really well together,” Rhea

JEREMY HINDS/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Ali and Ivy Watts are sisters and teammates.

added. “They push each other to be better, and it’s exciting as a coach when you have people that encourage and motivate teammates around them to be better. With them being sisters, it’s really cool to see them push each other.”

Assistant coach Tabitha Beard agreed that the sisters work well together.

“Healthy, sisterly competition drives them,” Beard said.

Band competes in Indianapolis Mary Catherine Miller @mcmiller2018 Staff Writer

Neither heat nor rain could keep the Tupelo High School Varsity Marching Band from practicing every day for the Bands of America competition in Indianapolis.

“BOA stands for Bands of America,” explained band director Timothy Matlock. “BOA is what we consider the Super Bowl Championship for high school bands. It is usually the elite that get to go to participate.”

BOA is a competition for high school bands all across the country. Because this is the first year THS Band has ever competed in something this huge, things were run a bit differently.

“This year we are going to work smarter,” Matlock said. “Everyone is going to be held accountable for learning their music and drill, and sectionals are now one day a week.”

The THS Band attended BOA Oct. 23-24 at the Lucas Oil stadium.

“There is only one school from Mississippi for the Indianapolis show that we’re going to,” Matlock said. “The only Mississippi school that goes to the Grand National Championship is DeSoto Central, and they’re the only ones who are consistently going over the past four-five years. Before that, a long, long time ago, Pearl High School and Grenada have been.”

BOA competitions are held all over the country.

“Usually there are about six to eight,” Matlock said, with other BOAs in Texas, Missouri, California, Utah, Florida, Alabama, Ohio and Kentucky.

While the contestants perform, Matlock said three judges join the bands on the field to assess the whole band, individuals playing their music and percussion.

Even though it would be nice to win, Matlock said that’s not what this trip is all about.

“With this being our first year, we’re going more for experience than anything, so they can be exposed to see what it takes and what level you have to be at to be in that top 10 percent,” he said.

Band students had their own BOA expectations.

“I think the Tupelo Band will be fine as long as we work hard and push ourselves,” sophomore drum major Erian Watkins said. “We should do fine because we will be prepared for it.”

According to musicforall.org, THS placed 48th out of the 64 bands that competed.

“I think we did our best, but even our best isn’t at the caliber of the other BOA bands,” said senior Timmy Fortenberry, who plays the mellophone.

“I was happy with our placement though, because it was better than I expected for such a prestigious competition.”

5OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • THE HI-TIMES

‘The Visit’

ART&ENTERTAINMENT

9

REVIEW

Tamara Crump @tgcrump2 Staff Writer

Most people believe old people are sweet and cute, right?

Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie from “The Visit” will immensely change your outlook on the elderly.

After 15 years of radio silence between daughter and parents, Becca and Tyler’s grandparents finally reach out. They request that the kids’ mom allow them to visit for a week at their farm in Pennsylvania. The mother is reluctant to allow it, but the children really want to so they convince her.

Becca, an aspiring movie producer, and Tyler, a young “rapper,” are excited to visit their grandparents and find out more of their mother’s past. A majority of the movie is shown as filmed footage that Becca has captured.

At first everything seems fine and Becca and Tyler find their grandparents to be nice enough. However, on their first night, they start to notice some strange occurrences.

The kids are told that bedtime for their grandparents is 9:30.

Not too surprising since they are older. However, it is surprising that anytime the kids leave the room past 9:30, their grandmother is up and doing something beyond weird. Things ranging from aimlessly walking around while throwing up to running around with butcher knives.

Nana isn’t the only one acting strange, though. Pop Pop is paranoid, and he’s hiding something in the shed. Disregarding Becca’s worries over Nana, Pop Pop just tells her that it is best that the kids should just not leave the room past bedtime. As things with Nana continue to escalate, Pop Pop informs TAMARA CRUMP Becca that Nana has a condition that causes her to go a bit crazy after sundown. Somehow this information doesn’t really reassure the kids and they began to realize that it would be best if their mother came and picked them as quickly as she could.

The movie is relatively calm except for mild jump scares. That is until the last night that the children are scheduled to spend with Nana and Pop Pop. A shocking secret quickly causes the night to go downhill fast.

The kids’ mother is on her way while they are trying to figure everything out about Nana and Pop Pop. What they discover is quite disturbing and leads to a struggle for life between the grandparents and grandchildren. The movie ends with the children being reunited with their mother. Their mother is also finally ready to tell the kids about why she and her parents were no longer on speaking terms.

Personally, I thought the movie was OK. It wasn’t really the horror movie I was hoping for, but it did have a few intense scenes. The entire movie also had an easy and comical dialogue throughout. It had an interesting story behind it, but it took too long to get going. It wasn’t until near the end that the movie picked up and became a little more nerve-wracking. All in all, though, “The Visit” could definitely make someone question their own grandparents.

CHRIS PATTY

Emma Gousset and Connor Harper perform in the THS Theatre Company’s production of “Rumors.”

‘RUMORS’ REVIEW

conclusions and it’s all contradicting. They’re figuring things out by themselves.

Stories get muddled. People get stressed.

Tension is high when the police are on their Rumors are a part of everyday life and beway.

No one knows what to say. The men play cause of them, a group of friends has a night a game to see who will pretend to be Charlie of crazy confusion in Neil Simon’s “Rumors,” should the police want to talk to him. Lenny presented Sept. 24-26 by the Tupelo High (Connor Harper) loses and sulks upstairs, but School Theatre Company. when he’s called back down by the police he “It’s just chaos because they’re all in the steals the show with an elaborate, made-upsame room together and then some things on-the-spot story of how things start happening and people get ended up the way they are. injured,” said Hollie Trent, who “It’s just chaos Believe it or not, the police played Claire. because they’re all accept the story and leave. The What’s supposed to be a simple in the same room funny thing is that Lenny’s tale 10th wedding anniversary party together and then is actually true. spirals into a mysterious eveIt’s nice to see a play that you ning when Chris (Emma Gous- some things start can tell that the actors worked happening and set) and Ken (Josh Martin) are hard to make enjoyable for the the first to arrive at Charlie and people get injured.” audience.

Myra’s house. They find Charlie - Hollie Trent Preparing took lots of rehearsSenior upstairs with a bullet wound and al, Harper said, especially with Myra and all the servants missgeneral meanness. ing.

“I practiced scowling a lot, yelled a bit,” he Guests keep arriving and Chris and Ken consaid.

“My brothers give me a lot of practice tinue fabricating stories about where everywith that one.

You have to get in the mindset one is while attending to Charlie’s injury. of being just as obnoxious and judgmental as The play lives up to its title, with half of the this character is.” characters knowing what’s going on and the If laughing is supposed to come naturally other half in the dark. More is revealed in the second act of the play. At the end of the first when watching a comedy, then “Rumors” did act they’re trying to come up with possible its job. It is by far the best play I have ever seen.

Mary Catherine Miller @mcmiller2018 Staff Writer

‘THE WALKING DEAD’

TAZIKI’S REVIEW

REVIEW

Bryan Kwag @kwagbryan Staff Writer

Anhthu Truong @anhthu_truong Staff Writer

Zell Long is one of the three business owners in the Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe franchise. Upon walking into the restaurant, the atmosphere gives off a family-friendly vibe while still retaining a professional feel. Taziki’s is a Mediterranean cafe that offers grilled meats, salads and sandwiches.

After a pleasant service from a smiling worker, I ordered a gyro with everything off, with the addition of chutney aioli, bacon and Swiss cheese.

The price with a side of red roasted potatoes and a drink totaled out to be $9.88. Looking at the menu, it’s easy to identify that most of the food stayed in a steady price range for most people in Tupelo. The more simple the meat, the cheaper the meal.

I didn’t enjoy the potatoes because they had a lemon tinge. It wasn’t my preference, but if someone is looking for a traditional Mediterranean style then they would find it enjoyable.

However, my gyro was very yummy.

The gyro had a sweet flavor. However, the bacon added a delicious dash of saltiness. The chutney aioli complimented the gyro by enhancing the flavor.

The service was just as nice as the food. The food came out in a timely manner. They were good about

ANHTHU TRUONG

Bacon added a dash of saltiness to this chicken gyro, which was also served with chutney aioli and Swiss cheese.

checking up on us and making sure that we were content. They weren’t annoying about it, either, so that was great.

There were ocean type pictures scattered across the restaurant. The pictures intensified the Mediterranean feel of the restaurant.

I recommend this restaurant for anyone who enjoys trying different styles of food. Everyone should at least try it.

“The Walking Dead” is an American horror-drama television series based on the comic book series with the same name, and it returned on Oct 11. This new season has high expectations, with many fans wondering what would happen to the cast. In the first episode, some time has passed from the last season, and slowly there would be constant flashbacks that were portrayed in a black and white setting. The flashbacks shown are about how there were people that didn’t trust Rick, the new leader, in the community. He convinced them all enough that he is just trying to protect his family and everyone in the community. Near the end, the plan was going fine, but a loud horn sound came near home, making zombies turn back to the community. This was the ending of the first episode.

The location of the filming was in Senoia, Georgia, in early May. The season premiere will be 90 minutes long, which is an expansion compared to other episodes.

Scott M. Gimple, one of the show’s writers and producers told Rotten Tomatoes that the sixth season would remix the material from the comic and

explained that there will be flashback of certain characters.

“There are other people that we’re going to see throughout the season from the comics, and I’m excited for people to see it, but I don’t want to tell them now. I think a few minor remixes, but some direct stuff from the comic as well, as far as these characters go,” Gimple said. “I think there’s a really cool aspect to the first half of the season that serves almost as a prequel to some direct comic stuff in the second half of the season. I think there’s a way that Robert did some of the story that we’re reaching that had a real past to it, BRYAN KWAG where people are referring to some things in the past in the comic. And we’re able to portray some of that backstory in some ways that you didn’t get to see in the comic.”

I think this season will have higher ratings than the previous seasons, and I really like the cliffhangers that the show provided in its season premiere.

It made me want to keep coming back and watch the next episode to know what will happen next I would give this show a four and a half out of five stars.

10ART&ENTERTAINMENT

THE HI-TIMES • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015

5 1 0 2 G IN M O C E M O H y

BY KEYWANNA ROGERS, IG: @keyy.lashay

e was Rock ‘N’ Roll. lo High School Homecoming them

This year’s Tupe

DRESS UP DAY

Meredith Friloux, Sarah Holliman, Maddie Hammond, Briley Kate Chrisman and Kate Wheeler look lovely for dress up day.

KEYWANNA ROGERS

OLD TIME ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

History teacher Marlo Hendrix shows off her ‘56 Thunderbird.

KEYWANNA ROGERS

OLD TIME ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Margaret Hill, Kabreasha Stovall and Anna McCoy throw it back to rock and roll fashion.

KEYWANNA ROGERS

BACK TO BLACK

THS students wore black on the third day of Homecoming week.

KEYWANNA ROGERS

BLUE AND GOLD DAY

Tia Jones, Ellen McGregor, Katherine Holliman and Mamie Clark show off their school spirit.

KARLEE AVERY

HOMECOMING QUEEN Homecoming Queen Walker Fortenberry and her escort William Herrington

COURTESY OF THE ALBUM/CAITI ELLIS

INFOGRAPHIC BY NATHAN JACKSON

IN THE HALLS

Whats Your Favorite Pick-Up Lines?

“If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put ‘U’ and ‘I’ together.”

“Are you from Tennessee?

‘Cause you’re the only 10 I see.”

“Hey. What’s your name?”

“We’re not socks, but we make a great pair.”

“If you were a triangle, you’d be acute one.”

Kabreasha Stovall

Jaylen Pounds

Taylor Hughes

Stephen Matthews

Jordan Kindell

Senior

Senior

Freshman

Junior

Senior

“Do you work at Starbucks, because I like you a latte.”

“Aye girl, can I get your number?”

“Hey, how you doing, beautiful lady on this beautiful Friday?”

“Do you happen to have a BandAid, because I scraped my knee falling for you.”

“Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?”

Marqavious Ware

Olivia Collier

Zabien Roach

Tanner Grayson Lexi Roberts Junior

Senior

Junior

Junior

Spohomore