The Hi-Times March/April 2014

TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL

VOLUME 71 ISSUE 5

4125 Golden Wave Dr., Tupelo, Mississippi 38801

THE

THS gets down with Gatsby PG10

HI-TIMES MARCH/APRIL 2014 A STUDENT NEWSPAPER

INSIDE

Music class finalist in radio contest Danielle Frerer’s AP Music Theory class earned second place in Kidd Kraddick’s Classroom Musical. PG2

Dancing with the Wave Students find joy in many dance forms. PG4

Maddie Arancibia

Stalking becoming socially acceptable Stalking has become a regular part of social media conversations, but should it be?

PG5

Marijuana legalization Assistant Editor Ben Davis and Sumner Fortenberry debate Cannabis legalization. PG7

COURTESY THS ALBUM

Lacrosse increases in popularity If the THS Lacrosse Club continues to grow, it could soon become an official team. PG8

FOLLOW US @tupelohitimes VISIT OUR WEBSITE thscurrent.com Scan here with a QR reader.

INDEX • NEWS.................................2 • FEATURES.........................3 • OPINIONS..........................6 • SPORTS.............................8 • ART&ENTERTAINMENT.....10

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Who is your favorite character on ‘The Big Bang Theory?’

Sheldon, 31 Penny, 7 Amy, 5 Howard, 5 Leonard, 5 Raj, 4 Bernadette, 3

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JORDAN JONES AND KARLEE AVERY

COURTESY

SOCCER, TRACK, XC TO GET NEW FIELD HOUSE Kelia Blanchard @keliablanchard Staff Writer

#FLOODZONE Bold new turf becoming reality

BLUE TURF BENEFITS

Tay Walton @littlewalt_ Guest Writer

A

lthough its official name will be Renasant Field at Golden Wave Stadium, football games at Tupelo High School will soon be played in the Flood Zone.

At its April 15 meeting, the Tupelo Public School District’s Board of Trustees approved the $1.3 million project to install blue turf in place of the football field’s natural grass. Hellas Construction of Austin, Texas, won the bid for the project and is expected to complete work before the first home game against Center Hill on Aug. 22.

In the meantime, Renasant Bank announced on April 17 its partnership with THS to rename the football field Renasant Field. The bank secured naming rights to the field with a $140,000 sponsorship payable over 10 years. The rights will include Renasant Bank’s logo on the field’s 25-yard lines.

“The community reaction has been strong,” head football coach Trent Hammond said after the project was first announced in the fall. “In reality, there is no one that straddles the fence about a blue turf.

People really like it or they really don’t.”

Local businesses have already signed on as spon-

Charde’ Hannah

Other teams and activities, like soccer and band, can use the field during football season. These teams previously weren’t allowed in order to preserve the grass field’s appearance.

Maintenance costs are much lower

$40,000 $5,000 per year per year THS will be one of the few schools (colleges and high schools) in the country with colored turf.

Boise State University

See Wave Pool PG3

What once was a rumor has come to light; the soccer, track and cross country teams are finally getting a field house of their own.

“I’m excited for the new field house,” said boys soccer coach Harris Faucette, explaining that in the past players had to change in the restrooms of D building and the wood floor gym. “Now we will have our own place to change before practice and games.”

When it comes to carrying equipment, having a field house is also of great use.

“We have never had a field house,” said boys cross country coach Jonathan Begnaud, who is looking forward to the new field house. “This is absolutely fantastic. It will be really nice for us to have a place that we can keep our things.

All the stuff was carried in cars or trucks.”

The new field house will “improve and upgrade” the school and the athletic department, athletic director Andy Schoggin said.

The structure is now under construction beneath the home stands at Golden Wave stadium.

“It will be split into three sections,” Schoggin explained.

“A restroom will be in the middle and locker room areas for the players and coaches are on both sides.”

The coaches are sure sharing the new field house won’t be a problem.

“I’m happy to share an office with Kimbrough,” said girls cross country and track See Field House PG8

Black History Program ‘beyond the dream’ “If you believe in yourself and put hard work and heart into it, you can make anything happen.”

- Aundrea Self

WCBI news anchor

Rachel Bobo @rachel_bobo Staff Writer

On Feb. 19, Tupelo High School teachers and students attended the annual Black History Program. Titled “Beyond the Dream,” this year’s program included WCBI news anchor Aundrea Self and the THS Voices choir, which presented a valuable program aimed to teach students.

Self delivered an uplifting speech, inspiring the student body.

“The most important message I wanted to pass along to the students is that anything is possible,” Self said. “If you believe in yourself and put hard work and heart into it, you can make anything happen. My own life is proof of that.”

As the only North Mississippi reporter to have a one-on-one interview with President Barack Obama during his 2008 campaign, Self had an incredible story to share with the student body. Her speech touched the students and staff of THS and also prompted a few laughs.

BRETT ASHLEIGH BROOKS

WCBI news anchor Aundrea Self spoke at “Beyond the Dream,” this year’s Black History Program.

“My favorite part was when she said ‘Turn up for good things,’” sophomore Betsy Hilbun said.

“It was wonderful,” assistant football and track coach Fred Hadley said. “I really liked it. Everyone spoke well and respected the speakers. I loved seeing how the kids responded to it. I thought it was wonderful.”

Throughout the program, THS Voices performed gospel music and hymns. Conducted by Kresta McIntosh, the choir has been preparing for their performance all year. Zarria Gates, Isaiah Traylor and Crystal Coleman sang solos in “Lift Every Voice” by James See Black History PG2

2NEWS

THE HI-TIMES • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • MARCH/APRIL 2014MARCH

Black History

‘MUSIC, WHAT’S WE’RE NOT COMIN’UP GIVING UP ON YOU’

Continued from PG1

• “Midsummer/ Jersey” production @ THS April 10-12 • Foreign Language Picnic April 11 • Ensemble Band Competition @ Orlando, Fla. April 11

COURTESY

Tanner Collum, top center, and, clockwise, Isaac Palmer, Patrick Knight, Stella Martin, Larkin Robbins and Reagan Ray all participated in the video for Kidd Kraddick’s Classroom Musical.

• ACT Test April 12

Music class finalist in radio contest

• Slam Poetry Tryouts April 14-17

Though her class didn’t win, Frerer and her students are still grateful for the experience.

“I applaud creativity and musicians on Danielle Frerer’s AP Music Theory class any level and I enjoyed watching their hard earned second place in Kidd Kraddick’s Class- work,” Frerer said.

Her students are thankful for the attention room Musical contest.

“The process itself was more fun than actu- they have received from the video and conally winning,” said junior Patrick Knight, who test.

“I hope it shows people that there are played the saxophone in the video the class classes that can bring out certain aspects you submitted.

Consisting of just eight students, the class didn’t know you had,” Palmer said. “There are things at THS that are really did a cover of “Say Something” great.”

by A Great Big World. They Like them on Frerer said her favorite part was changed the lyrics to reflect Facebook: Videos of Danielle Frerer’s getting to watch her class, which their own personal experience.

AP Music Theory also includes seniors Tanner Col“It’s a song about not giving class, including jam lum and Stella Martin, juniors up on something that you love sessions and their Nick Kaltchenko, Reagan Ray and just because it’s hard,” said se- entry in the Kidd Larkin Robbins, grow musically nior Isaac Palmer, who sang Kraddick Classroom and creatively. and played the drums and key- Musical contest, “I’ve learned that students conboard in the video. “It shows can be viewed on tinually amaze you,” she said. people that when you come Facebook at THS AP “No matter what bar you set, it’s together with family who have Music Theory. always possible for them to go your back, you can do whatever you dream of doing, and that gives us hope.” above and beyond.”

The project was definitely a team effort.

Vying for a $1,500 prize and a possible con“It was great learning how to work with evcert from Karmin, the students began working on the song the week before Spring Break. eryone’s strengths and weaknesses in order to They wrote the lyrics, met during their time get the best product,” Palmer said.

The students in AP Music Theory also share off to record the audio and video, and submitthe sentiment that this class is not typical. ted their entry March 15.

“It’s not like another class where it’s hard The winner, Lackawanna Trail High School in Factoryville, Pa., was announced March and you don’t wanna do it,” Knight said.

19. Third place went to Fort Worth Academy “We’re really dedicated.”

The class is also really laid back, Robbins of Fine Arts in Forth Worth, Texas. Winners were also named in elementary and middle said, adding that, “We love Ms. Frerer.”

“My class is never leaving me. They’re not school divisions. O’Banion Middle School in allowed to graduate and they have to visit Garland, Texas, won the Karmin show.

“The first place video sucked,” said junior me every year,” Frerer said, laughing. “SeriWes Yarber, who recorded the bass for the ously, I expect these students to be great muvideo. “I could see how third place could com- sicians, great leaders. They’ll be inspirations to any people they meet.” pare, but not first.”

• Casting Crowns @ BancorpSouth Arena April 18 • Easter Break April 18-21 • Slam Poetry Event @ Vanelli’s April 22 • THS Centennial Celebration April 26 • English State Test May 5 • U.S. History State Test May 7 • Algebra I State Test May 8 • Biology State Test May 9 • Senior Exams May 8-9 • GumTree Festival May 10-11 • Bill Cosby @ BancorpSouth Arena May 10 • Senior Award Ceremony @ PAC May 12 • Sophomore Award Ceremony @ PAC May 13 • Junior Award Ceremony @ PAC May 14 • Freshman Award Ceremony @ PAC May 15 • Graduation May 16 • Fourth Quarter Exams May 21-23 • Last Day of School May 23 • Fourth Quarter Report Cards May 29

Stella Martin @strangestellar Guest Writer

Weldon Johnson. THS secretary Monica Namie also performed “For Every Mountain” with the accompaniment of the chorus.

“The choir met my expectations with their amazing performance,” junior Trey Hernandez said. “Mrs. Namie brought down the house.”

Vocational director Evet Topp has helped organize the program for 11 years and looks forward to it every year.

“It is a committee effort and we collaborate to come up with ideas,” Topp said.

When the original program was rescheduled due to snow days, Topp and the Black History Program committee were tasked with reorganizing the event on short notice.

“As administration we learn to monitor and adjust quickly,” Topp said. “There’s a lot of work behind it, but the final results are encouraging.”

Musicians and speakers are planning ahead to next year’s program, while students and teachers await the next installment of Tupelo’s celebration of black history. Everyone in attendance carried valuable lessons in history and life.

IN THE HALLS What did you think of the Black History Program?

“I played the violin in the program and I thought overall the program was pretty live...it felt good playing in it this year.”

Patrick Renfroe Sophomore

“It was very inspiring.

Aundrea Self was a very good role model, and makes you want to achieve move.”

Moesha Banks Junior

“I thought the music was good and entertaining.

Mrs. Self was an excellent speaker, and Tay Walton was great.”

Chris Bradley Junior

[NEWS BRIEFS] Bethany Fitts @BethyFitts Staff Writer

Tupelo Tidal Tech going to world competition

At the Technology Student Association competition, Avram McGaha, William Herrington and Kyle Praseut placed fourth in the Technology bowl and qualified for state TSA competition. Blake Harrell and Reed McNeal were finalists in Technology Problem Solving.

Tupelo Tidal Tech teams A and B went on to the Mississippi VEX State Championship, where Team A won and will advance to the VEX World Competition in Anaheim, Calif. Team B won the Design Award.

Students are Ben Alford, Alex Drumm, Lizzie Buford, Jalen Eddie, Patrick Langford, Kyle Praseut, Dilan Patel, Levi Ray, Sajan Zaver, Cortevious Shields and Alex Scruggs.

At the state competition, the following students placed first in Engineering Design: McGaha and Herrington, along with Jonathan Clark, Austin Richey and Mehul Patel. They will continue to the national competition in Washington D.C. in July.

Koehn, Murphy named Scholastic writing recipients

Marcie Koehn, sophomore, and Ryan Murphy, senior, are Tupelo’s winners for the 2014 Scholastic Writing Competition.

They have been invited to an April 13 awards ceremony at the Welty House and Garden in Jackson, where young adult author Margaret McMullan will be the

keynote speaker.

THS students chosen for District Honor Band

THS students chosen for the District Honor Band at Northeast Mississippi Community College are Kai Brieck, Patrick Knight, Dionna Johnson, Haithem Mahmoud, Daniel Torres, Ian Steward, Dalton Tudor, Oneal Gray, Tu’lexus Hardy, Ian Sanders, Treyce Bannerman, Marquan McCoy, Luke Tucker and Zachary Campbell.

Campbell was also named Outstanding Musician for the Northeast Mississippi Honor Band Association.

“I just try to do whatever I need to do to help out,” Campbell said. “I guess my work paid off. All the kids definitely worked hard enough to get it though. It was definitely a good feeling.”

Skills USA announces district, state winners

The following students competed Feb. 6 at the Skills USA district competition: Vaughn Seamster (second place) and Stefanie Burcham, Job Interview; Ckelaun Nast, Welding; James Robbie Smith (first place), Residential Wiring; Brady Schoolar, Automotive Service Technology; and David Baswell, Job Demonstration.

At the Skills USA State Competition, Smith placed first in Residential Wiring.

Josh Simmons placed second in Collision Repair. Jacob Maynard placed third in Marine Service Technology, and Chris Trimble placed third in Medical Terminology.

DECA students qualify for International event

Six THS students qualified for the DECA International Conference. They include Camille Bauer, Madison Horton, Claire Loden, Macon Murff, CJ Williams and Elizabeth Wyatt.

Thornton, Smith named STAR Student, Teacher

Grant Thornton has been selected to represent THS as STAR Student. STAR Teacher is Lucas Smith.

STAR Students are selected on the basis of academic excellence. Both ACT scores and scholastic averages are compared to determine THS’ STAR student.

Each STAR Student designates a STAR Teacher, the teacher who has made the greatest contribution to the student’s scholastic achievement.

Thornton and Smith will be honored during the annual Education Celebration on April 10 in Jackson.

13 to be recognized in May for GumTree Writing Contest

Several THS students are among the winners of the annual GumTree Writing Contest.

Winners are Emma Witty, Emma Gousset, Christen Matthews, Caroline Thompson, Dacia Pulliam, Rachel Bobo, Hanna Price, Wyatt Herring, Cassie Williams, Katherine Huang, Sabrina Hudgins, Reed Bigham and Michael Robinson.

The GumTree Festival is Mother’s Day weekend.

3

FEATURES

L 2014MARCH/APRIL 2014 • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • THE HI-TIMES SYRIA

MOROCCO TUNISIA

WESTERN SAHARA ALGERIA

LIBYA

EGYPT

IRAQ

KUWAIT OMAN

SAUDI ARABIA

MAURITANIA

Journalism earns state recognition Staff Reports @tupelohitimes

SUDAN

MAJOR PROTESTS

YEMEN

MINOR PROTESTS CIVIL WAR PROTESTS, GOVERNMENT CHANGES

DIJIBOUTI

GOVERNMENT OVERTHROWN

ARAB SPRING

CONTINUES TO RESOUND Colm McCool @NotAColumn Guest Writer

Singlehandedly, Mohamed Bouazizi set fire to himself and everyone’s eyes in what is now known as the Arab Spring. In short, the Arab or Muslim Spring is the beginning of a new world order as far as the Middle Eastern communities are concerned.

The Spring began with a 26-year-old Tunisian man immolating himself mid-December of 2011. This fiery demonstration is what set the greater Middle East into an uproar, ed the n the and it is predicted to follow m and I t overall well into 2014. gram was If there was any curiosity of ive...it felt laying in what sparked the occurrences year.” of disobedience among Libyan Renfroe and Egyptian citizens in the ore past 12 months, here’s the answer. For the government to strike back, though, was only very ng. natural. However, the manner ea Self in which the Libyan governvery good ment retaliated to its people odel, akes you uprising was entirely intolero achieve able.

On the other hand, Egypt’s a Banks

IN THE HALLS

governing commander-inchief resigned when he noticed that his people were immensely dissatisfied with the government abusing its citizens so that they know noth-

The Spring kicked into full gear in an attempt to overthrow the corrupt governments overseas so that the people may have their own democracy. And who’s got the nerve to blame people for taking a stand against kleptocracy and authoritarianism? ing of what is going on around them.

The Spring kicked into full gear in an attempt to overthrow the corrupt governments overseas so that the people may have their own democracy. And who’s got the

nerve to blame people for taking a stand against kleptocracy and authoritarianism?

The goals stated by various activists included human rights for everyone, a drastic change in the average 30 percent unemployment rate, even free elections. Some would go as far to say secularism or Islam mandated by the state, depending on region.

Imagine a civil rights campaign that happened about 60 years ago that is still going on in some parts of our own country. Well, that is finally happening in places like Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Iraq.

Something unexpected and even more oppressive than ever also came from this: flourishing art pieces. It’s a sad fact that the best art comes from the largest oppression sects in the world. It’s art that speaks louder than the words at walkouts and sit-ins.

These people know what they’re fighting for because they’ve already watched everyone else win it.

On Feb. 11-12, TPSD students enjoyed a weather break from school because of predicted snow and ice. Some students dubbed the experience Snowpocalypse, which for many was disappointing because Tupelo received more rain than snow and ice. The days will be made up May 22-23.

“It was good.

I just hate it because we have to make it up.

I went to sleep the first day and went to work the second day.”

“I enjoyed them a lot. I went out a couple times, it was relaxing.

I stayed in and sat by a fire.”

Demarcus Owens Freshman

Junior

Sophomore

he DECA include n, Claire ams and

“I liked it. We didn’t go to school! My brother actually threw snowballs at me.”

Kaylee Hernandez Freshman

“It was a good time for us to get an extra break from school and spend time with family. I slept and went to work.”

Jamiya Smith

Ty Westmoreland

r

ected to t. STAR

LEBANON PALESTINE JORDAN

“It wasn’t that good because there wasn’t much snow. I played in the snow with my little sister and my little cousin.”

Dennis Burdine Sophomore

“My house didn’t get much snow. It melted before we went outside and it didn’t even snow the second day!”

Jermey Huang Freshman

OXFORD – Picking up another two state titles for Tupelo High School, the Journalism Department won 55 individual and publication awards at the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association’s state convention on April 3, with The Hi-Times and WTHS sweeping the newspaper and broadcast categories. The event, attended by more than 600 student journalists from nearly 40 high schools in Mississippi and Tennessee, was held at the University of Mississippi.

THS Album The Album won nine awards total, including four first places.

Whole staff awards for the Album included first place in Advertisement Design, third place in Multimedia Design, and third place in Club and Organization Photos.

Individual awards for yearbook staff members, all of whom worked on last year’s Album and graduated in 2013, went to Nikolette Kolkinn, first place in Advertisement Design; Micah McPherson, first place in Student Life Photo; Dorie Stewart, first place in Page Design; and Ashlee Eames, second place in Sports Reporting.

In the carry-in competition for work completed in the current school year, Maggie Thomas won second place in Candid Photography and Sarah Lambert Hollingsworth won third place in Color Advertisement.

The Album is under the direction of Shari Chumley.

The Hi-Times The Hi-Times student newspaper won 29 awards, including 14 first places, and was selected as the Best Newspaper in the state for 4A-6A schools.

In addition to being named the top newspaper, The Hi-Times picked up four other first-place publication awards in News Writing, Feature Writing, Sports Writing and Print Design.

The Journalism Department’s website, www.thscurrent.com, which was created by and is managed by The Hi-Times, was recognized with first-place awards for Best News Site and Web Design. The newspaper also won third place in Social Media Use for its Twitter account, @tupelohitimes.

Katherine Grace was recognized as the MSPA Student Newspaper Staff Member of the Year. Grace also won the following individual awards: first place, Sports Writing; third place, Feature Writing; third place, General Columns; third place, Sports Photos; and honorable mention, News Writing.

Ryan Murphy won third place

Wave Pool Continued from PG1

the basissors for the blue turf, which will cost CT scoresat least $750,000. It is part of a larger pared toproject that will also include resurfacing the track. a STAR The new, gold track will surround made thethe blue field, nicknamed smurf turf student’sby some on social media.

So why blue? honored “There are thousands of green turf lebrationfields across the country, and far as we know there are no blue turf high school fields,” Hammond explained.

“It’ll be a little bit different. It will set ay Tupelo apart.” test Last November, first-year Athletic mong theDirector Andy Schoggin made the bold Writingsuggestion for blue turf to the school board. Since then, he’s also obtained ma Gous-permission from Boise State University Thomp-to use the patented blue turf. o, Hanna The decision to switch from grass Williams,to turf, which Hammond said is a ns, Reedharder playing surface that offers the home team a competitive advantage, her’s Daywas inspired by overall improvements Schoggin would like made to athletic

COURTESY

Next year, Golden Wave stadium will feature a blue turf football field and a gold track.

facilities so they can be used by more students.

“One of the things you look at is updated facilities and how we can offer more play ability for all of our teams, not just football, but you look at soccer, cross country, track, possibly some of our club teams,” Schoggin said, adding that turf also offers an opportunity for the band.

“Our band is a state championship program,” he said. “They practice in the parking lot. We are looking to offer ways to get away from that where they

can actually be on the field.”

One advantage of turf over grass is that games will not have to be delayed or canceled because of rain or other weather issues.

“What we want to be able to do is play on days when it’s wet and cold and raining and still have surface that’s acceptable,” Schoggin said.

But turf doesn’t come cheap.

“To install an artificial surface, what you’re looking at is $750,000,” said Schoggin, who along with Hammond has been seeking community sponsors

in Editorials, third place in Reviews, and honorable mention in Entertainment Writing. Jordan Jones won first and third place in Page Design. Corey Kalish was recognized as the firstplace and third-place winner in Sports Features, and was the second-place finisher in News/ Feature Photos. Kaitlin Flowers won second in Entertainment Writing, and Bailie White earned second place in Depth Reporting.

In the carry-in competition, Jones received first places in Nameplate Design and Web Banner Design, as well as second place for Front Page Design and Inside Page Design.

The whole staff received a first place for Best of Show.

Ginny Miller serves as adviser for The Hi-Times.

55 total awards

2

32 first-place awards

state titles

WTHS Recognized for having the Best Newscast in the state, WTHS picked up 17 awards, 14 of which were first place.

In addition to Best Newscast, other first-place awards included Graphics, Camera Work, News Coverage, Feature Coverage and Sports Coverage. The WTHS staff also earned an honorable mention for Opening Sequence.

In the on-site competition, Kyle Holliman won first place for Best Twitter Coverage of the convention’s opening session via @wthsnews.

Individual broadcast awards went to Holliman, first place in News Package and first place in Sports Package; Holliman and Hayden Buckley, first place in Creative Package; and Katie Taylor and Buckley, first place for Feature Package.

In the carry-in competition, Michael Ray and Chase Cernigliaro won first place in Anchor Reel; Laine Mansour and Reed Taylor won first place in Sports Package; Sam Bertolet won first place in Creative Package; Mansour and CJ Williams placed second in News Package; and Emily Carter won second place in Feature Package.

WTHS is under the direction of Braden Bishop.

for the project.

“We’ve secured eight great sponsors,” he said, noting that the ads are $60,000 each, with the option of paying $6,000 a year for 10 years.

“The 7-by-9 panels will be placed into the field where it’s permanent,” Schoggin said. “It’ll be there as long as the field remains. It’s a good investment for them and a good opportunity for us.”

Even though the initial cost is high, Schoggin said the school will save money in the long run.

“To maintain a field like we have now it’s around $40,000 a year,” he said. “That includes everything from chemicals to paint, to water to man hours to do it.”

Artificial turf simply requires raking and grooming, Schoggin said.

Golden Wave outside linebacker Marcus Robinson said the turf will offer players more traction and speed.

“I wish they would have got it last year, so I would have had a chance to play on it,” the senior said. “I’ll be fun for our players next year. It’ll make us stand out more, set us apart from some of the other schools.”

4FEATURES

THE HI-TIMES • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • MARCH/APRIL 2014MARCH

dancing with the

wave

ALEXIS ZOSEL

Amanda Inman teaches one of two ACT Prep classes offered at THS this semester.

Students prepare for ACT Alexis Zosel @Freely_Zosel Staff Writer

From the ACT Prep class and online practice to after-school workshops, Tupelo High students have a multitude of ways to prepare for the college entrance exam.

ACT Prep, offered at THS for the past five or six years, is worth a half credit. Any 10ththrough 12th-grader is eligible to take this course.

“It’s kind of an evolving thing because they’re always working to improve the course,” guidance counselor Joni Nolan said.

This year, math teacher Amanda Inman and English teachers Amber Nichols-Buckley and April Dozier teach ACT Prep. Each is able to focus on their particular subject areas.

“We took a lot of section tests for each subject, but did one section at a time to focus on what we needed to work on,” said Brieck, who improved most in the areas of math and science and recommends ACT Prep to other students.

Another potential anxiety for test takers is that the ACT is timed. Taking ACT Prep is a good way to address this concern.

“At THS, we don’t work under timed testing really – with our state tests not being timed – so having this class to help you prepare for working under timed conditions is something I think can really help,” he said. “It also helps give a deep understanding of what’s going to be asked on the ACT.” Harris said most students’ scores raise at least five to eight points after taking ACT Prep. Online practice has also had a major impact on scores.

“I’d say probably 80 percent of students raise their scores from the class and also through the ACT online practice,” Harris said. “There was actually one student who raised her score a whole 10 points from the ACT online practice.”

All students have online access to the sample test through their Macs at www.actstudent.org/ onlineprep. Login codes are available through Christy Weir in J102.

Students can also prepare for this rigorous exam by attending after-school workshops hosted by the counseling department the week of every ACT test date.

Nolan said workshop attendance is firstcome, first-serve.

Students who perform well on the ACT may also be eligible for college scholarships.

“I would strongly encourage every student from a sophomore to a junior to enroll in this class,” Harris said. “It increases your chances of earning scholarship money.”

Students find joy in many dance forms Alexis Zosel @Freely_Zosel Staff Writer

Though Tupelo High School does not offer a dance class, the art of dancing is still very prevalent in the halls of THS. One can find dance classes in a multitude of styles, such as hip-hop and ballet, at one of two studios in Tupelo – Tupelo Academy of Dance Arts and North Mississippi Dance Centre.

“It teaches you discipline and how to work hard and work towards a goal,” junior Maddie Arancibia said.

Arancibia has been dancing for nine years and is currently involved in ballet at NMDC, where she dances four days a week. She plans on dance as her career, so she has gotten serious about it.

Arancibia doesn’t really know why she likes dancing.

“It’s just fun,” she said. “It didn’t really take that long for me to start liking dance. After about three months, I couldn’t stop.”

With dancing being an outside-of-school sport, many find it hard to balance school and dance.

“I don’t do homework. I often skip school for dance,” Arancibia said. “I kind of put school on the back burner. Dance comes first, then school.”

Her instructor is Jan Dijkwel, who is greatly admired at NMDC. He is the ballet master and consultant and has his master’s degree in dance therapy. He is also artistic director for the Civic Ballet, a pre-professional dance company based in Tupelo.

“For ballet dancers, I recommend taking from Jan because he danced in one of the top five companies in the world,” Arancibia said.

After leaving the Dutch National Ballet, Dijkwel taught in France, Germany, Australia and throughout the U.S. “He’s an incredible teacher,” Arancibia said.

Neely Brown and Quintera Berry are also THS students who dance.

Brown has been engaged in dance since she was about three or four years old. She has been focusing primarily on hip-hop since fourth grade. Brown also dances at NMDC and finds that dancing outside of school can be used to her advantage in Synergy.

“My dancing background helps me in show

GINNY MILLER

Maddie Arancibia performs in Civic Ballet’s production of Alice in Wonderland on March 1.

Spring Break was March 10-14.THS students spent their time off in a variety of ways.

Brannon Johnson Junior “It was boring, but I spent time with friends and family.”

Need a bike? Need a part? Need gear?

2120 Jackson Street Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 844-8660

Dr. Harry J. Rayburn, D.M.D.

He

IN THE HALLS

Bicycle Pacelines

627 West Main Street Tupelo, MS 38804 (662) 340-0066

choir,” Brown explained. “It helps me remember moves quicker than some girls with less experience.”

Berry, who likes contemporary and hip-hop, is another dancer at NMDC. She also helps teach.

“Being a dancer is more freeing,” Berry said, “but teaching, you see people grow.”

She said she aspires to be a professional dancer one day.

All three of these dancers believe it would be beneficial to have a dance class offered at THS. A study led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine that lasted 21 years actually showed that dancing has a major influence on mental acuity – meaning dancing can make one smarter.

“I think it would be cool to have dance classes, like maybe intro to ballet, intro to hip-hop, etc., and then one class for all dance,” Brown said. “I think we need a dance team that competes.”

Meredith McLaurin Sophomore “I went to New Orleans. It was fun.”

Austin Bouchillon Sophomore

Mollie Houin Senior

“I went to Orange Beach and hung out.”

“I went to the beach. My favorite part was laying out.”

Cameron Jones Freshman “I hung out with friends and danced with my dance crew, Speed Limit.”

A masc animal, days gaz Hinds’ p classroom being “E inspires On Ja room, b this yea “English groundh Phil’s pa sunny s his hand Nance, H and conf ident and account.

“I look an early with the

5

FEATURES

L 2014MARCH/APRIL 2014 • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • THE HI-TIMES

ron Jones eshman

out with and with ce crew, Limit.”

Stalking becoming socially acceptable Pierce Lehman @piercetayleh Staff Writer

THS junior Jenny Ware interacts with a group of littles at CASA for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

ALEXIS ZOSEL

Big Brothers Big Sisters has its ups and downs Alexis Zosel @Freely_Zosel Staff Writer

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring program that has been around for more than a century. According to www. bbbsms.org, it is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. While some may think every time a big brother or sister goes to visit their little brother or sister it is just a nice walk in the park, that isn’t always the case.

Students mentors, or “bigs,” visit their “littles” on a regular basis to check up on him or her and be there for them – emotionally and physically. With so much time spent together, though, struggles often come.

Brianna Harrell, junior, is a big sister to first-grader Colton White. She usually sees him once a week on Mondays.

Harrell’s favorite part of the program is getting to see Colton because “he’s so sweet.”

Harrell admires Colton and finds him to be a very good match with her. However, she still runs into adversity as a big.

Harrell said the greatest challenge she faces with BBBS is

keeping her little entertained of the same interests. I feel oblibecause he’s a boy and she’s a gated to fulfill my weekly comgirl. mitment to visit him, but I dread “Sometimes I’m just afraid I’m going because neither of us ennot as entertaining as I should joy the visit.” be,” she said.

With so many teens involved She has also realized that she in the experience of being a big has to adjust to certain circum- brother or sister, adversity can stances being a big sister. For easily strike. Teens are still coninstance, during one of her vis- stantly figuring out their own its, Colton got sick and lives. It can sometimes started throwing up. “Sometimes be a strain when a stuShe had to help han- I’m just dent is responsible for dle that and stay there afraid I’m encouraging happia little longer than she not as enter- ness in another young might usually would taining as I person as well. have to comfort him. should be.”

However, bigs are She also came back constantly learning - Brianna Harrell Junior and visited him more from this program, ofthan once that week. ten finding themselves Many bigs find it hard to gradually surprised by their juggle their daily life, especial- littles. ly when many extracurricular “The first day when we were activities begin to creep in on supposed to get to know each them, with being a big and still other, I wouldn’t have expected devoting as much time to their him to turn out to be the kid I little as they should. know now,” Harrell said. “He Others find discontentment in wasn’t talking much at first, but the fact that they feel as though then we got to know each other they were not put with the most and got comfortable.” compatible pairing for their perIn the end, no matter what sonality and interests. trials mentors might find them“I don’t think my little and selves beginning to run into as a I are a very good match,” said big, many big brothers and sisone big sister who asked not to ters agree that any difficulty is be named. “We don’t have any completely worth it.

females between the ages of 18 and 29.

Stalking someone has become so easy, because in today’s world, almost anyone is just a click away. Finding someone’s location and daily routines has become second nature to some people due to media like Facebook. Being stalked is viewed by many to be only a little bothersome, but it can also turn deadly.

There are ways to prevent stalking and precautions victims can take. Blocking a stalker on social media is the first step. Make your cyber profiles are private, and let

The craze of social media has caused “Facebook stalking” to become a common and acceptable thing to say. It has become a social norm to stalk someone and start thinking that it is OK for one to “stalk” another if they are attractive.

The worldwide phenomenon, “Twilight,” glorifies this behavior. What is romantic about a guy Bella barely knows standing above her bed and watching her sleep because he is obsessed with her blood? Lifetime movies make stalking seem like it could never happen in the way they over exaggerate. The movies seem so unrealistic that it is hard to take the matter seriously. In today’s society, there are many things that make people turn their heads from stalking, labeling it as “improbable” or “funny.”

With such a dark subCOREY KALISH ject being taken lightly, Taylor Weeks, a THS senior, said she has many start to forget been repeatedly stalked on Snapchat, a that stalking is a real social media app, by strangers. danger. The Family Justice Center says that 3.4 only people you know follow million people are stalked in you. Filing a police report and the United States every year. requesting a restraining order Taylor Weeks, a Tupelo High can deter a serious stalker. senior, said she has been re- Never engaging a stalker in peatedly stalked on Snapchat, conversation and changing a social media app, by strang- your daily driving routes are also helpful. ers.

Taking this matter seriously “At first they would send indirect snapchats, then they is a must. Stalking has seriwould start sending messages ous consequences for both the and videos and would say my stalker and the victim. Jail, name,” Weeks said. “I blocked murder, suicide and severe social anxiety are some of the one of them.”

She is not alone. National results of this. Stalking has figures show that there are become a regular part of somore than 500,000 victims of cial media conversations, but cyberstalking. Most tend to be should it be?

Herbert Hedgehog, Tupelo’s prognosticator Rachel Bobo @rachel_bobo Staff Writer

A mascot, prognosticator and stuffed animal, Herbert Hedgehog spends his days gazing across his domain, Rand Hinds’ public speaking and debate classroom. With his official job title being “Education Hedgehog,” Herbert inspires and teaches students.

On Jan. 31, Herbert left the classroom, braved the cold and predicted this year’s weather at Tupelo’s own “English Knob.” Following in his groundhog cousin Punxsutawney Phil’s pawsteps, Herbert predicted the sunny season’s coming. Carried by his handlers, Mamie Clark and Jack Nance, Herbert looked for his shadow and conferred with Noel Morgan, president and manager of Herbert’s Twitter account.

“I look around me, no shadows I see, an early spring it will be,” Herbert said with the help of his “Hedgehogese”

translators.

Historically, animal weather prognosticators were bears and badgers used by European villages. Punxsutawney Phil made his first forecast on Feb. 2, 1887, as the first groundhog to carry on the tradition. Groundhog Day is traditionally observed each Feb. 2.

“Hedgehog Day was something Mr. Hinds came up with,” Morgan said.

“The whole idea was a recreation of the PA Groundhog Day, and we researched it. It was mostly about the fun and humor of it.”

Named by THS senior Mollie Houin during the first nine weeks of the 2013 school year, Herbert Hedgehog is like a student, proudly wearing his own THS ID badge.

“He is like James Bond,” Hinds said.

“Time doesn’t affect him, so he’s not really in a certain grade. He’s more like a teacher’s aide.”

When not predicting the weather, Herbert can be spotted at a variety of

events cheering on his students and school. Sitting on the sidelines of football games, applauding theater performances, and traveling with THS Debate and Academic Competition teams, Herbert is bold in his support of the Golden Wave.

There have been challenges to Herbert’s first prognostication prediction. Winter Storm Pax and its icy snow postponed the forecasted spring. In addition, Punxsutawney Phil offered a contradictory forecast, predicting a longer winter.

In spite of the trials his first prediction faced, the new prognosticator plans to practice his profession for years to come, sharing his knowledge and foresight with the students of Tupelo.

JORDAN JONES Maybe next year Herbert On Jan. 31, Herbert Hedgehog, the mascot for Rand will be a bit more accurate. Hinds’ public speaking and debate classes at THS, predicted an early spring.

CHICKASAW

EQUIPMENT

Call or stop in today and see what we can do for you – you’ll be glad you did!

aveda concept salon and fine art gallery 662.842.9493 312 troy st. tupelo, ms 38804 www.phippssalon.com

132 County Road 31 Houston, MS 38851 Houston: (662) 456-3391 Tupelo: (662) 842-2232 www.chickasawequipment.com

P.O. Box 677 Tupelo, MS 38802-0677 1349 Cliff Gookin Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38801 (662) 842-5284 (800) 273-6043 (662) 844-4533 info@weatherallprinting.com

6OPINIONS

THE HI-TIMES • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • MARCH/APRIL 2014MARCH

[ LETTER TO THE EDITOR ]

Prayer, religion should be allowed in schools To compare the idea of religion in schools to Hitler’s Germany, or Stalin’s Russia, is absolute lunacy. There can be no comparison between two statist countries and the idea of religious expression in schools.

There have been people over the years who have pressed both for and against prayer and religion in public education systems across the country.

My personal opinion is that the Constitution does not forbid it.

The separation of church and state very much comes into play in this argument. When our nation’s leaders wrote the Constitution, the separation of church and state was included not for government’s sake, but for religion’s. At one time in England, the parent country of our nation, the leaders controlled religion; this was the reason that many of the original pilgrims left England for the New World.

To say that our nation was not founded on religious ideas is also another falsehood. It is evident that the founding fathers used both political philosophy and religious texts for ref-

erence and model when writing both is not relevant when discussing the the Declaration of Independence and existence of Jesus on earth. Opinions the Constitution. are fine, but facts are stubborn things, George Washington said, “It is im- and it is a provable fact that Jesus was possible to rightly govern a nation a man who lived and walked on earth without God and the some 2,000 years ago.

The government shall Bible.”

Another unsupported So, to make the argu- not ever establish or en- and not factual statement that our nation dorse any religion, but ment is that religious was not influenced by they shall not prevent texts from Christianity religion from its begin- people from worshiping and Islam encourage ning colonization, to its and carrying out their re- the unjust execution founding and beyond, ligious customs, provid- and hatred of others. is a complete and total ed that those customs Now, I do not have any falsehood. Our found- do not harm anyone or knowledge of the Musing fathers were not all hurt any property, wherlim religion so I can Christians, that’s true, ever they may be. not make any statebut to say that they ments regarding it, but were not influenced by Christian writ- I do have a fairly good knowledge of ings is not.

Christianity. I know of not one word, The history of the world cannot be sentence, paragraph, chapter or book told without mentioning both the Is- in Christian theology that encourages raelites and Jesus. There is much his- “the unjust execution and hatred of torical evidence to prove the existence others.” of Jesus. Whether you believe, as I do, Again, disagreeing with Christianity that he is the Son of God and came or Islam is fine, but to make false statefrom Heaven to Earth to give salvation ments is not now or ever will be acto those who believed in his divinity, ceptable. Everyone is entitled to their

own opinions, but not their own facts.

Whether or not prayer and religion should be in school is a personal opinion and belief. I personally believe that it can and should be allowed in schools.

The Constitution does not say that it cannot be. It says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

My interpretation of that is this: The government shall not ever establish or endorse any religion, but they shall not prevent people from worshiping and carrying out their religious customs, provided that those customs do not harm anyone or hurt any property, wherever they may be.

This is my opinion and my interpretation of the Constitution. I do not believe it to be a fact that everyone should have to believe what I believe.

It is my own personal belief and opinion.

– Noel Morgan Junior

Reading for pleasure a thing of the past Bethany Fitts @BethyFitts Staff Writer

Science fiction writer Ray Bradbury famously said, “You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.”

More and more as technology develops, children, teens and adults are turning to computers, video games and other forms of entertainment to spend leisure time. In recent years, reading – once considered pleasurable – has become a thing of the past.

According to www.readfaster.com, 50 percent of American adults are unable to read at an eighth grade level.

Why is this a problem? So many in society today view reading as a boring, forced activity. When a book is in sight, numerous students – and adults – see it as unpleasant or uncool. Society has forgotten the value reading holds.

“It’s the most important art form, in my opinion,” THS English teacher Amber Nichols-Buckley said. “Thoreau writes that the written word is ‘the work of art nearest to life itself. It may be translated into every language, and not only be read but actually breathed from all human lips, not be represented on canvas or in marble only, but be carved out of the breath of life itself.’ I don’t think I can explain anymore eloquently than that.”

Forgotten is the purpose that reading once held. Forgotten is its imPIERCE LEHMAN portance to humanity.

Meri Hollis West, a junior, reads in Amber “The things you’re Buckley’s English III AP Language and Composition class. looking for... are in the world, but the only way the average chap will ever see ninety-nine percent of them is in a book,” Bradbury wrote in Fahrenheit 451.

Books reveal entirely new worlds to readers. Many would say, “So does television or a video game.” Here’s the catch: the world of a book is composed entirely of 26 letters. The real constructionist lies within the mind of the reader, therefore building imagination and other skills important to life.

“Once you’ve visited other worlds... you can never be entirely content with the world that you grew up in,” Neil Gaiman, a well-known author, said. “Discontent is a good thing: discontented people can modify and improve their worlds, leave them better, leave them different.”

In today’s world, the word ‘‘religion’’ plays a big role in most people’s lives.

BEN DAVIS

Like it or not, religion plays big role Akeal Montgomery @akealthewriter Staff Writer

Religion is the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power. In our world today, the word ‘‘religion’’ plays a big role in most people’s lives.

There are many different types of religions all over the world today, which lets us know that there is not just one religion that is better than the other.

As a Christian, I feel that religion does not make us who we are, but rather shows us who we do or do not believe in.

There are many other religions, including Buddhism, Sikhism and Hinduism. There are many denominations that give different standpoints of belief in their parent religion.

The question I have heard asked a lot is why is religion so important. The answer to that would be, whether we believe it or not, religion is important in all of our lives no matter who we believe in or what we believe.

Most of society’s standards and laws are based on some form of religion. Throughout history, especially in Europe, there has been much control of religion. Religion defines who we are and what we do, While such controls might not be “good” for us, religion has

been important in the shaping of society as we know it.

These days, the amount of faith a person has in his or her own religion has led to inhumane behavior to help hypocrites who use it to make money and to be in power. Here are some different opinions of religion that have caused riots and confused people, enabling violence everywhere.

Being religious is not the we way think of it, as it is proclaiming the truth toward world peace and love, which

Ideally, making religion important can lead to a life of love, joy, compassion and service. is only doctrine.

I wish the religious leaders understood this because when they do, the importance of religion in our lives will then play its role very well.

Ideally, making religion important can lead to a life of love, joy, compassion and service.

Under the First Amendment, the federal government may not “substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion” unless the government dem-

onstrates that the burden is the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling interest.

The certification requirement, an accommodation fashioned by the Obama administration to bolster the protection of religious exercise without depriving women of an important benefit, does not rise to a substantial burden.

A federal trial court denied a preliminary injunction on that basis and a federal court of appeals declined to issue an injunction pending appeal, though decisions in some similar cases have come out differently.

Once people start to think about religion seriously and they study a variety of religions, they are prompted to ask questions about the very nature of religion itself. A variety of answers has been offered by philosophers, theologians, scientists and a host of others from various disciplines and world views that shows what religion is and what it does. Ordinary language usage of the term religion is inadequate to the task of definition because it is, among other things, ambiguous and often contradictory.

Ordinary language usage is blind and cannot deal with new phenomena and can not resolve confusions.

L 2014MARCH/APRIL 2014 • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • THE HI-TIMES

LEGALIZATION Legalizing marijuana a costly mistake

Why does Cannabis debate continue?

R. Sumner Fortenberry

Ben Davis

@sumfarmer00 Guest Writer

@bsdavis4296 Assistant Editor

W

hen considering an amendment to a way of life, one must take into account every aspect of that change with heed paid to the logical, the emotional, and the social effects of such a matter.

The United States has recently been wracked with such a dilemma: a somewhat foolhardy but pressing matter that must be discussed and effectively solved to prevent a toxic influx of illegality into the current system.

The issue at hand is the legalization of the drug Cannabis, commonly referred to as marijuana. It contains perilous quantities of the chemical tetrahydrocannabinol, a substance proven time and time again to alter the mind.

Before I delve into the obvious negative side effects of using a drug, let me make myself clear: The U.S. governmental system is being desecrated by a lackadaisical administration that misinterprets and abuses the laws that govern it.

An increase in regulation is sickening and repulsive, and on a personal note I believe the government to be incapable of regulating an individual’s usage of a substance and overstepping bounds when it attempts to do so.

However, this in no way supports the legalization of a drug. Condemn me to the fires of hell, but any logical founder of a country would have permanently banned the consumption of any mind-altering substance – including alcohol.

The increasingly fatal effects of the excess consumption of alcohol speak for themselves.

The loss of control of one’s mind can often lead to poor choices and long-lasting pain and sorrow.

Why would one add another such drug to the list of legality?

It remains a cold and uncompromising fact that most humans are incapable of personal responsibility. Forgive my unwillingness to hand an 18-year-old male a small quantity of Cannabis. His lack of concern over the realm of academia is fretful enough; juxtapose it with his absence of mental clarity, well that would seem to speak for itself. A bad decision on his part is nigh on inevitable.

As proven by studies conducted in New Zealand, early usage of THC stunts brain development, and cannot be reversed merely by a decrease in consumption. Such studies also suggested an eight-point drop in IQ level, another frightening aspect of youthful drug utilization.

With age, the repercussions diminish only slightly. Dayto-day activities are undoubtedly impaired.

According to the British Medical Journal, “drivers who consume Cannabis within three hours of driving are nearly twice as likely to cause a vehicle collision as those who are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”

That creates a fuzzy feeling in my heart, knowing that were the drug legalized, Polly and Pete the Pothead Partners (marriage may be too restricting a term) might get behind the wheel of their environmentally friendly Prius for a little green time on my favorite backroad.

There is also considerable research pointing to a definite loss of working and short-term memory. Some seem to believe that the best times are those that aren’t remembered the next morning, but, eh, just between my readers and me, I much prefer a knowledge of my past.

But who knows, maybe that mindset applies only to those who must wake in the morning at an early hour to pull on a worn pair of boots and trudge back to another day of work.

The unlimited access to a psychoactive drug can be nothing but a burden on an already diminishing state (for no other reason than that the majority of Americans are impaired enough without a drug, and giving ‘em something else to screw up would be a crock of tomfoolery).

For those who put in the hours under the hot sun to make this nation tick, the legalization of an additional malpractice will represent only another knee-bending to the hapless minority, for which I have the sharpest mixture of respect and disgust.

It is my prayer that the United States government will make its decision based upon reasons of safety and care for its citizens, and not for the sake of not offending an individual.

M

arijuana is the most controversial drug in the world, and not for a good reason.

Support for the drug has waned and waxed over the years, but now, for the first time in almost a century, it stands a good chance of being legalized.

Marijuana is known by many other names including weed, pot, grass, Mary Jane and tree. In fact, marijuana isn’t the drug’s true name at all, but rather a name created in the late 1920s that was intended to be “scarier” than the drug’s true name, Cannabis.

Many have (inaccurately) argued since the drug’s initial prohibition in the 1930s that Cannabis is dangerous, causing medical complications and even death.

Cannabis itself has no negative long-term side effects when used by adults. The only risk Cannabis smoking poses is a lung cancer – a risk associated with any type of smoke. All of Cannabis’ other (minor) side effects can be immediately righted upon ceasing its use. In fact, no medical facility has ever attributed a death to the drug’s use alone.

Some who argue for the Cannabis’ illegality state that it is a gateway drug, which simply isn’t true. It is true that those who try Cannabis are more likely to try other drugs; however, this isn’t a result of Cannabis use itself, but rather the fact that those who are interested in drugs are likely to try more than one. Most heavy drug users start with Cannabis because it is by far the most popular and common drug; not because Cannabis gives one the urge to use cocaine or heroin.

As of March 2014, Cannabis is considered a schedule one drug the United States government, meaning that Cannabis is highly dangerous and has no medical use. The truth is exactly the opposite. Cannabis, as previously cited, is completely safe when not used in combination with other drugs. At the same time, Cannabis can be used to treat dozens of illnesses, some of which are extremely serious and sometimes REHAB-PROGRAMS.ORG life-threatening.

Still, many groups insist that Cannabis is dangerous.

Many argue for the drug’s prohibition because of the claim that the drug decreases productivity. Again, exactly the opposite is true. Studies have found that compounds in Cannabis can increase brain cell growth, including cannabidiol, and tetrahydrocannabinol.

The most likely reason that Cannabis will reclaim its legal status in the near future, however, is economic. If Cannabis were to become legal, the government would have tens of billions more spending money – estimates of generated revenue range from $10 billion to $100 billion, most being somewhere in the middle. Furthermore, hundreds of billions of dollars would be generated in economic revenue, giving a boost to the economy, which is still recovering from recession.

On top of this, legalizing Cannabis would injure gangs and the cartels, dependent upon being able to sell the drug.

These facts are obvious to most Americans – that’s why 58 percent of the population supports legalized Cannabis, according to a Gallup poll conducted in 2013.

On top of this, a Pew Research Center survey found that 48 percent of American adults have tried Cannabis, and 12 percent of Americans have used Cannabis in the past year. These numbers aren’t going down, as high school Cannabis use has risen.

If Cannabis were to become legal and regulated, the drug could be more easily kept out of the hands of teenagers, as drug dealers tend to be oblivious to their buyer’s age. The same facts were true about alcohol during the days of its illegality, in that it was highly available and used by many. Obviously, the prohibition of any popular drug doesn’t work.

Even though the drug remains illegal under federal law, more than 20 states have laws allowing medical Cannabis, and Colorado and Washington have legalized the drug for recreational use.

Although the controversy over Cannabis continues, I frankly don’t understand why. The drug is absolutely safe, and would be beneficial to legalize. Disregarding this fact, even, it still doesn’t make sense to make and keep something illegal that poses no danger to anyone.

Likely, in the next decade, politicians will realize this and follow the path that states like Washington and Colorado have blazed.

Over 45% of the U.S. population think Marijuana should be completely legal.

45%

Opinions

MARIJUANA

7

OPINIONS

THE

HI-TIMES A STUDENT NEWSPAPER

Editor-in-Chief: Ryan Murphy Assistant Editor: Ben Davis Managing Editor: Jordan Jones Business Manager: Katherine Grace Staff Writers: Kyle Alford Kelia Blanchard Rachel Bobo Brett Ashleigh Brooks LeShay Dixon Bethany Fitts Kaitlin Flowers Lakoya Gordon Michea Hayden Nathan Jackson Shawanda Jones Corey Kalish Meaghan Killian Pierce Lehman Akeal Montgomery Delaney Norton Allyssa Smith Bailie White Alexis Zosel Adviser: Ginny Miller See more news at thscurrent.com 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.

8SPORTS

THE HI-TIMES • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • MARCH/APRIL 2014MARCH

Pick-up basketball energizing pastime

Corey Kalish @cdk1624 Staff Writer

From the heavenly shine of the NBA courts to the concrete slabs scattered throughout Tupelo, basketball is a popular sport that can be played almost anywhere. Every basketball legend took his or her first shot on an average court in a driveway, gym or park in their home town.

James Naismith, the creator of basketball, once said, “The invention of basketball was not an accident. It was developed to meet a need. I believe this need was to bring people together through a different sport that promoted teamwork and self-improvement.”

This teamwork and self-improvement all starts with a group of friends playing a game of pick-up basketball, a popular pastime around the country as well as in Tupelo.

A pick-up basketball game can best be defined as a group of amateur basketball players coming together to play basketball.

“I have made a lot of memories and a lot of great shots while playing pick-up basketball,” junior Zach Ellis said.

Rules for pick-up basketball are more or less identical to that “I have made of professional basketball. The most a lot of memsignificant difference ories and a lot between organized of great shots and pick-up basketwhile playing ball games is the lack of referees to call pick-up basfouls and other penketball.” alties.

- Zach Ellis Pick-up basketball Junior games can range from one-on-one games to a full game with two or more players on each team. The game starts by passing the ball to a teammate or checking the ball to your opponent.

“Checking” is when a player intentionally passes the ball to their opponent and the opponent returns the ball. This ritual gives the player who had the ball first leeway to start dribbling the ball and begin the game. This process is repeated after a team scores.

In pick-up basketball games, penalties can be either flexible or strict, depending on the rules placed by a game’s particular players.

Some prefer calling every travel, double dribble, or foul, while others acknowledge few, if any, penalties at all.

Shooting fouls are the fouls called most often in pick-up basketball. A shooting foul is when a shot is physically affected by the defender through some sort of hard contact to the shooting arm or face. Calling a foul during a pick-up basketball game can be frowned upon, as some view this as disgraceful or weak.

“I believe that the extent of the foul really decides whether or not I will call it or not,” junior Chris Burpo said. “If I am slapped multiple times on my shooting arm or my face when driving in for a lay-up then I will call a foul.”

Shooting fouls, if called, most commonly result in a free throw for the person who was fouled. For traveling and double-dribble penalties, the opposing team usually receives the ball.

Over the years, pick-up basketball has become an important aspect of Tupelo’s culture. It is a good fitness activity and the perfect way to build friendships.

Lacrosse increases in popularity Colm McCool @NotAColumn Guest Writer

If there is any salvageable brainwave from the MCT or ACT reading sections, it should be the lacrosse pieces that seemed to happen entirely too frequently. In a state that has such rich Native American heritage, who can blame the writers to include such an enthralling topic?

Lacrosse is a highly demanding, high-contact sport that’s popularity is enormously on the increase.

It’s even picking up at Tupelo High School. Since its inception a half decade ago, THS Lacrosse has retained its club status and various members, who are all interested either in taking up a new hobby or just letting loose frustration.

However, frustration is easily found on the practice field. Lacrosse is an extremely high-maintenance game. It’s all tactics, speed, adrenaline, technique, and a conscious effort to allow all of these concepts to function simultaneously.

For the THS club, there are four individuals who have grasped the

concepts fairly well.

Charles Davis plays goalie, Caleb Sachdev is the defensive captain, Jacob Manley functions as the midfield captain, and Tucker Sheffield operates as the attack captain.

Beginning five years ago, the playing of actual games was at a minimum. There was a whopping total of two games spread across the four terms in the year THS was introduced to lacrosse. Just four years later, the club will be playing 10 games in the second semester alone.

It seems that sooner, rather than later, the THS Lacrosse Club might actually become a full team, worthy of athletic waivers, more than two full-time coaches, and students who don’t have to operate as the captains. This would mean they wouldn’t have to rely on others and can become self-dependent.

GOLF PLACES IN TOURNAMENT Field House Continued from PG1 coach Anna Sloan, referring to girls soccer coach Hannah Kimbrough.

“It’s a great opportunity to make friends,” Kimbrough added.

The players are especially excited about the new field house, which some see as a sign of appreciation.

“They’d see track as a more serious sport than what it was before,” said Logan Long, a junior who runs track and cross country.

“I’m happy for them,” senior Kevin “KJ” Armstrong said.

“They need to take care of it and love it.”

“I’m actually jealous,” senior soccer player John Nabors said.

Construction has been delayed by the weather and plumbing issues, but Schoggin is hoping the field house will be completed by next fall.

“We want to do it well and do it right,” he said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHIVANI PARCHANE, THS ALBUM

The girls won the Class 3 tournament in Starkville April 17. The boys finished 2nd behind Desoto Central by one shot. The state tournament will be April 28-28 in Vicksburg.

IN THE HALLS When March Madness ended April 7, we asked THS sports fans who out of the Final Four – Florida, Kentucky, UConn, and Wisconsin – they wanted to win the national championship.

CONNECTICUT HUSKIES

KELIA BLANCHARD

Gage Foster Junior

Dequan Snow Sophomore

DJ Miller Sophomore

“Florida.”

“Florida, of course.”

“Kentucky.”

KENTUCKY WILDCATS

60 - 54 FINAL

Pure – Safe – Beneficial

Arbonne International National Vice President Independent Consultant

Lori Robertson

P.O. Box 1185 Tupelo, MS 38802

1126 Dogwood Drive Tupelo, MS 38801 662-769-5904

2400 S. Gloster St. Tupelo, MS 38801

lorirobertson@myarbonne.com www.workyourdream.myarbonne.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF THS ALBUM

Sophomore lacrosse player Alex Scruggs sprints past a defender.

(662) 841-6500

HOURS OF OPERATION SUNDAY & MONDAY: CLOSED TUESDAY-SATURDAY: 10AM TO 6PM

For more construction photos, visit our website

thscurrent.com

9

SPORTS

L 2014MARCH/APRIL 2014 • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • THE HI-TIMES

Tennis more than a racket, ball BASEBALL DIVISION CHAMPS

Kelia Blanchard @keliablanchard Staff Writer

From the coach, to the players, to the matches, tennis involves not only a racket and ball but also concentration and dedication.

“It’s great because you only really need one other person to play,” tennis coach Laurie Bishop said. “I was currently coaching volleyball and I thought it was something I enjoyed.”

Tennis can be played three ways: singles, doubles and mixed. Singles can be either girls or boys. Doubles are where two girls or boys play against another pair of girls or boys. Mixed is where both girls and boys play together against another girls and boys.

In tennis there are seven courts. The group or team has to win four out of seven courts to win the match. In sets there are six games and the players must win six games and lead by two points to win the match.

There are 12 girls on the junior varsity team and 22 boys and girls on varsity.

The Tupelo High School team also includes eight students from Tupelo Middle School.

Using the courts by Joyner Elementary, the tennis team practices every day from 2-4 p.m. The old weatherproof air bubble, once used for the former city pool, now covers the tennis courts.

Practicing is different from matches, in that matches are more serious.

“It’s more difficult for them to concentrate during practice, because they’re playing with their teammates, but during the matches they do well with that,” Bishop said.

“I get distracted by watching the other

Shawanda Jones @Shawandad15 Staff Writer

COREY KALISH

Mitchell Ostrander, foreground, looks at his opponent as his teammate, Sebastian Rios, celebrates.

courts,” senior Emily Carter said. “I get worried about my team members.”

To junior Mitchell Ostrander, the cheering of his opponents’ fans distracts him. At the same time, with his own fans behind him, Ostrander feels supported.

Concentration is one thing THS’ tennis team needs to win matches. Winning the most matches qualifies the team for championships.

When it comes to championships, THS was a powerhouse under former coach Niki Peel from 2006-2008. With Madison Central and Ocean Springs’ teams currently on the rise, the competition has become tougher.

“I think our team has really good potential this year,” Carter said.

Tennis is a competitive sport, which for some makes losing hard to deal with.

“It’s disheartening and makes me want to try harder and play harder every year,” Ostrander said. “Practice makes perfect.”

Practice, concentration and commitment will be what it takes to bring home the win for THS’ tennis team.

“Tupelo has a great support system,” Bishop said. “From the teachers, students, coaches and classmates, the players feel supported.”

The power behind the Golden Wave

Shawanda Jones @Shawandad15 Staff Writer

Players who really make the difference in the game sometimes go unnoticed in the season, such as small forward Tre Jenkins and point guard Tristan Upchurch.

“The most deserving players that are worthy of recognition are those that make the most progress in the season, not always the players that score the most points,” head boys basketball coach Jeff Norwood said, noting that Jenkins, a junior, and Upchurch, a sophomore, fit this criteria perfectly.

Jenkins said that the 20132014 season could have been better, but he is grateful for the team’s progress.

“It could have been better, but it was better than what we expected it to be,” he said.

“Nobody believed in us, and we went farther than anyone expected.”

Upchurch agreed that this season could have definitely been better, because “we didn’t get anywhere near to state championship, but we did better than last year and earlier in the season was almost close to a losing streak.”

Upchurch said he’s proud of

KATHERINE GRACE

Sophomores Tristan Upchurch and Tre Jenkins were two powerhouses of the Golden Wave basketball team’s 2013-2014 season.

his team because “at one point in time, we were 8-8. Now we’re like 19-11. We finished strong but we could have definitely done better.”

Jenkins and Upchurch are looking forward to the season that lies ahead.

“Next season should be way better than this season,” Jenkins said. “We’re gonna work

harder, get a couple of new players.”

With the loss of just two seniors, “We should go farther,” Upchurch said. “We could easily go win the championship.

We just have to do it.”

The two Golden Wave players first started learning the game of basketball at a young age, between 7-10 years old,

so the importance of competition is embedded in their minds.

“Coach always tells us to compete for a spot on the team, because anybody’s spot could be taken at anytime,” Jenkins said.

“You have to be, especially in practice and around the coach, ’cause that’s what he wants,” Upchurch admitted.

“You don’t get better by not being competitive and playing around.”

Jenkins spoke on his growth from the beginning of the season to the end.

“I’ve learned that it’s not easy,” he said. “You have to work hard and play harder.”

Upchurch said that he has learned a lot of things about himself, other players, people and the game itself to help him become a better player.

Both said that their goal for the future is obvious, and that’s to win the state championship.

Jenkins, thinking about the near yet distance future, dwells on playing in the NBA once his college year are finished.

For Upchurch, “I’m hoping to get better and stronger in every way.”

The Golden Wave baseball team defeated Hernando 4-2 to win the Division 2-6A championship.

“This was a great team win for our baseball team,” head coach Gary Enis said. “We finished No. 1 in our division and we look forward to the upcoming playoffs.”

The Wave clinched the division championship on April 16, after a disappointing shutout loss (5-0)the day before to the Tigers.

The Golden Wave’s record is now 18-6 and 6-3 in division play.

The Wave now has its eye on a state championship.

“We set goals earlier in the year,” Enis said. “One of our goals was to win the division championship, so this would be step one in the process.

Next of course would be North Half championship. Finally, state championship.”

Enis said key players this season have been seniors Hudson Roy (first base, pitcher and right field), Luke Weeden (left field), Carter Clayton (third base and pitcher), Michael Ray (center field) and Ty Wheeler (first base), as well as junior William Ikerd (catcher).

Roy has the lowest ERA, Enis said, while Weeden has the highest batting average.

“I’ve been pleased with our team’s performance so far and I think we’re learning and getting better with every game,” Roy said. “We want to make it as far as possible in playoffs with a state championship being the ultimate goal.”

Although the team has played well and won some big games, “We’ve had a few tough losses but have managed to not let them affect our team negatively,” Clayton said, noting the role of underclassmen who have stepped up this season.

“Playoffs start in a week and we expect to keep playing hard and winning the games we need to win,” he said.

Enis said making it to state depends on several factors.

“We have to pitch well,” he said. “We have to make plays defensively. We have to hit the baseball. Those are the three areas we have to succeed in.”

No matter what, “I’m proud of our guys, the way they work, and I look forward to the post-season play,” Enis said.

HAYDEN

COMPANY Heating-Cooling Repair-Installation Appliance Repair-Installation Electrical Repair-Upgrades Property Management-Maintenance

Michael Hayden 662-321-3708

10ART&ENTERTAINMENT

THE HI-TIMES • TUPELO HIGH SCHOOL • MARCH/APRIL 2014

MOVIE REVIEW

LONE SURVIVOR Corey Kalish @cdk1624 Staff Writer

Lone Survivor, the breathtaking, true story of Naval Corpsman 2nd Class Marcus Luttrell and his fellow Navy SEALs, is one for the ages. Luttrell, a Special Operations Combat Medic at the time of the movie’s events, was deployed to Afghanistan with SEAL Team 10 in 2005.

The movie opens in the aftermath of SEAL team 10’s first mission in Operation Red Wings, which took place in the Pech district of the Kunar Province, Afghanistan. The goal of the mission was to impede a local coalition militia led by Islamic extremist Ahmad Shah. Although not a part of the Taliban, Shah supported the group, and at the time, was actively seeking its allegiance. Shah and the 35 members of his militia were responsible for multiple murders of Afghani civilians and killings of U.S. soldiers.

The movie recounts events during the middle of the night on June 25, 2005, when U.S. special operation forces air drops four members of SEAL Team 10 onto Mt. Salwato Sar. Led by Navy Lt. Michael P. Murphy, the group includes Luttrell, Petty Officer 2nd Class Danny P. Dietz, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew G. Axelson. The team was to perform reconnaissance and surveillance of Shah and his militia. They move by night to a vantage point on the side of Salwato Sar. During the day, they use advanced military reconnaissance technology to identify their target.

Eventually the team is discovered by local goat herders. After determining that the herdsmen are only civilians, the SEALs are left with three choices: tie them up; release them and attempt to move up the mountain; or kill them.

According to military rules of engagement, troops are forbidden to cause any intentional physical harm to civilians. If the team kills or hurts the herdsmen, they would face an astronomical media backlash and prison time. If the SEALs let the men go, however, their presence would be revealed to Shah and the militia. After considering his options, Murphy makes the call to release the civilians. The team then scales to higher ground to try out run the militia. Shah’s men quickly react and ambush the four SEALs. With the rest of his team dead, Luttrell, the lone survivor, finds a small crevice in a rock to hide in. He is on his own and no one is aware of his survival.

Barely clinging to life, Luttrell is discovered in a small pool of water by a villager named Mohammad Gulab. Gulab brings him back to his home, where he treats Luttrell’s wounds. Although Gulab cannot speak English, Luttrell manages to signal him to send an informant to his base camp to notify them of his location and condition.

Shortly after, Shah’s militia and the Taliban attack the village in search of Luttrell. The villagers attempt to fight them off until U.S. reinforcements arrive and airlift Luttrell to safety.

This film is extremely powerful, and it opened my eyes to the sacrifices made by American military forces that protect and preserve our beautiful country.

Service men and women lay down their lives for us every day, and this movie exemplifies the pain and suffering that occurs for us to keep our freedom. I highly recommend this movie, and I feel that it should be be seen by every American.

1

2

2014

3

10

PROM 9

1. Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster 2. Seniors Jon Michael McNab and Megan Davis 3. Juniors Dionna Johnson and Madison Jones 4. WTHS adviser Braden Bishop and senior Tay Walton 5. Sophomore Isaiah Walker 6. Seniors Kyle Holliman and Lauren Bean were crowned Prom King and Queen.

7. Juniors Anna John Hand, Paige Cox and Natalie Sowers 8. Seniors Hiu Laam Chow and J.J. Garcia 9. Juniors Terance Lindsey and Brittany Brock 10. Seniors Emliy Hink and Adam Hildenbrand

4

PHOTOS BY KATHERINE GRACE AND BRADEN BISHOP

7

5

8

6

THS Frequency presents ‘Spectrum’ Pierce Lehman @piercetayleh Staff Writer

Frequency, an auditioned vocal group begun last year at THS, is gearing up for a performance and competition in April.

“Frequency is a jazz choir,” senior Tanner Collum said. “We sing jazz music, but we also sing popular music.”

“We get to do non-traditional songs and pop songs,” junior Mary Clair Kelly said.

Some of the seFrequency will lections include perform 16-18 “Pompeii,” “Belnumbers during la’s Finals” from a show called “Pitch Perfect,” “Spectrum” on “Bottom of the April 25-26 in River,” “Under the PerformPressure,” “Gone ing Arts Center. Gone Gone” and That perfor“Wagon Wheel.” mance follows “In Frequency, a competition some of the songs Frequency will will be a cappelattend April 9-13 la and some are with a jazz band,” in Orlando, Fla. senior Josh Caron said.

Suzy Williams, Frequency’s director, said the group plans to hire a professional jazz band, with instruments to include three guitars and multiple drums.

“There will be solos and duets performed with the full band,” she said.

All of the songs will be done in a “Glee”-style, Williams said, but without

PIERCE LEHMAN

Frequency, a jazz choir under the direction of Suzy Williams, was formed last year.

the dancing.

“Everyone will be in front of microphones, so it requires good voices,” she said.

Frequency will perform 16-18 numbers during a show called “Spectrum” on April 25-26 in the Performing Arts Center. That performance follows a competition Frequency will attend April 9-13 in Orlando, Fla. Some of the members are also in the

madrigal choir, which also will compete in Orlando, Kelly said.

Williams said 26 students and multiple adults have dedicated their time to help make this production a success.

Students meet as a class during third block.

“Students have practiced 15-20 hours outside of school,” senior Liz Hocevar said, noting the singers’ dedication to their craft.