U. City High School 7401 Balson Ave. University City, MO 63130
NEWS MAGAZINE
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2 4 3 5 1. At their table in the senior cafeteria, seniors Joe Martin and Roman Cotruta look back on their time in high school. “Switching from another school at the end of junior year scared me, but being at U. City for the end of high school was probably the best decision I made,“ said Martin. 2. With the last year of high school being busy and overscheduled, senior Brianna Sanford uses her lunch period to get some extra studying done. 3. Seniors Omar Foster, Derrick Freeman and Isaac Clark take a break from classes and enjoy lunch. “We don’t know where we’ll be years from now, but we do know where we’ve been,” said Freeman. “The memories and experiences gained here will stick with me forever. It’s been great.“ 4. Seniors Perri Griffith, Keira Duncan, Chris McFadden, and Moynea Devrouax pause in the hall before 6th hour. 5. Taking the panoramic out in front of the school is the only time the entire senior class gets a picture together. “Sitting on those steps made me realize where I was, what I’ve accomplished, and where I am going,“ said senior Christopher Andry. “When we took the picture, I cherished that moment because I knew that we were all going our separate ways soon.“ 6. Mrs. Williams’ 5th hour World Literature class gathers for a picture during homecoming week. “My last homecoming was very bittersweet,“ says senior Emily Looby. “It was really fun and I was sad when it was over, but I can’t wait for college.“
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OR SENIUE ISS U-Times May 2015 Volume 25, Issue 4
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2014-2015 U-Times Staff
Co-Editors: Lily Lewis-Stump & Alice Mutrux Associate Editor/Web Editor: Christine Politte Staff Writers/Photographers: Brooklyn Bass Francene Bethune Hannah Fuller Johanna Hill Barbara Mulser Daniel Williamson Adviser Mrs. Mary Williams
Philosophy
The newspaper’s primary obligation is to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of the issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population. The newspaper, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment. While establishing U-Times as a public forum, student editors will apply professional standards and ethics for decision-making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper. Inasmuch as the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff. Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, or libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process, copyright infringement, or unwarranted invasion of privacy.
seniors’ last b
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Always believe in yourself and never give up. Accept the help that is offered and use the resources you are offered to help you better yourself.
There’s no such thing as a “bad day,” only good days and better days. I don’t have bad days.
Unique Baker
Policies Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not reflect the viewpoints of the school administration. All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons, and reviews reflect the views of the author and not necessarily those of the U-Times Editorial Board. The U-Times reserves the right to reject, edit, or shorten letters. Submit letters to Mrs. Mary Williams in Room 346, or to any U-Times staff member, or to marywilliams@ucityschools.org.
Asia Cole
Keira Duncan
Be who you want yourself to be, not who others want you to be. Don’t let others phase you, just do you.
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Simone Foxx
Brooklyn Bass Stay pretty. Be educated. Dress well. Get money. Stay positive. Love God. Christian Beck — thanks for the opportunity, because I almost didn’t make it.
Don’t lose yourself! High school will either make you or break you; the option is up to you!
Yabsra Belayneh
Always be the best you can be and never forget where you came from, no matter where you end up going.
Derrick Freeman
The big challenge for me is transferring speeds because in college it’s a lot faster and everyone is a lot stronger.
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Courteney Hall
Talan Clark
I realize that in order to achieve your goals, you need to first figure out exactly what that goal is. Life is never a fairy tale, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare either.
Roman Cotruta I would write something cool, but I’m way too tired.
Jerome Cradler Do not speak unless you can improve the silence.
Contact Us We are located in Room 346 at University City High School, 7401 Balson Ave., University City, MO 63130. Our email address is marywilliams@ ucityschools.org. Tweet us or follow us on Instagram @utimesonline.
words
Tamia Crawford Micah Bender
Daryl Black We finally don’t have to come back!!!
D’Lija Brown Dear D’Lija of the future, you made it and there was never anything to worry about.
Jakelle Brown I had a good experience in high school. I have changed and became a better responsible person. Now I’m ready to see what life is going to bring me.
Marvin Bullard Be yourself and don’t forget where you came from cus…
In school there are many challenges, but the real challenge is overcoming those challenges. Give yourself a challenge!
Dajah Cunningham Be yourself and just have fun.
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Moynea Devrouax I enjoyed my high school years. I hope that everyone will succeed and be the best they can be.
Danae Dease I’m glad to be gone. BYE!!!!
Walter Dietzler See you later, suckers!
Henry Braeske
Brandon Harris Keep y’all heads up.
Aunja Harrison It’s been real U-City. I’m out! ‘Sup.
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U-Times May 2015
Raven Harry I couldn’t think of a cool quote so “wassup”.
Victor Harvey Peace!
Kayla Holmes I learned nothing, but I gained a lifetime of experiences.
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Michael Lavender Cause I’m being real with you, I heard about you. I was waiting on you at the door.
Lily Lewis-Stump
When was this due?
Shout out to my girl A. Muzzy for always keepin’ it one hunned. I am going to cry myself to sleep every night that I am away from you.
Maurice House
Rebekah Lyons
In high school you need to build tolerance for pain, and glue a smile on your face. I’m proud to call myself an actor.
High school: NEVER AGAIN
Tarik Holmes
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Malik Johnson Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future.
Diamond Jones Stay humble, remain positive, and create your experiences. Continue to branch out and explore this expanding world.
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Walter King
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Sloan Marion Humans naturally evolve and progress into better people. Don’t waste your mind on pointless crap. P.S. Download my mixtape Griizzly (Ursariing)
Karen McKinney Being at U. City has been a great experience for me. I have made wonderful friends and met teachers that have changed my life. I’m going to miss U. City. U Time!!!!
Michael McMahon Always keep trying, no matter how hard the work is.
Gabriela Moreno
Stay up.
Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.
Whitney King
Alice Mutrux
This is only the beginning, not the end keep y’all heads up!
Robert J. Kneller For some of you success is written in the sky; for others, the schools have already failed you. So enjoy your time in high school regardless of your imminent fate because you only live twice, before you graduate and after.
It doesn’t matter what you look like. I mean, if you have a hunchback, just throw some glitter on it. Honey, go dancing!
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Jihira Patton I am disgusted.
Ronnell Perkins Y’all make sure y’all watch me on T.V. #RP3 Y’all kids turn up or whatever. Shout out to my bang bro.
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Asante Robinson Stay up on yo P’s and Q’s. Senior year is fun, but comes with many responsibilities.
D’Mario Rogers-Miller
Cameron Keys
The most glorious things are meant to be praised in life. Like the mesmerizing eagle soaring free, the bold lion roaming its territory, we are all beautiful beings that share experiences that I will never forget. I praise U. City in all of its glory.
Brianna Sanford
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Brandon Scott In 10-20 years, I’m going to be that man with a robe on all of the time. Ya boy is going to be asleep all of the time. Feel bad for underclassmen.
Alyina Singer Hasta luego!
Sam Strand Time is money, money is power, power is pizza, and pizza is knowledge.
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Marlon Tuckson Keep calm and carry on!!!
Taylar Turner I don’t smile much, but on May 27, I will be the happiest person you’ve ever seen.
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Deandria Walker I don’t wanna grow up…
Dajeh Warren High school was the best. Now it’s time to say goodbye!
Najah Weekly Senior year came fast. I will always remember my four years at UCHS. The best years and experiences of my life, I will truly miss high school.
Kenneth Wilson Yah yah yah!
Tiana Windon Life is a box of chocolates, so go explore.
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COLLEGE
U-Times May 2015
Seniors make Final Decisions Adeyinka Adekunle — University of Missouri
Victor Harvey — Lincoln University
Robert Kneller — University of Missouri
Christopher Andry — University of Missouri
Kristen Hines — Jackson State University
Michael Lavender — Lincoln University
Unique Baker — Stevens Institute of Business Arts
Isaac Levan — St. Louis University
Brooklyn Bass — Duke University
Kayla Holmes — Northwest Missouri State University
Christian Beck — Tennessee State University
Tarik Holmes — L’Ecole Culinaire
Emily Looby — Creighton University
Destiny Bedford — Lincoln University
Maurice House II — Independence Junior College
Rebekah Lyons — Missouri S&T
Yabsra Belayneh — University of Missouri
Lily Lewis-Stump — University of Colorado-Boulder
Sloan Marion — Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale
Micah Bender — St. Louis Community CollegeMeramec
Christopher McFadden — Lincoln University
Daryl Black — University of Missouri
Ellen McGraw — Webster University
Henry Braeske — University of Missouri
Karen McKinney — Lincoln University
D’Lija Brown — Loyola University Chicago
Michael McMahon — Job Corps Sharmake Mohamed — Washington University
Jakelle Brown — Hickey College Marvin Bullard — Mineral Area College
Gabriela Moreno — South Illinois University
Deja Carter — Clark Atlanta University
Kerstin Morley — St. Louis University
Isaac Clark — Missouri S&T
Alice Mutrux — Loyola UniversityChicago
Talan Clark — University of Missouri-St. Louis
Jihira Patton — Missouri Baptist University
Asia Cole — Southeast Missouri State University
MyLiah Patton — Lincoln University Ronnell Perkins — University of Missouri
Roman Cotruta — University of Missouri-St. Louis
Benjamin Pomerantz — University of Richmond
Jerome Cradler — University of Georgia Tamia Crawford—Southeast Missouri State University
Porcia Rhodes — Forest Park Community College Asante Robinson — Philander Smith College
Dajah Cunningham — Missouri State University Walter Deitzler -- University of Alabama-Huntsville Moynea Devrouax — Florida State University Kayla Donald — University of Missouri-St. Louis Keira Duncan — University of Missouri Dante Edwards — University of Central Missouri Simone Foxx — University of Missouri-St. Louis Derrick Freeman — University of Missouri-St. Louis Lilian Getachew — University of Missouri-St. Louis Perri Griffith — Georgia State University Courteney Hall — Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville
Myiesha Jamison — Missouri Baptist University Jordan Jenkins — University of Missouri-Kansas City Jordan Jennings — Lindenwood University Alexus Johnson — Texas Southern University Arin Johnson — Texas Southern University Malik Johnson — Missouri Baptist University Bryanna Jones — Missouri Baptist University Diamond Jones — Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale
D’Mario Rogers-Miller — Central Methodist University Brianna Sanford — Tennessee State University Calvin Schroer — University of Central Missouri Brandon Scott — Western Illinois University Alyina Singer — Culver-Stockton College Briana Smith — Forest Park Community College Keonn Smith — University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Samantha Strand — St. Louis University Marlon Tuckson — University of Missouri Joshua Thomas — United States Air Force Deandria Walker — Missouri Baptist University
Brandon Harris — Tennessee State University
Cameron Keys — St. Louis Community CollegeMeramec
Aunja Harrison — Lincoln University
Walter King — Forest Park Community College
Kenneth Wilson — Lincoln University
Raven Harry — University of Missouri-St. Louis
Whitney King — Forest Park Community College
Tiana Windon — Columbia College
Andrew White — Washington University
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SENIOR LETTERS
Newspaper seniors bid farewell
Lily LewisStump Co-Editor
Alice Mutrux Co-Editor
Brooklyn Bass
Staff Writer
When I joined the U-Times staff second semester of freshman year, after only one semester of Introduction to Journalism, I never expected to continue throughout high school and I especially did not anticipate becoming an editor just the next school year. Being a part of this staff has definitely been a highlight of my high school experience, and I must say it is mostly due to Ms. Alice Mutrux. She has been my guiding light and support through every issue, layout, and cut-out. I wouldn’t rather co-edit a publication with anyone else. I must also thank Daniel Williamson, Christine Politte and Sophia Kenyon for making this staff so completely memorable over the past few years. Being around these sleek sleuths everyday made the experience a million times more fun. Even though I am not continuing an education in journalism, I have learned many valuable skills and had so much fun. If given the opportunity, I would join the staff again in a heartbeat. As my twelve years of U. City schooling draw to a close, I find myself reflecting on my cumulative experience attending this bizarrely wonderful place. I have always been given the choice to leave the district, and sometimes I wonder how my personality would have been shaped if I had taken my parents up on that offer. In retrospect, I realize that, yes; I may have gained a better education, maybe fit in better, and had a more well-rounded high school experience. What I wouldn’t have gained is tolerance, the ability to fend for myself, and a sense of individuality. I can say that I wouldn’t trade my adventures at U. City for anything. Just like any other school, there are struggles and there are joys, but U. City is unique in its attitude and amazing history. Congrats and good luck to the class of 2015! It’s been real but I hope I never have to see any of you again :) Since transferring from Rosati-Kain High School to U. City my sophomore year, I have drastically transformed my thinking and developed new perspectives. Initially, my first inclination was to dislike becoming a U. City “Lion.” Coming from the outside, U. City did not have the most glamorous, positive reputation. For this reason, I promised myself to go through the rest of my high school career untouched and unaffected by my classmates and faculty members. It did not take too long to realize that life does not go as planned. By senior year, I ended up making lasting friendships, becoming very involved, and holding up the “U” unashamed. I also became grateful to all the teachers that inspired me to be a better person. In fact, if it were not for Mr. Cloud, Ms. Hackmeyer and Ms. Strohm, I probably would have left high school just as ignorant as I came in. Of course, life does go on. There is so much more to learn and discover. I want to meet new people, create a new circle of friends, and become successful. I anticipate attending Duke University and paving a bright future for my family and me. Still, moving on from high school remains bittersweet. There has always been a sense of safety here. Knowing that coming to school everyday and completing my work can yield positive results is not always easy but so cut and dry. Beyond high school, the ingredients for success are not so clear. There are so many factors involved that can shape one’s future. Despite the uncertainties I have about my future, I feel prepared to tackle it head on. To fight no matter what the circumstances is a principle I applied in these halls — a principle I will take with me for the rest of my life. For this reason, I will forever remember my experiences at U. City, when I needed this determination most.
U. CITY LIBRARY NEEDS YOU!
Volunteer for the summer program If you like kids and want to meet friends, win prizes and earn community service hours, call 727-3150 or download our application from ucitylibrary.org.
Teen Summer Reading Program Volunteer Training Thur., May 14 Tues., May 19 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Mon. May 18 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Upcoming summer teen programs Video Making Workshops T-shirt Design Anime Writing Contest 3-D Printing Workshop Carnival Gaming
Thurs. May 28 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
VIE MO
if we...
were a
Step Up
Pitch Perfect “I got into singing because I just really like the way choral music sounds, and I want to recreate that kind of sound as best as I can. I’ve been singing in church since I was in elementary school. ‘Pitch Perfect’ has been one of my favorite movies since it came out, and it has inspired me to join an all-male a cappella group since last year.” -Henry Braeske
She’s the Man
“Dancing has made me a better me. I am more confident and outspoken; when I am having problems I leave everything on the dance floor. Dancing “I decided to be more active and I really like being part of a team. is very relaxing and helps me to keep calm and stay When you’re on a girls only team you feel like family. I still wish motivated. I dance to tell a story and send out an girls were treated the same as guys when it comes to sports. If emotional connection between me and the audiguys can do it, girls can do it better.” ence.” -Tamia Crawford - Deandria Walker
7 Clueless
“I identify with the character of Cher because she’s a confident, fabulous fashionista. Yeah, she’s a little ditsy and definitely a stereotypical Valley Girl, but she’s also cunning, clever and driven when it comes to achieving what she wants. On the outside she appears to be an airhead and she is totally materialistic and vain, but there’s also other sides to her. She’s a dumb blonde with a heart of gold.” -Alice Mutrux
Revenge of the Nerds “People always say I’m a nerd, probably because I play Dungeons and Dragons and League of Legends. I do robotics and want to be an engineer so that also has some influence. Also, my best subjects are math and science, so I fit the stereotype pretty well. The only difference is that I am a pretty social person. I am also very attractive.“ -Walter Deitzler
10 Things I Hate About You
“I wouldn’t say I’m a bad boy. All I do is play basketball, go home and come to school. Sometimes I have an attitude, but I just feel like I’m antisocial unless it’s with certain people. When people get to know me, they’ll find that I’m really a good guy and I’m really funny.” -Daryl Black
Drum Line
BrBring it on n
“Drumming is a passion I’ve always had since I was little. It’s just another way to express your feelings— with music. I started playing when I was five. I got a drum set for Christmas one year and I just started playing drums and I liked it.” -Michael McMahon
Coming to America
Bring It On
“Yes, what people don’t know about me is that I’m secretly an African Prince. Just kidding! It’s just me, Yab, with the funny accent! I moved here two and a half years ago. Moving here, I used to be shy, but I’m not anymore. I came out of my shell. Also, I didn’t come to America looking for love, but that doesn’t mean I won’t find it.” -Yab Belayeh
“I always wanted to try cheerleading, but I was always scared to try out. At first I was really intimidated by the amount of flexibility involved, but then I started to see a lot of improvement. After a while I realized that cheerleading is definitely the sport for me.”
-Brooklyn Bass
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Bollywoo
King and Queen
Prom meets expectations Just after they are announced prom queen and king, seniors Brianna Sanford and Christopher McFadden take a moment to relish their victory and pose for pictures. Sanford and McFadden shared a dance and wore their royal sashes and headgear for the rest of the night.
Prince and Princess
Juniors Cameron Davis and Justice Wyatt won prince and princess. “it was a night to remember,” said Wyatt. “I’m glad to win it [prom court] with Cam. I did my best to look like a glamorous Barbie doll.”
Walking into the Windows on Washington venue on May 9, juniors and seniors were greeted with vibrant drapes hung from the ceiling, balloons scattered around the area, and expectations met for the Bollywood-themed annual prom. Even though it seemed likely that turnout would be bleak, due to the requirement of 90% attendance to buy a ticket along with the senior class’s poor attendance this year, the event seemed jam-packed. Students from the Lieberman Learning Center and students that have transferred to other schools were in appearance. Upon arrival at the prom students could take professional pictures and listen to music as all of the guests slowly trickled in. Throughout the evening a DJ played the latest hits to which the students, and some teachers, danced. Ms. Pezzolla drew attention with her dance moves. Students began arriving at 7 pm, dined around 9 pm and danced the night away until the unwanted end at 11 pm. -Story by Lily Lewis-Stump
Prom-goers crowd around the front of the room as Ms. Lauterborn, student council advisor, announces the 2015 prom king, queen, prince and princess. LAYOUT DESIGN BY ALICE MUTRUX AND LILY LEWIS-STUMP
od Nights
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Devin Brookfield and Corey Mason, seniors, lean on the bar and people-watch while they take a break from dancing. Besides serving dinner, the event staff provided nonalcoholic shirley temples to attendees. Hamza Stewart, Yabsra Belayneh, Joshua Stueck, Mia Hicks-Thomas, Joseph Martin and Roman Cotruta pose for a picture. PHOTOS BY DELLA COX, CATHERINE HOFF AND TANEYA PARKER
Adeyinka Adekunle, senior, enjoys his prom night grooving to Bobby Schmurda. “Prom was awesome and fun, I danced and enjoyed myself,” said Adekunle. “My date looked super pretty. It was the perfect end to senior year.”
Left: Justice Wyatt and Jillian Pritchard, juniors, pose for a picture after dinner. After the meal of salad, stuffed chicken, vegetables and potato wedges, many attendees made a beeline for the dance floor. Above: Senior couple Diamond Jones and Cameron keys slowdance midway through the night. “Prom was really fun. It was great to see everyone dressed up and happy,” said Jones. “The music was good but it could’ve been better. The people made it worth it.” Right: Senior Maurice House clears the dance floor with his dramatic whips to the music. “I was showing my friends how good I could dance,” he said.
10 Isaac Clark Sports: Soccer, water polo Sports Accomplishment: Water polo captain for three years College: Missouri S&T Future Plans: Engineering Quote: “I have several things to say to you, and I forgot all of them.”
Henry Braeske Sports: Water polo, swimming Sports Accomplishments: Swim team captain, 50 freestyle less than 30 seconds College: University of Missouri Future Plans: Graduate with a degree in chemical engineering, work in the field until 50, teach until retirement Quote: “Four years without a concussion puts me ahead of the game!”
Walter Deitzler Sports: Soccer, water polo Sports Accomplishment: Water polo captain College: University of Alabama--Huntsville Future Plans: Get a mechanical engineering degree, work in space exploration Quote: “Set or feed. When I am not drowning someone in water polo, I am building robots, playing Dungeons and Dragons, or winning an online game.”
SCHOLAR
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ATHLETES
Myiesha Jamison Sports: Cheerleading, soccer Sports Accomplishment: Scholar Athlete Award Signing College: Missouri Baptist University Future Plans: Majoring in criminal justice, minoring in forensic science Quote: “Play every game as if it is your last game.”
POST-DISPATCH SCHOLAR ATHLETE Benjamin Pomerantz
Sports: Cross country, baseball, basketball Sports Accomplishment: Two-time state qualifier (cross country) College: University of Richmond Future Plans: Undecided Quote: ”My fastball got all the way to 25 miles per hour!”
Brooklyn Bass Sport: Cheerleading Sports Accomplishments: Co-captain, voted “Most School Spirit” for four consecutive seasons College: Duke Future Plans: Attend Duke University and major in public policy Quote: “Cheer is my life’s objective. I want to work to be so accomplished and look good while doing it.”
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SCHOLAR
Adekunle Adeyinka Sports: Varsity soccer, tennis Sports Accomplishments: MVP, captain and sportsmanship awards (soccer) College: University of Missouri Future plans: Majoring in nursing, playing intramural soccer and trying out for club soccer Quote: “I’ve learned so much about life with a ball at my feet.”
Alexus Johnson Sports: Cheerleading, volleyball College: Texas Southern University Future plans: Major in registered nursing or in broadcasting Quote: “Cheering your teammates on always was supportive and helped get the win.”
Derrick Freeman Sports: Baseball, basketball, cross country Sports Accomplishments: First Team All-Conference (baseball), threetime state qualifier (cross country) College: University of Missouri—St. Louis Future Plans: Accounting/Logistics Quote: “They give a round bat, throw a round ball and tell me to hit it square. Then I go to school. That’s all.”
Jordan Jennings Sports: Track and field, softball, cheerleading Sports Accomplishments: Varsity captain, 2012 MSHAA State Champion (track and field) Signing College: Lindenwood University--Belleville Future Plans: Study athletic training at Belleville, then become a track coach, maybe even for U. City Quote: “I was running on the track wit’ my woes! Pass the baton and go!”
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ATHLETES
Andrew White Sport: Cross country Sports Accomplishment: 22:36 5K (personal record) College: Washington University in St. Louis Future plans: “I plan to do important work in the field of conservation and to exercise my skills as a writer.” Quote: “Cross country is unlike other sports in that you, and you alone, are responsible for your success. You have to stick with it and persevere. I would also like to declare my undying support for Liverpool.”
Juan Carlos Munoz-Reyes Sport: Soccer Sports Accomplishment: Scored a goal every season College: St. Louis Community College--Florissant Valley Future Plans: Getting an associates’ degree in computer science Quote: “Work hard, have dedication.”
Brianna Sanford Sports: Field hockey, soccer, basketball, cheerleading Sports Accomplishments: All-Academic Athlete award and McConnell award College: University of Missouri—St. Louis Future Plans: Major in fashion design Quote: “When the season gets tough, never quit and remember to have fun.”
YEARBOOKS STILL AVAILABLE! Don’t miss out on the 2015 award-winning yearbook! Just $50. See Mrs. Williams in Room 346.
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Meet the
U-Times May 2015
STAFF Lily LewisStump
Alice Mutrux
ALICE: My time in newspaper has been long and often excruciatingly frustrating. Even so, at least I can say that I’ve learned the ups and downs of being on a team of people frantically attempting to put together a newspaper knowing absolutely nothing about InDesign or Illustrator. More than anything, I appreciate the friendships I have gained from these four years. My love will never fade for the amazing newspaper staff. Dan the Merman (Long Legs Magoots), Franny B, Lil’
Daniel Williamson “To live will be an awfully big adventure.” –J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan. Throughout the journey of life everyone will go down a road that they may be unfamiliar with. If they embrace their curiosity rather than cowering in fear then they will find adventure, happiness, and inner peace. And you might even make friends along whatever path you travel. I’ve met everyone from Bubbles to Frankie Flounder to Jellyfish Jo to Hurricane Han to Coral Chris to Electric Eel Em and Brooky Buoy. Regardless of the path, follow it until you find the buried treasure at the end of the trail.
Po, Mojo Jojo, LubLub, Mama Han, Brooky B, and Jelly Lump are the best staff members to ever grace the pages of the U-Times. LILY: Being an editor of the newspaper for the past three years has been quite the experience. It has been completely horrible and absolutely wonderful all at the same time. It’s definitely going to be one of the most memorable parts of high school. Shout out to Alice Elaine for keeping it real.
Brooklyn Bass
As my high school journey comes to a close, I do not regret joining the newspaper staff. During the two years of being on the staff, I have learned a lot about how the communications industry works. Although I will not go into print journalism, I will take the knowledge I have learned and apply it as an aspiring broadcast journalist. Trust me, it will not be the last time U. City hears of me. Today, you see me in the U-Times. Tomorrow, you just might recognize me on CNN. I promise to stay humble, but one has to recognize a queen when they see one. So officially, Queen B has left the building.
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U-Times May 2015
Hannah Fuller
Francene Bethune
My first year of newspaper has been a great experience. It has taught me how to fail, recover, and try again, plus deal with the off-key singing brought to you by A-Muzzi and Dan the Merman. Newspaper has made me a more patient and organized person. I loved getting to know all of the crazy people who worked next to me and I will miss all the seniors who are leaving us for their next adventure. Next year will be a new chapter in this wild story and I’m excited I get to live through it alongside my fabulous friend, Johanna Hill.
Never limit yourself from the news you can capture because my second year in Newspaper may be limited but my ability to capture hard news has opened my eyes to amazing writing from my U-Times staff. Even though this is the last year for our seniors, they might be gone but the memories and fun times with Hannah Banana, Dan the Merman, Jojo Mojo, A Muzzi, Chrissy the bean, Emily the mammie and Brookie Brook are not. We have created memories that will live on in each and everyone forever.
Christine Politte
Johanna Hill
Sure, newspaper has its own time during the school day, but you can’t even begin to describe it with the word “class”. It’s an experience: running around the school getting interviews, listening to A-Muzzi and Danny Boy sing 90’s TV show theme songs, surviving your first story getting marked up by Ms. Williams’ editing pen. I’ve learned so
much from my Newspaper family. They force me to be a more confident and fabulous person every day, and I’m devastated that I only got to spend one year with them. Next year will bring new challenges and adventures as I take on the role of Yearbook editor with my beautiful soul mate Hannah Fuller.
This staff is like a family, albeit a rather dysfunctional one. But along with the constant flow of off-beat ideas and crazy nicknames (“Chrissy the bean?” Seriously?), you guys have passion and spirit that makes every day here an adventure. I’ll miss our seniors, Alice, Lily and Brooklyn, as well as the Hanna(h)s, who are defecting to yearbook. I can’t wait to see what next year will bring!
5 1 U-Times May 2015
#freshmanflashback
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1: Mychal Benson, Henry Braeske, Kristen Hines, Andrew White, Da’Nae Dease, Niza Ming, Keira Duncan,
5: Aunjae Harrison, Bryanna Jones, Marvin Bullard, Michael Lavender, Alice Mutrux, Myah Waters, Lily LewisStump, Benjamin Pomerantz, Jasmine Warlick, Myieshia Jamison, Dajeh Warren, Walter Dietzler
Chris Andry
Sloan Marion
Azariah Washington
Voted “Most Changed Since Freshman Year,” Andry reflects on his past as drastically shorter. “I hated how I looked,” said Andry. “I felt like I was ugly and a foot shorter. I am glad I stayed true to myself.”
Self-described as a hipster, Sloan Marion attempted to channel his style on picture day. “Man, my picture was embarrassing,” said Marion.
Washington acknowledges the social changes she has had to make since freshman year. “I don’t associate with the people I used to.”
Although he cringes when looking at his freshman self, Johnson admits that he occassionally misses his dreadlocks. “I liked my dreads because they kept me warm in the winter.”