2013-2014 Wingspan Issue 1 by Wingspan

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FALCONS ‘ROAR’ FOR KATY PERRY Students join to combat bullying and compete in ‘Good Morning, America’ video contest

S H O U L D H E A LT H C A R E COVER SEX C HAN GE? Manning decision creates controversy

7 12

LOSING RELIGION

Increasing number of young Americans identify themselves as ‘nones’

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opinion 5 staff editorial

features cont 16 child stars

6 - 7 editorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; columns

17 dance fads

news 8 transgender

a&e 18 - 19 reviews

ontents

check us out on wingspanonline.net

What health insurance should not cover

Find out what the staff thinks

Bradley Manning sparks transgender discussion

9 middle east

Conflicts, violence continue to be a pressing issue

Miley Cyrus shows a need for attention

WNC offers the best coffee and music scene

sports 20 - 21 wrap-ups

Fall sports teams finish out season in strong fashion

10 gun violence

Aaron Alexis shooting could be tied to violent video games

features 12 - 13 religion

Churches express concern as young people abandon religion

Twerking: Inappropriate or acceptable?

22 sports feature

Senior tennis players talk doubles game

events 23 music quiz

Discover the perfect playlist for any mood

15 blurred lines

Pop song causes uproar

staff EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Suzanne English Lauren Stepp Anna Yarbrough EDITORS-IN-CHIEF (WEB) Austin Downing Katie Miller MANAGING EDITOR Austin Woodard

FEATURE EDITOR Shannon Miller

DESIGN EDITOR Sierra Fender

ASSISTANT FEATURE EDITORS Alex Ginn Kayla Petri

SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Murray

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Caroline Ward

JUNIOR EDITOR Sarah Wentzel

ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Carlie Gillespie

wingspan

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Amy Turlington TECH CREW Patrick Martin

STAFF WRITERS Josh Conner Katlyne Featherstone Charlotte Grush Samuel Littauer Sofia Molina Leah Murphy Anali Nielsen Bobby Slagle Sarah Stertzbach

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH Sarah Littauer

The student forum of West Henderson High School is published four times each year by the newspaper journalism class. The purpose of Wingspan is to convey school and community news to the students, faculty, administration and community. Wingspan content is determined by an

editorial board of student editors. Wingspan is a Southern Interscholastic Press Association All-Southern, National Scholastic Press Association All-American, Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist and N.C. Scholastic Media Association All-North Carolina and Tar

Heel Award publication. Staff editorials express the opinion of the editorial board. Columns reflect the opinions of the writer. Circulation is 2,000. Printed by Target Printing & Distribution of Fayetteville, N.C. 28273. Contact the staff at wingspan@henderson.k12.nc.us.

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Staff opinion:

Health insurance coverage should not include sex reassignment for transgendered individuals

ournalists scrambled as they attempted to cover the breaking news, more specifically which pronoun to use in their articles after Army Private Bradley Manning was convicted of violating the Espionage Act for turning over classified government documents to Wikileaks. After being sentenced to 35 years in prison, Manning announced his desire to become a woman and to serve out his prison sentence as “Chelsea.” Manning expressed a desire for the government to pay for the surgerical procedure that would change his gender, arguing it was medically necessary for his mental health. According to research done at the University of California in Los Angeles, Manning is one of nearly 700,000 Americans who identify as being transgendered. These individuals experience a disconnect between their psychological gender and their

biological sex. Millions of Americans look in the mirror daily and cringe at their crooked noses or tug uncomfortably at tight shirts that accent an unwanted 20 pounds. Some of them consider weight loss surgery, some consider nose jobs. Others consider sex reassignment surgery, altering their anatomical makeup in order to embrace a sense of their self-identity. Controversy around Manning’s announcement has spurred debate as to whether or not health insurance should cover the expenses that a gender reassignment operation would entail. While this issue weighs heavily on an individual’s mental disposition, other physical insecurities have the same effect. Facial birthmarks or obesity may be just as much reason for someone to adopt a poor body image. The topic is clearly subjective.

For example, surgeons can straighten a crooked nose, but that individual can avoid such a drastic and costly remedy by developing a new perspective. A male who feels trapped in the body of a female, can express his gender through inexpensive cosmetic alterations and changes to his state of mind. Hair and clothing can be modified and a more androgynous name can be used. Someone shouldn’t decide to change their biological sex over night. Saving for the surgery would give the individual time to consider the pros and cons of the decision, avoiding a severe and almost irreversible modification that could cost thousands of dollars. Everyone struggles with body image, but health care should be dedicated to unavoidable expenses, rather than operations that can be viewed as unnecessary.

opinion | 05

Feet and journalism: Conference offers new perspective by | Lauren Stepp

have weird feet. They are wide and short and ultimately inconvenient. For years, Rack Room Shoes was my venom, Shoe Carnival was not a festival in any respect and Crocs were just never an option. I was almost considering fashioning a pair of homemade moccasins or simply going barefoot when my plight for footwear led me to a size eight Vans skate shoe. Two years later, the laces were fraying at the ends and the maroon cloth was oil-stained from too many supermarket parking lots, but they continued to do the job. At least, until the summer before senior year. Though I may digress, I must mention what brought me here (other than the shoes on my feet). With the beginning of high school came the beginning of my career as a journalist. Freshman year I joined one of the most awarding-winning student newspaper staffs in the country —

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instantly discovering a passion for writing, infographics and even dreaded deadlines. Each assigned story was a new opportunity. I craved contention, using writing to spotlight anything from the topic of evolution in public schools to the subject of rape. It has always been my goal to push journalism beyond the headlines and off the pages. Thus, I was ecstatic when it was announced that I would be representing North Carolina at the Al Neuharth “Free Spirit” and Journalism Conference in July 2013. To qualify as a “free spirit” one had to be a risk-taker, a visionary, an innovative leader, an entrepreneur, or a courageous achiever who journeyed beyond expectations. Prior to attending the conference in Washington, D.C., I educated myself on Al Neuharth, the organization’s late founder. Neuharth was a war veteran, an editor, an American businessman, columnist and creator of USA Today — the most widely read newspaper in the country. I recall staring at my maroon Vans despairingly. Now I had big shoes to fill. I had not only the honor of representing my state, but also the responsibility of living up to the Neuharth definition of a journalist. Tattered and grime-doused sneakers were not going to cut it any longer, so with a

grimace and a mission to find something more “appropriate,” I entered the ninth circle of footwear — Shoe Palace. In July, a pair of cobalt-blue dress flats and I flew 500 hundred miles away from our small town of Hendersonville. During the first layover, I detected something was awry. The stiff leather material slipped up and down with each step, never quite adhering to the shape of my foot. Due to limited suitcase space, packing only one pair of shoes appeared to be a seemingly intelligent decision, yet two hours and four blisters into my excursion, I began to think differently. For a week I trudged through the nation’s capital, my heels resembling a bloody war scene. I began to long for those size eight Vans skate shoes with the fraying laces and oil-stained cloth. At the start of the forum, I had a preconceived notion that this honor required me to fill the shoes of someone else— to follow in the footsteps of a predecessor. However, as the week progressed I began to truly comprehend that I am a “free spirit” because I cannot wear any shoes other than my own. I will always have weird feet. They are wide and short and ultimately inconvenient. Rack Room Shoes is my venom, Shoe Carnival is not a festival in any respect, and Crocs will never be an option.

photo by | Steven Grayson

photo by | Sarah Littauer

Hear Us Roar|As freshman Bradleigh Robinson sings along to the lyrics of Katy Perry’s “Roar,” she holds up her homemade anti-bullying sign. | With hands in the air, freshmen Mallorie Keel and Mikaela Teague rock to the beat. “I think since we made the video to prevent bullying it’s really made an impact,” Teague said. | Senior Mitchell McCrary dons a crown and wide smile during the filming of the video. | One of the first to hit the field, freshman Jackson Whiting, leads everyone onto the field. “That was one of my favorite times of the year,” Whiting said. “We had so much school spirit, and everyone had fun.”

Combating bullying: Falcons ‘roar’ for Katy Perry by | Anna Yarbrough

hat is it like to be a Falcon? At the beginning of my freshman year, I walked onto campus just like many freshmen do, scared and excited. I was scared of the “giant” seniors, but excited that I was able to finally say, “I’m in high school.” I had attended West football and basketball games as an eighth grader, but now I was part of the student section. Sadly, I was disappointed by what freshman year had to offer. The first football game I attended as a freshman was disheartening. Our student section was

impossible to find because of the lack of students and the lack of spirit. The small amount of West support came from parents and siblings of football players. Luckily, I had dragged some friends along. We stayed and watched with the few supporters then left, disappointed with our first high school football experience. Now as a senior, I want to say one thing. Thank you, Falcons! Your school spirit is amazing. I don’t know what has changed, but something has. This year, Spirit Week was spectacular. I have never seen so many tropical T-shirts parading down our halls, nor so much red, white and blue for Freedom Friday. The rest of Henderson County should take a note out of our book. The students at our games are head and shoulders above the rest. On Sept. 23, my respect and pride for my school grew even larger. Taking to the football field with the rest of my Falcon family, I couldn’t help but smile as we danced and sang along to

Katy Perry’s song “Roar.” I know that many of you (as well as myself) were hoping that Perry would be at our school to serenade us. Even though we didn’t win, I know we’re the best. My freshman year, West would not have been able to do what we did on that fall afternoon. The participation was remarkable. I saw students dancing and singing that normally avoid pep rallies and organized functions like the plague. Teachers and faculty members shook their tail feathers. The camaraderie helped me realize how much I love my school. Keep that school spirit. Underclassmen, remember what it feels like to be a Falcon and keep that going. West has a lot to be proud of, and I know that in the years to come, we’ll have many more victories. So Falcons, hold your heads high and continue to be proud and cheer on your school. We are just starting to become what I wanted out of my freshman year.

opinion | 07

Battle Sexes: of the

News story prompts gender discussion by | Joel Fennimore

he world watched the news in confusion as they heard that Private Bradley Manning, the man convicted of leaking government secrets to Wikileaks, considers himself a female and wants to be called “Chelsea.” The New York Times agreed to do just that. Manning is a “transgendered” individual, a person whose self-identity does not conform to conventional notions of male or female gender. “Transgender,” an umbrella term, refers to those with identities that do not completely conform to society’s definitions of male and female. “People are afraid of what they don’t understand,” Julianna Stout, a science teacher at West, said. “Some people are afraid of others just because they are different than themselves, but in reality, we are really the same. I think because some people don’t understand it, they put those people off. That bothers me. They’re still the same people.” The Manning case has raised numerous questions. “I have many friends who are transgender, and it really doesn’t make a difference to me whether they’re male or female. It doesn’t matter whether they’re born that way or whether they change,” Stout said. “I think it would be very difficult to be trapped in a physical body that didn’t match who you truly felt you were. I can’t even imagine what that would be like. To have the ability to make the inside and outside match is a great thing. You are who you are.” The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ) community has expressed the hope that the Manning situation will raise awareness about the challenges faced by transgendered individuals. That is also the goal of the Falcon Alliance club at West. Club members recently placed “I’m an ally and this is a safe place” signs on the doors of teachers who agreed to oppose bullying targeted at LGBTQ students. “Falcon Alliance has been going on for about three years. Though it is a student led group, I keep in contact with the other schools. Every school in Henderson County has a version of Falcon Alliance,” Stout said. “Of course, they all have different names, but it’s all the same thing. I feel West as a whole is very accepting, just look how many of those little safe-place stickers are on teachers’ doors.” Coming out to parents, teachers and students is a potential challenge for LGBTQ students. “I haven’t had anyone tell me they were transgender while they were still in school, but I have had some that told me afterward. It’s sad when a student feels like they don’t have someone to talk to about it,” Stout said.

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Global Issues

Affairs in the Middle East bring the war closer to home by | Carlie Gillespie

ictims of the recent chemical weapon attacks in Syria twitched and suffocated as the caustic sarin gas swept through the streets of their communities. Some victims covered their faces with towels and clothing in an attempt to save themselves, CBS News reported. Many of these 1,000-plus victims were women and children. “In some ways, I think we should take care of the problems,” Angela Perry, AP European History teacher, said. “We could help the Middle Eastern countries get established on the road to democracy, but if they do not want democracy, who are we to tell them democracy is the way to live?”

The Middle Eastern conflicts date back to Biblical times. “I’m not so sure these problems can be resolved by the United States,” Frank Gerard, social studies teacher, said. “Some of these problems go back to the Old Testament and for a young nation of 225 years to come along and think they can solve problems is naive.” It’s difficult for the American government to provide help for countries in the Middle East without fear of supporting terrorists. “The problem right now for the administration is trying to tell the good guys from the bad guys,” Gerard said. “Now it looks like it’s bad guys fighting worse guys.” America is dependent on the Middle East for

oil and has strong ties to Israel, so it is difficult for the United States to avoid being involved. “It’s a Catch 22. Until we become energy self sufficient, we are going to be involved whether we like it or not,” Gerard said. “The question is, how involved do we need to be and who do we involve ourselves with?” The Egyptian military provides security to much of the Arab world, including the small countries of the Arabian Peninsula. The Middle East has 65 percent of the world’s known petroleum reserves and produces about 30 percent of the world’s oil. “Dependance on getting energy in the most unstable part of the world is probably not a good idea,” Gerard said.

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10 | news | wingspan | november 2013

MORE THANGAMES Violent video games might have negative consequences by | Caroline Ward

The Huffington Post reported that studies conducted of children who had been exposed to icking up the magic marker, the preschool violence through videogames and television shows student waved it around in the air. He was have shown that they can become numb to the imagining it was a lightsaber from his favorhorror and real consequences of their violent beite show, Star Wars: The Clone havior. Wars. Turning around, he told Children may also mimic In Call of Duty his friend to grab a toy so they the violence they see and show could have a lightsaber duel. more aggressive behavior toand Battlefield They dueled throughout the ward their peers, teachers and there is quite a bit classroom, ignoring the warnparents. Some children learn of violence. You ings from the teachers and comto accept violence as a way to plaints from other students. handle problems because of shoot people and One student knocked the their exposure to violence at a blood splatters other over, causing him to get young age. hurt. “I teach preschool, everywhere. You get “At four years old, it is harder and this year I have one girl headshots and stuff. for some of these children to and two boys who have aggresregulate the intensity of sive behavior,” the preschool Garrett Baker freshman their play or to understand teacher said. “Some children or respect when a peer is seem to be less able to handle evnot enjoying the play,” said eryday frustrations and disappointa local preschool teacher who asked that her name ments, but some aggressive behaviors occur when not be used. “Sometimes the children might accichildren are acting out fighting scenes from movdentally hit a friend when they are just pretending ies or television shows.” to hit, or they hit harder than they intended to and According to the American Academy of Child the friend will get angry and hit back.” and Adolescent Psychiatry, video games also cause

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other negative traits in children such as lower social skills, poor grades and lack of exercise. Researchers disagree whether violent video games are a cause of shootings, bullying and domestic violence. Some say these games reward players for using violence, and it becomes a habit. “Once I identify aggressive children’s triggers, I try to help them avoid situations that could cause them to lose their temper and teach them social skills to better handle those situations,” the preschool teacher said. “If a child gets angry every time it’s time to clean up, then I let that child know in advance of the clean up time that there are just a couple of minutes left to play. Our school has a rule that children can’t bring toy weapons to school for show and tell, and we also discourage play fighting on the playground.” According to Science Daily, two out of every three boys and more than one in four girls between the ages of 12 and 14 have said they played at least one mature-rated video game in the past month. “I play Call of Duty, Battlefield and NBA,” freshman Garrett Baker said. “In Call of Duty and Battlefield there is quite a bit of violence. You shoot people and blood splatters everywhere. You get headshots and stuff.” Cartoon by | Alex Ginn

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photos by | Lauren Stepp

12 | feature | wingspan | november 2013

Increasing number of Americans identify as religious ‘nones’

Maybe the conservative ideals go along with Christianity, but there shouldn’t be any sort of connection.” he Bible felt heavy in his hands as sophomore In another study conducted by the Pew Research Hunter Davis read aloud the day’s scripture Center in 2012, slightly more than half of the public lesson. As he mouthed the words, he began reported that churches should stay out of politics. questioning the validity of what was before him. It Some, such as Lovejoy, feel uneasy when Christianity was in this moment, at St. Anne’s Catholic School in is mixed with government. West Palm Beach, Fla. that the teenager took a big “I think religion is way too involved in politics. step away from religion. Our country was founded upon the idea that there is “I went to a Catholic school for two years. I read a separation of church and state. America was foundthe Bible, and I remember thinking that it just wasn’t ed in an attempt to escape religious persecution,” something that convinced me that there is a god,” she said. “There shouldn’t be prayer in school and reDavis said. “It was incredibly strict. There is everyligion has no place in the court rooms. We need that thing that has to be done, or you won’t go to heaven. separation. No religion should have influence over If I didn’t follow those rules, I wasn’t going to be acour government.” cepted. I decided if I wasn’t But 30 percent of Americans begoing to be accepted, I might lieve there has been too little expresI went to a Catholic as well be an atheist.” sion of religious faith and prayer from Though only 3 percent political leaders. Even Davis believes school for two years. of Americans identify themreligion isn’t overly involved in poliI read the Bible, and selves as atheists, a recent tics. poll showed that Davis isn’t “Christians believe in the same I remember thinking alone in his doubts. Accordthings as atheists when it comes to that it wasn’t ing to a 2013 Pew Research government. Buddhists, Jews, Mussomething that Center study, one fifth of U.S. lims — we all want the same things,” citizens are now religiously Davis said. convinced me that unaffiliated. Politics may not be the only reason there is a god. “People have turned away for “loss of religion.” from religion because they The increase in the number of Hunter Davis are starting to see the neg“nones” is complex, according to the sophomore ativity of it,” Jennifer LoveRev. Kemuel Pruitt, pastor at French joy, founder and president Broad Baptist Church. of WNC Humanists, said. “I honestly think more and “There are a few things going on. Some would say more it has to do with the fact that there are more that it is a growing secularization of society — that things in science that can explain things. People don’t religion is becoming less important as a society grows need to believe in the magical or the imaginary to and develops,” he said. “Sometimes religion takes on make sense of the world that they live in. They can less significance. As society becomes more wealthy find that in science.” and more educated, that can be a trend. There are a Of the 46 million Americans who self-identified lot of influences.” as “nones” when describing their religious affiliation, Statistics regarding religious affiliation in America an overwhelming percentage said they were dissatismay also be misleading. According to a new survey fied with religious organizations because they are conducted jointly by the Pew Research Center’s Fo“too concerned with money and power, too focused rum on Religion & Public Life and the PBS television on rules and too involved in politics.” program Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly, of the 46 mil “Most people think if you are a Christian, you lion “nones,” 68 percent actually believe in God. hate gays or you are conservative. This is completely “It may be in part and not dissimilar to people false, but that is just what people think about. They identifying themselves as independents politically. A think about people who are religious or Christian lot of younger people are having a harder time with as very uptight, but that is just what they have been brand labels,” Pruitt said. “For many years there have told. They don’t actually know what they are like or been lots of people who were loosely affiliated with what they really think. It’s because of politics,” senior a particular brand of religion. Sometimes that puts Maddy Reed said. “Politics give religion a bad conyou in a box. When you say, ‘I am a Baptist,’ people notation. Just because you are conservative, doesn’t identify certain things they have heard or think about mean you are Christian. You are Christian because Baptists in general. Rather than be put into a box, of your beliefs. The two don’t actually link together. people are losing the labels.”

by | Lauren Stepp

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feature | 13

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Top-hit pop song, video creates controversy by | Suzanne English

ight pants and see-through shirts stretch across the bodies of teenage girls. Dancing up close to sweaty boys at a school dance, the girls sing along with the the lyrics, “I know you want it, I know you want it,” trying to duplicate the explicit content that they have seen over and over again in a popular music video. The racy lyrics and steamy music video featuring topless models dancing around five male singers belong to the song “Blurred Lines,” a recent hit song by American-Canadian singer, song writer Robin Thicke. “Blurred Lines” was released in March 2013, hitting number one on the U.S Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart. It became Thicke’s first number one as well as the most controversial song of the summer. “I don’t think people got it,” Thicke said to BBC’s Newsbeat. “I wrote it about my wife… she’s my good girl, and I know she wants it because we’ve been together for 20 years.” Following the release of “Blurred Lines,” the song received mixed reviews starting a worldwide controversy. The sexual and explicit content has people questioning the influence of pop culture and what is considered appropriate for radio tunes. “The song didn’t really shock me all that much because I know there are other, sometimes more, suggestive songs, such as songs by artists like Miley Cyrus and songs about whips and chains,” English teacher Laurene Carnes said. “I just hate that the tune is so catchy.” In Britain students took action against Thicke’s arguably sexist and

“rape-y” lyrics. Earlier this fall five British universities banned the song from campus bars, citing their view that the song promotes rape culture. Kingston, Edinburgh, Leeds, Derby and West Scotland universities’ student unions have all successfully implemented the ban. “The decision to ban ‘Blurred Lines’ from our venues has been taken as it promotes an unhealthy attitude towards sex and consent. (Edinburgh University Students’ Association) has a policy on zero tolerance towards sexual harassment, a policy to end lad culture on campus and a safe space policy — all of which this song violates,” EUSA Vice President of Services Kirst Haigh said in an statement to The Daily Beast. In the American educational setting the song has incited similar controversy. The marching band at the University of Ohio cut their performance of “Blurred Lines” in late September during a halftime show at a football game. According to a spokeswoman from the university, the conductor was unaware of the controversy the song had ignited, but after a meeting with the administration had reached a “consensus.” On Oct. 1, a high school dance coach in Wisconsin was fired after choreographing a performance of the song. “The schools walk a very narrow line because we are not parents, but we are the adults and the authority,” Carnes said. “And as long as we try to expose them (students) to good things and use the resources we have and keep kids aware and informed they can take it out into society. We don’t want to restrict them but we don’t want to shock them. We owe it to the students to give them more than the content.” According to a new report in The Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, one in three popular songs contain explicit references to drug or alcohol use. “I definitely don’t think it is appropriate,” senior Emily Pruitt said. “Everyone who watches it says how raunchy and demeaning it is. Even though we all know that it is wrong, we keep watching it.”

entertainment | 15

Child star makes rocky transition into adulthood by | Alex Ginn

s about 10.1 million people recently watched the 2013 Video Music Awards (VMA), former “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus created a Twittershere earthquake with her controversial dance performance of “Blurred Lines” with performer Robin Thicke The tweets peaked at around 306,100 per minute. Cyrus now holds the record for having the most tweeted-about VMA performance, with 4.5 million mentions from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., pushing Justin Timberlake to second place with his 2.9 million mentions. “After sticking out her tongue and singing, ‘We Can’t Stop’ with giant teddy bears, things took a turn,” Carly Mallenbaum, a writer for USA Today said. “For ‘Blurred Lines’, she stripped down to a nude bikini, touched Robin Thicke with a foam finger and did a Jersey Turnpike grind on him.” Although some viewers expressed shock at Cyrus’s performance, others were not as horrified. “I may be in the minority, but I do not understand why people were so shocked by Miley Cyrus’s VMA performance,” Susan Minichiello, a reporter

16 | features | wingspan | november 2013

for the Sidney Herald said. “Maybe it was scandalous because it broke away so definitively from Old Miley, a squeaky-clean Disney star who performed country pop alongside her father. But so what if it did? Don’t we all change from how we were when we were 14 years old?” Others believe Cyrus’s performance went too far. “She has been an inspiration to many people, and I think that when she was growing up on the Disney Channel she was a role model to a lot of kids,” junior Jamie Speth said. “It was just a big shock that she all of the sudden, out of no where, changed.” Junior Hayley Lindsey said many factors may have been the cause of the change. “Hanging around older celebrities and her parents’ recent divorce were big influences in her personality change,” she said. “I feel like when she was a teenager she had to act innocent because she was Hannah Montana, who was a good figure that little kids looked up to. Once Hannah Montana went off the air, she figured she was an adult and could do whatever she wanted. Now I just think she is trying to live out her teenage years through her early 20s. She’s making up for lost time.”

Many in the media have questioned why former Disney stars such as Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen seem to have a difficult time making the transition to adulthood. “I think all celebrities go through a point where they feel like they need to be a rebel and do whatever they want,” Lindsey said, “but it’s not just celebrities that do it. It’s also average, ordinary kids that do it, too.” Others wondered if Cyrus’s performance was a publicity stunt to promote her latest album. “Miley Cyrus caused quite a stir at the VMA’s with a well-timed publicity stunt where she twerked her way into mostly negative headlines and articles containing any number of affronted adjectives that people use when a girl gets up on stage on live television and removes most of her clothing in order to twerk with a foam finger, a bunch of stuffed teddy bears and a striped Robin Thicke,” Leslie Nuccio on Meltwater.com said. “Miley is taking a page from a tried-and-true playbook: start with the hair and the clothes, then shock the world with a publicity stunt that’ll get everyone talking. And that’s because it works.”

Q & A with junior Jessica Parce

Teens get all twerked up about latest trends in dancing Q: How do you feel about twerking as a popular dance fad? A: If you’re just goofing around with your friends, it isn’t a major deal, but at a formal school dance, that would not be my thing. At certain times twerking is inappropriate because it’s sexual in ways. Q: What attracts people to this type of dancing? A: It gets people’s attention. It’s funny, but I truly have no idea where it started. Maybe someone started it as a joke just to get laughs out of people, and it started a trend. I truly have no idea where it started. Q: Do you think teenagers post videos of twerking to be accepted or get attention? A: Definitely. I think both because that’s the thing to do. That’s what’s hot right now. People think, “Oh I’m going to get attention. I’m going to post this on Facebook and get a ton of likes or I’m going to post it to Vine or Instagram because I like to twerk and everyone wants to see me twerking.” Q: Since popular dance fads come and go, like for example the Harlem Shake, what do you think will happen with twerking? A: I think that because it’s a fad and it’s stupid and everyone knows it, something new will come up.

Q: Do you think twerking is degrading? A: I think parents and older generations look at teenagers twerking and disapprove, but to us it’s not like we’re taking it seriously. We’re just messing around. Q: What role has modern technology played with promoting dance fads? A: I think modern technology has played a huge role because if we didn’t have Vine, if we didn’t have Instagram, then we wouldn’t be able to see so many videos. How would we know to do these dances or act like this if we didn’t see other people doing it? How would we know to do new things if we didn’t have the Internet to see these videos? We would have no means to see them. Q: Vine and Instagram videos are usually short. Do you think the length of these videos play a role in grasping the attention of viewers? If yes, how? A: I think modern technology has played a huge role because if we didn’t have Vine, if we didn’t have Instagram, then we wouldn’t be able to see so many videos. How would we know to do these dances or act like this if we didn’t see other people doing it? How would we know to do new things if we didn’t have the Internet to see these videos? We would have no means to see them.

To do this, simply start with your back arched so that your butt is sticking out. Next, move your butt forward, trying not to move your back. Once you move a bit, pop it back out.

Controlling your butt is the most important part of twerking and the hardest to describe. By vibrating your thighs, your butt will also shake.

Q: What makes a popular dance fad like twerking spread so rapidly? A: I truly don’t know, but I guess the more people see it on YouTube, and the more funny and ridiculous it is, the more people watch. That’s what it’s going for because while twerking, you’re just shaking your butt the whole time. I guess the bigger the shock factor, the crazier it is. The more people like it, the more people want to do it, and also the funnier it is the more attention it grabs. Q: Many schools have banned twerking. What is your opinon? A: With Dance Team we aren’t allowed to do a lot of things or anything suggestive like twerking. We aren’t allowed to take jackets off because it’s considered taking off clothing. We aren’t allowed to use certain songs and we aren’t allowed to twerk because it gives off a vibe that we are trying to be sexual. Some people think we’re trying to say something that we really aren’t. To other people, people who don’t know dance as well as we do, it looks like we’re doing more things. We’re trying to keep it classy and appropriate, but some people don’t see it as high schoolers see it. Adults might think that it is highly inappropriate and that it needs to stop, but for us it’s just the newest dance thing.

Moving your thighs in different ways also makes your butt move in different ways. Video tutorials can be found on YouTube and other sites.

features | 17

Staff gets a taste of what local coffee shops offer by | Lauren Stepp & Anna Yarbrough

endersonville is a slowpaced small town, but students are fortunate that they have choices when looking for a caffeine fix. With this in mind, Wingspan staff members went on a quest for the hottest local coffee shops. This search led them to three distinctly different venues. The adventure started at heBREWS (b), a not-for-profit coffee shop. Although religiously-affiliated, the atmosphere is welcoming. Menu items include coffee-based drinks, blended-ice drinks and ice cream, as well as Italian sodas and pastries. Online editor-in-chief Katie Miller sampled a carmel latte. “It was kind of perfect,” Miller said. “There was a perfect balance of sweetness. I could taste the caramel, but it wasn’t overpowering.” Wingspan design editor Sierra Fender satisfied her sweet tooth with the shop’s selection of ice

cream treats. She picked “Muddy Sneakers,” a premium Hershey’s blend with a white chocolate base, peanuts, caramel and fudge. “I love the heBREWS environment. It’s really laid-back and the owner is really fun,” Fender said. If you are looking for a more tranquil atmosphere to get lost in that psychology textbook, drive a little farther into Hendersonville and discover The Ugly Mug (c). With its inviting staff, comfortable couches and subtle lighting, this down-to-earth cafe is the ultimate spot to hit the books. Editor-inchief Lauren Stepp tasted a pumpkin chai latte. “It reminded me of fall. It was just what I needed to kick-start my day and the new month of October,” Stepp said. “The pumpkin was rich and gratifying, but it didn’t consume the entire beverage.” On previous visits, Stepp had enjoyed the cafe cooler, an iced coffee available in a variety of flavors. “This drink is best for the summer time. I normally get the pep-

18 | reviews | wingspan | november 2013

c. c. permint shot in the drink,” Stepp said. “It is refreshing and not too heavy.” Another delicious summer time beverage is the mango smoothie. Editorin-chief Anna Yarbrough finished her day with this revitalizing drink. “I was cramming for a precalculus test. This smoothie was an excellent fix for that afternoon drowsiness,” she said. The cafe encourages local artists to pursue their dreams with open mic night each Wednesday, starting at 8 p.m. Some of the performances have included local folk musicians. The walls are also lined with paintings and photographs of Western North Carolina. If you are searching for a more up-

beat vibe, travel into downtown Hendersonville for a coffee buzz. Black Bear (a) is a local hangout offering weekly open mic nights and regular poetry slams. “I am organizing a poetry slam for a club at school and the owner of Black Bear has been very cooperative and helpful,” Stepp said. “He even offered to stay open an hour later.” In addition to the friendly environment, the cafe offers a large menu selection, ranging from espresso to kidfriendly drinks. Yarbrough ordered a caramel latte with a chocolate drizzle. “Black Bear is an awesome hangout place, and I love the coffee there,” Yarbrough said.

Passion Pit gets “Carried Away” for fans at Orange Peel by | Anna Yarbrough

y feet stuck to the beer-glazed floor as I bounced and swayed with the crowd. Looking into the eyes of Michael Angelakos, the lead singer of Passion Pit, I could see enthusiasm spilling from him as he sang the chorus of “Take a Walk.” On Oct. 1 the American indie-pop group known as Passion Pit headlined at the Orange Peel. The show started at 9 with the opening act, The Joy Formidable, a Welsh alternative rock band. Although I had not heard much of the group prior to attending the show, I found their music to be catchy and fun. The first album released by The Joy Formidable was titled “The Big Roar,” which included one of my favorite songs, “Cradle.” “Cradle” has a fast beat that makes you want to jump. The lyrics are easy to learn and sing along with. The band exuded contagious enthusiasm while performing the song, especially bass guitarist Rhydian Dafydd and lead vocalist Rhiannon

“Ritzy” Bryan. The interaction between the two added to the carefree atmosphere. Another dance inducing song was “This Ladder is Ours” from the group’s most recent album released earlier this year, “Wolf’s Law.” Interesting and empowering lyrics as well as creative and edgy music allow the band to be compared to The Naked and Famous or a less angst-filled version of Silver Sun Pickups. After The Joy Formidable, Passion Pit took the stage, greeted by an excited crowd of teenagers and young adults. The group opened with popular tunes and interspersed more alternative, abstract songs throughout the set list. Passion Pit was formed in 2007 and consists of Angelakos on lead vocals, Ian Hultquist on keyboard and guitar, Xander Singh on synthesizer, Jeff Apruzzese on bass and Nate Donmoyer on the drums. The group performed songs from their most recent release, “Gossamer” as well as “Sleepyhead” their first single ever, released off of the debut

album “Chunk of Change.” My personal favorite performances included “Sleepyhead,” “The Reeling” and “Constant Conversations.” “Sleepyhead” was recognized and acknowledge by everyone, but “The Reeling” and “Constant Conversations” were more personal to the experienced Passion Pit listeners. Although the band performed well, had an excellent set list and evoked a great crowd response, I would not say that this was the best concert I have ever been to. The music was great and the crowd was lively, but the sound system failed a couple of times at projecting Angelakos’s voice over the drums. Still the group was definitely worth seeing, especially at such an amazing and local venue. The song that got the greatest response was of course “Take a Walk.” The group added a new energy to it, energy impossible to gain when listening to the song on CD or the radio. The instruments accompanied by the chorus that came from the audience concocted a surreal ambiance.

Loud and Proud | Michael Angelakos belts out the lyrics of “Sleepyhead” while fan sophomore Sara Yarbrough sings along. “It was awesome. Tons of my friends were there and we had lots of fun dancing and singing along with the band.” Photo used with permission of the Orange Peel. Taken by Matt Sharon

reviews | 19

Finish It Off | Running in the Cross Country Carnival

at Jackson Park, senior Kaylee Allmond advances past an East Henderson runner. | Before an early season game, junior quarterback William Crouch warms up his arm. | In a home game against East Henderson, senior Luke Earwood dribbles past an opponent. The varsity soccer team qualified for the state playoffs.

Women’s golf team finishes 2nd in state by | Amy Turlington

photo used with | permission from Lifetouch

photo by | Ralph Raesemann

he women’s golf team, led by seniors Payton Culler, Chandler Danielson and Stasia McMullen, finished in a secondplace tie with Northern Guilford at the Oct. 29 state 3A tournament at the Foxfire Country Club in Pinehurst. Ledford took the title. The team went undefeated in the regular season and won the conference tournament, with Culler placing first. “Conference is usually a two-day tournament with two 18-hole courses, but this fall it was a four-day tournament,” Culler said. “I was proud of how the team did.” Although the golfers were disappointed that they did not win the state title, they said they were satisfied with their season overall. “We had high hopes going into the tournament, and we really wanted to win, so we were kind of disappointed with our performance,” Culler said, “but we had a really good season, and that’s how we have to look at it.” Danielson, fourth, and Culler, ninth, had top 10 finishes at the state tournament.

Varsity soccer team ends 12-9-2 season by | Joel Fennimore

he varsity men’s soccer team finished the season 12-9-2 overall, 7-6-1 in the 3A Western North Carolina Athletic Conference. The junior varsity team ended the season 6-9-2 overall, 5-4-2 in conference. The varsity team lost their first-round playoff game against Foard, 2-6, on Oct. 30. “For a while we weren’t playing that well,” senior Luke Earwood said, “but the death of our coach’s dad pushed us to play our hardest.” Seniors Luke Earwood and Morgan Martin, sophomore Amir Al-Abed and freshman Tyson Hichman were named to both the all-conference and all-region teams. Earwood, Martin and Hichman were named to the Kiwanis All-Star team. “We were an inexperienced team that you can expect to hear more about in the coming years,” Head Coach Brian Brewer said. “The experience that they gained this season will help them next season and beyond.”

20 | sports | wingspan | november 2013

HOME STRETCH

photo used with | permission from Lifetouch

Lady Falcons bond over 25-3 record by | Shannon Miller

Huddle up | Sophomore Isabella Perron huddles

with her teammates after a volleyball game against North Henderson. “We were all excited and relieved to beat North because we didn’t have to worry anymore,” Perron said.

enior Caroline Hauss laughed with her teammates as she ate dinner at Hickory Tavern before driving to senior Rachel Hyatt’s house for a sleepover. The varsity volleyball team spent time together outside of practices and games. “It got a little crazy,” Hauss said, “but it was my favorite time this season.” The camaraderie paid off for the Lady Falcons as they finished the season 13-1 in conference and 25-3 overall. The team made it to the fourth round of the state 3A playoffs. “We had a really good season,” Hauss said. “It was pretty exciting.” All-conference players included freshman Mary Catherine Ball, sophomore Taylor Houck, junior Rachel Kordonowy and seniors Savanna Austin and Hauss. Austin was named co-player of the year. “The season is over now, which is really sad,” Hauss said. “It was hard to be a senior because we are all best friends because of volleyball.”

Tennis, football and XC sprint to the finish by | Sarah Wentzel & Kayla Petri

eart pounding in rhythm with her feet, junior cross country runner Brittney Naef raced toward the finish line at the Owen Invitational on Sept. 11. She finished in 22:02 to lead her team to a fifth place finish out of 23 women’s teams. The men’s team, led by senior Patrick Martin’s 18:07 finish, placed first out of 21 teams. Days later at a home tennis match against conference rival Brevard, senior Natalie Ciaramitaro twirled her racquet between her hands, preparing herself for an incoming serve. The Lady Falcon tennis team won the 3A conference title with a 17-5 record. The top six players on the team, seniors Ciaramitaro, Madison Vaughn and Anna Yarbrough, sophomores Savannah Smith and Kendall Gilliam, and freshman Carolina Herrera competed at conference, and the team won the 3A regional championship.

“Overall, our skill level has improved since the beginning of the season,” Ciaramitaro said. “It’s one of those sports that isn’t the most known sport at school, but we are one of the best teams at our school, so it’s pretty exciting.” The tennis team qualified for the state playoffs, but lost in the second round to Asheville. Ciaramitaro, Vaughn, Yarbrough, Smith, Gilliam and Herrera earned all-conference honors. A few weeks later, West’s varsity football players gathered under the lights of Johnson Stadium in a senior night match-up against conference rival East Henderson. The football team ended the season with a senior night victory over the Eagles, 28-21. With two minutes on the clock, junior quarterback William Crouch ran the ball into the end zone for a touchdown to break the 21-21 tie. The student section rushed the field following the game. “We say that the second half

wins football games. We have to go out playing harder,” junior wide receiver Alex Ball said. “I’ve learned that it takes hard work, not just on the field, but off the field, too.” The team’s season record was 1-10 overall, 1-6 in the Western North Carolina Athletic Conference. `Ball was named to the all-conference team. The junior varsity football team finished the season 9-1. Martin and freshman Dylan Shamburger led the men’s cross country team to a second-place finish at the Western Carolina Invitational. The team placed fifth at regionals on Oct. 26, just barely missing the state meet. Naef and sophomore Olivia Hogan pushed the women’s team into fourth place at the conference meet and eighth at regionals. “Both the men’s and the women’s teams made huge improvements,” Coach Tanya Shook said. “We had one boy (Martin) and one girl (Naef) who made it to state.”

sports | 21

double trouble Players reflect on partnership by | Anna Yarbrough

22 | sports | wingspan | november 2013

weat dripping from her brow, senior Madison Vaughn steadied herself and prepared to serve the ball. She glanced up at her doubles partner, senior Natalie Ciaramitaro, and gave her a reassuring look, mouthing the words, ‘Come on, Natalie, just one more point.’ Vaughn tossed the ball into the air, hitting it with a satisfying smack and sending it soaring across the court. “Tennis has just shown me that anything I set my mind to, I can do it,” Vaughn said. “Freshman year I lost almost every match. I didn’t think that I would be able to continue it because usually when I don’t succeed I don’t like doing it, but my mom was like, ‘Oh, just stick with it,’ so I stuck with it. I started to see myself improving. The more I played the more I loved the game. It taught me that you can always start at nothing and work for everything.” Vaughn and Ciaramitaro have been playing tennis together since their freshman year. Both ran middle school cross country, but they wanted to try something different when they started high school. “The summer before my freshman year I started taking lessons,” Vaughn said. “In middle school I had done cross country in the fall, and I just really didn’t want to run cross country my freshman year. So I decided to pursue a new sport, and it ended up becoming a big interest for me.” The two also became doubles partners in their freshman season. Although neither Vaughn nor Ciaramitaro had any tennis experience, it helped that they

were friends before they started playing. “In between points we can stop, we can chit chat,” Ciaramitaro said. “That’s not the point, but we can stop and build each other up and tell a funny story. We have inside jokes just from playing together. I think it makes it easier when you play doubles with a friend just because it’s easier to read thoughts and figure out her moves and stuff. I think we work better together because we’re friends.” Vaughn feels that playing together has strengthened their friendship. At the beginning of the season there was talk of splitting their doubles team, but the pair was adamant that they stay together. “We’re friends off the court as well as on the court, so playing together just really strengthened our friendship,” Vaughn said. “We started off being not even able hit the ball, so we’re going to finish being able to win it all.” The top six players on the Lady Falcons’ tennis team made it to regionals. All six also made all-conference. Although Vaughn and Ciaramitaro hoped to make it to state, they were proud of their accomplishments on the court. “We were awful freshman year. I mean it. We couldn’t keep a ball going back and forth between each other, much less the players for the other team,” Vaughn said. “Sophomore year we were kind of still figuring it out. Last year, it really just started to click, and we started to mesh. We were conference champs in doubles and almost made it to state. This season we were conference champs again, so we defended our title. We almost made it to state but we fell just short.”

Discover the perfect playlist for any mood you are in with this quiz. Be sure to record your responses to each question. Then simply look below to find the perfect jam to top off your day.

1. What mood are you currently in? A. happy and excited B. sad and lonely C. angry and destructive D. bored and apathetic

4. When going on a date, what would you wear? A. a dress or slacks B. jeans and a cardigan C. skinny jeans and leather D. sweatshirt and workout shorts

2. On the weekend would you rather. . . A. hang out with friends B. catch up on homework C. play “Call of Duty” D. watch television

5. What is your most-prized possession? A. cell phone B. journal or diary C. car D. bed

3. Would you say you are. . . A. outgoing and bubbly B. introverted and shy C. emotional and reckless D. indifferent and lazy

6. What sort of movies do you like? A. comedies B. romance C. action/thriller D. documentaries

Afternoon Angst (mostly C’s) 1. “Sail,” AWOLNATION 2. “Coyotes,” The Lonely Forest 3. “Royals,” Lorde 4. “Cudi Zone,” Kid Cudi

Coffee Shop Tunes (mostly B’s) 1. “Bear,” The Antlers 2. “Too Many Moons,” Owen 3. “Drunk,” Ed Sheeran 4.. “Let Her Go,” Passenger

5. “The Walk,” Mayer Hawthorne 6. “Afraid,” The Neighbourhood 7. “Drop the World,” Lil Wayne 8. “Black Cadillacs,” Modest Mouse

5. “The Funeral,” Band of Horses 6. “Heartbreak Warfare;” John Mayer 7. “Bleeding Love,” Leona Lewis 8. “Into the Ocean,” Blue October

Lazy Days (mostly D’s) 1. “Battle of Love and Hate,” The Avett Brothers 2. “Boston,” Augustana 3. “Better Than Love,” Griffin House 4. “Try Again,” Keane

5. “Little Talks,” Of Monsters and Men 6. “Under Control,” Parachute 7. “Come Away with Me,” Norah Jones 8. “Maybe,” Ingrid Michaelson

Dance away the Weekend (mostly A’s) 1. “Slow Down,” Selena Gomez 5. “Bulletproof,” Laroux 2. “Take A Walk,” Passion Pit 6. “Red,” Taylor Swift 3. “Right Now,” Rhianna 7. “Made in the USA,” Demi Lovato 4. “Pompeii,” Bastille 8. “Tongue Tied,” Grouplove

sports feature/music quiz | 23

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