2015 Issue 3

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wingspan

ON PINS AND NEEDLES

Nationwide outbreak of measles focuses attention on anti-vaxxer movement

12-13

PAY T H E P R I C E President announces proposal to make community college free

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T H AT ’ S A W R A P Students taste test and review burritos from local restaurants

23

west henderson high school | 3600 haywood road | hendersonville, n.c. 28791 | april 2015 | volume 33 | issue 3

Cruise like you’ve never cruised before!

Book your “Graduation Cruise” June 2016 on Royal Caribbean’s “Allure of the Seas”

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02 | advertisements | wingspan | april 2015

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ontents

all

features 12-13 on pins and needles

Editor comments on religious freedom law

Anti-vaxxers question effectiveness, safety of vaccinations

14-15 success stories

5 staff editorial Staff discusses the president’s proposal for free community college

7 pro/con

17

Mental illnesses, medications being romanticized

news 8 - 9 news

“It just dangles there.” ­— Leanna Raquer (on family trees)

sports 19 in the net

Learn what is happening in the community and school

Senior breaks county record

a&e 11 travel the world

20-21 sports updates

Students travel to exciting places

23

Spring sports teams winding down seasons

“This kid was blowing raspberries the other day.”

— Tanya Shook (on a kid farting in her class)

staff

WEB EDITOR-INCHIEF Ari Sen

FEATURE EDITOR Natalya Lunsford ASSISTANT FEATURE EDITOR Rachel Raasch Kiersten Woodring

ENTERTAINMENT JUNIOR EDITORS EDITOR Alex Ginn Isabella Perron Caroline Ward ASST. MaryKent Wolff ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS TECH CREW Katie Farina Maggie King Emily Turpin

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wingspan

MANAGING EDITOR Austin Woodard SPORTS EDITOR Amy Turlington

PHOTO EDITOR Will Lindsey Annalyse Wilkins

STAFF WRITERS Megan Guess Grant McIntyre Natalie Young

ASST. OPINION EDITOR CARTOONIST ASST. SPORTS EDI- Kayla Petri Carlie Gillespie TORS Josh Conner FEATURE WRITERS Jackson Whiting Sofia Molina Brandan Naef OPINION EDITOR Dhuru Patel Joel Fennimore Bobby Slagle Kole Thomas

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

“We are going to put all of the mouses on the right computer, and then I’m going to execute someone.”

— Brenda W. Gorsuch (on inability of staff to clean up their work space) “Now that I’ve murdered something, I feel better.”

— Amy Zalevskiy (on killing a bug)

reviews 23 that’s a wrap Editor gets a taste of local cuisine

EDITORS-INCHIEF Polly Phillips Olivia Slagle

“Coach (Brian) Brewer, you’re a communist.”

— Suzanne Perron (on how communists are identified) “I have to go home and make a baby for science.”

— Josh Connor (on a biology assignment)

Alumni achieve success in the world of sports

16 - 17 salt in the wound

Are some police going too far?

eard

in the

CHECK US OUT ON WINGSPANONLINE.NET

opinion 4 editor’s column

H H

P P

eregrine oll

Did Senate Republicans go too far sending a letter to Iranian leaders?

Yes, what they did was illegal and counterproductive 58% No, Iran’s nuclear program is out of control 33% Maybe, I’m not sure 8% (WingspanOnline survey)

editorial board of student editors. Wingspan is a Southern Interscholastic Press Association All-Southern, National Scholastic Press Association All-American, Columbia Scholastic Press Association Silver Crown 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@hcpsnc.org.

contents | 03

While visiting in Charleston, S.C., senior Polly Phillips captures this photo of a Gay Pride banner on display.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act discriminatory by |Olivia Slagle

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hat would Jesus do?” The oft-repeated Christian mantra has been on my mind as I think about the implications it brings with it.

Used often to prompt people into doing good deeds for others, “What would Jesus do?” is a familiar phrase to anyone associated or even familiar with the Christian faith. But right now I am concerned about what Christians do in the name of Jesus.

In March, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana signed into law the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” which could have prompted disturbing consequences in that state.

Under the new law, business owners reserved the right to refuse service to LGBT individuals. Even more disturbing was the possibility of medical workers, including emergency medical technicians, refusing to help LGBT individuals under the guise of “religious freedom.”

The law caused an uproar both in Indiana and across the country. The governor of Connecticut cancelled his visit to Indiana, and the governor of Washington banned all state-funded travel to Indiana. Major corporations threatened to boycott the state, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association, which was about to hold its men’s college basketball tournament in Indianapolis, expressed its displeasure with the law.

In protecting religious freedom, the law promoted

04 | opinion| wingspan | april 2015

discrimination. How can we, less than a century later, have already forgotten pictures of “No Jews Allowed” signs in the windows of Nazi Germany? And in an example even closer to home, how can we have forgotten “No Blacks Allowed” or “Whites Only” signs?

Will we soon be accustomed to “No Gays Allowed” or “Straights Only” signs? I certainly hope not.

In response to the law, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, a presidential candidate, said in a speech on the Senate floor that Gov. Pence is “giving voice to millions of courageous conservatives across the country who are deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks on our personal liberties.” But what about attacks on the liberties of LGBT individuals in the “Land of the Free?” Must we return to the values of 60 years ago? Must we fight another fight to give basic human rights to people?

Since Gov. Pence signed the law, the Indiana legislature has amended it prohibit discrimination, but damage has already been done. Several states, including North Carolina, have had similar bills introduced in their legislatures. In 1993, the U.S., Congress passed a federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which, along with its amendment in 2000, strived to prohibit laws from “substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion.”

However, many who signed the original law have expressed distress at the direction these new laws are taking. Many original proponents of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act never envisioned that such laws would be used to allow blatant discrimination.

Being an adherent to one religion or another does

not justify the hatred of and the discrimination against individuals or a group of people. In fact, most religions advise against judging or hating others. If the question you are attempting to live by is, “What would Jesus do?” then you would be desperately mistaken in promoting any law or ideal system that alienates others because of any external factor beyond their control.

Waving the cross emblazoned banner of Christ and simultaneously justifying hatred and bigotry is a disturbing contradiction and certainly does not fulfill the long heralded phrase that encourages the imitation of Jesus.

The freedom of religion is one of the most beautiful elements of our country and our Constitution, but it was never intended to allow this kind of intolerance and injustice. As a strong advocate for the First Amendment, I recognize the importance of respecting the religion of others. But the First Amendment also protects our freedom from religion.

The very beginnings of our country were rooted in escaping the oppressive nature of government and the imposition of other people’s religion on the masses.

As a nation we have struggled to live up to our selfproclaimed ideal of equality. Equal rights for all has long been our mantra, but many groups have fought, and are still fighting, for civil rights.

We as citizens have no right to make this struggle more difficult or even unattainable. Jesus was an immigrant who was looked down on by the political and religious leaders of the time.

Pay the

Price

Staff opinion: High cost of college shutting out middle class students Highlights

u At some American universities,

it can cost up to $300,000 to complete a bachelor’s degree. In some countries there is no tuition cost to attend college. u Tuition at community colleges

costs a fraction of what a 4-year college or university costs. Both offer general education requirements. u A student that completes community college earns on average $7,000 more a year than a student who only has a high school diploma. u About 30 percent of high school graduates do not pursue a college or community college degree. uCredits earned from community colleges usually transfer to a college or university.

(Information from AACC, The New York Times)

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he student gave a sigh of relief. His senior year was drawing to a close, and unlike many families across the United States, his family was eligible to reap the benefits of the Tennessee Promise program.

His family didn’t have to worry about where he was going to college or the overwhelming cost of tuition. He could attend community college for free, all without having to leave home.

More students may have opportunities like this under the new Tennessee Promise program, starting in the fall of 2015.

Any high school student that graduates in the state of Tennessee is eligible for a free scholarship and mentor opportunities. This program is meant to give individual guidance to each student as he or she navigates the college admissions process.

In early January, President Barack Obama traveled to Tennessee to issue a challenge to the U.S. Congress to make community college tuition free in every state.

He proposed making it a requirement for students to qualify for the free tuition they had to complete community service hours and maintaining a 2.5 grade point average.

Under Obama’s plan, federal funds would pay for three quarters of the tuition costs for community colleges and the states

would be expected to pay the remaining funds necessary for completely eliminating tuition.

Students should not be burdened with high tuition and the indebtedness college loans bring. It can cost almost $300,000 to earn a bachelor’s degree at some private American colleges while some countries, such as Germany, do not charge tuition for community college.

This is completely outrageous. What middle class student or family can afford $300,000. The average cost of attending state universities is $93,640 over four years, according to collegedata.com.

Community colleges cost a fraction of what a four-year college or university costs, and they both offer basic general education courses. According to the American Association for Community Colleges, Obama’s proposal could help 47 percent of first-time freshmen entering community college.

The AACC reported that students who complete community college earn an average $7,000 more a year than a student who only has a high school diploma. Each year approximately 30 percent of students that graduated high school do not enroll in a two- or four-year college program. The New York Times reported that that percentage would drop if Obama’s proposal were

“Students should not have to be burdened with the costs of tuitions for their schooling when they are expected to attend college in order to be able to support themselves.”

enacted into law.

General education credits earned at community colleges will transfer to fouryear schools, so students could still go to a world class university to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Community college students usually live at home, also eliminating the costs of room and board and travel. Additionally, students would have more time to mature and to explore career opportunities.

Obama was right to include requirements for the students to receive the free tuition. Completing community service hours and maintaining a reasonable GPA are not unreasonable.

Students who go straight from high school to a four-year college graduate with an average $30,000 in debt. It takes years to pay the money back when graduates are trying to establish themselves in careers and start families. By completing the first two years of a degree free at a community college, students could reduce their debt.

Right now, students from high income families who can afford tuition and low income families who qualify for federal assistance can attend college. If Congress doesn’t implement Obama’s plan, it will become almost impossible for middle class students to attend to college.

opinion| 05

06 | news | wingspan | april 2015

Are law enforcement officers using too much deadly force?

PRO:

Unarmed 24-year-old Jonathan Ferrell was walking toward the police with his hands up when he was shot and killed by Charlotte police officer, Randall Kerrick, on Sept. 14, 2013.

Moments before, Kerrick had managed to extricate himself from a crashed car that was so damaged he had to climb out of the back window, and he was seeking help. When police arrived, he was knocking on the door of a residential home.

The police believed Ferrell was involved in an attempted break-in. He approached the police with his hands up, clearly unarmed, when Kerrick tased and then fired at him. Ferrell was hit with 10 of the 12 shots.

Stories of the excessive use of by police force have filled the news recently. Unjustifiably taking the life of an innocent victim is not simply a “mistake.” You can fix a mistake; you cannot bring someone back from the dead. When one individual is beaten or shot in the street by another by |Rachel Raasch citizen, people recognize that as wrong. Why is the uniform of the attacker causing such confusion?

Society is recognizing examples of police abusing their power as authoritarian figures. Cases of unarmed or innocent citizens dying from the quick judgements of police officers have been witnessed by the public with increased frequency.

The use of body cameras by police officers has exposed many of these situations. Media reports have increased awareness. Most people carry around devices with video recording and with quick access to the Internet a single incident can be witnessed nationwide in a matter of seconds. Bystander videos prove to be valuable evidence in courtrooms where they are showing up more frequently.

President Barack Obama proposed investing $75 million dollars over the next three years to provide local police departments with up to 50,000 body cams. Two years ago, officers in Rialto, California, started wearing body cams, and since then, citizen complaints against police officers have dropped 88 percent.

It is possible these attacks on unarmed African-American men are influenced by racial prejudice. A report released October 2014 by ProPublica reported that young African-American males are 21 times more likely to be shot by police than Caucasian males in the same age range.

According to ProPublica, of the 1,217 deadly police shootings that were reported in federal data from 2010 to 2012, black males ages 15 to 19 were killed at a rate of 31.17 per million, compared to a rate of 1.47 per million for white males in that age range. According to ProPublica, from 1980 to 2012, 41 teens 14 or younger were killed by the police. Of these, 27 were black, eight were white, four were Hispanic and one was Asian.

It is common knowledge that police encounter dangerous situations when they are on duty. According to the FBI, 49,851 officers were assaulted in the line of duty in 2013. They, therefore, should be aware of the line between a life-threatening situation and an unarmed citizen being uncooperative. The public puts its trust in the police force to maintain safety. Why should citizens going about their business fear being attacked by the very people we pay to keep us safe?

The responsibilities of the police should be taken seriously, especially since they control the line between life and death with the simple pull of a trigger. That power should be only used as a last resort and not an automatic reaction to the slightest sign of danger. For their own safety, the police should be ready to act at a moment’s notice, but also ready to think before jumping to conclusions.

CON:

On Saturday, Aug. 9, Officer Darren Wilson shot Ferguson, Mo., resident Michael Brown after he resisted arrest multiple times. “He had the most intense aggressive face I’ve ever seen on a person,” Wilson said. The unarmed 18-year-old teen charged Wilson even after he had shot him several times. Wilson fired a couple more times but Brown kept rushing toward him.

Police, who are knowledgeable and trained on how to suppress a suspect, should be able to use the amount of force that they know is necessary without public shaming from uneducated people expressing their opinions.

Wilson said that when he tried to open his door Brown slammed it shut and asked, “What the f*** will you do?” Brown then proceeded to punch Officer Wilson in the face. Wilson pulled out his gun and warned Brown that he would shoot him. Brown then grabbed the gun and pointed it at the officer’s hip area. by |Isabella Perron

Today the public struggles with the question, “What is necessary force and what is excessive force?” Excessive force is described as any force beyond what is necessary to arrest a suspect and keep police and bystanders safe. While necessary force depends on one’s opinion.

The issue is that the amount of force used to subdue an unwilling criminal is a judgment call by a police officer. There is no universally accepted definition of what is reasonable force. Therefore, the public tries to debate and argue that a police officer was wrong and did not need to hit or shoot a criminal in order to stop him.

When American citizens hear about a killing during an arrest on the news, they immediately question if this was the right thing to do.

No criminals want to be arrested, so at times they will put up a fight, run or threaten a law enforcement officer to avoid being arrested. Any police officer knows that just because he has a gun does not mean he is safe. Officers never know who they are dealing with — the criminal could be a first-time offender or a convicted felon.

According to traditional rule, using deadly force is only allowed in situations where the officer has a reasonable suspicion that the suspect has committed a felony. If it turns out that the suspect had not committed a felony and the officer used deadly force, it will be usually be considered justified in court.

The public can interpret this story in many different ways. Nobody will ever know how Officer Darren felt and the amount of force he felt was necessary to stop the furious 18 year old who had the nerve to point a gun at him.

Police officers act the way they do to protect the public, and nobody is there to witness the force needed in a single situation. Only the officer is there to make the right judgment and act on it. The public does not have the right to say that a police officer should have done it differently.

The public loves to pull the race card by saying that what an officer did was in a malicious manner because the suspect or criminal was of a specific race.

In law enforcement agencies 12 percent of officers are African-American and 75 percent are white. Black officers were involved in 10 percent of fatal police shooting.

Almost 80 percent of those they killed were black.

White officers are responsible for 91 percent of white fatalities and only 68 percent of color.

Based on these statistics, nobody can say that white officers are out for victims of color or are more likely to kill them. If suspects are threatening an armed officer they are putting their own lives in jeopardy.

Laverne Cox Actor in “Orange is the New Black” Photo used and modified with permission (Creative Commons)

pro/con opinion||07 07

President proposes free community college Katie Kennedy, a future student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said. “It makes uniors across the country spend their high college a lot more affordable for some kids and school years imagining their perfect senior even those who could have easily afforded colyear. They are about to graduate high school lege anyway. It’s a really good choice to help you and head off to their future. save money.”

For many of them, that means applying to

However, this policy does not guarantee colleges and universities to further their educafree education for all college students. Obama’s tion and prepare for a career. It seems like a proposal would require students to maintain fun process: touring campuses, meeting new a 2.5 GPA, attend school at least part-time and people, picking a school that feels “just right.” progress to finish their degree.

But for a lot of students planning on higher

Some educators feel the proposal might education, there is much more than that to cause the quality of education in community picking a college. The variety of programs ofcolleges to decrease with the influx of students fered and the price of tuition for their dream col- while others argue that it might attract more leges can sometimes lead them to students driven to attend univera cheaper alternative: community sities. colleges.

“With more higher level kids

“I was drawn to community who opted out of paying the first college because I’m going into nurstwo years of university I think it ing,” senior Katelyn Earley, a future • A full time community might make it better in that case AB Tech or Blue Ridge Community because those kids aren’t going to college student could College student, said. “Most comwant a subpar education,” Kensave an average of munity colleges have good techninedy said. “I think it would take a $3,800 in tuition per cal programs, and they’re careerlot of discipline from the teachers year oriented so it’s less time in school and the administration of the and more hands-on opportunities.” community college.”

• The proposal would

If President Barack Obama has

President Obama modeled cost a total of $60 his way, community colleges may his plan after policies that were have yet another attractive benefit. put in place last year in Tennessee billion over 10 years During his 2015 State of the Union and Chicago. Reducing the cost Address, Obama proposed the idea • The state would be of higher education is just one that the first two years of commubenefit. The programs in Tennesresponsible for 25 nity college should be free across see and Chicago focus on close percent of the cost the country. monitoring of student progress,

It is predicted that by the end careful alignment of courses to of this decade, two in three jobs will • 75 percent of the job requirements and higher qualcost would go to the call for higher education. Yet there ity programs of study. are many students across the coun “Tennessee, a state with Refederal government try who do not get the opportunity publican leadership, and Chicago, to pursue the education they need a city with Democratic leadership, •35 percent of jobs because of the escalating cost of the are showing that free community require a B.A. while four-year universities. college is possible,” Obama said.

30 percent require an

“In a 21st century economy “I want to spread that idea all associate’s degree that rewards knowledge like never across America, so that two years before, we need to do more. That’s of college becomes as free and why I am sending this Congress a bold new plan universal in America as high school.” to lower the cost of community college — to

Bill Haslam, governor of Tennessee, prozero,” President Obama said in his State of the posed the “Tennessee Promise” program in Union Address in January. “We still live in a 2013. According to the Inner Higher Education, country where too many bright, striving Amerithe state has signed up more than 90 percent of cans are priced out of the education they need. it’s roughly 60,000 high school graduates from It’s not fair to them, and it’s sure not smart for 2013 for a new community college scholarship. our future.”

“The numbers of students enrolling in com According to the American Association munity colleges has skyrocketed in Tennessee,” of Community College, 40 percent of college Lisanne Masterson, the director of financial aid students in the United States currently attend at Blue Ridge Community College said. “It’s givcommunity college. Many of these students are ing students a chance to get the first two years of just starting out, but others are seeking new successful college behind them and go on.” skills to help them transition into a new job. This

It is estimated the proposal would cost the proposal would give these students a chance to federal government about $6 billion dollars per graduate without debt. year, with federal funding covering 75 percent.

“I think it would be really great if free comof the tuition. States that participate would be munity college actually goes into place,” senior expected to pick up the other 25 percent.

by | Sofia Molina

J

“

Most community colleges have good technical programs, and they are less careeroriented so its less time in school and hands-on opportunities.

more

.“

Katelyn Earley Senior

08 | news | wingspan | april 2015

Gas prices decline in January, creep back up as spring arrives by |Dhuru Patel

Prom set for May 9

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• The junior-senior prom will be held on May 9 in the Crest Center in Asheville.

Doors open at 7 p.m. The prom king and queen will be crowned at 10:30.

he freezing wind whipped senior Kyle Byrd’s back as he placed the gas nozzle into his 2002 Buick Regal.

The prices on the worn out screen began to climb, but they were climbing slower than usual.

Finally, the numbers stopped, and the price for his tank of gas was almost half of what it had been two months earlier.

This was the situation for many Americans in January and February when gas prices fell drastically. A number of states, including North Carolina, had gas prices that dipped below $2 per gallon.

“Seeing the gas prices fall under the $2 mark made filling up my tank less of a hassle and caused less worry when traveling,” Byrd said. “When the gas prices were low, I had more money to spend on things I wanted to buy.”

According to Byrd, the reduction in gas prices benefitted high school students.

“We’re as free of foreign oil as we’ve been in 30 years,” President Barack Obama said to PoliticusUSA. “We’ve doubled the amount of clean energy that we’re producing. A lot of families are saving a lot of money at the

SGA to sponsor annual 5K • The Student Government Association will sponsor the annual Hayley Hustle 5K on May 16 at 9 a.m. in Johnson Stadium.

This is the second year that the race with be a color run.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m.

The preregistration cost is $30. On race day the cost is $35.

A Pig Pickin’ and Silent Auction to support the Hayley Hustle will be May 15 at 6 p.m. Admission is $10.

Proceeds from the events will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

FCCLA members volunteer • FCCLA assisted residents of Arden Woods Retirement Community on April 16. Club members also held a car wash on April 25 and will hold a spring campus clean up on May 7.

Orchestra to perform concert • Orchestra students will present their spring concert in the auditorium on May 25.

Band, orchestra compete • The school orchestra and concert band recently competed in a music competition for schools in Western North Carolina.

The orchestra, directed by Tiffany King, received an ‘excellent’ rating. The band, directed by Allen Klaes, received a ‘superior’ for both the concert band and wind ensemble.

Students selected for art show • Art students Annalyse Wilkins, Jenna Sekaz, Hannah Wieman, Shayna Landreth, Carlie Gillespie Summer Whiteside, Sarah Wentzel, Sara Yarbrough, Saul Montiel-Rodriguez, Sean Fish and Tara Ozehowski were chosen to show their artwork at the Artist’s of Tomorrow show.

Students selected for art show • Members of the concert band will travel to Chicago May 16-19 to perform at The Field Museum.

gas pump, which is putting some smiles on folks’ faces.”

In 2013 net imports accounted for 33 percent of the petroleum consumed in the United States, the lowest annual average since 1985.

Importing oil is more expensive, especially when it’s coming from more than 80 different countries.

Oil production in the United States cuts out much of the cost for transportation. America’s domestic oil production has grown from 5.6 million barrels per day in 2011 to 7.4 million barrels per day in 2013. The projected production forecast for 2015 is on average 9.5 million barrels per day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The United States has become less reliant on imported oil. The increase in oil production has led to price reductions.

“Lower gas prices cause people to be less frugal with their traveling habits,” Byrd said. “This causes a greater impact on the environment by not carpooling and driving greater distances.”

Over the past six weeks, gas prices have climbed back up to almost $2.50, but the last time gas prices were under $2 per gallon was 2009.

An increase in crude oil prices has recently driven prices back up.

President calls for increase in minimum wage by |Brandan Naef

I

n his State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama called on the U.S. Congress to increase the current minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour.

Summer Whiteside, a sophomore, is one of many high school students that works a low wage job. She feels that there should be a living wage rather than a minimum wage.

“There needs to be difference between minimum wage and livable wage,” Whiteside said. “They need to both exist. You could possibly apply for living wage, send an application saying you have four kids and a husband who can’t work.”

A 40-hour per week job at the minimum wage does not provide enough money for people who need to support a family.

“Sometimes you can’t work a full-time job while you’re in college and get paid minimum wage to help pay for college,” Whiteside said. “This may discourage people from going to college because of money issues.”

Obama first called on Congress to raise the national minimum wage nearly two years ago. While Congress has not acted, there have been 17 states raising their minimum wages either through referendum or legislation since then.

“To everyone in this Congress who still refuses to raise the minimum wage, I say this: If you truly believe you could work full-time and support a family on less than $15,000 a year, go try it. If not, vote to give millions of the hardest-working people in America a raise,” Obama said to the Washington Examiner.

According to www.washingtontimes.com, 16 percent of high school students have part-time jobs now as opposed to the 32 percent of high schoolers who had part-time jobs in 1990. Entrylevel positions are more commonly filled by adults who are available to work at all hours of the day.

“Our jobs are not fun. We do a lot of work for not a lot of money. They are busy and loud and when you get paid minimum wage there is a stigma that you are uneducated. We get treated poorly because we get low level jobs,” Whiteside said.

If minimum wage were increased, 2 million citizens would be lifted out of poverty and 30 million workers would see a direct or indirect result of the boost, according to www.epi.org.

“It will make people mad because as soon as you raise the wage prices go up, everything goes up. That’s just how it is going to be,” Whiteside said. “When the prices go up since we are earning more money, we will spend it on the things we want, but not necessarily need.”

news | 09

10 |10advertisements | wingspan april 2015 | news | wingspan | april|2014

WORLD TRAVELERS

Students show interest in travel across borders and oceans ing disorders such as anxiety, anorexia or other mental By | Alex Ginn illnesses. Self-harm and poor self esteem are idealized by people who may not even have a disorder themselves. reshman Cami Wolff got off of the uncovered truck “It’s a concept I’ve heard about vaguely,” said school called a “lorry” and took in the sight of dozens of psychologist Jeff Kilpatrick. “You don’t want to beautiful Nicaraguan children running toward her group of in a way where you’re perfect. It’s sounds like people are missionaries. She had just ridden a full hour on a rough, appreciating the struggles that those with mental health unpaved path to a small South American village in need issues go through, so I can see some good and bad in of new water filters and food. that.

“We had driven an hour in the lorry where a whole Kilpatrick believes that it may good to look at those with bunch of people were just holding on as tight as they mental health problems and appreciate what they’ve could as they bumped around,” Wolff said. “Then all the been through and overcome, and the romanticization of sudden a huge cloud of dust would fly up and everyone mental illnesses bring that to light. On television shows would have to throw on their bandanas and sunglasses or reality shows, people who have mental illnesses are so they didn’t get the dust in their eyes or throat.” highlighted as heroes and their stories are broadcasted as

Once Wolff was off the lorry she had her first main focuses. They bring mental illnesses into the public encounter with a small girl who she would continue to eye and give opportunities for conversation. forge a friendship with through the rest of the trip.

“The downside, however, could be a severe nature of

“We were at the village this little girl, Mevav. She these disorders. Especially with bipolar and depression was standing there and even though we don’t speak the disorders, it’s not something that you go through for a same language we just clicked right away,” Wolff said. little bit but then you can struggle and get over it one “In all of the pictures, she is right there beside me and

F

day,” Kilpatrick “There areand people whokind haveofchemishe drew me allsaid. these pictures we just concal imbalances in their brains and feel terrible even when nected immediately.” things are okay.

It’s good to be really clear because that’s

Wolff’s missionary group not only helped the village nothing to be romanticized struggle with with water filters and food, because but they people also took clothing ittoand affects their lives. It’s not as tragically beautiful as giveit to the villagers. people think in the real

“On the second dayworld.” we were there we took the ud classroom, or being any anger ormy fights.” villagers clothing, and Iaround gave Mevav one of favorite According to the Anxiety Depression Association little dresses,” Wolff said.and “The next day we came backof America disorders are currently the most she was (ADAA), wearing anxiety the dress.

It just made me so happy common mentalthat illnesses found America.

Around 18 that something was mine is in now hers, and now we percent of the United States population is affected by share all these memories together.” some sort ofEllis anxiety disorder.

Junior Young has traveled to many places in “Ihis have attacks as part of my life,panic including destinations likeanxiety.

Mexico,Generally, St. Mar- I will start shaking really badly.

I think to myself that I need tins, Honduras, Jamaica and various places across to calm down, but IOut canofnot out of it,” said the United States. allthink of hismyself travel destinations, the student.

“My has throat starts closing up so that I hyperYoung’s favorite been Switzerland. ventilate, and thenwas I can walk.”because I got to go

“Switzerland mynot favorite Anxiety not the onlyItmental illness impacts with myisgrandfather. was kind of a that bonding timepeople not only in the United States, but all around the world. between us,” Young said. “It was also a place I had never More 350and million people globally suffer frommade debeen than before, my grandfather’s friend, Hanz, pression.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, attention-defithe trip worth while by showing us all around taking us

cit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to schizophrenia are to places we would never have thought go.” disorders that are oftentimes found other Among the memories from his trip, theinternationally. one that While some ofmost thesewould illnesses affect small portion stands out the wasonly his trip to aCrans-Monon the world’s population, such as schizophrenia afflicttana, an area in the Swiss Alps. one percent people, they can be diagnosed ing “We drove upofthe mountain, andstill it was an hour’s as harmful those who them. drive on atoone lane dirthave road,” Young said. “It was really “Schizophrenia be all diagnosed two high up and you should could see the Swisswhen Alps at allleast the way of five symptoms are present for month: hallucinato the Italian border from there. Itawas a perfectly clear tions (including voices); day, and it is one hearing of the best viewsdelusions; I have everdiminished seen in emotional expression; rambling, disconnected my life. It was truly a breath-taking experience.”speech; oddof behavior as being said Sarah andOne Young’ssuch favorite parts catatonic.” of travel was experiGlazer the in Treating “Only about 20 percent encing differentSchizophrenia. culture in Switzerland. diagnosed with schizophrenia go on States, to live of people “You see people around here in the United normal lives without drugs, some studies find.” and everything is seen as one way, but you go to Europe As disorders have become more and everything is different,” Youngidentifiable said. “Howwith they developments in medicine, many people taken to speak, how they act, what they wear — it ishave different.” ornoted romanticize mental illnesses.

Disorders idealize Young that there are many minute differ-are foundin ‘tragically beautiful,’ as are different methods of ences the cultures.

“Your normal foods, like fast food, self-harm. are not your typical restaurants in Switzerland,” Young “[Society] upsmall self-harm and self-hate to be almost said.

“Theredresses are even differences, like most people glamorous.

Negative emotions are seen as things that set there eat outside even when its raining.”

a & e / ads | 11

Outbreak of measles across country draws attention to anti-vaxxe by | Kiersten Woodring

T

he “happiest place on earth” was the last place people would think of as a breeding ground for disease. As wide-eyed children bounced along the busy paths cutting through Disneyland in Annaheim, California, they were completely unaware that every touch, shoulder bump or brief brush against another person was a chance for contracting a serious disease — the measles.

In January, someone who had been exposed to measles before traveling to Disneyland spread measles all the while enjoying the amusement park.

Measles symptoms do not show up until eight to 10 days after being exposed to the disease. Anyone unvaccinated or who had not previously had measles was at risk.

In the past three months, 42 states have reported measles cases that can be traced back to Disneyland, according to Kristina Henderson, a registered nurse with the Henderson County Health Department.

The outbreak of measles isn’t the only recent instance of a recurrence of a disease for which there is a vaccination.

Henderson County has recently seen an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough).

According to Henderson, vaccine-preventable diseases are on the rise as a growing number of parents are choosing not to immunize their children for a number of reasons.

“In 2008 there were 300 cases of pertussis in Western North Carolina, but in 2013 that number doubled,” Henderson said.

According to Henderson, some people are afraid of the pain associated with vaccinations. “This fear leads parents to question whether vaccines are safe,” Henderson said. “So if there is a possibility that pain from immunizations can be avoided a lot

12 | feature | wingspan | april 2015

of people are going to opt for that because they do not see the counties. Henderson County has a higher rate of vaccinated importance that vaccines do for the community.” residents than the North Carolina average.

According to Kim Berry, the Henderson County school nurse

“More than 70 percent of Henderson County residents supervisor, vaccines provide a major benefit for the community. up-to-date with their vaccines, but the statewide county av If everyone in the community has been vaccinated, the comis at 69 percent,” Henderson said. munity is said to have

Although most students at West are vac “herd immunity.” nated, some aren’t. North Carolina allows stud

“Herd immunity be exempt from vaccinations for medical and will protect everyone, religious reasons. even the unvaccinated, “I feel like the more vaccines you get the m because no one is getharm you do to your body. In the olden days, t ting sick,” Berry said. survived without vaccinations or medications, “But if there’s a larger sophomore Haley Clark said. “I believe vaccina percentage that is not are a personal choice.” getting vaccinated it Although Clark doesn’t like the state requir takes away that herd ment to have vaccinations, she did have the on immunity and that puts required to attend school. everyone at risk.”

The age for when certain vaccines are g Kristina Henderson

Some so-called is changing this fall. There are only slight chan Henderson County Nurse anti-vaxxers are getting for rising kindergartners, but the biggest chang false information online are going to be for the upcoming seventh grad and believing it. For

“They changed the requirement for the example, former doctor Andrew Wakefield, who became famous tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine to be given to sev for saying that autism is caused by vaccinations, is no longer graders instead of sixth graders,” Berry said. “They are also accepted in the field of medicine because of his flawed research. ing the meningococcal vaccine, which protects against men His sample size was too small to support his conclusions. tis, to be given to seventh graders. Starting their senior year

“People educating others through the Internet sometimes will have to get another dose.” don’t have a background in health or science to give someone

These changes are being made to better protect studen the perspective as a credible source of information,” Henderson from disease. “You are more likely to get in a car accident on said. “Andrew Wakefield lost his medical license, yet parents still way to get a vaccination than to get a bad reaction from a sh look up to him for advice.”

Henderson said. “When you look at the big picture of the w

The number of people being vaccinated varies between community, it is safer for everyone to be vaccinated.”

You are more likely to get into a car accident on the way to get a vaccination than to get a bad reaction from a shot.

THEN

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Annual U.S. Disease Cases in 2010

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Students sound off on getting their shots “I had a TB skin test done to make sure I do not have tuberculosis at the health department. I have always hated shots, and I was very scared.”

— Brooke Walker,12

“The shot felt weird, but I have always been OK with them. I believe that if you are going to work around people, you have ‑to get vaccinated.”

— Chase Massy,11

“It was interesting to get a shot as a group since we had gone through the CNA program together. It was nice to save money and have Mrs. Franklin there to support us.”

— Madison Ross,12

feature |13

SUCCESS STORIES Kim Stone

VICE PRESIDENT OF MIAMI HEAT

Former athlete, sports editor working with Miami Heat by | Jackson Whiting

O

n a fall Saturday morning in 1984, 16-year-old Kim Stone walked around Mills River neighborhoods with boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

She wondered how many more boxes she and the other volleyball players would have to sell to buy new uniforms.

What puzzled her was why the Falcon football team got brand new uniforms without raising funds.

“I said my piece to the athletic director and made it known that I thought it was wrong,” Stone said. “I will never forget. I got pulled into the head football coach’s office, and he basically told me I needed to know where my place was.”

Her desire to find the truth and right wrongs and her drive for success has pushed Stone to her current position as executive vice president of the Miami Heat basketball organization. From being the first female sports editor of Wingspan to being named an influential business woman in the South Florida market, this Hendersonville native and 1985 West graduate has seen a professional life filled with successes.

During her time at West, Stone was all-conference in basketball, won a state championship in volleyball and was an outstanding mile runner in track. She particpated in SGA and journalism all four years.

“It’s just who I am,” Stone said. “I’m always on the go, always very social, juggling multiple things has just always been what I’ve done. I learned that while I was

14 | feature | wingspan | april 2015

in Hendersonville. When I would run the mile in track, I would do all of my thinking and get everything organized in my head. My idea of a horrible life would be doing the same thing over and over every day. That’s why I love what I do with the Heat. There is always something different to do.”

After getting her journalism degree from Chapel Hill in 1989, Stone was quickly hired by the University of Miami in the sports information department, beginning her span of almost two decades in the South Florida sports market.

During that time period, she got to know Andy Elisburg, the current general manager of the Heat. In 1996, a job opened up in the sports media relations department for the Miami Heat. Elisburg knew her and knew her abilities and was able to give her the job. In 2006, Stone was promoted to executive vice president, her current position.

“I like to call it ‘continuous and never-ending improvement.’ I believe you always have to get better and always can get better,” Stone said. “You need to learn as you grow, or else you stop growing. I think people can sometimes fear change, but I feel like that can be healthy and positive.”

When the Heat won the NBA championship in 2011, Stone was faced with the challenge of pulling off a celebration parade for 300,000 people in 85 degree weather in downtown Miami in three days. She calls it her greatest success of her career in the sports market.

“We pulled it off,” Stone said. “It took a lot of work.

It was three sleepless nights for myself. To me, that is my highest professional achievement.”

Being a woman in a profession dominated by males, Stone has experienced discrimination. In one case, a player made some sexist remarks about her coming in the locker room to find players for media interviews. But Stone does not consider herself a feminist.

“You hire the best people, give them the resources, and let them do their job regardless of skin color, gender or anything,” Stone said. “I am actually lucky to work in an area, Miami, where diversity is celebrated.”

Stone’s work has not gone unnoticed. On Oct. 10, Stone and seven other Tar Heels were inducted into the School of Journalism and Mass Communications Hall of Fame. “(UNC) really formed a lot of who I am today,” Stone said. “To be a part of that class of such successful people was extremely humbling and without a doubt the highest honor I have ever received.”

Part of Stone’s responsibilities include being the general manager of American Airlines Arena where the Heat play. Her role includes scheduling and pulling off concerts and special events, including performances by Kevin Hart, The Who, Sam Smith and Madonna. In 2006, the NBA finals generated $8 million for the Arena.

All of Stones achievments can be summed up by her advice to students: “Make sure you dream big, and get out of Hendersonville to discover the world.”

Kevin Thomas WOFFORD LINEBACKER

D

own 21-0 to Franklin at halftime on his senior night in 2010, former Falcon running back Kevin Thomas was determined to bring his team back. At halftime Coach Paul Whitaker provided both motivation and new plays, and in the second half Thomas broke through the defense for three touchdowns and a 24-21 win.

Hard work has defined Thomas’s career at West and as a linebacker at Wofford College. Earlier this week, Thomas received an invitation to the New York Jets training camp where he hopes to make the team.

“You go from high school to college, and college to the NFL, and that’s a tough road,” Whitaker said. “I hope that he gets that chance.”

Former teammate Zach Cole isn’t surprised to see his friend preparing to play professionally.

“If everyone was dragging on the field, Kevin would come alive for us and give us that energy we needed,” Cole said.

Thomas played varsity football for four years and varsity basketball for three. In his senior year, he led the football team in tackles, earned all-conference honors and won the Times-News defensive player of the year. His hard work in high school landed him a football scholarship at Wofford College. While at Wofford he led the team in tackles, started at inside linebacker for three years, was named to the academic All-American team. “Wofford is a truly special place. There is a very strong football tradition,” Thomas said. “We have had some good years here, and I have met some great people.”

By Josh Conner

John Dunn MARYLAND COACH

H

is first start as a varsity quarterback, junior John Dunn brought hope to a West football team looking for a new start. After going winless the previous two seasons, 13-9, Dunn looked to lead his team over county rival Hendersonville.

His team won the game, 21-13, setting the stage for his successful career.

Dunn, a 2001 graduate, is now a tight ends coach and recruiting director for the football team at the University of Maryland.

“It is hard as a coach to predict someone’s success, but I knew John would be successful at whatever he chose to do,” former coach Dean Jones said. “It is no surprise to me now because he understood the game. A lot of players at the high school level do not understand the game.”

Dunn had always pictured himself coming back to teach and coach at West Henderson; however, along the way he found a different path.

“Looking back, I never would have thought I would be here. If you had asked me in college, my goal was not to be a college coach,” Dunn said. “I never in a million years would have guessed it. I have been very fortunate.”

During his two years as a starting varsity quarterback, Dunn helped to turn around a winless football team and finish with a 13-9 overall record over two years. In addition to playing football, Dunn was also a first baseman and pitcher for the baseball team.

“John was a leader of the team, dependable, someone you could count on. You knew he was not going to get flustered. He worked hard, and he was a good teammate,’ Jones said. “I would have loved to have had John later in my career because he had some skills that not every quarterback that I coached had.”

By Josh Conner

Brooke Stanley CONVERSE COACH

F

ans watched as the volleyball players walked onto the court in preparation for their game with Band-Aids on their foreheads. It was the fall of 2003, and the Band-Aids were to support freshman Brooke Stanley, who had hit her head on the stairs while setting up the gym.

A few stitches later, she was ready to get back on the court. Stanley, a 2007 graduate, recently took the position as head volleyball coach at Converse College in South Carolina. She will coach her first season in the fall.

“Brooke’s been around volleyball her whole life. Her mother was a phenomenal coach (retired coach Jan Stanley). She is just following in those footsteps,” Coach Cathy Corliss said. “She is very athletic and very dedicated.”

In 2005 Stanley won WNC Volleyball Player of the Year honors, and in 2005 and 2006 she won conference player of the Year. In college she earned player of the year once and setter of the year three times. Although she appreciates the titles she won, she loves the memories that she has from playing with her teammates and friends.

“We went to state four times, the two times that we won were pretty good, especially because my mom coached,” Stanley said. “When you look back at it, it’s pretty sweet to win, but creating good friendships is pretty special because they all still last today.”

In Stanley’s four years on the varsity volleyball team at West, they won 77 out of 81 matches, four conference championships and played for the 2A state championship all four years, winning twice.

By Caroline Ward

J.B. Tanner ELON ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

R

ising senior player J.B. Tanner was knocking down shot after shot in a game at Presbyterian team camp in the summer of 2004. He recorded 30 points with 10 three-point shots in that single game.

According to varsity coach Rick Wood, Tanner suffered a knee injury at the camp that would require surgical procedures.

He faced the possibility of not being able to play by the start of his senior season. In the face of adversity Tanner worked hard, and with determination he was able to rehab by the start the season.

“He came to West as a junior, and he was a hard-working, dedicated player that worked on his game constantly,” Wood, coach from 1990 to 2006, said.

Tanner played varsity basketball under Wood for two years. In the time Tanner was at West, he set a school record of 135 three-point shots made in his 2003-2004 season.

He transferred to West in 2003 and then graduated in 2005.

“My overall experience was great, which was largely shaped by basketball; it was a really great time,” Tanner said.

After graduating, Tanner attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he played basketball two years on the junior varsity team and then played varsity for two years. His teams won two Atlantic Coast Conference titles. With the Tar Heels he played in the 2009 national championship game against Michigan State.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Tanner attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he spent two years as a graduates assistant. During his time there, the Rams won 55 games and had a run in the NCAA tournament with a Final Four appearance. In 2014 he became the athletic director at Elon University in Burlington.

By Kole Thomas

feature | 15

WOF-

SALT IN THE WOUND

Romanticization of mental illnesses growing concern By | MaryKent Wolff

S

he flinches as she approaches the school and the crowd of students clogging the cafeteria. For her, coming to school each day is a challenge. She is afraid of crowds and loud noises.

Her fears, which are already taxing on everyday life, are only amplified by her anxiety disorder.

“It makes my day a lot worse. Eating in the cafeteria itself is a struggle with my being afraid of loud noises,” said the student who asked that her name be withheld.

“So is being in a loud classroom or being around any anger or fights.”

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (A.D.A.A.), anxiety disorders are currently the most common mental illnesses in the United States. Around 18 percent of the population is affected by some sort of anxiety disorder.

“I have panic attacks as part of my anxiety. Generally, I will start shaking really badly. I think to myself that I need to calm down, but I can not think myself out of it,” the student said. “My throat starts closing up so that I hyperventilate, and then I can not walk.”

Anxiety is not the only mental illness afflicts Americans and others around the world. More than 350 million people globally suffer from depression. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia are other disorders.

While some of these illnesses only affect a small portion on the world’s population, such as schizophrenia afflicting 1 percent of people, they can still be diagnosed as harmful to those who have them.

16 | feature | wingspan | april 2015

“Schizophrenia should be diagnosed when at least two of five symptoms are present for a month: hallucinations (including hearing voices); delusions; diminished emotional expression, rambling, disconnected speech; and odd behavior such as being catatonic,” said Sarah Glazer in Treating Schizophrenia. “Only about 20 percent of people diagnosed with schizophrenia go on

“

Eating in the cafeteria itself is a struggle with my being afraid of loud noises. So is being in a loud classroom, or being around any anger or fights.

“

WHHS Student

to live normal lives without drugs, some studies find.”

As disorders have become more identifiable with developments in medicine, some people have begun to idealize or romanticize mental illnesses. Disorders are found ‘tragically beautiful,’ as are different methods of self-harm.

“(Society) dresses up self-harm and self-hate to be almost glamorous. Negative emotions are seen as things that set users aside from ‘normal’ people who cannot

understand their struggles,” said Imani McGarrell, opinion columnist of the University Star. “Pain and mental illness are seen as beautiful and even encouraged.”

McGarrell believes that users on social media websites, such as the blogging platform Tumblr, have taken to glorifying disorders such as anxiety, anorexia or other mental illnesses. Self-harm and poor self-esteem are idealized by people who may not even have a disorder themselves.”

To other psychologists that opinion seems extreme.

“It’s a concept I’ve heard about vaguely,” school psychologist Jeff Kilpatrick said. “You don’t want to beautiful in a way where you’re perfect. It’s sounds like people are appreciating the struggles that those with mental health issues go through, so I can see some good and bad in that.”

Kilpatrick believes that it may good to look at those with mental health problems and appreciate what they’ve been through and overcome, and the romanticization of mental illnesses bring that to light. On television shows or reality shows, people who have mental illnesses are highlighted as heroes and their stories are broadcast as main focuses. They bring mental illnesses into the public eye and prompt conversations.

“The downside, though, could be a severe nature of these disorders, especially with bipolar and depression disorders. It’s not something that you go through for a little bit, but then you can struggle and get over it one day,” Kilpatrick said. “There are people who have chemical imbalances in their brains and feel terrible even when things are OK. It’s good to be really clear because that’s nothing to be romanticized because people struggle with it and it affects their lives.”

TOUGH PILL TO SWALLOW

Young people over-medicated by the medical community By| Polly Phillips

E

very parent-teacher conference my mother attended for my brother while he was in elementary school consisted of complaints about forgetting his pencil or drawing pictures in class.

And every parent-teacher conference ended with the question, “Have you thought of putting him on any medication?” My mother would answer no and wonder why it was such a problem for a child to move around in class or forget items in his locker or draw pictures to help him focus.

To her, medication seemed like a Band-Aid for the teacher. The fact of the matter was he was just different. Everyone learns differently.

Everyone has his or her quirks.

Eventually my mother gave in and he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and put on medication. But something about putting a child on a stimulant and the sudden weight loss rubbed her the wrong way. By high school, my brother grew up, learned how to behave in class and was taken off the medication.

It makes me wonder if he ever really had a disorder or if he was just acting like a normal child.

Diagnosing a mental illness can be a bit tricky because there is no blood test or genetic marker for it. There is no broken bone or cast on the outside of someone’s body showing that he or she has a mental

illness. Doctors have to rely on their own assessment of a child’s behavior or a parent’s or teacher’s reporting of it.

It makes me wonder if the assessment is always correct when I hear the astounding statistic from the CDC that 19 percent of all pediatric visits among four to 15 year olds involve a psychosocial problem.

Receiving a prescription for a mental illness is almost too easy. Comedian John Mualney even does a stand-up bit about his going to the doctor and telling him, “I get nervous on airplanes” in order to get some “zanies.” On the other hand, many doctors believe young children should stay away from too many prescription drugs because of the unknown long term-side effects, and I agree.

Children as young as 3 years old receiving stimulants when the long-term effects are still unknown seems extremely risky.

The growing number of students in classrooms can come into play for the large number of children being diagnosed with ADHD. More children in a classroom results in a teacher with less tolerance for “troublemakers.”

Then there’s television advertising for medication, which helps put the whole idea into parents’ heads.

I think by now we all know the phrase, “Depression hurts, you don’t have to” from the Cymbalta commercial.

Now let’s get the business side of it all. Doctors are more likely to prescribe drugs than therapy because a psychiatrist who schedules for medicine checks in an hour earns about twice as much from an insurance company compared to 45 minutes of counseling.

During high school my brother dealt with depres-

sion. When we entered the doctor’s office, even I was pretty shocked by the fancy bathroom, paintings on the wall and warm colors in the office picked out by some interior designer to make the clients feel welcome.

In a matter of 30 minutes or less my brother was given a diagnosis and a prescription to treat his depression. How in a matter of 30 minutes does anyone know anything that personal?

To me it seemed that this rich doctor did not actually care about helping, but was thinking about that big check coming his way. Is that sad? Yes. Is it true? In some cases, yes.

That is something that truly hits home for me. To see someone unhappy suffering from depression and a doctor and a doctor would rather write a prescription than help is sad. Or maybe the rise of depression can be attributed to humans’ lack of genuine communication.

How many times have I actually poured my heart out to someone and meant every word I was saying?

Probably less than I can count on my fingers. I always think about what the other person will think if I were to tell them everything bothering me or everything that makes me sad. Most do the same because that is what we were are taught. So then what do we do? We pay someone a depressingly large amount of money to listen to our problems.

The problem with the pharmaceutical companies and society is honestly beyond me. I am only 18 after all, I should not be that familiar with the subject, but it is everywhere I look, commercials, my peers, my family. But I do know it takes more than a Band-Aid to fix a wound.

opinion | 17

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NET

Senior breaks county career-goals record by | Caroline Ward

T

he varsity women’s soccer team held up their hands to spell out “100” and celebrated on the field after senior Samantha Holmes scored her 100th goal in the first half of the Pisgah game this spring. The celebration continued at halftime, and Holmes went on to score her 101st goal the same night.

Holmes, a forward and striker, currently leads the conference with 62 points and 30 goals. She has committed to play soccer at Western Carolina University.

“It’s been really exciting to see all of my hard work pay off, and I owe all my success to my coaches and teammates,” Holmes said. “It was definitely intimidating, and I felt like I had lots of decisions to make, but I’m lucky to have had all those options,” Holmes said.

Since scoring her 101st goal, Holmes broke the school record of 112 goals. She then broke the county record of 114, previously held by a East Henderson player.

Head Coach Craig Long started the women’s soccer program 20 years ago. The record that Holmes broke was set by Nicole Moreno, 1996-1999.

“Samantha tied the record with six games left in our season, so I knew she had a chance to break the county record, 114 goals,” Long said.

The women’s varsity team is led by six seniors, including Holmes and Brittney Naef, who has committed to play soccer at Brevard College. Naef plays at left wing and midfield and has been on varsity for two years. She follows Holmes, coming in fourth in both points and goals, earning 17 and 7 respectively.

“It feels good to be committed to play college soccer,” Naef said. “I feel like I can take my soccer skills to the next level and follow my dreams. I’ve always dreamed about playing college soccer, and now I actually get to do it.”

Holmes, a four-year varsity player, is a leader on and off the field. Through her high school career, she has been named the Times-News player of the year twice, TimesNews player of the week four times and a Kiwanis All-Star three times and has earned both all-region and all-area honors three times.

“Samantha always makes sure to give us congratula-

tions to us after we make good plays,” teammate LeighAnn DeVore, a junior, said. “She always gives us an encouraging word when we need it and makes us laugh when we are all kind of down about something that has happened.

Samantha’s a good team leader and a great soccer player.”

Long came back to coach the team’s 20th season, after retiring from teaching at West last year.

“I really enjoy coaching women’s soccer and I felt like it was something I just couldn’t give up,” Long said. “I’m excited because I can tell that the girls all give effort and have athleticism. I’m excited about the team itself because there’s only three returning starters, and I’m excited for all the new talent.”

The varsity women’s soccer team is 7-13-1 overall, 5-8 in the Western North Carolina Athletic Conference.

“This season started off pretty rough,” junior Courtney Kanetzke said. “I honestly didn’t think we were going to win many games, but then we beat Brevard, 6-2. That game was a pick-me-up, and I think our team has started to learn how to play together. We have a lot more skills we need to work on, but overall I think we have a very talented team.”

Along with her five other senior teammates, Holmes is trying to make the most out of her senior season.

“She’s been on varsity since freshman year, so she knows how all the plays work,” Kanetzke said. “She’s really fast and good at handling the ball.”

Holmes and the other seniors lead the team on the field, but they respect the talent of their 18 younger teammates.

Sophomore Bradleigh Robinson is ranked third in the conference for assists, and junior Sheridan Patterson is ranked fifth.

“I love playing alongside Bradleigh and Sheridan,” Holmes said. “They are crucial players to our team and help us create opportunities to score.”

The team hopes to continue improving their conference standings and make it to the playoffs.

“This season has definitely had it’s ups and downs, but I’m glad we have had the seniors that we do. They are all really great leaders,” DeVore said. “I hope we can continue to improve and play our hardest.”

sports feature | 19

Varsity baseball team defeats state-ranked Pisgah by |Jackson Whiting

W

hen the varsity baseball team’s home game against Pisgah was cancelled on March 26 because of rain, the players did not shrug their shoulders and head home.

Instead, the crack of bats could be heard in the cages two hours after school to get ready to take on the undefeated Pisgah Bears, the top 3A ranked team in the state, the following day.

The team’s hard work paid off.

The Falcons handed the talented Bears their first loss of the season, winning 8-6, and moving to an overall record of 5-7 and a WNC Athletic Conference record of 3-3.

“It was a heck of a day,” junior outfielder Kail Ring said. “It was the first time we played as a team all season.”

Strong hitting contributed to the victory as the team saw its best day at the plate all season.

Junior Scott Tippett went 3-4 with three runs batted in, including one hit that was only a few feet short of a home run. Tippett went into the game in the two hitter spot with a .333 average. He led the team in RBI’s.

Senior Jake Ryan went 2-3 with two doubles.

“It was pretty cool to be able to hit that well against such a talented team,” Tippett said. “As a team we were killing the ball, and that ended up being the difference-maker.”

While pitching, senior Grant Anderson was an ace on the mound. The Kings College

signee pitched three scoreless innings, only allowing two hits and one walk. The team committed one error in the field and held the Bears to its second-lowest scoring game at that point in the season.

Earlier that year, Pisgah had defeated Owen, 21-0.

“Defensively, we played our best game all year by far,” senior shortstop Hunter Hall said. “We really needed to be ‘shut down’ in the field because they are such a good offensive team.”

The Falcons went into the Pisgah game on a four-game losing streak.

“We had a ton of team focus,” Head Coach Brandon Ball said. “We had a will to win as opposed to a will to not lose.”

“We knew we couldn’t live on our win over Pisgah,” Ring said. “There was still a whole season to play. We had to be focused on making it to the postseason.”

Going into the last four games, the team was 7-10 overall, 5-5 in conference play.

On April 29, the team made the trip to Haywood County to take on the Bears again.

The game ended in a controversy.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Falcons held a 3-2 lead. Pisgah outfielder Mason Fox came up with two outs and a runner on third. Fox sent a line drive into the outfield that scored infielder Bryce Burgess.

But before he crossed home, in celebration, he took off his helmet and tossed it to the dugout. NCHSAA rules say that if a player takes his helmet off in the base path, he is called out, ending the game at 3-2.

The last game will be played on May 8.

On target| In a game against Owen, junior Mike Connelly pitches to a left-handed opponent. Connelly got four strike-outs during the game. The Falcons went on to defeat Owen, 14-6. “Pitching to a left-handed batter is challenging, but I was able to overcome the challenge, and we ended up winning the game,” Connelly said.

Senior pitcher helps team succeed by | Isabella Perron

T Throw down| Senior

Laurel Koontz concentrates as she delivers the pitch.

Koontz achieved six srikeouts against R.S. Central. The team went on to win the game, 6-0. “I was proud of the team because everyone worked hard to contribute to the win,” Koontz said.

20 | sports | wingspan | april 2015

he varsity softball team walked out onto the field knowing they were going to face tough competition. They were playing North Henderson, a team with a 9-1 record going into the game.

West pitcher Laurel Koontz stepped onto the mound knowing she had to stop the the Lady Knight batters. She took a deep breath, set her feet and prepared to throw.

In the first inning, Koontz struck out their three best hitters. Through the first three innings, she had shut out the county rival.

From the first time Koontz watched her brother throw in the yard when she was a child, she began to love the sport. At the age of 5, she started playing T-ball. Koontz is now a senior and has recently been ranked number one in North Carolina for strikeouts.

She was influenced by her father, who played baseball in college and now helps coach the catchers for the West baseball team.

“Koontz’s mentality is work hard and don’t give

up,” junior Meagan Brewer said. “She is a role model and a person to look up to. We all think, I want to be like her next year.”

Koontz is an asset to the team. She succeeds as a pitcher, outfielder and batter. In a game against Hendersonville, she had 13 total strike outs, a batting average of .750 and an earned run average of 0.

Brewer has played with Koontz for five years starting in middle school and now in high school for three seasons on varsity.

“Since middle school she has been a hard worker and a leader. She will literally do something one hundred times until she gets it right,” Brewer said.

“She gets in all the reps possible and is the most dedicated player I know.”

The softball team is currently 11-9 overall, 5-8 in the WNC Athletic Conference. The last regular season game was against East Henderson on May 7.

“I hope that the girls take a lot away from this season,” Coach Mike Mattews said. “I want them to look back at their experience on the softball team and remember it as a wonderful and positive time in their lives.”

C C

ONNER’S ORNER

Domestic abuse major problem by | Josh Conner

A

s the videos of Ray Rice knocking out his fiance surfaced on the Internet, I couldn’t help but shudder as I remembered his jersey hanging just a few feet away in my closet.

I could not comprehend the situation as the man I knew as my hero, described as one of the nicest players in the NFL, was now being portrayed as a criminal.

What I could not foresee, as I watched the former Super Bowl champion drag the motionless body out of the elevator, was the truth. Professional athletes who are violent on the field sometimes take that violence home.

Major sports leagues have seen a substantial rise in domestic abuse cases.

Severe punishments are necessary to stop domestic abuse. Many athletes don’t understand the constant spotlight they are under as professionals.

Athletes such as Rice have large fan bases, and with the recent accusations of domestic abuse, younger fans have been negatively influenced by their role models. We should look within our own schools as domestic abuse cases among high schoolers have also increased.

If we are going to try to stop domestic abuse, we need to start early. Many high school athletes, just as professional athletes, believe they are above the law because of their status. We should never let something as serious as domestic abuse go unnoticed because the abuser is a “superstar.”

Stricter guidelines are needed to show athletes their behavior counts on an doff the playing field. The professional leagues’ big name athletes can make a positive impact by bringing attention to the issue.

Many professional and collegiate sports have been very successful in raising awareness for causes such as breast cancer research and prevention. I believe campaigns for domestic abuse should be established to bring attention to the subject. The NFL has taken a step in the right direction with it’s recent “No more” advertising campaign, but more needs to be done.

Senior golfer places fifth at regionals by | Kole Thomas

S

enior Brandon Capps prepared to play his second shot of the day at Etowah Valley Country Club. Concentrating on his form, he set his feet and swung. Capps felt unsure about the shot at first, thinking it had landed somewhere on the green or maybe across the road.

To his surprise, it had landed right in the hole for an eagle.

“Brandon has been playing very well for us,” Head Coach Jay Young said. “He’s been all-conference three straight years. I wouldn’t expect any less from a player like him.”

At a match at Kenmure Country Club, the team placed first out of four teams, including East Henderson, Hendersonville and North Henderson. Capps shot a 73 on 18 holes, and senior Zach Boyd shot 92.

“We’re all making improvements, and Brandon earned his fourth time medalist for having the lowest score of the match,” Young said.

Capps had an outstanding season and has committed to play golf at Brevard College. Capps met Coach David Nelson during practice unexpectedly, and from there he began receiving letters in the mail from Brevard College.

“Brevard is offering me a spot on their golf team, so I’m pretty excited about that,” Capps said. “They have classes I’d like to take and majors I’m interested in.”

In the first round of the conference tournament at Etowah, Capps led West with a 76 on 18 holes. Senior Joseph Bridges shot a 93 and Boyd shot a 95. The team achieved an overall score of 367 and placed fifth. Capps and Brevard’s Will Byrd were tied after the first day with a 76. In the second round Capps shot a 74, winning the conference title by 10 strokes. He earned a spot in 3A regionals.

The 3-A regional match was held at Mimosa Hills in Morganton on May 5. Capps placed fifth with a score of 77 on 18 holes.

Full swing| Senior Brandon Capps finishes a putt at the Kenmure Country Club in Hendersonville. He shot a 73 for the round and went on to win the match. “My strategy is to focus and just play one hole at a time,” Capps said.

Women’s team members advance to state by | Amy Turlington

J

New heights | At the Falcon Invitational,

junior Tyler Sem completes a jump. Sem achieved third place in the high jump event. The men’s and women’s teams both finished the annual event with a win. “Our team is doing great this season. My biggest competition in high jump is East Henderson, but I can usually out jump them for the win.”

unior Riley Dean took a deep breath as she waited for the gun to start the 100-meter race at the T.C. Roberson Invitational.

She was determined to break the 13-second mark. When the shot fired, Dean burst out of the block and took off down the track.

Dean pushed hard, trying to keep in stride with a T.C. Roberson sprinter running next to her. When Dean raced across the finish line, she looked over at the coach to check her time.

“When I finished that race, I thought I had done well, but I wasn’t really sure,” Dean said. “Then Coach (Randy) Lytle told me I had broken 13, and we were really excited and started jumping up and down.”

Coach Walt Fletcher said he was proud of Dean’s performance.

“Dean’s success is a testament to the work she’s put in each day in practice,” Fletcher said. “She has definitely earned every award she’s gotten.”

Fletcher said he was also proud of the early wins the men’s and women’s team achieved at the Times-News Invitational and

the Falcon Invitational.

“Winning the Times-News Invitational was a big deal, and our victory in the Falcon Invitational was huge because there were 400 runners competing,” Fletcher said. “I think this meet gave the team confidence.”

In the county meet, the women’s track team earned the county championship title, and the men’s team placed third.

The track team also performed well in the conference meet at North Henderson on April 22 with the women’s team placing first and the men’s team placing third.

“I hope we can start back our tradition of the women’s team winning the conference title,” Fletcher said. “We had the title for 11 years in a row until we broke it in 2013.

Hopefully, our win this year will carry on into the following years.”

The Falcons competed at the regional meet on May 2.

The women’s 4 x 800-meter relay team of seniors Amy Turlington, Kara Kilby and Katie Kennedy and junior Olivia Hogan succeeded in placing third and advancing to the state meet with a time of 10:37.

Freshman Madison Conner also qualified for state in the high jump with a jump of 4 feet, 8 inches.

sports | 21

Gary Raasch 828-335-7101 828-290-1000 garyraasch@kwrealty.com www.garyraasch.kwrealty.com Broker BRE# 0123456789

404 S. Main Street Hendersonville North Carolina 28792 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

22 | advertisements | wingspan | april 2015

by |Joel Fennimore

N

o matter who you are, you have to admit —everyone loves a good burrito. While the majority of plebeians go to the chain burrito joints, like Moe’s or Chipotle, there are other great places to check out, especially in the Hendersonville area.

I ate at and reviewed four local burrito restaurants.

Each of the burrito restaurants I went to serve food “ Subway style,” where you walk through a line and create your own burrito with the ingredients that are offered. I considered the quality of the food, prices, the atmosphere and other factors.

Neo Burrito, located right in Biltmore Park, Asheville, remains the best out of these choices. The restaurant itself is pretty small, but the environment makes up for it. Neo Burrito is going for the theme of being “environmentally friendly,” and it’s certainly believable. All the toilets are filled with recycled rain water, and when you’re finished with your meal, they have select garbage bins for you to sort your food and dishes (such as compost, recyclables, dishes, etc.) For a decent price, you get a huge burrito with free chips that are really good. The tortilla was the perfect mix between soft and crispy, the chicken was very soft and full of flavor, and the guacamole was some of the best I’ve ever tasted. All the ingredients are organic and from Neo Burrito’s own farms.. All in all, Neo Burrito remains my favorite, aside from the seating occasionally being a tight squeeze when the restaurant is busy. Whether you care about helping the environment or not, definitely check this place out.

Moe’s Southwest Grill, located at 300 Airport Road in Arden and 1 Hendersonville Road in Asheville, is known for being more of a Tex-Mex joint than a Southwest grill.

Moe’s is easily the most “Subway-esque” restaurant as it feels very formal and the food almost feels a little artificial. The environment of the place was decent and the paintings hung around are pretty neat. Fun fact for you, all the music they play in the restaurant is from artists who are dead. Moving on to the more important things, the burritos are mediocre, nothing special to be honest. The tortilla wasn’t steamed long enough, so it was a little too chewy and got stuck in my teeth. The chicken was dry and didn’t have much flavor. The guacamole wasn’t great either. I almost didn’t feel it was worth getting on the burrito. Alternatively, I’d say the best thing about Moe’s is their drink machine. It’s one of those new Coca-Cola machines where you can combine drink flavors such as orange Coke or vanilla root beer. Pretty neat. All in all, when it comes to burritos, Moe’s is just average.

Chipotle, located at 1828 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, has been a big project inthe-waiting. I’d never been to Chipotle before. It was great to see it finally open up, so I could get a taste. And boy was I impressed. The burritos were big. The chicken was still a little dry, but it had a nice lime flavor to it. While the guacamole was great, you had to pay about $2 extra for it, which I wasn’t too happy about. After eating far enough into the burrito I realized that the burrito’s large size was mostly due to the amount of rice, and I felt I was getting full off of rice rather than the rest of the burrito. And I hadn’t even ordered chips. Unfortunately, you have to pay extra for them, too. All the ingredients tasted very fresh, though, and the burrito certainly felt worth the money. Another restaurant with a small seating area, but the glass walls made up for it. Overall, the burrito is still worth the price, and I’d say the restaurant lives up to the hype.

To make the ratings fair, I ordered the same kind of burrito from every restaurant. Trying to keep it as basic as possible, I ordered a burrito with a white tortilla wrap, rice, chicken, black beans, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole. I’ve scoured far and wide for the best burritos, and I hope you enjoy.

Mary’s Burritos, located at 1971 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, exceeded my expectations. The restaurant is this cozy little place right off the road that really feels like something special when you discover it. While it does follow the traditional “go down the line and pick what you want” style, it does feel a little less formal, but that’s OK. Out of all the restaurants I visited for these reviews, this place was definitely the cheapest. However, this did not affect the quality of the burrito as I thought they were amazing. The burrito was huge and all the fillings were fresh and delicious. As a matter of fact, I wasn’t even able to finish my burrito, even though I was starving when I started eating it. The cooking felt a little more traditional to the classic Mexican-style, and you could definitely tell from the taste. It’s a nice switch up from the average the burrito joint. I feel this place deserves more publicity, so please, check it out.

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