The KNIGHT WRITER Tuscaloosa Academy

T-Swift 1989

By Elizabeth Moseley

Since the graduation of the class of 2013, there has been a gaping hole in each issue of The Knight Writer. I know you all have missed the Taylor Swift article in every. single. monthly. issue. This month, we bring it back, for something big happened on October 27th for Swifties worldwide. Taylor dropped her fifth album, 1989, named after her birth year.

This album is literal perfection. Taylor Swift graced us with flawless songs (more if you get the Deluxe edition, and why wouldn’t you?). Swifties across the globe are losing their minds at the glory of 1989 and those who usually scoff at Taylor find themselves blown away by the quality of this album. In fact, Saturday Night Live did a sketch commercial for a medicine called Swiftamine, made for those overcome by their love of Taylor Swift.

The first single, “Shake It Off,” hit the charts at number one while her second single, “Blank Space,” hit number two. “Shake It Off” gained popularity with its catchy tune and empowering message. Taylor is preciously awkward in its music video and gives hope to all tall, awkward girls who can’t dance. “Blank Space’s” music video was released and girls everywhere went into a frenzy at the immeasurable amount of incredible dresses Taylor donned. In this video, she acts more than she has in any previous music video. Her crazy eyes are unparalleled and all her psychotic antics leave us applauding.

This album surpasses beauty. It surpasses excellence. It surpasses perfection. 1989 has already made such an impact on the public and will only continue to do so as Taylor releases more music videos and embarks on her world tour. We all thank Ms. Swift for her dedication to her craft, and for blessing us with such an unparalleled work of art.

From the EDITOR

It’s coming. It approaches. It will be here sooner than you think. We must prepare. What, you ask, am I talking about? Thanksgiving, of course! The greatest meal of the entire year with a history deeply rooted in American ideals. All the cooking, family bonding, and cleaning that will ensue is all in the honor of the American Indians that shared their generosity with the Pilgrims. Our ancestors greatly benefitted from their kindness and today, we greatly benefit from the delicious food. So go, young Americans, revel in our country’s history and stuff your face with turkey, dressing, and potatoes, as you thank the nearest Native American.

–E. Moseley

KnightWriter Staff

Lilly Alldredge, Adjunct Contributor

Wyatt Burkhalter, ‘Merican Wildlife Editor

Shelby Curry, Mudwriter

Rachael Fincher, Mudwriter

Jake Evans, Sports Editor/MOIC

Ella Huffaker, Formatter Extraordinaire

Jon Evan Smelley, Assistant Formatter

Victoria Love, Camera Gal

Elizabeth Moseley, Editor–in–Chief

Wood Howell, Founder of The Corner

MacKenzie Smelley, Invisible Staffer

Hannah Warner, the one whose gears are ground

Riley Kate Lancaster, Adjunct Contributor

Carlie Cochran, ‘Merican Wildlife Co-Editor

Kaci Cochran, Mudwriter

Brittany Ledbetter, Mudwriter

Carson Palmer, Assistant Sports Editor

Rachel Sansing, Freshman–at–Large

Isabelle Nolan, Freshman–at–Large

Malone Johnson, Camera Gal

Simon Schmitt, International Relations

Weston Hamiter, Co–Founder of The Corner

Hallie Harrison, Resident Fashionista

Maggie Whitson, Class Editor

TA Play

Lilly Aldridge

November 10 & 11, the TA Players put on their Fall production at the BAMA Theatre. The historic location was the perfect place to put on their version of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” From head to toe, the players looked their part with amazing makeup, poofy tutus, and even flash tattoos and tattoo shirts. The set was also very cool. Flashing lights and swinging vines completed the look. The seniors were overwhelmed with sadness after the last performance, realizing that it was their last big fall production with TA. But they should be proud of their last, because it was a big hit. If you didn’t see the play, you really missed out!

School News

School News

Calendar by Rachel Sansing

Entertainment

Mockingjay: Flying into Theatres Soon! by MacKenzie Smelley

There are SPOILERS present in the article, so if you don’t want to know anything about Mockingjay DO NOT READ THIS ARTICLE.

Mockingjay: Part 1 is the third installment in The Hunger Games movies, and is released in theaters on November 21st, 2014. Mockingjay is the last book in The Hunger Games Trilogy. Now, many people didn’t like the book Mockingjay, for some reasons that I personally don’t understand. Some people say that was rushed through, all the politics in it were boring, and that the (spoiler) killing of Finnick was unjustified, while the killing of Prim was justified. Many believe Prim dying justifies why Gale and Katniss will never end up together. I, on the other hand, think that if Suzanne Collins, didn’t end it how she did, the series could have lagged on for eternity. Everyone would be asking her more questions than they already do.

The Knight Writer staff asked members of the Tuscaloosa community which scenes they were most excited to see in Mockingjay: Part I. Check out the results below. Personally, I want to see how they rescue Peeta. Since the book is told from Katniss’ point-of-view, readers don’t really know what is in places where Katniss is not located. The movie has the freedom to show what is going on with Peeta in the Capitol, along with what Katniss is doing, too. All in all, I definitely recommend going to see Mockingjay: Part 1.

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Peeta's Rescue Katniss's Return to District 12

Finnick & Annie's

Wedding

Don't Care

Most Wanted Scenes in Mockingjay: Part 1

Sports

Senior Stars By Riley Kate Lancaster

TA’s volleyball Senior Knight was held Monday, October the 13th. Senior Knight for volleyball honored our five senior volleyball players, Brittany Ledbetter, Rachael Fincher, Kaci Cochran, Shelby Curry, and Marissa Hayes. Brittany Ledbetter and Kaci Cochran have been playing volleyball for seven years. Rachael Fincher and Shelby Curry have been playing volleyball for six years. And Marissa Hayes has been playing volleyball for three years. TA Senior Knight games started at 5:30. Only two games could be played due to the bad weather. TA won both games against Tuscaloosa Christian 25-17 and 25-23. Go Knights!

TA Girls Basketball

By: Carlie Cochran

TA Girls Basketball has officially started! Coach William Johnson has high hopes for this year’s squad and thinks that they have a good chance for a state win. He’s had high hopes at practices, too, according to the girls. “We run 14 laps to warm up before practice and run suicides like crazy; it is horrible,” said one player. Well, at least we know that the girls are in shape. The Lady Knights kicked off their season on November 16. Come out and support your teams!

A Stellar Season

by Kaci Cochran and Shelby Curry

The whole season led to our trip to the state tournament. It was a day we will remember for the rest of our lives. Going in, we knew we were going to be playing a rival. A team that we wanted to beat before the season even started. A team that beat us during the regular season and Regional competition. It was our turn to get revenge. They would be the team we played first. During Regionals, they brought their whole school to the game. This time, we had our fans with us. With our parents, teachers, and friends yelling and cheering for us from the sidelines, they didn’t stand a chance.

The game finally began. We won the first two matches by giving it our all. We were diving and digging and hitting every chance we got. We got a little tired, so we lost the third game. But, match number four was the one that counted. All we had to do was put 25 points on the board and we would beat Kingwood. The game went quickly and we won. We finally defeated Kingwood! After they had an undefeated season and had been ranked as the number one team, we beat them.

But it wasn’t over yet. It was time for the championship against Macon East. We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we were ready for it. No matter how big those girls were, how hard they

hit, or how tired we were, we were going to give it our all. And we did. We ended up losing that game in three, but we would never take that chance back. Being second in state not only showed our parents and friends and everyone how hard we worked for that, but it also made us see that we can do it and push though the hardest times.

Sports

Sports

1.

Record 9–1

2.

Record: 9-1

3.

Record: 10-0

4.

Record: 9-1

CFB Polls

1.

Final record: 12-1

2.

Final record: 12-1

3.

Final record: 13-0

4.

Final record: 12-1

Jake’s Final Four