the independent claws issue 1

Issue 1 • Edition I • April 3rd, 2015RALLY HELD FOR STUDENT VOICES:students rally to protect house bill 236

On March 23, about 15 West-ern Hills students got permis-sion to leave school to go to a political rally at the state capitol building to protest the treatment of a student initiated bill (HB-236) in the Kentucky state con-gress. The bill aims to allow a student representative to be in a superintendent screening com-mittee. The bill was created by Franklin County representative Derrick Graham (D-Franklin) because the Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent resigned, and students were not

legally allowed to be in the screen-ing committee for the new super-intendent. HB-236 was introduced on Feb-ruary 2, by representative Derrick Graham with representatives Lin-da Belcher, Cluster Howard, and Dean Schamore. The bill passed in the House of Representatives with an 88-5 vote. However, when the bill reached the senate, Senator C.B. Embry Jr. (R-Morgantown) added on an amendment to require all students to use the bathroom of their birth sex. This will mostly affect the transgender students in Kentucky

Continued on page 9

The New Independent ClawsNews for the students, by the students.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE!

pg 4

pg 6

pg 1Beyond the chalk board: Technology in the classroom.

Hills classes prepare for international summer trips.

MUVE members prepare for the Night of Noise.

“This Ain’t [Just) a scene” It’s High School Musical! WHHS puts on spring musical production.

By Simon Holden

This Ain’t (Just) A Scene

On March 27th and 28th, the drama production High School Musical premiered and was a huge hit. The play was about a group of high school students audition-ing and competing for parts in the spring musical, while the two main characters (Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez) try to balance the musical with sports, the Sci-ence Decathlon, and their budding romance. The play was directed by Chris Miller, a parent of a Hills stu-dent and Hills alumnus. It was produced by choir teacher Mer-edith Goins and choreographed by Bluegrass Theatre Guild’s Patricia McDonald. Band Director Stepha-nie Wallace conducted the pit.

Here to help as well was stage manager Katy Luster, a 2012 graduate of Hills. This is her 10th production. She was in 9 as a Hills student and now attends UK studying Arts and Administration. When she heard that the cast “po-tentially could use some help” she rushed to help out. This represents the strong tradition the drama de-partment has that keeps people coming back. The leads, Troy Bolton and Ga-briella Montez, were played by freshman Luke Sosby and senior Annie Cunningham, and the other main characters were played by Annie Davis, Sungani Dlamini, Cordelia Jones, Carter Cantrell, Taylor Powell, Garrett Brock,

The New Independent Claws/ OLIVIA LEATHERSTroy Bolton (played by freshman Luke Sosby) and some of the other cast members belt out the notes of the opening number.

By ALEX MCKINNEYStaff Writer

Katie Miller, Calvin Andries, Lucy Buchanan, and Matt Daniel.

It’s High School Musical!

The New Independent Claws/OLIVIA LEATHERS

Sophomore Aaron Basham operates the spotlight in the crow’s nest.

All photos: The New Independent Claws/ OLIVIA LEATHERSTOP: Sungani Dlamini, Annie Cunningham, Luke Sosby and Carter Cantrell take their bow during the end of the show.LEFT: Sungani Dlamini and Annie Davis strike the dramatic final pose.BOTTOM: Julee Hill and Hayley Harrod pep up the opening number.

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The use of technology in our schools has exploded over the past few years. Computers and tablets were nonexistent in the classroom ten years ago. But many students today find it hard to be successful in class without having technology. “The document camera in Mrs. Sell’s class is very important,” said senior Emily Crowe, “having the textbook projected up on the board helps me learn more effectively.” Mrs. Sell is not the only teacher to adopt technology in their teaching; many other teachers also see the benefit of technological use in schools. AP Composition teacher Lau-ren Hill uses technology like laptops, smart projectors, and document cameras on a regu-lar basis in her classes. “It makes learning and communicating easier in most cases” said Hill when discuss-ing the effectiveness of a technological class-room “But still, there are some teachers who don’t use technology in their classes.” Hill believes she has a solution to this problem. In her experience, she has seen that most people who haven’t accepted technol-ogy haven’t learned how to use it properly or fail to see the benefit in classrooms. She suggests that these teachers just, “see the technology in action.” This may be true, but other teachers view technology in a different light. The Government and Geography teacher, Ken Hockensmith, is not against technol-ogy per se, but he will, “rarely build lessons around technology because of Murphy’s Law.” “Technology often fails” remarked Hock-ensmith, “and if you are not adequately prepared to teach through alternate means, learning breaks down.” At the same time, he does support the use of online resources like tests and streaming vid-eos. Yet, both teachers seem to agree that the school should provide some kind of device for every student. Hockensmith affirmed, “Yes, we should give every student an iPad.” Others have concerns about the school’s ability to spread the technology to all stu-dents. “Equity of the issue is a problem” said Hill. Neighboring school districts have started a “1:1 student computing initiative” using iPads in some of their schools. “Each Woodford County High School stu-dent receives a school issued iPad” their on-line home page boasts.

Crowe spoke positively about the effective-ness of a personal device at school. She thinks that her organization would improve and she would be able to get more homework done. However, Hockensmith doesn’t only think that each student needs a computer or tablet, but that there should be a restriction on all other devices. “This cell phone ban would have a great ef-fect” said Hockensmith, “if students relied more on school monitored email to communicate the issue of cyber-bullying would be gone.” What he proposes is that students are given a laptop or iPad to do their school work but also impose a cell phone ban school-wide. He says that the students would be able to use their school emails to communicate with their teach-ers as well as sending important messages to their parents. Because of the existing monitoring systems in place at school such as the Imperio Console and school webmail, things like cyber-bullying and inappropriate content can be regulated on all devices for students. All of these technological changes are centered on improving the learning environment. For some people, technology has a more real-istic application in school. There are students in Franklin County schools who need to use tech-nology to communicate and make their school materials accessible. Katrin Holden, an assistive technology aide in

Franklin County Public Schools, says that assistive technology gives students, “equal access to the curriculum” through their Individual Education Plan or IEP. Students with various disabilities use de-vices such as iPads, laptops, or BrailleNote devices to communicate, read, write, or do any other academic activity. For example, a student using an iPad could take a paper from any teacher and make it accessible by scanning the page with the camera. The student can then import the scan into other applications to enable them to complete the page. “It is not giving the student an advantage” said Holden, “it just levels the playing field.”

Beyond the Chalk Board:How Western Hills Uses Technology

The New Independent Claws / SIMON HOLDEN

Mrs. Sell uses her document camera to teach AP Calculus.


Mrs. Jones uses her Mobi Tablet to teach her math class.

“The document camera in Mrs. Sell’s class is very important,” said senior Emily Crowe, “having the textbook projected up on the board helps me learn more effectively.”

By SIMON HOLDENStaff Writer

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The New Independent Claws/SIMON HOLDEN

Senior Taylor Gilbert signs for an archery scholarship with Union College.

Eight years ago, Warren Mitchell and Kelly Carr started an archery team at Bondurant Middle School as part of the National Archery in the Schools Pro-gram (NASP). In the coming months and years this new team gained massive support and popularity. “It is best for students who are not well suited for other sports” said Kelly Carr, current Western Hills High School archery coach, “It is something that you can excel at if you put in the time.” He believes that anyone, no matter of their physical or mental condition can do ar-chery if they work for it. “The team is a very diverse and fo-cused group” said Robin Jones, former archery coach and math teacher at West-ern Hills. The dynamic of the team is very positive and competitive. They all are supportive of each other and push themselves and their teammates to im-prove constantly. Jones remarked that she has observed the archery team grow both through being a coach and from seeing this group of people in different situations around school. “I know who is on the team, I talk to them and ask them their scores” said Jones. If someone wants to be a part of the archery team, they hold tryouts each year. Tryouts in archery are more of a trial period than anything else. At the beginning of the season, there are a few weeks where the coaches watch each new member of the team to determine if they can compete or not based on their score. This year, no one was cut from the competing team because of a lack of team members. Fortunately, NASP ar-chery programs have started in Collins Lane and Westridge Elementary schools giving a head start to students as they move into Bondurant and Western Hills. “My nephew shot the other day, with a 290 as a sixth grader” said Jones. In NASP archery there are 300 possible points for each individual archer. Fresh-man Chandler Crane commented that being on the archery team is a lot of fun even though you have to be a very dedi-cated person. This year the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) newly recognized archery as a competitive

sport. This recognition is important for the WHHS archery team as they will now be able to compete in a new set of tournament and compe-titions in the KHSAA region 7. On March 21st, Western Hills hosted the first KHSAA Archery tournament in region 7 in the Lapsley Cardwell Gymnasium. The WHHS ar-chers finished second overall in the tournament with 4,477 points and sophomore, Connor Dai-ley winning the individual title with a score of 296. This second place in the KHSAA tournament allows the WHHS archery team to advance to the KHSAA State Archery tournament on April 21st in Lexington. On March 12th, the archery team competed in the NASP State Tournament and received third place, a school record as well as a fifth

place individual win for Connor Dailey. Senior Courtnie Carr also won a $1000 scholarship from NASP for being one of the top eight high school archers in the state. According to Coach Carr, the WHHS archery team has won a sixth place title at the NASP State Tournament in 2014, and 11th place title at the NASP National Tournament in 2014. “We are on the rise in the State and National Tournaments” said Carr, the WHHS archery team is constantly trying to better themselves. Archery has even reached out of the shooting range to keep students in school, and give col-lege scholarships. On March 13, senior Taylor Gilbert had a scholarship signing with Union College at Western Hills. Unlike most scholarship sign-ings at this school, she was accepting an ar-chery scholarship. “I chose Union College mostly for the ar-chery, as well as their nursing program” said Gilbert. Being on the Western Hills archery team has really impacted her choice with colleges. It seems that no matter what archery team member you talk to, they feel so positive about being on the team. “It is very rewarding at the end of the day” said senior Will Grasch, apparently it is easy to get into archery, but it is very fun. Courtnie Carr, Coach Carr’s daughter and University of the Cumberlands archery schol-arship recipient recommends the sport, “People should join archery because it is freaking awesome, and a lot of fun,” she said.

Western Hills Archery Team Shoots For Success

The New Independent Claws/ MEGAN BLANTON

The Western Hills Archery team won the third place trophy at the state tournament.

The New Independent Claws/TAMI STETLER

The Western Hills Archery team finishes the state tournament successfully

“People should join archery because it is freaking awesome, and a lot of fun,”

-senior Courtnie Carr

By SIMON HOLDENStaff Writer

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Interim principal, Linda Nickel, is more than just a substitute. She has stepped in to conclude the 2014-2015 school year. Nickel is an avid reader and loves listening to books on tape. Some of her favorite books are The Lovely Bones, Water for Elephants, Poisonwood Bible and Harry Potter. She strives to walk 5 miles a day, averaging 10,000 steps. Nickel has five grandsons, two of which currently attend school in the Franklin County district. More than anything, she loves children and loves being an educator. “Being a Nana is my most prized possession,” Nickel said. Nickel has worked in the Franklin County School system since 1970 where she has held many positions. Some of which include: Bridgeport Elementary School principal, teacher at Collins Lane, reading teacher at Bondurant, gifted teacher at Bridgeport and Hearn Elementary schools, and assistant superintendent of the district. Following her retirement, Nickel has assumed many intern jobs including serving as interim principal at Franklin County Early Learning Village. Nickel realizes that expectations are high at Western Hills and hopes to maintain the standards that have already been set. She also wants to ensure that all the seniors have a successful spring semester. This year’s senior class has had the same principal since they began high school, but some students are optimistic about the unexpected change . “Of course it feels weird because anytime you have change, things are different. I just hope that she (Ms. Nickel) will take the time to know me as a student,” comments senior Shannon McCutcheon, about the intern principal. During this transition period, the Site-Based Decision Making Council, (SBDM), is currently in training to be qualified in choosing a new, full-time principal for the

WHHS welcomes Interim

2015-2016 school year. There is a set schedule for interviewing as well as a date that they hope to have made a decision. Math teacher Kelly Caldwell knows that Nickel has lots of experience and believes that she has a desire to make the end of this school year great. “She trusts the faculty and shows support to all teachers and students,” Caldwell says. “It was sad to see Ms. Rector leave but they couldn’t have chosen a better interim than Ms. Nickel. We are very lucky to have her.” On top of all her other responsibilities, Nickel has been involved in the success of Western Hills since it first opened to students in 1981. She was a parent volunteer, worked at the summer school, and was an active member of the booster program. Nickel has shown a very strong commitment to the Franklin County School district and the education system in general. Many students think that she will be a great contribution. She is excited to be back here, at Western Hills, able to invest in our success. “Coming to Western Hills is like

coming home,” Nickel said.

Principal Linda Nickel


Linda NIckel brings years of experience to the interim principal position at WHHS.

INTERESTEDin Journalism?

Talk to your guidance counselor about signing up for Journalism class next year!

Global Headlines-------------------------------Compiled by Katherine Caldwell

*Co-pilot hides illness, crashes planeEarly Tuesday morning a German airplane crashed killing 150 people. The co-pilot had a doctors note later found in a trash can that said he was unfit to work.

* largest asteroid impact zone foundTwo pieces of asteroid crashed into Australia many millions of years ago. Researches found the impact zone miles into Earth’s crust.

*Nut caused thousands of deathsBetel nuts, from the Areca palm, have effects similiar to drinking six cups of coffee. The FDA

has deemed them “unsafe.”

By KATHERINE CALDWELLStaff Writer

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It is normal for students enrolled in foreign language classes to crave adventure but it’s extraordinary when their desire is fulfilled. Rachel Medina, the Spanish teacher, and Lucy Rini, the French teacher at Western Hills, are each taking a group of students on an international trip. Rini’s class will go to France this summer and Medina’s will go to Peru in the summer of 2016. Studying abroad is very popular in many colleges in America. According to the State University of New York, more than 85% of students agree that they would like to participate in international programs resulting in an increase of students that study abroad. Although this is a rising interest, it is still uncommon for American high school students to travel abroad. Every year, Western Hills has foreign exchange students that highly

Hills classes prepare for

recommended traveling to another country. Chega Han, a Japanese student at Western Hills last year speaks highly of her time overseas. “I realize many things that I didn’t recognize in Japan; how much my family means to me and how everyone around me always supports me.” Han said. This realization and sense of gratitude is one of many things gained from traveling abroad. There are many other benefits of experiencing new customs and outlooks such as cultural exposure. Medina and her students will travel to Peru visiting Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, an elementary school, and an Amazon Rainforest tributary. Medina expects students to be nervous. “They will be outside of their comfort zone but they will learn about themselves, their country, and using all five of their senses.” Medina said. Cameron Wilson, a junior at Western Hills, decided to go to Peru because her future occupation requires traveling and she wishes to be fluent in Spanish. “I’ve never been outside of the United States or even on a plane” Wilson said. “But I’m so excited to experience the Peruvian culture.”Although it’s been several years since Western Hills has taken a trip abroad, Rini hopes that traveling to France will become a tradition. “I want this year to build enthusiasm so that it becomes a trip that students can plan for and plan around.” Rini said. Rini’s students will be in France

international summer trips

from July 6- July 14, 2015, spending three days in Paris visiting the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. They will then take a high-speed TGV train to Provence where they will see Pont du Gard, the tallest ancient Roman aqueduct in existence today. The Western Hills group will end their 10 day trip in Nice where they will learn to play the traditional French game Pétanque and spend the final day relaxing on the beach, at the Mediterranean Sea. “Students will enjoy being out of Kentucky and seeing the world,” Rini comments. Bethanie Smith, a junior at Western Hills, is accompanying Rini on the trip. She has been taking French classes for three years and says that she has wanted to go to France since she started. “I’m in love with the idea of France,” Smith said. “I want to see the real French culture and compare it to ours.” Both Rini and Medina’s trip abroad are great opportunities for these students that not every school has. “Traveling the world is fundamental in finding yourself,” Medina said. “Students will come back with a stronger sense of self awareness, realize all the opportunities in America, and have gratitude for our country.” Both Hills teachers and international students emphasized the benefits of travel. “There will be differences while traveling abroad,” Han said of her own travel experience. “But I would tell these students to embrace them.”

Source: oceansart.us

Medina’s group will visit Machu Picchu, Peru. Machu Picchu is a famous archological site and is known for their Llamas.

The New Independent Claws / KATHERINE CALDWELL

By KATHERINE CALDWELLStaff Writer

French teacher Lucy Rini is taking a group of students to France this July. Spanish teacher Rachel Medina is taking a group of students to Peru in the summer of 2016.

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By ALEX MCKINNEYStaff Writer

Walking through the halls of Western Hills High School, one can not be blamed for thinking they are seeing double. In our school, there are over ten sets of multiples, eight of which can be found in the senior class alone: seven sets of twins, and one set of triplets. Twins and triplets have a connection that regular siblings simply cannot understand; they were born together, and so even when they are apart they never lose this connection.

“Being a twin means always having someone there to keep you company and watch your back no matter what happens.” said senior Tyler Chapman states. Even though he and his identical twin sister Erin are different in every sense of the word – Erin’s face is heart-shaped while Tyler’s is angular, Tyler’s hair is short while Erin’s is long curled like ramen noodles, Erin has a musical giggle while Tyler’s laugh is hardy -- you can still see the connection there, and it is obvious that Tyler would do anything to keep his sister happy and safe.

Not all twins are this close, however. Senior twins Lyle and Jacob Turner are as fraternal as twins can be, and their personalities are twice as different as their appearances. Lyle is a social butterfly built like a football player, and Jacob is an introverted boy who enjoys Doctor Who and cross-stitching.

“People are always shocked when they find out we’re twins.” says Jacob, talking over his latest project. “They know we’re brothers, but it never crosses their mind that we’re twins unless someone tells them.”

This is more common than one would think, even with identical twins. “Despite how similar we look, the people we meet don’t really consider that we’re twins.” Tyler says, laughing deeply.

It is surprising thing to consider; people look at siblings in the same grade, siblings who look extremely similar and just happen to be the same age, and they never think about whether or not those two siblings are twins.

People have the opposite with senior twins Rachel and Madison Wallace. “I love having a twin.” Madison says. “Rachel and I have a lot in common, and we do everything together. We even have most of the same classes. But people tend to think of us as they same person; they never think of us individually. And they always call me Rachel by accident. It’s annoying.”’

When most people think of twins, they picture “switcheroo” games and tricks. Surprisingly enough, these games are more stereotypical than reality according to many WHHS twins. “Erin and I looked a lot alike when we were younger.” Tyler says. “But we never used our similar appearances to play tricks on people. It never really crossed my minds.”

Having a twin is an experience most people cannot understand. You have a built-in friend for life, you have someone who can understand you in ways no one else can, and you never have to worry about ever being alone. It really is a special dose of double trouble.

“I can’t imagine what it would be like to not have my twin.” Tyler said.



The Chapman twins, Erin and Tyler, are different but say they share a special bond.

Seeing double Trouble:Senior Multiple Pairs Share their EXPERIENCES

The Turner twins, Jacob and Lyle, say they are as different as twins could be.


“People are always shocked when they find out we’re twins.” says

Jacob, talking over his lat-est project. “They know

we’re brothers, but it never crosses their mind that we’re twins unless someone tells them.”

The Wallace Twins, Rachel and Madison, share most of the same classes.

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RALLY HELD FOR STUDENT VOICES:students rally to protect house bill 236

high schools. In addition, . . . senator Al-bert Robinson (R-London) of District 21 also introduced an amendment to HB-236 which, “Permit[s] students to voluntarily express religious or political viewpoints in school assignments free of discrimina-tion;” “They’re doing this to pin the blame on the Democrats” said senior Emily Crowe. She thinks that because the bill was be-coming so successful in the house, sena-tors Embry, and Robinson would take ad-vantage and either sink the democrat’s bill or make their legislation pass. “Students understand education best, it’s naive of C.B. Embry and Robinson to try and silence us” said senior Dove DeNi-gris, a Western Hills student at the rally. Dove is just one of many students who are afraid that they will not get a say in the choice of their administration. Like these students at the rally, there is quite a large amount of participation across the state, nation, and even inter-nationally. There have been two popular hashtags on Twitter to promote awareness of this cause, #StandWithStudents, and #StudentVoiceMatters. These two topics on Twitter have given students an outlet to voice opinions on the issue, and to orga-nize events like today’s rally. Student organizations in schools are also getting in on the action too. There were Y-Clubs, Young Democrats and Young Republicans at the rally showing their support for the bill. One particular voice at the rally today was senior Todd Stetler. Since the bill’s introduction by Derrick Graham, Todd has been a important activist in Western Hills for this cause. “If House Bill 236 is not passed it will silence the already voiceless.” Said Stetler in his email to Senator Embry. In this email Stetler describes how this bill would be very important for the high school stu-dents of Kentucky because they would get a voice in their school’s actions. He goes on to list the 84 students that he could find in Western Hills who support HB-236.

“[However, ]seeing a face is much more different than getting a piece of mail” said Stetler. He hopes that the senators saw the student rally outside the Capitol and will change their minds. In spite of that, Stetler still thinks that the outcome of the HB-236 vote will be different in the sen-ate vote on March 24th, the last day of the legislative assembly. The Bill ultimately failed in the Kentucky House, after passing in the Senate with the transgendered bathroom amendment deleted and the religious freedom amendment upheld. Some Democrats expressed displeasure with waiting until the next legislative session to attempt to pass the bill again without added amendments. According to WUKY, Senator Reggie Thomas (D-Fayette) said on the floor, “This Senate has succeeded in doing one thing,” the Lexington Democrat said. “We have now shown every young person across this state how messy, how futile, and how ineffective government is.”

“If House Bill 236 is not passed it will silence the already voiceless.” Said Stetler in his email

to Senator Embry.

The New Independent Claws / TODD STETLER

Alison Lundergan Grimes spoke at the student rally in favor of a bill which would allow a stu-dent participant to be present in non-voting role for the selection of superintendents.

...Continued from front

The New Independent Claws / MADISON WALLACE

Todd Stetler, Dove DeNigris, and Emily Crowe prepare to got to the rally at the Capitol Building.

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By AMANDA LEMAYStaff Writer

Since the dawn of humanity when humans had the ability to form coherent opinions and beliefs, there have been some conflict concerning differences. You can’t get around the fact that people will never agree about some things. One of the most major things is, of course, religion. It has been a fight of who’s right since there was more than one religion in existence. Western Hills High School is no exception. At Hills, we have a multitude of different beliefs, from Christianity, to Atheism, to Paganism. “My experience with being a Chris-tian and a high school student hasn’t been easy” says 17 year old Christian senior Amber Booth. Not many students decide to convey their religion as proudly as Booth. She constantly stands up for her religion and is proactive in her church commu-nity. There was a point in time where I was tired of possessing that title, [the Christian girl.]” Booth says. However, the promise of eternal sal-vation outweighs the cons for Booth. “I will always stand up for him [God]. No matter if I am the only one stand-ing, or among hundreds.” Religion isn’t always a bed of roses to tread through. Olivia Leathers is a 17 year old WHHS senior. Leath-ers has struggled with the difference of religion in her family for a while. Leathers says,

“I had a really bad experience ‘coming out’ as Agnostic… It’s been a

long experience, an awful experience.”

Leathers decided to come out as ag-nostic to her very religious family. Leathers couldn’t hide who she was or go along with things that she didn’t

believe in like going to church and prayer. “They didn’t take it very well. My great-grandfather had been attending the church we went to since he was christened there as a young child. His mother had attended the church before he was born, and had been christened there as well. He couldn’t seem to comprehend the fact that I didn’t believe in God…” Leathers says she is accepted by her family, but she is still working toward helping them understand her beliefs. Religious differences do not stop just outside of family life. There are many problems regarding differences in the classroom too. Every time a teacher brings up any religion in the class there may be a students’ hand that shoots up into the air with the phrase “But you can’t teach religion!”

Teachers can teach about religion, however they cannot teach the reli-gion itself. There is an even thinner line be-tween making sure everyone feeling like they can express their beliefs and not putting one religion ahead of another. There are also problems with religious tolerance, not just here but everywhere. “Many people don’t accept me or even try to get to know me because they hear my religion and get scared.” said a Pagan student here at Hills who wishes to remain anonymous. People often tend to judge people before knowing who they are based only on their beliefs. One example of a student being ridiculed for their belief is Derek Giardina in California. Giardina was going on his every day routine of say-ing the pledge and leading his school in the pledge of allegiance when he omitted “under God.” Giardina was punished and had points taken off of his grade. It vio-lates the constitution when a teacher

indoctrinates religion, but if you’re a student you are free to express your religion (or lack of) in any way you want. Why was Giardina punished? The school says it’s based on tradition, the law says, Giardina was justified. “I don’t know as much about some religions as others. There is still a lot for me to learn.” Says History teacher Vanessa Smith,. Smith was going to teach a world religion class but the class was then dropped because they didn’t have enough people to have a class. Smith believes that learning about religion is important. It will make you see people more clearly, and also helps avoid nasty stereotyping. “It is important to help us understand broader cultural differences and how they play a role in historical and cur-rent events,” Smith says.

Students and teachers share their views

“It has been a fight of who’s right since there

was more than one religion in existence.”

Kierahn Johnson’s locKer, decorated with his folder asKing for prayer requests.

The New Independant Claws / AMANDA LEMAY

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MUVE members prepare for the night of noise

The school club known as Mutual Understanding via Education (MUVE) will be hosting the 2nd annual Night of Noise. This event allows any student to perform some sort of talent or recre-ational act to show their support of tol-erance. The performance itself will be held at Western Hills High School on April 17th, at a time to be announced. The Night of Noise is a new event in connection to the National Day of Si-lence A day which aims to raises aware-ness against intolerance by being si-lent. “being silent wasn’t enough… we needed to add more.” Lead official and senior Alex McKinney said. The Night of Noise is a celebration that breaks the silence. Around the state some places celebrate the Day of Si-lence on the 11th rather than the national day of the 17th. MUVE is expecting the performances to raise plenty of awareness for groups of people who usually face discrimina-tion. The performances are focused on tolerance, acceptance, and learning to love yourself.

There will be a lot of perfor-mances throughout the night such as singing, spinning poi (LED lights on strings), and

reciting monologues.

“I will definitely be participating.” McKinney said. Apart from announc-ing the acts with Jennifer White, the co-president of MUVE, he will be singing “All About that Bass” with senior Alita Reed. He will also be singing “Let the Rain” by Sara Bareilles. Junior Elliot Jennings will be performing “an origi-nal song.” The Night of Noise is all about loudly celebrating after spending a day in silence for those who do not have a voice. Jennings expressed her excitement thoroughly and is glad that students can “celebrate their identities, and spread awareness and

tolerance.” Jennings is also thrilled with the thought of expressing her support for tolerance through art.

“I love performing and it’s not often I can be so publicly open about who I am.”

Co-president Jennifer White said she believes that not only is the Night of Noise an event for the LGBT commu-nity to speak out against intolerance, but also for “outcasts” to find acceptance and relief. Last year not only did the Night of Noise inspire the audience, but it also empowered them and made them real-ize that intolerance is unacceptable. “Many people in the audience had emotional reactions to the performances and were touched by what was present-ed to them.” White said. The performers have been working

the Co-presidents of MUVE, Alex McKinney and Jennifer White, in front of the LGBT book display.

The New Independant Claws / JADE BENNETT

By Jade BennettStaff Writer

hard to get the production in order. Practices have been after school every Tuesday and Thursday, and for the week of the performance practices will be held every day.

the independent claws issue 1

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