the northridge reporter november 2014
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The student voice of Northridge High SchoolTRANSCRIPT
the northridge
eSt. 2003
The student voice of Northridge High SchoolNOVEMBER 14, 2014 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 3
reporter
AT A GLANCE
northridge high School2901 northridge roadtuscaloosa, Alabama 35406
www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com
LITTLE ShOp Of hORRORS
CROSS- COUNTRy
page 9 page 10 “
“
Turtlenecks never should’ve been invented.
See story on pAGE 7
MORGAN dEwITT, SENIOR
Students disagree with administration over cell phone policy
Information compiled by John Mark McClelandInfographic designed by Kathryn Versace
dO yOU use your phone during school hours?
For more on this issue, see the editorial, ‘Our Thoughts’, on pAGE 2
JASON LONGSTAff wRITER
Cellphones or electronic devices are used—not just in the hallways during the five minutes between classes, but also in the classroom, at every opportunity the teacher gives students. Students are permitted to use their phones under specific circumstances. They are allowed to use their cellphones during lunch and between classes, principal Kyle Ferguson said. he said the most common issue with cellphones is that “most students are texting in class.” Ferguson said if students are caught with phones inside the classroom, they will be asked to give the teacher the phone, and the student’s parents will have to retrieve the phone from an administrator. if students don’t comply, they will be placed in in-school suspension for three days. he said the same rule applies with earphones, which are a safety hazard. Ferguson said he is “not against phones,” but the issue is one of safety. “Students could be called aloud by a teacher or administrator and can’t hear anything due to the fact that earphones are in,” he said. “They can have earphones in until the bell rings for first period, then
students are required to take earphones out.” raquel Murphy, credit recovery teacher, said “the cellphone policy is a great idea.” “i think it’s good to use your cellphones in the lunchroom and the five minutes during the transition of classes. The use of cellphones during instructional time should not be permitted. important calls
and texts can wait until after school,” she said. Cheyna dancer, sophomore, said she thinks it a “good idea” to have phones in the hallway. “We should be allowed to have our cellphones during instructional time,” she said. Vantashia hester, senior, said she can
“concentrate better” on her schoolwork when she is able to have her phone in class. damon Smith, sophomore, said students should be able to use cellphones in the classrooms because parents might need to contact students if there is an emergency.
Spanish classes observe ‘dia de los Muertos’
Photo by James Niiler
VAMOS A CELEBRAR Kashiya Rice, sophomore, deco-rates a traditional paper cutout mask, or mascara, to celebrate the Day of the Dead in Spanish teacher’s Jennifer Canterbury’s fourth period Spanish II class on Nov. 2.
“ “I think it’s kind of a way of dispelling ignorance.JENNIfER CANTERBURy, SpANISh TEAChER
JAMES NIILEREdITOR-IN-ChIEf
The end of october in mainstream culture brings halloween, but in Mexico and Jennifer Canterbury’s Spanish classes, the party’s just getting started to celebrate El Dia de los Muertos—the day of the dead. C a n t e r b u r y ’ s classes take the day off once a year to participate in a classroom celebration of the day of the dead. Students bring Latin foods to share and decorate skull masks, or mascaras, two traditions observed during the holiday. “day of the dead is celebrated mostly in Mexico and is a combination of the Christian influence brought by the Spaniards and pre-Columbian traditions,”
Canterbury said. “For a couple of days in november, [Mexicans] carry on as though the deceased are still with them. it’s done out of a reverence for their ancestors and loved ones.” Canterbury said the traditional foods of the holiday include mole sauce and pan de muerto, or ‘bread of the dead.’ “[Pan de muerto is] a sweet bread also prepared with anise,” she said. “The way
the bread is prepared represents death, because it’s both bitter and sweet.”
This year marks the seventh time Canterbury has done a day of the dead celebration in her class.
“i’ve done something every year, and i’ve been teaching ten years. For this level of involvement, with students bringing everything, it’s been seven years. it’s the third year we’ve done mascaras. it’s the first year i’ve used edmodo [for
students to sign up to bring food items],” she said. Canterbury said she enjoys the yearly celebration because it allows students to “understand the culture.” “i think it’s kind of a way of dispelling ignorance,” she said. “We’re starting to dispel close-mindedness. it’s kind of neat because our small [celebration].” Sophomore Kashiya rice said she enjoys the celebration.
“You get to decorate pretty masks, and you get to learn about other people’s cultures. plus it’s really fun to hang out with Canterbury. next time we can hopefully make the little sugar skulls [calaveras],” she said. taylor Smith, sophomore, said her favorite food at the celebration was chips and salsa. “i just like to eat food and color,” she said.
OUR ThOUGhTS
Journalist of the Year 2013 • Bailey Thomson Award for editorial Writing 2013 • rick Bragg Feature Writing Award 2009 • pacemaker Finalist 2014 • nSpA 6th place Best of Show 2013 • nSpA 5th place Best of Show 2012 • nSpA 1st place Best of Show 2011 • nSpA 5th place Best of Show 2008 • nSpA 8th place Best of Show 2008 • nSpA 9th place Best of Show 2006 • CSpA gold Medalist 2005-2013 • SipA All-Southern 2003, 2005–2012 • ASpA All-Alabama 2003–2013
• nSpA All-American 2004, 2008, 2011 • Best SipA newspaper in Alabama 2003–2007 • nSpA news Story of the Year 2005, 2014 • nSpA Cartoon of the Year 2014 • SipA First place news Story 2007• SipA First place review 2009
Northridge High School • 2901 Northridge Road • Tuscaloosa, AL 35406 • (205) 759-3734 ext. 295 *Denotes state, regional and national award winners
The opinions in The Northridge Reporter are those of the students and not of the faculty or administration of northridge high School or the tuscaloosa City Board of education.
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est. 2003
The student voice of Northridge High School
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AGREE 20 dISAGREE 0
MyChI TRAN• NEwS EdITOR
Substitutes hinder students’ success
See pAGE 1 for more on the cell phone policy.
Cell phone policy appropriately lenient
FriendsMackenzie Johnson, Kristy Stephens, John Mark McCleland Distribution ManagerJohn Mark McCleland
2 ThE NORThRIdGE REpORTERNOVEMBER 14, 2014opinion
““
Walk into any classroom where
there’s a substitue, and you will
find the students slacking off.
MyChI TRANNEwS EdITOR
there are times when a teacher has to be out for a long period of time. When this occurs, substitutes are put in his or her
place to manage the classroom. A substitute replacing an actual teacher, however, can negatively affect students’ studies.
Students depend on their teachers to provide the information and materials they need in order to learn and graduate.
Unfortunately, substitutes are often not trained in the specific subject of the class they are substituting for.
This causes some students a great deal of stress and frustration when they are unable to ask their teachers to go over a subject or clarify something unclear to them.
teachers do try to make preparations for their students when they know they won’t be available for a long period of time.
Unfortunately, most of the time, this comes in the form of a review of something the students already know or students teach themselves.
This puts students behind and leaves them unprepared for things such as tests.
in Ap classes, teachers especially need to be there every day and available to the students.
everything you learn in Ap classes are on Ap exams at the end of the year. Lessons build upon each other and if anyone misses or does not understand a lesson, it can affect their overall grade on their Ap exam. needless to say, if the students do not pass the Ap exams, they won’t be able to get the college credit for that class.
Some may enjoy a teacher being out, but they are failing to notice the long term effect of it.
A teacher is there to help them, not to torment them with work. They are available to keep students on track and prepare them for graduation.
A substitute’s job is just to watch over the class while the teacher is gone. They have no responsibility towards the students besides doing what is on the lesson plan left by the teacher.
Another problem caused by the lack of a teacher’s presence is that students do not feel motivated to learn or do their work.
Walk into any classroom where there’s a substitute, and you will find the students often slacking off and just hanging out with their friends.
Students do not feel that substitutes are real authority figures but mere stand-ins that they can push around. This creates a bad learning environment for those trying to learn despite the lack of a teacher.
This is why substitutes may work for a day but will ultimately fail for a long period of time.
if a teacher is going to be out, it is best they find another teacher that knows
the subject just as well to replace them.This allows the students to still learn
and ask the stand-in teacher for help and clarification on concepts that are unclear to the students. it would be a major relief for the more advanced students in classes such as Ap classes where a teacher’s presence is needed all the time.
Ultimately, the best way to avoid students falling behind is for the teacher to not miss any days of school at all.
Unfortunately, that is not plausible.
the Northridge Reporter believes the cell phone policies instituted by the tuscaloosa City Schools and principal Kyle Ferguson are extremely generous, and students should be grateful for the freedom they allow.
According to the tuscaloosa City Schools’ “Code of Student Conduct,” cell phones are to be turned off or silent during school hours, but a teacher may allow his or her students to use them in a classroom setting for educational purposes. We believe allowing student to use their phones for instructional purposes can greatly aid in the learning process, especially in regards to internet research and educational games. Coupled with Ferguson’s policy of allowing phones to be used in the hallways between classes, the cell phone policy at our school is especially bounteous. Students should be pleased to know their phones can be used without fear of punishment for all but 47-minute or fewer increments. even within those 47 minutes, the allowance of phones frequently occurs, often on a daily basis. Students who grumble about the lack of totally unfettered cell phone access should remember phones were once banned from the tuscaloosa City Schools entirely. They should also remember the primary purpose of school is to learn, not to communicate instantly with anyone over a handheld device, as there is plenty of time for that during non-school hours. Finally, the students who use their phones so often in school that they become a distraction should realize their choices now will doubtless have consequences later.
Art by A.J. Grant
ThE NORThRIdGE REpORTERNOVEMBER 14, 2014 3opinion
SUJIThA pAREMSETTy• ASSISTANT COpy EdITOR
JACOB MARTINCOpy EdITOR
Since the Sept. 11 attacks, hate crimes against Muslims have spiked, anti-islamic sentiments have risen and Muslims in
western countries feel increasingly alienated. islamophobia, the fear of Muslims and islam in general, is wholly wrong and completely indefensible.
According to the Federal Bureau of investigation, 130 hate crimes against Muslims occurred in the United States in 2012. Forty-eight percent of American
Muslims said they have personally experienced discrimination, as reported by a 2011 gallup poll.
is this violence and discrimination justified? The answer is a resounding ‘no’. The most common cause of islamophobia might be fear of islamic terrorism, but islamic extremists represent an extremely small number of Muslims worldwide.
According to the pew research Center, there are 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide, and Matt Waldman, a fellow at harvard’s Kennedy School, estimated there are currently 60,000 members of the taliban, the largest islamic terrorist organization.
hatred of Muslims is unjustified, morally wrong
“
“
When a stu-dent’s belonging
is stolen, his or her mind is consumed with
anxiety.
SUJIThA pERAMSETTyASSISTANT COpy EdITOR
A serious problem present in most schools has surfaced here: stealing.
School should be an educational and, above all, safe environment. Students shouldn’t have to worry about their belongings being stolen.
When a student’s belonging is stolen, his or her mind is consumed with anxiety and stress until the item is returned.
even if the stolen item is small like a pencil pouch or book, it may hold a lot of meaning to the victim.
recently, a close friend accidently left her book in one of her classes. By the time, she realized it was gone and went to look for it, the book was stolen. Thankfully, with the help of the teacher, she got it back the next day.
From the time she lost the book to when she got it back, she was distressed.
people should have the common sense not to steal. it is a rule taught since kindergarten: don’t take other people’s stuff.
A way to avoid the whole situation is for administrators to set clear policies and consequences for theft.
The consequence now is fifteen
days of in-school suspension depending on the value of the property, and the thief has to completely reimburse the victim.
The punishment should increase with the value of the item. if the item is expensive and it is a repeat offense, the student should get consequences similar to stealing in the real world.
in the real world, the punishment for theft is based on the value of the item. petty theft can result in a fine and short stay in jail, and a felony results in a higher fine and longer stay in jail.
not only does this go on one’s record, but it could decrease their chances of getting a job in the real
punishment of theft should mirror real-world consequences
in September 2014, the CiA estimated there are 20,000 to 31,500 fighters for the self-proclaimed islamic State, the second largest radical islamist group. Thus, the two largest islamic terrorist organizations make up about .00006 percent of Muslims worldwide.
regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or religion, one can see that fear of Muslims and violence perpetrated against Muslims is completely unjustified.
The vast majority of Muslims do not commit acts of terrorism. When law-abiding American Muslims are discriminated against, 23 percent of the
JACOB MARTIN• COpy EdITOR
world’s population is generalized as violent terrorists. This form of prejudice is just as bad as any other, be it racism, sexism or discrimination against those of other religious groups.
Will we see the end of terrorism in the near future? Will there be peace in the Middle east? i cannot answer these questions, but i can say this: if there is to be peace and cooperation between Muslims and non-Muslims, we must look past any prejudiced views we might hold. We must stoop the spread of islamophobia now, and we must never be intolerant to those who are different than us.
world. Stealing could become a habit,
but with the right consequences, the habit can be prevented from developing.
on the other hand, if a student turns in a found item, he or she is praised and rewarded.
This sequence of cause and effect encourages good behavior and weakens bad behavior.
A huge problem is the difficulty in catching the thief. Some students see theft, but don’t do anything because it’s not their problem. Students should take action by reporting theft which helps in catching thieves and eliminating theft.
Art by Mychi TranConcept by Kathryn Versace
Art by Mychi Tran
“
“The two largest Islamic terrorist organizations make up about .00006 percent of Muslims
worldwide.
4 ThE NORThRIdGE REpORTERNOVEMBER 14, 2014news
in brief
JACOB MARTINCOpy EdITOR
A blood drive was held in the auditorium on nov. 7.
The American red Cross conducted the blood drive, and SgA advisor Kathleen oatts said “roughly 29” people signed up to give blood.
“i would say roughly about the same amount of people signed up [as last year],” oatts said.
hannah paulette, sophomore, said she gave blood because she “wanted to see what it’s like.”
Junior Brandon haley gave blood for the first time.
“At first i didn’t want to [give blood], but then somebody told me my blood could save lives,” he said. “Then i just went ahead and did it.”
haley said that he was nervous and his “heart was pounding” when he walked through the door, but the needle did not actually hurt.
Blood drive held
MyChI TRAN & KEI’LAyShA MOORENEwS EdITOR & STAff wRITER
“everyone, hands over your head, face down!” dean of Students darrin Spence said as he struggled to get students to take the drill seriously on Aug. 26.
Storm drills are monthly occurrences that help prepare students in case of emergencies.
Spence said the drills are for the students’ safety. “it helps us to be prepared for when something does happen, real case scenarios,” Spence said.
he said the majority of the students participate, but there are a few that don’t.
“generally, because students are young, they’re not aware of the dangers of something so serious, so they take it lightly,” Spence said, “[They] need to be mindful that drills serve us for a good purpose and
help prepare us for real situations that could actually occur at any time.”
history teacher John Wiley edwards said for the most part most students do a good job preparing, but sometimes problems arise.
“Sometimes, students get goofy,” edwards said. “Sometimes, students do not want to get in the tornado safety position because they think it is uncomfortable.”
edwards said that it is important for students to take the drills more seriously.
“it is especially important considering the tragedy our town endured when the tornado came through in 2011,” he said.
deja turner, sophomore, said the drills are necessary and unnecessary.
“[necessary because] you don’t want anything to happen to you, but [unnecessary
because] we’re in this uncomfortable position for what seems like forever,” turner said, remembering the last storm drill.
She said some students do not believe that severe weather would harm the school.
Spence said students who do not follow instructions during drills will face disciplinary actions.
“disciplinary actions can be mild to severe, depending on the level of non-compliance,” he said.
turner said the punishment is when real severe weather does occur.
“They won’t know what to do,” she said.“if something happens, it’s important
to know where students are and that they know what is going on,” Spence said. “it’s a matter of safety.”
KAThRyN VERSACE INfOGRAphICS EdITOR
The annual Canned Food drive for the West Alabama Food Bank began on Monday nov. 3.
As of nov. 7, the end of the first week of the contest, no cans were turned in.
SgA member Ben davis, the event’s coordinator, said there was no participation due to a lack of advertising for the event.
Kathleen oatts, SgA teacher, said the SgA has given a poor effort to promote the fundraiser.
Scott Johnson, Calculus teacher, said he did not know that the competition had started yet.
Johnson’s fourth period has won three times. he said he has a tactic to get students to bring in cans in order to be rewarded with a pizza party.
“i threaten them… i threaten them with their lives,” Johnson said. “it seems to be a motivator.”
Can food drive failsfrom lack of promotion
MAyCI hARTLEySTAff wRITER
There are penalties for both fighting and stealing. however, the penalty for fighting is more severe.
principal Kyle Ferguson said there is a difference in fighting and stealing, which is why the punishments are different.
“Fighting is violence and shows a lack of judgment. people make big decisions while they are fighting,” said Ferguson. “Stealing is a personal violation, people who steal a phone or a purse are not only stealing a personal item but someone’s personal information.”
Ferguson wants a school environment where students feel safe.
“i want a school culture where you don’t worry about if you leave something it won’t be gone,” said Ferguson.“The punishment for stealing is that the student who commits the crime has to spend 15 days in
iSi and has to reimburse the victim for what they stole before they can get out of iSi,” he said. “The punishment for fighting is 3 days suspended and 30 days in iSi.”
Students have ways to prevent criminals the opportunity to steal.
“Students should not leave their personal items unattended or allow others to borrow their items,” Ferguson said.
Ferguson said the school is not joking about the punishments.
“We do everything to find the stolen item and the criminal. once we find the criminal we encourage the victim to press charges,” he said.
Kristen Lopper, sophomore, said she had her phone stolen twice in one week last year.
“My first thought was ‘oh gosh, my
parents aren’t going to buy me a new one’,” Lopper said.
After having her first phone stolen she had her new phone stolen two days later.
“i went to the principal and we were going to watch the tape from the security cameras but the two we needed where broken”, she said. “The second time my phone was stolen they kept the girls in the office until they found it.”
Ferguson said that there is no honor in stealing. “Stealing and lying are most dishonorable,” Ferguson said. “i will never understand people who protect liars and stealers.”
penalties for fighting, stealing differ, both badStealing and lying are most dishonorable.KyLE fERGUSON, pRINCIpAL
“ “
drills prepare students for real life scenarios
wEAThER ALERT
Photo by Jacob Martin
SUJIThA pERAMSETTyASSISTANT COpy EdITOR
The Manga Club returns with monthly meetings.
neilann Thomas, sponsor, said lots of students expressed an interest.
“[Students] are unbelievably enthusiastic to discuss their favorite manga books,” she said.
Thomas said manga books are of Japanese origin.
“You read them back to front and right to left,” she said.
Sophomore Joseline Alvarado-roman said her interest began in fourth grade.
“Manga is my life,” she said. “it’s my get away. Whenever i watch manga, i feel happy.”
Alvarado-roman said she is “excited to meet new people” who have similar interests.
Thomas said members have come up with ideas for activities.
“[The students] want to do cosplay where they dress up as their favorite manga character,” Thomas said. “Also, we are considering watching the tV cartoons that manga books are based on.”
Thomas said the club welcomes new members. if you’re interested see her in the library.
Manga begins again
three left.”tindol said most girls in third world
countries do not have the resources to live healthy lives.
“We want to fix [the problems] through fundraising to provide them with what money we can, and also educate these girls, so they can get out of the situations they are living in and live a better life,” she said.
Savannah Bernal, sophomore, said the club emphasizes the importance of education.
“We believe the only way for women to escape poverty and discrimination is through education,” she said.
yes
about $100.“i don’t think a whole lot was raised,
but SgA added some to the donation,” Ferguson said.
he said he hopes to have a better planned fundraiser next year.
Senior Ben Wright donated and dressed up. he said he didn’t actually know the fundraiser was for MdA.
“i thought they were just collecting money,” he said.
Wright dressed up as a penguin.
“[With Mr. Johnson’s] obsession with penguins, i thought i’d give him a treat for halloween,” he said.
ThE NORThRIdGE REpORTERNOVEMBER 14, 2014 5news
SUJIThA pERAMSETTyASSISTANT COpy EdITOR
over the summer, the library was rearranged.
neilann Thomas, librarian, said the rearrangement resulted because students would ask for a certain genre.
“i would go and do a word search in destiny and tell them to look for an author, and they wouldn’t like it. i would search again and tell them another author, and then they wouldn’t like that either,” she said.
Junior Sarah Kathryn hughston, library assistant, said the new system has been easy to figure out.
“on the side of the book it says the genre instead of having to find the names,” hughston said.
Thomas said there are signs that show which color represents a certain genre.
“The whole front side [of the bookshelf ] is a blue dot which means they are realistic fiction. The mysteries are marked with a purple sticker and question mark and the scary books with scary-looking eyes,” she said.
Thomas said there is an overlap in genres, so they put it in the category it fell more heavily.
“eventually, we will put another sticker, so there is a cross reference if the book is more than one genre,” she said.
Courtney Mobbs, sophomore, said she doesn’t like the new system.
“i’m accustomed to the books being ordered by last name,” she said. “it’s hard for me to find a specific book that i want.”
Snacking in class causes controversypUT IT AwAy
JACOB MARTINCOpy EdITOR
dressing up in costumes was allowed on halloween if students paid a donation to the Muscular dystrophy Association.
Kyle Ferguson, principal, said students could dress up if they paid $2.00 to MdA.
“it was kind of a spur of the moment thing because some students wanted to dress up in costumes,” he said. “i thought it would be a good way to support MdA without removing staff for a day.”
Ferguson said the fundraiser raised
dESTINy hOdGESNEwS EdITOR
damarrell Cameron, sophomore, was eating in class one day when his teacher asked him to throw his food away.
“i walked over to the traschcan, stopped and ate the rest of it. he said ‘get out of my class’ and told me not to eat there again. After talking to him in the hallway, i was able to return to class,” he said.
Students frequently question teachers’ regulations against refreshments.
english teacher Carson Vines, who ate in class in college, said he thinks eating in class is a great idea, but a bad one as well because of cleanliness and distractions.
“i think it’s great for athletes who need to stay hydrated or awake, but it destroys the classroom because we can’t handle it. Kids are messy. either i have to clean it up, or i leave it for the janitors, and then they hate me,” Vines said.
he said some people chew loudly or crush bags or wrappers which can distract others.
Jennifer Knox, school nurse, said she
doesn’t think eating in class would be a good idea considering that there are students who have food allergies.
“You never know what the person next to you is allergic to,” Knox said.
Junior Brian Binion-McCoy said he thinks eating in class is a good idea because eating keeps him focused.
“it’s almost a necessity,” Binion-McCoy said. “if i’m eating in class, i’m more likely to pay attention because if i’m hungry, i’m distracted.”
omar Johnson, sophomore, said he thinks students should be allowed to eat if they clean up.
“i get hungry because we only eat one time a day,” Johnson said. “however, if we don’t clean up after ourselves, i don’t think we should be allowed to do it.”
english teacher Shane Ashcraft said eating in class is a bad idea, and if you eat in his class, he’ll throw your food away.
“it’d be one thing if every kid picked up after themselves, but if you let six class periods eat in your room, you’ve got about one-hundred fifty people’s trash on your floor,” Ashcraft said.
Kristy Cooper, math teacher, thinks eating in class is a good idea. She said before Mr. Ferguson, she would allow students to eat in her classroom because students with first shift lunch finished eating at 11:35 a.m., and she wanted to keep them awake and focused.
She said she revoked her students’ eating privileges due to decreasing grades.
“i think [eating] was a privilege that students took advantage of rather than what was important,” Cooper said.
She said eating will not return because of Ferguson’s concern.
Kyle Ferguson said he allows students with parents who are faculty members to eat with their family members, but for students whose family members aren’t a part of the staff, it’s not allowed.
“There are really are no penalties against eating. i expect students to obey their teachers if they are asked to put it away,” Ferguson said.
if a teacher tells a student to put the food away and the student refuses, the student can be written up.
SUJIThA pERAMSETTyASSISTANT COpy EdITOR
Four honor societies inducted members on nov. 4.
rebecca Brooking, Spanish honor Society sponsor, said they did inductions in the fall to get a bigger group of students involved.
“We can get more juniors, seniors and sophomores involved,” she said. “We can do more stuff with more people.”
Brooking said Spanish honor Society recognizes high achievement in Spanish and encourages the continuity of interest in hispanic study.
“Students who have an A average in Spanish i or ii or any combination of high school Spanish classes are tapped in the fall to become members if they accept by coming to the meetings,” Brooking said.
Anne Smith, sophomore, was tapped.“They came to my class and gave me a
letter officially inviting me to the induction, which was very simple,” she said.
Kelilah Anders, French honor Society sponsor, said they wanted to give more students the opportunity to participate.
“We decided to move the inductions to the fall, so more students can put it on their college applications which take place around this time. Also, students can participate for the whole year,” she said.
Anders said French honor Society recognizes French and overall academic achievement.
“We only did the taps and gave [inductees] their letters,” she said. “They are invited to the honor Society induction ceremony [in the spring].”
Katie poore, vice president of French honor Society, said she is glad about new inductees joining the club.
“Before this week we only had four people,” she said. “We didn’t even have enough people to do sweethearts.”
Smith said she knows “it’ll help” her in the future and “will be great fun.”
Quill and Scroll international honor Society and Beta Club also tapped on nov. 4.
honor societies tap early
Money from halloween costumes goes to MdA
Library reorganized over summer
SUJIThA pERAMSETTyASSISTANT COpy EdITOR
girls Learn international, or gLi club, restarted with weekly meetings.
president Katie tindol said members talk about problems faced by girls in poverty-stricken countries.
“[We talk about] the view of girls in the media, poverty and hunger, education, health and cleanliness,” she said.
terry Millsaps, vice president, said one of their “most powerful meeting was when we listed basic human rights, and we crossed out the ones that women in third world countries don’t have,” she said. “There were
gLi emphasizes education in women
Information compiled by John Mark McCleland Infographic by Kathryn Versace
88% break the rule of no
snacking in classdO yOU EAT IN CLASS?
no
Photo by Carter LoveChECKIN’ IT OUT Katie Poore, senior, finds a book using the new system.
Photo by Jacob MartinBEN wRIGhT
6 ThE NORThRIdGE REpORTERNOVEMBER 14, 2014feature
VOGUE Style-savvy seniors Trey Cauthen,
Spencer Patton, Thompson Schille, Joseph Mohab-
bat, Ryan Nicols, Colin Hammond and Charles Lane show off the latest
fall trends, ranging from denim, fleece and cordu-
roy jackets, knit pullovers, printed sweaters, flannels, chinos, jeans, sneakers and
chukka boots.
Photo by Rebecca Griesbach
REBECCA GRIESBAChMANAGING EdITOR
fashion-forward seniors demario plott and Quentin Savage grace the hallways with style and class on
a near-daily basis; their school wardrobe ranges from collared shirts to suits and ties.
“i feel as though the way you dress shows the level of respect you have for yourself. i’m dressing for success,” plott said.
Choir teacher Beth Mcguire, who teaches both plott and Savage, said their strong friendship and shared passion for fashion reflects positive attitudes in the classroom as well as in front of an audience.
“They’re a team. They’re both bases in the choir and are talented musically,” Mcguire said. “i think [the way they dress] reflects the drive they have for excellence.”
Savage said dressing nicely encourages a “focus on learning” because “you’re not distracted by bad looks.”
“i don’t try to stand out. i just like to look my best,” Savage said.
plott said he tries to dress up “at least two to three times a week,” unlike Savage who “does it every day.”
“Quentin dresses up more than i do; he takes it to the extreme,” plott said.
“i do not take it to the extreme!” Savage argued.
“You wear a seven-piece suit,” plott said, turning to Savage.
Savage responded, “i wear that when i feel like it. i usually just wake up and think, ‘i’m gonna dress up today.’”
plott said the two are given different identities by other students -most often girls- on days when they are looking especially sharp.
Savage said that on these days, an alter ego “Quintario Savagé” tends to come out in him.
“They’ll just be like, ‘oh, look at pluto and Savagé!’” plott said.
Mary elizabeth tucker, senior, said a similar love for singing and fashion has allowed her to develop a “close friendship” with both Savage and plott.
“demario and i love to sing together, and Quentin and i are becoming closer every day,” tucker said.
As a fan of heels and “long tight dresses,” tucker said she feels like she’s more likely to achieve in school when she “dresses nice.” She said she wishes more guys would “dress like Quentin dresses.”
“When [guys] have polo [shirts] on, i’ll be like ‘Mmm!’” tucker said with a dramatic grin, slowly closing her eyes to keep the image in her head.
Savage said his favorite items of clothing are indeed “polo shirts and bow ties.”
“oh yeah, i like your bow ties,” grayson o’Bryant, senior, said to Savage.
Along with picking out the right style of clothes, plott said that choosing colors that compliment his skin tone is of utmost importance.
“Blue is my color,” plott said.“dude, quit it! That’s my favorite color,”
Savage said to plott.plott responded, “...i’m sticking with
blue.” “See, i’m wearing blue [right now],” plott
said, pointing to his collared shirt.“Well, since plott took my [favorite color
to wear], i’d have to go with pink,” Savage said. “‘Cause, you know, a lot of people say it accents my skin tone.”
Savage said that even though plott and he never plan on dressing up on the same days, sometimes “it just happens.”
“Some days it just seems like we’re wearing the same thing ‘cause [Savage] tries to be like me,” plott teased.
fRESh Seniors Demario Plott and Quentin Savage dress alike for “Matching Monday” on Oct. 20, sporting matching blue bow-ties and black collared shirts and pants. “We only dress up togeth-er on twin days,” Savage said. “We don’t normally plan it.”
LAdy-LIKE Senior Mary Elizabeth Tucker sits in the court-yard to flaunt her typical fall at-tire: sweaters, skirts and boots.
dAppER dUOThetwo seniors make fashion priority
Photos by Rebecca Griesbach
Sweater wEAThER
ThE NORThRIdGE REpORTERNOVEMBER 14, 2014 7feature
KAThRyN VERSACE INfOGRAphICS EdITOR
Boys in blazers roam the hallways wearing dress shoes that squeak on the tile.
twice a week, Kappa League members are required to dress up.
Kappa League is an instructional leadership and development program for young men.
Jarkaria rice, junior, said she notices members wearing their formal attire.
“i like that they dress up; it shows they’re different form everybody else,” rice said.
ronald McLaurin has been a Kappa League member since his freshman year.
“[dressing up] shows we can not only be athletes and students, but know how to dress,” McLaurin said.
he said his everyday slacks and t-shirt differ from his favorite things to dress up in: a button-down, colored pants, oxfords and a vest.
Ke’darrion Smith, member, represents Kappa League by wearing the program’s colors, gold and burgundy, when he dresses up in “usually a button-down and a bowtie.”
Smith’s everyday attire is unlike his mandatory, biweekly do up.
“Sometimes [i wear] casual,” he said, “but normally [i wear] sportswear.”
dee Little is the northport Kappa League’s advisor.he said dressing up has “always been the biggest
thing Kappa League [upholds]. it makes sure they are always looking nice and neat.”
Little said Kappa League teaches members sound values, and dressing up teaches the value of appearance.
“dressing up ensures great jobs in life and careers after high school,” Little said.
The local chapter includes students from Bryant, County high, northridge, Sipsey Valley and hillcrest. The vice-president Keyshon taggart goes to Bryant.
taggart said members who attend Bryant can be seen sporting blazers, a tie, dress pants and dress shoes.
BOyS SUIT Up fOR SUCCESSFemaleall ashion aves
Information compiled by Kathryn VersaceInfographic designed by Kathryn VersaceArt by Kathryn Versace
Art by Rebecca Griesbach
Sweater wEAThERStudents weigh in: What are the most ridiculous fall fashion trends?
wILSON GLAzE, JUNIOR
MORGAN dEwITT, SENIOR
CASSIE wILSON, SOphOMORE
Follow @thenorthridgereporter on Instagram for more student polls.
VOICE yOUR OpINION
Information compiled by Rebecca GriesbachInfographic designed by Rebecca Griesbach
Photo illustration by James Niiler
8 ThE NORThRIdGE REpORTERNOVEMBER 14, 2014entertainment
LiFe is a series of ChoiCeS. You make choices eVerY dAY that impact your FUtUre. Choosing to attend CoLLege is an important choice, but getting ACCepted into college is the result of you making a series of good choices along the way. Let SYLVAn develop a perSonALiZed pLAn to help YoU MAKe YoUr pAth to college SUCCeSSFUL.
reviewer amazed by ‘flawless’ track
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reviewer impressed by fast Mediterranean cuisine
HELLO TOMORROWthe pAth to CoLLege SUCCeSS StArtS here
Sylvan Learning of Tuscaloosa
Graduation is sooner than you think. Start now.
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MUSIC REVIEw
RESTAURANT REVIEw
JAMES NIILEREdITOR-IN-ChIEf
tasty, fresh, delicious, nutritious. perhaps a cliché, this nevertheless describes Zoë’s Kitchen perfectly.
i had the pleasure of visiting Zoë’s for the third time on oct. 30, prior to the sectional qualifier cross-country meet.
A relatively small chain distributed across the southern U.S., Zoë’s specializes in quick and inexpensive Mediterranean-influenced cuisine. Famous for its greek salads and wraps, Zoë’s is known especially for its freshly-squeezed limeade.
There are two Zoë’s locations in tuscaloosa: one in the south end zone of the stadium, and one near Academy drive.
The Academy drive location is a popular meeting place for people from all walks of life and its interior is relatively small, but very clean and tastefully decorated with light colors and modern furniture.
Upon ordering, one is given a number card to place at your table, and the food is delivered to you there. At my most recent visit, i ordered a grilled chicken pita with a side of pasta salad and the ubiquitous limeade.
Though not particularly outstanding, all i ate was nonetheless delicious and satisfying. The pita contained the obvious grilled chicken, as well as grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and a good deal of feta cheese.
The pasta salad was cooked ‘al dente’ (italian for ‘to the tooth,’ indicating the springy texture pasta should possess). it also contained tomatoes, a variety of herbs and plenty of feta.
Although the limeade was nothing stellar, the appropriate balance of sugar and acidity was exactly to my liking and deeply refreshing. it was a perfect meal to consume before a great deal of physical activity, such as i participated in a few hours later.
AJ GRANTSTAff wRITER
Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith and Jada pickett Smith, is considered a prodigal son of many talents. Following in his father’s footsteps as an actor and rapper, he has added Kung Fu and skateboarding to his list of many talents.
his latest song “FASt” proves his place in the industry but sets him completely apart at the same time.
The single uses a very simple beat produced by Sambo Slice Beats. it consists of only bass drum, snares, hats and handclaps. it’s a beat that might not have a place for your memory bank with the instrumental alone, but Jaden’s flawless flow has listeners in awe.
With no ad libs, special effects, or even any cursing, Smith revives hip-hop for what it used to be before all the ‘fluff ’ and special effects.
“Why you drive so fast? Why you drive so fast? girl where you gotta go – girl where you? Baby you should try and drive slow. You should try and drive slow, ‘cause you’re goin’ 45 on a 15. i’m just tryna stay alive on the big screen. When ya comin’ up
the drive all the kids scream, i don’t know baby girl ya movin’ on to better things.”
At first glance, it might seem as though Jaden Smith is just talking about another failed relationship, when in reality, Smith wrote a great poem about fame. in this instance, the girl Jaden refers to
is a personified metaphor for fame. And who better to write such a poem, than a kid who has been acquainted with fame from a very young age. The song was so well executed that he may have set the bar a little too high for anyone else as well as himself.
duplicating a flow such as the ones he used in the song will be an accomplishment. The simplicity that Jaden Smith seems to have mastered will be a task to replicate.
When i hear this song i think: “nothing but business.
no games, no beating around the bush, just raw talent.”
i would rate the track with five stars because Smith’s song is flawless. From the audio engineering to the words that he chose. The fact that he accomplished all of this in only 1 minute and 15 seconds proves just how talented he is.
COMING SOONMovies to premiere in Cobb TheatersNOV. 14 Beyond the Lights • A signer/dancer attempts to end her life, and she meets her boyfriend. They brave the challenges of the music industry together.Nov. 21 Mockingjay Part 1 • After Katniss escapes the games, she continues to lead the rebels’ fight against the Capitol, this time as their Mockingjay.dEC. 12 Exodus: Gods and Kings • A film adaptation of the book of exodus, with Christian Bale as Moses.dEC. 17 The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies • Bilbo Baggins and company wage war against Smaug.
Photo from MCT Campus
BIG BALLIN’ Jaden Smith and his father Will Smith enjoy the Miami Heat game together.
My lunch at Zoë’s made me want to imagine myself on a sunny terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, while in reality i sat on a partially shaded patio overlooking a parking lot.
Food is one of the best ways to appreciate another culture, and for those that crave a taste of Southern europe in
Photo by James NiilerGREEK GOOdIES James Niiler, junior, dines on grilled chicken pita and pasta salad.
Nothing but
business. No games, no beating around the bush, just
raw talent.
“
”AJ GRANT, SENIOR
tuscaloosa, even if not entirely authentic, can find such a taste at Zoë’s.
i give Zoë’s four stars out of five for the all-around high quality of the food and the pleasant atmosphere of the eatery. restaurants in the ‘fast and fresh’ category such as Zoë’s are quickly gaining popularity, and with good reason.
ThE NORThRIdGE REpORTERNOVEMBER 14, 2014 entertainment
Musical opens nov. 14LITTLE ShOp Of hORRORS
pLAy pREVIEw
9
Photo by Jacob Martin
VERQUITA D. SCOTT-CONLEY, M.D.PEDIATRICS
922 FAIRFAX PARKTUSCALOOSA, AL 35406
(205) 391-930024 HOUR ANSWERING
FAX (205) 391-9374
dOUBLE ThE dRAMA Jake Williams, sophomore, and Quentin Savage, senior, rehearse the Mushnik and Son song. Little Shop of Horrors opens Nov. 14 and will be shown again on Nov. 15. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Student tickets are $5, and adult tickets are $7, according to Donna Wright, drama teacher. The play is a collaboration between the drama class and musical theatre class.
REBECCA GRIESBAChMANAGING EdITOR
in conjunction with donna Wright’s play production class, Beth Mcguire’s musical theater students will perform in howard Ashman’s and Alan Menken’s Little Shop of Horrors on nov. 14 and 15 in the auditorium.
“We’ve been working [on the production] since the beginning of the year, so we’re really in high gear now,” Mcguire said two weeks before opening night.
Behind the rehearsal-list-covered door in the band hallway is the stage: curtained-off, every square inch occupied with props, backdrops, pincushions, patterns, extension cords and ladders strewn about. Wright’s students have been painting, hammering, sawing, sewing and re-purposing materials for the set since mid-october.
Mcguire said her whole class “handles the music,” and the show is entirely choreographed by the kids.
“it was a Broadway show, so the difficulty level is on up there,” Mcguire said. “We’ve got girls who have to dance and sing at the same time, and they also have character voices.”
The play, set in the “mid 50s to late 60s” in a run-down town called Skid row, is a “parody of the B-grade alien monster movies that they used to play in movie theaters,” Wright said.
“A nerdy guy [Seymour] begins work at this marvelous magical plant that needs blood to operate. he tries to feed it without
it becoming a problem, but of course, it becomes a problem because that’s what makes it interesting,” Wright said.
“You’ve got the girl that he loves [Audrey] and the stingy shop owner that he works for [Mushnik]. You’ve got this chorus of urchin girls that really interact with all of the characters,” she said.
Mcguire said the “urchin girls” act like a “greek chorus;” they’re this “wonderful girl’s chorus that’s commenting on the whole show.”
Maggie Butler, junior, is one of the urchin girls.
“We’re basically narrators; we know more than anyone else in the play. And, we’re the only people that don’t get killed,” she said.
The urchin girls are the “most diverse” characters, Butler said.
“We’re fickle. our attitudes towards each character keep changing throughout the play, and the only person we really care about is Seymour,” Butler said.
When Seymour finds out the plant runs on blood, the first character to be “sacrificed” is the dentist, played by senior Ben Wright.
“essentially, he’s the bad guy with the leather jacket,” Ben said. “he’s a sadist, or someone who enjoys inflicting pain on other people (which is quite appropriate, ‘cause he’s a dentist).”
Additional cast members include senior Caroline First as Audrey, sophomore Jake Williams as Seymour, senior Quentin Savage as Mushnik, and senior demario plott as Audrey 2.
10 ThE NORThRIdGE REpORTERNOVEMBER 14, 2014sports
SUJIThA pERAMSETTyASSISTANT COpy EdITOR
After placing in the top five at the section meet, the cross-country team competed at the state meet on nov. 8.
Coach Jeff Sparks said both the girls and boys moved on to state at sectionals.
“in the girls, four girls qualified and [the team] finished fourth, but they didn’t qualify as a team,” he said. “The boys finished third, and the whole team advanced.”
Mallie McCleland, sophomore, said she was excited about going to state.
“i remember going to state in seventh and eighth grade, and i can’t wait to go to state this year,” she said.
McCleland said she visualizes the race in her mind before she runs it.
“i run it through in my mind, so i know what to do,” she said.
At sectionals, athletes ran on a narrow, hilly and uneven path.
“We go through a loop in the woods,” McCleland said. “towards the end you had to go up a huge hill.”
demetrius Williams, senior, said this has been his best season because he has “improved his times.”
“i’m very competitive,” he said. “i like to run, and i’m surrounded by good athletes.”
Sparks said training involves lots of running and commitment.
“We do long runs that can last anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour or even 75 minutes,” he said. “We also do intervals. We run about 45 to 55 miles every week.”
parents and coaches surrounded the track and shouted encouragements to the runners. Williams said the encouragements are his motivation.
“[i’m encouraged] when Sparks whistles at me, and the parents yell ‘hoorah,’” he said.
McCleland said her motivation was to try to pass other runners.
“i see people in front of me, and i want to pass them,” she said.
At the state meet, Sparks said the “guys finished thirteenth,” but “the girls didn’t score as a team” because they had “four individual competitors.”
he said he was still proud of the girls team.
“The girls ran well knowing they weren’t as a team,” Sparks said.
McCleland said she improved from when she started running.
“i improved my time by 20 seconds,” she said. “each season i improve more and more.”
Cross-country advances to state
Coach by title, mentor by professionTrack coach inspires athletes to succeed
Photo by bystanderSwEET VICTORy Jeff Sparks, track and cross-country coach, smiles after the cross-county 6A Sectional Qualifier Oct. 30. The Northridge boys team and several girls qualified for the state meet.
LET’S GO Courtney Mobbs, sophomore, runs during the sectional qual-ifier meet Oct. 30. Photo by Sujitha Peramsetty
dESTINy hOdGESNEwS EdITOR
Blue eyes and skin pierced by the sun’s rays. Cheeks filled with tiny craters
as if he and the moon were face to face. old nike shoes that paced the track crack for crack. Long days screaming at athletes who didn’t want to reply.
“he’s more than just a coach,” junior indiya Summerville, state discus and shot put thrower, said.
Summerville is referring to Jeff Sparks, cross country, p.e. and track coach.
“he actually takes the time to talk to you as a person. not just sports,” Summerville said. “he makes sure you’re okay at home, school, with family problems and whatever.”
As a father of six and coach of thousands, Jeff Sparks is a man who has achieved his
goals.“The goals i’ve had had a lot to do with
wanting to be successful as a coach… Most of them i’ve achieved early in my career,” Sparks said.
he’s coached two nCAA champions, over one-hundred high school state champions and over fifty relay team state champions.
While growing up in Clearwater, Florida, Sparks was quite the “mischief.”
“i was a latch key child [where you come home with a key and let yourself in the house],” Sparks said. “The neighbor kept an eye on us until our parents came home from work. i managed to get into all kinds of mischief because of it.”
divorce between his mother and father caused his family to move to pompano Beach, Florida and later Montgomery, Alabama.
Maturing without a father let Sparks know who he wanted to be.
“i grew up without a dad from about ten on,” he said. “i wouldn’t say it made me who i am but it made me know who i didn’t want to be, or how to be.”
it was the local YMCA that gave him his first opportunity to play sports.
he received his first trophy at the Y in kickball and began his career in track at age ten with high jump.
“You name it we played it,” Sparks said as he laughs softly and reminisces.
he later played football and ran track at Sidney Lanier high School in Montgomery, Alabama.
After high school he attended Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi for three years and then transferred to the University of Alabama.
“i had one year on the team. For the most part i went from one injury to another as i trained as a decathlete, [which is ten events],” Sparks said. “i ran the 100m dash, 400m dash, 1500m, and the 110 hurdles. i
did long jump, high jump, pole vault, and i threw Shot put, discus and Javelin.”
his coaching career began when his University of Alabama (UA) coach asked him if he wanted to be a student assistant. Sparks was finishing up his eligibility as a college athlete with just one year left.
“i went from student assistant to graduate assistant,” Sparks said.
he then went on to coach field events at Selma high School, then became assistant track and field coach at UA, head coach at Shades Valley high School, head coach at Central high School and then head coach at northridge. he’s been coaching for twenty-eight years.
“i won’t be retiring for a while,” Sparks laughed. “i’ll retire when i can afford to retire.”
James Brantley, p.e. and new assistant track coach, said Sparks is a very good friend.
“he’s a great co-worker and a downright good man,” Brantley said.
“My son’s first date was with his daughter. We found ourselves on a bench side-by-side waiting for our kids to come out of a dance/first date. We both had to wait patiently...talking awkwardly,” he said as he paces the gym floor recreating the scene with hand gestures and positions.
Senior demetrius, d.J, Williams has been running for Sparks for four years. he said Sparks made him a better runner.
“Something i definitely remember is when we were running forty 200s and coach said, ‘You guys can do it. You just don’t. You can do it. it’s all mental,’’ Williams said with a half-smile. “i hated him for forty 200s after that, but i did it. Sparks is my coach, and if he says it’s mental, it’s mental.”
Sparks said he has had different relationships with different kids.
“When you extend yourself as a friend, you take disappointment personally...Most of the time when you’re able to tell a friend
you’re disappointed in them, it’s never in a nice way,” Sparks said. “My job is to get to know the athletes, so i can know what i can get out of them… it’s difficult not to insert your own personal feelings in that. it’s not recommended.”
Freshman Anna eidson has been running for Sparks for three years. She says he’s not like other coaches.
“he’s not hard on his athletes,” eidson said. “he doesn’t over push you. he’s going to tell you what to do… but if you don’t do it, he’s not going to say anything about it. he’ll let you fail yourself.”
Sparks said the hardest thing is getting the athletes back to the meets.
“There’s all this build up… As a coach you spend your time telling your athletes what they can achieve, but when they achieve it, the thrill is gone,” Sparks said. “The thrill of the aftermath isn’t as great as the process. The question is how are you going to talk them into it all over again?”
Sparks’ six children are ages 25, 20, 11, 9, 7 and 5. one had a track scholarship to Southern Mississippi State as a javelin thrower.
he said it’s hard and almost unbearable every day.
“i’m fortunate to have a good wife,” Sparks said with a smirk. “She helps me be a better father and man.”
Sparks said there’s something no one would ever know about him. he has a tattoo.
“i like tattoos,” Sparks said with a laugh. “i would have more, but i just don’t find it very affordable.”
Sophomore and triple jumper Jared McBride said Sparks is more like a granddad.
“he teaches you how to grow up and act mature,” McBride said placing his forefinger on this upper lip and using his thumb as a prop for his chin. “he’s like a papa [your cool laid back granddad].”
ThE NORThRIdGE REpORTERNOVEMBER 14, 2014 11sports
“Renewable waste to energy”
LESTER SOLOMON, Agent4 Oakhill Court McFarland Boulevard EastTuscaloosa, AL 35405-1908
Bus (205) 556-5363 Toll-free (888) 556-5363Fax (205) 556-5315 Cell (205) 394-2962
Jags finish season as ‘playoff’ team despite lossGOOdByE Students line up on both sides of the street next to the Jaguar Courtyard as they cheer the varsity football team on their way to the playoff game in Spanish Fort Nov. 7.
Photo by Carter Love
ON ThE ROAd
Fishing team prepares for competitionsREBECCA GRIESBAChMANAGING EdITOR
Student membership in the fishing team has increased since sign-ups began. Sponsorships of the team are also increasing.
“A lot more kids are involved,” senior north patterson, team member, said.
Sophomore Cameron Lake said leaders are “putting the team together.”
“They’re ordering jerseys and getting all our boats ready for the competition on Saturday,” Lake said before the The hide-A-Way harbor trail tournament held nov. 8.
eighth grader Sam Falls placed first on nov. 8 with a 4.2 pound bass and eighth grader drake Cross placed second.
“We hope to make this fishing team bigger and win a championship,” Lake said. “Many more competitions are coming up.”
NATE hESTER STAff wRITER
The football team won an electric game Thursday, oct. 30 at Walker County. With the win the team improved to a regular season record of 6-4. They took on Spanish Fort in the first round of the playoffs Friday, nov. 7.
The team lost the game with Spanish Fort 41-7, making their final record 6-5. The lone touchdown came from junior
defensive lineman robert Adams.orlando Walker, junior, said the game
was heartbreaking.“We put up a fight, that’s all that
matters,” Walker said.defensive Line Coach Carson Vines
said he was really happy with the progress from last season to this season.
“We still have a lot of work to do. i am extremely happy about the opportunity to be a playoff team. i wish we could have played well enough to win, but i was proud
of the kids for their hard work. hopefully, they can use the experience to work harder.”
Ladarius robinson, junior right guard, said he thought we had a good chance before the game.
“i feel like we were ready to play. Spanish Fort was just the better team,” he said.
in the Walker County game, the team escaped with a 28-21 win and a lot of momentum heading into the playoffs due to a late touchdown by junior wide receiver Cedric Bradford with only 41 seconds left
in the fourth quarter. offensive Line Coach don Mcnabb
said, “it was a great play call.” “We knew it would be open. We had
already done it once that game, so we went for it again. We had a great throw, and he made a great catch,” Mcnabb said.
orlando Walker and tommy Bryant were also among the players who scored.
“We will continue to work hard throughout the off season and into next season,” robinson said.
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be d
one i
n pr
ivat
e.”Br
ento
n Sa
nder
s, ju
nior
, wh
o ha
s at
tend
ed t
he h
omec
omin
g da
nce
last y
ear,
said
he
witn
esse
d in
appr
opria
te b
ehav
ior.
“That
’s n
orth
ridge
ho
mec
omin
g,”
Sand
ers
said
. “Th
at’s
just
what
it is
.”W
right
said
she
chos
e to
wor
k th
e fro
nt t
able
on h
omec
omin
g ni
ght b
ecau
se s
he d
idn’t
wan
t to
watc
h th
e stu
dent
s’ da
ncin
g. “i
kno
w se
vera
l stu
dent
s wh
o als
o sa
id
they
we
ren’t
sta
ying
lo
ng,
beca
use
didn
’t wa
nt
to
watc
h,” W
right
said
.Sh
e sai
d sh
e was
also
conc
erne
d ab
out t
he sh
ortn
ess o
f som
e gi
rls’
skirt
s, sa
ying
that
on
the
nigh
t of
the
danc
e “th
e he
ms
of s
ome
of
thei
r sk
irts
were
hig
her
than
the
top
of th
e tab
le.”
“i’m
not
sur
e so
me
of t
hese
gi
rls a
re t
hink
ing,
” W
right
sai
d.
“Whe
n th
ey l
ook
at i
t in
the
m
irror
in th
e sto
re it
look
s fine
,…bu
t th
en y
ou s
tart
danc
ing,
and
what
was
a r
eally
sho
rt sk
irt i
s
now
a rea
lly fa
t belt
.”K
athe
rine
Jess
up,
soph
omor
e, sa
id s
ome
of w
hat
she
saw
was
“dist
urbi
ng,”
but
adde
d th
at s
he
saw
less “
distu
rbin
g” d
ancin
g th
is ye
ar th
an at
last
year
’s da
nce.
Ferg
uson
sai
d he
thou
ght [
the
danc
e] w
as o
vera
ll a g
ood
even
t.”
“i sa
w a l
ot o
f tale
nted
dan
cers
, an
d a
lot
of n
ot s
o ta
lente
d da
ncer
s,”
Ferg
uson
sa
id.
“one
or
two
just
got c
arrie
d aw
ay a
nd
shou
ld’ve
had
a li
ttle
mor
e pr
ide
than
to…
” he
con
sider
ed f
or a
se
cond
, “le
ave
noth
ing
to
the
imag
inat
ion
of th
e aud
ienc
e.”
Baby
it’s
CO
Ld
outsi
de
pAGE 6
th
en
or
th
rid
ger
epo
rt
ereS
t. 2
003
NO
VE
MB
ER
14,
20
14V
OLU
ME
12
ISS
UE
3
www.
north
ridge
repo
rter.w
ordp
ress
.com
Gra
phic
by Ja
mes
Niil
er
12