Issue 6 September 15, 2010 - Jackson County School System

Issue 6
September 15, 2010
Panther Volleyball Brings
The Heat
By: Samantha Kennett
The Jackson County Lady Panther volleyball team started off their fall
season already beating their record from last year within the first week. The Lady
Panthers are 5-3 overall and 3-1 in the area.
On Saturday, August 14, the Lady Panthers competed in a play date at
East Jackson Comprehensive High School, playing against four of the six teams
there. Going 2-2 for the day, they fell to George Walton Academy and Loganville,
while taking Walnut Grove and Lumpkin County. The following Tuesday, the Lady
Panthers played their first area match of the season against East Hall and won. They
also played a hard fought match against Duluth, a team outside of region play, but fell
after a third game tie breaker. (continued on page 5)
New Year, New Rules
By: Jennifer Saffen
Many changes have been made to the school dress code, but one in particular has the students raving: We can now wear holes in our jeans! Just remember,
you can’t have holes that are over 4 inches above the knees. This also goes for shorts
and capris. And no, leggings will not help you reach the requirements. Summer is
over, so no more sundresses. You can wear them elsewhere, but not at school. Ladies,
no more wearing your tank tops with cover-ups. This rule has changed since last year.
You can wear your tank tops over your t-shirts. And yes, gentlemen, this also applies
to you. No more tank tops or shirts that are ripped down the sides. You are no longer
allowed to wear long shirts; if your shirt extends past your finger tips, then you better be prepared to tuck it in. Also, whenever you bring a jacket or blanket to school
with you, you must be aware that you are no longer able to tie it around your waist.
Instead, you can just put it in your book bag or carry it around with you. All of these
rules must be followed, whether you like them or not. “Rules are rules!”
Photo by Kate Biddle
New Team, New Division
By: Kyle Funderburk
Since Coach Kirk’s arrival in 2007 his Panthers have seemed to get better every year.
Before Coach Kirk the Panthers struggled to both compete and to keep a coach for more than a
couple of years. After going winless in 2007 the Panthers went 1-8-1 in 2008 and after a decent 2009
campaign the Panthers could continue the trend of continuous improvement under Coach Kirk.
It has been difficult to improve though, because for the past several years Jackson County
played in AAA and AAAA, two divisions that are exceptionally tougher than AA. It should be a
breath of fresh air playing more formidable opponents.
With that said it’s time to tee it up for another Panther football season. Last year the Panthers struggled after a 3-0 start, their best start in many years. The team then fell to 3-6 before getting
a big upset on the road against Stephens County to finish 4-6.
Expectations are even higher this year as Jackson County falls from AAA to AA, meaning
the Panthers will get a shot at stopping Jefferson’s Dynasty in Region 8. It also means that for the
first time ever the Jackson County Panthers finally get to play the Eagles of East Jackson.
Unfortunately both of our inner-county rivalries will be played on the road. Even more
unfortunate than that is the fact that we have to replace 23 seniors, including 18 starters (9 on offense, 9 on defense).
Photo by Abbey Lindsey
Index
Staff Page
Entertainment
Current Events
Sports
Local News
World News
Schedules
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3
4
5
6
7
8
Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth Higgins
By Ruston Cleveland
Across the aging teachers desk sat Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth
Higgins, though small in stature, she emanated an aura of quiet authority, very
telling of the numerous command positions held in her 22 years of service with
the army. During the interview, LTC Higgins told her tale; the story of some
one growing up in Norristown, Pennsylvania, just north of Valley Forge, and
just outside Philadelphia, surrounded by the old and the new, connections to
the roots of America and the shining future; but also a story of being pushed far
beyond what she thought she could do; rising to the challenge and again being
pushed farther than what she or anyone else thought she could do. A story of
taking a position no one but, and sometimes not even the appointee thought she
was qualified for. A fable of high flying adventures over L.A. and the pacific; a
memoir of razing horses and children. Through the fantastic tale she has lived,
there was a tale, a success story of trying to fit in where you don’t belong, and
leading the way for hundreds of people to do similar things.
At the time LTC Higgins joined the senior ROTC program in her
college, it was a male hierarchy (as most of the military was) women where accepted in the program but not many really excelled. This lopsided pie chart of
the leadership may have been due to the fact that up to that point women where
not a major part of the military, so many women in the ROTC had not tried to
attain high positions. But LTC Higgins tried, and her senior year she was the
student head of the program, the battalion commander. No one thought she
could do the job, but she stood up and she did just as well as anyone else. Later,
when she joined the Army, she was told to take a position normally for someone
with twice the experience, yet again, she showed that she could do the job and
rise to the challenge. She held many positions in the military that at the time
women did not include themselves in with much regularity, paving the way for
hundreds, if not thousands, of others. This is our new Senior Army Instructor.
The
Panther
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Staff Page
Page 2
*Not the bacterial nasty.
September 15, 2010
Issue 6
What Romo Says
ED LETTER
When you think of the first few weeks of school, you don’t think of frantically making
deadlines, endlessly editing papers, and constantly coming up with topics to write about, but when
you are a part of journalism and the newspaper staff, this is exactly what your first few weeks of
school are like. For a new editor like myself, this was especially stressful. All of the people in
charge of creating the paper last year were seniors, so when they graduated, they took all the skills
and knowledge of the newspaper design programs with them. Lex Moseley, my graphic design
buddy, is also feeling the heat of the deadlines creeping closer. He and I have had to look up
tutorials and teach ourselves how to use both Photoshop and InDesign on our own, not to mention
find time to write our articles, create ads, and keep on top of all the other things that senior year is
constantly demanding.
Everyone gets even more on edge when somehow, out of no where, The Notebook goes
missing. I’m not just talking about the book or tear jerking movie, I’m talking about the binder that
all of our contacts, articles, past papers, and everything else that is essential to the life of our paper
are sitting in. Somewhere between it getting placed on a desk after being brought in from my car,
to now, as everyone freaks out looking for it, is has grown legs, jumped up, and walked away. With
deadline right around the corner, this is not something you want to happen. No worries, though. It
came back!
I hope the rest of your school years have started out much more organized and relaxed
than mine, and that you continue to have a great year. Until next time, Guten Tag!
Samantha Kennett
Letter to the Editor
My Civil Stance on Dress Code
By: Nicole Claire Heaslip
I’ve seen teachers show more skin in “professional wear” than I show in the privacy
of my own back yard in a bathing suit, yet I still get chastised for shirts I wear and I am forced to
change into my P.E. shirt that I poured sweat into for an hour and a half during my first period of
the day.
Yes, I understand the utmost importance of looking professional in a high school with
the same kids I’ve seen everyday since kindergarten. Yes, I understand that no one wants to see
some chick’s cleavage so rules are enforced to prevent such an inconceivable event. But this
particular time, approximately 4-5 inches of the top of my back was exposed and a certain, female
administrator made me change into the shirt I wore to P.E. - a shirt, might I add, that says “we’ve
been stepped on, hammered, and screwed, but we still came out on top” on the back; a much more
appropriate selection for the formal occasion that I attend 5 days a week, 36 weeks a year.
By: Christina Romo
Walking through the center of Gainesville State College on the first day of classes, I
only half knew what to expect. I was (and am) a high school senior, who instead of staying with
my classmates at JCCHS, decided to start my collegiate career a year earlier than previously
planned. I guess that also makes me a college freshman.
The first thing you notice is that nobody really notices you. They are all very absorbed
in their laptops and food, some already hurrying to their classes. It gives you a sense of anonymity that is unprecedented in high school, where everyone knows everything about everyone. The
second thing you notice is the lack of dress code. I see two girls walking side by side, one wearing
a tube top and the other with her face covered in piercings. Apparently in college, you no longer
get distracted by people’s appearances, which has always been the reason for a dress code at our
high school (according to our agenda and administrators). At this point, I go off to my first class,
US History 2111.
8:55- I get to class a little early. The teacher is not there yet, but most of the students are. I sit
somewhere in the middle.
9:05- Teacher still isn’t here…
9:06- A woman with hair literally down to her knees walks in. She is the teacher, and she apologizes for the lateness before introducing herself as Dr. Penny Lane. I wonder if her parents liked
the Beatles, or if she was named that completely by coincidence.
9:15- Dr. Penny Lane announces that “Up until this point, you students have been taught how to
take tests. Now, you’re going to learn how to think.” She shows us how to access our syllabus
online and makes sure we all have the right texts books. She then dismisses us, 30 minutes early,
because apparently that was all she had planned for today.
From then on, my day was more predictable. I got to every class on time, and each
of my teachers talked right up until last minute class was in session. My English class was in a
computer lab and my English teacher was a very soft spoken woman who declared that the computers were blocking our view of each other’s faces and “that just made her sad.” I would say that
my math teacher was very tall, except for the fact that Mr. Poe has been my math teacher for two
years, and anyone else is minute in comparison. But I will say that she is very Canadian.
My second day of classes, my English class is cancelled because my soft spoken
teacher has had to take her daughter to the doctor. That’s the third things I observed about college:
No substitutes. And that is a beautiful thing.
Last but not least, my fourth observation about college is something I had not considered before: there are no bells. When you get used them in high school, you suddenly are very
aware of their absence. But there is no need for bells when no classes start at the same time, and
when everyone has there own schedule. It is only then that I realize that even though the classes
are small and the people are all about my age, I’m not in Jackson County anymore.
It’s really a ‘hit or miss’ situation going to school in any of the clothes you own. One way
or another, a teacher/administrator will find a fault. I admit, I get away with some crazy clothing,
but I only wear what I do because the school runs a good 95-100 degrees by the end of the day.
If those few inches of the skin of my back are distracting enough for me to substitute my
shirt for a less-revealing, yet explicit and all-the-more inappropriate T-shirt, then tell me now. I’ll
drop out and become a model or something.
“Sleeveless shirts (tank, midrift, halater, tube tops), low
cut tops, tight or clingy shirts. Sleeveless tops and dresses
should be at least 2” wide and cover the majority of the
shoulder area. All clothing should be non-reveavling in the
cheast area and midrift area whether standing or sitting.”
-JCCHS Student Handbook
Staff:
Editor in Chief
Samantha Kennett
Graphic Design
Lex Moseley
Bo Harris
Director of Sales
Nicole Heaslip
Dates to Remember
Graduation Writing Test Make-Up Day - Thursday, September 30
PSAT - Wednesday, October 13
Gradtuation Test Make-Up Day - November 5
Graduation Writing Test - February 23
Graduation Tests
Science - Monday, March 21
Math - Tuesday, March 22
English - Wednesday, March 23
Social Studies - Thursday, March 24
Photographers
Sara Tully
Kate Biddle
Columnists
Hunter Bell
Kyle Funderburk
Ruston Cleveland
Chelsea Mancini
Lex Moseley
Tracy O’Mara
Maygen Phillips
Casey Probes
Cody Ramey
Stephanie Richardson
Adviser
Mrs. Peterson
Jennifer Saffen
Kayla Strickland
Naly Thao
Nicole Heaslip
Samantha Kennett
The
Panther
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Entertainment
September 15, 2010
Issue 6
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Page 3
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
By: Jennifer Saffen
“What if you had only
one day to live? What would you
do? Who would you kiss? And
how far would you go to save
your own life?” Before I Fall is a
not-so typical book about a popular girl, Samantha Kingston, who
keeps reliving the same day over
and over again. The day always
starts off as a normal day, and as
it goes on Samantha can change
her actions to try to change the end of the day, but at the end of
the days she relives, she always dies.
Her choices in actions affect everything, causing her
world as she knows it, to be flipped upside down. The people she
once called her friends now seem like enemies, and the people
she wouldn’t think twice to talk to are now becoming her allies.
The people she once claimed to hate, she is now trying to help,
and in some cases, save. This book will keep you hanging on until
the unexpected, breathtaking ending, not only making you do a
double take, but leave you wanting more.
The Script
By: Kayla Strickland
Concert Dates:
Atlanta Variety Playhouse
October 28, 2010
8:00 pm
The Script is an Irish pop/rock trio that has swept the UK and the
United States. Millions have fallen for their modern sound, artful twists, and
Celtic soul. There songs are filled with emotion and passion as expected from
across the Irish Sea. The lyrics are catchy and the music makes you want to get
up and dance. Their debut single, “We Cry” reached #13 in the UK charts and
“Breakeven” has recently been nominated for the 2010 Teen Choice Awards.
Both “Breakeven” and “Man Who Can’t Be Moved” have stolen the hearts of
people all over the world.
Movie Review
A Night to Remember
By: Jennifer Saffen
By: Jennifer Saffen
The Other Guys features Will Ferrell as Allen Gamble, a conservative desk cop, who is
not afraid of confrontations and taking risks. Mark Wahlberg, Terry Hoitz, is a cop who made one
tiny mistake and can’t live it down, so he spends his time trying to prove himself and set things
right. These two cops are total opposites, which keeps them from getting along, but adds to the
comedic effect. When the two best cops die in a terrible accident, they must put their differences
aside and team up to take on a case. Throughout this suspenseful comedy you learn the true meaning of partnership and friendship. This movie is full of laughs and unexpected moments that will
leave you speechless and on the end of your seat until the end. It has a variety of humor I highly
recommend seeing this movie. It’s a must see!
Homecoming Festivities
Theme: school spirit (red and black)
Door decorating contest – needs to be done by September 24th by your 3rd period class
Parade -Thursday, September 30th at 7:30 after the JV football game
Carnival/ Bonfire – Thursday- September 30th at the practice football field right after
the parade
Pep Rally- at the end of 4th block, announcing of the door decorating contest
From a local Tennessee band to a worldwide sensation, Paramore rocked out the stage
September 1st at the Gwinnett Arena. Tagging along with them on their tour were some new and
upcoming bands: Kadawatha, New Found Glory, and Tagan and Sara. All three bands worked the
crowd and got them pumped for Paramore’s performance. When Paramore came onto stage the
crowd went ballistic. They started things off with one of the songs form “Brand New Eyes,” (their
newest album). So hundreds of fans started singing at the top of their lungs to “Ignorance.”
The concert had a variety of songs from their three CD’s. They tested you to see how
well you knew the songs from Paramore. Hayley Williams (the lead singer) ended off the night by
pulling a lucky fan up on stage to help her sing “Misery Business.” A perfect way to end the night.
Fashion Finder: Skinny Jeans
By: Jennifer Saffen & Cody Ramey
Hello skinny jeans! All around the school, people are wearing skinny jeans, both girls and boys.
Whether they are denim, pink, purple, blue, black, highlighter yellow, red, white, acid washed, and
so many more, everyone is wearing them. But where do these kids find them, and where can you
get them for a cheaper price? Admit it, times are tough, and money is tight. The only way to get
new things is to find those great prices!
Game vs. The Patriots– Homecoming –October 1st at 7:30
Homecoming Dance- October 2nd is homecoming dance, sponsored by student council
2010 Homecoming Court
Freshmen:
Dani Griffis
Lindsey Holcombe
Deanna Snellgrove
Kaley Tanner
Sophomores:
Taylor Hays
Gabbi Kastner
Kaitlyn Parker
Kaitlyn Reeves
Juniors:
Najah David
Macey Latty
Betsy Lyle
Samantha VanFleet
Seniors:
Kelly Becker
Elizabeth Castro
Samantha Kennett
Becca Miller
Sierra Roncadori
JC Penny: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10-70
Wet Seal: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15-30
Rue 21: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20-25
Hot Topic: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20-40
Delia’s: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30-50
Current Events
The
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Page 4
September 15, 2010
Attention Anime Lovers!
Crowded Hallways
By: Kayla Strickland
If you like anime, manga, and /or dressing up as your favorite character, then this is the article for you. Anime Weekend Atlanta (AWA) is hosting its
15th annual convention. This convention starts Friday, September 17th and goes
through Sunday, September 19th and is held once again at the beautiful Renaissance Waverly Hotel and Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta. Anime is animation
originating in Japan that has become very popular in American culture. At this
event there area lot of things you can do, such as: costume contests, photo shoots,
concerts, and workshops. You can even meet Riki Simmons, voice of G.I.R from
Invader Zim. Also in the Dealers Room they sell Japanese animation, manga, and
related merchandise such as toys, audio CD’s and artwork. It is recommended
to go to the AWA website (http://www.awa-con.com/) and register online. It is
$35.00 per person to go, but if you have a group of more than six people, then
you all only have to pay $30.00
Anime Club is looking for more members. If you are interested, see Mrs. LaBarge
for more information.
Photograph by Sara Tully
Crowded hallways (above) make it harder for students to make it to class on time. In all
the years I’ve attended this school, I’ve never been counted tardy. Because of the ridiculously crowded halls, I recieve my first tardy,” quoted Tracy O’Mara (senior).
ROTC Update: Commissioning
Ceremony
By: Christina Garmon
Wednesday, August 18th, contingents of the JCCHS Panther Battalion gathered together
in the J.L. McMullan Auditorium on the Jackson County Comprehensive High School campus to take
part in the annual Commissioning Ceremony. With only a week and a half to show their leadership
skills, the top cadets were promoted to officers. Parents, family, friends, and instructors attended the
ceremony to encourage and show support for the cadets as they walked across the stage and officially received their ranks. Assistant S-1 Charlie Kitchens called the name of the cadets who received
their ranks from their family, instructors, or friends. The newly minted officers then stood facing the
audience at attention. Once all the promotions where finished, they recited the cadet officer’s oath
and took their seats. The new cadet battalion commander then stood and gave a beautifully presented
and motivating speech and was followed by LTC Higgins who gave good closer to the ceremony and
congratulated the new officers on their new positions and reminded them of the responsibility of their
newly presented rank.
Mesmer-eye-zing
By: Naly Thao
There are special events and occasions that you’d want to look nice
for, like prom, homecoming, an interview, or even reunions.
Homecoming and prom would probably consist of a more exotic look,
depending on your outfit. For more of that look you want to use vibrant colors, or
colors that pop. I’d recommend getting Coastal Scent; they have some of the best
palettes, and within the palettes there are many, many varieties. Some of the palettes also come with neutral colors for a more natural look, but most come with
exotic and popping colors, like the eighty eight piece palette. Another Coastal
Scents product would be the Creative Me #1; you’ll probably have to buy most
Coastal Scents products online.
Exotic looks really just depend on your outfit and the theme you’re
aiming for. When going to an interview or reunion, you would probably want
to go with a more natural look. You want to impress your old friends and look
professional, so you probably shouldn’t just go caking on foundation and having
crazy colored eye shadows. When doing a natural look, you want to go with a
nice, dark, light, and medium tone. You also stick to the same tone. Don’t pack
on the foundation. Find a nice color that matches your skin tone and lightly apply
it to your face. Creating a natural look doesn’t take much time. It’s very simple
and quick. Sonia Kashuk’s, How to Look Organically Natural 01 comes with
simple directions on how to apply your make-up and make it look fresh and you
can purchase this product at target. You can also purchase Tokidoki Chromatic
Eye Palettes at Sophore. It’s a newly launched product, but it works very well. It
also has many varieties of color, but look for the neutral colors, such as brown,
white, or a nice light bronze color. Coastal Scents also has a very nice selection
of natural colors like the 28 Piece Eye Shadow Neutral Palette. Another product
is the Tarte Femme Naturale Eye Palette. I personally really like this one because
it has nice subtle green and pink tones and they appear very naturally, as well as a
variety of colors other than just brown or bronze.
Sports
Issue 6
The
Panther
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Page 5
September 15, 2010
New Team, New Division
By: Kyle Funderburk
(Continued from page one) With only nine seniors on the team this year, things
look very different from a year ago. The Panthers are now led by seniors Alex Crawford,
Josh Campbell, and Nick Oney. It will be difficult to replace players like Charlie Waycaster,
Jonathan Holton and Zane Cochran, but the Panthers seem to have the depth to get players
to step up.
Look for Juniors Preston Esco, Andy Williams, Jalen Banks and KJ Washington
to become impact players. Center Troy McIntyre should pick up where he left off last year
in his third year as a varsity starter.
The JV and West Jackson Middle School teams have been a nice surprise in
recent years which should translate into some success for the Panthers this year as we
continue to raise up players from those younger teams. Last year the JV Panthers went 5-2
including a 42-0 win over Flowery Branch, a team that has been a consistent power house
for the past several years.
Overall this team is filled with great individual talent; it’s all a matter of discipline, execution and belief in themselves and the team. If they get that right, everything else
will fall in place for a successful season.
Elbert County and Hart County will go through the same thing as us, as they
join us in Region 8 AA. The Panthers have lost a couple of close ones against Elbert County the past couple of years; this could be the year Jackson County gets past Elbert County.
Hart County should be the biggest test, they were a power in AAA region 8 and they are the
favorites to stop Jefferson’s championship run.
Looking at the schedule the Panthers could have the same 3-0 start as last year
with games against Johnson and Walnut Grove in Panther Stadium and Fannin County on
the road. The first big game of the season comes against the heated rivals from East Jackson. That is definitely a game the Panthers can win, it would only be fitting that the football
team win the first ever meeting against East Jackson, All of our other sports teams beat
them.
After East Jackson the Panthers travel to Elbert County’s famed Granite Bowl
where the last time we played there in 2008 we lost a close one 25-23 and last year we had
another heart breaking loss at home 28-27. In October the Panthers start off with Oglethorpe County and North Oconee at home .Then we play Jefferson across the street, then back
at home against Hart County before a final region play-in game in November.
When it boils down to it, it’s all a matter of how much the team believes in themselves,
they are more than capable of making the playoffs if they play like they know they can.
Don’t be surprised if our Panthers make a strong run at the Region 8 Championship and a
spot in the playoffs come November and December.
Date
Cross Country Schedule
Place
September 25
Aubrey Gunderson Invite @ Conyers Horse Park *Possible Meet*
October 2 Patriot Races @ Olgerthorpe
October 9
Possible Practice
October 12
Main St. @ Crow’s Lake
October 19
@ East Jackson
October 28/30
Region AA @ Crow’s Lake
November 6
State @ Carrollton
Photo by Abbey Lindsey
Panther Volleyball Brings the Heat
By: Samantha Kennett
(Continued from page one) Thursday, August 19, they hosted their first home game
and blew everyone away defeating both teams, Tallulah Falls, a region match, and Lumpkin
County. The score of the final game against Lumpkin County was an impressive 25-5, boosting
the Lady Panther’s confidence, and bringing the larger than usual crowd to their feet.
“The team has improved so much, especially with serving, digging, and just teamwork in general,” Coach Colley, a third year teacher and coach at JCCHS, quoted. She is excited
about the way the team is coming together as a family and that more people are stepping up into
leadership positions. On Saturday at East Jackson, the team had a huge 27 aces and 44 kills, an
enormous improvement from previous years, where the team has struggled to get by. Thursday
night the players dominated in serving. Samantha Kennett (senior) scored 19 points off of her
serve, followed closely by Naly Thao (senior) with 18, and then Breanna Chapman (senior) with
13. The Lady Panthers play again Thursday, August 26, at Tallulah Falls, looking to put another
win in the bag.
UPDATE:
August 26 – Loss to Tallulah Falls
August 31 – Loss to Winder Barrow; Win over Salem
September 2 – Loss to Athens Christian; Win over East Jackson
September 7 – Win over Lakeview; Loss to Cedar Shoals
September 9 – Loss to Jefferson
September 11 – Playdate at East Hall; went 4-2
Lady Panther Softball Schedule
Date
Opponent Time
Wednesday, September 15, 17, 18
North Fall Classic North Hall
TBA
Tuesday, September 21st Elbert
Tuesday, September 28th E. Jackson
E. Jackson Thursday, September 30th N. Oconee
N. Oconee 4:30 JV/5:55pm
Place
Home (Senior Night) 4:30 JV/5:55pm
Head Coach – Lisa Robinson
Assistant Coaches – Krista Lord, Allison Veldhuis
4:30 JV/5:55pm
The
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Page 6
September 15, 2010
Local
Issue 6
Where is the Band?
By Samantha Kennett
As most people are already aware, funding has been pretty tight this year, making
budget cuts a necessary evil. This has caused many changes in the way things are being done for
many different programs and organizations. The band is one program that is making a change that
will be a noticeable one. Due to lack of funding, the Adams have had to take a look at their schedule for the entire year and decide where to best make a few cuts in the best interest for the whole
band program. After a thorough review and careful consideration, they made the difficult decision
of cutting out some of the travel expenses by not traveling with the football team and cheerleaders to all of the away games. This keeps enough money in the account to allow them to transport
the students to honor band clinics, performances, auditions, marching festivals in both Conyers
and Alabama, and Large Group Performance Evaluations, among other things. The band will still
travel to local games at East Jackson and Jefferson to cheer the team on and entertain the crowd,
and will, of course, be present at each home game.
This year’s half time show is titled, Red, White, and Blue: A Musical Explosion. Most
people’s first thought is that it would be a patriotic themed show, but it is actually based on each
individual color. For red, the opener is a fiery, Latin piece by Manuel de Falla: Ritual Fire Dance.
For white, the band will perform a slower, more introspective piece by Gustav Holst: In the Bleak
Midwinter. For blue, the band will play a jazzy, bluesy piece that features saxophone soloist
and senior Jason Murray: Blues in the Night by Harold Arlen. Finally, the band will close with
Tchaikovsky’s famous 1812 Overture, which includes church bells and cannon fire. The 2011 band
seniors are excited to literally go out with a bang.
Buttons for sale in art room from three to five dollars.
ELT Feedback
Race to the Top
Recently during our lunch, Stephanie and I took a survey on how people felt about our
new two hour long fourth period and the invigorating 30 minute of learning time. As surprising is
this may seem to you, the majority of people we interviewed did not agree with that at all. mona
lisa wire we subject to such torture? After meeting with Mrs. Phillips for answers, this is what
we discovered... the whole extra 30 minutes actually has a purpose! It just hasn’t taken effect yet.
Speaking for myself, Steph, and a few of the students we surveyed, that’s about the time we catch
up on our sleep. Well that luxury will soon be ending, because for that first 30 minutes we will be
getting help in the classes we struggle in. This may remind some of you of last years beloved zero
periods. Well that’s because it is. Now it’s just placed at the end of our day because no one could
manage to drag their butts out of bed on time. As for freshmen, our deepest condolences go out to
you. Maybe you’ll get some be benefit from it by the time your a senior, but who knows. We all
may learn something if we pay attention, and we most likely wouldn’t be here if we did that from
the start.
On August 24, 2010, Sunny Perdue announced Georgia as a winner for the second round
of “Race to the Top” grants. Over the course of four years, the state of Georgia will receive $400
million in order to complete their plans.
By Chelsea Mancini
Finace Help
By Lex Moseley
Ok, so you all know that the economy is in the pooper and paying for college is going
to be fine and dandy, but not really. I’m going to give you some scholarships that I think will
be helpful for most of you children, and that I suggest you apply for. There is the Quest Bridge
Scholarship; application is due September 10th. Quest Bridges assists high-achieving, low-income
students in gaining admission and full four-year scholarships to leading colleges such as Amherst
College, MIT, Princeton University, Stanford University, and Yale University. The amount offered
for this scholarship varies.
The Coca-Cola scholarship offers fifty $20,000 Scholarships, and two hundred $10,000
Scholarships. Coca-Cola really only has two rules: apply online, and know your school code (ours
is 110425). To get the applications for these scholarships, or if you just want more information, go
to pantherhelp.com and click on the scholarship listings.
By Naly Thoa
The $400 million grant is provided by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 to improve the school. The fund is rewarded to states that provide educational innovations and
reforms, specifically in the four following areas:
* Setting standards and assessments that prepare the students to achieve in their future career
whether it be in college or their workplace
* Building a data system that provides the student growth and success, and informing teachers and
principals how to improve their instructions
* Recruiting and preparing teachers and principals for their jobs; and
* Bettering the lowest-achieving schools.
The
Panther
Pause
World News
Issue 6
Page 7
September 15, 2010
Job Tips
By Ruston Cleveland
At the end of the great depression and throughout the second World War, the national
unemployment rate averaged about 3.21%, but dropped down to .7% in 1944 (eh.net/encyclopedia); shockingly low compared to the current national unemployment rate of 9.6% (Google
directory). However, not everywhere is it all gloom and doom, like in North and South Dakota,
who currently have an unemployment rate of 4.1% and 4.3% respectively. Unfortunately, those are
the very bottom of the list, the highest numbers belonging to California, Michigan, and Nevada at
12.2%, 13.1%, and 14.2% respectively. Our lovely state and county are toward the middle of the
list at 10.3% and 10.7%. Despite the relative success of our state and county’s economy, only three
businesses on the camber of commerce are advertising on their website. Also, the Athens Banner-Herald had eleven job openings posted for low to mid skill of educational experience, ranging
from covered high school diploma/GED, to Commercial Drivers License (CDL) holders, to college
graduates, a wide range but there is still a decent few postings.
With the bad economy and many people discouraged and no longer looking for jobs,
many employers are now up and looking, so now is a good time to set on the hunt. People still
are looking for jobs, so you need to distinguish yourself from the heard. Look at your academic
achievements, classes you’ve taken, leadership positions you’ve held, and teachers that would
write a good recommendation for you if they are needed. Also, remember the resume tips you’ve heard before: keep it to one page, hit highlights
and RELIVENT credentials and achievements only. Another thing to consider is whether you’re on
track for graduation or not. Many businesses won’t hire students not on track for graduation. This
means that you need to hit the books at least once in a while and keep your grades up so you can
graduate on time.
The Words of the
Commander-in-Chief
By Ruston Cleveland
The White House announced that the president would be giving a speech on the 31st of August about the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq, and how this will affect his policies at home
and abroad. The speech started at eight o’clock p.m. E.D.T. and ended 19 minutes and 2,576 words
later. The speech was presented as eloquently and full of pauses as ever can be expected from
President Obama. But this wasn’t a campaign speech. Sure there was a political motivation, but the
president stayed away from many controversial issues, though, he did state his goal to remove all
U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of next year.
President Obama opened his speech with an explanation of what he would discuss in the
presentation. Next he spoke on how we have provided an ever shortening crutch for Iraqi forces
despite the ever shrinking capital and support at home. As well as many major attacks on the
principal and practice of our aid to the burgeoning government and military forces in Iraq. He
also mentioned how being patriotic does not mean you support everything the government does.
President Obama spoke of his reverence for the sacrifices of the many soldiers who went away and
fought a hard fight “block by block to help Iraq seize the chance for a better future”. He also spoke
on how we have changed our mission in Iraq from liberators to advisers. We no longer patrol the
streets to keep the Iraqis safe. Now that is the task and responsibility of the Iraqis.
The President then changed his focus to Afghanistan and discussed the headway we have
made in building a strong government, military, and police force, however, our job is not yet done. The President spoke of how “we’re training Afghan Security Forces and supporting a political
resolution to Afghanistan’s problems”, not just trying to capture terrorist, though that is part of
the mission, it is merely a small part of a very broad scope of operations in the Middle East and
Afghanistan.
President Obama continued on a military theme to voice his support for our armed forces
and veterans. He spoke of his commitment to “maintain the finest fighting force that the world has
ever known” and to explain that he has increased funding for veteran benefit programs more than
any other president in decades. And how that fits into his economic plan and how “part of ending a
war responsibly is standing by those who have fought it.”
The President then went to say that our purpose of sending so many fine, young men and
women to explore this darkest of human creations, war, was to give an oppressed people the
chance to experience the light of peace.
“In an age without surrender ceremonies, we must earn victory through the success of our
partners and the strength of our own nation. Every American who serves joins an unbroken line
of heroes that stretches from Lexington to Gettysburg; from Iwo Jima to Inchon; from Khe Sanh
to Kandahar -- Americans who have fought to see that the lives of our children are better than our
own. Our troops are the steel in our ship of state. And though our nation may be traveling through
rough waters, they give us confidence that our course is true and that beyond the pre-dawn darkness, better days lie ahead.
Thank you. May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America, and all who
serve her.”
President Barack Obama August 31, 2010
msnbc.msn.com
The Last Division
By Ruston Cleveland
(Picture from above) Earlier this month, the 2nd infantry division (2ID), the Indian
Heads, pulled their last troops out of Iraq. The troops met no Iraqi fan fair, and thankfully, no
I.E.D’s. They loaded up in their Stryker’s and other troop transports and rolled quietly on down
past the Kuwaiti border, hopped on their planes, and left. This is a momentous achievement for the
Obama administration, not only because it is a major part of his foreign relations platform, but also
it is something not many politicians can claim they have completed: a campaign promise.
Though this is a major achievement for the Obama administration, not everyone is so
exited. Some Iraqis are hesitant to see these troops leave because, although they are not the last
“combat ready” troops to leave, they are the last troops designated specifically for combat. Some
of the locals fear there will be a tremendous surge of violence in the coming months. There are
many facts to consider, and not everyone is exited, but only time will tell if this is beneficial to our
mission in the Middle East.
The
Panther
Pause
Sports
Page 8
September 15, 2010
Panther Volleyball Schedule
DATE
Sept 16, 2010
Sept 16, 2010 Sept 20, 2010
Sept 23, 2010
Sept 28, 2010
Sept 30 Oct 5, 7, and 9
Oct 14/16 Oct 19
Oct 23
Oct 30
TEAM
Jefferson (Varsity) North Oconee
Jefferson (JV)
Athens Christian
Lakeview Academy East Jackson (JV&V)
East Hall Lakeview Academy Rabun (JV&V)
Hart (JV&V)
George Walton
Morgan Eastside Area Tournament
State Playoffs 1st Round
State Playoffs 2nd Round
State Playoffs Quart/Semis
State Playoffs Finals DATE
TIME
LOCATION
5:00
6:00
5:00
6:00
7:00
7:00
5:00
7:00
6:00
6:00
7:00
5:00
6:00
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Jefferson HOME Issue 6
Football Schedule
September Fri, 9/17/10
Fri, 9/24/10
October
Fri, 10/1/10
Fri, 10/8/10
Fri, 10/22/10
Fri, 10/29/10
November
Fri, 11/5/10
TIME
TEAM
7:30 PM @ East Jackson
7:30 PM @ Elbert County
Elbert County High School
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
7:30 PM
Panther Stadium
Panther Stadium
Panther Stadium
Oglethorpe County
North Oconee
@ Jefferson
Hart County
HOME Lakeview Hart Morgan Athens Academy North Oconee
TBD
Competition Date Host High School STADIUM
7:30 PM Region Play-In
Panther Stadium
Varsity Cheerleading Schedule
September 18th
October 2nd
October 9th
October 16th
October 23rd
October 30th
November 6th
November 12th
and 13th
Morgan Co. High School
Dacula High School Grayson High School
Peachtree Ridge High School
Loganville High School
Winder-Barrow High School
Region Competition at North Gwinnett High School
State Competition at Columbus
Location Team Competing
Madison, GA
Dacula, GA
Loganville, GA
Suwanee, GA
Loganville, GA
Winder, GA
Suwanee, GA
Suwanee, GA
Columbus, GA
Varsity and JV
Varsity and JV
Varsity Only
Varsity and JV
Varsity Only
Varsity and JV
Varsity Only
Varsity Only
Varsity Only