The Backpack Impact - Pitt County Schools

The Shield
D. H. Conley High School
Volume XL, Issue 2
2006 Worthington Road Greenville, N. C. 27858
November 19, 2010
The
Backpack
Impact
Students shopping
the pre-school
department for gear
Illustration by Quartasha Hardy
PAGE 7
PAGE 6
Surviving
The in-school suspension
Backpack Freshman
Robert
Impact Ruiz-Cato
focuses on his
assignments.
Senior Brianna Wilson shows off her
Hannah Montana bookbag.
PAGES 8-9
The Bob & Wheel
Submit your art and creative
writing to the literary magazine
PAGES 10-12
Fall Sports Updates
2
Editorial
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
From lunch to the bathroom, just give us a minute!
by Halee Tibbs
Asking all of the 1400+ students in
our school to move through the halls
swiftly and cooperatively is like trying
to get molasses to go through a straw
without spilling over the sides.
Students are tardy for many
reasons other than just not going to
class when they are supposed to. And
with the amount of people getting
in trouble and having after-school
detention you would think that the
school would finally take action to do
something about it.
There isn’t enough time to get
from class to class and go to the
bathroom and having to go all the way
across the campus gives you even less
time to do the things you need to do
and get there on time. There are too
many people in the hall at one time,
and they don’t move fast enough or
they just stand there and talk like they
have all the time in the world.
The bell rings, and they’re off
pushing and shoving through the
crowd of students who stand there and
talk. People run to try to gather a few
extra minutes to go to the bathroom.
There is squeaking of tennis shoes
on the linoleum floors. Then there
are some people running to get to the
room on time like ants scurrying into
an ant hill. The second bell rings, and
those few unfortunate students who
almost made it get sent to the office
for a tardy slip.
This is a problem that can be fixed
easily. It’s clear that we don’t have
enough time between classes, so give
us more time. The time between third
and fourth lunch was extended by a
whole minute to help the problem.
What about the rest of us? We
need more time too not. We have
about five minutes to get to each class
and go to the bathroom and that’s not
enough. Maybe we need eight or nine
minutes, and if that cuts into our class
time, then we could possibly extend
our day a little longer. It would help
cut down the number of tardies.
We also have to fix the issue of
people standing in the middle of the
hall talking. Teachers should be more
persistent about telling students to
move on. There are certain areas that
create a knot in the flow of traffic.
These are areas that have little
wiggle room and a lot of people trying
to get through at the same time.
If there were a teacher at these
areas to move the people along, then
the traffic in these places would move
along smoothly also reducing the
number of tardies.
Carter wins county POY
By Trey Simpson
Recently Pitt County honored our very own
principal Mary Carter as 2011 Principal of the Year in
a reception at Rock Springs.
“I was first informed that I would be receiving the
award on October 29,” Carter stated. She did not know
the principal of the year award was being given to her
until she heard her name announced at the reception.
“My first emotions were shocked, humbled, and
tearful,” she said.
Mrs. Carter began to describe the various qualities
required of a principal of the year. “I believe in order
to receive an honor of that nature a principal must
possess a passion for education, leadership, and also
must be decisive in their decision making.”
She followed up her statement by saying, “I love
my job.” She even enjoys dealing with 1400+ students
daily. “Kids are not the problem,” Mrs. Carter said
laughing.
Mrs. Carter is quick to give credit to her colleagues.
She acknowledges that she could not have become
principal of the year without the support and help of
the staff at her school.
She will compete with winners from other
northeastern counties and could ultimately receive
the 2011 North Carolina Principal of the Year award.
The student body and staff members are all very
Photo by Kayleigh Boggess
Assistant principal Lynn Barber, assistant principal Gerri
Brewington, principal Mary Carter, and assistant principal Melissa
Wilson stand on the spiral stairs in the newly renovated school
auditorium just days after it was completed.
proud of Mrs. Carter. Because Mrs. Carter has become principal
of the year, Conley has gained yet another bragging right.
Hopefully Mrs. Carter will not only be awarded the principal
of the year award this year, but for many more years to come.
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
Editorial 3
Understanding religous fashion
By Malcolm Smith
cold. So there is no notion at present
In an attempt to understand, one that would support that wearing a cross
must look beyond the bias conspired in or rosary beads makes one affiliated with
regards to rosaries and those who wear the miscreants of the world.
them.
A keen mind is sure to
Despite the controversy,
make mistakes, but a closed
rosaries, just like various other
mind is prone to be absent to
religious jewelries, are worn
the reality. Surely, these new
as accessories; a select few
waves of fashion will gauge
may wear them for alternative
a reaction which is to be
purposes.
expected, but a judgmental
However, there are some
outlook isn’t the way to go
who wear religious jewels and
about it.
accessories to show their ties
Instead, one should
to a specific religion or faith,
only try to realize the truth;
not to represent a gang or
that the wearing of a rosary
clique of misfits or deviants.
or religious charms are
That in itself is a contradiction
breaks of creativity and not
to the purpose of both religion Senior Mikhail Freeman deployments of negativity
wears his rosary.
and the gangs.
and ill will. This does not
In what sort of logic can
mean everyone has good
the two be compared or held on the intentions since some very well might
same plateau? Rightfully, none; the two, have ill will; it is just unfair to dignify
either religions or gangs, are just as much a retort stating that everyone is like the
opposites as salt and pepper, or hot and few.
Consider alternatives to senior project
By Andy Dymock
For years now the senior project
has been a requirement to graduate at
our school. Many seniors see this as a
daunting hurdle to overcome on the path
out of high school and can often find it
extremely stressful. The project is said to
prepare students for college and the real
world, but there could be better methods
to achieve this.
The senior project was introduced
in Pitt County by a recent teacher at our
school, Nancy Foster. The premise of the
senior project is to combine academics
and real life goal setting. The four main
components of the project that are meant
to accomplish this are a research paper
relating to your physical project in some
way, your actual physical project about
the skill you are learning, a portfolio,
and an eight to ten minute presentation
in front of a panel of judges from the
community.
Although it is important for
someone to be adequate in these areas
by the time they are seniors, they have
already accomplished many of these
tasks already. Part of the English III
curriculum is writing a research paper,
so it is something that any senior has
already been taught how to do.
Public speaking is a skill that most
students use throughout their high
school career whenever they are made
to present a project in a number of
classes. You could also make a senior
create a portfolio but not make it part of
some larger project.
The reason for saying all of this is
that there are better alternatives to a
graduation project than just a senior
project. In some counties, students
have to accomplish 15 to 20 hours of
community service to graduate.
That way they’re still learning
skills but doing it for a greater good at
the same time. Another option could
be an exit exam for seniors instead of
the project. That way all subjects can
be tested to make sure students have a
sound education in all areas.
Changed beliefs
By Karolina Ahumada
Everyone chooses what
to believe in, but it seems like
people want to change others.
We all believe in something
different.
When I was younger,
my mom always took me to
church. We were Roman
Catholics. I never minded it.
I actually enjoyed it. I would
see my friends and learn about
this stranger we had to live for.
When I was eight years old, it
was time for me to prepare for
the First Communion. I really
wanted to do it, but my mom
wanted it to be with the rest of
my family.
For a while, I was upset
because I didn’t do it with the
rest of my peers in church.
After that, I got over it. I
really didn’t want to do the
First Communion any more.
My mom and I moved, and we
didn’t go to church for a long
time. I started developing my
own ideas after that.
Years later, when I was
eleven, I was sure I had become
atheist. I started telling my
friends at school, always
getting responses like “Come
to church with me” or “You
haven’t looked hard enough.”
I felt unaccepted for I was. In
the end, it really didn’t matter
anymore.
Now, I know more people
who are atheists, agnostics,
and other religions. They have
been through the same. Some
have lost friends for it because
religion is such a big part in
their life. In school, people
sometimes make people feel
uncomfortable with what they
say or teach. It’s carelessness
most of the time, but when
they are serious about it, they
should realize we all have our
own thoughts, beliefs, and
feelings about religion.
4
Editorial
Spirit week events
By Kelley Kassnove
Blue and gold Vikings roamed
everywhere in the halls the week
of the homecoming football game.
Supporting our spirit week, the school
did things like college day.
You could say purple and gold had
the win. Wacky tacky day was the
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
craziest day! You could have walked
through the doors and thought you
were in the eighties. Side ponytails
and faded denim over leggings became
the new trend.
Flashes of blue and gold ran
through the gym as a pep rally was
held to get pumped for the Vikings’
big game against West Carteret.
There was more excitement for
this game with the memory of our
recent wins.
They had a reason to be excited;
the Vikings won their game that
night. As the clock ran down, the
Vikings knew they were going into
overtime. The other team had the ball
and gained a point on us. But when
our time came, we prevailed winning
the homecoming game 35-34.
Apocalyptic predictions range from spirits to aliens
By Greyton Flanagan
Fire storms and brimstone raining from the sky, these
things have become synonymous with the ultimate end
of the world and the wrath of God. Rapture, Y2K, the
great ascension: all these things foretold the coming of
the apocalypse, but will the world eventually meet its end
in fire and great floods? According to billions across the
globe, yes! There is now a new apocalypse predicted to
make us all quake and cower in fear. The coming of 2012
is predicted by many to be a time
of extreme upheaval, bedlam, and
anarchy.
Spurred on by the end of the
Mayan long count coinciding with this
date, conspiracy theorists the world
over have been working overtime
to frighten everyone else as much as
possible. The vast majority of these
apocalyptic predictions are nothing
more than myths or stories with a
smattering of historical coincidences
although several are sound enough to
not be disregarded outright.
Before you know the theories, you
shall be enlightened as to the major
supporting factors for most of them.
In the year 2012 an asteroid will pass within seventeen
million miles of earth, which does not sound close at first,
but when thought of from an astronomical stand point,
it is a near miss. In addition, the control of the Korean
Military shall be turned back over to the Koreans, and
the population of earth shall break seven billion. Plus the
poles of the sun shall be reversed due to a natural eleven
year cycle which shall cause some rather large solar flares.
On top of all that, the theorized planet Nibiru, or planet
X, shall supposedly enter into our solar system and either
hurtle into the Earth or pass extremely close by.
One of the more widely believed of the end of the
world prophecies is that thousands of year ago a highly
advanced alien species called the Anunnaki came to earth
in search of materials that did not exist on their world.
They became fascinated with our planet and conceived
a brilliant idea. They decided to seed our planet with
genetically similar life forms which they bred and created
in their own image.
After their new creations became familiar with
Earth’s environment and were capable self-sustainers,
the aliens revealed themselves as the benevolent creators
and gave man all the tools needed to survive and flourish.
They introduced architecture, mathematics, the written
language, plus many other astounding
things.
For years man and the Anunnaki
lived in harmony but around 10,000
B.C. our society became too corrupt
and immoral, picking these traits up
from the Anunnaki’s own society. So
the aliens destroyed almost everyone
with a great flood. They then allowed
man to rebuild, but this time they
did not interfere nearly as much to
ascertain how we would perform.
This lasted up until about 2345 B.C.,
at which time the aliens again became
dissatisfied and flooded the earth.
This event is marked in the Bible as
the great flood that Noah escaped by
building an ark.
After this, the aliens adopted a no interference policy
and left earth to its own devices. They have not revealed
themselves since but have been keeping an eye on earth,
checking in every couple hundred years give or take.
The prophecy foretells the coming of the aliens again
on 2012. Supposedly they will reveal themselves and take
all those who are worthy, then destroy the rest so as to let
the chosen reseed the planet. This event is eerily similar to
what is in the Bible known as Rapture.
Doomsday prophecies aside, one must not forget that
people have been predicting the world’s end for thousands
of years. Not one has been fulfilled. So what makes this
coming 2012 any different? The stories may be a bit more
imaginative, but will the world really ever end, besides
when our own sun implodes killing us all?
“The coming of
2012 is predicted
by many to be a
time of extreme
upheaval, bedlam,
and anarchy.”
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19,
12, 2010
Renovations to
the auditorium
finished
News 5
By Jamison Owens
With new floors, curtains, paint,
lights, speakers, seating, railings,
and a new wheel chair elevator, our
auditorium is modern and much more
functional.
The space between English and
Theater teacher Jason Meyers’s
theater classroom and the auditorium
has been filled with a new dressing
room for costume changes and storing
props and costumes. The stage was
also extended about four feet, adding
more room on stage.
New light and soundboards were
added as well as a projection screen for
movies and presentations, and Meyers
hopes to get an LCD projector too.
The stage and equipment have all
been set up for computers, making
Photo by Kayleigh Boggess
the new auditorium very high-tech.
The pull-down ladder has also been
replaced with a new spiral staircase.
With all the new and modern
elements, the auditorium is looking
like a real theater.
A seat-side snapshot of the noticeable
renovations to the auditorium,
showcasing all the additions and its
polished new look. The new space will
accommodate assemblies, plays, dance
productions and many other activities.
Senior exchange
student Wendy Li
talks America
By Jamison Owens
Senior foreign exchange student
Jing “Wendy” Li has found herself
in her first year in an American high
school. What’s it like to be at home
in China one moment and then in
America the next? Li seems to be
enjoying it.
Li enjoys all the fun things to do
here: clubs, sports, and parties, and
meeting new friends. Li said, “These
interesting things color my life and
make full use of my time, and I don’t
think I’m wasting my life. Instead I feel
my life is energetic and exuberant, and
I can make an abundance of friends
during the time.”
Li says the biggest difference
between America and China is the
food. Li said, “People eat a lot of meat
and cheese here, but the Chinese eat
Photo by Kayleigh Boggess
Senior Jing “Wendy” Li gets comfortable in our classroom before sharing her thoughts
about being in America and how China is different.
more vegetables and a diversity of
meat, not only pork, beef, and chicken.
Probably the Chinese think more
highly of the health of their diet.”
Speaking of food, Li’s favorite
American food is monkey bread, a
breakfast pastry made of yeast dough,
melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and
pecans. Li said, “I made it by myself
one time. It tastes so delicious! I will
bake it for my parents and my friends
when I go back to China.”
Li is enjoying her time in America.
Li said, “I love Americans and America,
and I’ll apply to college in the U.S.!”
Even though Li is enjoying her
time here, she still misses her home. Li
said, “What I miss most is my parents
and my home, because my parents
love me so much, and I love them too.
As for my home, I miss my bedroom
and my little puppy.”
6
News
Holiday
traditions
continue
By Erin Danneker
One thing’s for sure, Conley
students are planning to demolish
massive amounts of turkey this
Thanksgiving and party with their
families this Christmas.
Senior, Sarah Cratt, said, “I plan to
eat a lot of turkey.” Similarly, senior
Qual Mills, said she plans to “eat a
bunch of turkey and then go back and
eat more turkey.” Cratt also plans to
find a new job over her break while
Mills will be using hers to catch up on
some much needed sleep.
Ryan Bloom, a junior, surprisingly
didn’t even mention his plans for
dining over Thanksgiving break as
he licked his fingers clean of cheese
remains from his bag of chips to talk
to me. He looks forward to “going to
my grandparent’s house in Raleigh
and going to the ECU game the day
after.” However he made it clear
what his family will be doing over
Christmas break: “we just sit and eat
food all day,” he said.
Senior, Samuel Crider, said, “I am
going to work and try to relax.” As
far as Christmas plans go he said, “I’ll
probably stay in Greenville and spend
time with my family and at church.”
Sophomore Alec Lucas and
junior Austin Lucas will be home
this Thanksgiving with their family
watching football and cooking for
Alex’s favorite Lucas family event,
the yam bake. This Christmas, Austin
isn’t concerned with what presents he
receives. Alec hopes for a car.
Freshman Katie Brown has a
unique Christmas tradition.
Her
family celebrates ‘Shrimpmas.’ The
day after Christmas her family invites
over family and friends to come enjoy
shrimp at their home. The Browns
are known for their creative holiday
celebrations.
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
In-school suspension
survival guide
By David White
Ever wondered how students
survived in ISS without getting sent
out and having two days of out of
school suspension?
Well, I’ve been there myself, and
I have here a guide to help future
students who may, unfortunately,
suffer the same fate as I.
These tips and rules should help
you endure the torture of seven hours
with minimal talking and a lot of work
sent by your caring teachers.
For one, you should always have
work to do. It helps the day go by
faster, and it gets Mr. Steve Lloyd,
the ISS coordinator, off your back
which is always a good thing. If your
teachers, who intentionally want you
to suffer, don’t give you any work,
then Mr. Lloyd will gladly provide
you work that his 7th grade daughter
can complete with ease.
WARNING: Slouchers will not
like this next set of rules.
Mr. Lloyd has a “thing” for putting
your legs under the perimeter of your
desk, having your lower back against
the back of your chair, and not resting
your head on your hand. He’ll give
you a lot a chances to fix yourself if
it is your first time there. However if
you’re a regular, he might be a little
bit harder on you.
Photo by Charity Robinson
Freshman Robert Ruiz-Cato reads in ISS
while serving time for being tardy.
There is ABSOLUTEY NO
TALKING, I repeat, ABSOLUTEY NO
TALKING, unless you are spoken to.
Always raise your hand if you
want to do anything from going to the
bathroom to bringing in your work.
If he catches you out of your seat
without his permission, let’s just say it
won’t be too pleasant.
If he doesn’t have to talk to the
class a lot and everyone shows good
behavior, then you will be rewarded
by a short break. He allows you to talk
amongst yourselves and relax a little.
But when he says the break is over, it
is over.
All in all Mr. Lloyd wants the best
for you, and he doesn’t want you to
come back. If you do return, it’s only
a visit. I hope this guide will help the
students that have to unfortunately
stay in ISS.
Thanksgiving Plans
What do you plan to do on Thanksgiving?
Donovan Farrow,
Junior
“Eating with family”
By Charity Robinson
Tiara White,
Freshman
“Go to grandma’s
house and spend
time with family”
Kristina Howard,
Sophmore
“Going to eat food
with my family”
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
News 7
The Backpack Impact
Students shopping the pre-school department for gear
By Tametrious White
W
hen you are a child, you’re always hoping and wishing
to be bigger and can’t wait until you get older, but
as a teenager or high school student, you sometimes
wish to go back to the kiddie days.
It’s surprising to see a lot of students walking around with
the little cartoon character book bags as if they are setting a new
trend.
It’s really funny and bizarre.Why are high school students
wearing preschool-themed backpacks?
Sophomore Jalon Skinner wears a Batman backpack. He
said, “I’m a fan of Batman and this backpack was cheap.” He is
also “what you call a trendsetter,” he says.
Skinner is not alone.
Junior “Trey” Johnson wanted to be different and he likes
transformers.
Sophomore Jaquan Lloyd chose Mario out of all characters
out of his other choices because “Mario is my favorite cartoon
character,” he said.
Senior Catherine Simmons wears a Bratz backpack because
“It was given to me as a birthday present by my niece,” she
said.
Junior Atalaya Jones, chose Dora the Explorer because “It’s
my favorite character and cheap,” she said.
Senior Brianna Wilson chose Hannah Montana for her
backpack because Hannah Montana is every girl’s role model.
Quartasha Hardy
Junior Atalaya Poe shows her Dora the Explorer backpack.
Sophomore Jalon
Skinner wears a
Batman backpack
with his name written
on it in large letters,
pre-school style.
Quartasha Hardy
Quartasha Hardy
Kayleigh Boggess
Senior Catherine Simmons smiles
while showing off her Bratz
backpack.
Sophomore Jaquan Lloyd turns
his back on us bringing attention
to his Mario Brothers backpack.
8
Feature 9
TheBob&Wheel
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
Want to Submit
to the Bob and Wheel
which will be published
in January?
The Path You Walk
by John Nowell
There are four paths to choose
The path of light will lead you to
enlightenment and peace of mind.
The path of dark will lead you to
destruction and corruption.
The neutral path has two names, but
takes you different ways.
The path to dawn is the beginning to the
path of light, and it will lead you to a better
beginning.
The other name is the path to twilight
which is the beginning to the path of dark,
and will lead you to your self destruction.
Whichever path you choose, you have
doomed yourself.
For you have made an eternal enemy.
No path is easier than the next.
Each path is equal to the other.
I aim not to confuse you;
I am here to indulge you.
Before you choose the path you will
walk now and forever.
Please submit your artwork,
fiction stories, poems, and essays in
every genre!
Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror,
True Crime, Mystery, Paranormal,
Humor, Parody, Gothic, Romance,
Historical fiction. and Memoir!
Email us your word document, rtf,
or docx document at:
Carraws.dhc
@students.pittschools.org
or
Nowellj.dhc
@students.pittschools.org
Full submission guidelines are
posted outside Mrs. Lisa Stroud’s door
- room 104.
Country Road, colored pencil
By Alice Wang
deadline Dec. 4.
Anatomy Study II
Pencil
By Alice Wang
Night
By David White
Sleeping baby.
Loud harsh voices.
Voices filled with hate and disgust.
Filled with distrust but, yet a splinter of love.
Doors slamming and banging on the same.
Wet faces not quickened to be dried.
Swift hand motions, objects being thrown.
A thud…
A squealing baby.
Hushed voices.
Swift shuffling feet
Silence…
A mother’s blood-curdling cry.
Soon muffled by a dad’s strong chest.
A reconnection filled with strength, sadness and love.
A forever sleeping baby.
And the night slowly ticks away.
Infidelity
Madness, colored pencil, markers, pencil, crayon
By Karolina Ahumada
By Allyson Galloway
Shafts of moonlight filtered in through the bars, illuminating
the lone figure sitting on the prison-standard bed. Rotting away
in this place, she had lost her luster—her life—and no one would
ever believe she was completely innocent.
As a paramedic, she’d served the greater good, even
beginning to pick up clues behind every murder victim she was
sent to check. Because of this, she had brought down—albeit
with some help—several key murderers whose signatures had all
pieced together for her. She had testified at so many trials that
she had lost count years ago; ‘more a detective than a medic,’
they’d called her. Now her listless eyes stared at an imperfection
in the otherwise pristine cell. She wondered where that came
from.
Then she recalled that however many years ago when she’d
first come to this place, she’d thrown her boots at the wall in
pure frustration. Back then she couldn’t understand why nobody
believed her. After all the time she had spent thinking, however,
she’d been given the knowledge that nobody wanted to accept
the reality. So they locked her up and the problem went away—
at least, for them anyway.
Perhaps it hadn’t been the best idea to accuse a corrupt,
protected mayor of committing crimes around the city by
herself. Otherwise, she may have been able to win the trial
fairly; having lost only because the despicable mayor had
cheated the justice system. She gazed at her standard-issue
boots, wondering if any prison guards would care if she
threw them against the wall screaming.
It wasn’t fair to be stuck in here, withering away. She
knew quite well that the mayor in question had long ago
been convicted and imprisoned for his crimes. Really she
should have seen that coming—that someone else would be
able to win; not her, the little paramedic who liked to play
detective. The head honchos running the case took care of it
with help from testimonies of professionals, not the person
who originally gave them reason to doubt his credibility.
They’d just forgotten all about her. That she should have
seen coming from a mile away. Usurp one corrupt mayor,
more take his place—she’d be left to die, her knowledge of
fraud and murder to die along with her.
Deep in my Heart
by Quartasha Hardy
My world moves so fast today,
the past it seems so far away and life squeezes,
so tightly that I cannot breathe and every time
I tried to be what someone else thought of me,
so caught up,
I was not able to achieve,
but deep in my heart the answer,
is in me,
and I made my mind to define my own destiny.
I look at my environment
and wonder where the fire went.
What happened to everything we used to be?
I hear so many cry for help searching outside of them.
Now I know that his strength is within me.
Life is hard when you are trying to make it,
but you have that one thing holding you back.
10
Sports
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
Athletes express feelings on the end of their seasons
By Trey Simpson
Junior Courtney Gould
Tennis has enjoyed “One of
the best seasons Conley has
ever had.”
Doing well “requires
determination” and you
must “Be at every practice.”
Soph. Desmonde Downing
Varsity Soccer: “If you want
to play soccer, you’re going
to have to run.”
“We have tough practices,
but that’s what made us so
good”
“We could’ve had a better
playoff season, but we’ll be
back and better than ever
next year.”
Volleyball team ends season in good spirits
By Keona Wilson
“Coming together is a beginning,
keeping together is progress, and
working together is success,” said
Henry Ford. The volleyball team has
come together, living up to Ford’s
philosophy.
As you may know, both the JV
and varsity team played very well
this season and, they enjoyed every
minute of it.
“My favorite part about the season
was being together as a team and
getting pumped up before the game,”
said senior Brandi Tanner, varsity.
Volleyball team
releases tension
before the game.
By Charity Robinson
The girls played very hard during
the games, and it showed. “The biggest
moment of the season was the [regular
season] win against South Central,”
senior, Summer Mills said.
Everyone on the team played a
very big part, and they played it well.
The JV team was undefeated in
the conference and the varsity team
only lost one game in the conference.
The girls advanced through the
playoffs until losing the NCHSAA
district championship in the fourth
round to local rival South Central.
Junior Austin Haleyalpiy
Varsity Football: “If I could
describe being on varsity
in one word, it would be
tough.”
“Football requires a lot of
hard work.”
“There is a lot of
competition.”
Junior Lauren Porter
Volleyball:“ We had an
almost perfect season.”
“It sucks the way things
ended, but we still did
great.”
“We had a better record
than the football team.”
“Lady Vikes forever!
Kayleigh Boggess
Boys soccer
team works
hard
By Kelley Kassnove
This year our soccer team finished
with a recordof 7-10-5. Head coach
Shannon McLaughlin said, “This
year’s wins and losses did not reflect
the talent we had on this team.”
Hard work and practice may not
be the only thing this team needs.
McLaughlin said, “As individuals
they could play phenomenal, but as
a whole the chemistry was not right.
They need to learn to play as a team.”
Coming together as a whole could
definitely pull up the team’s stats.
MacLaughlin said, “sadly I’m
losing nine seniors this year.” Where
that could be good and bad, it could
really give the underclassmen players
a chance to step up and be consistent
about playing and performance, but at
the same time the next year may start
out a little rocky. The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
Sports 11
Tennis, cross country teams enjoy success
By Karolina Ahumada
By Tametrious White
Tennis starts working out before school
starts. The first match was August 24, 2010,
and the last was the October 7.
Conference
championship
were
October 15th, playoffs were the 19th and
regionals were the 22nd.
“The season went really well, being first
in our conference,” senior Erin Danneker
said. “Even though we had a few injuries, I
think we did great.”
“The last match was the most intense,
in my opinion” Danneker said. “We lost the
first round, but then, we had the second
round.”
The girls team lost in the playoffs to C.
B. Aycock on Oct. 26.
Boy’s varsity tennis starts in the spring
of 2011.
Both boys and girls cross country
ended their seasons with tremendous
successes.
The boys team was led at the
Coastal Conference Championship
by senior Blake Justice who won the
event with a time of 17:20.19. Justice
was named Coastal Conference boys
runner of the year.
The sixth annual Bo Run to benefit
the Bo Thompson Cross Country Trail
at Boyd Lee Park on Oct. 2, 2010
was a success. Students, alumni and
volunteers worked to prepare the trail
for the 40 teams who visited.
Blake Justice said, “this was a
pretty good season.” The boys went to
the state meet, but did not do as well
as they had hoped.
By Keona Wilson
Senior Erin Danneker serves the ball at a home
tennis match.
Winter Preview
The Shield welcomes comments,
suggestions, and inquiries from
anyone as a letter to the editor. We
require that the letter be signed by
the author and edited thoroughly
for proper grammar, spelling and
length. The editorial staff reserves
the right to reject any letter. Letters
may be turned in to any English
teacher. Opinions presented in
these letters do not necessarily
reflect the opinion of the school, its
administration, or The Shield.
The Shield is a student forum
involving topics of school, local,
state, national, and international
concern. The Shield is written,
edited, and published by the
students of journalism classes.
Members of the staff strive to
provide accurate coverage of the
school community.
Home Nov. 23 possible basketball scrimmage
Nov. 30 Basketball @ North Pitt
5:00 p.m. Boys Junior Varsity boys basketball and JV cheerleading
6:15 p.m. Girls Varsity Basketball
7:30 p.m. Boys Varsity Basketball & Varsity Cheerleading
Home Dec. 1 Basketball against J. H. Rose
4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m. Girls Junior Varsity Basketball
Boys Junior Varsity boys basketball and JV cheerleading
Girls Varsity Basketball
Boys Varsity Basketball & Varsity Cheerleading
Swimming
Nov. 23 @ Washington HS
Dec. 1, 8, 15 @ New Bern HS
Wrestling
Nov. 23 4:00 p.m. @ North Pitt
Dec. 1 6:30 p.m. @ West Carteret
Dec. 4 8:00 a.m. @ Tarboro
Home Dec. 7 @ 6:30 against Havelock
Sports
12
Vikings sports teams step it up a notch
By Mitchell Lea
In their 2010 seasons, the football
and volleyball teams have experienced
some narrow and intense wins, as well
as important season-defining games.
The football team has won two
close games in a vivacious home
environment after snapping a 22 game
losing streak. They beat White Oak
with a game-winning touchdown with
20 seconds left, and West Carteret on
a two point conversion in overtime.
Junior center Luke Jones said, “It’s
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
cool when we win, but I don’t like
almost getting heart attacks at 16.” He
went on to say, “I’d rather us not be
close, so we’ll feel more comfortable
towards the end.”
Junior fullback Keith Clark said,
“The games are very intense, but
they didn’t have to be so close.” The
players show great emotion after wins,
celebrating with the crowd, as well as
with each other, with the occasional
tear shed.
The volleyball team had an
intense season enjoying 21 wins along
with five losses in their 2010 season.
They had to beat Havelock, and then
on the same night beat South Central
after that game for the conference
championship.
Senior captain Summer Mills said,
“It was nerve-wracking, but exciting
at the same time, it was probably
the biggest and best moment of the
season.” They won both games, so it’s
safe to say Conley has a flair for the
dramatic.
Football makes the playoffs
By Malcolm Smith
With their new coaches and game
plans, the football team has been
revived.
Completely changing their prior
style of play, they have managed to
receive an overall record of 4-7, and a
conference record of 4-3. Key players
throughout the season have been
junior running backs Keith Clark and
George Bailey, and senior cornerback
and receiver, Tyriq Morning.
The Vikings success put them in
this season’s playoff against Wilson
Hunt, in the 3AA class. The team lost
to top seeded Wilson Hunt 67-36.
The season included many
important moments: the 28-14
conference win over West Craven
ended the losing streak.
Wins over White Oak. West
Carteret and Jacksonville followed.
The team enjoyed close games,
overtime periods and dramatic lastminute victories followed by fans
celebrating with players on the field.
Many players appreciate the
coaching staff and their work.
“Paschal loves his job, and takes it
seriously. He tries to make sure we’re
in good condition for our games,”
junior receiver Mitchell Lea said.
With 22 starters returning next
year, the team is poised to make an
impact in the Coastal Conference.
Coach Brian Paschal and offensive coach
Nate Connor address an issue with a play
with quarterback Davis Kirkpatrick.
Sophomore quarterback Davis Kirkpatrick
drops back for a practice pass before for his
start against Wilson Hunt in the playoffs.
Charity Robinson
The football team runs springs across the field as conditioning during practice.
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
Entertainment 13
Many paths bring art teachers to their profession
By Kayleigh Boggess
Art teachers have a reputation
for being laid back, easy going, and
imaginative.
But why did they decide to do
what they do?
Art teacher Damon Walcott said,
“I love being an art teacher because
every day I get to practice what I love
with others.”
“I think I decided I wanted to be
an art teacher in college when I would
go around and help the other students
and they would say ‘Oh, you’re going
to be an art teacher?’” Walcott said.
“We practice what we preach,”
said Walcott about being an art
teacher.
Art teacher Amy Boyd had very
different reasons.
“I was actually in pre-med school
to begin with,” Boyd said. “But it was
too hard on my son.”
Boyd describes that she was
originally in pre-med for brain
research. In the late 80’s, since her
son was so young, it was too difficult
for him for her to be gone so much.
So, she went into teaching. She got
an art job at a high school and loved
it so much that, once her son was old
enough, she just stayed.
Boyd’s intern, Eric White, had a
very touching story behind his choice.
As a senior in high school, he had an
art teacher that kept his head up every
day.
“Art was the only reason I went to
school anymore,” White said.
So, at the end of his senior year,
White decided he wanted to be just
as inspirational as his beloved teacher
and take up the same job.
Art teacher Ronnie Harrison
began his art career in fashion design
in Los Angeles. Suddenly his father
was sick, and Harrison had to go home
in a hurry. During the time he was
home, he kept odd jobs at Hampton
Industries as a pattern maker, once
again in fashion design. A few years
later Hampton Industries folded, and
out of nowhere Harrison was out of a
job.
“I had to reinvent myself,” said
Harrison. At the age of 44, he returned
to college to get his four year degree.
Two years later, he became an art
teacher at North Edgecombe High
School.
“I always wanted to be an art
teacher. I just never thought I could,”
finished Harrison.
National Novel Writing Month brutal but rewarding
By Allyson Galloway
O
ne little-known facet to the internet that’s brutal
and overwhelming is also an incredibly rewarding
tool for aspiring creative writers. November is
National Novel Writing Month.
I took part last year, and I’m doing it again right now.
It’s a daunting task—write 50,000 words or more in a single
month! If it sounds hard, believe me, it is ridiculously
difficult. Of course, the goal is not to reach the word
count per se, but to finish a novel. No matter how shoddy
and grammatically erroneous the novel is, as long as it’s
finished above those 50,000 words, NaNoWriMo has been
won.
Writing has been my career choice since forever ago,
and when I found out about NaNo, I was immediately drawn
to the idea of it. The grandeur and personal satisfaction
of finishing a novel became an enticing challenge I was
intimidated by, and yet I saw it through. There’s no greater
sense of accomplishment that I’ve felt beyond seeing the
finished product and knowing that writing out the stories
in my head is not impossible.
Procrastination, exhaustion, and lack of motivation
have often kept me from completing my goals. NaNo said
to me: ‘Drop everything you’re doing. Don’t think about
editing. Don’t think about the mistakes or inconsistencies.
Just write. Get it all out there. Once it’s done, then go back
and edit.’
Thanks to last year’s NaNo, for one month I was
able to sit down and just type, getting all my thoughts in
a document and running with them wherever they took
me. The experience was freeing in a way I’d rarely felt
before, and it gave me hope. I’m more optimistic than
I’ve ever been, even though I continue to stumble along
blindly from time to time.
The rewards of completing a NaNo novel are almost
indescribable. I know that for me, it has eased the anxious
pessimism I have for finishing anything. I’ve stared blankly
at many an empty page, trying to make the little blinking
cursor move itself. I’ve felt the depressing heaviness of
my fingers hovering above or resting on the keys—my
pencil has become too heavy to lift many more times than
I can count.
NaNo got my fingers moving again, and it was the
most wonderfully beautiful moment I ever experienced
when I noticed I couldn’t type fast enough. I hit little
snags, sure! But in the end, I conquered NaNoWriMo as
thoroughly as anything!
I wish that all hopeful writers would give it a try.
If 50,000 seems too hefty a number, the Young Writers
Program affiliated with NaNo allows a word count chosen
by the participant. And if novel writing isn’t your thing,
there’s Script Frenzy in April and a smorgasbord of other
options to choose from! Give it a try, and I guarantee that
even if you don’t break 50,000 or whatever your personal
goal in YWP, you’ll end up with something more than
what you started with.
Want further details? Visit NaNoWriMo.org for links
and information, or—even if you’re not participating—
just check out the advice!
14
Entertainment
Twilight vampires
fail to impress
By Sarah Carraway
Meet Edward Cullen, the Rochester
of seventeen year-old Bella Swan’s
alleged Jane Eyre existence. With such
a noble and prestigious role model, how
could this guy go wrong?
After all, he is tall, he is dark and
he is handsome. When he sees you
across the room he gives you a series of
brooding looks that come straight from
the stalker’s handbook. He is in a state
of constant angst about how he just
loves you so much that he can never
be with you. He radiates sexiness and
general teenage broodiness – and it gets
even better. Not only is Edward Cullen
a vegetarian vampire, but he sparkles
like a diamond if you shove him into the
sunlight.
Stephenie Meyer, the author of the
famous Twilight series that has become
the obsession of teen girls everywhere,
has worked very hard on her purpose
of dismantling vampire legend as we all
know it.
Vampires weren’t always angsty,
whiny teenagers. Vampires have been
a symbol of horror and bloodlust. The
greats – Dracula, Louis de Pointe du Lac,
and Barnabas Collins – eventually gave
in and admitted that they had to feed off
of human blood to survive. Louis may be
able to suffer a lapse.
Edward sparkles in the sunlight. Well,
that’s understandable. What teenage girl
doesn’t want a boyfriend who shimmers
as brightly as that 100 carat engagement
ring he bought her? And really, sunlight
has been the kryptonite for every
vampire as far back as the legend goes.
Le Comte de Saint Germain can put dirt
in his shoes and be ok for a while, but
if he steps into direct sunlight, at least
someone’s going to get the satisfaction
of watching his flesh peel back from his
bones as a result. If sunlight can’t kill this
Edward guy, then what can?
Edward Cullen has brought to the
literary table what no vampire has before
– teenage awkwardness. From now on,
when people hear the word ‘vampire,’
they will not shiver in terror.
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
Twilight: What team are you?
Team Twilight will take either one
By Kayleigh Boggess
Vampires. When most people
hear that they instantly think bloodthirsty, evil, afraid of the sun, and
dark creatures. Twilight brought
a whole new vision of the mystical
being.
Edward Cullen: He’s friendly,
only drinks animal blood, and
doesn’t burn in the sun, but instead
sparkles. A lot of people trash talk
the Twilight Saga because of this. I
think it’s amazing. Stephanie Meyers
brought a whole new approach to
these normally dark, evil creatures.
She showed that you don’t always
have to follow clichés. You can be
different and still respected.
The whole theme of Twilight
isn’t evil; it’s a heroic love story
about how two extremely different
worlds can get along if you try hard
enough. That’s why Edward is more
feminine than the everyday cliché
vampire in most stories. He plays
piano, sparkles, and loves. At the
same time, though, he is capable of
fighting for his beloved and keeping
her alive.
Edward or Jacob? That’s the
question going through all Twilight
saga lovers’ minds.
I am Team Switzerland. I can’t
decide between the two. I chose
team Switzerland because I think
both Edward and Jacob are equally
amazing.
Edward is heroic, handsome,
loving, protective, caring, and poetic.
He saves Bella again and again. He
leaves her because he loves her so
much that he just wants her to be
happy even if that’s without him.
Jacob is good looking, loving,
passionate, protective, and strong.
He protects Bella from all the danger
that he can. He stays just her friend
even though he loves her because he
knows she loves Edward.
Because of all this, I am unable to
decide. They both qualify as terrific
in my mind.
Team Jacob: I run with the wolves!
By Jamison Owens
Okay, so when I hear anyone
refer to the Wolfpack, my first
thought is never NC State. It’s
always Jacob Black. I’m completely
and one hundred percent Team
Jacob.
And no, I’m not Team Jacob
just because the werewolf boys in
the movies are genuinely gorgeous
(which they are). I was Team Jacob
from the very start.
I’ll tell you right now, I saw
Eclipse three times and loved each
and every second. I own both
previous movies, saw both of them
in theaters, and own the entire
book set in hardback.
My favorite book in the series
was Eclipse, and I highlighted all my
favorite parts in it in yellow. I’m a twihard to the very core.
While some kids might think
Edward Cullen is the perfect guy, I
think he’s far too serious. Which is
why I’m Team Jacob.
The werewolf boys are just so
much more laid-back and lighthearted
and add some comedic relief to the
otherwise lifeless (Ha, that’s ironic)
cast of characters.
But I was definitely cheering for
Bella to pick Edward the whole time
because if she wants her overly formal
vampire boyfriend to suck the life out
of her, that’s her prerogative. More
Jacob for me. I’ll gladly take him, no
questions asked.
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
Entertainment 15
The Tipsy Teapot
One understated business doesn’t
go unnoticed by Greenville citizens
By Erin Danneker
Looking for a new
place to hang? If so,
Acasia’s Tipsy Teapot is
the place to be. Bring your
books, your appetite, and
your talent because the
Tipsy Teapot has a little of
everything from delicious
food, cozy chairs, books
and art for sale, and live
entertainment.
Aileen
Devlin,
employee of three years
explained they have
frequent performances
there that range from
poetry readings, to bands,
to speakers talking about
the environment.
It’s
easy to get scheduled to
perform or even rent the
room for a special event.
While this business
may have a large
following of college
By Erin Danneker
students, high school
students are welcome, A sunny window in the front of the Tipsy Teapot allows
even encouraged to come a reader to enjoy a warm seat and a good book with
perform. To get scheduled tea and a scone.
to perform Devlin said,
“All you need to do is e-mail the instead of a place of business. You
owner.” Yep, it’s that simple. “She’s feel welcome to stay and hang out
kind of quirky,” she says referring to for a while, not just eat and get out of
the way. There are even small tables
the owner, Delia Liuzza.
Liuzza seems to have made outside to eat when the weather is
nutritious food a priority at her store. pleasant.
The Tipsy Teapot is located
There is a wide selection of healthy
and organic foods.
Wraps, tea, downtown at 409 South Evans Street
smoothies, and vegetarian meals are across the street from Emerge Art
all featured on the menu. Got a sweet Gallery. Their hours are from 9:00
A.M. to 10:00 P.M. Monday through
tooth? They serve deserts too!
The environment is relaxed with a Saturday and 11:00 A.M. to 5:00
homey feel and indie vibe, yet creative P.M. on Sundays. For updates on the
with walls painted a dull red. When schedule and a list of events taking
you walk in, you feel as though you place here visit the website or search
are walking into an old friend’s den Tipsy Teapot on Facebook.
Hangout Spots
By Charity Robinson
Have you and your friends ever
experienced a time when you couldn’t
decide where to hangout when you
were bored at home? Here are a few
places where you can go and have
fun.
Movies
--Carmike 12
--Greenville Grande 14
Libraries
--Sheppard Memorial
--Carver Branch
--East Branch
--Winterville Branch
o Sojourner
(Evans St. by Tipsy Teapot)
Food
o BW3 (Buffalo Wild Wings)
o Professor O’Cools
(Greenville Blvd. by Big Lots)
o Starbucks
o McDonalds
o Bojangles
o Sonic
o Local Yogurt
(Arlington Blvd. by the hospital)
o The Daily Grind
o Panera Bread
o GK Café on 10th Street
o Zaxby’s
o Ice Cream
--Dippin’ Dots
--Coldstone
--Baskin Robbins
Shopping
o The Greenville Mall
o Arlington Square
Active
o Blades on Ice
o Gold’s Gym
o Viquest
o Charles June Karate
(Reedy Branch Rd)
o Bowling Alley
--AMF Bowling Alley
--The Outer Limitz Bowling Alley in Mendenhall S. Center
16
Entertainment
Ask A
Senior
Q:Why do people go to the top
of tall buildings to look through a
telescope at things on the ground?
-Pondering Junior
In the scheme of serious things,
perhaps it allows them a different
perspective of ordinary places on the
ground. Sometimes it’s all they need
to change how they think.
But really, the first thing that
comes to mind is that people like
to imagine that they’re squishing
other people with their fingers. It’s
often seen in schools where kids are
vindictive. Who’s to say that’s not
transferred over to watching people
like ants from high up? Maybe they
imagine they’re Godzilla, terrorizing
the helpless crowds below? Who
knows? People can be quite stupid.
-Allyson Galloway
Q:If a bear takes a poop in the
woods and no one is there to see,
does it still smell bad? -Anonymous
Okkkkkaaayyy, so let’s take a look
at the question first. There’s a bear in
the woods taking a poop? Okay, cool,
a bit too much information, but we
get the gist of the situation. To answer
the question I’d say yes, it will stink,
Kelley
Kassnove
The Shield Volume XL, Issue 2 November 19, 2010
or as you said, smell bad.
Why? Well, poop stinks. Whether
the smell carries far enough that
everyone is capable of smelling it is
an entirely different question. For
the animals within close proximity, I
undoubtedly believe they would smell
it. I mean, bad smells are synonymous
with poop, after all.
Again in response to the question,
yes the poop will still smell just as much
as it does in the bathroom when you
take one: maybe even worse since it is
a bear. And we should all feel bad for
the unfortunate animals and critters
that are doomed to reside within the
woods that the bear pooped in; they’ve
become victims of the bear’s dump of
horrific proportions. -Malcolm Smith
Q:What’s the hardest part of the
graduation project?
-Perplexed New-Age Socrates
This depends on what you feel least
comfortable doing. If you fear public
speaking, then the speech would be
the hardest. If you tense at the words
“4-6 page paper,” the research paper
might be the most difficult for you.
In my opinion the paper is the
most challenging. There are countless
format regulations you must adhere
to. With many sources, note cards,
and source cards, organization is key.
Above all else, be wary of plagiarism,
because any trace of it would earn a
zero. -Erin Danneker
Senior Shield staff search the halls for questions to answer.
Conley Libs
by Keona Wilson
HAVE A FRIEND SUPPLy
WORDS FOR THE BLANKS TO
MAKE UP YOUR OWN STORY
ABOUT A DAY AT SCHOOL.
“Wake up!” My NOUN said. It was
time for me to go to school. So I PAST
TENSE VERB out of bed, got dressed
and headed to school. When I arrived,
I saw TEACHER sitting in the office
VERB ENDING IN ING a doughnut.
And then I saw PERSON VERB
ENDING IN ING his/her books.
So anyway, I was headed to CLASS
SUBJECT class, and I dropped my
OBJECT right in front of everyone. I
was so embarrassed. And on top of all
of that I was late for class, so I had to
go get a late pass. I felt like a NOUN.
So after I got my pass, I went to class
to find out that I had a pop NOUN.
This is not my day, I thought to
myself. So after that class was over,
I had CLASS SUBJECT. I hoped this
class would go way better, but it
didn’t. I had homework that I didn’t
do the night before. So I got yelled
at by TEACHER which was kind of
scary.
I was so happy that I had SUBJECT
next because I was so hungry. Rrriingg!
The bell rang and I VERB out of my
seat and went to the lunch room. just
to find out that I should have run
because the line was extremely long.
As I waited, the line got shorter, and
the food got colder. My food was cold
as an ice cube. I was ADJ SHOWING
EMOTION, so I sat down and ate my
cold FOOD and FOOD. I only had
TIME IN MINS to eat. After all of
that stuff happened it was time to go
home. Yes!