October - Giles High School

October 2008
GILES HIGH SCHOOL
Volume One
Giles High School presents your Homecoming 2008 Queen and King,
Photo by Olivia Simmons
Kelsey Frazier and Cody Journell!
The 2008-2009 Homecoming Princesess and Princes were, for 8th
grade, Vanisha Gonzalez and Kyle Chaffin, 9th grade, Jessi Boggess
and Brad Kessinger, 10th grade, Amanda Byrd and Eric Gadds, and
11th grade, Heather Katz and Johnnie Fields.
Photo by Gelsina Ceritano & Harmony Tripp
Homecoming 2008!!!
by Harmony Tripp
The most memorable events of high school are graduation, prom, and for
Giles High School, homecoming week. The school was alive with buzz and
school spirit as soon as the doors opened on Monday morning, and the excitement
continued well into the late hours of Saturday night. Homecoming week 2008
was chocked full of exciting and memorable events; like a select group of seniors
playing a prank that went a little too far, the
parade, the dance, and our school spirit days,
which were College day, western day, favorite
character day, twin day, and then Spartan
spirit/camo day. Friday there was a pep rally in
the auditorium to excite students and the
Homecoming Queen Kelsey Frazier and
football players about that night’s game between
Homecoming King Cody Journell.
the Giles Spartans and the Radford Bobcats.
Photo by J.J. Kirkner
The screaming spirit award was won by the
seniors who were then presented with the Spirit Stick. After the pep rally, most students commenced to their club floats to partake in
the homecoming parade. While there were many outstanding floats, FFA took the award for the number one float, followed by
FCCLA, and the Senior Spanish Club. Later that night was the big homecoming game where Giles was
ahead of Radford the entire first half, and then it was time to announce the 2008 Homecoming King and
Queen. The contenders for the senior court were for queen, Amber McKinney, Alexis Cox, and Kelsey
Frazier. Cody Journell, Lucas Jackson, and AJ Hoston, were all up for the title of Homecoming King.
It was then that the winners were
announced and Giles found out that
our 2008 Homecoming King and
Queen are….Kelsey Frazier and Cody
Journell! The underclassman Princess
and prince, were for 8th grade,
Vanisha Gonzalez and Kyle Chafin,
Jared Lawson and Ciara
9th grade, Jessie Boggess and Brad
Meredith at the dance.
Kessinger, 10th grade, Amanda Byrd
Photo by J.J. Kirkner
and Eric Gadd, and the 11th grade
princess and prince was, Heather Katz and Johnnie Fileds. Giles
maintained their lead over Radford until the very end of the game
causing Giles to despair over a devastating loss. However, the loss
of Friday night’s game was quickly forgotten with all the excitement
of the homecoming dance on Saturday night! Many students and
their dates danced the night away with their friends. This year the
Choral department, along with the boosters club, was in charge of the
dance, so we can all thank them for its great success! The pictures
The senior class screaming their lungs out in attempt to
by Magnifico, the food provided by the choral department, and, as
Photo by Harmony Tripp
win the Spirit Stick!
always, the music by our wonderful DJ Doctor J, all helped in
making the dance a magical and memorable night. The entire
student body helped to make Homecoming 2008 a success! Let’s strive to make next year’s
homecoming just as amazing!
Front Cover Designed By
In This Issue…
School News
Features
Entertainment
Sports
Staff
Gelsina Ceritano
Chelsea Cole
Kelsey Frazier
JJ Kirkner
Katelyn Osborne
Olivia Humphreys
Harmony Tripp
Faculty Adviser:
Mr. Michael Etzler
2
To Contact us, our email is
[email protected]
Harmony Tripp
Back Cover Designed By
Kelsey Frazier
Stephen C. Ragsdale Field
by Olivia Humphreys
On September 5th, Spartan football fans met before the
Christiansburg game to celebrate the dedication of Stephen C.
Ragsdale Field. The field was named after Giles’ beloved
Steve Ragsdale who coached football at GHS for 30 years. At
the dedication, a large group of Spartan Football alumni lined
up according to the year they graduated to form a Spartan
tunnel. As Ragsdale walked through the tunnel, a little was
told about each year of Spartan football that he coached. He
then helped to unveil the new Stephen C. Ragsdale Field sign.
A prerecorded speech by Ragsdale was then played.
Afterwards, Ragsdale, his wife, Patti, and his daughter,
Margee congregated with fans and posed for pictures.
Ragsdale coached Spartan football from 1978 to 2007.
Among his coaching successes are 3 State Championships, 2
State Run-ups, 10 Region Championships, 15 District
Championships, and a total of 255 wins. Coach Ragsdale has
helped to build the character of hundreds of young athletes
and is greatly missed in our football program.
Junior Library Guild
By Katelyn Osborne
The Junior Library Guild is a literary review and selection service
for children’s and young-adult books. It was established in 1923 and is
in use by 17,000 librarians today. This service helps provide librarians
with a wide variety of exceptional collections of books librarians have
an interest in. The editors of the service help librarians choose what
reading selections that would best fit the library. There are over twentyeight reading levels to choose from. Here in our library, Mrs. Beckner
is a part of this system. Each month she receives four books in the
categories of intermediate, sports, and young-adults. Mrs. Beckner
really enjoys the program because it continues to send her books
throughout the year and also lets her exchanges books for others if she
already has it or if it’s inappropriate. She says it is a helpful way to
receive novels all year round instead of just getting novels in the
spring. Book titles include, The Disappeared by Gloria Whelan and
Travel Team by Mike Lupica will be available sometime soon!
Mrs. Beckner explained to seniors Amelia Tyler and
Carine Squibb about the books and the Junior Library
Photo by Katelyn Osborne
Guild.
3
Mark Jones
by Harmony Tripp
Giles High School welcomed physical education teacher Mark Jones with
open arms this year. Jones was present here for a brief time last year and the
entire staff and student body is delighted to have him here permanently. Mark
grew up in the small rural area of Monroe County, West Virginia. After
graduating high school, Mark then continued his education at Concord
University. Being a teacher was his first choice and dream. When asked why
Mark decided to become a teacher and why he loves being one he replied, “I like
teaching students and helping them out in any way that I can to make them an
overall better person..” Mark then graduated from Concord and went straight to
teaching. He was a special education teacher at James Monroe High School but
didn’t feel at home at JMHS, therefore he only taught there for half a year.
Jones then decided to take a leap and see what GHS had to offer and became a student teacher at Giles last year. He liked the school,
teachers, and students so much that he decided to join the “colorful” and crazy GHS faculty. Aside from loving the Giles High
community, another factor that won over Jones was the fact that Giles was close to his childhood home. Jones is also planning on
coaching basketball this season. When not slaving away teaching, Jones enjoys lifting weights and playing basketball. Giles High
School is ecstatic to welcome yet another teacher who has an infinite love for shaping students and their futures.
Lauren Green
by Katelyn Osborne
Miss. Lauren Green was a new addition to the Giles High School staff
last year but has come back as full a time art teacher, teaching Art 1-A. She was
born in Bluefield and grew up in Princeton, West Virginia. She graduated from
Concord University with a degree in Art Education for K-12 and an additional
degree in Studio Art. What she enjoys most about her job is that she can give
students the chance to express themselves and to be a role model to students. Miss.
Green says, “The best part is when a student finds out that art is more than
coloring, and they still love it!” When Miss. Green was in junior high she had an
art teacher that was horrible and told her that her ideas weren’t good. She always
knew she wanted to help kids the way her art teacher never did. While in College
one day her teacher suddenly died of a heart attack while teaching, at that moment
she new that she was making the right decision. That’s why Miss. Green strives to
be a role model for kids. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies such as
Lord of the Rings and Labyrinth, watching TV, and listening to Jeff Buckley, Peter
Murphy and Joy Division music. She also enjoys just doing crafty things that
include knitting, weaving, and crocheting.
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Miss. Green helped Tiffany Cook with a
scratch board.
Jason Thomason
By Gelsina Ceritano
Jason Thomason is a new 8th grade Math teacher for Special
Education students. He has been teaching for 9 years and is originally
from a small town in West Virginia called Laeger. Jason went to
Bluefield State College (Marshall University) His dream to be a teacher
was formed by many teachers throughout his life. Before Mr.
Thomason chose teaching as his main career, he was a police officer in
Bluefield, West Virginia. When asked how he ended up in our high
school, he simply replied, “fate”. In Jason’s free time he likes to fish
and spend time with his son, Joseph. His favorite part about teaching is
working with his students and watching them grasp the idea. Mr.
Thomason is also one of our Varsity Football Coaches and relates the
football field to a classroom. Catch this teacher in action at one of our
Varsity football games!
Stacy Cunningham
by Chelsea Cole
Jumping on board the Spartan staff, Stacy Cunningham has begun her new
career as a geometry teacher at Giles High. Although she graduated from Virginia
Tech with a B.S. degree in business, she recently went back to school to get her
teaching license. On the road to becoming a teacher, Cunningham’s friends and
family stood behind her 100% and gave her the motivation and encouragement to
follow her dream of teaching. With this positive feedback she realized that she not
only wanted to teach, but also make a difference in student’s lives, be a role model,
and give students the opportunity to be successful. Starting out as a new teacher she
said she greatly enjoys teaching at Giles and learning about her students and coworkers. Also she is proud to officially be a Spartan and a part of the Spartan
faculty. Now that Miss Cunningham is getting the real teacher experience, I wanted
to know if she missed being the student rather than being the teacher, she said,
“HAHA....NO!!!! I miss playing sports but that's about it. I think that being a
student now is a lot more stressful than it was when I was in high school. And....I definitely don't miss homework!” Although she
enjoys being the teacher, there are some difficult aspects that come along with teaching. The hardest aspects that she has mentioned
are, filling out paper work, organizing assignments, and keeping up with everything. All of these everyday tasks can get a little
stressful, so in her spare time outside of school, she enjoys watching Hokie football, being outdoors, heading up to the lake to tube,
playing basketball and softball, and fishing. There is much more to Miss Cunningham and much more to learn, so let’s welcome her to
a great first year in the 08/09 school year at Giles High School.
Katherine Peery
by Olivia Humphreys
Giles High School would like to welcome Katherine Peery to the
math department. She is teaching Math 8, Algebra 1 A, and Algebra 1 B.
Ms. Peery came from the small town of Chatham, Virginia, which is near
Danville. After high school, she moved to Blacksburg and attended Virginia
Tech where she received a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics in 2007 and
a Masters in Education in 2008. This is her very first year of teaching and she
says that she loves GHS because the students are interesting and humorous,
and the teachers have made her feel at home. When she isn’t in the
classroom, you may find Ms. Peery deer hunting, playing basketball, or
biking on Virginia Tech’s campus. When asked why she decided to become a
math teacher, she replied, “I struggled with math throughout middle school.
It wasn't until high school that I had an awesome math teacher who taught me
I was capable of achieving. Since I struggled with the subject myself, I
wanted to help more students who may be in the same shoes I was in. It is
awesome to think of how much influence you may have on a student!”
5
UVA Wise Governor School
By Katelyn Osborne
UVA Wise has started offering a drama Governor School Program for
uprising juniors and seniors over the summer. It’s a great way for kids who are
interested in drama and stage production to learn how in-depth drama really is.
Also it’s an opportunity to receive college credit for anyone who wants to go
into the drama field. Over the summer our very own students, Seniors Patrick
Mahaney, Harmony Tripp, Katelyn Osborne, and Junior Emily Fields, attended
the program for three weeks. At the program, the students were given the chance
to put on the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare. To improve
and enhance their knowledge of Shakespeare, acting skills, and to costume
design, they were required to take classes, as part of the program. Such classes
included: History/Aesthetics taught by Michael Hunt, Voice by Michael
McNulty, Yoga by Mrs. Hunt, and Stage Craft by Ben Mays.
Patrick Mananey as Lysander, Katelyn Osborne
During
their
as a fairy, Harmony Tripp as Titanania, and Emily
stay
at
UVA,
the
Fields as Helena, in the play A Midsummer Nights
students
had
a
Dream by Shakespeare.
chance to go to The
BlackFriar Theater in Staunton. The Blackfriar Theater is a traditional
indoor square theater, where the plays are performed with the lights on.
At The Black friar, they saw two plays done by Shakespeare, Twelfth
Night and Measure for Measure.
At the end of the 3 weeks the students completed their classes, put on
a production, and made new friends. Harmony Tripp shares her
experience she had at the program, saying, “There’s a lot more to acting
than what I originally thought. There are so many ways that you can
portray your character and to do so we had to really understand what
Shakespeare meant. I’m really grateful that I had this opportunity because
I expected it to be a challenge, and it really was. I won’t forget what I
The governor school kids holding their certificates for
learned or the people I met. It was a memorable summer.” Also Patrick
Photos by Harmony Tripp
their last group picture
Mahaney had to agreed, that if he ever wanted to go into the field of
drama, he would like to be like Michael Hunt.
P.O. Box 361 Narrows, Virginia 24124
(540) 921-2700 or 726- 8038
www.celcofcu.org
6
The Olde Pearis Playhouse
by Harmony Tripp
Over this past summer The Olde Pearis Playhouse, located in downtown
Pearisburg, suddenly started revving to life once again. Since the late 1960’s it had
been many years since the sounds of music and laughter were heard pouring from the
doors of the theatre. The playhouse has been a historic part of Pearisburg since the
very early 1900’s, and was once a place where families and friends would gather to
share in entertainment on various nights of the week. Over the decades times have
changed -- the car became more common and the television and computer were
invented. These inventions made entertainment more easily accessed and the theatre
was forgotten, the Pearis Playouse became nothing but a nostalgic memory to the elder
community of Giles County. For several years the theatre was used as a church and
underwent many renovations that altered its history. The theatre could once seat 700
people, but some 200 seats were torn out to make more room. There is a balcony
upstairs that was once only colored seating and the stage could easily be seen. But
after the renovation, the balcony was been blocked up with drywall, making the
balcony invisible. Shortly after school ended, Karen and Frank Letts, numerous
community members, and several students from Giles and Narrows, began the long
drawn-out process of renovating The Pearis Playhouse. Over the summer, the theatre
underwent
many
changes,
including a newly carpeted and
painted lobby, new bathrooms,
and new tile and lighting on
stage. Also during the summer there were several “Band Jams” at the
playhouse, where numerous bands performed, including The Reasons Were
Legions, Southern Flame, Endarken, and Sasha Elliot and The Front. The
Playhouse also regularly produces plays that are directed by Karen Letts, an
experienced director. Since reopening, the theater has had a number of
productions, which include The Three Musketeers, The Ugly Duckling, and
Dirty Work at the Crossroads. Karen is already trying to decide on their next
play, and is also preparing a “Haunted Theatre” for Halloween by turning the
basement of The Olde Pearis Playhouse, into a haunted nightmare! Letts
currently needs a stage crew, light crew, actors and volunteers to help with a
little construction and general up-keep. If you are interested in volunteering to
help
the theatre in any way, or want information on performances, call The Olde
The new look of the front hallway with fresh
Pearis Playhouse at (540)-921-2944.
Photos by Karen Letts
paint and carpet.
Filling Up Empty Spaces in Pembroke
by JJ Kirkner
A few shopping sites have recently been added to Giles county in the small town of
Pembroke. The first space to get filled and redone was the old Little Giants building. It
has become The New River Deli. It is a convenience store and a deli combined and sells
hardware, tools, and gas. The second store that opened is called River Life. Its specialties
and services are Christian gift items and Sunday school literature, garden supplies,
mulch, plants, landscaping stones, and home and cabin décor. The final edition just
opened in September. It’s called Bent Eight Graphics which specializes in signs, banners,
car graphics and logo designs.
Upper right:
Bent Eight
Graphics
Left: River Life
Right: The New
River Deli
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Vote Your Voice
By Harmony Tripp
With the 2008 election approaching fast, there were several
students and teachers undecided as to who they would cast their votes
for. Most of these students knew for a fact that the candidate they
were in favor of was the best, so the teachers and students were asked
to take a quiz at www.selectsmart.com/president/2008.html and then
answer a six question survey to see if their thoughts had changed at
all. A majority of students admitted that their results were surprising.
One student in particular remarked that their results were very
shocking because they thought that they paid close attention to
politics, and that their number one candidate was Barack Obama and they originally favored John Mccain. When asked if the results
of this quiz will change the way they will vote a high percentage said yes.
Your official Giles High School 2008 presidential election results!!!
Democrat Barack Obama with 54% of votes
Republican John Mccain with 23% of votes
Other selected candidates were Republican Mitt Romney, Independent Ralph
Nader, Liberal Bob Barr, and Republican Alan Keyes
Most people were surprised by their results because typically, the first candidate listed for them was the person they liked the least.
Several students were hesitant to take the survey because they were afraid of what they might find out. They were content with
selecting a president based solely on their party instead of their beliefs. However, when the students decided to take the survey, they
accepted the candidate that was said to be the best choice and became a little bit more open minded, and admitted that it shouldn’t be
all about the party. Most of those who completed the survey and quiz decided to do further research before completely choosing a
candidate solely based upon their party. The quiz offered on the presidential website is surprisingly helpful if you’re undecided as to
how to cast your vote. The same questions being asked have already been answered by all the presidential candidates. Upon
completion of the survey you have the opportunity to click and see what each and every candidate said in response to each question.
Apparently Giles High School and the rest of Virginia think alike,
because in the most recent poll for Virginia, Obama leads over
McCain with an astounding 51 to 39 percent. November is just
around the corner, which means there is very limited time for
people to decide on a candidate. Only time will tell who the next
President of the United States will be, but remember one vote does
make a difference, so be sure to vote your voice.
Your # 1 Source
for Local Sports
VIRGINIAN
LEADER
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virginianleader.com
540-921-3434
8
State Farm
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710
Chris Turman
Agent
1500 N Main Stree
Blacksburg, VA 24060
Off.: (540) 953-2300
Fax: (540) 953-2441
[email protected]
Wall Street Bailout Survey
By JJ Kirkner
The Wall Street Bailout Plan is where Wall Street wants the American tax payers to pay them $700 Billion, which would be
enough to replace the crumbling infrastructure in every town in the United States. Such a project would have the benefit of employing
thousands of Americans who have been struggling for years. For $700 Billion the government could hand every man, woman and
child in this country a check for $2,300. Let’s just say that the barber has a wife and three kids. That means the barber gets almost $12
thousand dollars for his family, now how many hair cuts would it take to make that? When
the GHS students did a survey about the Wall Street Bailout Plan they said this.
1. Do you pay attention to things
happening in the economy?
? 8th Grade
th
9 Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Total:
Yes-2
Yes-3
Yes-6
Yes-7
Yes-6
Yes-24
No-3
No4
No-3
No-2
No-2
No-14
2. Do you think the things happening in the
economy will affect you?
8th Grade
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Total:
Yes-3
Yes-4
Yes-8
Yes-13
Yes-15
Yes-43
No-3
No3
No-2
No-0
No-1
No-9
3. Do you know what the Wall Street Bailout
Plan is?
8th Grade
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Total:
Yes-1
Yes-0
Yes-4
Yes-8
Yes-7
Yes-20
No-5
No3
No-2
No-2
No-1
No-13
4. If so do you approve or disagree with it?
8th Grade
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Total:
Approve-1
Approve-0
Approve-2
Approve-1
Approve-2
Yes-6
Disagree -5
Disagree 3
Disagree -5
Disagree -15
Disagree -13
No-41
5. Do you think the Wall Street Bailout Plan is
going to help benefit the economy?
8th Grade
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
Total:
Yes-1
Yes-0
Yes-1
Yes-0
Yes-4
Yes-6
No-5
No3
No-5
No-15
No-13
No-41
“Alive and Growing”
Small Enough to Know You, Big Enough to Serve You
First United Methodist Church
Dr. Brad Scott, Pastor
1101 Valleyview Dr
PO Box 400
Pearisburg, VA 24134
540-921-1021
Fax: 540-921-1022
Sunday Activities
Sunday school 9:45 am
Worship Service 10:50 am
UMYF (Youth Group) 5:30 pm
Children’s Group 5:30 pm
S. Lee Wheeler, D.D.S.
General Dentistry
112 Center Street
Narrows, VA 24124
(540) 726-3904
9
Got Junk? by Chelsea Cole
Women’s Health Magazine brought up the issue of recycling items that are in many of today’s homes.
When most people think of recycling, they automatically think of paper or plastic, but there are numerous
materials that can be recycled; many of which you may have thought were not
possible. To reach out to more people about recycling, many of the items that
they suggest are not only rewarding to the Earth, but also people in need of
supplies and are helpful to recyclers. Items that can be recycled for cash consist
of, cell phones, phone accessories, computers; general electronics, ipods,
printers, printer cartridges, and workout equipment. Although cash is a great
reward, another great reward is the thought of helping out people that really
need it. Some of the items that are beneficial to others in need are business
clothes and accessories, formal wear, sneakers, books, bicycles, and other outdoor equipment. Recycling
these items can help anywhere from giving someone new clothes, to funding lower scale schools. Also,
keep in mind that any of these items which may contain caution labels are known as toxic leftovers.
Toxic leftovers should not be taken to a landfill; they must be properly disposed of so that they will not
harm our environment. For more information of how to properly dispose these items, visit the website,
earth911.org. For those who are looking to use recycling as a way of making money or recycling for a
charitable cause, visit the following websites, greenphone.com, tonerbuyer.com, apple.com,
intlbookproject.org, or lemtmeplay.com/reuseshoes. Remember, one man’s junk is another man’s
treasures, so don’t forget to recycle!!
Recycling Signs
by Kelsey Frazier
Have you ever wonder what those signs mean on
Your products you purchased? Here are some
helpful tips and signs to give you a better knowledge
of the recycling symbols and how you can help.
SADD members of GHS have been trying to enforce
the recycling at lunch. The new milk bottles are
recyclable and can help the recycling program.
Tidy Man
Dispose of this carefully and
thoughtfully. Do not litter. This
doesn’t relate to recycling, but
is a reminder to be a good
citizen, disposing of the item in
the most appropriate manner.
Wood
The Forest Stewardship Council
logo identifies products which
contain wood from well
managed forests independently
certified in accordance with the
rules of the FSC A.C.
Mobius Loop
The Green Dot
The Green Dot does NOT
necessarily mean that the
packaging can be recycled.
It is a symbol used on
packaging in many
European countries and
signifies that the producer
has made a contribution
towards the recycling of
packaging.
Indicates that an object is capable of
being recycled - not that the object has
Show the
percentage of recycled
material contained in the
product.
.
Paper
Recyclable
Aluminum
Can be placed in an aluminum
recycling facility.
10
Glass
Please dispose of glass
bottles and jars in a
bottle bank (but
remember to separate
colors) or use your glass
kerbside collection if
you have one.
Recyclable
Steel
Can be placed in a
steel recycling
facility.
To be given the National
Association of Paper
Merchants mark, paper or
board must be made from a
minimum of 75% genuine
waste paper and / or board
fiber, no part of which
should contain mill
produced waste fiber.
The Meat House Returns
by JJ Kirkner
Pearisburg’s Meat House returns for one more chance to bring musicians back to play and
bring everyone back together. If you don’t already know what The Meat House is, it’s a local
basement of a Pearisburg resident’s home that is used for holding small concerts. Last year The
Meat House got shut down around November due to some of the audience not behaving
properly and not respecting the rules appointed by the owner, but the Meat House residents have
decided to give us another chance. This years Meat Fest is a test to see if we can be responsible
enough to keep on having shows. If it goes well then the Meat House will be back open
permanently for business. If we misbehave again, it’s shut down for good. It will take an effort from everyone that comes to the shows
to be responsible so we can keep on having shows. The Meat Fest Crew already started planning everything out and although the list
of bands is still being made, they have set the date of the Meat Fest to November 29th. There are a lot of people that enjoy the Meat
House. When I asked a former student of Giles High School, Bobby Garret, who is helping plan this years Meat Fest what he thought
of it he said “Personally I love it. It’s my home and I hope that we can keep things in control during the 2008 Meat Fest so we can
keep it open for good.”
Radford Highland Festival
By Katelyn Osborne
On October 11 the annual Radford Highland’s Festival was held for
the thirteenth year. The festival is based on the culture of Scottish and
Irish heritage and is held on the campus grounds of Radford University.
At the festival there are various activities and venders set up. Such booths
consist of Celtic Jewelry, clothing, Haggis (meat cooked in sheep’s
stomach),
Sword
The Appalachian, Virginia, and Jamestown bagpipers
fighting,
perform in the center of the game arena.
mythical
backgrounds
, and Clan Booths. Also some of the traditional games are held such as
the Caber Toss, Sheaf Toss, and the Hammer Toss. The caber toss is
where the participant heaves a large wooden pole called a caber, similar
to a telephone pole, The Sheaf Toss is were a Pitchfork is used to hurtle a
burlap sack filled with hay over a bar above the contestant, and the
Hammer Throw is the contestant throws a sledge hammer, In addition to
the games Radford also acknowledges the Clans around the local area.
Each clan walks around the game arena while the bagpipes play,
displaying their family crest. Another interesting part of this festival is
seeing animals that are used in the daily life of this culture. The Border
One of the clans marched around the arena displaying
collie and the English Ox are two of these animals. The most important
Photo by Katelyn Osborne
their family crest on a flag.
aspect of this festival is to become more knowledgeable about Scottish
and Irish heritage.
Taylor Swift “Fearless”
Photo by Google Images
by Olivia Humphreys
Taylor Swift’s second album entitled Fearless will arrive in stores on November
11th, only a month before Swift’s 19th birthday. The well anticipated CD will include
13 tracks which were all written or co written by Swift. “Love Story,” the album’s
spunky first single, made its premiere on September 12 on CMT. “Change,” another
song on the album, was chosen by Team USA and NBC to be used on the
soundtrack for the daily highlights of the 2008 Summer Olympics because of its
lyrics about overcoming the struggles of life and claiming victory.
The young artist made her claim to fame on myspace and then released her self
titled debut album in late 2006. Among her 2008 awards, she won the Teen Choice
Awards’ Breakout Artist, Academy of Country Music Awards’ Top New Female
Vocalist, and the CMT
Music Awards’ Female Video of the Year and Video of
the Year for her single “Our Song.” She has recently also received a nomination for
the Country Music Association’s Top Female Vocalist of the Year.
Don’t forget
to pick up your copy of Fearless in a store near you.
11
12
PPPhhhooottotoobbbyyyA
A
m
M
K
Am
mbbbeeerrrM
McccK
Kiininnnnneeeyyy
Collage by Olivia Humphreys
Photos by Spartonian staff
13
Trick or Treat?!
by Chelsea Cole
Halloween is almost here and you may consider having a party or maybe just staying at home. Which ever you may choose,
Halloween treats will always make your Halloween all the more better! So check out these treats I found from www.foodnetwork.com
and www.kidskuisine.com
Pecan Carmel Spiders
Directions:
Ingredients
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 1/2 cups toasted pecans
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter,
in pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 ounces thin black licorice
strands, cut into 2-inch pieces
6 ounces semisweet chocolate,
chopped
4 ounces milk chocolate,
chopped
Chocolate curls or jimmies,
optional
Line 2 baking sheets with waxed paper and lightly
spray with nonstick spray. Mound 30 small clusters
of pecans, about 3 or 4 pecans each, spaced a couple
inches apart on the pan.
Make caramel: Warm the cream over low heat and
keep warm while you cook the sugar.
Put the sugar and corn syrup and in a deep, heavybottomed large saucepan. Cook over medium heat,
stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring, raise heat to medium-high,
and simmer until the sugar reaches the hard crack stage, or 305 degrees F on a candy
thermometer, about 7 minutes.
Whisk the butter and salt into the sugar mixture. Gradually pour in the cream and
vanilla taking care since the mixture will bubble up. Reduce the heat to medium and
continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar reaches soft ball stage, and 240
degrees F on the thermometer, about 5 minutes more. Immediately remove from the
heat and cool for a minute.
Ladle a couple tablespoons of warm caramel over some of the nut clusters, to make the spider bodies. Then
press 6 pieces of licorice into the warm caramel to make the legs. Repeat with the remaining caramel and
licorice. (It's helpful to have an extra hand here, since the caramel can set quickly. If caramel hardens, warm
over very low heat. ) Let spiders cool 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, put the chocolates in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with 1-inch or so of
water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching, the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally
until melted and smooth. (Alternatively, put the chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Melt at 50
percent power in the microwave until soft, about 1 minute. Stir, and continue heat until completely melted, 2
to 3 minutes more.)
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate on top of each spider. Sprinkle with jimmies or chocolate curls, if desired. Let cool
until firm.
Spooky Halloween Punch
Ingredients: 2 liters of Diet
Mountain Dew
1 package of Blue Kool-Aide
prepared
Preparation: In a large punch
bowl, add the Diet Mountain Dew
and enough of the prepared KoolAide to obtain the Glycol color;
obtain the color with about 3
packs of Kool-Aide.
14
What’s Your Sign? (Entertainment purposes only)
By Gelsina Ceritano
Virgo August 22- September 23
You may be used to being shy or timid but you
have the ability to relate to those around you.
Stand out or spark up a conversation with
someone you usually don’t converse with, you’ll
be surprised by the outcome.
Blair McGee, Wes Conley, Tiffany Cook and Jessie
Boggess all share the Aries horoscope sign.
Libra September 24- October 23
You are known as the person who can always
make someone close to you feel better. Your
social personality will increase your popularity.
People are drawn to you because you have such
an optimistic attitude towards life, keep the ball
rolling and you will soon see positive changes.
Aries March 21- April 20
Take time to relax and release some of your
daily stress by taking in the beauty of your
environment. Be sure to stay organized and
be alert. Things may seem hectic, but
everything will soon settle.
Scorpio October 23- November 22
Your energy level is harmless, but intense.
Even when you are calm and quiet you have a
fire that is still burning and impressing those
around you. Your whitty personality and
excellent choice of friends will get you far in
life.
Taurus April 21- May 21
With the strong lunar influence, you should
set your goals high. Keep a positive feel to
your emotions, it may result to an A on
your test or a stress free day at work.
Sagittarius November 23- December 22
You have the ability to think fast which makes
you a natural teacher to those around you. You
enjoy traveling and learning about subjects that
really interest you. Don’t zone out when you
are faced with a tedious subject, you
Gemini May 22- June 21
Be thankful for the advice people have
been giving you and keep your
confidence at a good level. Don’t let
one thing mess up the success of the
rest of your day.
Capricorn December 23- January 20
Do not fear the change that has been taking
place. Be sure to start fresh with a clear mind
and a determined spirit. Change calls for a new
environment and new emotions but be sure not
to get too caught up in your new atmosphere.
Cancer June 22- July 22
Resist any temptation you have been
confronted with or anything to distract
your work. You’ll feel a lot better when
you’re done. Plan to do something
different this weekend, you deserve
change.
Leo July 23- August 21
People will depend on your wisdom.
Be patient with the situations you are
involved with. Make sure you take
notice of both sides of the issue before
you dispense your advice. This will
enhance the attitude to your final
Aquarius January 21- February 19
Be creative. Make your self known. Go out on a
limb and stand out of your usual crowd. Your
fresh attitude will be a great confidence boost.
You may be surprised in how many people
follow your example.
Pisces February 20- March 20
Luck falls into your hands often. Be careful
what you wish for, you just might get it. Be
yourself and trust your instincts. Take a day off
from your busy day and just appreciate what
you have.
15
#
PLAYERS
5
ALBERT, MARK
9
HAYNIE, BROOKS
11
BAKER, ADAM
12
MARTIN, BLAKE
15
RATCLIFFE, CODY
21
ROBERTSON, FRANKIE
22
TRENAR, SHANE
24
RAYMOND, DYLAN
25
SMITH, GAGE
31
VAUGHT, CODY
33
COLLINS, TYLER
35
STEELE, SAM
36
KESSINGER, BRAD
42
SEAWARD, JORDAN
43
KEATON, ZACH
52
WALL, ZEB
53
NELSON, TYLER
54
WILSON, ROBERT
55
COLLLINS, JEREMY
JV Football
By Olivia Humphreys
GAMES
Pulaski…………………....loss
George Wythe………..…..win
Radford………………..…loss
Blacksburg……………….loss
Floyd………………..…....loss
Christiansburg……..……..loss
Glenvar…………………...win
Narrows……………..……win
58
SMITH, JOSH
59
GADD, ERIC
64
FERRELL, KEVIN
65
CLEMONS, BRANDON
COACHES
68
FREEMAN, TREY
69
HOBBS, KYLE
73
SMITH, HUNTER
Steve Wilson
Jerry Huffman
Maurice Milton
74
PERKINS, CASEY
76
WORKMAN, BUBBA
77
CORNETT, CORION
79
GRIGGS, JIMMY
84
WILLIAMS, BLAKE
85
GAUTIER, TYLER
89
MANAGERS
Jacoby Wilson
Cole Meadows
Photos by Olivia Humphreys
TEATS, CHASE
KAST, AUSTIN
“Remember
your Creator in the days of
your youth…” (Eccl. 12:1)
Paul A. Olson, MD
Pamela B. Olson, FNP
219 South Buchanan Street
Pearisburg, Virginia
540-921-4343
540-726-3000
16
Complements of
PASTOR BRAD SCOTT
OF
FIRST UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH, PEARISBURG
2008 VARSITY FOOTBALL
by JJ Kirkner
#
PLAYER
9
11
15
21
23
24
25
22/26
31
35
36
40
41
42
45
52
53
54
56
57
58
62
65
67
71
72
73
74
76
82
85
87
89
CODY JOURNELL
DUSTIN MCCOY
MICHAEL ATKINS
JUSTIN GAUTIER
MATT BANE
CHRIS MYERS
ANDREW EPPLING
TRAVIS ROBERTSON
JAKE DOWDY
MAX RATCLIFFE
JOEY CUTLER
ADAM BAKER
BLAKE MARTIN
BRAD KESSINGER
LUKE JACKSON
ANTHONY COLLINS
CORY MARTIN
TYLER NELSON
GREG RAY
MICHAEL TRENAR
RYAN LUCAS
MICHAEL ACCORD
ZEBB WALL
BUBBA WORKMAN
JUSTIN FARMER
AJ HOSTON
BRANDON CLEMONS
ROBERT WILSON
ERIC GADD
DAKOTA STANLEY
JOSH STUMP
ZACH KEATON
FRANKIE
ROBERTSON
VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHY:
STANLEY LUCAS,
JIM JOURNELL,
SHERRY KELLEY
MANAGER: KYLE MUNSEY
Giles vs Raford
Head Coach: Jeff Williams
ASSISTANTS: BRYAN STRADER, CHRIS BALES,
JACKIE EVANS, JASON THOMASON, STEVE
WILSON, JERRY HUFFMAN, MAURICE MILTON,
RANDY ROE, BYRON HURLEY, DUSTY STUMP.
AJ Hoston
Cody Journell
17
Amanda Byrd
2
Shanda Higginbotham
4
Cassie Martin
5
Katy Griffith
6
Kelsey Frazier (Capt.) 9
Chelsea Barnett
11
Anna Morgan
3
Beth Miles
14
Michele Martin
24L
Team Work Makes Dreams Work
By Kelsey Frazier
The Lady Spartan Varsity Volleyball
Team started their season out by training
every morning, with conditioning from
eight to nine and practicing ten to twelve.
Having only two days off since July, the
lady Spartans have worked hard and
improved their skills and techniques
tremendously over this period of time. Kelsey Frazier and Cassie Martin are
the only two returning players from the 2007 volleyball season. These two
have had a great impact on the team as far as showing them the ropes for
varsity level. Having nine seniors graduate last year, Coach Burton gained a
great amount of talent and love of
volleyball from Coach Matlock’s players
from last year as well as
new talent from Jefferson
Christian
Academy.
Coaching a new set of
girls is always challenge,
but definitely enjoyable.
Coach Burton stated that,
“Although our record
may not reflect the skill
and desire these girls
possess,
they
have
successfully
adjusted
their offense and defense
on any given day, due to
injuries, given a hundred
percent,
and worked
extremely hard each day,
to improve their level of
play.“
Junior blocker Katy
Griffith prepares for an
*t
oncoming hit.
8th Grade Football
By Harmony Tripp
(Photos by Kim Tilley)
The Eight grade football team has spent
many long hours practicing and waiting for its
chance to take the field and dominate. The
season officially started off on August 16th with
kickoff at Princeton High School, and the team
has continued to
progress. The 8th
grade
Spartans
have played with
just
as
much
determination and
passion as the J.V.
and Varsity teams
and are about to
finish up one great
season.
18
5
10
Matt Keaton
Jacob Morris
12
15
21
22
25
31
32
35
Logan Smith
Hunter Mathias
Garret Lee
Ian Mann
Devin Elliot
Kyle Chafin
AJ Ebright
Kyle Holt
51
Miller Collins
54
Eli Bradley
55
Chad Randel
58
Jacob Frazier
59
Jacob Perkins
64
Cory Falls
66
Kearsley Dillon
68
Matthew Snider
70
Shon Seaward
72
Dashawn Kasey
77
Brandon Williams
78
88
Jared Farmer
Cody Rhodes
Lock, Load and Explode
By Kelsey Frazier
#
ROSTER
1 Hayley Wilburn
2 Paige Metro
3 Jessie Boggess
4 Ashley Flory
5 Sydney Fields
6 Megan Fisher (Lebro)
7 Tiffany Cook
8 Suwanna Ruayrinsaowarot
9 Ciara Whitten
10 Maya Williams
12 Kathryn Stump
The Junior Varsity volleyball
team started their season off
extremely strong. Placing forth in the
Rual Retreat tournament out of eight
teams, the lady Spartans looked
forward to a promising season.
Freshman Captain Jessie Boggess
and Freshman Megan Fisher made all
tournament team. The lady Spartans
started preparing for the season
extremely
early,
morning
conditioning eight to nine and
practicing right after.
The ladies Spartans break from the
huddle to finish the volleyball match.
#3 Kara Lilly
#5 Jessie Farmer
#1 Marinna Dowdy
#12 Trinity Denney
#8 Maggie Boggess
#4 Beth Stump
#2 Danielle Vaugh
t#`11 Josalyn
Buchanan
#14 Taylor Johnson
#10 Whitney Davis
#9 Michaela Ratcliffe
Megan Fisher prepares herself for
the spike.
Jessie Boggess Spikes the over passed
ball.
8th Grade Volleyball
By Katelyn Osborne
This year the eighth grade volleyball team is
coached by Renee Jesse. The Lady Spartans had a
total of 4 wins to 10 loses. Way to go Lady
Spartans in showing your support and dedication
on and off the court!
Good server went to Jessie Farmer as she
got ready to hit the boll against Glenver.
Way to go Jessie!
photos by Katelyn Osborne
←The
Lady
Spartans
sported a
smile
during
the game
against
Glenver.
19
Cross Country: No half times, no time outs, and no substitutions
By: Gelsina Ceritano
Runners
Melissa Squibb, Breinna Carr, Abby Johnson, Cari Lynn Squibb, Amber Mckinney, and Lyndsey Jackson
start the race at Roanoke Catholic at a good pace.
Grade
Abby Johnson 12
Amber Mckinney 12
Cari Lynn Squibb 12
Nikki Martin
11
Janie
11
Melissa Squibb 10
Jade Shrader
10
Josh Yost
10
Lyndsey Jackson 9
Breinna Carr
9
Amber Caldwell 9
Jake Munsey
9
Brandon Bandy 9
Jordan Walkup 9
Coach Mark Hubbard
M. Martin
Trucking Inc.
Abby Johnson, Amber Mckinney, Jake Munsey, Melissa
Squibb and Lyndsey Jackson received medals at the Aubum.
128 Lightfoot Run
Pearisburg, VA 24134
This year’s cross country team is full of strong and hardworking
runners. Warming up with a one mile jog the team members are
constantly pushing themselves and each other. Whether the runners
are practicing around school or racing on the courses, the cross
country team always gives off positive feedback. The races range
from 2.9 to 3.1 miles long, so you must be mentally prepared to run
as well as physically. Coach Mark Hubbard, a former runner himself
Telephone: (540)-921-3140
knows what it takes to get the team in shape and prepared to race.
“The girl’s team has done very well this year. They have a season
Email: [email protected]
record of 64 wins
against 16 losses,
and have qualified
for the Regional Meet for a Three Rivers District record 12th consecutive season,”
quoted Coach Hubbard. The top five runners for the girl’s team are Lyndsey
Jackson, Abby Johnson, Amber McKinney, Melissa Squibb and Cari Lynn Squibb.
The team has started their season strong and will be continuing to work hard.
Jake Munsey pushes himself up the
steep hill at Roanoke Catholic.
20
Golf
by Chelsea Cole
The Giles Spartan Golf team has shown that hard
work really does pays off. Throughout their 2008 season,
they managed to obtain the titles of Region Champions,
T.R.D. Champions, and State Runner up. Mr. Johnston,
coaching the golf team, is very proud of the boys and all
of their effort they put into their successful season.
Another outstanding achievement on the golf team was
made by Tanner Carbaugh. He not only helped lead the
way to the tournament victories, but he also was awarded
the title of Player of the Year. So congratulations to the
2008 Spartan Golf Team!!
Tanner Carbaugh
shows the Region
C trophy as well
as the T.R.D.
Trophy.
Mr. Johnston proudly shows off
the State Runner Up plaque.
ROGER’S BODY
SHOP
Quality Body Repair Since 1977
Frame Work
Insurance Claims
Free Estimates
WE USE DUPONT PAINT
Downdraft Paint Baking Booth
GO SPARTANS!!
Roger E. Jennelle, Owner
208 Curve Rd. ● Pearisburg, VA
540-921-2524
Caleb Tilley demonstrates
his technique.
Trevor Myers playing
Spartan Golf.
21
What’s Your Style?
By Brooke Anderson
Giles High School is full of styles of every kind. Everything from straight legged jeans with flats to
bellbottom dress pants with heels. Although the style often changes it doesn’t take much time for Giles students to realize and adjust.
Seventeen magazine said, “Fashion is what shows people who they are.” Here are a few fashion shots around school.
School, love, money ☺
This can make lots of
suggestions and thoughts. The
serious but fun at it look.
You’re going to keep things fun
and fresh.
Seniors Brittany Kelly
and Lukas Jackson
make this preppy style
look easy.
The fun you.
Music may be
your life.
Dancing is
your love, or
maybe the
bright colors
show your
exciting
personality.
Junior Chelsea Cole
expresses her hip hop style.
Junior Blair McGee flashes her
unique classic look.
→
←Chris Midkiff poses for a picture.
To some, Goth is a style of dress; to others
it’s a lifestyle. Either way, this punk look
involves very black clothing with edgy,
tough accessories.
Aaron Stubbs stands with the new Pearl Concert Bass
Drum donated by the GHS Spartonian.
22
Fallon Klecak, Chrissy Stump, Virginia Wickline,
Anthony Woodyard, and Harmony Tripp
Eric Gadd and Nicole Stump
Left: Megan Kelly and Laura
Williams set a good example by
recycling.
Lower left: Taylor McCroskey,
Amber Hurley, Jake Bond,
Cody Blankenship, Marinna
Dowdy, Jacob Frazier, and Ty
Journell display their book
report projects.
Right: Dylan Raymond, Shaina
East, and Margee Ragsdale
watch as Maya Williams
attempted to sink a putt.
Lower right: Raymond Gusler,
Johnnie Fields, Michael Acord,
Randy Roe, and Samantha
Hutchens are tagging grass
hoppers
23