here - Stivers School for the Arts

the
“Cur vesper omnium Sanctorum exspectetis”
A Public Forum for Stivers School for the Arts
From Stive-Oaks to the Promised Land:
Coming Home
Sarah Walter, Editor
Monday, October 29th, I woke up at 3 a.m. The
sheer excitement of being back on 5th Street kept
me from sleeping for the two hours until my normal
wake-up call. I imagined what the building would
look like. I wondered if they had kept the green and
white floor tile, and wondered if anything would be
recognizable. I remember back during my 7th and
8th grade years when construction crews worked
outside of the building, and lessons were often
drowned out by the sound of drills.. By the time I
got into the car to leave that morning, I thought I
was going to have a panic attack. As the car
approached 1313 East Fifth Street, I was confused
to see Ms. Corbin standing in the middle of the
street. “Drop students off in the Bomberger parking
lot,” she said. Of course, what would the first day
back be without a little chaos? After being herded
across the street, my heart wanted to fling itself against the nearest
wall, hug it, and sing some song about coming home. I, however,
contained myself, and walked down the hall like it was any other day. I
hunted for my locker, and then classes began. Everything was familiar.
Seeing the cracked green and white tile brought a smile to my face.
“It’s like an old friend, and you’re just reacquainting yourself,” agreed
Mr. Unger. Walking past the main stairs, I expected to see a display
case in between two pop machines. The lockers were no longer sky
blue, and the walls were a sad tan color. Talking to friends and other
students, we compared memories, noted changes, and complained
about being utterly lost. We missed the lockers being different colors
according to the floor level, and especially missed the Nickelodeon
orange tiger locker on the second floor. The jungle scene that had
been painted on the walls of the fourth floor is gone now, while the
prehistoric scene with the random, misplaced and out- of -context
llama still remains in Mr. Higginbotham’s new room. Mrs. Burns and
Hitchcock swapped rooms, as did the boy’s and girl’s bathrooms on
Volume 10, Issue II
Fall 2007
the third floor. The biggest shock to upperclassmen occurred upon
seeing what had happened to the old cafeteria. It has now been
sectioned off and made into classrooms. And what is the best part of
the new and old Stivers building in almost everyone’s opinion? The
new library that was once the dance room. Coming back to 5th Street
has been a big deal for the majority of juniors and seniors. In an
interview, Mr. Unger summed it up when he said, “I really feel good for
the juniors and seniors who are back here because they are the ones
who really had to go through the most when this building was being
refurbished. I really feel happy for them because they were displaced,
and they came back, and I really hope the 7th and 8th graders, and the
freshmen, really respect and understand what this building
represents.” How do the other teachers feel about the building? Mr.
Unger stated, “The technology is a lot better. I haven’t figured out how
to use all of it yet, but I can’t wait to mess with it and start using it.” Of
course, the building is not complete yet. Construction workers may pop
in and out of your classes, and construction signs may be seen as you
make your way through the halls. The visual arts students and
teachers are the ones most stressed out, and most displaced and
inconvenienced. Many of their spaces are not finished yet. But day by
day, things get better. I like what Ms. Dooley said, “You just kinda go
with the flow, and things’ll get done. And by the time we return in
January, most of it will be finished.”
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS UPDATES
by Julian Jeter-Davis
Boys Varsity Basketball
Home games 07/08 season
Fri
1/11
Belmont High School
Sat
1/12
Fairmont High School
Sat
1/19
Carroll High School
Fri
1/25
Thurgood Marshall High School
Fri
2/01
Dunbar High School
Girls Varsity Basketball
Home games 07/08 season
Thu
12/20 Meadowdale High School
Thu
1/24
Thurgood Marshall High School
Wed
1/30
Jefferson High School
Thu
1/31
Dunbar High School
Tue
2/05
Tri-County North High School
This is the Tiger Times staff, sporting the new Creative
Writing Department’s t-shirts, which say, along with a paper
airplane: “Our stories are fly.”
Because the creative writing students are not really a
performance group, we felt that t-shirts would let everyone
know that we are here and we are creatively writing!
Been There, Done That
by Megan Dodds, Valerie Brown, and Sarah Walter
Varsity Swimming
07/08 season
Fri
12/14 Fairmont High School
Sat
12/15 Dayton Christian High School
Fri
12/21 Springfield North High School
Sat
1/05
Wayne High School
Sat
1/12
Coaches Classic
Sun
1/13
Coaches Classic
Fri
1/25
Lehman Catholic High School
Sat
2/02
Carroll High School
Varsity Wrestling
07/08 season
Sat
12/15 Clinton Massie School
Wed
12/19 Belmont High School
Wed
12/19 Northridge High School
Sat
1/05
Twin Valley High School
Sat
1/12
Lehman Catholic High School
Sat
1/12
Lima Central Catholic School
Sat
1/19
Tri-County North High School
Sat
1/26
Middletown High School
Sat
2/09
DPS
Dear Been There, Done That: Breakfast can be so
filling, but the doughnuts and junk food the school
serves don’t seem to be healthy. What can be a good
alternative? -I Want Healthy
Dear I Want Healthy: You could start by bringing fruit with you to school
to eat for breakfast instead of doughnuts. Fruit is healthy, filling, and will
give you a boost of energy. -Megan
Dear Been There, Done That: My breath really
stinks, and I try to chew gum, but as soon as the
flavor’s gone, my breath stinks again. What should I
do? -Gum Chewer
Dear Gum Chewer: Spend more time brushing your
teeth, but also brush your tongue. -Valerie
Some people actually bring a toothbrush and toothpaste to school, and
brush their teeth after lunch. Or, you could bring mouthwash in a travel
bottle. If it’s a major problem, you might want to ask your dentist for help.
Also, brush your tongue, and make sure you floss. -Megan
Your bad breath could be caused by the gum you’re chewing. If it has high
sugar content, it could actually be contributing to the problem by
producing stinky bacteria in your mouth. I like Ice Breakers brand Cool
Mint, but you can’t go wrong with anything that’s sugar free. A study was
done a few weeks ago that showed that sugar free gum is actually good
for your teeth. -Sarah
Dear Been There, Done That: I have a crush on
my neighbor, but he already has a girlfriend.
Should I tell him? -Confused
Dear Confused: If he’s happy with his girlfriend,
don’t be a home wrecker. If they break up, then
maybe consider telling him, or just start as friends.
You’re young and there are more boys out there, so don’t waste your time
on just one. –Megan
Halloween Fun!
Britney’s Blackout is a Crapout
Britney’s Blackout is a Knockout
Jordan Carpenter
Sarah Walter
Britney Spears is one of the most popular female
entertainers of our time. Loved by the pre-pubescent
world, Britney Spears is the idol of an entire generation of
young girls. Too bad that she sends such a disturbing
message to all of her loyal fans. Britney Spears’ latest
album, entitled Blackout, is nothing more than an allwelcoming invitation to a life in the fast lane. Songs full of
sex, carelessness, and self-destruction can be found
throughout the whole album, recently released by the
mother of two. Examples of this garbage would be:
The first time I heard “Gimme More,” the first single
from the legendary Britney Spears album, Blackout, I was
immediately pulled in by the pulsing beat and catchy,
repetitive chorus. You could play this entire album at a
party and never skip a track. The beats prompt your body
to move, no matter how hard you resist the urge. But
great beats, and singable hooks aren’t the only merits of
this album. On “Piece of Me,” the lyrics explain Britney’s
view of the recent media invasion into her life:
I know it’s been a while, but I’m glad you came.
And I’ve been thinking ‘bout how you say my name.
Got my body spinning like a hurricane
And it feels like you got me going insane.
And I can’t get enough, so let me get it up.
This, from the song entitled “Break the Ice.” I’m sure that’s a good way to get the
evening going. Or, better yet, from another cut entitled “Get Naked,”
My body is calling out for you, bad boy.
I get the feeling that I just want to be with ‘ya.
Baby, I’m a freak and I don’t really give a dam_,
I’m crazy as a mother_ _ _ _ _ _,
Bet that on ‘ya man.
Sounds awesome. I’ll buy that for my ten-year-old daughter, and we’ll rock out
together. I don’t think Britney was thinking clearly when choosing the songs for her
new album, which targets impressionable pre-teens. The new release gives a great
peek inside Britney’s parenting skills, and could be used as evidence in the ongoing
custody battle for her kids.
THE MUSIC SCENE
R&B singer Keyshia Cole has released her sophomore album entitled Just Like
You. The album includes the late summer hit “Let It Go,” as well as her single
“Shoulda Let You Go.” The album’s title, Just Like You, is telling fans that she has
gone through struggles like many of the young teens who listen to her music and
who look up to her. The album is a testimony of the growth and maturity that Cole
has achieved since her first album. One of the album’s highlights is the title track,
“Just Like You,” in which she belts out personal hardships during her early
struggles, and she does this with a gospel element during which she actually
begins to pray right before the bridge in the song. Cole’s vocals on this second
release have certainly grown since her first album, The
Way It Is. In many ways, she would remind her
listeners of fellow R&B singer Mary J. Blige, to whom
she is often compared in both musical style and in the
themes in her songs about
overcoming a rough past. The
album’s only flaw is that she
doesn’t include many dance or club songs like “Let It Go,”
a song in which Cole absolutely lets loose and gets the
party going. Much of the album consists of ballads, but
these don’t allow the listener to realize Cole’s extensive
range and musical diversity. Overall, the album is a great second album for Keyshia
Cole and it certainly solidifies her place among the R&B elite. What to download:
“Let It Go,” “Shoulda Let You Go,” “Give Me More,” and “Just Like You.” Overall
Rating: B- (Reviewed by Michael Howard.)
Ray Lamontagne, born Ray Charles Lamontagne, has been around for a while,
playing side by side with singer/songwriter Damien Rice, forming a comfortable
chemistry in the cover of the BeeGees “To Love Somebody,” and also sharing his
musical abilities at Bonaroo concerts. His intimate performance on the Sundance
Channel’s Live From Abbey Road really showed the listening audience that his
gruff voice, for which he is most famous, is nothing to mess with. He has performed
with such artists as Kelly Clarkson, and in venues like The Katrina React Now
Concert. Lamontagne is sending mindful yet subtle vibes
into the minds of his growing fan base, making them
consider the coldhearted subjects of love, lust, and politics.
Put Ray Lamontagne on your watchlist, or visit his official
website: raylamontagne.com. Here is a sample of
Lamontagne’s heartfelt lyrics from his song, “Jolene.”
Trying and pissin’ me off
Well, get in line with the paparazzi
Who’s flippin’ me off.
Hopin’ I’ll resort to startin’ havoc
And end up settlin’ in court.
The same can be said for “Freakshow,” a track that touches on her partying. Some
songs bring other artists to mind. “Get Naked,” is reminiscent of a Timbaland track,
and “Why Should I Be Sad?,” resembles something you might hear from Ciara.
Another track, “Ooh, Ooh Baby,” sounds like a combination of The Turtles’ “Happy
Together” and everyone’s favorite sports anthem “Rock & Roll Pt.2” by Gary
Glitter. The sounds on the tracks vary, while remaining danceable. “Heaven on
Earth,” has an ‘80’s feel to it, and could easily make an appearance on a Dance
Dance Revolution game, while Keri Hilson, who you may have heard on
Timbaland’s “The Way I Are,” provides backing vocals in “Break the Ice.” Blackout
is available through Jive Records, and features the super producers, Danja, The
Neptunes, and Bloodshy & Avant. Tracks to listen to: “Piece of Me,” “Radar,”
“Break the Ice,” and “Ooh, Ooh Baby.”
From Jolene:
Cocaine flame in my bloodstream, sold my coat when I hit Spokane.
Bought myself a hard pack of cigarettes in the early morning rain.
Lately my hands don’t feel like mine, my eyes been stung with dust, I’m blind.
Held you in my arms one time, Lost you jus the same, Jolene.I ain't about to go straight. It’s
too late. I found myself face down in a ditch.
Booze on my hair, blood on my lips, a picture of you holding a picture of me
in the pocket of my blue jeans. Still don’t know what love means Jolene.
Reviewed by Aerial Kruger
Fair to Midland: New Band on the Rise
by Megan Constable
Fair to Midland is a band to watch out for. With their indescribable sound, and
energetic shows, these five guys from Texas really know how to rock. They were
the first act to play at this year’s X-Fest, and even though they were considered
the new unknown band, they overtook the stage, and made it their own. While lead
singer Darroh Sudderth jumped around and sang his heart out, keyboardist Matt
Langley played his catchy tunes looking as cool as any guitarist could. Guitarist
Cliff Campbell and bass player Jon Dicken add to Sudderth’s energy with riffs and
exploding chords. In back, adding his own flavor, is Brett Slowers, bashing his
drums with voracious energy. When they leave a stage, this energy seems to go
with them. Their newest CD, Fables From A Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times
Is True, is like their stage shows: big and extravagant. The keyboards give the
album a light tone, while Sudderth’s soaring vocals give many songs an anthem
quality. The hardest thing to do with Fair to Midland is to categorize them because
they defy being bagged into any genre. Their sound is a mixture of so many types
of music, that they are impossible to label.
Two songs, “Walls of Jericho,” and “April
Fools and Eggmen,” are big and heartpounding, while “Dance of the Manatee” is
rhythmic and danceable. Another song,
different from these altogether, is
“Vice/Versa,” which begins softly, and then
builds to an explosive chorus. Even though
each song has its own individual tone and style, the CD has an overall sound that
is complete and whole. It is available now on Serjical Strike Records from
producer Serj Tankian of System of a Down. Check out this new band, with music
that is hard to label, but easy to love.
Stivers Creative Writers
Dear Walt Disney
By Taylor Kingston
Signs Flashing Picturesque
By Jolene Huacuja
You covered our backs when we were young and allowed us to trust
that we were forever safe, and that all dogs go to heaven.
You told us that lying would make our noses grow long.
As the Great Puppet Master, you tried to keep our morals strong.
Your villains always had a strange appeal,
but the day came when adulthood was thrust upon me.
There was this small technicality: reality really bites.
But to these social maladies I say, “Bibbity, bobbity, boo.”
And just like that, I’m there with you.
In your trouble-free world, elephants take flight,
The girl gets the prince, and the whole world can unite
In a love affair with a mouse.
Some dreams come true, and some make dreams come true.
Bennie was a prophet in his ant farm kingdom
raining down multi-colored pieces of foil every Thursday at
sundown.
The wind-up monkey with symbols in his hands
laughs mockingly at their false idol.
It’s all so depressingly familiar:
The thought that one can change so much in one year.
The visions come washing back:
The starry night. Canaries in flight. The junebug cried.
Bennie smiled.
And at this moment, time slides off its clock.
Bennie is allowed to change the tide.
The sunrise is neon blue and the flamingo sings to all the
same tunes.
I Love It
by Bree Cooper
Backstage
by Jessica McLaughlin
From the smell of dog food as you pass the factory
To the sound of police cars whirling through the corrupted neighborhoods
every hour on the hour-
The smell of make-up, sweat, and concentration.
The older dancers practicing,
grinding rosin onto the tips of their rigid shoes.
Lights on the myriad of make-up mirrors humming.
Stagehands’ radios blaring: “Snow scene, five minute call.”
“Two minutes.” “One.”
Wardrobe running around, pins sticking out of their mouths,
Hoping in vain to adjust us little kids’ costumes.
Strains of music leach through the walls, peppered occasionally by
applause.
The never-ending flow of pizza and soda pop fuel the general chaos of the
scene.
I love it.
From prostitutes on corners right next to schools and daycare centers
To Superman cars and shiny bright spinning rims- I love it.
From no morals, no life, and no wisdom
To the kids with their extensive vocabularies who can only entertain us with
“hoe” and “slut”-
I love it.
From Tae Tae’s and Shaniqua’s to swoops and corn rows- I love it.
From “’ay, Bay Bay,” and “’ay, Shawty,” to the flow of game or “Come here,
girl, what's yo’ name?”
I love it.
From stolen basketball rims to trap houses and dope boys posted up on
the blockI love it.
From fried chicken and homemade macaroni and cheese
to Chinese take-out and California GardenI love it.
From the first set of wheels to the first set of heels
From the cherished moments on my birthdays.
And Dairy Queen ice cream cakes on Mother’s DayI love it.
DID YO KNOW? There are more than 200
kinds of chili peppers, none of which belong
to the pepper family.
I sit on my sleeping bag, clustered with the other kids, giggling and
protesting:
“We can do our own make-up!” all the while dripping pizza sauce into our
shoes.
Three Christmases spent here in the whirling chaos of backstage,
Until I discovered that I wasn’t very good at dancing.
I cut off the neat ballerina’s bun, put away my shoes,
And moved away from the childhood spent in ballet classes,
Doing endless frappes and arabesques and into the more thoughtful
Private interior of my journal,
And the sweet smell of polish on my violin.
TRIVIA: The numbers on the opposite
sides of a die always add up to 7.
FRUIT FOR THE EGG: A BENEFIT FOR
STIVERS SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS
Friday and Saturday, December 14th and 15th, Galoka Gallery will
present a benefit to raise money to support adjunct teachers at Stivers.
The event will take place at the Front Street Arts Complex at 1001 East
Second Street, just two blocks south of Stivers. The events will begin at
6:00 p.m. and end at 3:00 a.m. A five dollar donation is requested upon
entry. Don’t miss this extraordinary two-day multimedia event put on by
some of the country’s top artists, musicians, actors, dancers, and writers to
support the continuation of the adjunct staff at Stivers School for the Arts.
The benefit will feature works from international, national, and local artists
with performances in theater, dance, and music. There will also be
performances by all of the magnets, and a student gallery will showcase
art work and creative writing, poetry, and song lyrics created by our
students. Hungry visitors can also enjoy an eclectic buffet from over forty
cooks, including Stivers’ own Bill Steinmetz. Artists at the event will be
Amy Anderson-oil paintings, Susan Byrnes, Bradley Cahill-mixed media
sculpture, Andy Dedominici-mixed media, Dustin Harris-ceramics, Mike
Elsass-paintings on rusted steel, Sabrina Pryor-oil paintings, Erich Reithwood sculpture, Shon Walters-wood sculpture and furniture, Jud Yalkutcollage, Tyler Pelfrey-prints, and Joel Otterson-mixed media furniture.
There will be a comedy presentation by Comedy Catastrophe and a wide
variety of music, including: Captain of Industry, Chicago Afro Beat Project,
Goat Story Attic, Sleepybird (with a stage play written by Tristan Cupp with
Zoot Productions and members of Human Race Theater), and
performances by Stivers pianists, the string trio, Next Wave Strings, the
Jazz Orchestra, the Stivers Dance Ensemble, the Stivers Choir, and a
performance by the Theater Department. For more information, visit
golokagallery.net, or call 559-7810.
Other Voices- An Open Forum For Our Readers
There has been a growing sense of isolationism among Americans within the past few years. The growing disaster in Iraq, the failure of IsraeliPalestinian peace talks, and the massive HIV epidemic in Africa, discourage Americans from being willing to intervene in world affairs. Why should we
police the world and get involved in foreign conflicts when American children lack food, homes, and education? Why should Americans care about the
affairs of other countries over ours? Politicians such as Ron Paul express this growing trend among the American populace. These arguments can be
convincing: withdrawing American soldiers from Iraq, or cutting off dialog with foreign dictators like Hugo Chavez of Venezuela or Kim Jong-il of North
Korea. However, this is a mindset that America cannot afford. Globalization makes the world smaller everyday, whether we like it or not. We can’t leave
the world to manage its own affairs and reasonably think that we will not be affected. American jobs will continue to move overseas to China and India;
Islamic extremism will ferment and grow in Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq; OPEC will sabotage oil prices; the European Union and Japan will
make greater technological advances; and genocide will still occur in Burma, Darfur, and possibly Iraq. Staying involved in world affairs doesn’t mean
military intervention at all times, not does it mean the abandonment of war. It means staying diplomatically active, and compromising with other nations
to advance human rights and economic growth. This may all sound very broad and inaccessible to many Americans. Why should I care? The answer is
simple. Events all over the world affect gas prices, the food you eat, the toys your siblings play with, your job, and your personal safety. You don’t have
to be a scholar of Central Asian politics, or have a master’s degree in economics to understand what is happening in the world. These issues transcend
political parties or ideologies. We are Americans, and cannot afford to ignore the world’s problems, no matter how easy it sounds. Take some time to
stay informed on current events. One way to do this is both easy and fun. Join the local chapter of JCOWA.
(Submitted by Jacob Foskuhl)
Diversity is defined by dictionary.com as “noticeable heterogeneity.” For those who don’t know, heterogeneity means different, not the same. I’ve
attended Stivers since seventh grade; this year is my senior year. As I was reading the last issue of the Tiger Times, I was surprised by an article that
talked about diversity. Now, in all six years I’ve been at Stivers, I have never seen any evidence of a problem with diversity. This is the most diverse
school in the district. I felt the article was trying to say that we at Stivers have a problem with diversity. I was offended. I don’t know anyone who has
ever disrespected anyone else because of race, religious beliefs, or sexuality. The article seems to imply this was something that happened at my
school, and that needed to be fixed. I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but I don’t think diversity is a problem at Stivers. It’s not like we go to Belmont,
which had race riots almost daily a few years ago, or somewhere else where the color of your skin, your religion (or lack of it), or your sexuality
determine who you can be friends with or what you can and can’t do or say without causing a problem for yourself. This is Stivers, the school that has
artists, writers, musicians, dancers, actors, homosexuals, heterosexuals, Christians, Buddhists, Wiccans, Muslims, and many others. I can’t see a
problem with diversity. Everyone’s accepted. Differences are what make Stivers Stivers. (Submitted by Sarah Winningham)
FROM THE EDITOR, SARAH WALTER: Hey, Stivers. As most of you probably know, everyone’s bestest friend, Bonnie Skinner, has left us. She
hasn’t gone completely though, so expect to still see her articles in the paper. Since Bonnie has left, I will be stepping in as Editor. The Tiger Times is
still under construction, and I would like to encourage everyone to write to The Tiger Times with your thoughts, both positive and negative, and to submit
editorials, photography, poetry, comics, and artwork. You may do this by giving submissions to any staff member, or by placing items in Mr. Steinmetz’s
mailbox. Hoping to hear from you. Sarah
Takashi Murakami: Low Art to High Art
Megan Constable
If you haven’t heard of Takashi Murakami, then it is time that you had.
After success across the world, this artist is the current darling of the art
community, in much the same way that Andy Warhol took the world by
storm during the sixties. Takashi Murakami is Japanese, and was born in
Tokyo on February 1st, 1963. He attended Tokyo National University of
Fine Arts and Music, where he received a BFA. MFA, and PhD. He has
had art shows at Marianne Boesky Gallery in New York, Fondation
Cartier Pour L’art Comtemporain in Paris, The Museum of Fine Arts in
Boston, and the Galerie Emanuel Perrotin in Paris. He currently has a
huge one-man exposition at MOCA, the Museum of Contemporary Art in
Los Angeles County, which runs until February 11th. The museum has an
interactive website, and you can view many of Murakami’s works by
visiting it.
Murakami’s paintings are broad and
cartoonish. He also does quasi-minimalist
sculpture,
huge
inflatable
balloons,
performance events, and a ton of consumeroriented “low art,” like factory-produced
watches and t-shirts. He takes low art, and
sells it in the high art market, as did Warhol,
the artist-turned-celebrity capitalist. His
signature character is Mr. DOB, who is a cartoon figure that can be found
on a variety of his art and consumer goods. Murakami is an artist, but is
also a curator, aggressive entrepreneur, and a documentarian of
contemporary Japanese and world culture. He created a Japanese art
exhibit called Superflat, which showed the movement of mass-produced
entertainment and its effects on life, society, and culture. Along with that,
he founded the Hiropon Factory, which
is an art studio where his “drones”
mass produce his work. This “art
factory” became the Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd
organization. They orchestrate the
GEISAI (an art fair) twice a year.
Murakami has worked with Marc
Jacobs creating handbags and other
accessories for Louis Vuitton. The
similarities between Murakami and
Warhol are many. At the opening of the
exhibit at MOCA in Los Angeles, the galleries were full of Hollywood
celebrities, sporting Murakami- designed handbags and scarves. Warhol
would have been proud.
Ben Randolph
Jacob Combs
More Homecoming Pictures
The Ups and Downs of Being a Teen Mom
Megan Dodds
When I was fifteen, I had my daughter, Melanie. I’m
seventeen now, and she is two years old. I really don’t see
my life as being dramatically different than other girls my
age, except that having a baby at fifteen has made me more
mature. Every day is about the same for me as it is for any
other student. I get up, go to school, attend class, and go
home. The difference for me is that, while I’m at school, my
Mom is at home with my baby. When school is out, I go
straight home, because I am anxious to see Melanie, who is
the light of my world, and she is always happy to see me.
Sometimes, though, I have to work after school, but that is
only three or four days a week. I would much rather be at
home spending time with her.
I was told that I might make being a teen mom sound a
bit too easy, so let me clarify all of this by saying that the
only reason it could ever be perceived as easy is because
I’ve got so many people helping me out. Melanie’s dad and
I do as much as we can on our own. We buy her milk,
diapers, clothes, shoes, and whatever else she needs.
Every now and then, when we don’t have the money, my
Mom will pitch in and help out, but I make sure that this
doesn’t happen often. Melanie is my child, and I try to do as
much as I can on my own. I don’t want to depend on
everyone else to deal with my responsibility, and I actually
feel good about providing for her myself.
Overall, Melanie is a very happy little girl, with a very
pleasant disposition. She’s smart (every mother says that, I
know, but she is), funny, and already strong-willed. She
often challenges my authority, and is a bit of a smarty-pants.
She doesn’t seem to care about what anyone says. She
wants things her way, but that is how toddlers are. Melanie
loves to dance and sing, and loves being the center of
attention.
The biggest concern I have about being a teen mother is
the way I am judged by other people. I don’t feel like I have
anything to be ashamed of, but everyone seems to have an
opinion about how I should be living my life. I love my
daughter, and am really proud of her. She’s beautiful and
loving, I’ve been through a lot with her, and I am closer to
her than to anyone else. For what more could I ask? As
incredible as this may sound, there are even people who
say that Melanie is not my little girl. HELLO. I PUSHED HER
OUT. I THINK I WOULD KNOW. And all the things they tell
you in health class about the hassles of being a teen mom
are a bit exaggerated. It’s not as bad as it might seem that it
would be. I love being a mom, and I think it’s a blessing. It
really is.
Being a Teen Mother
Nichole Clark
If you were to ask any of my friends from West Carrolton, they would tell
you that I was the last person to end up with a kid at sixteen years old. I
would have just laughed if someone told me I would be having a baby in
a year. Now, here I am, with a seven month old daughter, Ivee Lynn
Johnson. I get asked a lot if I regret it, and if I miss being “just a
teenager.” I have not felt regret once, and know that I never will.
Sometimes things aren’t what I would call fun. In fact, things can get
really unpleasant, but it really doesn’t matter. Having a baby, and the
issues that come with one, are things you can’t really understand without
it happening to you. She’s my world, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I have thought about being a “regular teen” again; it sometimes crosses
my mind. Sometimes I want to go out and hang with my friends, but it’s
not really a huge deal. I have one friend who really has helped me out a
lot, and she may not even know it. She takes me out with her when she’s
not busy and not working. I spent the night at her house one time, and it
was a tremendous break from my somewhat hectic life. She’s been an
enormous help to me, and I owe her a ton of thanks.
Balancing my home life and school is generally pretty easy, but there are
those times when I can’t even believe that I’m sitting in second period, as
I think on all that happened from the time I got up until then. During our
first week back from fall intercession, I missed three straight days of
school: babies don’t take colds very well. I got little or no sleep, and by
that third day, I walked around like a zombie all day. I couldn’t do it
without Ivee’s dad, Stephen. He is a life-saver. So that answers the
questions I am asked all the time: “Is the baby’s dad still around?” , “Did
her dad run out on you?”, or “Is it just you and the baby?” Well, Ivee’s dad
is there for both her and me. He takes care of her every day while I’m at
school, and is a dedicated father. I really rely on him.
My home life isn’t that bad, but it is often frustrating since there are seven
people living in our house. We have plenty of room, because, counting
the basement, there are actually four floors. But, of course, everyone
wants to be in the living room all the time, and when that happens, we
tend to get on each other’s nerves. Having a baby and going to school
can be stressful, but not every day. Nearly every morning, I wake up and
Ivee is lying in her crib smiling at me. That is an amazing thing. It never
loses its magic, even when you see it every day. It takes forever to get
ready in the morning because I am drawn back to her crib to look at her
every five minutes. On the downside, I am a new mom, and am just
learning the ropes, so I get frustrated when I can’t get her to stop crying.
I guess experienced mothers go through that same frustration. I’m really
lucky to have a seasoned veteran to call upon for advice: my own mother.
She’s had three kids, so I figure she must know what she’s doing by now.
More than once, she’s stepped up and taken the baby for me. I really
don’t know how anyone can do anything without their mom around. I
guess I’m really lucky to have these people as a support system, because
I couldn’t do this without them, be it Stephen babysitting, my Mom helping
me out, or my Dad getting us what we need. I’ll say this again: I don’t
regret being a teen mother, even when it gets tough. But anyone who
goes through what I have gone through must have their family by their
side. My life is actually pretty wonderful, and full of excitement. I wouldn’t
change it for the world.
People Popping Up With Popcorn Lung
Sarah Walter
Who doesn’t enjoy a buttery tub of popcorn at the movie theater, or
just sitting at home with a micro-waved bag? It’s no pop secret that I’m a
huge fan of the white cheddar, pre-popped popcorn in the cafeteria, nor is
it a secret that eating too much popcorn may be unhealthy. And it may
not be the high cholesterol and calorie count in the butter that could kill
you. Popcorn lung or bronchiolitis obliterans is believed to be caused by
the chemical diacetyl, which adds the buttery taste to many of our snack
foods. In 2003 and 2004, hundreds of cases of sick workers were
investigated at six Midwestern popcorn plants, as well as some candy
and potato chip factories. All of the workers diagnosed with bronchiolitis
obliterans, and other serious lung ailments, had worked with diacetyl. The
prognosis for all of these workers? Their only hope for survival would be a
lung transplant.
What is being done about it? The Food and Drug Administration, and
the Consumer Product Safety Commission, have yet to study the effect of
diacetyl on consumers. However, the
Environmental Protection Agency has researched
the chemical and its effects on the environment
as well as on the consumer, but they have not yet
released their findings to the public. There seems
to be no real cause for serious worry yet. In high
doses, diacetyl may be dangerous, but for the
typical consumer, the amount they are exposed to should not pose a risk.
If you are one who enjoys inhaling the wonderful, aromatic, buttery
vapors from the popcorn container, you may want to rethink your habit.
Better yet, start eating Pop Weaver brand popcorn. That company has
removed diacetyl from their butter flavoring.
And The Winners Are:
The votes and in and you have made your decision. The two students
who you felt had the “Best Style” for fall of 2007 are James Jordan and
Taylar Johnson. Thanks for becoming an active part of our newspaper
by casting your votes.
New Laws for Teen Drivers
Megan Constable
Driving is an experience that every teen
looks forward to. After finally holding a
brand new driver’s license in his hand, the
teen driver has a sudden feeling of freedom. But many laws accompany
that feeling. Most teens might see these laws as “the man” taking control,
but they are important to follow. On April 6 of this year, House Bill 343
was passed. This bill was written in an effort to make driving safer for
teens and their passengers, and it added new restrictions and harsher
punishments if they are violated. The new changes made by House Bill
343, according to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, include the
following:
• Teens under 17 with a license may not drive with two
passengers who are not related unless the license-holder’s
parent is in the vehicle. This change came about as the result
of data collected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety,
which showed that the more passengers in the car with a teen
driver, the more likely they were to have a wreck. Unfortunately,
this adversely affects “car-pooling” to school. It will increase
traffic, overall fuel consumption, and pollution.
• Teens with a license between the ages of 17 and 18 may not
drive between one a.m. and five a.m. Exceptions include
emergency situations, work, or a school activity. If a parent is in
the vehicle, the teen can drive between those hours. If you are
driving home from work between one and five a.m., you must
have written documentation from your employer.
• Teens under 17 with a driver’s license may not drive between
midnight and six a.m. unless a parent is present. The
exceptions are the same as for drivers between 17 and 18.
• Teens with a driving permit under 18 years old may not drive
between midnight and six a.m. without a parent in the car.
• Teens with a license under 17, who commit a moving violation
during the first six months of driving, will have to have a parent
in the car for six months, or until they are 17, or unless they
plead guilty (which could affect your driving record).
Know What’s Up
December 4th
December 14th and 15th
December 20th
December 21st
January 7th
Handbell Concerts at 6:30 and 7:30, Stivers
Auditorium
FRUIT FOR THE EGG: A Benefit for Stivers
adjuncts at The Warehouse Arts Complex
All-Choir Holiday Concert- 7:00, Stivers
Auditorium
Last day of school before Winter Recess
First day back to school
Teens should be aware of these laws and abide by them.
Being in violation could ruin your future driving
experiences, so just follow the rules, and wait for the day
when your 18th birthday comes around. That’s when the full
power of driving freedom will come into place.
Ohio Guidelines for Working Minors
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In Lehigh, Nebraska, it is against the law to sell donut holes. •
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14 and 15-year olds - You cannot work before 7 a.m. and after
7 p.m., and you cannot work more than three hours per school
day, 18 hours total in any given week. You cannot work during
school hours, unless part of a school related program such as
O.W.A.
16 and 17-year olds - You cannot work before 7 a.m. (or 6 a.m.
if not employed after 8 p.m. the previous night), and after 11
p.m. Sunday through Thursday. There are no limitations set for
how many hours per day or week.
18 years or older - No restrictions are in effect.
All minors are required by law to be given an uninterrupted
thirty minute break when working five or more hours.
No wages may be withheld from any minor for any reason.
All minors must have a work permit.
You must get a new work permit when you change jobs.