talon - Brentwood Academy

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Ta l o n
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Spring Musical 2005
TA L O N
Centre College
Kendrick Newton
Georgetown University
Pat Thomas
Andrew Bumbalough
Harding University Wheaton College
U of Colorado
University of Louisville
Paige Parkey
Boulder
Kelsey Tunney
New York Univ.
Allye Ellwanger U of Nebraska
Northwestern Univ. Mason Revelette
Western Kentucky Univ. Kelsey Moore
Barry Turner
DeVan Ard
Lindsey Moore
Emily Holland
Emily Vickers
Kenyon College
Rebecca Yarbrough
Christopher
Newport Univ.
Kasey Arnold
U of Virginia
Hunter Sinclair
Dartmouth
College
Chris
Blankenship
Elon Univ.
Brian Smith
U of N. Carolina
Philipa Davies
Wake Forest Univ.
Lindsay Netterville
David Vanderpool, as Judd Frye, gets in touch with his not so gentler side, as Logan Allen, playing Curly, suffers the consequences.
“It’s real...well, almost,” says Abigail Lawrence, the annoyingly smug Gurdy in the musical.
Hunter Sinclair (Ali Hakim) finalizes his sale of Tiffany
Evins (Ado Annie) by giving her a famous “Persian
goodbye.”
Furman University
Lane Jacobs
Allison Renfro
Rachel Rogers shows Brentwood Academy guys what really goes down at those
mysterious pajama parties.
The dancing, singing,
and acting. That set. Those
costumes. That laugh. Those kisses. Only
one word could describe this year’s production
of Oklahoma!: memorable. From the curtain’s split
to the final bow, the stage held a veritable carnival of
characters. All the while, cowboys, saloon girls, farmers and
cowgirls made Oklahoma a place anyone would want to visit.
While laughter and jokes flowed on stage and off, the performances
had an objective other than only entertaining the audience. This
year, the cast knew that Oklahoma! would be the last BA production
under the guiding hand of Mrs. Jenny Oldham, and there was a shared
desire to come together for a performance bigger than themselves;
those in and behind the scenes of the musical were united from the
first zap to the final bow. The smiles on stage were real, and each night
filled the participants with more memories than the back of a t-shirt
could ever hold. At the end of every performance, congratulations,
flowers, and hugs rained down on these students. The best praise,
however, came from the one they had tried so hard to please.
Mrs. Oldham honestly remarked, “This was one of the best
productions I have been a part of in my 17 years at BA.
Everyone acted professionally through any glitches
we had, and I am just so glad that this cast
and crew were part of one of my final
shows.” by A.K. Jamieson
Clemson University
Megan Langworthy
Pepperdine Univ.
Ryan Huie
Samantha Stewart
Mercer University
Merritt Goodman
Oklahoma Christian
University
Luke Roe
Abilene Christian
University
Courtney Flow
Katie Morrison
University of Mississippi
U of Alabama
Addison Edmonds
Courtenay Davis
Albert Johnson
Kathleen Dixon
David Varn
Paige Dudney
Southern Methodist
Brittany Fuson
University
Elizabeth Kirkland
Meredith Christians
Leigh Rebrovick
Baylor Univ.
BirminghamBradley Minnigan
Huntingdon College Southern College
Megan Blalock
Ford Newell
Auburn University Julia Crownover
Whit Smith
Brad Bowker
Undecided
Cam Day
Bruce Little
Andrew Nickerson
Aaron Broach
Josh Butler
Nick Forte
Reid Hill
Catherine Kelly
Patrick Kennedy
Ben Loftin III
David Meek
Patrick Read
Fleming Smith IV
Emily Stewart
Ali Tanner
UT- Knoxville
Hunter Adams
Ashley Alexander
Ali Beki
Katy Blackburn
Ashley Burrow
Taylor Caldwell
Katey Fadler
Caroline Graham
Page Keyser
Stacy Lawrence
William Mahan
Craig Mockmore
Elizabeth Raymond
U of Georgia
Ashley Fitzhugh
Rachel Bachmann
Florida State Univ.
Carrie Smith
U of Florida
Brian Ralls
Belmont University
Stephen Burris
Wes Cargen
Parker Cason
Tiffany Evins
Clint Mason
Kristin McCollum
Ashley Powell
Mary Lynn Ware
Lipscomb Univ.
Ed Williams
Paige Griffin
Tennessee Tech
Katelyn Rutledge
Samford University
Bryan Kephart
Willie Andrews
Vanderbilt University Beau Wells
John Ballard
Michael Pelster
UT- Chattanooga
Courtney Cameron
Trevecca Nazarene
Jackson Shaw
Candace Clippard
University
MTSU
Mary Hunter Husband Shelby Mashburn
Mike Bowen
Caitlin Murphree
Rhodes
College
Brittany Moore
Rachel Roberts
Jessica Harris
Kofi Semenya
Amy Steinhouse
Rob Queener
Sarah Storey
Union University
U of Memphis
Josh VanFleteren
Wende Jackson
Tyler Griffin
Robin Warren
Anna Townsend
Neese’s Pieces
3
Basketball Ballers
7-8
Inagural Greek Class 10
MS Madness
11-12
Senior Spotlight
14
Ta l o n
Brentwood Academy
TA L O N
Editor-in-Chief
DeVan Ard
Assistant Editors
Chris Blankenship
Caitlin Murphree
Layout and Design Editor
Rebecca Yarbrough
Creative Assistant
Kelsey Moore
Staff Writers
Brooke Baggett
Chad Boring
Allison Dove
Jessika Doyel
Addie Lee
Alyssa Mankin
Anita Mathews
Ben Neese
Kendrick Newton
Emily Ralls
Mason Revelette
Whit Smith
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Member of the Tennessee High School
Press Association
Comments and suggestions are welcome
[email protected]
219 Granny White Pike
Brentwood, TN 37027
www.brentwoodacademy.com
Brentwood Academy is a co-educational,
independent, college preparatory school
dedicated to nurturing and challenging the
whole person—body, mind, and spirit—to
the glory of God.
A Note from the Editors:
After working on Talon for three years, we have developed a close bond with this publication. We thank you
for reading and hope you continue to find enlightenment and pleasure in the future editions of Talon.
Graduating Seniors DeVan Ard, Rebecca
Yarbrough, Caitlin Murphree and Chris Blankenship
Sponsor
Barry Robbins
DeVan, as Editor-in-Chief, proves to Layout Editor Rebecca Yarbrough and
Assistant Editors Chris Blankenship and Caitlin Murphree that he is just
“a-head” above them.
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On Top At Last
Fourth Quarter 2004-2005
Volume 34 Issue 4
The Talon is a quarterly publication
produced by students at Brentwood
Academy.
Ta l o n
E
by Ben Neese
ver since the days of sixth grade battleball and
pizza parties, we juniors have all thought of
the days in the incalculable future when we
would rule the school, when we would carry the senior
torch. The day is nigh when the
current seniors will bequeath
their position to a new
generation of students,
so as to continue the
grand legacy that has
been forming since the
school’s founding.
As the 20042005
school
year comes
ever closer to
its inevitable
end,
the
Brentwood
Academy
junior class
begins to
ponder
more and
more the
question:
“Are
we
really going to
be seniors next
year?” While there
is no definite answer,
every junior class in
the
history of the world has become a
senior class at one point in time, so
we can pretty much assume that this
rule will continue to hold true. With
this established we must then shift our
thoughts to: “How will we fill the shoes of
the dinosaur senior classes that have come
before us?”
This is a valid question for us to ask, because
as we all know there is a lot more to seniorhood than
going crazy during pep rallies and getting to leave
first after assemblies. Along with these rights come
the responsibilities of leading the rest of the school.
From choosing the theme verse to completing a service
project, the duties of the senior class are many.
With this great burden soon to be placed on our
shoulders, the junior class must prepare itself. We are
no longer one of Santa’s obscure reindeer,
like Harold, but rather one of his leads, like
Dasher. No longer will we have to stare
at other reindeer’s cabooses and follow
blindly. Now it is up to us to decide the
route and make sure all the kids get
their presents on time.
Being suddenly thrown into
such a position can be rather
shocking. After all, hiding
behind the other deer
and pulling only a small
fraction of the weight has
its advantages.
Apart
from
the
occasional
funky
smells, it is nice and
cozy at the back of the
pack, but no one ever
remembers the guys
who stay back there.
Reindeer like Horatio
and Hubert rarely
make the history
books. It’s the guys
out in front, who
fear no failure, who
become legends.
So, ready or not, next
year is approaching, full of
tricks and trials. How we will meet
that year we have yet to see, but hopefully we
juniors will be able to handle the duties of the
seniors.
Who knows, we might even do a good
job. After all, we did win the Spirit Stick on
numerous occasions, even if we were only
cheering for the sake of beating the seniors. That has
to count for something.
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The Curtain Falls
“I
reality of her departure, one of her students summed
up her legacy in a simple statement: “Mrs. Oldham is
the epitome of what a teacher should be.” Often we
forget that teachers are not only called to instruct, but
inspire as well.
Although she may simply be showing a student
to sing on pitch or to convey a certain emotion to the
audience in a production, the passion for what she is
doing and for whom she does it resonates from every
part of her being. Through her music, her faithfulness,
and her presence, students seek her guidance and
friendship and are drawn not only to the wonderful
woman that she is, but to the God she serves with all
that she does.
With her departure, a part of BA itself seems to be
going with her. Her inspiration and smiling face will be
missed dearly, yet she is a teacher never to be forgotten.
The imprints she has left on the hearts of many will never
fade, and her memory will never cease to inspire.
Kicking and Screaming
R
by Kendrick Newton
eal Madrid. Arsenal. Bayern Munich. AC
fought. From the frozen slushiness of early February
Milan.
to the summer heat of late May, the team has been led
Though these fine international soccer clubs
both on the field and on the sidelines (sometimes due
may win UEFA championships and league cups, the
to injury) by a cabal of committed seniors. David “Jr.”
spirit that binds and moves the Brentwood Academy
Varn, Cam “The Man” Day, Patrick “Okay” Kennedy,
boys soccer team surpasses that of those aforementioned
and Patrick “Hair Flipper” Read, battled all season long
powerhouses. Led by the astute and fearless
for this team, with Read
Coach Johnson (a veritable Sir Alex Ferguson),
and Day battling injuries
this season will live with those who witnessed it
as well as opponents.
as a testament to the dedication of many.
From the long-range
Despite a myriad of injuries and a brutal
strikes on a free kick to
regular season schedule that has seen our boys
tip-of-the-glove
saves
soccer team play some of the best in the state,
from the goalkeeper, the
these masters of the pitch have emerged tried,
season has been packed
tested, and ready to do battle in postseason play.
with intensity — and with
And while the fate of the 2005 season will have Zach Langen fights for the ball against the
a strong showing from the
already been decided by the time you are reading Beech Buccaneers.
underclassmen among the
this article, I for one do not have to wait until that time to
starters, the thrill of the world’s most popular sport is
congratulate them on a season that has been assiduously
sure to stay at BA for many years to come.
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Reflections on a Friend
by Jessika Doyel
’ve heard it said that people come into our
lives for a reason, bringing something we
must learn, and that we are led to those who
help us most to grow if we let them… I know I am who
I am today because I knew you.”
Often, among the masses of humanity, one person
may stand out above the rest for their kindness,
goodness, and humble sense of self; Mrs. Oldham is
one such person. It’s not because she is outgoing, nor
because she is some famous celebrity, but because her
personality and character are simply, I suppose you
would say, inspirational. Like a truly magnificent song,
she is able to influence her students and fellow teachers
without even realizing it. Her words of wisdom and
encouragement inspire her students to strive not simply
for mediocrity, but to rise to excellence. For over a
decade, Mrs. Oldham has been a key part of Brentwood
Academy; she has sacrificed a great deal of her time
and her life for her students. When faced with the
Ta l o n
by Guest Writer Alison Tanner
It was almost a year ago that Bob Muzikowski, defender of
Chicago’s troubled West Side, asked our very own Coach Brad
Perry to take the position of Dean of Academics for a new
Christian high school in the near west side, just a few miles
from the city’s famous “Loop.” Since that time the building
has been purchased, students have enrolled, and plans have
been laid for a project aimed at reshaping that part of the city.
Unfortunately for Brentwood Academy, that means the loss
of our Spiritual Life Director, football and track coach, history
teacher, SLT sponsor, Talent Show MC, and friend. Guest
writer Alison Tanner shares the depth of his impact on
her and the BA family.
C
oach Brad Perry has been a
monumental figure at Brentwood
Academy for many years, starting
when he was in high school. He carries
himself with integrity, has the most
humble heart I’ve ever known, and
displays a desire to love students like
no one I’ve ever seen.
Coach Perry’s love for his students
reaches out of the classroom, into his
office after school or during activity
period, and even further into his home
on the weekends or at night. He is a man
whom people, especially teenagers, are
drawn to because of his love for Christ,
and the innumerable ways that he shows
that throughout his life — whether it be
talking a problem through or laughing
with his entire family at his dinner table
— are evidence of this fact. He not only cares
for the students where they are, but also calls
them to something higher than can be imagined; he
challenges me everyday to love an unlovable person or
to reach outside my “Brentwood bubble” into a world
that is unfamiliar to me.
Because of his indescribably humble heart, there are
many at BA who have no idea what his absence will
truly mean for this school next year. I would go so far
as to say that much of what our school is today is due to
the commitment, service, and love that Brad Perry has
poured without measure into a place that he loves.
Coach Perry has been there to celebrate the great
days and pull me through the rough ones. I could never
sing his praises highly enough, but I can say for all of us
who have had the privilege to know him that this man
is a living blessing.
He does so much behind the scenes, never asking
for the
glory of his endless work
while
meeting
with kids on
an intense
personal
level
i n
Coach,
teacher,
friend,
mentor and
father- Coach
Perry loves on
his kids Paxton and
Sophia at a b-ball game.
their
lives as well. This man will be greatly missed, but it is
a privilege for our school to be able to send this servant
to a place in need, as he brings hope through his school
in inner-city Chicago.
Without a doubt he will make a mark there as large
as the one he has made here.
R
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The Dangers of a Haphazard Coffee
Run Lola Run Revealed
by Ben Neese
by Kasey Arnold and Paige Parkey
odney Shankmire, a middle-aged white collar
worker, innocently poured a few drops of nondairy creamer into his cup of lukewarm coffee,
not knowing that his indifference to coffee creamers
was to be his and his entire species’ ultimate downfall.
Such ignorance of coffee creamers is common among
men, but who can blame them? Why does it matter
if a person doesn’t like to hassle with refrigeration or
pasteurization and just wants to have a good cup of
coffee without all the trouble? This is exactly the attitude
that manufacturers of this product expect from their
customers. Most people will drink anything, as long as
it tastes good and is not a funny color. Unfortunately,
we have been brought to the edge of a crisis, a crisis that
threatens to wipe our entire race off the planet.
When a person nonchalantly adds a few milliliters of
non-dairy creamer to his beverage, he realizes not that
he is imbibing a dangerous quantity of an extremely
flammable substance. Truly, non-dairy creamer is one
of the most flammable substances at the immediate
disposal of the common man. If you don’t believe me,
take some “harmless” Dr. Foghorn’s Coffee Creamer,
make a design on a surface somewhere, and light it
up. I would not recommend doing this on your face or
even your little sister’s
face. You’ll see what
I mean.
Since
it
passes right
through
y o u r
system,
it’s not
really
that big of
a danger, right?
Wrong. The body
often mistakes flammable substances like methane in
the creamer to be useful nutrients. Once the chemicals
are stored away, they can stay there for up to five
years.
This is precisely what the manufacturers are counting
on. They sit at their desks squinting their noses while
trying to wag their big bushy tails. That’s right, squirrels
are the top, in fact the only manufacturers of non-dairy
creamers. While they pretend to be hibernating, they
are actually at a secret underground plant somewhere
in southeastern North Dakota. Here they extract all
of the necessary components from their millions of
collected nuts, which they don’t need for warmth since
they enjoy a complete heating/air conditioning system,
and combine them with other ingredients to formulate
their miracle product.
You might be wondering why squirrels would
manufacture such a thing. The simple truth is this:
the squirrel race has been plotting world domination
since roughly April 25, 1988. Their plan started with the
manufacture and sale of non-dairy coffee creamer. They
then invest the profits into large amounts of TNT and
slowly chew it up into tiny, almost microscopic pieces.
These pieces are stored for future use.
Once the entire human race is addicted to their nondairy creamer, the tasteless TNT will be dissolved into
coffee creamers and sent out for distribution. When it is
imbibed, it will combine with the flammable chemicals
already in the body to form a highly explosive mixture.
With the help of the body’s natural electrical currents,
the situation will result in what is sometimes referred
to as “a rather unpleasant and undesirable feeling of
pressure in the lower torso,” which can lead to “a loud
‘pop’” and “the unwilling distribution of the body.”
I know what you’re thinking: this guy is crazy. I
would be skeptical too if I were you, but I’ll let you
in on how I know this stuff. Well, it must have been
June or July of last year when I found out. I was calmly
riding my bike to the pool when I noticed a squirrel set
for a collision with a mailbox post. Obviously, he was
not looking where he was going, since he was mainly
concerned with the black Lab in hot pursuit. I simply
yelled at him to watch out, and he was able to pull a
rather fancy misdirection move on the Lab that led to
the dog’s sudden impact into the mailbox. For my help
he rewarded me with his knowledge so I could save
myself.
Now, since we couldn’t communicate with words,
I primarily interpreted his gestures. I’m quite good
at charades, however, so I am pretty sure of my
discovery.
T
“We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.”
-T.S. Eliot, The Four Quartets
his paradoxical quote introduces the quest of
a woman for the answer to an ever-elusive
question. Run Lola Run is the story of Lola (Franka
Potente from The Bourne Identity) and her exploration
of the depth and sincerity of the sacrifices required for
pure love. This independent German film (yes, subtitles
are necessary) is a mere eighty minutes in length but
won several awards for its creativity and novelty at the
1999 Sundance Film
Festival.
Due to its radical
cinematography and
editing, Run Lola Run
captures not only the
mind, but the senses.
Described by Philip
Masters as, “Groundhog
Day on steroids,”
the foreign film is
driven by a heartpounding
techno
soundtrack that rivals
the experience of
listening to Pink Floyd
in Jackson Shaw’s
Lexus. The intensity
is enthralling, the
graphics are enough
to cause an adrenaline
rush, and the storyline is captivating.
The entire movie is cyclical: “After the game is before
the game.” Based on a twenty-minute time period with
three different outcomes, Lola seeks to find the perfect
unity between obedience, sacrifice, and love while
defying time.
The reason this movie is so intriguing? Lola’s
decisions and actions affect the lives of several other
people, the outcomes varying in each cycle of time —
sometimes good and sometimes bad. Every little bump,
word, and look can drastically change a life.
Ironically, the theme of this pulsing race of a movie
is “waiting.” Run Lola Run is permeated with the idea
that waiting patiently for divine answers is better than
impulsively deciding our own actions. For instance,
Lola’s boyfriend’s name is Manne, which happens to be
related to the original Latin word meaning “to wait.”
Ultimately Lola realizes that in her decisions to
wait, she is rewarded, for she discovers the meaning of
perfect love as she is given the opportunity to save the
life of someone she detests.
It is through this sacrifice that the unity of all factors
is achieved and Lola is redeemed.
Run Lola Run (called Lola by its fans) is an
astoundingly captivating film sure to make you think
long after the credits have rolled.
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To Spelunk Or Not to Spelunk...
T
by Allison Dove
he darkness consumed my sight. I twisted my
hand lamp. Looking above the heads of my
fellow students I spotted large spiders almost
clear from the lack of light. My hands rubbed against the
cool, damp wall and my feet sunk slightly in the mud.
Water dripped onto my uncovered head. I pressed on.
Sitting in a near yoga squat, I scooted my way through
a small crack. Then spread eagle, hands on one ledge,
feet on one opposite, I walked across a ravine. I could
see sunlight filtering through the escape. I trudged on. I
then climbed a wall overlaid with moss. Grabbing onto
rocks and old two by fours, I ascended into the daylight.
Plastered with mud and chilled, a smile spread across
my face.
Yes, my fellow friends had been quite right: you
should come to the spring spiritual life retreat. You
could go cave spelunking. And this is exactly what
many of the daring campers did on this past retreat to
Camp Easter Seals. Some armed with complete climbing
gear, while others only armed with the light of their cell
phones, all students took to the hidden woods in the
backwoods of Easter Seals.
After caving, everyone rushed to see the NCAA Final
Four and chow down on some grub, but not without
hearing from our inspiring speaker Jonathan Swain. He
spoke of the journeys of life, often referring to his own
tragic loss of a daughter, Summer.
We also went to small topical groups in which we
discussed topics from pornography to the story of
Genesis. Led by teachers and coaches alike, they were
meant not only to invigorate our spiritual lives, but to
inspire thought. An overall sense of fellowship filled
the cabins, and friendships were strengthened, if not
made for the first time.
Dove Continues Global Conquest
E
by Chris Blankenship
very year, shortly after Brentwood Academy
students return from sabbaticals in such
exotic faraway places as Seaside, Florida, and
Breckenridge, Colorado, fifty or so of those tanned (or
extremely pale) scholars take a journey of a different
sort—one into the hectic, dog-eat-dog world of
politics (without the backstabbing and national
scandal). While staying at the Sheraton, these
students, along with over five hundred others
from around the state, take part in a simulation
of the Tennessee government.
Led by long time advisor Mrs. Stewart,
the BA Legal Eagles donned their finest suits
and dresses and prepared to argue fascinating
points such as tax law and bicycle helmet
regulation (and less interesting things, like the
dangers of Tennessee’s crystal meth production
and the implications of the No Child Left Behind
Act). Before their trek began, they spent hours
researching their proposals to be thoroughly prepared
for the competitive and inquisitive dialogue in which
they were to partake. After dredging through after
school practice sessions chaired by seniors DeVan Ard
and Chris Blankenship, the students were well prepared
when the day came; the number
of Outstanding Spokesperson
and Outstanding Bill awards
testified to that fact.
In a tradition of
victory established at the
beginning of BA’s Youth
Legislature program, all
five of the delegation’s
candidates for office
won their respective
elections. And following
in the footsteps of great
Brentwood
Academy
governors before her, junior
Allison Dove (pictured at left)
took the gubernatorial election and
became the first female governor in three decades.
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Dance Dance Revolution!
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Seniors Head into Seventh Inning
S
by Chad Boring
pring is a time of noticeable trends. The
temperature is rising, teachers are struggling to
keep their students’ attention, and fewer and
fewer seniors can be found at school each day. Another
positive trend can be found taking place in the back
corner of the BA campus. Day after day, the baseball
team continues to
win.
Yes, the Eagles’
baseball team is
earning
victories
at a pace almost as
impressive as the
number of students
called to Coach
Pitts’ office each day.
The success of the
team is due largely
to the courageous A freeze frame of Alex Boyd smashing the
leadership of eight ball for yet another hit.
seniors. Sophomore Martin Johnson comments on the
leadership of the soon-to-be alumni: “They always keep
up the intensity in practice and games and make sure
we work hard.” So while most seniors spend much of
their time these days asleep at home, this octet of senior
baseballers is not only recording a very successful
season, but preparing the underclassmen to fill their
large cleats when they are gone. On the field they stand
as giants: Mike Bowen, Brad Bowker, Josh Butler, Tyler
Griffin, Andrew Nickerson, Bradley Minnigan, and
Josh VanFleteren. Many underclassmen go so far as
to attribute the success of the team to the unity of the
seniors. “We lost a lot of great talent last year,” admits
Minnigan, “but this year’s senior class has really come
together, and I believe, because of that, we’ve been
able to win so many games. I can honestly say that
my teammates are my best friends, and that we have
grown closer to one another because of all the work we
have put in.” Wise words in a society which still echoes
Lombardi’s famous musing on winning.
Eagles’ Spikes Tear Up the Track
H
by Addie Lee
ebrews 13:5-6, the verse chosen by the Lady
Eagles track team as the theme verse for the
2005 season, reads, “’Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence,
‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can
man do to me?’” An encouragement in the midst of a
grueling meet or
practice,
the
scripture has
become more
than
words.
“This
verse
reminds
me
that God is in
control,
and
it helps me to
In a highly symbolic gesture, senior Philipa Davies run my race,”
passes the baton to sophomore Victoria Dunlap.
states Abigail
Lawrence.
The proof is in the success the team has had so far.
Kelsey Tunney, Paige Griffin, Lane Jacobs, and Alyssa
Mankin broke the 4x800m school record by 9 seconds
with a time of 9 minutes and 28 seconds at the Charlie
Harper Relays. Philipa Davies, Victoria Dunlap, Meg
McAlister and Lara Langworthy broke the 4x100m
record by 1 and 1/6 second, with a time of 49.1 seconds
at the Charlie Harper Relays as well. And at the Doug
Hall Relays, Meg McAlister, Lara Langworthy, Philipa
Davies, and Alyssa Mankin broke the Middle Distance
Medley record by 4 seconds with a time of 4 minutes
and 18 seconds.
As the state track meet in Memphis approaches, the
girls are gearing up to take on strong teams like Harpeth
Hall and Evangelical Christian School for the Division
II championship title. With God’s help and fearless
determination, the team can come out on top.
Ta l o n
10
M ay 2 0 0 5
Superlatives
William Mahan: Most likely to start a trend
Shelby Mashburn: Most likely to marry a pro baseball
player
Clint Mason: Most likely to go through the day only
speaking movie quotes
Kristin McCollum: Most likely to be a spokeswoman for
Coach
Rachael Meadors: Most likely to become a hippie
David Meek: Most likely to come back and teach
Christian Dynamics at BA
Bradley Minnigan: Most likely to sing rap as a career
Craig Mockmore: Most likely to own Taco Bell
Brittany Moore: Most likely to be a backup dancer in a
Ciara video
Kelsey Moore: Most likely to be a pro snowboarder
Lindsey Moore: Most likely not to become friends with
the Olsen twins
Katie Morrison: Most likely to become the best-known
photographer for the National Geographic
Caitlin Murphree: Most likely to write her own novel
Terrell Murphy: Most likely to graduate from BA
Lindsay Netterville: Most likely to have perfect
attendance
Ford Newell: Most likely to tear his ACL again
Kendrick Newton: Most likely to coach track at BA
Andrew Nickerson: Most likely to become a monk
Paige Parkey: Most likely to be a heartbreaker
Michael Pelster: Most likely to fail college
Ashley Powell: Most likely to be a pro polo player
Rob Queener: Most likely to never argue
Brian Ralls: Most likely to be pretty great
Elizabeth Raymond: Most likely to marry Eminem
Patrick Read: Most likely to develop carpal tunnel
syndrome in his neck from flipping his hair
Leigh Rebrovick: Most likely to get her car towed
Allison Renfro: Most likely to have a cute new outfit
every day
Mason Revelette: Most likely to work at Scales with
Carrie
Adrian Rhodes: Most likely to start a step team in the
Air Force
Rachel Roberts: Most likely to get arrested for
disturbing the peace
Luke Roe: Most likely to get married first
Katelyn Rutledge: Most likely to become her mom
Kofi Semenya: Most likely to start a gossip column
Jackson Shaw: Most likely to drive a Pinto
Hunter Sinclair: Most likely to take over the world
Brian Smith: Most likely to assassinate a world leader
Carrie Smith: Most likely to work at Scales Elementary
Fleming Smith: Most likely to release his anger through
violent verbal eruptions
Whit Smith: Most likely to own a PetSmart
Amy Steinhouse: Most likely to sing for a sultan
Emily Stewart: Most likely to have dreadlocks
Samantha Stewart: Most likely to work in a cubicle
Sarah Storey: Most likely to be told to brush her hair
Alison Tanner: Most likely to plan sorority events
Pat Thomas: Most likely to vote Republican
Anna Townsend: Most likely to get fired from the
Humane Society for animal cruelty
Kelsey Tunney: Most likely to start a cult
Barry Turner: Most likely to be in the NFL
Josh VanFleteren: Most likely to be awesome
David Varn: Most likely to be the next Eminem
Emily Vickers: Most likely to have an art show in NYC
Mary Lynn Ware: Most likely to become a Gwen Stefani
stunt double
Robin Warren: Most likely to never have a boyfriend
Beau Wells: Most likely to lasso his future wife
Ed Williams: Most likely to be named Sgt. Ed
Rebecca Yarbrough: Most likely to marry DeVan Ard
Where on Campus?
Be the first reader to send an e-mail to
[email protected] specifying
the exact location of the object in this photo
and receive a $20 gift certificate to Borders
to satisfy your ear, mind or stomach.
Ta l o n
9
M ay 2 0 0 5
2005 Senior
Hunter Adams: Most likely to be on MTV’s Cribs
Ashley Alexander: Most likely to become a pale nun
Willie Andrews: Most likely to say “Yeah, dawg”
DeVan Ard: Most likely to be Rebecca’s trophy
husband
Kasey Arnold: Most likely to never show her emotions
Rachel Bachmann: Most likely to win Fear Factor
John Ballard: Most likely to call his daughter Princess
Ali Beki: Most likely to be in boy band
Katy Blackburn: Most likely to wear her Music City
Bowl dance costume to her children’s dance rehearsal
Megan Blalock: Most likely to be on time
Chris Blankenship: Most likely to transfer to Columbia
State
Mike Bowen: Most likely to die from whooping cough
Brad Bowker: Most likely to play chicken with a train
Aaron Broach: Most likely to join the WWF
Andrew Bumbalough: Most likely to become a lifelong
roadie of DMB
Stephen Burris: Most likely to propose to his wife on a
scoreboard
Ashley Burrow: Most likely to start an NPR talk show
Josh Butler: Most likely to stand still
Taylor Caldwell: Most likely to propose to his wife with
a thousand roses
Courtney Cameron: Most likely to join the women’s
professional football league
Wes Cargen: Most likely to be caught in a tutu
Parker Cason: Most likely to go to the Grammy awards
in the next five years
Meredith Christians: Most likely to own 500 pairs of
Coach shoes
Candace Clippard: Most likely to be an Oak Hill teacher
Julia Crownover: Most likely to run for president
Philipa Davies: Most likely to run to a pageant
Courtenay Davis: Most likely to be a wallflower
Cam Day: Most likely to forget how to turn on a
computer
Kathleen Dixon: Most likely to move to a penguin farm
in Antarctica
Paige Dudney: Most likely to go to Monaco
Addison Edmonds: Most likely to marry a woman who
hunts
Allye Ellwanger: Most likely to have star athlete kids
Tiffany Evins: Most likely to be dubbed “vintage”
Katey Fadler: Most likely to wear dresses every day in
college
Ashley Fitzhugh: Most likely to never laugh at a joke
Courtney Flow: Most likely to always be serious
Nick Forte: Most likely to be a skinny old man
Brittany Fuson: Most likely to own her own fashion
boutique
Claire Godwin: Most likely to go to Phish concert
Merritt Goodman: Most likely to come back and coach
basketball at BA
Caroline Graham: Most likely to write a best seller
Paige Griffin: Most likely to become a stand-up
comedian
Tyler Griffin: Most likely to follow up on Einstein’s
theories
Jessica Harris: Most likely to say everything at least
three times
Reid Hill: Most likely to sweat after eating cheese dip
Emily Holland: Most likely to misplace her dance
clothes, even when she is wearing them
Ryan Huie: Most likely to have glow in the dark stars
in his dorm room
Mary Hunter Husband: Most likely to be the next Ms.
Congeniality
Wende Jackson: Most likely to have her own TV show
called “Delicious Dishes”
Lane Jacobs: Most likely to carol for random people on
campus while doing interpretative dance
Albert Johnson: Most likely to own a shotgun
Catherine Kelly: Most likely to get married before
college
Patrick Kennedy: Most likely to get in a high speed car
chase
Bryan Kephart: Most likely to be on Broadway
Page Keyser: Most likely to attend a Kentucky Derby
and own the winning horse
Elizabeth Kirkland: Most likely to hold choral concerts
in her dorm room
Megan Langworthy: Most likely to run two miles in her
jazz shoes
Stacey Lawrence: Most likely to wear Roxy
Bruce Little: Most likely to come to school
Ben Loftin: Most likely to be in a monster truck rally
Ta l o n
6
M ay 2 0 0 5
Bench Buddies Warm the Dugout
B
by Emily Ralls
A softball has been a real hit this season! (No
Their favorite pastimes include cheering, eating
pun intended.) From the action in the midfield
snacks, and the occasional pinch-run. Their love of the
to the drama in the outfield, the Lady Eagles
game is unchanging, their knowledge ever-growing,
keep their loyal fans coming back for more. In writing
their faces always smiling. You’ll never hear them
this article, I would hate to follow the form of what
complaining about not being one of the team’s so-called
any other journalist will tell you, though. It is true that
stars. They know that whether you’re Hercules or Tiny
Shelby Mashburn, Allye Ellwanger, and Kathleen
Tim, everyone has something
Dixon are valuable players and senior leaders, but
to contribute to the game. Not
I shall break the mold and go beyond the senior
that they’re untalented. On the
class, even beyond the actual field. I bring you the
contrary!
tale of the unsung heroes of the game: the frosh.
This
year’s
freshmen
The beloved dugout-dwellers (C-skillet Gilliam,
show great potential and
Logan “Shawty” Innis, and L-Bizzle Wilcher)
fundamental skill. I think I
contribute much more than what we see as fans.
speak for everyone when I say
They provide the team with comic relief, moral
we hope to see them back next
support, and do the truly strenuous work of the Holly Victory grimaces at the effort she
year, this time as the rough
gives
for
her
team.
game — keeping the books.
tough tenth graders.
Lady Stickheads Check In
by Anita Mathews
T
hey walk among us. With determined looks
set in stone on their faces, they pass you in the
hallway every day.
Who
are
they?
Some say they’re
participants in an
athletic-medley
experiment
gone terribly,
terribly wrong.
Others
say
they’re
just
trying
to
avoid running
track, while
conserving
gas money
by not going
to
the
YMCA. But in
a c t u a l i t y,
they
are
Brentwood
Academy’s
very own
girls’ lacrosse
team.
Though as
the season
started it seemed
that the boys
in the freshman
hall got more
playing time than
the team itself,
these girls are Joanna Trabue watches for the
learning
to handle their ball to come her way in practice. s t i c k s
with surprising agility and prowess. Leaving the field
each day battered and bruised, they endure tough
scrimmages, putting into action the skills they’ve begun
to master.
Says first-time lacrosse player Taylor Gibbs about
the sport, “It’s [the sport is] fun, but it’s actually harder
than most people think. I’ve learned a lot from Mrs.
Laws and the other girls out there.”
Distracting the nearby boys’ tennis and track teams
with alluring eyegear and glamorous mouthguards,
the team works with determination to prepare for a
possible scrimmage against Ensworth High School and
hones their skills for a promising next season.
Whether that means freshman-on-junior practice
or the occasional water balloon fight (which drenches
players and spectators alike), these girls put a lot of
effort into each day of practice.
So next time you see a member of the team walking
by with a lacrosse stick clenched in her fist, take the
time to appreciate them for who they really are—girls
who really know how to handle those sticks.
Ta l o n
7
M ay 2 0 0 5
Ta l o n
Brad Kennedy
and Mary Hol
lis model
the latest “slow
dancing” tech
niques.
e
th
at
breaks it down
Kofi Semenya
dance.
8
M ay 2 0 0 5
The senior Academy Dancers get ready to show the Prom-goers how it is done.
Prom 2005
s boogie
Ed William
kerson, and
ic
s.
N
te
w
da
re
r
ei
nd
r th
n, A
they look fo
Tyler Griffi
down while
L’Amour A Paris
What grace! Allison Renfro and Rachel Bachmann make like the 18th century
and curtsy for the camera.
“P.I.M.P.”
and Hunter
” Rebrovick
ow
br
n.
ye
io
at
“E
nt
h
Leig
Prese
uff for Senior
show their st
Sinclair
Brittany
Fuson, T
on
photo op
at the Fa i Portacci, and R
a
ctory in
Franklin chel Rogers enjo
.
y yet ano
ther
d
Lawrence, an ss
old, Abigail
r le
rn
ei
A
th
n
to
ga
t
or
ou
M
nd a shoutse
Sophomores
n
an
hm
eth Bac
at home.
Sarah Elisab
nds sitting
phomore frie
so
e
at
un
rt
fo
Fleming Smith
and Kelsey Moo
re make the pe
some and cute
rfect royal coup
, blond and bu
le: tall, dark an
bbly. Awwww.
d hand..what a dream
boat.