talon - Brentwood Academy
Transcription
talon - Brentwood Academy
Ta l o n 15 November 2004 Bend It Like BA T by DeVan Ard he crowd was drenched. The coaches were on in the semi-finals at the Girls Preparatory School, one edge. And on the mind of every player was a thing is certain: their play was the full embodiment of single word: State. With mere minutes to spare Paul’s inspired words. and the score tied at one, it looked like the game was going to go into overtime, making the coveted trip to Chattanooga that much farther away. It was a moment of truth, and the Lady Eagles’ fiercest warrior, known by the fans as “K-K,” was up to the challenge. “Even when it was tied, during the second half, I knew we were going to win. We had the momentum and they were freaking out,” said Megan Blalock, currently in her fourth year as a varsity defender. With a long ball barely onside and a spectacular goal past the helpless keeper, Katelyn Rutledge helped assure Brentwood Academy a spot in the 2004 Girls State Soccer Tournament. The culmination of a hardfought season, wrought with triumphs and struggles above: The senior girls - the epitome could be felt in the air that October afternoon: they of leadership had made it. through strength and “I don’t know how to describe it. It was the poise - soak up first time we had ever beaten BGA; it was the first the summer time we had ever gone to State; it was the first sun with Coaches time we had ever come back from being down Bezuidenhout at the half,” continued Blalock. Perhaps most and Johnson. left: Eliza profoundly, each girl knew that they had met the Vaughn yells challenge that they had placed upon themselves love sonnets from at the beginning of the year, founded on 2 Timothy the field to Carter in the stands. 1:7—“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of selfdiscipline.” Admits Blalock, “We all wanted to really live out this verse, and with the victory over BGA, everyone knew we really had.” The girls, led by a core of seniors including Sarah Storey, Lane Jacobs, Megan Blalock, Claire Godwin, Candace Clippard, Katey Fadler, Paige Parkey, and Katelyn Rutledge, played hard at the State tournament in Chattanooga, which they entered with a record of 13-4-1. In spite of their defeat by the defending champions, Baylor, Lara Langworthy, the surprisingly agile freshwoman, attacks the goal with senior support close behind. th 35 Anniversary TA L O N Ta l o n Brentwood Academy TA L O N Talon Staff Editor-in-Chief 1 November 2004 First Quarter 2004-2005 Volume 35 Issue 1 The Talon is a quarterly publication produced by students at Brentwood Academy. Member of the Tennessee High School Press Association DeVan Ard Assistant Editors Chris Blankenship Caitlin Murphree Comments and suggestions are welcome! Please e-mail us: [email protected] Layout and Design Editor Rebecca Yarbrough 219 Granny White Pike Brentwood, TN 37027 Copy Editor www.brentwoodacademy.com Production Assistant 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. Michael Pelster Kelsey Moore Staff Writers Colleen Boyle Allison Dove Jessika Doyel Addie Lee Alyssa Mankin Anita Mathews Kendrick Newton Emily Ralls Mason Revelette Whit Smith Sponsor Barry Robbins The Talon Brain Trust: Layout Editor Rebecca Yarbrough, Copy Editor Michael Pelster, Assistant Editor Caitlin Murphree, Editor-in-Chief DeVan Ard, and Assistant Editor Chris Blankenship. (So sadly, not pictured is our Production Assistant Kelsey Moore.) Ta l o n 14 November 2004 Matthew 25: 40 T by Caitlin Murphree he beginning of a new school year ushers in not only a new senior class but also a new senior service project, a project introduced as Student Mentors and Resolute Tutors. Also known as SMART, this endeavor is dedicated to serving the needs of two local elementary schools, New Hope Academy and Kirkpatrick Elementary School, over the course of the school year. New Hope Academy is an independent school in Franklin dedicated to economic and racial diversity, while Kirkpatrick Elementary is a Nashville inner city public school that has been visited by President Bush to honor its improvements under the No Child Left Behind Act. BA will provide landscaping for their campuses, tutoring, and childcare, in addition to running various book and clothing drives. Since the project began in October, the senior class’s hopes for the future of this project have grown. “It’s really important to us this year that we not only address but go beyond serving the basic needs of these kids,” project chair Kasey Arnold comments. “We really want to know them by name and love them as individuals. Our ultimate goal for this service project is to form and foster relationships that will truly last.” The senior class believes that such relationships will bring about the greatest change in these kids’ lives. In order to more adequately serve the needs of these two schools, the upper school has been split into two work forces. Seniors and sophomores are working with New Hope, while juniors and freshman work with Kirkpatrick Elementary. The middle school is supporting the SMART project by participating in coat drives. Ultimately, the goal of this project is not only to love and serve the children we work with, but to engage the entire student body and Brentwood Academy family America Knows Best T by Guest Writer Samantha Stewart op at the box office this week is Shark Tale, that ingenious animated classic about sea creatures who have the courage to take on underwater bullies. Boy, the people at Pixar were sure taking a chance with this one, having no idea how an animated story about life under the ocean would fair at the box office; yet once again, originality and creativity pulled through. Speaking of originality, Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan seem to have invented the word. The versatile actresses have stretched the limit once again with their recent films. After the release of Mean Girls, one very blonde girl confessed to me, “I laughed; I cried; it was better than Freaky Friday or even Legally Blonde. The next day I finally had the courage to stand up to that arrogant bimbo who said my clothes were so last season. I’d just like to say, ‘Thank you, Lindsay!’” Yes, thank you Lindsay for using your talent to promote a better America. Though some might call these inerrant dramas “chick flicks,” I must say a word in their defense. I’m reminded of classics such as New York Minute and Clueless; without films such as these, we might never have embraced some of the priceless maxims that bind our country together. The inspired, “Oh my gah!” and “Shut up, girlfriend!” would never have found their way into our hearts and homes had it not been for these breathtaking masterpieces of cinema. Thankfully, Americans usually know a good movie when they see one, despite these so called “haters” of such beloved classics like Kangaroo Jack, which triumphantly beat out Cold Mountain for the #1 spot. America never fails to come through when placing the most worthy films at the top of their “to see” list. Though they may get the shaft at the Oscars, at least America knows a good movie when they see it. And films like Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen will always, I’m sure, be the ones laughing all the way to the bank as artsy shams like Chicago and Moulin Rouge get a palm in the face and a cool “As if!” Whatever. Ta l o n 13 November 2004 The Birdseed Brawl W by Ben Neese here were they? They had to be close, they always were. Maybe they were gone, or dead. I can only hope as much, thought the man in the black suit. His name was Dan. Dan worked in an office complex on the east side of town. Recently his car had been impounded on some bogus parking ticket, and he had been forced to walk home through Jefferson Park for the past few weeks until he was able to liberate his vehicle. At the moment Dan was looking around, keeping an eye out for his adversaries. He was not quite sure about how this whole quarrel had started; and, as far as he was concerned, it was as old as time. He was only concerned about escaping the park unscathed. He was fast approaching the halfway point, a tacky fountain of an old man dancing, when he stopped to listen. It seemed to him as though there had been a far off sound; but, no, it was probably just his imagination. Yeah, that was it. He was way too uptight. He laughed at himself and continued his journey. As Dan passed under a row of pine trees he remembered that the enemy had a new leader, Captain Dase. Maybe, thought Dan, this new guy has bigger and better plans than harassing me, but I can’t be too sure. He knew that Dase was some stupid ruffian, called captain because of some goofy medal he always wore around his neck. Nobody knew where he had gotten it; he probably stole it from some old man while he was sleeping. Its shiny metal surface impressed the others, so they followed his every command. Many good men had tried to steal the medal from the Captain, but none had ever succeeded. By this time in his travels, Dan was feeling pretty good. He was just about three-fourths of the way through the park and he hadn’t seen a single foe yet. They must be losing their edge; that, or Dan was getting too cunning for them. The latter was more likely. He had always prided himself on his sneakiness. Just then he heard it, and this time he could not be mistaken. From his immediate right, there issued his opponent’s war cry: “Quack.” Then another came, this time from the left. He caught a glimpse of one of his feathered opponents through the trees. In a few seconds he heard the dreaded noise surrounding him. Then, a sudden explosion of movement. Dan almost fell over but caught himself just in time. He set off at a full sprint, knocking down pedestrians left and right. He had to get out of here; so much depended on it. It is hard to say what happened next. In the ensuing chaos, Dan had little time to think. He could recall many quacks, a barrage of pinecones, and a lot of collisions with flying birds. When Dan finally came back to a steady mind, he was lying on his back in a patch of grass next to a trash can. It had been a good fight, but he could not deny that he had lost. Dan stood up reluctantly and faced the medal-bearing duck, Captain Dase. “Very good, Captain” he said. “Quack,” replied his opponent. “Very well then, you deserve it.” With this, the man withdrew from his pocket a bag of bird seed and spread it out in front of the victor. He then took a step backward and bowed. The Captain did the best he could to return the action, but being a bird, it was more difficult for him. “I give you my congratulations, friend. But I warn you now: tomorrow I will have sunflower seeds, and those I will not concede so easily.” The man set off, slightly smiling as he made his way toward the park exit. Ta l o n 2 November 2004 Song and Dance Variety Hour at BA L by Chris Blankenship and Whit Smith ed by Coach Perry and a senior duo comprised of Clint Mason and Mason Revelette, the talent show was filled with spectacular musical displays and a fantastic dance performance by the senior girls, with a guest appearance by none other than the Ice Defender himself, Mr. Fleming Smith, as a more sublime Michael Jackson in “Thriller.” Jeff “Conan” Bryant lived up to the expectations of chemistry students school wide with the only teacher’s performance, dazzling the theatre with his smoothly flowing piano solo. In a display of skill and passion, Austin Stephens gave BA a new and needed taste of the violin, treating students to the grace of the classical style. Taking home the first place prize, sophomore Preston Walls’ performance on the electric guitar was no surprise. Student support for the show was extremely strong. Kathleen Dixon felt “it was creative and displayed the diversity of talent that BA has to offer,” and the gregarious Brian Smith elaborated, “It was good.” Defensive lineman and FCA officer Josh Butler offered, “We definitely had the widest range of musical instruments ever, especially because of Austin and his violin. Preston was his usual self on the guitar, which is simply amazing. And the senior girls “Thriller” dance was incredible; the way the crowd reacted when Fleming came out was awesome.” With the show dominated by musical wonders, we must ask, where are our other talents? Where are our actors and masters of obscure talent, the displays of physical skill and verbal prowess? While we were treated to an incredibly diverse musical display, other arts were most certainly lacking. In spite of this, the talent show was a smashing success and a great joy to all present. Congratulations to all those involved. Wes Cargen offers his support for the little man: “The backstage technicians were superb. My hat is off to Cam Day and Bradley Minnigan.” As it should be, Wes. No hats in the building! Rachel Rogers dazzles the crowd with a show-stopping rendition of “Proud Mary.” With the senior girls looking on, Fleming Smith’s stunning cameo showed the audience how it’s done. T Ta l o n 3 November 2004 Ta l o n November 2004 Got LIVESTRONG? Witnessing to Kurdistan by Kendrick Newton by DeVan Ard his summer I sat in my living room taking in Olympic games in Greece; and, while watching the competition, I noticed something most peculiar. A new fashion had arrived in Athens—Lance Armstrong’s fluorescent yellow bands, donned not only by Americans but by athletes from around the globe, all bearing Armstrong’s symbol of hope and survival. So when did these bracelets cross over from being a low-key fundraiser sponsored by six time Tour de France champion Armstrong into a cultural phenomenon? Initially funded by Nike Corporation, the yellow bracelets were introduced this past May by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. They bear Armstrong’s “Livestrong” motto and are sold for only one dollar apiece all over the country, with proceeds going to the LAF to help fund its cancer education, research, and advocacy programs. Armstrong wore one for his sixth consecutive victory in the Tour de France and said in mid-August that he would never take off the inspirational band. Now they are everywhere, and I wasn’t the only one to notice this. “I don’t know what it was with the Olympics, but something happened there,” says Michelle Milford, associate director of public relations for the LAF. On the Monday after the games, the LAF sold more than 300,000 bracelets in a single day. Just how popular are the yellow bracelets? The Lance Armstrong Foundation set an initial sales goal of five million bracelets. As of the publication of this article, it has sold over 12 million. In fact, a second manufacturing plant has come on board in an attempt to keep up with orders. The ultimate validation, however, of the bands’ popularity is that at this moment eBay has some 35 pages of Livestrong bracelets for sale, with many priced at over a dollar. It’s just a rubber band, dyed bright yellow, but it has made people feel they are doing something helpful just by slipping it on their wrists. Rare is the product in American pop culture that can both be cool and promote the greater good. R ecently I sat down with Charmaine Jamieson, mom of Brentwood Academy junior A. K. Jamieson and active volunteer in Nashville’s Kurdish community. She has a unique perspective on America’s involvement in Iraq and knowledge about a people you won’t hear much about on the news. Talon: You’ve been working with Kurds in Nashville for about twelve years now, and have been to Iraq and met with the commanding US general there, as well as the governor of a major Kurdish city. Talk for a moment about the people themselves and where they come from. Mrs. Jamieson: Kurdistan is not an actual country; it is made up of a people called the Kurds, who originally were the Medes. Remember that in Biblical times there were the Medes and the Persians. The Iranians are directly descended from the Persians and the Kurds are directly descended from the Medes. Most people do not realize how far back the history of the Kurds actually goes. News From the Three Dens by Colleen Boyle O 12 nly a quarter into the school year, the Brentwood Academy Middle School is already bustling. Mr. Berger held the inaugural Middle School dodgeball tournament. An intense competition took place on September 11 and was a huge success. Following a fierce battle filled with blood and sweat, the team known as the Dodgeballers (Jackson Boyd, Phillip Henninger, David Hood, Natalie Longeway, Thomas Lundborg, Chandler Parks, Anna Kate Read, Josh Tidwell, Maggie Webb and Ms. McClary) triumphantly took the crown. Recently, the seventh graders made the annual trek to Blue Hole, where they bonded as a class and took advantage of the amenities that Blue Hole has to offer, including swimming, rope swinging, and waterfall jumping. The eighth graders also made the trip down to Mammoth Cave, where they learned more about their fellow classmates. The current Bible study groups are also in full swing, while the sixth and seventh grade boys eagerly await the establishment of a dodgeball Bible study. That’s the latest news from the middle school side of Brentwood Academy. Be sure to come and check out what is going on. Charmaine Jamieson: an ambassador of hope to the Kurdish people. A slideshow of new and interesting hairdos for Mrs. Brasher entertains two fun-loving middle school girls, Esther Buck and Claire Brandon. After the First World War, Kurdistan was divided into four countries by the French and British—Iraq, Iran, Turkey, and Syria. The Kurds are Islamic by faith, but they are a totally different ethnic group than the people around them. Most people mistake them for Arabs, but they are not Arabs—they are Kurds. And they have in their history people like King Darius of the Medes, who spoke to Daniel in the lion’s den. He told Daniel that if his God was able to deliver him from the lion’s den, He would be the God of the Medes. Talon: How did you get involved with the Kurds in Nashville? Mrs. Jamieson: Twelve years ago during Desert Storm, I remember watching cable TV and seeing America’s precision bombs going through chimneys, and we would applaud and think how great, how accurate they were. And then there would be pictures of hundreds of thousands of Kurds being marched up the hills, and I remember thinking, “Is there anything I can do to help these people?” That same year, just a few months later, the Kurds were brought to Nashville, and someone asked me if I would teach them English. They had come over after Saddam had committed a genocide of Kurds. He killed more than 182,000 Kurds in that one year, and his goal was to obtain the oil-rich fields of Mosul and D’hook in Northern Iraq. Saddam came in with his men and killed the Kurds who were living there, drove them out of their homes, and took over the city. That was Mohammed’s technique for taking over; the strength and power of the most brutal person is what dominates in the area. But the land should be completely given back to the Kurds. They should have their own nation and have their ancestral land returned to them. I don’t know if that will ever be granted to them. But they’re happy right now taking one step at a time. They’ve had a peaceful existence for the past twelve years, and during those years under the No-Fly Zone [American air protection of Northern Iraq], they have built schools and other buildings that they couldn’t have had under Saddam in 1991. Talon: After 1991, was there still a fear of Saddam? Mrs. Jamieson: Now, the Kurds were always in fear of Saddam; as long as he was alive, he could come and run out the Americans. Talon: Even though he really couldn’t have. Mrs. Jamieson: Right. But there was still a fear of him and his chemical and biological weapons. It was not a sure thing for them that they would live in safety. There was still a fear of “How much can we rebuild, since Saddam is not captured?” But now that he is captured and his two evil sons are dead, their relief is something that we, as Americans, cannot even comprehend. to be continued in the next edition... E Ta l o n November 2004 Ta l o n 4 November 2004 And The Nominee Is... She’ll Just Keep On Dancing by Chris Blankenship by Jessika Doyel ight days and $4.4 million later, our nation’s nominating conventions are finally over. Marked by heated debates and a close call to determine the nominees, America finally has its Democrat and Republican presidential candidates: Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford. That would have been in September of 1976. Unlike the 1976 conventions, when the Republican nomination came down to Gerald Ford’s 1187 votes over Ronald Reagan’s 1170 , conventions for the past seven elections have been extremely predictable: everyone knew which candidate would be accepting the nomination. Today, Americans know the winner months in advance. The conventions, once a scene of heated debate, divided ballots cast, and even sporadic fistfights, are now simply another publicity platform — a $15 million per party publicity platform. While getting the issues out is extremely important, E 11 are the conventions still necessary? Bush and Kerry have been attacking each other over everything from welfare policy to Ashley Simpson’s new album ever since it became clear that Kerry was “electable.” Despite the inane focus on both candidates’ roles during the Vietnam War, it is still easy to ascertain either of their current stances on a major issue. Was anyone honestly unaware of who was for abortion or not, who was for homosexual marriage and who will not stand for it, or who was in favor of repealing or maintaining the tax cuts? If anyone needs a convention to get a feel for Bush’s or Kerry’s stance on an issue, they should pull their head out of the sand and open their eyes. The conventions were enjoyable to watch; the spectacle and passionate speeches made it so. They were not, however, worth thirty million of the taxpayers’ dollars. U ndoubtedly you have seen Courtenay Davis around the halls of Brentwood Academy; her charismatic personality and inviting spirit are certainly hard to miss. Courtenay is one of those few devoted Murfreesboro residents who go to Brentwood Academy. She has attended BA since her freshman year and over the past four years has participated in BA’s dance class. Courtenay has been dancing for 13 years and is a member of the Academy Dancers. Her favorite movie is the witty sequel Father of the Bride Part II: “I used to watch that movie over and over, but it is still funny every time. You gotta love ‘Franck’; he’s the best.” Although Courtenay’s senior year has just begun, she can already see changes arising in her class at BA and in her life to come after high school, “The best thing is that the whole grade is coming together. I look forward to deciding where to go to college and starting that next step in my life.” As you can see, Courtenay is a talented young lady, always optimistic about the challenges and rewarding experiences that await her just around the bend. An Election Reflection To College...and Beyond! by Rolph Vader—Talon Imaginary Guest Staffer and Presidential Candidate by Kelsey Moore very four years in the United States of America, a horrible beast wakes from its comatose state and devours the nation in its greed, pandering, and animosity. Ambiguous and misleading rhetoric seeps forth from the mouth of the beast and infects everything it touches. And this year, the beast was twice as strong. Marked by a screaming Vermont Yalie, a billionaire Massachusetts Yalie with his thousand dollar hair-dos, and a Texas Yalie whose presidential bid is founded on “strategery,” this year’s campaign (the beast) has been rife with scandal, empty promises, and stories about the Vietnam War. The dual-party, avarice-driven, blueblood aristocracy has wastefully spent millions of donated and taxpayer-produced dollars in an attempt to cover up its own corruption and special interests. But I am not bitter about this. I know what the people want; they want occupational toxic exposure reform! This election has been all about unimportant issues like Iraq and the economy. Where was accountability from the USDA during the debates? Where was the voice of the people then, when it really mattered? Such are the thoughts that I have had on this year’s election. Though I may be forgotten, I am not yet gone. Remember, in 2008, I’ll be back. W ith application deadlines fast approaching, Brentwood Academy’s seniors now carry the full load of their college decisions on their shoulders. Burdened by one of the most weighty decisions of their lives, many feel “homeless” in their indecision and doubts. To help, a few recent BA graduates shared their thoughts and advice on this next phase of life. “I wish I knew that it was okay to do what I wanted to do. Do something you wouldn’t normally do — branch out.” Dana Warren ‘03, Samford University “Laundry stinks because they [the machines] are supposedly “industrial,” but mine at home is three times as big. It’s a scandal.” Michael Jones ‘04, University of Tennessee “I didn’t know I would miss BA. I hate having to walk so much.” William Griggs ’04, Emory and Henry University “At college I’m just a number; at BA I was a face. I miss my teachers and life at BA.” Emily Oldham ’04, Auburn University “I miss musicals at Brentwood Academy like there’s no tomorrow. It’s harder to get involved at college, but do it or you won’t make friends.” Jordan Carnell ’04, Auburn University “I wish I had applied to more colleges when I was a senior. I didn’t think I would get in, but I should have at least tried. I mean, you have nothing to lose.” Hart Hoppe ’04, Columbia College of Chicago “I wish I had known I was never going to sleep, ever, and at least a little bit about economics, because it’s my hardest class ever.” Shay Laws ’04, DePauw University B Ta l o n 5 November 2004 Ta l o n 10 November 2004 A True Renaissance Man These Eagles Need No Wings by Caitlin Murphree by Alyssa Mankin rentwood Academy’s newest addition to its staff is likely to become one of its finest, as well as youngest, members. A newlywed and recent graduate of Belmont University, Brandon Owen is ready to take on what BA has to offer. In his first year at BA, this energetic twenty-four-year-old teacher/coach is set to tackle Christian Dynamics in addition to coaching golf and basketball on both the middle school and high school levels. Recently I sat down with Coach Owen to discover a little bit more about t h e teacher, the coach, and the man. Q: Why BA? A: I felt like I was certainly called to work in education in coaching, predominately, but I’m excited for so many other reasons. I had some great opportunities at Belmont to go straight through graduate school after college, and I was so fortunate to work with people who had graduated from BA. It was through those relationships that I got to know a little bit about the school, and I certainly loved it. I really like the importance that BA places on the spiritual life of the students and the role that athletics plays as a part of a complete education. But those were only the reasons I was interested in it. Why am I here? Probably because Coach Pitts thought enough of me to let me join the staff, but along with that, God has provided so much in the classes I have been able to teach (which have become such blessings in my life) and on the golf team in my opportunity to coach them. Q: What role do you think your personal faith plays in both the classroom and in the athletic arena? A: Let me say it this way: my faith is of primary importance to me in the approach that I take in the classroom as well on the athletic field. My prayer is that my relationship with Christ will underlie every decision I make and every word I say to my students and players, so that within their development as Brentwood Academy students my faith will be an example to them and help them mold their own personal relationships with Christ. That is ultimately why I want to coach; I want to see that same spiritual element within the players. It’s also certainly how I approach Christian Dynamics, so that I may help bring it out in my students as well. Q: What is your favorite aspect of Brentwood Academy thus far? A: The people. I haven’t been here very long, but I’ve really loved the opportunities I’ve been blessed with in teaching and coaching so far. I’ve been most encouraged by the acceptance I’ve felt from the faculty members, administrators, and students alike. I’ve felt so welcomed. The relationships that I’ve begun with those people have been all the more encouraging as well. It’s really nice that we hire such good people here. It presents such a great opportunity to get to know them. Q: And do you want to stay here for a while? A: That’s the plan. I do want to continue my education and hopefully get a doctorate in education someday. But for now, I’m really looking forward to enjoying the opportunities I’ve been given here at BA. B oth the boys and girls cross country teams have soared past competition in the first half of their season. Led by Coach Harper, the boys have managed three wins in four tries, falling only to nationally ranked Houston at the Tennessee Classic. Senior Andrew Bumbalough has led the team, winning each of his races in addition to breaking the Steeplechase course record with a time of 14:36 and a 53 second victory over the closest competitor. Says this resident Gatorade Tennessee Track and Field Athlete of the Year, “I feel the season has gone really well; the guys ran a great race at UTC, winning against a fairly strong field, and then also at the Tennessee Classic. We ran tough but lost to a nationally ranked team out of Memphis, and the guys and I are looking forward to competing at the state meet in November.” The Lady Eagles, led by seniors Kelsey Tunney, Paige Griffin, and Rachel Bachmann, have had quite a successful season. The junior varsity and varsity both claimed victories in the Tennessee Classic, a feat not matched in a decade. With all the varsity runners from 2003 returning for the 2004 season, the Lady Eagles hope their successful September turns into a strong finish in early November at the state meet. Coach Cathy Cheeseman explains, “This team has experience, talent and heart. I believe we can be in the mix with the best teams in the state.” Considering their performance in the Region meet on Thursday, October 28, it seems very possible. The girls placed second, only 10 points behind Harpeth Hall. The boys swept past the competition with a low score of 23 to second place MBA’s 70. Side Out! V by Whit Smith olleyball is an ancient sport. Originating in the western-most part of Persia, “volekbule” was played not for fun, as it is today, but for the right to rule peoples and vast tracts of land. The indigenous tribes of old assembled six of their greatest, fiercest warriors to decide the fate of thousands. If you’re reading this caption and haven’t gone to a girls’ volleyball game, we at Talon have one word for you — shame. Actually, I have no idea when or where volleyball came about and, as a matter of fact, neither do you. But that’s not important. What is important is that Brentwood Academy has assembled six of its finest ladies to lead us into battle this season: Ashley Burrow, Jana Boozer, Kathleen Dixon, Carrie Smith, Lacey Lawrence, and Samantha Little. With Coach Randal Wilcher at the helm, our Lady Eagles have served us ace after ace, complete with a charged atmosphere and a ferocity rivaling that of a Friday night football game. When asked about this season’s volleyball program, Ashley Burrow says she feels that “the volleyball team is already doing great this season. We’ve got a talented group of seniors this year, as well as a strong group of underclassmen. Our only problem is a lack of student support, really; I just think that more students should come out. They don’t know what they’re missing!” Indeed. If you’ve never attended one of the many intense displays of feminine finesse and fury, I encourage you to shuck your online social “studies” and come out to see the Brentwood Academy girls volleyball team in action. GO EAGLES! Ta l o n 9 November 2004 We Don’t Rebuild, We Reload T [losing] the McCallie game really helped; we had a lot more intensity in everything we were doing,” said Brian Ralls, the senior at left tackle for the Eagles. Leading the Eagles is an experienced and talented pack of seniors on top of their game. Perhaps the greatest task for the team was overcoming the effects of Parker Cason’s knee injury, which brought the season of one of the Eagles’ leading seniors to an abrupt halt. “I thought I was going to be out for the entire year, but when I found out it wasn’t torn, it was unreal. It was like I was given another chance.” Parker’s absence in the games he missed was dramatically felt, especially on the scoreboard. And though the Eagles were unable to repeat last year’s victory over MBA, Cason is sure of one thing: the seaason is not over. After a thirty-two year tenure as BA head coach, legend Carlton Flatt broke Tennessee’s all-time win record this season. Coach Flatt has led the Eagles to nine State Championships and is determined to win number ten this season. The chance of another Clinic Bowl appearance looks promising for the Eagles, after the loss to McCallie lit a fire under the team. Senior Brian Ralls is optimistic about the fate of his team: “Hopefully, this The Fighting Irish bow to defeat in the face of the formidable Brentwood Academy Special Team. same intensity and excitement will carry on for the rest of the season and on into the playoffs.” Key linebackers Tyler Griffin and Parker Cason, along with defensive end Barry Turner have been anchoring the defense the entire season and won’t let up until the task is complete. “Every team has its ups and downs, and I think we’ve had our down point; the only direction for this team to go is up,” offers Griffin. “We’re not backing down from anybody.” In the words of the immortal Cosmo Kramer, “Giddyup.” Barry Turner stares down the defense while preparing to strike, leaving several Independence Eagles in his wake. 6 November 2004 Autumn in Hickory Hills by Mason Revelette he 2004 Eagles football season has once again brought Carlton Flatt Field to life, and the team is aiming for another shot at the Clinic Bowl. Going into Homecoming week, the team is coming together and playing a far superior game on both sides of the ball. Despite losing two narrow defeats earlier in the season, the team became much more focused on the task at hand. “I think that the way we practiced after Ta l o n W by Emily Ralls hether it’s getting away for the weekend with friends, putting off homework for a little longer, or the anticipation of meeting with the Creator of the Universe, the Upper School Fall Retreat gets Brentwood Academy students excited. This year was truly special because of the alumni who returned to speak and lead worship. Jared Black (’94), a youth minister and first-rate orator, spoke to the attendees three different times. He discussed who we were before Christ and who we are now that we are in Christ. Jerry Wise (’96) led worship with his remarkable voice and musical ability. Interestingly, this retreat marks the first time alumni have both spoken and led worship at a BA retreat. On Saturday evening, senior Rachael Meadors shared her moving testimony describing how God had used the hard times in her life to bring greater glory to Him. That night we learned several fascinating facts about a few of our faculty counselors. For example, Mrs. Berger once dated an NFL quarterback, and Coach Husband was voted “Best Legs” on his college dance team, while Coach Perry was once arrested for mooning. Last but not least, we discovered that Coach Pitts had received more out–of–school suspensions during his freshman year than anyone in his high school. After watching an emotional UT vs. Florida game, everyone was called to the gym for a massive dodgeball tournament. Every team fought with heart under the flourescent lights in the dusty gym until midnight, but none claimed real victory. The match is currently under review. Charles Yarbrough’s expression of pain is only momentary on this memorable and fun Fall Retreat. Lindsey Locke seems thrilled about spending free time interlocking arms with her fellow sophomore girls. The junior guys put on their best Abercrombie faces. Ta l o n 7 November 2004 Homecoming 2004... Ta l o n 8 November 2004 ...A Trip Back to the 1920’s R esplendent with four-button suits, flapper dresses, and other subtle references to an otherwise rambunctious era, this year’s homecoming was one of new traditions and old favorites. Whit Smith, escapee and Zorro impersonator, serenades the Senior Hall on Mexican Fiesta Day. Senior boys Stephen B. and Andrew B. prepare for a siesta on fiesta day. Ashley Hopmeyer gives new meaning to the phrase “four eyes” on Middle School mis-match day. The football cheerleaders flash their flapper-like moves during halftime. Fleming Smith “thrills” the ladies with his smooth moves at the dance. above: Homecoming Queen Wende Jackson is escorted off the field by her elated father. Mike Bowen sweeps Lindsey Moore off her feet, taking her breath as well as her heart. What a dreamboat.... Freshman Chelsea Hagan pulls a Pretty Woman at the Homecoming dance...lady in red. By day our Production Assistant, by night a rowdy instigator of ballyhoo, Kelsey Moore freezes senior Rob Queener in the 20’s as a Hoovervillite takes in the mayhem.
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