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.4 Viking Voice

By: Jacey Cartwright & Zachary Lohn

The Need to Read

December is Read a New Book

Month, and that means that eve-

ryone is encouraged to pick up

something new. However, over

the past several years, young

adults have devel-

oped a lesser apti-

tude for reading.

Whether engaging

in it academically or

recreationally, read-

ing is important in

the development of

literacy in all young

adults. Lynn Neary,

author for National

Public Radio, sug-

gests that not only

are students losing

the urge to read, but

they are also reading

at a lower level. In the

past 100 years, the

reading levels of young adults has

decreased dramatically. Instead of

reading at a high school level, stu-

dents are now reading at a sixth

grade level.

In order to preserve the

amount of reading in the lives of

young adults, the state of Tennes-

see adopted the Tennessee Stand-

ards in 2010. New tactics and les-

son plans were enforced with

these standards to ensure that

students were not only reaching

their full reading potential in high

school but after high school and

into work forces as well.

Other high-performing coun-

tries across the globe have expec-

tations of young adults that, in

some cases, far exceed expecta-

tions in the United States. By en-

forcing the Tennessee Standards,

students are

offered the

same quality

and scale of

education as

others

around the

world, espe-

cially in the

areas of read-

ing and writ-

ing.

Each year,

the percent-

age of young

adults who

read steadily

declines. Ac-

cording to a 2014 report from

Common Sense Media, the per-

centage of young

adults who read for

fun every day was at

31% in 1984; howev-

er, that percentage has

dropped to only 19%

as of 2012. The im-

portance of reading is

now emphasized more

than ever because of

the lethargicness of young adults

and their unwillingness to read in

and outside of school. With the

Tennessee Standards, students are

urged to read high-level texts. For

the past few years, students have

been reading books intended for a

much younger audience. National Am-

bassador of Young People’s Literature

Walter Dean Myers has received fan

mail that has somewhat come as a

shock. He admits that many juniors

and seniors are reading his books. Un-

fortunately, he wrote the books for a

fifth and sixth grade audience.

Although the Tennessee Standards

puts an emphasis on non-fiction texts,

most of the young adults who read pre-

fer fiction. The same principles of the

Tennessee Standards can be enforced

in fictional reading just as it can in non

-fictional reading. This not only gets

students to read but to enjoy reading

and fully understand and analyze the

text. If the book interests them, they

are more likely to read independently

without force. More popular books

might speak more directly to a teen

thus causing him or her to gain an in-

valuable reading practice.

With December

being Read a New

Book Month, the

importance of read-

ing is stressed more

than ever. The prac-

tice of reading was

once both continu-

ous and widespread,

and that practice

must be retained,

especially for young adults. The im-

portance of reading begins with a sin-

gle sentence, so sit down with your

favorite beverage (like a cup of coffee

from the Buzz *wink *wink), and read a

new book!

For Read a New Book Month, Mag-

gie Bowen picks up a new hard-

back.

“The percentage of

young adults who read

for fun every day was at

31% in 1984; however,

that percentage has

dropped to only 19% as

of 2012.”

Lunch By: Sarah Pierce

Monday Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday Friday

2

Officer Harvey was re-

cently awarded the Ten-

nessee School Counseling

Association (TSCA)

School

Counselor

Advocate of

the Year

award. This

award

recogniz-

es Officer Harvey’s com-

mitment to the students

at Community and the

school counseling profes-

sion. When asked how she

felt about receiving the

award, she commented, “I

didn’t feel like I deserved

to be honored with the

award, but I was happy. I

just do my job.” Congratu-

lations to Officer Harvey

on her achievement!

Officer Harvey takes a moment

from a busy day to share her

award story with us.

Our MVP By: Grayson Garrette and Breanna Meyers

Officer Harvey displays

her shiny, new plaque.

Favorite Christmas Gift By: Sydney Segroves

3

Children all around the world awaken on the morning of December 25 to open presents. The

children always have one special gift they love the most! The Viking Voice discovered what the

students and faculty consider their favorite Christmas gift. Junior Meghan Messick declares her

favorite gift was a ticket to go to Texas to see her brother for a whole week. Freshman Brooke

Addison loved her Kindle; she has a few songs on it that she has written and performed in pag-

eants. Many of the teachers have a favorite gift. Mrs. Lawell states that hers is a box of books

that her mom would collect all year. She explains that she would stay up all night reading them.

Mr. Brown’s favorite gift is a book that his dad gives him every Christmas with a message writ-

ten on the inner cover related to what has happened during that particular year. Unfortunately,

not everyone has a favorite Christmas gift; in fact, Xavier Von Dran confesses, “I despise Christ-

mas.”

Power Of God’s Gifts By: Joel Powell

On November 12 FCA/FCS held

their 18th annual Power of God’s

Gifts. This program gives students

and faculty a chance to express their

gifts for God. The performers defi-

nitely did have gifts.

Some beautiful

songs were sung,

such as “Holy

Spirit,”

“Hallelujah,” and

“Give Me Jesus.”

But singing

wasn’t the only

gift shown; there was dancing as

well. Elijah Manning did a dance

to a dubstep song. Singing and

playing guitar together is a beau-

tiful thing, especially when Jon

Quick, Mason Andrews, Mickey

Lopez, Savanna Williams, and

Michaela Stone play together.

Three of our very own staff

members sang: Ms. Rivalto, Mrs.

Beech, and Mrs. Bowen, where

Mrs. Bowen dedicated her song to

her late father. Mrs. Beech sang

with her children, Isaiah and

James. These songs were beautiful,

just like Ryliegh Lepley’s songs

were.

Austin Derryberry gave a mag-

nificent performance on his

guitar, as did Maggie Bowen

singing “Amazing Grace.”

This year’s

Power of God’s

Gifts was, no

doubt, a good

one. Students

will be able to

participate in

the 19th annu-

al program

next year. Austin Derryberry sings “Give

Me Jesus.”

Mason Andrews, Jon Quick, and

Mickey Lopez perform praise

and worship.

The Beech family perform

“Lord I Need You.”

12 Days of Christmas By: Sydney Gregory

4

On the 12th day of Christmas, high

school gave to me…

12 squares of shading,

11 actors crying,

10 log bases,

9 unfinished vocabs

8 outer electrons,

7 vocab tests,

6 repeated notes

5 SPANISH BIOMES,

4 stressful weeks,

3 crazy deadlines,

2 texts to compare,

And a giant project due in two weeks!

MATCH EACH TEACHER TO THEIR

NUMBER

Mrs. Beech

Mrs. Frost

Mr. Davis

Mrs. Gregory

Mr. Gregory

Mrs. Struk

Mrs. Lemmons

Mr. Brown

Mrs. Garrette

Mrs. Lawell

Mrs. Leverette

Mr. Bratcher

I Spy By: Jacey Cartwright and Sydney Segroves

4

Try to find these unique ornaments

on the Christmas tree!

Dog Treat

Piece of Candy

Mouse

Reindeer

Picture Frame

Snow Flake

Angel

Cupcake

Guitar

Letter To Santa

5

Dear Santa,

This Christmas I have a very long list of requests. First, I would greatly appreciate it if you could get the teachers to stop giving us so much work. Another thing that I would love is for you to make kids realize that it’s not okay to stand in the middle of the hallway and have a conversation and make me late to class! I would also like to recommend that you give coal to students who still think it is okay to put a comma before because!!!

One thing I know all kids might be asking for is a higher ACT score. I know this is a long shot, but if you could give me a 30, that would be wonderful. I’m also running short on NHS points and only need eight more, so if could get those, that would be awesome because be-tween all my schoolwork, clubs, and basketball, I barely have time to sleep much less get NHS points.

Being as busy as I am, I have absolutely no time for a job, but I really need some money. It would be awesome if you could leave me your credit card. My final two requests are probably impossible, but it’s worth a shot. I would like some friends or even a friend at the least. Last-ly, I would like nothing more than to be Sadie Robertson because her life is perfect, and she’s got it all figured out. If you can’t give me any of this stuff, then I guess I’ll settle for a Taylor Swift poster. I hope you have a Merry Christmas, and sorry if my dogs attack you when you come to my house.

Love,

Sarah

Dear Sarah,

Sorry, I don't control how much work teachers give; you can thank the government for that. My advice on the kids in the middle of the hallway would be to just push through them. I will also consider your idea on the "giving coal to kids who put a comma before because" because that gets on my nerves, too, when I'm reading letters. And about the NHS points -don't worry. You only need eight more while the majority of the other kids barely have like one point. And be proud of your 25 because I took the ACT and got a three (I forgot to put my name on it).

I would like to apologize in advance because I don't have a credit card. Mrs. Clause al-ready maxed it out, and now we are in debt like the rest of the world. Also, I am sorry, but I cannot give you friends because the only friends I have are imaginary. I know you would love

it, but I cannot make you Sadie Robertson. Don't feel bad, though, because we'd all like to be her, too! I will consider bringing you a Taylor Swift post-er, but no promises because my elves are mainly Katy Perry fans. Merry Christmas!

Love,

Santa

By: Sarah Pierce

EAT

MORE

CHICKEN

6

Class Points

Artist of the Month

By: Breanna Parker

By: Breanna Meyers

Viking Voice Staff

Jacey Cartwright– Co–Editor

Grayson Garrette

Sydney Gregory

Jessica Hesson

Zachary Lohn

Breanna Meyers

Breanna Parker– Co-Editor

Sarah Pierce

Joel Powell

Sydney Segroves

Carol Garrette– Advisor

By: Kendall Purdom

By. Adriane Dickson

Freshmen 255

Sophomores 410

Juniors 285

Seniors 315

The first drawing is by Kendall Purdom. His drawing is

a pencil grid drawing that he drew from a photograph.

This drawing was done in pencil. His drawing is of a

video game control system and video games. The sec-

ond drawing was created by Adriane Dickson. This

artwork was created using watercolor paint and a pen.

Her drawing is about fall. She drew leaves, a lake, and

acorns falling in the lake. This painting is about creat-

ing visual rhythm in art.

7

Helping Hands By: Breanna Parker

Senior Photo of the Month By: Sydney Gregory

In preparation for Veteran’s Day, Community High’s Student

Council sponsored “Love For a Soldier.” Students brought in specific

items each day of the week, and the items were collected to be given

to homeless veterans and soldiers overseas. Other schools partici-

pated as well, and the school with the most donations will receive

$1,500.

FCA/FCS also sponsored a food drive. This drive went on for

two weeks and worked similarly to “Love For a Soldier.” Items

were collected in the mornings by grade. The items ranged

from oatmeal to flour to spaghetti and much more. FCA/FCS

President Lacey Reed commented, “I am happy with the out-

come of the food drive. We had a lot of participation, and I am

generally pleased with our effort. It is a satisfying feeling to

know that we are helping many families during this holiday

season.”

Love For a Soldier

FCA/FCS FOOD DRIVE

These are December’s senior

photos of the month. To have

yours pictured, email your fa-

vorite to Sydney Gregory at

slgregory98@gmail.com.

Christian Dodson and Danielle Doyle assist

Joel Powell as he loses control of his box of

cans.

Student Council members pose with the signs

they made for “Love For a Solider.”

Rebecca Bobo Chris Joslyn

8

Chart of Bestselling Toys By: Sarah Pierce

1965 Operation

1970 Lite-Brite

1975 Pet Rock

1980 Rubik’s Cube

1985 Nintendo

1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja

Turtles

1995 Beanie Babies

2000 Razor Scooter

2005 Xbox 360

2010 Ipad

2015 ????????

RANT on Dresscode: The Good, The Bad, and The Muddy By: Guest Writer Colton Hargrove

“What is so wrong about people looking normal? I mean, as long as you’re being decent,

covering everything up that’s necessary, and your pants aren’t halfway around your ankles,

you’re good! Right now I’ve got a white shirt on and a button up, and that’s fine. If I want to

leave my buttons undone, and show my shirt that’s under it, what’s wrong with that? Why

do I have to button up all the way just because it’s not a “school shirt,” or doesn’t have a club

or something on it? What’s the matter with a plain, white shirt? I’m a big Superman fan, so I

wear a lot of Superman shirts. I match most of the time, so that’s good. Why can’t I just leave

the button ups open? And holes [in pants], I understand holes. You get too many, and that’s

a problem. If you have little holes at the knees or below the knees, you should be fine. I feel

like you’re good! It does get to the point where it’s at the upper thighs, and it gets weird. An-

yways, how about these collars? I mean it’s “nice,” and it’s good to look nice, but

what good are collars doing? If you have a nice, decent shirt...just wear it. Just

look nice. Just show up to school respectable. I agree, I don’t want to see these

girls in leggings running around everywhere. I don’t want to see these guys with

their hinies showing, but if you look good, then what’s the matter? I mean, wear some khakis or some blue jeans.

Look good. I’d rather you not be covered in mud. If you’re covered in mud, I’d like somebody to say something. Just

try to look nice. If you can’t look nice, then at least try decent. If you are covered up (not with mud), then what is

the problem? There should not be a problem. That’s about all I’ve got for that.” - Colton Hargrove

Check out next months’ issue to read part II

of Colton’s rant featuring Batman and Super-

man!

Dear Cleatus,

How do you tell your best friend

that he/she dates too many people?

-Concerned Colleague

Dear Concerned Colleague,

Perhaps try gently suggesting that

your friend should take a break from

dating. (Or start a rumor that makes

people not want to date this person,

but you didn’t hear that from me.)

-

Cleatus

9

Ask Cleatus

Dear Cleatus,

Is Santa real?

-Sarah Pierce

Dear Sarah,

Despite popular belief amongst people your age, Santa is

in fact real. We vacation together in the summer; great guy.

-Cleatus

One night a Viking

named Rudolph the Red

was looking out the win-

dow when he said, “It’s

going to rain.”

His wife asked, “How do

you know?”

“Because Rudolph the

Red knows rain, dear.”

Riddles/Jokes By: Joel Powell

What did Adam

say on the day be-

fore Christmas?

It's Christmas, Eve!

Dear Cleatus,

Should CHS have a bowling team?

-Ms. Bowling

Dear Ms. Bowling,

Why, yes! We’ve had bowling teams in the past, so

why not now? I have heard a rumor that Mr. Cam

Pruitt was a star bowler when he was in high school

and would be up for coaching the team! See him

ASAP for tryout information. When is bowling’s sea-

son, anyway?

-Cleatus

10

Notable Athletes By: Sydney Segroves and Grayson Garrette

Basketball season is here! The teams are preparing, and they are ready to play the games!

Even though they are athletes, they still need to maintain their grades. Girls Basketball

Coach Allison Martin has chosen Dora Ramos. “Dora has a great attitude; she is always will-

ing to help. She does anything that she is asked without complaining. You will never have

to ask her twice. She goes above and beyond what has been asked of her, and she gives

110% effort.” The boys basketball team has voted on whom they

wanted their notable athlete to be. They have

voted Nathan Smith and Tyler Bushnell. An

anonymous teammate reveals, “Tyler has a great

work ethic. He is also intelligent.” Another

anonymous voter explains that Nathan Smith is

a nice person and an encouraging teammate.

He also performs well on and off the court. Dora Ramos shows

her basketball

spirit.

Nathan Smith and

Tyler Bushnell palm

the ball.

Jingle Banners By: Breanna Parker

Freshmen Juniors

Sophomores Seniors

4th Place 3rd Place

1st Place 2nd Place

Tracy Comes to Town By: Grayson Garrette

11

NHS:

101: Number of students in the club

31: Number of students at the last meeting

FCA/FCS:

1>36

NOTHING FUNNY HAPPENS! THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS, PEOPLE!!!

Pep Club:

932: Number of locker signs put up

10: Number of students Mrs.Frost kicked out on picture day

Math and Science:

1654: Number of candy bars sold to rasie money for this brand new club

4: Average number of questions they get right in a 15 question quiz bowl practice round

5ch001 C1ub5 1n Numb3r5 By: Sydney Gregory

ing bill.

When asked how he felt about

standardized testing, a big contro-

versy in edu-

cation today,

he replied, “I

think that

there needs

to be testing,

but I think

we do too

much. I am a firm believer in pre

and post testing. Plus, there are

changes coming to Common Core.”

Also, when asked about reading

(see page 1), he told us, “Reading is

one of the most important things

you can do. You use reading in

every aspect of life.”

Huge thanks to Jim Tracy

for coming to speak to our stu-

dents, and we hope he is able

to visit

again.

On November 12 Community

High School

had a special

visitor. Ten-

nessee State

Senator Jim

Tracy came

to visit and talk to Coach Edwards’

and Mrs. Lawell’s classes. He in-

formed the students about the jobs

and responsibilities of a state sena-

tor. Tracy also spoke about the pro-

cess of passing a bill. Additionally,

he revealed that he was formerly a

basketball referee, and he recently

passed the No Texting While Driv-

“I think that

there needs to be

testing, but I

think we do too

much.”

Read a New Book Month By: Zachary Lohn and Jacey Cartwright

12

Pick of the Month:

Coach Chris Grooms: Swing Your

Sword by Michael Lewis

Mrs. Kathy Gregory: Raising Money-

Smart Kids by Ron and Judy Blue

Mrs. Rhonda Leverette is

currently reading Fer-

vent: A Woman’s Battle

Plan to Serious, Specific,

and Strategic Prayer by

Priscilla Shires

Dr. Robert Ralston is

currently reading the

Harry Potter series by

J. K. Rowling

Mr. Mark Neill is currently

reading Scorch Trials from

The Maze Runner series by

James Dashner

Mrs. Megan Lawell

is currently reading

Vanishing Girls by

Lauren Oliver

Favorite Beverage While

Reading:

1. Mrs. Holly King: Iced

Coffee

2. Mr. Tony Davis: Coke

Zero

3. Mrs. Cindy Friedman:

Hot Chocolate or Coffee

November Young Adult

Best Sellers

1. The Amazing Book is

Not on Fire, by Dan

Howell and Phil Lester

2. Carry On, by Rainbow

Rowell

3. Illuminae, by Amie

Kaufman

Fun Facts (‘bout Christmas) By: Sarah Pierce

13

President Teddy Roosevelt banned Christmas trees from the White House in

1901.

In 1836 Alabama became the first state in the U.S. to declare Christmas a le-

gal holiday.

If you received all the gifts from the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,”

you would have 364 presents.

The song “Jingle Bells” was originally called “One Horse Open Sleigh” and

was made for Thanksgiving.

The tallest Christmas tree ever displayed was 221 feet tall!

It is said that candy canes were invented by a candy maker in Indiana, who

wanted to use them to spread the name Jesus around the world.

Dear Viking Voice,

I'm so proud of you guys. I love that you have the

time to do mid-month updates. Keep up the good

work!

-Mekayla Trout

Letters to the Editors By: Breanna Meyers

Dear Viking Voice staff,

I love reading Community’s newsletter! I may have

graduated and moved on, but that doesn't change my

pride for this school or how great the Viking Voice is. Year

after year, we have one of the best small high school

newsletters in the country (I’ve googled some others

across the United States, and yikes!). Working on the staff

is one of the things I miss the most about high school, but

I can’t wait to see the new stories that come out every

month. It makes me proud to see something that I was a

part of continue to grow, and, in my opinion, the issues

this year are even better than last year’s. I love how well-

rounded the articles are.

Keep up the fantastic work!

-Jake Garrette

Hipster Corner By: Jessica Hesson

14

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK:

The VikingVoice

TWITTER:

@VikingVoice

INSTAGRAM:

@viking_voice

Hipster Corner: A Quick Guide to New Music By: Jessica Hesson

1. Dallas Green (City and Colour) is an incredible talent. He has recorded with many different artists

(including P!NK) and has released several albums of his own. He has several different sounds in his music.

He ranges from slow acoustic to a heavier rock sound. Lovers of any genre will find something of his to

adore.

2. Glossary is a local band! They come from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Glossary has the sound of classic rock

& roll. Their indie folk style band will make you want to get up and dance or make you want to change the

world.

3. Neutral Milk Hotel is another indie band, this one came out in the late ‘80s. In my opinion, their best al-

bum is In The Aeroplane Over the Sea. It’s an entire album dedicated to WWII. Their sound is very odd. They

have even been described as “neo-psychedelic.” They are definitely a band you have to look up and listen to

for yourself.

4. Sturgill Simpson is a country artist like no other. I’m not big into modern country, but I couldn't turn

away from the crazy lyrics and soulful sound of Simpson. He recently played at the Ryman and gives listen-

ers a new take on modern country.

5. Houndmouth. You may have heard their single “Sedona” on the radio, but there is so much more to this

band. They have a bluegrass-indie style that will make you want to go on a road trip or dance. Little Neon

Limelight is the perfect album for whatever your mood.

15

Coloring Page Newsletter had a drawing con-

test. Students were asked to

draw a Christmas picture so

people could print out their pic-

ture and color it. Here are the

winners!

Austin Mills

16 Ryliegh Lepley

17

Tori Simmons