Volume 4 Issue 8

Spring Break 2012 by Ashley Andrews

Bedford County’s week of Spring Break was March 31 through April 8. Many students either went on

vacation, fishing, worked, or just hung out with friends.

Some students, like Heather Canonico, went to Santa Rosa Beach to a beach house of one of her dad’s

friends and took along Jailenn Scott, Mallory Sullivan, and Sarah Kathryn Rich. They spent most of their time

on the beach, they shopped, and rode go- carts.

Some students stayed home, while Chelsey Brown went to the beach and New Orleans on her spring

break with her mother, father, and cousin. While she was in New Orleans they toured around downtown and

walked on Bourbon Street, ate in gorgeous old buildings, saw where the hurricane hit, went shopping, and went

to a car show.

Stephanie Turner and Anna Navarette went on the annual trip for the SCHS band to Six Flags. They

rode several rides, such as the Ninja to the newest addition of the theme park the Dare Devil. There were also

water rides and slow calming rides for them to ride as well.

Unlike Heather and Chelsey, Alley Poteete did other things. On spring break, Alley Poteete worked at

Wal-Mart and went fishing with some of her friends.

I myself did a few things, although I didn’t go on a vacation. Over the spring break week I went fishing

practically every day, went to my cousin’s wedding, worked, and went to Easter in Alabama.

Many students did anything and everything they could do in a week’s time with all their friends because

as a senior it was their last senior break before we all go off to college our separate ways. Being a senior, I also

did all I could before I graduate. I hung out with many of my friends, worked, and hung out with my friends

again. I reunited with some and fought with others. From now on, most of us won’t have the same spring break

unless we get lucky and attend the same college or university.

Sherlock Holmes Interview

with Diamondie Wilson

by Akelah Rowe

Every year SCHS Drama students perform a fall and spring

play. The fall play is usually centered around Bedford

County youth, but the spring play is chosen for the SCHS

students. This year Sherlock Holmes was selected for this

year’s production. I go behind the scenes with Diamondie

Wilson; a senior at SCHS. Diamondie explains her

experience with this classic British play.

Question: When did you first start performing in plays?

Diamondie: In 4th grade I did two plays; The Mysterious

Case of the Missing Ring and Wooing Wed Widing Hood.

Q: How do you feel about performing in your first and last

high school play?

D: I’m really sad because this is the only one that I was able

to do.

Q: Are you anything like your character, Gas house Gertie?

D: Absolutely! She’s a nut case and hyper-active just like me!

Q: Do you want to act in theatre when you go to college?

D: Absolutely, if I could make time for it through band.

Q: What would you tell anyone who’s interested in acting at

SCHS, but are too afraid?

D: Go for it; it may seem scary, but it’s so much fun, and

practices are so funny!

Come support the SCHS Drama department and watch

Sherlock Holmes right here at SCHS. Times and dates are as

follows:

Fri, May 4th @ 7pm

Sat, May 5th @ 2 & 7pm

Sun, May 6th @ 2pm

Prom 2012 by Alley Poteete

“Today Was a Fairytale” was the theme of Central’s prom, and some people’s

night was truly a fairytale. It was a bittersweet night for the seniors since it was

their last prom. Several of them share their experience.

Lauren Warren, a senior, went with her boyfriend,

Gage Smith who is also a senior at SCHS. She said “It was a fun night. Senior walk

went good, I didn’t fall. But I’m just not big on dressing up.”

Caitlin Reason, a senior, went with her boyfriend

Matthew Epperson who is also a senior at SCHS. She said that “I had a blast at

prom. Our limo was the best part; I loved arriving to prom in it.”

Hunter Hayes, a senior, went with his friend, Stacy

Bailey. He said, “I had fun at prom, but my favorite part was the Chop House; I

loved watching Gage play with his food.”

Jeb House, a junior, went with his girlfriend,

Ashley Andrews, who is a senior at SCHS. He said, “I had fun, it was enjoyable. It

was the best night of my life, and I’m glad I got to spend it with my beautiful

girlfriend.”

The Sign Language Club (SLC) by Anna Navarrette

After almost a hundred years of educating students, Shelbyville Central finally introduces

its first sign language club, dedicated to helping students learn despite any hearing disability

they might have. Mrs. Wanda Sawyers is the founder and supervisor of SLC. Mrs. Wanda

Sawyers, a CODA (child of a deaf adult), was born into a completely deaf family. She has been

doing sign language for around twenty-five years. She began the SLC here and works with over

twenty students. Throughout her life, she has helped many people by translating for them and

helping them communicate with the deaf.

Right now, Mrs. Sawyers is working with a student by attending all of his classes with

him and translating the lectures for him. She is also helping the students who have joined SLC

learn sign language so they may expand their limits and overcome any speech difficulties they

may face. They have learned the basics –the alphabet, numbers, everyday words, and sentences.

These meetings are every Thursday beginning at three to five in the afternoon and last about an

hour.

Mrs. Sawyer has always enjoyed working with the hearing impaired, as well as children.

Since she began this club, she has the best of both worlds, which is something she feels is

unbelievably awesome. Signing is a language that she is a natural at.

“Sometimes being a CODA was hard for me growing up, but now when I look back I loved it

so much I would never trade it for the world. I get told all the time that sign language is so

beautiful. So I am glad I can do it and also now teach others to do the same. I think it is very

important for the people to know because the deaf population is very large and growing by the

day.”

For any Shelbyville Central High School student who is interested in being a part of this

club, it’s not too late. Even this far in the year Mrs. Wanda Sawyers is willing to accept new

members. You may be very behind, but it’s never too late to try. So come on over this Thursday

at three and see what it’s all about. You may just be amazed at how interesting it comes to be, I

know I was.

2012-2013

Student Body Officers by Payne Long

The student council is a big part of Shelbyville Central High School. The council makes most of the big events

and activities at school happen and SCHS is very appreciative of them. With all of these activities and events

comes big responsibility, and that is where the whole council comes in. There are the freshmen, sophomore,

junior and senior representatives and officers; and then the student body officers. Student body officers are

the ones that run the meetings and plan activities. They have a big responsibility and play a key role in the

student council.

2012-2013

Officers

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President- Tiona Murray “I am very excited for the year to come. It will be filled with fun activities and creative fundraisers. With the

assistance of Mrs. Vega and Ms. Parsons and other members of the council, there will be no obstacle too great.”

Vice President- Alexi Gordon “I’m really excited about being Vice President of the Student Body. I’m hoping we can do some new things to

support St. Jude’s Children’s hospital. We have already discussed many ideas for homecoming that I believe

many people will enjoy.”

Secretary- Madison Martin

“As a new student body officer, I hope to get more students involved in school pride and I would like to see

about trying to give the class officers more time on displays. I would like to take a look at the ounce

requirements for GCFD in order to help in today’s economy. I am very thrilled to be an upcoming student body

officer and I’m excited to work with my other officers. I believe with all of us put together we will have a great

year!”

Historian- Caleb Krieg

“As a Student Body Historian, I am elated that I’ll be able to take photos of various student events and make a

digital collage of them, but beware those photos will be candid! As a new officer, I want to do more community

activities like the GCFD or even start new ones like an end bullying campaign. After all, they do say that change

starts at home.”

Making Community Service Required

by Alli Kirkman

Community service is doing something helpful for the community without

getting anything in return. There has been some debate or whether high school

students should be required to do community service. Several students at SCHS

were asked the question, “Do you think community service should be required in

public schooling?”

Constance Seagraves says “Yes, because students need a sense of

completion and a duty to their school, and by community work the students may

build character and fill themselves with completion and a desire to be voluntarily

involved in their educational environment.”

Samantha Smith agrees with adding, “Community work is great for students!

It gives them a taste of the real world; it will also look good for college

applications.”

Michael Haughton states his agreement, “Yes, because it’s helping people;

it’s not like it’s a waste of time.”

Although many people agree with having to do community service, a lot

disagree also. Cameron Kirkman says, “No, because students already have enough

on their hands and don’t have much time for anything else. Also, it puts pressure

on parents because they have to either get their children there or make sure they

get there.”

Cassie Pollock agrees saying, “No, because students in high school already

have enough to deal with in and out of school; they don’t have time to do

community work.”

Tori Spence concludes with “No, because they have enough stress to deal

with; keeping grades up and studying.”

What Have The FRESHMEN Learned This Year?

by Meredith G. White

Arin Harwell learned how to play the drums and is even in a

band with her older sister, Alix Harwell (junior), at their

church.

Buddy Ray had an interesting (and slightly disgusting)

revelation this year. “Always smell your forks before you

use them. One day Dallas Oliver (junior) had a weird

smelling fork at lunch and so I learned to smell them first.”

Bryce Breaux had learned something very important

concerning his high school career: Always do your work and

listen to all your teachers.

David Lynch had a good tip for the upcoming freshmen next

year: “I learned not to trust upperclassmen because they’re

mean and will lead you in the wrong direction.”

The SROs of SCHS by Megan Mullins

SRO K. Moses

What made you want to be an SRO?

“I worked at MTSU for a few years and enjoyed working around younger students. I always wanted to give back to my

local school system and have the chance to work with and support the student athletes.”

What is your favorite thing about being an SRO?

“I enjoy being involved in the school activities with the students (sports, clubs, ect.).

What is the worst experience you have had on the job?

“One morning on my way to work there was a bad wreak on Hwy 231 involving a bus. I was the first officer on the scene.

I had to make sure all the kids were off the bus and try to save the person in the car.”

What training did you have to go through to become a SRO?

“First I had to attend Basic Law Enforcement Training for 8 weeks-all day classes and stay overnight –only home on

weekends. Then after being a patrol officer for 3 years I had to attend a Basic SRO class and then attend an annual

conference.”

What’s the weirdest thing you have experienced?

“We have had numerous animal calls at the school- dogs, puppies, the owl, and the cat that crawled into the coke

machine. I had to get it out and the coke guy Zack took it. The kitten rode with him all day and he gave it away on his last

stop.”

How many arrests have you made this year?

“25-but not all were SCHS students but were on school property.”

SRO Corey Ewing

What made you want to be an SRO?

“When I first went to collage I wanted to teach and coach. I changed my major to law enforcement , so know I get to do

both.”

What is your favorite thing about being an SRO?

“I get to laugh everyday at some of the things kids do. It reminds me of how I acted when I was in school.”

What is the worst experience you have had on the job?

“We had a student go to the hospital for doing drugs. That’s always scary for all of us.”

What training did you have to go through to become a SRO?

“You have to be in law enforcement for 2 years or have a degree. We also have training every year.”

What’s the weirdest thing you have experienced?

“I had to call animal control to get an owl out of the net at the baseball field”

How many arrests have you made this year?

“7”

Foreign Places by Hannah West

During this year and the past, three seniors from Shelbyville Central High School

traveled to foreign countries. Abigail Marbibi, Angel Garrett, and Diana Godinez all

went to different countries. Abigail went to Mexico,

Angel went to Canada, England, Ireland, and southern

India and Diana went to Guatemala.

Abigail vacationed to the cities of Progreso

and Cozumel in Mexico. She went over Spring

Break. Abigail had taken a Caribbean cruise where

they stopped at Progreso and Cozumel each for a day

and spent two days out at sea. She said she had an amazing time

and it was a fun experience. She also said, “It was completely different, yet

exciting.” Abigail enjoyed seeing the new places and experiencing the culture.

She said it was quite different from the United States in that the women wore

traditional clothing and you could see the Spanish influence on the cities.

Abigail’s favorite memory was going to the Dzibilchaton Mayan ruins and learning about the Mayan culture.

Angel went to Canada, Ireland, and England for vacation and to India for a mission trip. The experiences

she gained from the eighteen day trip were extraordinary. She wishes everyone could go on a trip like she did

and she would gladly do it again in a heartbeat. Like Abigail, Angel said each country was different than the

United States. She said Canada was the most similar, but most of their buildings were made of glass. She

described Ireland as being very religious based and open with Christianity. Angel saw Ireland’s rolling hills that

were plentiful in sheep. Also, she said drinking is very casual to the country.

While she was in London, England, she described it as being clean and having

very old buildings that were built in the 1500s or even earlier. Angel also got to

visit two real castles while in England. What surprised Angel the most is the

way that England, Ireland, and India drive on the opposite side of the road than

America. When she was in India, it was their winter weather which maintained

a hundred degrees Fahrenheit. She described India as

being very poor. She said it was common to see

naked children with roped tied around

their waist to serve as a leash. India’s

buildings and clothes are bright colors. Their

currency is fifty rupees to match our dollar. Angel said that most

vehicles don’t have side mirrors, so as you pass a car, honk

continuously. Angel also saw wild monkeys roaming around. She

explained that many people eat with their hands and that most places

don’t have toilets. Also, she explained that many people have never

seen a white person so many were scared and curious. In India, they live by a

cast system, which means if you’re born poor then you will never be able to surpass being

poor. Angel’s favorite memory was dancing with the orphan girls. They were not

allowed to play sports, so Angel started dancing with another girl named Cira.

Soon hundreds of girls surrounded them. She said, “It was truly the best memory

of mine. Those kids never stopped amazing me.”

Diana went to Guatemala this past year to visit some of her family

members. She described it as a beautiful place with mountains. She said many

people walk instead of driving, sell food on the side of the streets, and there is

barely any technology there. While there, she learned a lot about the Guatemalan

culture. Her favorite memory was staying up all night playing games with some

of the local kids.

Bits and Pieces of Our Seniors' Futures by Kiga Turner

Graduation is upon us again and most seniors are very excited. After senior year, we try to keep in

touch with our friends. Often times, we move away and calls to old friends gradually get further and further

apart until they are non-existent. We move on with our lives and begin to create our families and futures. High

school is a period of growth in our lives, and eventually, we are done with it. The SCHS Messenger has decided

to take the time and peek into the futures of some of our 2012 seniors, because we do continue to care about

what happens to our students after we have prepared them to take on the world.

"I plan to go to MTSU for my pre-pharmacy degree. I'm not sure where I

want to go after though," says Luke Bratcher. "My neighbor is a pharmacist, and it

just sounds really interesting to me."

"Uh, I am going to go to University of Tennessee,

Memphis," Idel Giron tells me, "I want to get a degree in

engineering, but I don't know if I'll keep on going with it.

I want to build my own home."

Rebekah Lovvern shrugs and says, "I don't really know what I want to do yet.

I'm going MTSU. I'm between elementary education and physical therapy training."

"I'm planning on getting a tattoo," Channing Harden exclaims playfully, "No,

no, no. Actually after graduation, I'm going to San Antonio, Texas for my family

reunion; then, in the fall, I am going to attend MTSU for pre-veterinarian. I'm a little

if-fy, but I think I will really like working with animals. They're so cute."

"After graduation?" Aaron Caffey confirms, "I'm going to UT Memphis for bio-medical engineering.

Afterwards, I will probably go to a medical school. I just think it seems really

interesting, and that's where a lot of the engineering work is prospering."

David Pearson takes a moment to think before speaking, "I am going to

Motlow for accounting. I may or may not stay in Shelbyville."

"Uhm," Kirstin Hawkins begins, "I want to become a dental hygienist. I'm

going to attend Chattanooga State and probably work as a technician until then."

"I want to be a teacher. I'm going to MTSU for it," says Julie Kay Haynes, "I

want to come back to SCHS to teach. That's my little dream right now."

"What I want to do after graduation?" Dreanna Woodard asks, "Well, I know I want to go to college at

UTC. I'm currently undecided, but I am thinking about speech-language pathology. I want to help people, and

that seems like a good way to start."

"Don't ask me," Dimpal Patel warns me and then smiles, "I'm kidding. I'm going to cosmetology school

at Paul Mitchell in Murfreesboro. I love working with hair; I do my own all of the time."

"I'm going to take the Certified Nursing Assistant certification test. Then, I plan to get a job as a CNA as

I go to Motlow in the fall and majoring nursing." Emily Roberts says, leaving it short and sweet.

Haylie Spence smiles, "I am going to go to Tennessee Tech to get a degree for elementary education.

Mostly because I like kids, and I don't really know what else to do."

Ashley Barrios says quietly, "After I graduate, I want to get a job, get back on my feet. I want to work on

my book and spend time with my boyfriend. Once I'm back on my feet, I want to attend the beauty school here

in Shelbyville."

Aleck James says, "Lorrie and a couple of us our going on a senior trip to

Panama, Florida for most of the summer, but when we get back, I am planning on

going to Tennessee Tech for elementary education. I love little kids. I think I will

want to teach in Murfreesboro."

"Party, party, party!" Lorrie Rittenberry says quickly and laughs, "When

we're back, I'm going to MTSU for my basics. I want to go to Memphis or UTK for

actual medical school. I want to work in a trauma unit, because my dad was burned

really badly. Also, my grandpa had cancer, and I would go to the hospital a lot. The

doctors let me help and told me things I could do. I just like blood and guts and

stuff. I really do; I think it's cool."

.

Summer Vacation

by Katie Thorpe

Around this time of year, one of the only things on a

student’s mind is summer vacation. How many days until

summer? What am I going to do when it’s here? Summer

vacation is the biggest break we have all year and we love it!

Staying up late with no school work and sleeping in to anytime of

the day you want. It’s fantastic! I know teachers and parents

would rather us be focused on our finals and EOCs, but all we are

thinking about is summer vacation.

Sarah Jones: “I`m going to Destin, Florida with my best friend,

Heather Groves.”

Jake Hinson: “I will be going to visit my family in Perry County.”

Dallas Oliver: “I don’t know exactly what I will be doing over the

summer because my parents spontaneously plan things for us to

do, but I will definitely be looking for a summer job.”

Matthew McClenny: “I`m going to Panama City with my family

and, of course, I will still be working at DQ.”

Janita Hendricks: “Over the summer I will be visiting family in

Michigan, where I used to live.”

Many students already have plans for the summer and now they

are just waiting for school to be over so they can get on with

them. Summer vacation 2012 is almost here! Just a little bit

longer… we might be able to make it.

Social Networking: Good or bad? by Cain Barrett

Social networking is one of the most popular activities in the world

today. From MySpace, to Facebook, to Twitter, the buzz of social

networking hasn’t reduced in the slightest. The best thing about social

networking is that there is no age limit, so mom, dad, brother, sister and

even grandma can join the social networking world. But is social

networking beneficial?

After talking to several people, the conclusion is that most teens on

social networking sites have one mutual problem; parents on the same

website as them.

After asking adults these questions, a lot of people over the age of

thirty only use Facebook to re-connect with old schoolmates, teachers,

long lost friends and family members. Parents do not use these sites to

“snoop” through their kid’s privacy, or anything like that; most parents

have social networking accounts simply to live out its true purpose, to re-

connect.

After talking to different students, most teens who have a Facebook

enjoy the fact that they have privacy away from their parents and can

post whatever they want. But is too much privacy a bad thing?

High school senior Will Dye said, “All social networking sites are

terrible. They are all full of so much drama and nonsense that you can’t

even enjoy the true purpose of the site in the first place.” So the

question still remains; is too much privacy a bad thing?

Some people think it has potential to be better if it had more

monitoring. Junior Megan Mullins said, “Social networking is okay, but it

could definitely use more monitoring.” However, if there is more

monitoring on these sites, wouldn’t it be defeating the purpose of even

having one? There are many questions to these sites, but at the end of

the day, everyone just needs to have fun and enjoy the fun of social

networking!