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By: Tyler LeeSta� Reporter
The Oak Grove – Petal rivalry has intensi� ed recently. “It’s a fan-based rivalry that gets more and more heated every time we play them,” senior safety John Addison Ford said. To add some fuel to the � re, C Spire broadcasted this year’s game on Fox Sports South as a part of their Bright Lights Football series. Along with broadcasting the game, C
Vol. LIII, Issue 2October 12, 2012Oak Grove High Schoolwww.thewarriorbeat.com thewarriorbeat
By: Taylor ParsonsSta� Reporter
� e OGHS theatre department will be hosting an Improvisational Invitational on October 20 at the Lower/Upper Auditorium. � e festivities will begin at 2:00 p.m., and admission will be $5.
“Improvisation is really making things up right o� the top of your head,” said director Mrs. Suzanne Allmon. Actors have to use improvisation when a line is forgotten, misplaced, or skipped altogether, so it’s an important skill to
Drama students act up for improvisational competition
By: Mary Ryan KarnesEditor
� e Oak Grove forensics team has had a successful year so far and plans to continue its winning legacy throughout the season. After a second place ranking last year at the MHSAA State Speech and Debate Tournament, the 2012-2013 Warrior Forensics team is striving to achieve the � rst-place status it held for six years prior to the spring 2012 state competition. � roughout the school year, the team will go to � ve out-of-state tournaments, seven in-state tournaments, and four National Tournament qualifying tournaments.
Both seasoned competitors and new team members are competing and hoping to qualify for and succeed at the State Tournament in the spring. “Our goal is to take the title back,” head coach Shane Cole said.
So far, the team has been doing just that. At the Stennis Novice Tournament on September 14-15, � rst year c o m p e t i t o r s earned Oak Grove the School of Excellence in Speech title. Sophomore Jillian Walters took home � rst place in Prose Interpretation, and junior Tyler Harden earned � rst place in Extemporaneous speaking. Most Oak Grove novices competing in the Stennis tournament made semi-� nals or � nals in one or more of their events.
� at same weekend, Oak Grove’s varsity forensics team traveled to Dallas, Texas, for the Grapevine Speech and Debate Tournament. Over half the team made semi� nals in their events, and seniors Ashton Beightol and Mary Ryan Karnes made � nals.
On September 28-29, the Oak Grove novice and varsity forensics teams traveled to the Ole Miss Speech and Debate Tournament in Oxford, Mississippi. � e team had six � rst place rankings and numerous � nalists. � ey also won the sweepstakes award and the Glenn Menna Traveling Trophy for gaining the most points throughout the tournament.
“I think we are stronger in both speech and debate events than we were last year,” Cole said. “� ere is new energy and new blood on the team this year. Everyone is working harder than they have before.”
Speech and debate now in full swing
By: Nan Buti, Sta� Reporter
After taking the PSAT during their junior year, 14 students at Oak Grove found out that they are high scorers.
� is year, the students found out that 11 of them were semi-� nalists, and three earned Commended Student recognition. � e chief goal for these students is to become National Merit � nalists, which will be announced in February. To become � nalists, they must complete an application, write an essay, and con� rm their PSAT scores by taking the SAT.
With high hopes of becoming a � nalist, senior Jake Smith is expecting grand bene� ts from how far he has already come. “Although I’m not a � nalist yet, I’m already receiving requests from some great colleges,” Smith said.
Humanities teacher Andrea Clark prepared these students last year and is continuing to support them throughout the process of applying. “� ey’ve been an outstanding group to work with,” Clark said.
Achieving such a goal brings academic recognition,
scholarship opportunities, and a sense of ful� llment to Oak Grove’s National Merit semi� nalists. “We all worked very hard in Humanities to prepare for the PSAT, and becoming semi-� nalists is extremely rewarding,” Anna Schwartz, senior, said.
� is is the highest number of � nalists and semi-� nalists Oak Grove has ever had. “� e students and I are grateful for all the teachers they had and the administration that lets us have the luxury of the Humanities class,” Clark said.
Preparation pays o� for National Merit Semi� nalists
have. Schools from all over Mississippi have been invited to compete in this “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” inspired invitational. Schools will have improv teams that will have to think on their feet in order to take home the � rst place trophy. � ree professional judges will choose the winners based on certain criteria, including the humor of the scenes each team creates.
Each team will randomly draw a topic that Allmon and members of I.T.S. (International � espian Society) have decided. � ose topics will be the bases of
(hopefully) hilarious, unrehearsed scenes. “We are all really excited to host this
event,” said I.T.S. member Baxter Rose Walters. “If nothing else, it will be a hilarious day in general. Improv is great when done correctly.” Some actors, on the other hand, have winning in mind. “I’m looking forward to spending a day with all of my fellow actors,” I.T.S. member Lauren English said. “But at the same time, I would love to win. It’d be the icing on the cake.” Whether the drama department outwits the competition or not, the invitational promises hours of entertainment.
Spire also � lmed practices and pep rallies from both schools. � e excitement grew throughout the pregame festivities with tailgating, skydivers landing in the middle of the � eld, and pyrotechnics during the National Anthem. During the game, a Jumbotron showed the players’ and coaches’ every move on the � eld.
“I like that the game was a Bright
Our goal is to take the title back,”
Shane Cole,OGHS Forensics Coach
COASTING ALONGOGHS Theatre students improvise riding a rollercoaster. | Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
A RIVALRY RENEWEDTop: The Oak Grove student section came out in full force for the September 27 matchup against Petal.Left: The captains greet each other at mid� eld for the coin toss.Above: The Warriors run with a � ery passion in the pre-game entry. | Photos by MARY KATE WALDRON
§ John Baxter § Morgan Eguia § Mallory Jennings § Nathan Maxwell § Cassidy Phelan § Laura Prehn § Sammi Ritter § Anna Schwartz § Jake Smith § Nicholas Stevenson § Sam Wyatt
OGHSNATIONALMERITSEMIFINALISTS
See BRIGHT LIGHTS | See Page 2
PLAYOFF BOUND SPORTS p. 3 HOMECOMING Celebration! [ photos pp. 6-7 ]
G RHow well do
you know
O V EAK
ENTERTAINMENT p. 11
Oak Grove High School’s show choir is hosting its annual Beauty and Beau Revue. Originally, this fundraiser was called Beauty Revue and only girls participated. However,
since last year’s Beauty and Beau was such a success, they have decided to carry on the tradition by keeping guys involved and including song and dance numbers. � e past Revues have been held during the middle of the week, but this year, the event will be held on a weekend. � e Revues will be held Saturday, October 27 in the Oak Grove Primary Auditorium. Admission is $5 for students and $7 for adults. All proceeds will go towards show choir to help pay for their choreographers. � e Freshman and Sophomore Revue will be at 2:00 p.m., and the Junior and Senior Revue will be at 7:00 p.m.
Beauty and Beau returns to the Grove
2 news October 12, 2012
NEWSBRIEFSBy: Caitlynn Broome, Sta� Reporter
Guest speaker coming to Oak Grove
Bright Lights | From Page 1
Girls claim turf in powder pu� football
Lucy PruittSta� Reporter
On October 19, Master Sergeant Johnny Poulos, Director of Public A� airs and an employee the Mississippi Highway Patrol, is coming to Oak Grove to speak to students about the dangers of texting/drinking and driving along with seatbelt safety, prevalent social issues among teenagers.
Poulos, who is entering his 14th year as a State Trooper, is from D’iberville, Mississippi. He plays guitar in a rock band with his friends. � is helps him relate to the young drivers he speaks to. He became passionate about the dangers of teenage driving when he investigated a fatality crash involving two 18 year old males. � is initially caused him to want to put together a driving safety video and deliver it to Mississippi students, organizations, businesses, etc. “Upon arrival at the crash, I feared my oldest son was involved. � e experience made me realize the need for education of teen drivers,” Poulos said.
Poulos has made presentations to many organizations and schools, including Mississippi Power, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, National Highway Tra� c Safety Administration, Tra� c Injury Research Foundation, Mississippi National Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Forestry Service, and numerous civic organizations.
T h r o u g h all of his years of presenting to groups, organizations, and schools, he has won many awards, including the 2007 and 2010 Best Safety Presentation at Uniformed Safety Education Workshop, 2011 Telly
Award-Producer “Empty Chairs,” and the 2011 C.I.N.E Eagle Award-Best Video “Empty Chairs.”
In his presentations, Poulos shows a video that tells the stories
of actual teenage/young adult victims of fatal car crashes. � e results of the crashes on the victims vary from mental to physical injuries. � e opening story of the video entitled “Empty
Chairs” is about two parents who lost both their 17-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son. Poulos explains in the video how this is a story told
By: Lauren EnglishSta� Reporter
All around the country, a select few high school girls are becoming the exception to a “no girls allowed in football” status quo. Many girls are afraid to try football, but the long- awaited Powder Pu� game gives girls a chance to take o� the cute shoes and slide on the cleats. On � ursday, November 1, at 7:00 p.m., senior and junior girls will go head-to-head for the seventh annual Powder Pu� game.
Powder Pu� is a fundraiser for the cheerleaders. Laura Lightsey, cheer coach, said, “We have several hundred people from the community show up and support. It really is a great fundraiser and a fun time for the girls.”
Seniors have been anxiously
waiting for this day to come, so they can avenge their loss to the seniors of 2012. “I’m tackling everyone who comes my way,” Constance Quinn, senior, said. � e rivalry heats up as the seniors prepare to play rough and take names. � e excitement builds for the juniors as they approach their � rst year to play the sport. In the last seven years, the juniors have only won once. Many feel that the game is rigged just to satisfy the ruthless seniors. Many say, “It’s just a high school powder pu� game. It doesn’t matter.” � e girls, however, care about this game because it gives bragging rights to one of the two grades.
A question that seems to be asked a lot is, “What do guys think about girls playing football?” Will Anding, senior, said, “It’s good to educate
Johnny Poulos: safety advocate and rock n’ roll enthusiastTop: Johnny Poulos stands in front of the empty chairs used to represent the deaths of Mississippi students in one year. Bottom: Master Sergeant Johnny Poulos plays with his rock band at a concert venue.SUBMITTED PHOTOS
women on the sport of football because it gets annoying when a girl doesn’t know what’s going on.” � e senior and junior boys serve as assistant coaches to the ladies, attending practices and making plays.
Who will bring out the win this year? No referee can over-rule true talent and promise, and that is what these girls show when they walk out on the � eld.
My experience made me realize the need for education of teen drivers.”
Johnny PoulosMaster Sergeant, MHP
by families every day in Mississippi. In the video, Poulos uses empty chairs to represent the number of students that were killed in car crashes in one year just on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Poulos shows in the video that Mississippi is ranked second in the nation in teenage driving fatalities.
� e video goes on with stories similar to this. Poulos stresses to his viewers the importance of seatbelt safety, sober driving, and not texting while behind the wheel. Poulos, as always, hopes his presentation at Oak Grove High School will impact the students and save lives.
Art Club painting the way� is past school year, the school’s swan at the front entrance was vandalized. � e Art Club has taken
on the challenge to redecorate the swan and make it look like a warrior
again. Nathan Maxwell, President, Sammi Ritter, Vice President,
Catherine Smith, Treasurer, Sarabeth Sappington, Secretary, and Meagan � rower, Reporter, work on the swan in the courtyard during Mrs. Rivers’s fourth block class. � e club is also working on painting canvases for breast cancer awareness. Fifteen canvases will be auctioned o� at Wesley Hospital in order to help raise money for breast cancer awareness.
� e Art Club will also be holding a face-painting fundraiser this month. � e club will have a table set up under the bleachers during the home football games where anyone can get his or her face painted.
swan and make it look like a warrior again. Nathan Maxwell, President,
Lights game. It added more intensity to an already electric atmosphere and made us play harder for our fans,” Ford said. Oak Grove had already experienced this type of atmosphere after being a part of Cellular South’s Y’all vs. Us series in a game against Meridian in 2009, which they won 28-21.
Oak Grove came in with a 5-0 record and was coming o� a 31-0
win in their homecoming game against Forest Hill. Petal came in with a 4-1 record with their only loss to Picayune, the number two team in the state.
� e Warriors led the whole game until Petal threw up a Hail Mary with just over a minute left in the game to receiver Jamarcus Revies, giving the Panthers the lead and the game.
Oak Grove played a strong game in which Ford had 10.5 tackles and a sack, and senior running back/wide receiver Johnathan McNair racked up 176 all-purpose yards. Junior tight end Logan Scott, senior wide receiver Cameron Myers, and junior running back Donald Winding each scored touchdowns for the Warriors. � e Warriors were hurt by their 11 penalties totaling 122 yards.
Sta� makes yearbooks cool againOak Grove is one of only 14
schools in the country chosen to participate in Balfour’s new marketing program. David Dixon, Regional Vice President for Balfour, said. “It is both an honor and a privilege to partner with a school sta� that emphasizes
moving beyond just more pictures to a level of more people pictured.” � e program is called “Telling the Story - Making Yearbooks Cool Again.” � is program allows the sta� to integrate Balfour’s QR code technology into the printed annual, allowing one to view video links to school activities. October 24 is National Buy Your Yearbook Day, and they are on sale for $70 until December 21. Purchases can be made at www.balfour.com or in the cafeteria during lunch. Students may contact Joy Davis in G104 or a yearbook sta� member for more information.
Civitan breaks out talentWarriors Got Talent was formed
by Jr. Civitan’s former president Sydney Sanders. Sanders’s senior project last year was to host Warriors Got Talent, a talent show for all community-based classrooms in Lamar County. � e talent show consists of the students from Mrs. Stacey Todd’s class along with other
students throughout the community performing their talents. � e show was a success last year, so the Jr. Civitan Club has decided to make Warriors Got Talent an annual Jr. Civitan event. � is year’s Warriors Got Talent will take place in the Oak Grove Primary Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, October 23, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. � e entry fee is one dollar, and all donations will go to Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp and University of Alabama at Birmingham Research Center for Developmental Disabilities. DVDs of the show will be available for $10 for anyone who would like one.
NOVEMBER 1, 2012
3sportsOctober 12, 2012
OG Volleyball set up for playo� s
By: Miranda ResterEditor
After proving themselves in their � rst two games of the season, the Warriors defeated the Laurel Tornadoes 30-13 during their face-o� on September 7. � e o� ense was led by junior quarterback Kirk McCarty who threw for 194 yards and three touchdowns.
� e Warriors traveled to Gulfport to � ght a long, hard battle against the Admirals which resulted in a 25-20 win for Oak Grove. With the Admirals on top with a score of 20-19 and two minutes and 28 seconds left on the clock, Oak Grove’s Johnathan McNair took a pass 60 yards for a touchdown. � e Admirals forced a turnover with one minute left, but the Warrior defense stood strong and held the Admirals at the 12 yard line until time expired.
During this year’s homecoming game against the Forest Hill Patriots, the Warriors came out sluggish in the � rst half and maintained a score of 3-0 until the third quarter when McCarty hit McNair for a 15 yard touchdown pass to get the Warriors
Warriors � ght until last second for 6-1 record
By: Tyler LeeSta� Reporter
� e Oak Grove volleyball team is in the midst of a great season. � e Warriors, who are led by seniors Albreonna Batiste, Amber Pineda, Caroline Pruitt, Emily Waits, and Catherine Smith, hope to make a deep run into this year’s playo� s.
� e Warriors were coming o� a couple of losses to two very good teams, Hattiesburg High and Presbyterian Christian School, this year’s Mississippi Association of Independent Schools state champion. � e Warriors were up early in each match 1-0 against PCS and 1-0
on track for a 31-0 victory.
� e Warriors su� ered their � rst loss of the season to legendary rivals the Petal Panthers during CSpire’s Bright Lights game. � e Panthers had to mount a second half comeback after being down 14-0 at halftime. On fourth and 17, the Panthers’ quarterback Larson Barkurn recovered a fumble snap and threw a Hail Mary resulting in a 24-21 Panther lead from which the Warriors could not recover.
After the devastating loss to Petal, Oak Grove entered the game against Meridian on October 5 with a vengeance and went up 9-0 in the � rst quarter. After Meridian scored on four straight possessions, the
against Hattiesburg. After getting o� to a quick start, the Warriors fell behind and couldn’t get back on track. � e Warriors fell 3-1 to both PCS and Hattiesburg. Oak Grove was undefeated in the district coming into the Hattiesburg game. However, the Warriors pulled o� a huge victory over their rival Petal last � ursday. After winning the � rst two sets, Petal came back in the next two sets evening the match at 2-2, but the Warriors stood strong and won the � nal set. � e Warriors’ win against Petal gave them a 20-6 overall record and a 9-1 district record, earning the title of District
Champions. � e Warriors begin playo� action on October 13.
� e Warriors contribute most of their success this year to their new coach, Kelsea Seymour, who, starting this summer, has prepared the team for the season better than they have ever been before. � e team is also closer now
WE ARE
Every football player has one ultimate goal when he begins his athletic career: to be on the starting roster for a high school varsity team. Luke Smith has been playing football since he was in third grade, and while he lettered his sophomore year, he did not start varsity. The following summer, Smith decided he would settle for nothing less than starting in the 2012 season.
“I knew the summer after my sophomore year that I wanted to start varsity when I was a junior,” Smith said. “We had practices three days a week during the summer at 6:30 a.m. I went to the practices and worked hard.” Smith achieved his goal; he is now the starting varsity center and has seen a successful 2012 season thus far.
For his position as center, Smith is not the ideal size. “I am small for my position,” Smith explained. However, this lack of size does not deter him. “Pat Mitchell is my inspiration,” he said. “He was a center at Oak Grove High School who was about my size, and [Mitchell’s team] went to State.” Terry Smith, o� ensive line coach for Oak Grove’s football team, said, “Smith is undersized for his position, but because of his hard work and smart playing, you would never know.”
Along with participating in football, Smith also is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and First Priority, and he has maintained all A’s throughout his high school career. Smith may not be the ideal size for a center, but his dedication and work ethic overshadow any type of shortcoming. Coach Smith said, “Luke is one of the hardest working players on the football team.” Smith has exhibited what true Warriors are made of through his commitment to his team, his high academic standards, and his leadership both on and o� the � eld. Luke Smith is Oak Grove.
OAK GROVEA column highlighting Oak Grove’s exemplary student-athletes
By: Samantha PappSta� Reporter
By: Kirk McCartySta� Reporter
� e Oak Grove High School Cross Country teams are approaching the peak of their season and are looking poised to be competitors for the 6A state title. � e state
Oak Grove Cross Country dashes for District, State titles
than they have ever been. � e girls all look out for each other on and o� the court; this sense of unity among the team makes working together during games much more natural. “We have had a great season, but now is when it means the most,” Emily Waits, senior outside hitter, said. “� ere are times in games when we start to play like six individuals on the court instead of one team. We just need to take it one point at a time and never stop � ghting.”
DISTRICT CHAMPSSenior right side hitter Catherine Smiths blocks a Petal kill. | by ELIZABETH MCCULLEN
WARRIORS RUN OVER COMPETITIONThe OGHS Cross Country team dashes to the � nish line in a recent practice. | by MARY KATE WALDRON
We’ve worked harder than ever this year, and we really think we’ve got a shot to win State.”
Will Murphey, 11th grade
competition takes place on November 10 at Choctaw Trails in Clinton, Mississippi. � rough six meets, neither the boys’ nor girls’ team has placed below third place. Competing and placing well in these regular season meets is great for experience and con� dence but has no worth in the team’s main goal, which is winning the district
meet and advancing to and winning State. Since Coach Robin Ryder took over, the cross country team has been on a steady climb to the top of the food chain in Class 6A.
Last year, the boys placed fourth and the girls placed second in the state meet. � is year, however, both teams look to improve and take a total team State Championship, which would be the � rst in Oak Grove history. Will Murphey, who won the individual state championship last year as a sophomore, returns for his junior season looking to repeat as individual champion but also win a team title. “We’ve worked harder than ever this year,
and we really think we’ve got a shot to win state,” Murphey said. � e boys’ team is led by Murphey, followed by Josh Aust, Todd Mabry, Nicholai Drake, Jacob McNeese, Nick Canner, Tim Hayes and Wesley Walton.
� e girls, who have � nished � rst twice, second once, and third once in this season’s meets, are led by junior
Christie Stricker, who comes from a long line of runners in her family, followed by Dana Dillistone, Chloe Sanders, Bailee Norman, Sarah Rubelowsky, Laken Pineda and Erica Lewis. � e girls’ team isn’t as clear-cut as the boys with spots three through seven often alternating among the team. For four of the top seven runners, this will be the team’s last shot at a title and
an opportunity none of them want to let slip away. Senior Chloe Sanders said, “� is year’s team is a very complete team that works hard all of the time, and I believe we have a good chance of winning State.”
With three weeks to go before the district meet, both the boys and girls are continuing to work harder than ever in order to achieve their � rst ever cross country state championship.
PETAL GOES DOWNSenior outside hitter Emily Waits goes up for a kill against the Petal Panthers | by ELIZABETH MCCULLEN
WARRIORS SCORE SIXSophomore wide receiver Cameron Myers scores touchdown against the Petal Panthers. by MARY KATE WALDRON
Warriors found themselves down 28-9 until the third quarter when McNair ran 21 yards for a touchdown, setting the Warriors up for a miraculous 31-28 game over Meridian, which was won in the last 27 seconds.
Coming o� one of the biggest upsets in the state of Mississippi, the 6-1 Warriors travel to Terry tonight in hopes of another win.
NoYesactivities with the “grown-up” kids, then they would’ve warned them long ago. Besides, this prom is to make a “positive impact for future learners,” isn’t it? � en why would this sponsored event allow freshmen to be negatively isolated now, without even considering the unfair fact that past freshmen were allowed to go?
We’re all in this together here at Oak Grove, so why should the higher grades be allowed to share their pleasant time together in a carefree event, and freshmen shouldn’t? It’s � attering that people care about our well being, but at the same time, they shouldn’t take away an important school event from us just because of that. We’re tougher than we seem, and I believe that the majority of us are capable of not acting like babies in public. So, I refuse to believe that it is fair at all to separate freshmen from the other grades when it comes to an optional get-together like prom.
4 opinion October 12, 2012
Oak Grove High School5198 Old Highway 11Hattiesburg, MS 39402601.264.7232www.thewarriorbeat.com
EditorsMary Ryan KarnesMiranda Rester
Sta� Andrew Adams, Sta� ReporterCaitlynn Broome, Sta� ReporterNan Buti, Sta� ReporterOlivia Diaz, Sta� ReporterLauren English, Sta� ReporterJordan Farrar, Graphic DesignerMorgan Guess, Sta� ReporterElizabeth Lee, Sta� ReporterTyler Lee, Sta� ReporterNathan Maxwell, Sta� ReporterKirk McCarty, Sta� ReporterSamantha Papp, Sta� ReporterTaylor Parsons, Sta� ReporterLucy Pruitt, Sta� ReporterMary Kate Waldron, PhotographerKatie Williams, Sta� Reporter
Adviser - Joy Davis
OP
INIO
N
The views and opinions expressed on this page are of an editorial nature and do not necessarily represent the views of The Warrior Beat
sta� , advisers, school faculty, or administrators of Oak Grove High
School or the Lamar County School District.
thewarriorbeat
Why should freshmen be restricted from participating in one of the most exciting
events in high school history? We’re all young, and we all deserve to take � rm chances in the unknown. Why allow us to believe that we’re all “equal” in high school when we � rst year pupils can’t be a part of a harmless dance?
I am constantly hearing juniors and seniors claim that when they were freshmen at the prom, it was a scary experience. Let’s just say that there were some hazards in this dreamy picture. I admit that bursting through those doors at every prom is not always a walk in the park; almost every person is scared and doesn’t want to be embarrassed. However, that doesn’t mean that parents and students should let past experiences restrict others from not going.
� ere is the fear of the unknown. Nobody, especially newbies, wants to look completely foolish in such a crowded event. Where there’s high energy, there are high risks. But seriously, are freshmen not allowed to go to prom because of the grade and age di� erence? If it’s such a pain to allow the freshmen to bust some moves with kids around their ages, then what do they expect them to do? In the long run, the older students have gained more experience and are usually the most mature in diverse situations. But when it comes to something as passive as prom, I know some freshman who would probably act just as mature as most of their older peers.
What’s this an example of? It’s an example of isolation, and the freshmen are being isolated from an optional opportunity that should be opened for every high school student. If they wanted to smack paci� ers in the mouths of the newbies and not permit them from participating in
F reshmen of OGHS, do not hate me for writing this article. Hear me
out, and actually read my article before you decide that I am a hypocrite or that I hate freshmen, upperclassmen, and prom. None of that is even remotely true, but I do think the decision for no freshmen to be at prom was for the good of freshmen and the boys/girls who would be their dates. Do not get me wrong, prom was a good experience with some great people, but I am speaking for the generality of freshmen at prom. I went to prom as a fourteen-year-old. � at sounds ridiculously young to begin with, but my friends were going and a great guy asked me, so I was in. My parents were extremely resistant to even let me go because “I wasn’t ready.” I disagreed, but looking back, as much as I hate to say it, I’d say to
a certain extent, they were right. To be perfectly honest, juniors
and seniors don’t want freshmen at prom unless they are dates, and that can make freshmen feel unwanted (which they are) and excluded (which they should be). Most juniors and seniors haven’t already been to prom and want the night to be theirs for the taking. Freshmen just don’t have the high school experience to handle prom. I like to consider myself a mature person, and I wasn’t mature enough to handle it yet. � ere’s a reason prom is designed for juniors and seniors.
Going to prom as a freshmen somewhat takes away from how special junior and senior proms are. Picking the perfect dress, hairstyle, and shoes becomes less of a priority. Prom is something that current seniors who went for the � rst time last year were buzzing about since September. By the time I’m a junior, I hope I have that same anxiousness, but I’m afraid people who have been going for three years don’t get that same inquisitive excitement. � at is not to say that prom is boring, just to say that it becomes more routine when it is an annual event.
� e truth of the matter is, the rule that freshmen cannot go to prom has already been made. Freshmen, it’s okay! You have three years you could possibly go! Live those up. Don’t sulk in the fact that you won’t be going this year. It’s for your own good. Prom is a blast, but it should really be saved for any other year.
“Freshmen girls can
go, freshmen guys…not so
much.”
JILLIANWALTERS
10th grade
CLAY RICHARDSON
12th grade
ADRIA MULLIGAN 10th grade
The junior class offi cers recently decided to prohibit
freshmen from this year’s prom. Freshmen who go to prom are considered both benign attendees and grave annoyances by underclassmen prom enthusiasts. Students across the school are voicing their opinions both for and against this unprecedented ruling. Do you think freshmen should be able to attend prom?
“No. I know for me as a freshman, I was not
mature enough to handle
that type of environment.”
ADRIA MULLIGAN
MICAH SHEFFIELD 9th grade
“I don’t think freshmen
should be able to go because
it is a privilege for juniors and seniors.”
Compiled by LAUREN ENGLISHPhotos by MARY KATE WALDRON
MICAH SHEFFIELD
“No, I think they should wait until their junior
year.”
KACI RAIMEY11th grade
By: Olivia Diaz, Sta� Reporter By: Taylor Parsons, Sta� Reporter
ADMIT ADMIT ADMIT ONE FRESHMENFRESHMENFRESHMENFRESHMENFRESHMENFRESHMENFRESHMENFRESHMENFRESHMEN
at Prom?
“NO!”
KACI RAIMEY
5opinionOctober 12, 2012
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LETTERS TO
By: Nathan Maxwell Sta� Reporter
� e homecoming dance has always been fun. � e homecoming dance was in a way a less expensive prom minus the glamour. You didn’t really have to worry about all the details like prom; you just went to have a good time. Without a homecoming dance, there was no way to party with friends and celebrate a big homecoming win.
downgrade Homecoming dance deprivation?
pgrade dow gradeor ?
� is year, jeans and t-shirts on Friday have become a common occurrence. Jeans and t-shirts are a great way to wind down and relax. And jeans and t-shirts are perfect for someone looking for comfort as they try to � nish out the last day of the school week. Honestly, nothing really completes a Friday like jeans and a t-shirt.
Frequent casual Fridays? upgrade
Ten minutes isn’t enough time for a pep rally. With that limited amount of time, it feels as though nothing’s � nished before the next part begins. It feels like everything’s on fast forward, and it’s not slowing down. Twenty minutes would be the perfect amount of time to cheer on our football team to victory.
downgrade Puny pep rallies?
LolaDear Lola,My best friend is beginning to annoy me. She corrects me around other friends. If I tell a story and get one thing wrong, she corrects me. I know I make mistakes, but does she have to always correct me? I am thinking about not hanging around her anymore. Is that a good decision?
Sincerely,Verbally Abused
Letters to Lola is an advice column for students seeking help. Lola will try to answer all questions unless they are denied publishing.
Dear Verbally Abused,If you really consider her your best friend, don’t get rid of her. The corrective attitude she has is one fault (even if it is a huge one) that shouldn’t determine whether or not you hang out with her. Tell her that she annoys you. Chances are she doesn’t even realize she is doing it. When you tell her, don’t beat around the bush or water down how much she irritates you. Just let it all out in a loving, friendly way. We all make mistakes, and we don’t need a human spell check hovering over us and lingering on our words.
XOXO,Lola
he troubling economy and lack of jobs are the hottest topics leading up to the November 6 election. At the moment,
there is no clear decision on how to deal with the state of our country, but both President Barack Obama and his Republican opponent Mitt Romney have di� erent plans. At the Democratic National Convention, Obama revealed in his acceptance speech that, within his potential second term, one million manufacturing jobs will be created. During Romney’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, he stated, “I plan to create 12 million new jobs.” While these are great claims, who is correct?
With the upcoming election, America’s greatest need is a well-informed voter. Our primary information cannot come from what is put on television, the internet, the press, or even from the mouths of candidates. We are the future of America. If we are not educated about the issues at hand, we will not be voting the right people into o� ce. To vote informatively, we absolutely have to educate ourselves.
Although the media has a tendency to misconstrue information, politicians and the government are perhaps the most notorious for hiding the truth in their campaign platforms. � is is undoubtedly evident with the Patient Protection and A� ordable Care Act (PPACA). � e Obamacare legislation is
2,400 pages of information undisclosed to the general population. Odds are the public will probably never know what the bill contains. Most of the perks PPACA advertised are just propaganda techniques. As former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said, “You should pass the bill [PPACA], so you can � nd out what is in it.” � is is just one example of the government hiding information from the citizens of the United States. In order to prevent this from continuing, Americans need to take the initiative to educate themselves. Research is the only way to learn the background information about today’s politicians.
American citizens’ opinions will never be unanimous. America was built on the foundation of freedom, and one aspect of that freedom is that individuals are able to express their varying opinions. However, it is up to “we the people” to be educated about the position we support. We cannot just say we believe in a certain platform and not know anything about the issue we “support.” It is our duty as Americans to make logical decisions in the polling booth. When we educate ourselves, we might actually have a change of heart, but we will never know unless we make the e� ort.
� ere are several steps one can take to become an educated voter. A book about the American government and how it has run through the history
of the nation is an excellent place to start. Doing this allows one to become oriented with the glitches in today’s current democracy.
Next, become acquainted with candidates running for o� ce and their platforms. A campaign website would be bene� cial. Mitt Romney’s website is www.mittromney.com, and Barack Obama’s website is www.barackobama.com. After becoming aware of the issues, homework is necessary. Scour the internet’s countless websites, read the newspaper, and watch the news channels on television. Although the information given can be biased, comparing sources can help give a more clear picture. After learning this information, a solid background is needed to validate these opinions. Acquiring the entire story will require sites other than biased websites and news stations like FOX, CNN, and NBC.
Reading about the upcoming election in the news gives the ability to learn about other opinions that reporters may have. � is can be fundamental in the development of accurate opinions. Other opinions will show the ideas out there, so that will assist with research in showing what a sound opinion really is.
Considering the state of our nation, we as Americans must uphold our duty to our country to become educated voters.
By: Katie WilliamsSta� Reporter
Dear Lola,I have a hard time getting to school on time. I stay up really late with homework and always sleep through my alarms. I never get to make my lunch! How do I f ix this problem? HELP!
Sincerely,Always Tardy
Dear Always Tardy,You know how you can get a wake up call at hotels? Try asking one of your early rising close friends to call you. Sure, you may sound like a monster answering your phone that early, but a friend will not judge. Make sure they stay on the phone until you get out of bed and to the bathroom to get ready. This way, you can’t fall back asleep. Also, try doing your homework a little bit earlier than normal or in a class that doesn’t require many brain cells.
XOXO,Lola
Election2012� e importance of a
well-informed voter
Five days of fabulous costumes? upgrade
As opposed to last year, which only featured a three-day homecoming week, this year once again featured a � ve-day homecoming week. � is meant two more days of outrageous antics, costumes, and all-around fun. We also welcomed a brand new day that’s sure to be a staple for years to come – America Day. Without � ve days, homecoming week just doesn’t feel right.
6 insider October 12, 2012 76 7
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DECORATING THE HALLSEvery year, the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes get crafty for a a hall-decorating competition. This year’s Olympic theme inspired hallways were filled with gold medals, sporting goods, and posters of athletic icons.
THE CROWNING MOMENTAmber Pineda is crowned Homecoming Queen by Head Principal Helen Price. After weeks of tedious nomination, comprehensive voting, and extensive tallying, the Homecoming Court festivities dazzled the entire pre-game crowd. All the senior maids wore either black, gold, or white dresses to show Warrior pride. Pineda, shown here in an elegant, long-sleeved sequin gown, was all smiles as she received the prestigious title of Homecoming Queen. “I was truly honored, and I want to say thank you to my student body,” Pineda said. “I’ve made a lot of memories throughout my years at this school, and that night will definitely be one of the best ones. I love my school, and I’m truly proud to call myself a Warrior.”
GAME DAYStudents beat the drum, a Warrior tradition, in hopes of a victory against Forest Hill. Throughout game day, seniors took shifts beating the drum both at the back entrance of the school and in the cafeteria during lunches. Above, new student and senior Josh Craft learns an old Warrior tradition as he contributes to game day energy and festivity.
OG TAKES ON FOREST HILLAmple tailgating and touchdowns made for a great Homecoming game. Senior running back Jay Jordan dashes towards the end zone, en route to a 31-0 victory over Forest Hill. The Warriors were led by junior quaterback, Kirk McCarty who attained 183 yards and two touchdowns. The cheerleaders led the crowd in spirited chants as the Warriors brought home a victory.
CHARACTER DAYEven in costume, students’ Warrior spirit was evident.From cartoons to superheroes to pop culture icons, students in every class got creative (and almost competitive) as they took on the personas of their characters.
AMERICA DAYThe Warrior Beat “flagged” down some of Oak Grove’’s most patriotic students. Even though Independence Day and the Olympics passed the school by over the summer, the Student Council made an all-American decision to include a dress-up day that celebrated the 50 stars and 13 bars.
DECADE DAYOak Grove tradition spans across the centuries. From cavemen to kids of the future, students represented almost every era of style. By searching through their parents’ closets and rifling through local party stores, students from every class teased their hair, rolled their jeans, and dusted off their decade-specific lingo in celebration of Homecoming and Warrior Pride.
SENIOR CITIZEN DAY“Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” Even though the majority of the school was dressed in house shoes, night gowns, high-water pants, and suspenders, the perrenial Homecoming energy at Oak Grove was apparent as always. Students enjoyed wearing comfortable clothes and imitating their grandparents as they walked the halls. Gray hairspray, walking canes, oversized glasses, and hilarious wigs were spotted throughout the day.
Photos by MARY KATE WALDRON, ELIZABETH MCCULLEN, ASHLEY BRYANT
on her face,” junior Lucy Robinson said. “I thought that she would be stricter, but she’s de� nitely more easy-going. She’s a great teacher.”
Robinson, along with fellow student Dakota Donohue, is interested in learning or continuing to work on cooking. Robinson had a job at the restaurant Spicy Pickle and has worked at Canebrake as a hostess. Donohue is working at the restaurant Cotton Blues. Both will have been exposed to the di� erent aspects of cooking and running a restaurant.
“Culinary Arts is more than just cooking,” Donohue said. “It’s safety and management too.”
8 features October 12, 2012
By: Olivia DiazSta� Reporter
Oak Grove is making room for a new and delicious class this year: Culinary Arts. � is class o� ers more than just hands-on cooking experience; students in Debbie Miller’s class are expected to work on group and independent skills with the course curriculum presented to them. It’s a course that can be taken in one semester or in one year. No matter how a student completes it, Culinary Arts is worth two credits. � is year, three block classes are in Culinary Arts I, and � rst and second block classes last until Christmas, whereas third block class lasts all year. When the next year rolls into play, these students will be able to take Culinary Arts II for one semester. � e state requested and voted for the course, and the class was soon added as an elective at OG.
“� e Career Technical ‘umbrella’ wrote a proposal saying, ‘we need this Career Technical program in Lamar County’,” Miller said. “So, the state researches, comes down, and looks at the center in Purvis and here.”
As far as culinary experience goes, this � rst-year teacher has been working for Lamar County since 1999 as a bookkeeper. Miller’s cause for this was that she had the
proper quali� cations for a restaurant internship; this was the steady path she was approaching. If that weren’t enough, she was sent to Birmingham by the state and is expected to train there for two more summers.
Aside from her gained experience, Miller is inspired by her admirable former director from the Career and Technical Center in Purvis, Rita Bush. Bush told Miller that she was required to take the ACT test for this new teaching certi� cation. � is was something she had never had to worry about before since she suitably remained a hard-working wife and mother and never bothered to continue
her education any further as an adult. She had her doubts about scoring high enough. But luckily after taking the test, Miller did great and was able to continue her certi� cation process.
One major project required in Culinary Arts class this year involves teamwork and
creativity in recipes. Students are split into two groups and are expected to cook an appetizer, an entree, and a dessert. A menu is required in each group, and students buy the ingredients they need for their recipes. � ree judges are added in the mix as well, and this whole project will teach culinary students how to enhance and spread their recipe ideas beyond the platter.
However, this isn’t the only task students are expected to complete. Curriculum notes are taken, posters are designed, Power Points are created, and much more. In addition to cooking, students learn safety and management skills. Miller teaches her students about safety expectations, such as those involving � re safety, class expectations, and lab expectations.
Miller’s favorite part about the course is her students. She enthusiastically takes each and every one to heart and believes that they are wonderful, generous, and respectful. Miller � rmly believes that they are concerned for each other and have grasped the tasks they are given. It’s no surprise that most of her students seem to feel the exact same way about her.
“Ms. Miller is very positive, and she’s always got a smile
Culinary Arts is more than just cooking. It’s safety and management too.”
- Dakota Donohue, 11th
By: Samantha PappSta� Reporter
� ere are many words that people use to try to describe autism. Some people call people with autism unintelligent, weird, or even retarded (which is extremely hurtful and highly o f f e n s i v e ) . Some doctors say that people with autism will never be able to function and learn by themselves, and some doctors doubt that people with autism will ever live a full life. � ey can name all about the di� erent types of autism (Autistic Disorder, Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Speci� ed (PDD-NOS) and all the symptoms accompanied with each disorder. However, many doctors fail to truly empathize with people with disabilities. While there are numerous websites and books that claim to describe autism, the majority of the population fails to actually understand what life with autism entails. What is life with autism really like?
Autism is a part of someone; it makes up who someone is. Autism can mean that
a person is con� ned to a wheelchair or that a person has in� nite knowledge about a certain
subject. Autism can mean that a person may not immediately reply when they are spoken to or that a person gets overwhelmed by loud noises. Regardless of any disabilities accompanying autism, being autistic does not make a person unintelligent. Autism is simply a developmental disorder that
presents certain di� culties to everyday life.In a materialistic society concerned with
the latest fashions and devices, remembering “not to judge a book by its cover”
sometimes provides a challenge. A person may not realize that people
with disabilities make noises involuntarily or that they are in a wheelchair because they were born unable to walk. � is lack of understanding can lead to degrading treatment toward people with disabilities. Degrading treatment is not always blatantly making fun of someone; ignoring people with autism or looking down upon them is typical behavior that shuns people with autism and makes them feel separated from “normal” life. While it may not be perceived as so, people with disabilities can understand when they are being made fun of. � ey are indeed capable of getting their feelings hurt, regardless of whether or not
they express those emotions.Hayley Higgason, senior, has an older brother named
Grey who has autism. “� e best part about Grey is his bravery,” Hayley said. “People do not realize how di� cult it is to get up and live life everyday with disabilities. Grey knows he is di� erent, and he knows people are going to treat him as such. He still gets up everyday and always has a genuine smile on his face.” Stacey Todd is a special education teacher at Oak Grove High School as well as a volunteer at � e ARC, a community-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Todd said, “I love that people with autism are all so unique. I am constantly amazed and love discovering something new about the kids I work with.”
Temple Grandin, a movie about a girl with autism, described autistic people as “di� erent, not less.” Yes, people with autism are di� erent. Some live their entire lives unable to express their thoughts and feelings, and some
are constantly judged and are unable to contradict any false judgments. � ese are only a few struggles that people with autism have to overcome, and they are struggles that most people will never have to face. People with autism may think and act di� erently than everyone else, and while they may face di� erent struggles, they are not less than anyone else. � ey fully deserve to be treated with the same level of respect as someone without a disability would be treated. � ey are di� erent, not less.
Culinary Arts serves up scrumptious servings of success
COOKING UP GOOD GRADES AND BETTER RECIPESJunior Lucy Robinson concentrates on making biscuit dough. | Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
PRECISION PAYS OFF IN CULINARY ARTSKwadric Smith and Triston Whitehead carefully prepare a meal. I Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
People do not realize how di� cult it is to get up and live every day with disabilities.”
- Hayley Higgason, Senior
Order it today!
The WarriorDeadline: December 21, 2012Price: $70How to order: www.balfour.com, see a yearbook sta� member at lunch, or stop by G104.
Biology Tutoring
(entire semester)MONDAY - 3:40-5:00pm, H112 (Dueitt)
TUESDAY - 7:30-8:00am, H109 (Bush)3:40-5:00pm, H111 (Hansen)
WEDNESDAY - 7:30-8:00am, H109 (Bush)3:40-4:30pm, H109 (Bush)
THURSDAY - 3:40-5:00pm, E100 (O’Steen)
9featuresOctober 12, 2012
COLLEGE SEARCH
Tuition and feesApplication Fee - $35In-State Tuition and Fees - $3,168 per semesterHousingOn-campus housing - Ranges from $1,840 to $2,809
OtherSAT or ACT is required, but ACT writing section is optional.Honors College is available, but students must � ll out an additional application.Student-to-faculty ratio - 20:1Undergraduate enrollment - Approximately 16,000
Visit the OGHS Career Center or the school website for information on scholarships. -- Information compiled by Miranda Rester, Editor.
Tuition and feesApplication Fee - $25In-State Tuition and Fees - $2,644 per semester
HousingFreshmen under the age of 21 are required to live on campus for at least one year.
OtherSAT or ACT is required, but ACT writing section is optional.Honors Program is available.Student-to-faculty ratio - 15:1Undergraduate enrollment - Approximately 4,200
By: Mary Ryan KarnesEditor
Girls’ physical education courses are now more exciting than ever before. With the addition of Yoga Fit and Zumba classes on Tuesdays and � ursdays during � rst and second block, students have the opportunity to become more physically and mentally engaged in new
types of exercise. Licensed Zumba and Yoga Fit instructor Kriste Lewis leads classes both � rst and second semester for all girls enrolled in physical education or weight lifting courses. � e new classes, which promote diverse exercise methods, are
bene� tting students by promoting both physical and mental health.
� e Zumba exercise program incorporates Latin dance routines and cardiovascular exercise and has been part of weightlifting classes at Oak Grove since last year. Participants can expect an upbeat variety of music and fast-paced, fun dance moves in each class. “Zumba is a great way to do more cardio and get � t,” senior Mary Kate Waldron, who took classes during the weightlifting period last year, said. Yoga Fit combines stretching poses with strengthening exercises and is a new addition
By: Lucy PruittSta� Reporter
Being successful in school requires hard work, determination, and motivation, but sometimes, doing everything needed to feel successful can bring overpowering stress. So, the question is, how do we do everything and still stay sane?
Freshman Lauren Pitts, athlete, accelerated student, and avid club member, tells us her way to stay calm, cool, and collected. “When I get stressed, I listen to music,” Pitts said. “It really relaxes me.” Pitts is involved in many di� erent activities in the Hattiesburg area. � ese include being on the Oak Grove High School varsity soccer and junior varsity volleyball teams,
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Beta Club, Mu Alpha � eta, and U-15 girls Hattiesburg Futbol Club soccer team.
Pitts’s schedule is never ending. Her fourth block in school is soccer, so on any normal Monday or Wednesday, she goes from school soccer to school volleyball to club soccer to � nishing up school work late at night. Her volleyball games are typically on Tuesdays and � ursdays; because of this, she has to cut out her club soccer on volleyball game days. On Fridays, she starts the day with FCA and ends with OG volleyball.
“My mom thinks I’m never home,” Pitts said.
In addition to juggling clubs and activities, Pitts also excels in academics.
She has never made lower than an A on a report card and is in two accelerated classes.
Stress in teens is typically caused by disorganization and lack of time to relax because of a busy schedule. Knowing where everything you need is and
being able to locate it easily is a great way to decrease your stress. “I try to keep things in the same place by having certain places for certain things,” Pitts said.
With a crazy schedule, Pitts doesn’t have much time to relax, so she does everything she can to make her life less stressful. “I don’t have much time to just chill,” Pitts said. “Sometimes I just
When I get stressed, I listen to music. It really relaxes me.”
- Lauren Pitts, Freshman
Yoga � ts into new OGHS physical education curriculumto weightlifting classes this year. “It really helps you stay calm and focus
on and o� the mat,” Waldron said. Yoga Fit’s program promotes
both physical and mental health. More relaxed than Zumba, Yoga Fit allows participants to focus on each pose and objective. “I would love to see Zumba and Yoga
Fit as part of the Lamar County physical education
curriculum,” Lewis said.Lewis, who graduated from the
University of West Alabama, has been practicing yoga for ten years a n d teaching Yoga Fit classes
f o r one year
GOODBYE STRESSHELLO SUCCESS
and Zumba classes for two years. “I’ve always had a love for dance, and I have coached dance and cheer for years,” Lewis said. “I taught in the public school system before I became a � tness instructor.” In addition to teaching exercise classes at Oak Grove High School, Lewis also volunteers at Oak Grove Lower Elementary’s art days and conducts special sessions like Accelerated Reader parties. “Zumba does more than just getting kids moving,” Lewis said. “It promotes multiculturalism and an appreciation for the arts.”
feel like quitting, but when I do, I look around and try to � nd someone who will push me to be a better person or player.”
Finding motivation in everything you do can help you get through the stressful times. “My motivation is competition. It’s fun to compete in practices and games.”
Di� erent things make di� erent people stress out. Some people may seem to not stress at all. Maybe your way to de-stress is listening to music, too, or maybe taking bubble baths and drinking herbal tea works. You might try lots of di� erent activities before you � nd the right one. Organization, motivation, and your own way to de-stress can help you say goodbye to stress and hello to success.
Do you struggle with juggling all of your activities and school work? Here’s a little help with fi nding your own way to deal with stress.
SPORTS, SCHOOLWORK, AND STRESSFreshman Lauren Pitts balances academics and athletics by staying calm both in the classroom and on the � eld. | Photo by MARY KATE WALDRON
� e Zumba exercise program incorporates Latin dance routines and cardiovascular exercise and has been part
variety of music and fast-paced, fun dance moves in each class. “Zumba is a great way to do more cardio and get
on and o� the mat,” Waldron said. Yoga Fit’s program promotes
both physical and mental health. More relaxed than Zumba, Yoga Fit allows participants to focus on each pose and objective. “I would love to see Zumba and Yoga
Fit as part of the Lamar County physical education
curriculum,” Lewis said.
By: Morgan Guess | Staff Reporter
� e Perks of being a Wall� ower by Stephen Chbosky was published in 1999 and is set in mid to late 80s where bands such as � e Smiths and movies like the Rocky Horror Picture Show made a splash. � e book follows the life of Charlie, a mis� t freshman, trying to learn the ropes of high school after a troubled past through letters to you (the reader). Charlie’s family consists of normal parents, a Penn State football player
10 entertainment October 12, 2012
music
BY: ELIZABETH LEE Sta� Reporter
Building aBUCKET LIST
Everyone, whether they have a formulated bucket list or not, has at least an idea of the places around the globe to which they would like to travel. Most people think of places like Sydney, Tokyo, or Paris, the most visited city on Earth, as their dream international vacation destinations; backpacking through Europe and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef are perhaps the most clichéd bucket list items, and sadly, more often than not, they never get crossed off. I am fortunate enough to have marked off several of the travel destinations on my bucket list, like Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France, but there are always infi nitely more places all over the playground that is the world that are calling my name to come explore.
Choosing the country in Europe that I would like to visit the most is impossible. While backpacking through the continent may not be on my bucket list, my goal is to visit as many of the beautiful, history-packed European cities and cultural landmarks as possible while I can (and sleep in hotels as opposed to park benches). However, if I absolutely had to choose, I would go back to Austria in a heartbeat.
Delicious food like schnitzel (30 centimeters of breaded pork served with a variety of jams and sauces) and apfelstrudel (an apple-fi lled pastry with cinnamon), the gorgeous landscape that the Alps create throughout the country, and the friendly, welcoming people who live there make Austria one of the world’s best countries to vacation in. Even though the box next to “Visit Austria” may be checked off on my list, returning there is without a doubt in my future plans. In the meantime, I’ll just carpe diem here in the States, perpetually adding and marking off items on my own bucket list.
I’ve always been a lukewarm fan of � e Killers; like everyone else, I’d sing along about the mysterious androgynous boyfriend brought into question in “Somebody Told Me” and turn up the volume whenever the catchy intro to “Mr. Brightside” came on the radio, but I never took the time to check out their music any further—that is, up until about a year ago when I really discovered their music and fell in love. Now, as an avid fan of the band, I listen to their brand new album Battle Born and sum it up as, in brief, over-the-top and unoriginal, yet still likeable.
Power chords and retro drum patterns hint at in� uences from artists like Bruce Springsteen, and the cheesy, overly sentimental lyrics and all-around been-there-done-that feel of this new record is far from the band’s music I came to know and love in their � rst album, 2004’s Hot Fuss. So what happened? Sometime
after the all-American anthems in 2006’s Sam’s Town and the playful tunes in 2008’s Day & Age, lead singer and songwriter Brandon Flowers’s fascinations with sentimentalism, ‘80s rock, and the struggles of the typical American love story melded together to form the modernized throwback rock album that is Battle Born.
Like every other Killers song, album, and lyric, there are plenty of references to the band’s hometown, Las Vegas, and the desert near which they grew up. � e name of the album is even a reference to Nevada’s state � ag. Allusions like the “lonely Esmeralda County line” and “Charleston Avenue outside the Starlight Motel” are � e Killers’ trademarks and are added into the lyrics as often as possible.
“Flesh and Bone” is the album’s spectacular opener and easily the best track on Battle Born as well as one of the few that stays true to � e Killers’ signature sound, reminiscent of Day & Age’s “Human.” Next
up, lead single “Runaways’” opening line begins with the worn-out imagery of “Blonde hair blowin’ in the summer wind,” setting the tone for the rest of the record—clichéd and melodramatic but still somehow catchy and likeable. “� e Way It Was” is a breakup song that sounds like it could have been a hit on the radio about 25 years ago. However, that illusion is shattered with the mention of modern technology
APPening?By: Katie Williams, Staff Reporter
What’s
The average high school student seems to have an account on every possible social networking
site. Lately, the most popular site is Instagram. The ability to share pictures with the world is lovely, but what about being able to share videos?
Keek can give one that ability. Unlike Instagram, which is only available to smartphone users, Keek is accessible from any computer, Apple device, or Android device. Users are able to take videos up to 36 seconds long and share them as status updates instantly. The website and app are also extremely user friendly, unlike some social networking sites and apps.
Keek will take off in the near future, but it is currently somewhat dry. There comes a point when watching an unknown stranger’s videos can become a bore.
Keek is worth a try. The greater the number of people you know on the site, the more entertaining it will be.
fi lm/book
By: Elizabeth Lee | Staff Reporter
on the ever-so-profound “Here with Me” (“Don’t want your picture/On my cell phone/I want you here with me”). � e rest of the album changes pace from track to track. “From Here on Out,” an upbeat, laid-back song, sounds in� uenced by Tom Petty’s music. Other artists that seem to have inspired � e Killers’ style on Battle Born are Bono, Elton John, and of course, the heaviest in� uence, Flowers’s idol, Bruce Springsteen.
brother, and an all-A “perfect” sister. He’s the awkward, quiet kid who loves to read and write and likes watching rather than engaging in everyday activities. After the death of a close friend and an aunt, Charlie has to move past these tragic experiences and is advised by his psychiatrist to “participate” in school activities. He takes the advice and attends his school’s homecoming football game where he meets eccentric step-siblings Sam and Patrick. � e two seniors take Charlie on a whirlwind of adventures, and introduce him to a friend group
they call “the Island of Mis� t Toys.” Sam and Patrick expose Charlie to everything that parents would most likely not approve of, and as they become closer, Charlie develops a crush for the older and more sophisticated Sam. Charlie experiences his extreme highs and lows throughout the diary-like letters and is torn between happiness and sadness as his depression begins to emerge. Charlie’s friends and English teacher help him along the rocky road of high school. From death to teen pregnancy to abuse to drugs to sexuality to broken hearts, this book tells all. It dramatizes the events of teen years and relates mostly to teens 16 and older. � e story centers on Charlie, Sam, and Patrick, who grow and learn to handle everything life throws at them. � e honest and relatable letters are sometimes crude but authentically unfold the experiences of Charlie’s life. Every page reveals more shocking stories and issues common in everyday teen life and show how friends like
Charlie’s can help us through the di� cult moments in life. � e book is a puzzle of Charlie’s life that comes full circle through the last chapter. � e movie adaptation was recently released on September 21 and 28 at select locations in the U.S. When transferring the shocking novel to the big screen, Logan Lerman took on the shaky role of Charlie, Emma Watson debuts as Sam, and Ezra Miller appears as a swanky Patrick. Producers morphed the commendable book on screen, but Chbosky made the tough decision on which speci� c scenes from the book had to be cut. Although some scenes received the blow, the movie was applauded by critics and received great reviews from viewers. It’s not a common fairytale and is not suggested for readers looking for a happy ending or Twi-hards looking for a good love story. However, � e Perks of Being a Wall� ower is a noteworthy high school drama that will be appreciated by older teens and adults alike.
11entertainmentOctober 12, 2012
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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: How well do you know Oak Grove?By: Elizabeth Lee, Tyler Lee, Andrew Adams, Morgan Guess
Note: Include spaces in your answers.
Across3. The student body’s favorite cafeteria menu choice5. What movie is the picture on the back of the seniors’ shirts from? (2 words)6. Who is the baseball field house named after?11. What is the name of the marching band’s show this year?12. Oak Grove has been a ______ ______ school three times. (2 words)13. What do OGHS students traditionally bring to make noise at football games?17. Oak Grove’s favorite brand of sandals18. How many hallways are there?19. 2012 Homecoming Queen
Down1. Which group can be found working at the concession stand at the baseball games?2. “May I go to the restroom?” “Take the _____.”4. Lab on C Hall named after Ann Sullivan7. Name of the theatre department’s MTA-winning show last year8. Which teacher was named 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year for the state of Mississippi?9. Head coach of the football team10. What is the newest addition to Oak Grove High School, opening this month?14. “…and brave Warriors’ _____ flies, waving our colors, black and gold…”15. What former art teacher designed the warrior head found on both ends of Main Hall? (Hint: Signature)16. Football team manager18. Number of times the baseball team has won the State championship
* Answers may be found at www.thewarriorbeat.com.
