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The April edition of the RAMpage
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Inside This Issue:
Prom Is Here
Origin of Prom
Earth Day
AMHS Originals
Slam Dunk King
Baseball Cards
Spring Sports
Prom Dresses: Hot or Not
And much more!
Special Bonus:
OhhSo Baseball Cards!
Earth Day
FBLA Hawks Night
Yearbook Staff Meets Deadlines
Prom is Here!
Getting Ready Now
Saving the Competition
Arabia Gives Back to Africa
Arabia Mentoring Program
A Night to Remember
Senior Year: Stress ed or Unstressed
Who Are You Fooling?
Spring Break Ideas and Safety
Arabia Mountain Originals
Prom From the Past
Prom Origins
Did You Survive Lent?
Traditions Made
Baseball Cards
Slam Dunk King
Running to Success
Looking Back Four Years
Gymnastics
Soccer
Pep Rally Round-Up
Jackie Robinson
Are You Ready for Prom?
Pros and Cons of a Prom Date
Hot or Not: Prom Dress Edition
Walking In Style
Dealing with Parents
GHSGT
Senior Furlough Day
Graduation
Ideal Dorm Room
Picking Your Roommate
Maintaining Healthy Relationships
in College
Longer Spring Break
Help By Lending a Hand
Fangirl Spotlight
CHWxL
Day of the Child
Ask A Ram
Longer Spring Break
NEWS
EARTH
Earth Day is a
worldwide recognized
event that supports the
protection of the
environment. Earth Day
is celebrated on April 22. April 22 was
picked by a resolution adopted by
the United Nations in 2009.
Founder
John McConnell born on March 22,
1915 and died October 20, 2012 was
a person who was passionate about
religion, science, and peace. His
passion led him to become the
founder and creator of Earth Day.
In 1969, McConnell proposed Earth
Day to the San Francisco Board of
Supervisors and received lots of
support. He later on created an
Earth Day Proclamation and very
soon Earth Day was being
celebrated throughout the world.
An important part of the Earth Day
celebration is the Earth Flag. He
designed it after he saw the first
picture of Earth in a magazine. The
flag symbolizes the support to the
people and to the environment. In
1975 the flag was placed in the
South Pole. Until this day the flag is
used and sold around the world.
In 1969, McConnell.
Activities
Earth Day activities
in the United States
are separated into
regions. Georgia is in
region 4 (Southeast).
Some examples of
activities could be helping out at the
Botanical Garden, giving classes
about the environment, researching
more about the environment etc.
Teachers around the world find
activities to do with their classes on
Earth Day. They have students
create presentations, have
environmental speakers, post
announcements throughout the
school. English teachers ask their
students to write poems, skits, essays,
and stories about the environment.
Some also encourage students to
create awareness activities.
Mrs. Klein plans on taking her
students outside to look at the
nature around the school and even
be inspired and create and share
poems in the outdoor classroom.
EARTH DAY By Noely Escorza
NEWS
By Jordan Barron
On Friday, March 22nd, FBLA students took a trip to the Philips Arena to
watch the Atlanta Hawks take on the Portland Trailblazers. Before the game,
they had some business to handle.
First, the students started their day out with lunch at the CNN center. They
had a choice to eat at the various restaurants that the center had to offer.
Afterward, they attended a small college fair. There were approximately
20 colleges represented. There was also a game involved within the college fair.
Students were given a “bingo board” that contained 6 boxes. The objective was
to have all 6 boxes marked off by the colleges. The twist was the students has to
ask the college recruiters a question in order to receive a stamp. After all 6
boxes were filled, the student was to return to the front for their special gift from
the Hawks. The gift was a black drawstring bag that had the Hawks logo on the
front.
Next, the student then went on to the gym where the Hawks play, but it
wasn’t game time. The students from Arabia along with about 20 other schools
had the time to spend with the people who work with advertising and television
production for the Hawks. There was also a game within that too. The students
were asked to send in a message headline through twitter, and a few sponsors
were picked to partake in an obstacle course ending with a lay up. Arabia
Mountain placed 3rd in the headline contest.
Lastly, it was time for the game to begin. From placing in the contest,
Arabia Mountain students were allowed to stand in the tunnel
where the Hawks run in at for warm ups, which was the coolest
part of the trip. Their seats for the game were right behind the
goal. Over all, it was a great trip and a fun experience.
It takes time, dedication, and patience. From the first day of school in
August until March 18, 2013, the AMHS yearbook staff has been working nonstop
to complete Arabia’s best yearbook yet.
This year’s theme is “The Beginning of the End,” a theme that every
student could relate to because while some students are just beginning high
school, others are ready to graduate. Creating the yearbook is both a fun and
challenging experience. There were many long nights pulled after school in
order for this yearbook to be a success. With every staff member being
committed and determined, the yearbook was completed on time. Being
involved in year book teaches you the importance of deadlines. This class
prepares you for future tasks or assignments, within your career and college.
Senior Miah Harris, pictured below left, says “Yearbook is fun as long as you
have your rough drafts together, it will not be stressful.” Along with having your
drafts together yearbook “teaches you how to
manage your time and how to be even more
organized” she says.
Many students expect for yearbook to be an easy
elective to just add to their schedule, however it is
the complete opposite. It actually requires a great
deal of time and work. There are multiple sections
throughout the staff that has made it easier, such as
clubs and organizations, student life, and sports.
In addition senior Seana Dees, pictured below
right, explains how “Finding people especially when
they are not in class can be sometimes frustrating;
but meeting deadlines are easy as long as your organized and you keep your
time frame in mind.” On the other hand it is no surprise that the Ms. Jones
disagrees with Seana, she says “Stressful is an
understatement, it is very time consuming but I cannot
wait to see the finish product.”
Along with the entire yearbook staff, teachers and
students are very eager to see how the yearbook will
turn out this year. AMHS yearbook staff has worked
extremely hard to make this year’s year book creative
and enjoyable. Although deadlines can be stressful and
difficult, the yearbook staff shows others that hard work
eventually pays off.
NEWS
By Aiyana Parks
NEWS
361 17th Street NW Atlanta, Georgia 30363
By Teresa Hope
Prom, a night to dress your best and show off your sophisticated style. For
the seniors of AMHS, it will be the last night and last dance we have together. It
will be full of memories, and for some a new experience. “A Midnight
Masqurade” is the colorful and magical theme. Students can pick up invitations,
Monday-Wednesday at lunch periods.
Prom will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Twelve Hotel, right. Seniors
cannot reserve hotel rooms at the Twelve. Prom will last from 7:30-11:30 p.m. To
get in you will have to present a ticket. Students who drive, must pay for parking
or pay for a vallet. The senior walk will start at 9 p.m. The prom king and queen
will be crowned at 10 p.m. Our D.J. is from a popular radio station, so be ready.
Please be aware of the dress code. Females dresses must be in formal or
semi-formal attire. No sheer or see-through material, and no overly revealed
body parts. While males must wear suits and ties or tuxedoes with dress shoes. No
sagging and no exposed undergarments will be allowed. In addition, no pimp
daddy canes or chains, bandanas, head rags, or baseball caps will be allowed.
Dr. Arnold says, “The prom committee hopes everyone has a good time.” She
explains that the committee put a lot of effort into planning the event and
hopes it will be a memorable evening for everyone.
NEWS
The class of 2014 may not be seniors yet, but it’s never too late to start
preparing for college.
Junior Taylor McGee states, “Taking the SAT, ACT and visiting colleges you
have an interest in going to is where you start.”
For juniors who don’t take the SAT and ACT serious, Charles Akin-David
explains, “Your scores on the SAT and ACT can determine if you get in the door
of your college.” Start looking at scores colleges will accept because waiting till
the last minute can hurt you based on the school you want to attend. Get to the
point where you can narrow your colleges down to the ones that are most
important to you because having too many colleges in mind can lead to
confusion.
In order to attend your dream college several steps need to be done first.
From looking at the tuition amount, making sure the ACT and SAT scores are
good, to feeling out the financial aid application. It’s much more than just
getting an acceptance letter from a college.
Akin-David states, “Get into activities in school because colleges want to
see commitment,” so as a junior venture out and see what hobbies and interest
you have because brain smarts it’s not the only thing colleges look for. Stick out
as a person and show colleges that you can broaden your horizon because
getting into college is a contest. He continues, “Look for diversity, because you
learn 10% inside the classroom and 90% outside.”
As a junior look for a college that offers a global education, give yourself
a college because what you do in college can determine your life. Time is
ticking for the class of 2014 because before you know it will be our time to walk
across that stage. Start now don’t wait because all colleges don’t come to you,
you go to them.
By Tiffany Daniels
NEWS
A mix of adrenaline, determination, and
excitement rushed through the veins of
Arabia’s future doctors while attending
HOSA’s (Health Occupation Student of
America) State Leadership Conference on
March 3rd, 2013 in Athens, Georgia.
HOSA's Competitive Events Program
brings health careers to life by testing
knowledge, performance events, and mock
skill events. AMHS’s finest HOSA members
showed their leadership capabilities by developing new friendships, listening to
encouraging messages, and helping students recognize their potential future
health care profession.
HOSA’s State Leadership conference consists of six competitive event
categories, which are health science events, health professions events,
emergency preparedness events, leadership events, teamwork events, and
recognition events.
Jacelyn Moore, Janesha Buckhanon, and Kacharra Longmire are AMHS
sophomores who participated in CPR First Aid. They all agreed the highlight of
the trip was meeting new people and being exposed to their career paths.
Helina Teklu participated in medical law and ethics and said,” I loved the fact
that I met people who shared the same interest as me!”
HOSA members who participate in the competitive events program
complete numerous steps towards receiving
an ACCESS HOSA chord.
However, students do not participate
because of the awards but because of the
feeling of accomplishment and confidence
gained in preparing for competition. HOSA
does not hold events for bragging rights;
rather, HOSA provides a competitive events
program as a means of exposure to the
health care field and having the
determination to attend and demonstrate
the skills needed to perform a task while on
the job.
By Sean Thomas
On March 2, 2013, junior Kayla Turner was awarded with a Community
Service and Youth Empowerment Award from the 100 Black Men. To
obtain this honor, Kayla says she participated in more than sixty hours of
community service this past year, mostly from her strong participation in
Girl Scouts. “I have volunteered at Open Hands, the Global Soap
Project, and many other places,” she stated, “Many of which focused on
community empowerment.” Open Hands packs food for the elderly and
sickly, and the Global Soap Project sends soap around the world to
countries in need.
Kayla says she has been in the 100 Black Men program for five years.
Throughout that time, she has participated in a Youth Summit and got
the chance to ask a former US Attorney General questions.
Good job, Kayla!
NEWS
By Karri Thomas
By Taneishia Watson-Parks
In Mrs. Harris’ EIC class, the students learned the true meaning of “giving
back” by giving novels and books to Africa to help Africans
become successful. This program also helps the students in
Africa think more about how life is and what it can give them,
and it shows the true heart of our students and how much
they truly care for other countries.
Briana Brown, senior, expresses
what she likes about this program: “We
got to package a lot of books and got
to help them exceed their monthly
expectations for all the students.” She
believes they were doing a great job
helping people in other countries out
and inspire them to study more and more in order to get
somewhere in life.
“Not other people thinks about the other countries
and all the good they give back in
order to help out,” Briana explains
that she feels people don’t really take the time out to think
about the others who doesn’t live in the United States and
who don’t have all the resources available here. She
thinks people should give back to the help others and
support them to succeed in life.
The only improvement she wishes that could have
been made were the conditions of the warehouse,
explaning, “The warehouse could’ve been warmer
because it was really cold in there.” She also explains how
they didn’t have enough time to get more books to give
to Africa: “We didn’t have enough of
time to get more books to give to
Africa because there were a lot of complications.”
Giving back to other countries is a very important
thing to do at any age. It’s a good way to show how much
you care about other people and also that you are not as
selfish as other people might think. Our generation cares
more about receiving gifts than giving gifts to people need
them. Giving back is a great way to learning new things
about your country and yourself.
NEWS
NEWS
By: Javon Robair
Taylor McGee, junior, created a program for students at Arabia Mountain
called the Arabia Mentoring Program (AMP) for students with a desire to help
and mentor elementary students. Every
Thursday, the students in the mentoring
program go to Murphey Candler for an hour
to help elementary students with their
homework and give them extra help on their
work.
Murphey Candler Elementary School
has an after school program for their students
to get extra help with their homework and get
help with concepts they don’t fully understand. The only problem is that there
are way more students than teachers.
Therefore, there aren’t enough teachers for
each student to get enough help on work they
need help with.
Taylor McGee says “The Arabia Mountain
Mentoring Program is about giving kids the big
brother or sister they’ve always wanted by
providing them with extra tutoring, a friend, and
someone they can rely on for anything.
“It’s a great opportunity for not only the
children to learn from us, but for us to learn from them as well, says Vaughn
Dowdley, junior, a participant in the program.
What is a perfect prom to you?
Prom is one of the most memorable events in your high school career.
Many students going into high school look forward to prom and how it’s going to
be.
Everyone imagines prom to be a “perfect” night like the proms we see on
television. Prom is one of the most important nights in girl’s teenage years. It’s a
night when you see the true beauty of every girl outside of school. When you
think of prom, you think of dresses, the colors, the make-up, the dates, the limos,
the nice rental cars, staying out all night, and beautiful scenery.
Senior Calia Bryant, left, says, “It has to be fun and it
can’t be boring. It needs a lot of decorations and you have to
make it look nice. Also, the dress code can’t be strict because
it’s the twenty first century and the styles have changed up a
lot.”
Senior Alexcia McIntosh said, “It should be somewhere
nice, everyone should look nice, and everybody has fun and goes out
afterwards. Girls would have their dream dress and they would go to their
restaurant, and after sleep at their dream hotel. There would be an after party
and I would drive a Maserati.” This is indeed what you would call a perfect
prom.
Junior Gregory Phillips, right, stated, “A perfect
Prom is when nothing goes wrong and everything goes
right.” Gregory by far has the true definition of a perfect
prom.
Junior Alexis Smoot said, “A perfect prom is when
the date picks me up in a hummer limo. We go to prom
for an hour then ditch it and go club hopping. After the
club we go to dinner then enjoy the rest of our night.”
Prom will be a night of fun adventures and experiences.
News
By India Webb
NEWS
Most people say that senior year is your easiest year of high school,
but for us Rams, it’s not! Between taking seven classes, applying for
colleges and financial aid, taking standardized tests, and balancing
school with jobs and your social life, senior year is stressful! The workload
here at AMHS is over the top. There are 171 out of 395 seniors failing with
two months of school left. Senior year is definitely stressing many of our
students at Arabia Mountain out. Senior Larry Robinson, right, said school is “stressful only
because how strict they are getting. The workload is okay, but the
rules are stressful.” At Arabia Mountain rules are enforced heavily.
Many students feel like they seem to care about the rules more than
academics, and it gets very overwhelming. Having someone
constantly telling you to tuck in your shirt, instead of helping you to
pull up your grades can be crazy.
Many students are well rounded, meaning they participate in
extra curricular activities, clubs, sports, and still manage to maintain
their GPA. Senior Lauren Thomas, right, said she is “not stressed, but
not relaxed at all. Trying to balance extra curricular activities while
maintaining my GPA and grades is tiring. Even though the work isn’t
that hard, it’s hard trying not to get lazy and let senioritis get the
best of me, especially since I’ve already been accepted to
college.”
Senioritis is getting to many seniors. Also since many of our seniors
have been accepted into their top school, and have signed to schools,
they feel as if they can slack a little. Many of our seniors have part time
jobs. When they get home from their jobs late at night they still have to
complete homework. Also they are usually tired the next day in class, and
gets hard when trying to stay up and pay attention.
Senior Alexis Brooks, right, said she is both stressed and
unstressed because “I don’t get a lot of homework, but then at the
same time when we do have work it gets really stressful because
we get a handful of homework all at the same time.”
Senior year here at Arabia Mountain is very stressful, many
students have senioritis and they are ready to graduate!
Graduation is quickly approaching, and it would be nice to have
100% students walk across the stage. Seniors get it together, and
tough these last two months out! You can do it! Class of 2013, rise
up!
By Chelsea Cobb
NEWS
NEWS
By Taliyah Knight
All of the students at Arabia Mountain have experienced the long days
and nights from trying to finish our work. We finally get a break from it for a week!
Usually Spring Break is held on the first week of April
but this year spring break is on the second week of April.
Some people have their whole week planned but others
have nothing planned.
Seniors at Arabia Mountain plan on attending the
Grad Bash '13 from April 11-13 in Orlando, FL. Students
who attend the Grad Bash will visit Universal Studios, Busch
Gardens, and Wet N’ Wild. During the trip, seniors will bond and
make memories.
Some seniors like Michael Holloway will be missing this experience.
Holloway is going to spend spring break visiting his future college Charleston
Southern University in South Carolina for their spring football game.
He is excited to become a Buccaneer. "I am very excited to go see how
the team plays this year because there is a whole new coaching staff and I
would like to see what I would be able to offer to the team," Michael Holloway
exclaimed.
Junior Caleb Logan is heading to Miami
with his family. He plans to visit the zoo
because that is his family’s tradition.
Sophomore Malique Henry would be
joining others students from Dekalb County in
Panama City Beach, Florida. He is mostly
excited because he and his best friend are
celebrating their 7th year friendship
anniversary while they are vacationing.
Teachers love spring break too. Mrs. Klein will be spending the week in
Washington, D.C. She plans to explore our nation’s capital, visit museums, and
watch the Braves play the Nationals.
Spring Break gives us all a taste of the summer. It will be hard to come
back to school and focus, but at least we will know there are only a few weeks
left.
NEWS
By Amber Gaines
Spring break is finally here and teens are heading to the beach to soak up
some sun and have lots of fun! For the break, teens usually go off to the beach
with friends or family and do fun activities like going to the movies or other things
like just hanging out at the beach.
Spring break is about enjoying
yourself and having a good time, but as
teenagers we don’t understand the
seriousness of the road and other dangers.
Traveling is common during the break
and some teens leave and never come
back. Teens have accidents every year
during spring break because of road trips,
car accidents, and improper seat belt
usage.
Spring break for teens is very exciting
but one mistake can ruin your life forever.
Think before you make decisions while
driving like texting, usage of drugs, and
anything that distracts you from the road.
Remember, you can have fun and enjoy yourself but safety comes first.
Also, the biggest safety tip is meeting new people when you visit a new city.
NEVER talk to strangers when you’re on the beach! Kidnappers and rapists are
also something to look out for while enjoying your break.
To get teens to do safe things during Spring break
make sure that a guardian is close by. Since the
weather is warm the swimming pools are open and
pool safety is a must for teens to know about. When
you are at a swimming pool anything can happen in
just a matter of seconds. Be careful when enter and
exiting a pool. Do not run around the pool and no
pushing.
Since it’s spring break, also avoid sun burns and
any sun irritations by simply applying sunscreen. This
should help many teens when driving and going to the
beach.
Enjoy yourself on spring break and remember to
have fun.
April Fool’s Day is observed throughout the Western world. This well known
day is sometimes called All Fools Day and it is one of the most light-hearted days
of the year. The French call April 1 Poisson d'Avril, or "April Fish." French children
sometimes tape a picture of a fish on the back of their schoolmates, crying
"Poisson d'Avril" when the prank is discovered. Practices include sending
someone on a "fool's errand," looking for things that don't exist; playing pranks;
and trying to get people to believe ridiculous things. The
image, left, is a ticket to "Washing the Lions" in London from
1857. This traditional April Fools prank is first recorded in
1698. The day is marked by the commission of good-
humored or otherwise funny jokes, hoaxes, and other
practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family
members, teachers, neighbors, work associates, etc. The
picture on the right is a prank that reads “Mother, you
know what! While you've been gone, the stork been here
with a little brother April Fools!!”
A new calendar was ordered in 1582 by Pope Gregory
XIII to replace the old Julian calendar. The new calendar
called for New Year’s Day to be celebrated January 1. That
year, France adopted the reformed calendar and shifted
New Year's Day to Jan. 1. According to a popular
explanation, many people either refused to accept the new date, or did not
learn about it, and continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April 1. Other
people began to make fun of these traditionalists, sending them on "fool's
errands" or trying to trick them into believing something false. Eventually, the
practice spread throughout Europe.
Another explanation of the origins of April Fools' Day was provided by
Joseph Boskin, a professor of history at Boston University. He explained that the
practice began during the reign of Constantine, when a group of court jesters
and fools told the Roman emperor that they could do a better job of running
the empire. Constantine, amused, allowed a jester named Kugel to be king for
one day.
Nevertheless, April Fool’s Day is still celebrated till this day in many parts of
the world. People create different types of pranks as jokes to use towards their
friends as well as others. People see it as a great day to have fun while others
see at a waste of time. It’s your take on it.
News
By Theresa Ogbu
FEATURES
Out of all of the seniors at Arabia Mountain High School, less than half can
say that they were here when the school opened in August of 2009. However,
those who started as freshmen at AMHS are known as the Arabia Mountain
Originals.
Some people may think that being called
that is just another title like “Ohh So” or
“Bombsquad”, however; being able to say that you
experienced everything that Arabia has thrown
your way is an accomplishment in and of itself.
If you ask those who were here since the
beginning, many would say that their 9th grade
was favorite year and not just because it was a
new school and no one knew anyone well enough
to have drama. On the contrary, many of the
students loved their first year best because of the
teachers.
Ms. Lee, Mr. Arguedas, Dr. Kirschner, Mrs.
Hugh, and Dr. Bobeck are the reason no other year
at Arabia Mountain is better than 9th grade. These
teachers made learning new things fun and were
there for their students no matter which day of the
week it was.
“Dr. Kirschner’s math class was my favorite
class 9th grade”, explains senior Ophelia Kent,
“because all of my friends were in that class and it
was the one year that I actually understood math.”
Dr. Kirschner was the type of math teacher
that would show you five different ways how to
solve a problem until you understood it. He was
patient with his students and helped everyone in
What was your
favorite year at Arabia
and why?
Ophelia Kent:
“10th grade because
that was the year that
I had the best grades,
also it was the most
fun and chill year to
date.”
Nala Ross:
“9th grade because
the teachers were
happy and they had
good teaching
techniques and
creative ways of
teaching new
material”
Jordan Boatwright:
“9th grade because
everything and
everyone was new
and it was a good
learning experience.”
FEATURES
class and held tutorial daily. He wanted everyone to succeed and understand
the concept of what he was teaching that unit.
There are also things that happened 9th grade year that only the Arabia
Mountain Originals would know. The first pep rally, the countless beetle and
snake infestations, knowing what was being served for lunch each day (Big
Daddy Pizza Monday and Hot Wing Thursday) , and even wearing boots during
the winter, 9th grade really had it all and the saddest part was watching it all
go, principles, teachers, custodians, and students included.
At the beginning of 10th grade year, many students were happy that they
get to see most of their teachers again but to their surprise, most of them were
gone. Only a few remained and they too eventually left, except for one.”
Mr. Rogers, who teaches Horticulture, is the only 9th grade teacher that is
still here, not to be confused with being the only teacher that has been here
since 2009. His two-time student, Brandon McLean, analyzes how it feels to still
have Ms. Rogers here. “I love his class,” he explains, “because half of the time
we were outside planting and also because since Mr. Rogers just graduated
from college a few months before becoming our teacher, he was able to relate
to us more.”
Compared to life now as a senior, the Arabia Mountain Originals have
more experience and have gone through more than the other students at
Arabia, and they wear that title with pride because it is an example that hard
work really does pay off in the long run. These four years have been a true
learning experience and have prepared them for their future endeavors.
FEATURES
By Mar’Kayla Bethea
Picture time! Ms. Hruska and her
date poses as they look forward to
the rest of their night of fun.
Prom 2013 is just around the corner, and just like we look forward to making
memories this year, our teachers made many memories at their proms.
Prom originated from the French word “promenade,” which means walk or
stroll where young ladies and young men come together in their best formal attire
similar to a cotillion style event. Prom was also considered a rite of passage to
adulthood as well as a great way to celebrate their
accomplishments they had achieved during school.
Prom for young women is a day to go all out and
look amazing. Literature teacher Mrs. Moore did just that!
Mrs. Moore laughs as she remembers her prom
experience: “I went to prom with my friend that was a
year older than me, and the place my prom was held
was absolutely beautiful!” Mrs. Moore had her prom in
Central Park located in New York. Her dress was royal blue
with ruffles around the collar, and she was completely
covered up from top to bottom. After prom, she and her
date went to the Playboy Club to dance the night away.
Math teacher, Ms. Hruska, is another teacher who
agreed prom was one of the best nights of her teenage
years. Her dress had a pink mermaid style look. She only
attended prom during her junior year, but afterwards is
where the fun began! “Prom was very nice and after
prom was over we had an all-night party like a lock in,”
she explains. At the lock-in, she had a chance to play
games with her date and classmates as well as being entertained by a hypnotist
who came to lighten up the event.
Prom is not only a chance for young ladies to show out, but young men can
dress to impress too. Engineering teacher, Coach Noble, attended prom during his
junior and senior years. During his senior year his date asked him out to prom. He
says, “When she asked me to prom, I said, ‘Let’s go dutch’ and when we got there
she wanted me to pay for everything!” At the end he felt cheated, but was able to
go through the night wearing a classy tux with a rose that matched his date’s white
and pink dress.
French teacher, Mr. Griffin, attended his senior prom and his girlfriend’s senior
prom the same year. “We just went out and had a good time” is how he
remembered the times he spent with his date on the night of both proms. After
prom him and his girlfriend went out to eat and enjoyed each other’s company for
the night.
Every teacher spent their prom night in different ways, but in the end they
added to their memory book! Prom is supposed to be one of your favorite nights of
your high school experience and this year let’s have fun and make prom a special
night and create memories as vivid as our AMHS teachers did.
FEATURES
Where do you think prom
originated?
Senior Tylesha Giddings
“Just a group of kids who
wanted an end of the
year party.”
Junior Miles Bizzle
“During the Romantic
Period.”
Junior Monique Boyd
“Romans.”
Junior Krista Williams
“England”
Freshman Dhara
Richardson
“Idk”
It’s the time of year again when girls have purchased
the dress of their dreams and guys have asked out the one
they adore. Prom is a formal dance, especially one held by a
class in high school or college at the end of a year. To many
students prom is the dance they have been waiting for since
the beginning of high school. Everyone knows about prom
rituals such as the corsage, the limo, and dinner, but many
don’t know the origins of where prom began.
Prom is short for promenade which means the march of
guests at the beginning of a ball or formal event. Proms
began in the Northeast America in the late 1800s because
higher class individuals decided to create a dance similar to
debutante balls to instill etiquette. A journal recording from a
male student at Amherst College in Massachusetts, United
States was one of the first recordings of where prom came
from.
In the early 1900s, proms were held in high school
gyms with upperclassmen wearing their Sunday best.
However, it was not acceptable for students to dance during
a prom until the 1920s.Beginning in the 1930s proms began to
be held nationwide. Teen movies in the 1980s began to
advertise them as the ultimate coming of age event.
Proms have evolved over the years from a few
students socializing in a gym to extravagant events held in
fancy hotels. Many traditions such as prom king and queen
along with the inclusion of juniors at prom have elevated the
event into a spectacular occasion for teens. Throughout the
years, teens have begun to change the purpose of prom and
made it into a time to watch the transition of others from
everyday attire to elegant wear. They have also seen it as a
chance to bond with their friends by sharing limos and hotel
rooms afterwards. It is important for our students to remember
that prom is the time to come together with classmates in a
formal way and have a great time.
By Diamond Coles
By Aiyana Parks
Lent is a very popular fast known to many Catholics as well as other
Christian denominations. The participants of Lent tend to give up a traditional
routine or something that is very important to their everyday life for 40 days from
Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent, until Easter. This is a
devotion yet very challenging experience for nearly all Christians.
Ms. Hruska, right, a teacher at Arabia Mountain, is a
Catholic. Catholics are the predominate religion that participates
in Lent; therefore, Ms. Hruska has been participating in Lent for
some time.
“I have given up something and replaced it with something
better for the past few years. This year I gave up soda and fast
food and donated those funds I would usually spend towards the
humane society” she says. She continues to explain that when you choose your
choice of fast you should do it in exchange into helping others.
“If you were to give up watching television, you should spend your quality
time volunteering or with a sibling,” says Mrs. Hruska.
A wonderful substitute teacher named Mrs. Henry is also fasting for Lent. “I
gave up my favorite foods and they all begin with C’s, chocolate cake, chips,
candy, and cookies. I knew that this would be extremely difficult since I am
addicted to chocolate” Mrs. Henry says. Like many others, Mrs. Henry is not the
only person who has an addiction.
Senior Kandlar Rhodes, left, who also celebrates
Lent, says, “I’m giving up soda because I made it a habit
to drink it a lot; this is helping me to become more spiritual
and healthy.” During this period, many people are very
aware to what they are giving up, according to Mrs.
Henry, “Even though we chose something small it is very
difficult, I’m very cautious to what I am giving up for 40
days because it is no comparison to what God has
sacrificed for me.”
Moreover, everyone does not always survive Lent! Senior
Maya Piquant shares how she has been extremely lazy throughout
senior year. Maya believed that Lent would be a great opportunity
for her to grow out of her laziness unfortunately it did not last long. “I
was giving up laziness at first; sadly I gave back in to it. I had a
feeling that it would be hard but not that hard” Maya says.
Many people fail to understand that the simplest habits can
be very tough to break or let go. Whether you’re doing it to lose
weight, become healthy, or even if it is more spiritually related, the process is not
as easy as it appears. However, once you complete Lent, there is no doubt that
it is a very rewarding feeling.
Features
FEATURES
By Diamond Coles
The Delta Debutantes: A Legacy of Refined
Elegance
During the Delta and Alpha Kappa Alpha Debutante Balls, held at
the Marriot Marque on March 16, many of our seniors were presented to society
as women.
On this very important Saturday evening, senior Danielle Richardson,
said she felt “like a princess” because of all the dolling up—getting to wear an
elegant Cinderella dress, along with make-up and a fancy up-do—the girls got
to do. At the beginning of the Delta Debutante program she recalls that
“nobody really talked” but towards the end of the program everyone was
talking to everyone. Richardson couldn’t believe the transformation of the
people that had walked into the same program as her. They had changed and
become “more like ladies and gentlemen,” she notes.
The Delta Debutante program spanned 10 months where they did
various activities that taught them how to dress in business professional attire
and dining etiquette. On the special night Richardson recalls her escort, senior
Jordan Scott, was in awe of her transformation. “This experience changed a
friendship into a relationship,” she explains. Richardson encourages juniors to get
involved in any of the debutantes next year because “it doesn’t matter which
debutante you are involved in because both have things to offer.” Looking
back on how amazing the
program was, Richardson says
she’s “going to miss it” when
they all say goodbye on April
28th after the final program. “I
can truly say this was something
that molded friendships and
created me into more of a
lady,” she shares. Along with
these amazing changes that
can take place there is also an
opportunity for students to
receive scholarships based on
certain requirements in each
program. “It’s Worth It”,
exclaimed Richardson.
Scott, Richardson’s
escort, says, “It was an excellent
experience. Being able to be a gentleman to not only my debutante, but to her
mother as well was life changing.”
FEATURES
Delta Debutante Aaliyah
Copeland and, her escort,
Danny Ezechukwu.
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Debutantes: The Prevue of Celestial
Pearls
The hardworking practices were the
most exhilarating experiences during the process
for Scott. He will never forget learning dining
etiquette “because without this experience I
wouldn’t have known the differences in my forks.”
He will definitely miss participating in the various
activities because of all “the funny moments [and
being with] my deb.” Scott believes that this
experience is definitely one that other young men
should participate in.
Senior Miah Harris, a participant in
the Alpha Kappa Alpha Debutante Ball says that
“it [the debutante ball] was an amazing
experience and the process leading up to it was
most memorable.” Harris states, “from dance rehearsals to bonding with the
girls, I have truly begun to understand what sisterhood means.” From this
experience she declares that she will “remember to always be a lady.”
Senior Christina Williams, a supporter of her best friend Miah,
attended the Alpha Kappa Alpha Debutante Ball as a guest. She recalls that
“seeing everyone change from their regular mode to elegant, especially the
guys, took me away.” Williams was especially intrigued with “how well the
sororities created
organizations for
young ladies.”
FEATURES
Ijuana Zachary, Breeahna
Gresham, and Diamond
Walker strike a pose at the
Delta Ball.
Noelle
Hughley, a
lady in
waiting, is
excited to
be a
debutante
next
year.next
year.
She said the night allowed for all of
the young ladies to “carry themselves as women,”
in other words, it was a whole new side of the girls
she had never seen. Her favorite moment at the
ball was watching the escorts do the waltz with
the debutantes’ parents. During the presentation
of “Miss Debutante 2012,” Williams admired the
“carrying of a tradition.” She says “I wish I did it
[because] it was an experience that was
something different.” Williams definitely suggests
that young ladies participate in the life-changing
experience because she doesn’t want anyone to
regret not participating like she did.
Junior, Noelle Hughley is involved in
Ladies in The Waiting, a program
for rising seniors. “I always wanted
to participate in a cotillion,” she
explains. Her desires to be a part
of the Delta Debutante balls can
be attributed to her mother being a
Delta. The Ladies in The Waiting
participants were hostesses on the
special evening. In their program
they learned things such as how to
dress and eat formally. Although
the young ladies did not get to participate in as many things as
the debutantes, Hughley says, “We were opened to new things
and an unbreakable bond” was created. “I bet I will enjoy
myself even more when I become a debutante.” She suggests
rising juniors participate because it helps the process in build[ing]
you as a young lady.” Hughely was thankful for the journey that
she embarked on by being a Lady in The Waiting.
All of the debutantes were truly grateful to be a part
of the creation of sisterhoods. They also shared that they feel
these programs can help you to become a respectable person
along with the ability to create friendships that will last forever.
FEATURES
The dorm room is a place for college students to get decoration
inspiration. This is where you decorate your room to showcase your decorative
style and sense of taste. Decorating is especially fun for females because they
usually will use their own room, and decorate it as a home away from home. For
the males, they will compete for having the coolest dorm room.
The most important thing is to become cozy and comfortable. So where
do you start in creating you ideal room? First you have to know what to buy and
where to buy.
Theresa Ogbu said, “I would decorate my dorm by buying laundry
baskets, a shoe rack, a TV, coffee maker, colorful bedding, a bean bag, and a
printer.”
India Webb said “The things I need for using on campus is a microwave,
mini fridge, a bean bag, colorful fluffy rags, a bulletin board, posters, family
pictures, comforter, and a lava lamp.”
Philip Reeves, said “I would buy a bean bag, mini fridge, and a basketball
goal.”
Decorating is not the only thing you can do to transform your room. You
can keep it all plain or use bright colors to express yourself. Most teens want to
venture out and do things their own way.
Top 15 Things you will need for your dorm
1. Comforter
2. Bed Sheets
3. 2 pillows/ 2 blankets
4. Alarm clock
5. Beside Lamp
6. Side Chair 7. Waste Basket
8. Fan
9. Mini Fridge
10. Towels/ Rags 11. Iron/ ironing
board
12. Vacuum 13. Clothes Basket
14. Storage Baskets
15. Hangers
By Nikkiah Boyd
For more images, go
follow The RAMpage on
@amhsrampage!
SPORTS
Over the course of 4 weeks from February to March, our senior basketball
star, Bakari "Mr. 15" Copeland participated in AJC's Slam Dunk contest 2013.
Bakari competed against several other talents Dunkers across the state of
Georgia, but he still finished in first place.
"I was excited that I was able to
participate in it, but even more excited that I
won", Bakari explained.
He had all his peers and family members
vote for him to make sure he won. Even though
he had over fifty percent of the votes in the
third round, he still made sure that more people
voted for him.
“Why be nervous for something that you
worked for?" asked Bakari. "I'm glad my talents are being noticed around the
state."
In the first round, Bakari did a windmill alley-oop off a pass thrown by
senior point guard, number 5, Morris Biglow. In the second round, he dunked a
reverse two-hand windmill. Then, in the third and final round, he completed a
between the legs dunk.
As the winner of the contest, Bakari received a trophy, and he appeared
on WSBTV. He's also on the AJC website. You can
click here to view it.
Since winning the AJC's slam dunk contest,
more colleges such as, Texas A&M, Charlestown
Southern, Clemson, La Salle, and Temple, have
offered him a full ride to their school.
However, Bakari "Mr. 15" Copeland has
committed to Charleston Southern University
located in Charleston, SC.
.
SPORTS
Ray Williams
By Kinoy Griffith
Arabia’s basketball and football teams are the sports with the most fans
and attention. However, the track team has had an excellent start to the season
even without fan support.
The track team has started strong this season with the support of their
parents and help from their coach, Cherrie Bohler. So far they
have had three meets that have gone exceptionally well.
Coach Bohler feels that although things are going well, the best
is still yet to come. Her plan for the upcoming meets is to give
the underclassmen a chance to shine.
With their next big meet scheduled for March 27th, 2013,
Coach Bohler says, “It’s going to be a pretty tough meet, but
this will help me to determine who is ready for the county
meet.” Overall, the track team’s main goal is to make it to state,
and Coach Bohler has good feeling about stating, “Yes, I’m
positive in us going to state.”
Coach Bohler ran track in high school and college and was named All-
American in both. Coach Bohler expressed her love and compassion for the
sport itself, as well as for her runners when she stated, “I love track! My love for
the sport is what pushed me to coach it. My goal for the children is to help them
to go to college on a full scholarship. I feel as though I did it, so why not help
them succeed like I did.”
She adds that running track helps students build
character and work ethic. “I’m not sure how much longer I’ll
coach for,” Coach Bohler says “but whenever I lose passion for
the sport, I think that will be my time to hang it up.”
The track team members share their coach’s enthusiasm
for the sport. Senior Ray Williams has been a member of the
Arabia Mountain track team since his sophomore year. While
most people think that you only have to have fast legs to run
track, Ray states, “It’s hard, because you have to work your
whole body, and you have to really focus, but I love it,
especially because I look good when I run.”
Sophomore Janesha Buckhanon, a shot-put thrower,
shared Ray’s point of view.
She says, “It’s hard work, but I like track. I throw shot-puts, and I would prefer that
than running because with shot-puts there are so many different techniques that
go into shot-put throwing.” Janesha is not completely sure if she will compete in
track next year. However, if she does, she would like to try running instead of
shot-put.
Coach Bohler
SPORTS
Senior Kanita Hutchinson had nothing but good things to say about the
season and her teammates. She feels this season will be even better than last
year. She explains, “The fact that our team is growing greatly is a sign that we’re
getting better. Another sign is the amount of talented individuals we have on
our team; many of them are running for state as well.” Kanita really loves track,
and is really going to miss both her coach and teammates when college time
comes.
With its great sportsmanship, hard-working runners, supportive parents,
and passionate coach, the Arabia Mountain track team is looking better than
ever before. It’s safe to say that Arabia can expect nothing but the best from
the Track team, and, with or without fan support; they will have an excellent
season.
SPORTS
High school is a place where
students develop themselves to enter
society as a fully independent young
adult. High school is a place where
memories are made. These memories
will stay with you throughout your entire
life, so why not make them great? No
one wants to remember their high
school years as being less than, they
should be the most enjoyable
experiences that a person will have, just
ask Arabia Mountain High School
Jewels Tylesha Giddings, Jazzmin
Minnitee and Shayla Hunter. These girls have formed a bond with each other
that they will carry with them one they leave AMHS Ram family and hopefully
their experiences with one another will urge the new team of girls to create their
own memories.
Senior, Tylesha Giddings, is co-captain of the Arabia Mountain High
School Jewel Dance Team. Her favorite memory with the team was when she
traveled with them to nationals in South
Carolina. She loved the experience because
she got to live with her teammates and she
got to bond with them more than ever before.
Tylesha shared her favorite performance was
senior night because she got to dance with
her mother as well as the mothers of the other
Jewels. When asked about what the team has
taught her she said, “the team has taught me
how to carry myself as a young lady, how to
speak to others and it has really helped my
leadership skills.” Her advice to future Jewels is
“stay positive, stay focused and really push
yourself because it’s not easy.”
Senior, Shayla Hunter, decided to try out for the Arabia Mountain High
School Jewels the summer before her freshmen year. She has been dancing on
the team ever since. As her final year of high school comes to an end, her last
chapter as a Jewel has closed and she is happy with her decision of trying out
SPORTS
that summer because it helped her grow as a
person and be able to form a sisterhood with her
fellow teammates. Shayla’s favorite memory with
her team is the Stephenson game during football
season because it was their “comeback” and
everything turned out in their favor during their
performances. Her advice to future Jewels is, “just
go out there and put your best foot forward. If you
don’t make the team the first time it does not mean
you are not a good dancer. You should tryout
again and again because it shows that you’re
putting in an effort.”
Senior, Jazzmin
Minnitee, decided to
try out for the team in
9th grade because
looking at the Jewels as AMHS cheerleader, she
wanted to be a part of the sisterhood they had.
Today, she’s proud of making that decision in 9th
grade because she has grown as a person and has
formed strong bonds with each of her teammates.
Jazzmin’s favorite memory of her years with the
Jewels was senior night because it was dedicated
to seniors and the Jewels got to dance with their
mothers while reflecting back on their season. Her
favorite performance was the team performing at
Jamboree her 10th grade year. They danced to
Pretty Girl Rock by Keri Hilson and the choreography was perfect for the song.
Her relationship with the team in her own words is, “very close, very family like
and extremely fun.”
These girls have created amazing memories and friendships that no one can
take away from them. The
memories they have together
and the times they have
represented Arabia Mountain
High School will never be
forgotten.
FEATURES
The Arabia Mountain Gymnasts are back with a vengeance to move up
in county rank and take state. Being number four in the county last year, they
are confident about their season. Two of the team’s strongest competitors are
Camille Cassar and Tonique Jones.
Camille A. Cassar
Junior
All Around
14 year Gymnast
Favorite Event: Floor
“I get to make my own routine and
showoff my skill outside of tumbling
including flexibility and power.”
Highest Tumbling Pass: Kick Double Full
“The season is going okay so far. It
always could be better and if we
work hard we can only get better.”
Tonique A. Jones
Senior
All Around
8 Year Gymnast
Favorite Event: Floor
“We get to show our own
individual styles and we get to
tumble which is my favorite part.”
Highest Tumbling Pass: Round Off
Back HandSpring Layout
“As a team, we are doing it! I am
confident we will continue to win.”
By Aaliyah Copeland
SPORTS
By Makia Jackson
Theresa Hope is a senior at Arabia Mountain high school. She has
been playing soccer since she was nine years old. Hope loves the sport and
playing this particular sport for the school as well. She’s been playing soccer
here at AMHS for the past three years and enjoys every minute of it.
The AMHS female soccer team is coached by Ms. Silverera and Coach
Seda. The season started February 15th with their first game. The current record is
18-1. Which is absolutely amazing right?
Theresa feels as if this is the best season she’s experienced so far at Arabia
Mountain High School. The team’s goal is to go to state and win. Then team
also hopes to obtain better relationships and continue to help each other grow.
Theresa Hope states that she feels like “we’re all like sisters with a very
close bond” she also says that she “loves how my team and I all share a close
bond that doesn’t exclude any members of the team”.
SPORTS
Over the years, Arabia Mountain High School has had its share of pep rallies.
This year was no different as we were introduced to our new principal, Mr.
Swanson, who had his own system of celebrating spirit. At the beginning of our
school year, Mr. Swanson informed students that spirit wear days were no longer
the last Friday of each month like we had been accustomed to ever since the
school opened. From now on, spirit wear days would only be held two Fridays
per semester. Only on the two selected Fridays will we be allowed to wear jeans,
a spirit wear t-shirt and take part in a scheduled pep rally at the end of the
school day.
My reaction to this new arrangement was a mixed one because on one
hand, we wear uniform the entire year with the exception of spirit day, so by
allotting us only 4 days out of the whole school year to let us wear jeans is not a
big deal. A good portion of the student body doesn’t even participate in spirit
day anyway. On the other hand, this new method disrupted the system we were
all used to and what some people looked forward to at the end of every month.
Regardless of what schedule we’re on, spirit is spirit! So, let’s rank our pep
rallies from the best to the less desirable of the 2012-2013 school year:
Our last pep rally was filled
with new additions such as The Queens of Step and
our very own Dance Troupe, Phusion Performing Arts
Company, who made their first appearance at our
talent show this school year. However a pep rally is
not a pep rally without our cheer leaders and our
band. Sorry guys.
By Atiya Williamson
SPORTS
Our second pep rally of the school year left something to be desired. I
mean if “Everybody Can’t Get up & Get Crunk” to do the Ram Buck
then what are we in the gym for? Honestly. I mean even the teachers
looked bored in this one!
Well our runner up was almost as good as the first! There is nothing like
the first pep rally of the school year to get everyone excited for the
upcoming football season. It gives everyone a chance to bond and
this pep rally was one to remember.
I have two words to describe the best pep rally of our school year,
“DUNK CONTEST.” As the players of the basketball team were
recognized for a great season, they had a little treat for us as they all
prepared to rock the house. Bakari Copeland, “Mr.BounceAlot” ,
himself graced us with a dunk that made the crowd go wild and left
us with a memory of a pep rally we won’t forget.
SPORTS
Jackie Robinson Day is on April 15. It is celebrated
around the nation.
Jack “Jackie” Roosevelt Robinson was born on January
31, 1919, in Cairo, Georgia. Jackie Robinson broke the color
barrier by being the first African-American to play in baseball's
major leagues. Jackie is the youngest of five children. He was
raised in poverty by a single mother.
He attended John Muir High School and Pasadena
Junior College. Jackie pursued the remainder of his
educational career at the University of California in Los
Angeles. Jackie became the university's first student to win
varsity letters in four sports. Due to financial hardship, Jackie
was told to leave UCLA very close to graduation in 1941. He moved to Honolulu,
Hawaii and played football but it was cut short because the United States
entered into World War II.
For all of Jackie’s accomplishments April 15 was dedicated to him.
Zachary Lowe, baseball player at Arabia, said,” The whole league recognizes
Jackie by wearing 42, it’s a sign of respect and I think it means a lot because I
am an up and coming black baseball player”. This day means a lot to many
baseball fans, and it will continue to be celebrated throughout the nation.
By Philip Reeves
There are many things that should be done on the day of prom before it
even starts, from getting all of your things ready, to making sure you’re not
missing anything, and to dressing up for the occasion.
Girls generally like to spend the entire day together at a friend's home.
They need plenty of time for things like dressing up, make up, hair styling, and
other little things that need their attention. It is fun to be together and do it in a
group.
Boys may prefer to hang out together for some time without much worry
about dressing up and may like to dress at their own home and without much
fuss. Lots of people also take pictures with their families before heading off to
prom. Some may even go out to dinner before heading to the venue.
This year before prom, my best friend and I will get our nails and make-up
done together as well as get ready together just to make sure everything looks
right. We may even go to the spa or on a shopping spree. We don’t know what
else we may come up with to do before prom.
Senior, Alexia McIntosh says “I will be getting my nails done a day before
prom, my hair done in the afternoon, and my makeup done before prom. I will
also be going out to eat dinner before prom.” It’s good to space out the things
you need to be done so as to not get stranded on the day of prom because
you are doing so many things at a time. Take care of the things that aren’t likely
to ruin after just a day, such as nails, eyebrows, and lashes.
Senior, Taylor Howard, right, says “I will be getting my hair done a
week before prom and re-style on the day of prom. I will also get my
nails done the day before prom.” If you’re deciding to where an extra
length of hair for prom it’s very okay to put it in the week before
because it saves you plenty of time and it won’t be as sore like the day
it was put in.
Senior, Ophelia Kent, left, says “I will be getting my eyebrows
and nails done the day before prom and on the day of prom I will get
my hair done in the afternoon. Meanwhile, on the day of prom, I will
get all the stuff I need together early in the morning.” It’s safe to
prepare your things in the morning that you need for prom
that way you have enough time to find out if something is
missing.
Junior, Gregory Phillips, right, says “Before prom I will
get my hair cut and become mentally prepared to arrive at the
occasion. I will also have to make sure my suit is tailored days before
prom as well as purchase a corsage for my date. Gas will also be
bought for the vehicle we plan on going in and reservations for a
hotel and dinner will also need to be made.” Preparing yourself
ahead of time will ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
Opinions
By Theresa Ogbu
OPINIONS
By Teresa Hope and India Webb
Will you go to prom with me?
Everyone wants the big ask. Prom is not
complete without your dress, shoes,
limo, friends, and date.
When you think of prom, people
automatically think of, you and a
person walking in together making
each other look good. Dates are a
great addition to your prom
experience.
Now, I’m not saying that without
a prom date you wont have fun, im just
stating that a date will add to your
enjoyment and memories.
Dates add to the image of the
perfect night. Someone to walk with,
down the senior walk. The person that
will be by your side the whole night,
adding to your gown or tux.
Senior Miah Harris says the best
part of having a prom date is that you
“don’t have to be alone, and also have
someone to have in pictures”.
Others feel that having a prom
date is nagging, because they will
always be with you, which is not true.
Having a date to introduce to friends or
walk and talk with is memorable and
humorous. Not many get the chance to
have such an experience, or pictures to
cherish later on in life.
So if you have a prom date, rock
it out the whole night, and if not don’t
worry or be hesitant you can enjoy the
night with your friends.
Are you ready for prom? Do you
have a date?
Some people feel that they
have to get a date in order to go to
prom and have a good time.
However, there are some
disadvantages with having and not
having a date for prom. Alexcia
McIntosh stated, “A con about having
a date is agreeing on the color.”
Christina Williams said, “The cons
are that he can’t be shorter than you,
and he also has to have table
manners.” Having table manners is
very important; no one wants to be
embarrassed at a restaurant because
of their date.
Senior William Jett said, “A con
of having a prom date is that you can
ask too late.” Time is very valuable
when it comes to prom. You can’t wait
until the last minute because waiting
brings about a lot of consequences.
They may already have a date, they
may not be going, or they may be
going with friends instead.
If you go to prom with a date,
be prepared to agree with them on
everything that you do. You have to
get along with that person because
more than likely you will be spending
the whole night with them. It’s going to
be hard to spend the night with
someone you barely even talk to.
When picking a prom date, you
have to choose wisely.
OPINIONS
Prom 2013 is slowly approaching, and girls are all trying to find the perfect dress
that is trendy, unique, and fabulous. Prom is a classy event and this year’s strict
dress code ensures no one will look trashy. Therefore, prom dresses should be
lady-like and not too revealing. Look over the following styles to find out what’s
HOT and what’s NOT!
HOT or NOT
Prom Dresses By Taliyah Knight
Dress 1: NOT, pattern too
busy
Dress 2: NOT, the jewels add
sassiness but it is not a good fit.
Dress 3: NOT, too busy doesn't look
classy
Dress 4: NOT, too many
patterns
OPINIONS
Dress 5: HOT, have a lot of jewels but
looks lady like
Dress 6: HOT, simply but short and
funky at the same time
Dress 7: HOT simple but pretty
Dress 8: NOT, dress is HOT but not
school appropriate
Dress 9: NOT, the colors and the
purple cape make it look tacky
Dress 10: HOT, nice color and style
OPINIONS
It’s the end of the school year and since prom is the last thing to attend
before graduation or a juniors upcoming senior year, why not look your absolute
best? Ladies and gentlemen will come to the prom in expensive attire, but what
cost the most out of your prom outfit? Students pay hundreds of dollars on shoes
for one day. Students shouldn’t worry about shoes as much as they should with
their prom dresses.
Many students felt that prom shoes weren’t that important because the
dress is more important. Which one would you rather
spend your money on, shoes or your prom attire?
Senior student Tahira Scott said “I would rather
spend more money on my dress, hair and makeup
than my shoes it is only for one night.” She made a
good point about her outlook on what is more
important when buying prom attires.
This doesn’t just apply to females, males
also should budget their money. An anonymous
senior male stated, “From a male’s perspective,
no I do not think you should spend a large
amount of money on your shoes for that one
night, personally, I feel as though you should
always have a nice pair of dress shoes as a part of
your shoe game.”
Dressing your prom attire in fine jewelry will also
draw less attention away from your shoes. Remember not
to go over your spending limit. Just because your shoes
aren’t expensive doesn’t mean cheap ones are ugly!
By Amber Gaines
OPINIONS
“Clean your room. Do the dishes. Don’t back talk me. You still live under
my roof; therefore you will abide by my rules. Blah, blah, blah…”
I’m pretty sure you’ve heard these phrases or variations of them, but I am
absolutely sure that no one has heard them as much as I have. Don’t get me
wrong I adore my mom but some days aren’t—how do you say—the best. The
constant arguments and the feeling that I am being treated like a child with
adult obligations are tiresome for both of us. I really would like to know why or
how these moments can be avoided so, I’ve decided we need some space
and I mean space; the kind of space where you go off to learn 300,000
thousand miles away. I figure if I’m off learning and bettering myself, I will learn
to tolerate random acts of absurdity from my mom with ease.
I’m ready to leave because my mom and I are like two peas in a pod.
Basically we are so much alike that it gets scary. Our closeness in personality has
caused our arguments to be rather loud and confrontational because we both
aren’t afraid of how long it will take to get our points across. Plus, we refuse to
resign from winning each argument. So the way we usually get out of a situation
is by going on mute and parting into our separate rooms. I know I’m no therapist
but, that’s pretty unhealthy.
Who hasn’t heard the famous parental
lines “because I said so” or “I know best”? If you
haven’t heard one of those I have no clue how
you could have parents. Let’s be real they
figure they are always right in every situation
because they remember the days of being a
teenager and always thinking they were right,
but come on you have got to be kidding me.
No one, absolutely no one is always right 100
percent of the time.
I remember this one disagreement we had that was about my curfew. I
had always been a great student and an obedient child who always did what
was asked so when my mother decided my curfew was 10 P.M. I completely
was lost for words. I went to her with a full presentation of why she was wrong
and she still stood on her initial statement. We almost argued for two whole
hours before we came to the conclusion that we had to compromise. And as I
have gotten older my mother and I have realized that this is the only way that
we will ever get passed an argument.
I know as a teenager it is hard to allow your parents to be right, but
sometimes it’s your only option. Other solutions would involve gathering all of
your arguments and their possible retorts so that you can go in prepared. Also
you have to realize that every argument can be avoided by making it a
conversation rather than a yell fest. I have learned by personal experience that
the best way is to keep a calm tone and know that all arguments can be
avoided with a clear mind!
By Diamond Coles
OPINIONS
By Jordan Barron
I, Jordan Barron, a high school Junior had to take the graduation test, and I
think it is a very pointless test. It is a waste of 90 minutes. I don’t think that the
decision on whether or not you walk across the stage should be based on one
test when you have taken and passed multiple test during the past four years of
your high school life.
Graduation should be based off whether or not you have passed all of
your classes. A student has obviously learned every thing they need to know
once they have passed all of their classes.
The test was not hard, but it was not worth the time. It was a waste of
paper, time, and pencil lead. The EOCT is enough; a graduation test just adds
on to the stress of the school work and the
stress of making sure you pass the class. I
thought the EOCT was brought about in
exchange for taking out the graduation test,
so why would they still make us take the EOCT
again in May?
The graduation test as a whole is
uncalled for. It is unnecessary test that juniors
are forced to take. Many people pass, but
there are some that do not. It is unfair for them
to continue to sit through a test that they did
not pass the first time. I am not blaming the
teachers for not preparing them, but I am
simply saying that if they did not know the
information after two and a half years of
preparing, then they just do not know it and
they won’t be able to pass or graduate.
Georgia should take its pick: Graduation
Test or EOCT? They essentially have the same
value and propose the same concepts. Giving
students both is not fair.
OPINION
Senior Skip Day is a tradition in most American high schools, where most of
the senior class skips school on a particular day after the high school graduation
test. This day is typically around the second week of March.
Some schools have taken actions to prevent students from skipping school
on the infamous Skip Day, including dispatching police officers to bring the Skip
Day students back to school. Unfortunate for public schools in America, this day
causes loss of school funding, for funding is tied to school attendance. In most
cases; schools have suspended or expelled kids who have participated in this
event.
After recent Free Pancake day, administration started sending students
with unexcused absences to Saturday school, which runs from 8 a.m. until noon.
Each senior class has overcome numerous obstacles to reach the level of
education they are currently in, yet some feel holiday breaks are not enough
time away from school.
"It's a free day! Most of your friends are out of school relaxing. It is a well
needed day off," said an AMHS senior.
"Skipping is fun because it's something organized and there are no adults,"
another senior adds.
Even though schools don’t encourage such behavior, senior skip days are
inevitable to happen as to senior pranks and prom. As a part of the student
body we feel it is an experience that comes with high school.
Nevertheless teachers have their opinion on infamous senior ditch day.
“Senior skip day is in every school, and forever will be. But I think since Dekalb
has been on a stringent budget cut, and they are responsible for the well being
of all students,” stated by an AMHS teacher.
In addition to that being said, I feel as if the school system is focused on
the safety of the kids. There are other reasons for wanting kids to come to school
but the main concern is the responsibility that lies on the school system. When a
child is put on the bus, or dropped off at the school.
Moreover, teenagers will be teenagers, and we have a mind of our own.
The average teenager lives by their own rules and pays attention to little rules
set by adults. Yet I am included in this category of teens, I am for skip day
because I think it is a part of high school traditions.
By Sean Thomas
OPINIONS
By Kinoy Griffith
In life, we have many moments. Some are big, some small, and some are
more significant than others. But despite the many moments we have, it’s the
really big ones that we look forward to the most, and that we can’t seem to
forget. There are our first days of school, first steps, weddings, proms; there’s
even the day we move out of our parents’ houses to start a life of our
very own. However, while all of those things are special, there is one
thing that stands out in all students’ minds, specifically high school
seniors. That one thing is graduation, and for Arabia Mountain High
School’s class of 2013, that special date is May 25th, 2013.
For some it’s the feeling of being overwhelmed with
their parents’ rules. For others it’s the anxiety of being on
their own and being independent enough to start a career
of their very own. And some just hate the school they
attend all together. For me it’s a little bit of all of those
things put together.
Although we love our parents, most of us tend to want to
move out because we’ve been around them for too long, and
been under their rules for quite some time as well. Breeahna
Gresham agreed when she stated “Yes, I’m ready to graduate,
because I feel that I need to be free and independent, and besides
I’m spending too much time around my mother.”
Ty-Tiana Goode, who shared similar opinions with Breeahna, stated, “I
think the main reason for my readiness to graduate is so that I can start a career
and make some money of my own.”
While there are some reasons for being ready to graduate, that don’t
pertain to school, there are also some that do pertain to school. Some people
just hate the school they attend altogether, while others have specific reasons
like the uniforms, the people, and even the work. Shanteria Maddox, who had
strong feelings about the subject, stated “Am I ready to graduate from Arabia?
YES!! I HATE THIS SCHOOL!! Between the work and the people, I don’t know
which one is worse.”
When attending Arabia Mountain High School, you have your work cut
out for you as far as academics go. They told us there would
be a lot of work when we first started coming here, and we
were all up for the challenge. But as we moved through
high school, going from 9th grade to 12th, the workload
increased tremendously, leaving us with up to 6 hours of
homework each night.
Just like the workload, the social life at Arabia
Mountain High changed over the years as well. When in 9th
OPINIONS
grade, everyone is new and you make a lot of friends, as you transition from 9th
to 10th to 11th grade, people become more and more fake, leaving you with
very few real friends in 12th grade.
Despite all of the negativity of high school, there are a few good things
that come out of it as well. Miah Watkins states “Yes, I’m ready to graduate, I
feel that I’ve came a long way, and I’m ready to see how I function on my own.
And while I hate the work load and most of the people, there are a few friends
that I will truly miss, as well as some teachers.”
For some, there are people within the graduating class, who they’ve
known almost their whole life; best friends, while some have been in either
serious or off and on relationships with others. Some students will miss faculty and
staff members who they have grown to like or even love as they look at them
like an additional guardian or support figure.
Whether it’s a best friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, teacher, or guidance
counselor, it’s going to be hard to say good-bye nonetheless. Throughout all of
the struggles and stress, trials and tribulations, anyone graduating should be
applauded greatly. Graduation, while being a special moment in our lives and
something to celebrate, is also something more – the end of one journey and
the beginning of the next!
OPINIONS
High school is almost over, and the emotions are already starting to kick
in. Seniors are ready for their final days of high school. They are starting to feel
anxious, prepared, satisfied, and pleased all over because of all the education
they have earned through their four years. It’s very tough to move on from
everything you’ve grown used to like not paying bills, living with your parents
and mostly your teenage freedom.
Students of Arabia Mountain are ready to leave high school and enter
college life. Fatoumata Sacko explains, “I am beyond ready to leave high
school behind and enter the college world. New adventures, new experiences,
new people, and all that.” She feels as if she has been in high school far too long
and it’s finally her time to leave and experience new things. She sees as if this is
her time to show people what she is really made of and “spread her wings” out
unto the world.
Tahira Scott says, “Arabia has been a struggle and I honestly feel like the
time to go has finally arrived. Graduation and the final days of school is always a
very beautiful moment.” She is ready to leave high school because it has been
stressful but also successful. She thinks college will be a new challenge for her to
take, which would make her stronger and wiser in the near future.
Students also feel a lot more open to the choices they’re making during
these last days of high school. Kayla Else states she feels that her choices are still
a work in progress but they are the right ones in her heart in order to become
successful in life after leaving her teenage life. She says, “I feel that I’m not
making the best decisions but I know that I see I’m trying to think before I do and
make the best decisions possible.” She explains, “I feel nervous and kind of
excited to enter the real world and meet new people and new faces”
These four years were very interesting experience for me, but finally I’ve
made it to my senior year successfully. I am ready for my last days of high school
to be over and start off my college journey to learn and experience new things.
I am ready to leave the nest, spread my wings and fly for the first time out into
this world.
By Taneishia Watson-Parks
OPINIONS
Pros and Cons of picking friends
as roommates:
Pro – you’ll have the
comfort of a familiar face
in a new environment
Con – it could be difficult
to let go of your high
school ways
Pro – you share a
common interest
Con – Having a lot in
common doesn’t always
mean you’ll be great
roommates. Hygiene,
number of visitors, and
hook – ups.
Seniors are about to graduate and go off
to college. After being accepted into college
and choosing if they want to go there or not,
they have to pick their roommates. A problem
that most seniors are having is choosing the right
roommates. Here are some tips:
I recommend using a website to find
roommates that match your preference. You
can use websites or social networks to let people
around you know that you are looking for a
college roommate. Make sure you put what you
look for in a roommate.
Having a new or random roommate can be
interesting. It’s always nice to meet new people.
By Javon Robair
OPINIONS
Don’t let the stress of college push you
apart. Communicate! Communicate!
Communicate!
Maintaining a healthy relationship in high school can sometimes
become difficult, but maintaining one in college can be stressful. Being miles
away and being in different states can be hard for students in a relationship.
Maintaining a relationship in college is the test of relationships. With trust,
communication, faith, visitations, and never giving up, everything will be okay.
Trust is the firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of
someone. Trust is hard to earn, but very easy to lose. But if you have trust in your
relationship, and in your boyfriend/girlfriend then things will go smoothly. If you
spend time worrying about what your significant other is doing at all times, then
you will stress yourself. You must trust
and believe, what’s a relationship with
no trust?
Communication is important in
any relationship. Of course you’re not
going to be able to talk all day, every
day like in high school because college
is a lot more work. But communicate as
often as possible. You have to check
up on each other, and let the person
know that you’re thinking about them.
Communicate! Communicate!
Communicate! It is the key to a
relationship.
Some students may be going
far away from their boyfriend/girlfriend
but make time out to see each other
often. But the feeling of being missed is
great! Knowing that you are missed is
awesome. Seeing each other can save
your relationship.
Don’t give up on your relationship. Never leave the one you love, for
the one you like. The one you love has probably been there through thick and
thin. Don’t change while in college, remain the same. Don’t stop doing the
things you did to keep your boyfriend/girlfriend. Don’t give up!
Maintaining a relationship in college is 100% possible. I believe that all
couples can make it through college if they try, trust, believe, communicate,
and never give up. Always keep God first! I know I will keep my relationship
going in college!
By Chelsea Cobb
OPINIONS
When I hear about the month of April the only thing I can think about is Spring
break! Spring break usually falls during the first week in April, but this year the break will
be the second week following the dates of April 8-12. I think spring break is actually a
break from school, life, and the people you see so often. A week from it all is practically
nothing and doesn’t give you time to decompress, relax, recuperate and prepare
yourself for a good academic return when you come back to school. Every year the
ideas of spring break get more exciting and fun. Individuals tend to go all out for the
break, but as soon as it’s time to come back to our routine schedules of school we
don’t want to come back leaving many students out on our first day back. Sad to say, I
am one of those students that hate to come back after a relaxed week. Personally
spring break should be extended to give students with a difficult schedule time to visit
college campuses, explore, and enhance themselves into the various colleges and
universities that they would aspire to attend. If students were allowed a longer break
most students will still complain, but will be ready to come back well rested and thrilled
to tell the exciting or boring details of their break. Longer spring break in my opinion is a
desired want and change that should be made for students. Even though DeKalb
County will not make this change anytime soon I feel like it’s a good idea to benefit
both students and teachers.
For the three years I have been at Arabia, I have heard students complain about
the rigor of the work, how their teacher doesn’t teach, or they just don’t like being at
Arabia Mountain High School. Besides the point of not liking the school you attend,
make it fun for yourself because obviously you’re going to be graduating from here,
which is what I always tell myself. To most students, school work may not be a struggle
but to some it is because there is no guidance at home with helping improve their
education. So why doesn’t Arabia Mountain High School start a mentoring program?
The purpose of this mentoring program would be to help motivate and improve
the educational experience at Arabia Mountain for all students that want to seek help.
Within the mentoring program teachers will offer support to push the students, give
encouragement, and give students a more comfortable environment. Students may
ask their self how this is different from tutorial, but unlike tutorial this program would be
set up to help students have that adult figure in their life to guide and speak with them
on different things, for example making life goals and future educational goals.
Students will get the most benefit out of this program because the teacher is
taking time out of their life to help the student grow with their education and grow as a
person. Teachers may say it’s more work, but a teacher should understand that if they
can help one student improve then they can surely help more. I know students at
Arabia may act like they don’t care, but to most parents their child’s education means
the most to them so starting this program can show students the importance of wanting
an education and what it takes to get that education.
Improving the students’ attitudes will help improve the school.
By Mar’Kayla Bethea
By Tiffany Daniels
OPINIONS
Out of all of the other albums out right now, The Truth About Love by singer and song-writer, P!nk,
is the only one dominating every chart across the world. The 20 track album sends her fan on a
roller coaster ride of different emotions from happy to sad to I am going to party like no one is
watching and demonstrates P!nk’s true talent and why she is a world class performer. Her first single,
“Blow Me (One Last Kiss)”, much like her other song, “So What” from her last album Funhouse, is a
national anthem about being free from a relationship and leaving that person who hurt you or just
someone who is no longer a positive influence in your life and you feel like you do not need them
anymore. The song debuted at number 1 on the Australian Singles Chart and peaked at the
number 5 on the Billboard Top 100 chart in the United States.
Her next two singles, “Try” and “Just Give Me A Reason” featuring Nate Ruess from Grammy
award-winning group Fun, have made their way to the top ten of many charts worldwide. These
songs both convey the same message of giving love another try instead of just giving up because
you both know you are right for each other even when everyone else says the complete opposite. I
put these songs on every one of my playlists because they speak to me in ways most songs would
not and I believe if a song has the power of emphasizing the artist’s emotion, it deserves to be
played over and over again.
While I am on the subject of playing a song over and over, my favorite song of her new album
has to be “Run”. When I first heard this song, I automatically knew what it was about and who it was
intended for. P!nk is not only an amazing performer, but she is also a devoted mother. Instead of
leaving her daughter with a nanny all day and night while she parties or does publicity stunts, she
never goes more than a few miles without her daughter, Willow Sage, by her side. Almost two now,
young Willow has definitely changes P!nk’s life for the good. Her music now has a lighter, happier
tone than her previous albums and she shows no sign of slowing down.
By Briana Brown
By: Nikkiah Boyd
Going to college has been your life goal since you were able to go
to school. Going through elementary school, they teach you about
following directions, listening skills, and introducing the meaning of
education. Once you master that level, you move on to middle
school, where they teach you the intermediate skills, like discipline,
having to control yourself when peer pressure comes your way. Time
management, involves getting to class on time,
or being mindful of using your time wisely, also
introducing organizational skills. Now you’ve
completed junior high, more as a head start to
becoming mature. High school is the last stage
before becoming an
adult, providing for
yourself. High school
teaches the advance levels of the skills you
already obtained from elementary school. More
skills are added, all just to prepare you for the
real world. Now you are being introduced to
having good studying habits and routines,
which will pay off in the long run with great benefits at the end.
Speech or speaking skills prepares you for speaking or presenting
intelligently and fluently in front of large groups of people. While in
high school you will become a legal age to work, which leads to the
next skill, work ethics which teaches you to balance school work and
having a job making money. These skills are always being improved
throughout life, and adding more each day.
OPINION
College is finally here. This is the moment to
apply all your life skills to survive on your own.
Even though you are an adult now,
proficiency is still being taught and learned.
Once you master the basic, Intermediate,
and advance skills, the masters are becoming
a challenge. Now it’s to learn about
leadership skills. Leadership skills are to
challenge your inner self and own thinking, and setting a goal of
graduating college, never giving up, staying focus and setting a
positive example for people following your footsteps. People skills are
also a major test. Your personality and your character is everything.
When you have a good attitude towards everything and include it in
everything you do, attracts people to you. Good communication is
key, which can open doors for you.
Discipline is also required in the
teaching process. Once you’re on
your own, obstacles are going to
stand in your way testing your
strengths and abilities. You have to
discipline yourself, not to react to
negative energy and make the right
decisions because if you don’t you will
get thrown off your life course. Staying
focus and applying these skills and
strategies to your everyday life will help you become successful in
college.
OPINIONS
Peter Gene Hernandez, more commonly known as Bruno Mars, has made a remarkable impact
on the music industry in the past few years. Born on October 8, 1985, the 27-year-old has had major
successes since he became prominent in 2009. After years of working behind the scenes writing,
producing, and providing back-up vocals for artists like Brandy, Flo Rida, Travie McCoy, Far East
Movement, and Justin Bieber, Bruno finally began to emerge as a solo artist with the release of his
first single, “Just the Way You Are”, in 2010.
Today, Bruno Mars is busy promoting his sophomore album, called Unorthodox Jukebox. It was
released on December 11, 2012, and has definitely given Bruno a few more things to add to his
résumé. The album attained Platinum certification by the RIAA and reached the top of the
Billboard charts. While promoting the album, Bruno joined the short list of celebrities given the
honor of being the host and performer on Saturday Night Live. His appearance on SNL was the
highest rated show of the season at the time. He also performed on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion
Show in December and headlined a show at the Houston Rodeo in March, playing to a record
crowd of 75,175 people.
Bruno has about 16 million followers on Twitter and over 31 million likes on Facebook, and as one
of these fans – no, HOOLIGANS – I must admit: I’m pretty darn proud of Bruno and his successes. If
his first album, Doo-Wops and Hooligans, wasn’t enough to show the world how talented he is,
Unorthodox Jukebox has definitely done it.
Money Make Her Smile
Bruno Mars does hip-
hop?!?! When I first heard this
song, I was shocked about
how different it is to Bruno
Mars’ other songs. I honestly
think this song would appeal
to many students at Arabia
Mountain because its strong
hip hop influence and good
beat make it a difficult song
to stay still to.
By Karri Thomas
My Favorite Songs
Treasure
Remember “Just the
Way You Are”? Imagine it
in a 1960s style and you’ve
got “Treasure”. This is
another song that is almost
impossible not to dance to,
and what girl doesn’t like a
song that makes them feel
like treasure?
When I Was Your Man
Fellas, take note: don’t
neglect your girl because
you’ll feel like Bruno in this
song. This extremely personal
“I really regret messing our
relationship up” ballad made
me cry the first time I heard
it. So far, the single has had
more than 1 million
purchases and has reached
#3 on the Billboard Top 100.
OPINIONS
By Aaliyah Copeland
We’ve had Stro, Phil, and R.D, and now Arabia has a new up and coming
rapper, Yung Cvse. Senior, Casey Neal, came out with his debut mixtape Cold
Hot Wings and Lemonade on March 22, 2013. Following the release of his first
single “All Gold Everything” and its follow up “3am in the Studio,” CHWxL was
highly anticipated.
I had the opportunity to listen to two songs featured on the mixtape in
addition to the two already released. “My Time” is the introduction to the
mixtape beginning with quotes from the Pursuit of Happyness. It was a confident
song establishing Neal’s place against Stro, Phil, and OhhSo.
“City Lights” was a song that impressed me. It defended Neal’s writing
skills against all those who doubted him.
One of my favorite lines was, “Find a new
career cause your rapping is terrible;
feasting on your career cause your
rapping is edible.”
Once the mixtape was released,
listeners raved over “Lemonade Freestyle.”
It was crowned the best track featured
due to its lyrical content and beat.
Neal is proud of his work, explaining,
“I feel like my mixtape was a success. In
the first week I got over 400 views and 50
downloads.”
Those stats are pretty good for an
unknown high school rapper. Cold Hot
Wings and Lemonade is absolutely something everyone should listen to. If you
need a pick me up or just a good laugh, this mixtape will do the job. I am very
proud of Casey and wish his mixtape much success.
On March 27, Neal released “Young Fly,” the first single off his
sophomore mixtape, No New Friends, which will be released on May 15.
To hear Neal’s music for yourself, visit
http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/cvse-cold-hot-wingz-x-lemonade-
mixtape.79617.html.
OPINIONS
El Dia de los Niños
Day of the Child
El Dia de los Libros Day of Books
By Noely Escorza
In my opinion some holidays are meant to be celebrated in one’s own
countries. Not used to make money or celebrated because they like the things
that go with it. Some holidays are important and sacred to one’s own culture.
Those should be kept within in the culture. Other holidays aren’t as sacred and
important and could actual do good to other countries.
El Dia de los Niños in Hispanic countries is celebrated on April 30th to honor kids.
Just like America has Mother’s and Father’s Day, we honor children. In the
Hispanic culture we feel as if it is important for our children to know that we
cherish them and that they are very important to our lives.
On this day kids receive toys, cake, and all type of different goodies. It’s a
second Christmas all over again. Kids in Mexico can’t wait for that day to come
to feel special once again and of course to receive presents and sweets.
What if we could use El Dia De Los Niños as a way for kids all over the world to
not only make kids feel special but also to encourage them to learn. That’s
exactly what, Pat Mora, a Texas Native and author of children books did. She
was encouraged by the Dia de los Niños and decided to change it to Dia de los
Libros, which in English means Day of the Books.
She decided to not only promote wellness in children but to also promote
literacy, honoring bilingual homes, and different cultures. Even though it is not
celebrated in every school in the United States I believe it should. Kids would be
excited not just about Christmas but also about another day in which they can
be excited about learning different cultures and languages and reading new
books.
If the United States is going to adopt a holiday from another culture it might as
well be one that will benefit everyone.
Ask a RAM
Hey Rampage, So I just got out of a relationship, how long do you think I should wait to dive back into another one?
Jumping into a new relationship might not be the best idea, for it is not healthy to rush things. Plus you probably haven’t gotten over the last guy or girl you were dating. The best decision is to wait a couple of months to get your thoughts together, and get to know the new person. It also depends on how long you were in the relationship. The time span is different for every person; your heart will tell you when you are ready for a new commitment. If you’re ready go ahead, and keep it moving; don’t dwell in your past. Moreover, it is totally up to you.
Hey rampage I have one question… How do
I let an ex know that I’m trying to have a
relationship with her again?
Depending on the impact she has had in your life, leave that ex alone, she is an “X” for a reason. If you think otherwise you should be honest and straight forward with her. Let her know you miss her, and that you want to be with her again. You might also want to reassure her that your relationship will be better than last time. Subtly act the way you did when you first approached her. If she is dating someone, it is best not to tell her because her feelings may not be mutual. If she is still single, tell her how you feel. You shouldn’t come off to aggressive, take it slow just tell her in a calm and respectable fashion. If she agrees to another shot give it time and start off as friends to rebuild the bond that was established. If it is meant to be, things will fall back into place.
Why does everyone cheat?
In this generation, you have a lot of relationships ending because he or she is not mature enough to commit to only one person. They’re still in the mind set of playing “the game” which hurts a lot of people at the end. Everybody does not cheat, but people shouldn’t take that into consideration and just jump into a relationship blinded. It’s very good for people to have second thoughts about a person they want to be with until they actually prove them self that they wouldn’t put you through that. People have different reason on cheating on their current spouse. Some cheat because they are not ready to settle down and commit to only one person. They feel as if they can get everybody in the world and still keep that one person by their side. It doesn’t work that way in life. You can’t be greedy and go from person to person and thinking you is doing something big. If you are going to cheat one your girlfriend/boyfriend then why did you get with that person in the first place? That’s not fair and also self-centered. Why would you put someone you claim as your girlfriend/boyfriend through that much pain and heartache?
I really like this guy, but he's a senior. How do I talk to him and maybe
let him know I like him?
You should be brief, and try and do it in a sly manner because no boy likes to be put on the spot with any female in front of his friends. When approaching the person you like it may give you butterflies and the scary part rejection. Don’t start off by saying that you like them. Start off with a conversation, maybe in the hallway, it can be random. He won’t mind. Consequently it is not a good idea; they are about to graduate and not looking for a relationship. If you feel it is a must to introduce yourself go ahead, yet again, graduation is a couple of months away. In most cases our seniors are going off to college. There is always someone in your grade that you can make a long term relationship with. It’s not hard to tell someone that you like them. Just say it. The scary part is getting rejected. Don’t start off by saying that you like them. Start off with a conversation, maybe in the hallway, it can be random. He won’t mind.
Why does the nice guy never get “The Girl?”
Nice guys are hard to connect with because young girls are still in the process of growing up and they still want someone who has a bad side to them that would take risks. Some girls don’t want soft guys because they feel like they are not man enough for them and wouldn’t be there for them the way they would want them to. Girls also don’t like some nice guys because they are some that are very clingy and girls don’t want a guy all over them and following their every move. Girls like their space as well as boys. If you are someone who claims they are in love with their boyfriend/girlfriend but still goes behind their back and cheats on them then you don’t really love that person and you should just leave them before you make it worst then it already is. I feel that if you cheat on your spouse then you really don’t mean what you say to that person and you shouldn’t even be in a serious relationship. Your words are like air to people who you have cheated on and they won’t ever trust you unless you work hard to earn their trust back. TOUGH LUCK KID!
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