May 2012 Issue

THE TEEN APPEALPublished by The Scripps Howard Foundation, The University of Memphis Journalism Department and The Commercial Appeal

Inside

Giving truth to Memphis youth

May 1, 2012Volume 15, Issue 8

www.teenappeal.com

How Teenagers Deal with Death of Loved OnesBy Amber Williams

White Station High School

Eddie Murphy Inspires in New Film “A Thousand

Hours”p. 4

WSHS “Project Graduation” Aims to Keep

Seniors Safep. 8

Hear Thoughts from Some Graduating Seniors

p. 10

Find out Graduation Locations,

Times, and Venues.p. 11

went to the same schools, and attended the same synagogue.

According to Andrew, David looked intimidating, but he was a sensitive being. He even recalls spending time with him the preceding winter break, saying David would bring food from home before he came to the Vogel’s house simply

Teenagers are young, vigorous, and seemingly free from any real burdens in life. But for a select few, there are exceptions. Some are thrust into the reality of sickness, violence, and death. With the recent death of Sanford, Fla. teenager Travyon Martin garnering attention, the issue of teenagers dying and how teenagers deal with death has been pushed into the national spotlight. A best friend, a godmother, a mother: All people who add value to life and make living worthwhile. Well, what happens when teens lose them? This is a task considered difficult by even the most mature adults. Andrew Vogel, Rachel Busby, Zachary Boyd and Christopher White were forced to experience loss in the gateway of their adolescence. David Marsh King died at the age of 17 on January 9, 2011. He was a junior at White Station High School. Some people may have forgotten about his story. But for one young man, it is more than memorable. Andrew, 18-year-old senior at WSHS, was David’s best friend. He had known David since birth. They grew up together,

Andrew Vogel holds a picture of his deceased best friend David Marsh King.Photo by Amber Williams

see DEATH, pg. 6

The Teen Appeal

The Teen AppealThe University of Memphis

300 Meeman Journalism Bldg.Memphis, Tenn. 38152

(901) 678-4710fax (901) 678-4287

The Teen Appeal is the Scripps Howard Citywide High School Newspaper. It is

published monthly and distributed to all Memphis City High Schools free of charge

through The University of Memphis Department of Journalism, The

Commercial Appeal, The Scripps Howard Foundation and Memphis City Schools.

Giving truth to Memphis youth

MAY 2012 Issue

Contributing Reporters and Photographers

Sudeshna Barman, White Staton High School

Marica Bryson, Central High School

Brionna Hayes, Carver High School

Morgan Moore, Hollis F. Price

Cierra Paige, Overton High School

Nicolette Rodgers, Craigmont High School

Amber Williams, White Station High School

CoordinatorMarcus Matthews, The University of

Memphis

Assistant CoordinatorElle Perry, The University of Memphis

Project DirectorDr. Carrie Brown, The University of

Memphis

Page 2 • May 1, 2012 The Teen Appeal

OPINIONNight Road Offers Lessons

By Nicolette RodgersCraigmont High School

Kristin Hannah’s’ Night Road is a beautiful and controversial story about friendship, love, and forgiveness. It touches on a subject and predicament that most teenagers find themselves in after parties: underage drinking and driving. Three friends, the main characters, (Zach, Mia, and Lexi) find themselves lost when they make a very irresponsible decision to drink and drive, which costs one of them to lose their life. One character takes all the blame and the other allows her to, after being convinced by his parents that she was at fault. One character learns the act of

forgiveness not where forgiveness is due but where it is earned, and the value of letting go of what you cannot change. This book is also a good read for parents who find that questioning your children and being a “helicopter” parent are two different things. If the worst complaint your child can make is that you cared for them too much growing up, then you probably were not a bad parent after all. This book will make both parents and teenagers question the role of responsibility and realize that there is no such thing as proportionate responsibility: It’s all equal.

Wiz Khalifa’s new mixtape, Taylor Allderdice, which was released March 13, had fans hyped up for a release that according to Dat Piff was highly anticipated. It was released by Khalifa’s movement and way of life, Taylor Gang, and Rostrum Records, the label Khalifa is signed to. A Pittsburgh native, Khalifa named the mixtape after his high school there. This release further reflects the growth of Wiz from his first Internet success, “Kush and Orange Juice,” released April 14, 2010. He has gonefrom being a huge Internet hit to a mainstream star. His first radio hit, “Say Yeah,” released under Warner Bros. records, was a radio banger, but did not allow him to receive the attention he has currently as a hip-hop/rap artist. In 2009 he was not a part of Warner Bros. any more, and was doing his own thing. After “Rolling Papers,” his mainstream album released in March 2011, he became an established artist. “Rolling papers was like a learning experience,” Khalifa said on Taylor Allderdice. Khalifa speaks on his status as rich and famous, with a track entitled “Nameless” featuring Taylor Gang’s own Chevy Woods.

Memphis’ own Juicy J even collaborates with Wiz on the last song of the mixtape, “Blindfolds,” speaking on how haters want to get in the way of his success, but his currency just blindfolds them. “The haters wish they could see me, but the money in the way,” Khalifa says on the track. “On the real, all you see is dollar bills,” Juicy J says right after him on “Blindfolds.” Smoke Dza, Rick Ross and his fianceé, Amber Rose, and model/actress Lola Monroe also collaborated with Wiz. Cardo and Big Jerm produced many tracks on the album, and other producers collaborate on Taylor Allderdice as well.

FAN FEEDBACK “This mixtape is a good one on behalf of Wiz, and I am into it,” said Kayla Freeman, a freshman at Hollis F. Price Middle College. “I feel that it is showing how creative Wiz is. I do not know too many artists that do such great interludes and still have a great track,” said Brianna Robinson, a senior at Hollis F. Price Middle College. “His mixtape is off the charts.” I love the words

Taylor Allderdice Entertains FansBy Morgan Moore

Hollis F. Price High School

see WIZ, pg. 3

The Teen AppealPage 3 • May 1, 2012

and terms he used, Kortni Calhoun said, a freshman at Hollis F. Price Middle College. “The mixtape is pretty nice. It changed my life. I am pretty impressed how Wiz still kept his craft from his previous mixtape ‘Cabin Fever.’ I am a Wiz fan, so you know I am definitely going to be down for it,” Chris Marshall said, a sophomore at Hollis F. Price Middle College. “Most people do not give Wiz enough credit. They say that he is changing too much as a result of making it big! I disagree. I think Taylor Allderdice blends everything from his previous mixtapes with a new sound to make a masterpiece,” said Areon McCraven, a junior at Hollis F. Price Middle College.

MORGAN’S THOUGHTS “Amber Ice,” “California,” “Mia Wallace,” “O.N.I.F.C” “Nameless feat. Chevy Woods,” “Never Been Part 2 feat. Amber Rose and Rick Ross,” “The Cruise,” “Rowland feat. Smoke Dza” ”My Favorite Song feat. Juicy J”, “Brainstorm”, “Number 16”, and “Blindfolds feat. Juicy J” are my favorite tracks. “I got so many things running through my mind,” Wiz stated, from the track “Brainstorm,” speaks motivation to me, because it makes me determined to complete the many tasks I have running through my head. From my personal perspective, and as usual for him, I feel that no lazy efforts were put forth on this mixtape. It has such a great flow that fans

can feel is exclusive from Wiz, with his personal music style. I find myself getting hyped up from listening to Taylor Allderdice redundantly, in a positive bubbly manner.

WIZ’S PERSPECTIVE “I am building a team now. I feel like my spirit is worldwide. The focus is still getting my thing out there. We make do with what we have, and it turns into a million dollar corporation. It’s all about taking it to the next level, elaborating on what we have done. What inspires me before I was famous is the same thing that inspires me now,” Wiz said on Taylor Allderdice.

CONTROVERSY Fans were arguing on Twitter the night of the release as to whether it killed his first, most successful mixtape, “Kush and Orange Juice,” or not. “Some people say that this mixtape was not comparable to the last mixtapes. I feel that Wiz is really showing how much of a great artist he is. His collaboration with Juicy J was the highlight of the mixtape. I support Wiz 100%,” Rodrick Patton, a sophomore at Hollis F. Price Middle College, said. Either way you look at his releases, they have been huge successes, showcasing the growth of his career, and Taylors like me expect many more great releases from Wiz Khalifa.

from WIZ, pg. 2

In the tradition of The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins), Delirium (Lauren Oliver), and Divergent (Veronica Roth), Legend is the newest addition to the recent spate of young adult dystopian literature. Legend is set in the Los Angeles of a militant totalitarian future. June Iparis is a 15-year-old military genius, the only child to ever score a perfect 1500 on the Trial, a mandatory exam taken at age 10. The Republic’s most wanted criminal is also 15, a thief known merely as Day. June’s life takes a turn for the worse when her brother Metias is killed during a mission. The most likely suspect is, of course, Day. June swears her revenge and sets out to find him. When she finally tracks down the thief, however, June finds Day to be completely different than she had imagined. Though they slowly become friends, June betrays Day to the Republic – after which, of course, she discovers terrifying secrets about the Republic that put their very lives in danger. Legend is a thrilling journey from start to finish – the sort of gripping read you open and just cannot put down until the last sentence has been devoured. Lu expertly combines several common components of young adult dystopia – the hero-thief, biological warfare, mind-boggling technology, a rebellion, an execution, and of course, teen romance – but adds some refreshingly original ideas and plot twists. The balance between familiarity and creativity is one of the reasons I thoroughly enjoyed Legend. The book is also benefitted by engrossing characters. As a female, I particularly liked Day because of the contrast between him and other male alphas in young adult fiction today. Instead of being dark,

brooding, and thoroughly Byronic, Day is sensitive, quiet, and understanding. It surprised me to find that Day is actually of half-Mongolian descent. According to Lu, “June is a melting pot of Native American, Caucasian, and Hispanic.” This diversity made Legend more appealing to me. On the other hand, the two alternating points of view detracted from the experience. Day and June have very similar personalities; the main difference between Day’s parts and June’s parts was the action they were privy to. There was really no point in having two different standpoints where one would suffice. Also, it is impossible to relate to either June and Day. Both have extraordinary abilities that verge on super-heroism. I totally believe that Day could rob a high-security bank in a few seconds and then fall three stories without being injured. And it’s entirely possible that June could climb a 19-story building, right? Not. Luckily, Legend has something for everyone. The romance between Day and June is mild, but enough to leave the reader wanting more – perfect for girls. Lu’s writing is engaged and the plot fast-paced and action packed. This leads me to recommend Legend to teen boys as well. Marie Lu’s breakout novel Legend is indeed on its way to becoming a legend.

“Legend” Offers Thrills from Start to FinishBy Sudeshna Barman

White Station High School

have meant the most to say something, but would waste away words on curse words. (i.e., when asked by his wife to say ‘I love you’ if he wanted to keep her, he stood silent because he did not want leaves to fall off the tree but he would curse after she left him). The life changing part to the movie is at the end, when McCall has nothing left to care for, and he begins to feel like there is no reason to live. The crowd in the movie began to sympathize for him at this moment, and the theatre was full of “aws.” The overall lesson I learned was that we have to take the time to enjoy life to its fullest before you let the good things you have slip away. Many of us have heard this before but we still do not act upon it until we find ourselves at a dead end like Jack McCall. Altogether, “A Thousand Words” was a good movie. I feel that it lacked that realistic edge at parts and that it needed more ‘wow’ factors in it, but the lesson learned from it added to the movie. Warning to those who are light-hearted, you may want to carry tissues with you when you see this movie because many adults and children were seen crying when the movie was over. I suggest everyone see this movie, even if it does not affect you the same way it did for me or those who were seen crying; you will get some (but not many) good laughs out of it.


By Marica BrysonCentral High School

If you asked me to sum up the movie “A Thousand Words,” I would answer with one word: “Life-changing.” Every time I watched the trailer, I did not understand the full gist, so I was reluctant to see it. However, the Saturday after the movie’s opening night, my friend called me and asked if I wanted to go with a group to the movies, and I accepted her offer. As the clock struck noon, we arrived at the movies and we purchased tickets for “A Thousand Words.” Though I was apprehensive about the movie, I felt that spending seven dollars to take a chance to see it for the matinee was better than the 10 dollars I would have spent at night. Now to the movie: “A Thousand Words” is a movie that displays the life of Jack McCall (Eddie Murphy), a man who never took time out to listen but instead talked his way through things in order to receive what he wanted, and in any way he wanted. When the movie began, Jack McCall was standing at a tree with duct tape covering his mouth and with narration going on to say: “I’m Jack McCall. You may think this is my voice, but this is my inner voice because if I say one more sentence, I die.” The introduction did not really

grasp my attention, and I found myself remembering back to the trailers and once again searching for the purpose of the movie. The movie goes on to take us through the daily life of Jack McCall.Then, the movie began to highlight the consequences of moving at a fast pace through life, when McCall found himself with a Bodhi tree that sprouts in his backyard after he falsely closed a deal with a spiritual author (Dr. Sinja). Dr. Sinja realizes that the tree and McCall are spiritually connected, therefore when all the leaves fall off the tree, it will die and McCall will die as well. After he figures out the tree loses a leaf every time he says one word, McCall tries to conserve his words but it begins to damage his relationship, his job, and his lifestyle. The movie’s tone begins to become serious at this point. Throughout the time period when Jack McCall was trying to conserve his words, the choices he makes were unrealistic. You could tell this was put in to gain some laughs (like when the tree is sprayed with pesticide, Jack became high during an important meeting). I enjoyed the laughable moments because it allowed for an outlet from the seriousness tone. During the serious moments, I found myself mad at points because he would not speak when it would

“A Thousand Words” Inspires Better Living

The Teen Appeal

Creativity Class at Hobby Lobby at 1 p.m. May 5

Art Bike Parade at the Memphis College of Art at 3 p.m. May 5

Beale Street Musical Festival at Tom Lee Park on May 5

Complimentary student salon services for those headed to prom at Remington College on May 5

“Veronica’s Room” the dance at The Evergreen Theatre at 8 p.m. May 5

The Bright Stream Ballet at the Brooks Museum at 2 p.m. May 6 Oak Hall Run for St. Jude at Audubon Park at 3 p.m. May 6 at 3 p.m.

Arthritis Foundation Program- Introduction to Tai Chi at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 11:30 a.m. May 8

Pay What You Can Wednesdays at the Brooks Museum at 10 a.m. May 9

Munch and Learn: Modern Dialect at The Dixon Gallery & Gardens noon May 9

Zumba Fitness Classes: Latin inspired dance fitness party at Energy Fitness at 7 a.m. May 10

Live Talent Showcase at The Center for Southern Folklore at 6 p.m. May 10

The Peabody Hotel’s 2012 Rooftop Party featuring Kevin & Bethany Paige at The Peabody at 6 p.m. May 10

“Sunset Atop the Madison” at the Madison Hotel at 6:30 p.m. May 10

“Barefoot in the Park” by Neil Simon at the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center at 8 p.m. May 10

The 33rd Annual Blues Music Awards at the Memphis Cook Convention Center at 8 p.m. May 10

54th Annual “Greek Food Festival” at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 11 a.m. May 11

Mississippi Blues Trail Marker Unveiling at the Blues Foundation at 11 a.m. May 11

Arts-A-Fire presents The Me NOBODY Knows at The Evergreen Theatre at 7 p.m. May 11

Page 5 • May 1, 2012

Riverfront Park Series Walking Tours at Downtown Memphis at 10 a.m. May 12

Memphis Botanic Garden Plein Air Acrylic Painting Class at the Memphis Botanic Garden at 10 a.m. May 12

Memphis and Arkansas Bridge Walks & Talks at E.H. Crump Park at 2 p.m. May 12

Grand Auction at the Brooks Museum at 5 p.m. May 12

Mother’s Day Brunch in the Brushmark Restaurant at 11 a.m. “Woman’s Picture” at the Brooks Museum at 2 p.m. May 13

Munch and Learn: Memphis in Depression Era at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens noon May 16

Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Tom Lee Park on May 17

The Memphis Orchid Society Annual Show & Sale at the Memphis Botanic Garden noon May 18

Last day of school at Memphis City Schools on May 18

By Brionna HayesCarver High School

Memphis Happenings

because he didn’t want to be any trouble to their household. Andrew spoke of his initial reaction to the news of his best friend’s passing. “I kinda wasn’t sure if it was true,” said Andrew, reminiscing about that night. His twin sister, Ashley Vogel, had ran down the stairs and revealed that she learned of David’s death from a phone call. “It wasn’t that I thought my sister was lying to me. It just didn’t really hit. I was shocked.” He said that the funeral was the hardest part, especially the burial. “I’ts probably the worst feeling in the world to put a friend in the ground.” For Andrew, his memory is vivid maybe because of the fact that this happened less than two years ago. But for Rachel, an18-year-old senior at Hollis F. Price, her memory is just as vivid, even though she was only six-years-old at the time. Adrienne Yancy, Rachel’s mother, died about 12 years ago from Hepatitis B. Rachel tells of her battle with this traumatic event. “I blamed myself,” said Rachel, “I [felt like I] could’ve called somebody or did something.” Rachel paints a picture of the sad event, saying that she cried herself to sleep on the front row during her mother’s funeral. She also recalls missing about a month of school due to her grief.

Rachel is now a young woman and she offers advice to her fellow peers. “For the people who don’t appreciate what they have, once [your loved ones] they’re gone, they’re gone,” she said. “Don’t take them for granted.” She also wants anyone going through a similar event to not feel self-asserted guilt. “It’s not your fault,” said Rachel. “Life goes on.”

Zachary, an 18-year-old senior at Southwind High School, gives a similar message. He lost his godmother, Theresa Bryant in 2010. She had been in remission from breast cancer; however, it returned with a deadly vengeance. At the time, Zachary was only 16 years old. He spoke of his emotions. “Anger,” said Zachary. “I was angry because I didn’t think it would happen this soon.”

He admits to crying continuously. “I literally cried a river.” “Treat each day like it’s your last,” said Zachary. “You don’t know the future.” Perhaps the most traumatic of all these stories would have to be that of 19-year-old Christopher David White. The University of Memphis freshman lost his father, mother, and grandmother in 2011. John White II fatally shot his

wife, Jenna Margaret White, and her mother, Margaret Jamison, before turning the gun on himself on April 10, 2011. Christopher, reflects on that day. “I was panicked,” states Chris, “We (he refers to his siblings) didn’t know they were dead. We just heard there were shootings going on in our house, and once we got there, we found out they were dead.” “You never know when your parents are gonna go. Try to spend time with them. I know

it’s probably lame, but trust me, you’ll regret it.”“The last thing I would’ve told them, if I had the opportunity to, would be that I love them,” said Chris. “It sounds generic, but it’s probably the last thing you would want [too].”

Adrienne Yancy and her daughter Rachel Busby. Yancy died when Busby was only six-years-old.Photo provided by Busby.

from DEATH, pg. 1



By Morgan MooreHollis F. Price High School

Teenagers filing their own taxes: It does not have to be a catastrophe April 17 was the deadline this year to file taxes. Douglas Campbell, the Director of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, tells teens to do their research when looking for a tax company. “Ask around about the office’s reputation,” he said. “If you can, look online for the business and the comments people have left about it. The Internet can be a powerful tool for separating good tax filing services from bad ones.” Campbell continues, “The number one mistake people make when tax filing is computing taxable income. It might surprise people to know what sorts of behaviors are deductible or creditable for income taxes. As far as errors with your taxes and correcting them, “I would recommend talking to a tax professional, and there are a number of websites where one can obtain free tax tips

and advice. Just remember: free means free. You should never be expected to pay for free advice. File your taxes as soon as possible.” Two Hollis F. Price alumni, both juniors at LeMoyne-Owen college, shared their experiences on filing income taxes for the first time. “Tax filing is a kind of tricky thing, Alfred Patton said.“It is not really hard. For your first couple of years, have someone help you who has been doing it for years. Never do them on your own the very first time. I do not regret anything that I have done while tax filing with doing this method. Take care of your responsibilities first. Then treat yourself.”“Always, always, always seek help when tax filing. When you have help in front of you, then you are fine,” said Demarcus Little. With prudent steps like keeping track of paperwork and using a trusted source, teens can file their taxes successfully and take the next step in life.

Teens File Taxes Without Fear Correction:The Memphis Music Camp

to be held at The University of

Memphis held from June

18-22 has a $300 camp fee,

$50 registration fee, $25

per night housing fee (4

nights) $95 optional meal

plan (includes 4 breakfasts,

5 lunches, 5 dinners).

For more information visit:

www.memphis.edu


By Sudeshna BarmanWhite Station High School

Graduation night is potentially one of the most dangerous nights of a student’s high school career. Some students are likely to drive a car in the midst of a drug- or alcohol-induced stupor on prom and graduation nights. That’s why White Station High School Partners in Education stepped up and created WSHS Project Graduation, an all-night party for seniors to safely enjoy graduation, 24 years ago. Barbara Myers is the publicity chair of Project Graduation and the mother of two White Station students. “This is probably the last night that many of our graduating seniors will ever spend together. We give them a fun, safe,

alcohol and drug-free venue to do it in... and hopefully it will be an event that they always remember,” said Myers via

e-mail. On May 20, 2012, seniors will be “locked in” with over 100 parent

Project Graduation Keeps Seniors Safe

chaperones from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. “We have seven different inflatables (including a Velcro wall,

a vertical rush, an obstacle course, and jousting)…We also have a DJ and dance floor and Dance, Dance Revolution,” Myers said. “In addition, students can use the club pool and hot tub…the indoor tennis courts, basketball courts and new this year is an indoor soccer area. We are hoping to have a couple of artists to do caricatures. There will be an all-night buffet of food and drinks to keep everyone going strong,” Myers said. All seniors who come through the doors of WellWorX Sporting Club receive a door prize and there are also raffles of more expensive prizes.

Myers said, “So far, we have

see GRAD, pg. 9

Seniors from the White Station class of 2009 enjoy themselves on inflatables on the night of Project Graduation. Activities also include but are not limited to swimming, tennis, basketball, and dancing. Also, there is an unending buffet of food open throughout the night.

Photo provided by WSHS PIE.


donations of a titanium/ceramic ring on a chain from Carter Jewelers, tickets to Theatre Memphis, a Staples gift card and a certificate for Jim’s Place restaurant…We will purchase a few big door prizes. Last year, the prizes included a Phillips 32” TV, a Kodak flip video camera, a laptop and an iPod. All…will be raffled off at the end of the night. We also have smaller prizes, including t-shirts, hats, coupons, gift cards, etc. Every student will receive something.” Some seniors are excited for their big night. “I think it’s going to be really fun. There’s going to be a whole bunch of really cool stuff. I’ve been looking forward to it all year,” said senior Dana Echols. For others, it’s the company that matters. “It depends on whether my friends are going. I guess I’ll follow the pack on this one,” said senior Zach Terhune. Others are not sold on the idea of Project Graduation. “I think it’s lame,” said senior Kathleen McCurdy. “I don’t want to be confined to a certain place on the night of graduation.” Senior Lucy Hall said, “Just the idea of being locked in a room of people going crazy on inflatables is not appealing to me. I think it might be nice to see everyone one last time before I leave for college, but I might just spend the night sleeping.” The budget of Project Graduation is around $12,000 – a cost that $15 ticket sales barely scratches when expected attendees number from 300 to 350 students. Parent volunteers raise money by asking parents and surrounding businesses to sponsor the event. PIE also sells decals during

Seniors from the White Station class of 2009 enjoy themselves on inflatables on the night of Project Graduation. Activities also include but are not limited to swimming, tennis, basketball, and dancing. Also, there is an unending buffet of food open throughout the night.

Photo provided by WSHS PIE

from GRAD, pg. 8

lunch and has hosted several Spirit Nights at the neighboring Chick-Fil-A, which donated 20 percent of profits to the organization. Myers said, “Planning and fundraising for the next Project Graduation starts almost as soon as the current one is over. This event takes a lot of planning, donations and volunteers to keep it running smoothly…We need over 100 volunteers for Project Graduation night alone… [to] help serve food, for coat check, and running errands. We are only starting to recruit these volunteers, so we still need

LOTS of help. Students should be assured that if their parent is helping at Project Graduation they will probably not even see them all night, so that shouldn’t be a reason not to attend.” In order to be kept informed, seniors and their parents are encouraged to join the Project Graduation Facebook page or visit their website at wshsprojectgraduation.org. Contact [email protected] for more information on how to get involved.

By Cierra PaigeOverton High School


As the long-awaited date approaches, some seniors are quickly gathering the final things they need for graduation. Whether that’s sending out a few more transcripts or turning in their acceptance letters, seniors are making sure they have what they need before they walk across the stage. Some seniors can’t even believe that their day is steadily approaching. From the first step into high school, this is what everyone has been dreaming of. Current Tennessee State

University sophomore Wesley Armstead, who is also a graduate of Overton High School, said that his senior year was hectic, but he managed to pull through with the help of his mother and a few of his closest friends. His words of wisdom would

be, “Do your best to stay focused. It’s easy to lose sight with all the activities around you, but just keep your graduation date in mind.”

Donna Vo, a Germantown High School senior, said that though she hasn’t chosen a college just yet, she has many options lined up and she is sure of the major she wants to pursue. Donna participates in the International Baccalaureate Program, which prepares high school students with harder courses

and gives college credits. Jessika Shields and Ashley Middlebrooks, both Overton High School seniors, are ecstatic that their time has finally come. “I’m just tired of seeing the same people every day for seven hours a day. I’m ready to get my diploma,”

Jessika said. “Oh, I’m going to miss certain people, and I plan on keeping in contact with them, but those other people I’d be happy if I never saw them

again.” As a straight-A student with a job, Ashley’s senior year has not been easy. “But I made it through,” she said. “I couldn’t let myself and my family down. To me, failure was not an option.” Final plans are being made and parents are getting ready to say

goodbye to their children. This goodbye may not be permanent, but depending on the distance, it could

feel like it. Venues include Bellevue Baptist Church, Hope Presbyterian Church, the Orpheum Theater, the Cook Convention Center, the Rose Theater, Mt. Vernon, Cummings Street Baptist Church, the Cannon Center, and Lemoyne-Owen College.

Seniors Await Their Graduation

Sharleen Hamilton, graduating senior from Booker T. Washington:“Obstacles are put in our way to see if we really want to reach our goals or if we just thought we did.”

Morgan Moore, graduating senior from Hollis F. Price:“Being proactive is the key to being successful in high school. Do what you have to do now so you can do

what you want to later.

Booker T. Washington High School

9 a.m. May 19, Orpheum Theatre

Carver High School 5 p.m. May 13, Cook Convention

Center

Central High School10 a.m. May 19, Cook Convention

Center

Cordova High School 7 p.m. May 15, Hope Presbyterian

Church

Craigmont High School Noon May 12, Cannon Center for

Performing Arts

Douglass High School1 p.m. May 13, 1 p.m. Cannon Center

for Performing Arts

East High School 5 p.m. May 20, Orpheum Theatre

Fairley High School 6 p.m. May 18, Orpheum Theatre

Frayser High School2 p.m. May 20, Cannon Center for

Performing Arts

Hamilton High School6 p.m. May 13, Cook Convention Center

2012 Graduation InformationPage 11 • May 1, 2012 The Teen Appeal

Hilcrest High School6 p.m. May 20, Cannon Center for

Performing Arts

Hollis F. Price High School6 p.m. May 15, Lemoyne-Owen

College, Bruce Hall

Kingsbury High School2 p.m. May 19, Orpheum Theatre

Kirby High School6 p.m. May 18, Cook Convention

Center

Manassas High School 6 p.m. May 16, Orpheum Theatre

Melrose High School4:45 p.m. May 15, Cook

Convention Center

Memphis Health Careers Academy

11 a.m. May 12 The University of Memphis, Rose Theatre

Middle College High School7 p.m. May 19, Orpheum

Mitchell High School2 p.m. May 12, Cook Convention

Center

Northside High School9 a.m. May 12, Cannon Center for

Performing Arts

Oakhaven High School 6 p.m. May 17, Orpheum Theatre

Overton High School 9 a.m. Saturday, May 19,

Cummings Street Baptist Church

Raleigh Egypt High School 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19, Cook

Convention Center

Ridgeway High School 7 p.m. May 17, Cook Convention

Center

Sheffield High School 1 p.m. May 20, Orpheum Theatre

Trezevant High School6 p.m. May 15, Orpheum Theatre

Westwood High School 10 a.m. May 19, Mount Vernon

Baptist Church-Westwood

White Station High School3 p.m. May 20, Cook Convention

Center

Whitehaven High School6 p.m. May 19, Cook Convention

Center

Woodale High School2 p.m. Sunday May 13, Cook

Convention Center

the mall or bargain stores, they are very popular on the school scene as well. Students within Memphis City Schools love to express their stripes with the school uniform, also including bowties, Chuck Taylors, flats, strappy sandals, or chunky heels, showcasing a preppy, yet

simultaneously disillusioned look. However

you choose to wear your trendy stripes, make sure they flow with your natural body curves and personal visage.


Stripes are What’s Hot in FashionBy Morgan Moore

Hollis F. Price High School

STYLE FILE

Wear your fashion taste, do not be a copy and paste, as Diggy Simmons has

proclaimed! Stripes, the current fashion statement, comes in such great color blocks such as green and white, pink and navy blue, red and black, turquoise and white, royal and black-and the most common pattern-navy blue and ivory-You name it-It’s a stripe ensemble. And like striped scarves had status during the

Winter, now even striped blazers are stealing the limelight. Besides being appealing to the naked eye while strolling in Photos by Morgan Moore

Danielle Gipson, a freshman at Hollis F. Price, showcases a

striped cardigan in a casual form.

Steven Beecher, a sophomore at Hollis F. Price, showcases a

striped cardigan with a bowtie.

Terrion Mayfield, a freshman at Hollis F. Price, showcases a casual look with a striped

hoodie.

Keeron Willis, a senior at Hollis F. Price, showcases a striped cardigan with

cargo shorts.

Documents

May 2012 Issue