October 2011 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

October 4, 2011Volume 15, Issue 2

www.teenappeal.com

This story began as an adventure into the unknown and became an experience that has changed my life. I was awarded a $2,500 scholarship to the Ben Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Initiative held at Wake Forest University this past summer.

This opportunity was presented to me by my debate coach/mentor and educator Robert Schueller. The objective of the Ben Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship is to create better cooperation through the use of

diplomatic solutions and discussions. It was a month-long initiative, so I had 30 days to grow and become a Diplomat for America.

I had to write an essay on why transatlantic relations were important to me and about a recent community service project I participated in. I was also required to have at least three references and a letter of recommendation. My chemistry teacher, Ephasia Goodall, and the founder of Memphis Urban Debate League, James Sdoia, wrote recommendations for me.

After reading the acceptance e-mail to the Fellowship, my emotions were unfathomable. Everyone was proud, and I was at a loss for words.

I was prepared, but fatigued from my flights when I arrived at Wake Forest. At the campus I met some of the mentors and was given some items for my stay: a name tag with my state on it, a set of dorm keys, and a meal card to the cafeteria. Later, fellows arrived from Europe. We all met and began learning names.

When we woke on July 3, we were no longer just citizens of America or our respective countries in Europe. We became citizens of the world and diplomats for our countries. The American fellows took the lead in an effort to ensure we were being the best hosts and hostesses possible.

Diplomat for a MonthBy Justin PearsonMitchell High School

Mitchell High student Justin Pearson asks a question to U.S. Department of State Officials during his Ben Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship. Also pictured, fellows Chris Chen of New Jersey and Baptise

Pasquier of Switzerland. (Photo provided by Justin Pearson.)

ACT scores are dropping in the state

of Tennesseep. 2

Meet Kyla Walker, aJunior Olympian at

White Stationp.7

What’s Hot and What’sNot: Find Out in ThisMonth’s ‘Style File’

p. 12

see DIPLOMAT, page 9

By Anneliese SlovesWhite Station High School

Page 2 • October 4, 2011 The Teen Appeal

ACT Scores Dropping in Tennessee

The American College Test, better known as the ACT, is a test taken by high school juniors and seniors to gauge their college readiness, and it a factor used in college admissions.

The scores range from a 0 to 36, and this year the national average rose from a 21 to a 21.1. In the state of Tennessee, however, the score dropped from 19.6 to 19.5, the second lowest composite score of any state, ahead of only Mississippi.

In Memphis City Schools, the score fell to a shocking 16.2, or the 19th percentile of all test takers. Kevin Huffman, Tennessee commissioner of education, called the results “disappointing,” but “not surprising” in The Commercial Appeal.

However, all Tennessee juniors had a mandatory ACT test date in March of 2011, which makes it difficult to compare it to other states where the test is not mandatory. The mandatory test did not have the optional writing section, which the Ivy League and other top schools require for admission. Elyza Montefalcon, White Station High School senior, took the test last year twice, on her school’s mandatory test date and on her own. Her score dropped eight points during the school testing. “I didn’t want to come to school but my mom was like, ‘Hey, it’s free.’ I didn’t feel like it. I know I should’ve tried… but [my first score] for me is really good and I was very content with my score already and I didn’t want to try,” Elyza explained. “The majority of the people don’t really care and there are others who have actually taken it and already have a good score.”

Last year, White Station implemented Kaplan tutoring by first administering a pre-test. With the score from that test, students could use free online Kaplan resources, which normally cost hundreds of dollars, to practice for the mandatory test administered in March.

However, during the pre-test at White Station, the last section of

the test was cut short by more than 20 minutes. “If they’re going to make us take a pre-test or post-test, give us the time to do it… Plan this out a little better. We have to adjust our schedules so we can get everything done. They should be the same,” Elyza said. Tennessee is one of only nine states in the country to require all juniors to take the ACT. In contrast, none of the top 30 states with the highest composite scores require it. Massachusetts, the state with the highest score of 24.2, reported only 22% of juniors taking the test.

“They could just make the ones who need to take it, other than the ones who already got a good score and don’t need to take it again or don’t want to… They’re not going to do well on it because they’re tired of taking the ACT. It’s a stressful thing to have to do. People should have the option to take it or not,” Elyza said.

The average ACT for White Station is a 23. The next national test date is

October 22.

Elyza Montefalcon looks at an ACT practice book.Photo by Anneliese Sloves

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

October 2011 Issue

Contributing Reporters and Photographers

An Olympic-sized AchievementBy Sudeshna Barman

White Station High School

Kyla Walker, a senior at White Station High School, went to New Orleans from July 26 to August 1 to participate in the U.S. Junior Olympics track and field competition.

Placing first in the long jump and third in the 400-meter dash, Kyla’s first reaction was shock.

“I was in disbelief. I didn’t show much emotion until afterwards,” she said.

The path was long and laborious. Kyla had to go through Area Qualifiers and Regional Qualifiers in Knoxville before moving on to the National Junior Olympics.

It has taken her a couple of years to get to this point. Kyla set herself a goal to go to Nationals for the long jump in her sophomore year and spent two years perfecting her form and technique.

Though she recently got a new coach, she has been training for this “all her life, in a roundabout way.” In the months before the competition, she focused on improving her speed rather than her jump.

During the first regional qualifiers, where she won first place, Kyla suddenly realized, “Wow, I could actually do this.”

Practice is exhausting, she said. Most days, it is three hours long. During the indoor season, October through February, practice is three days per week after school. During the February to May outdoor season, practice is extended to five days a week, and the state championships

Gabriel Bailey, Ridgeway High School

Sudeshna Barman, White Staton High School

Brionna Hayes, Carver High School

Daniel Johnson, Craigmont High School

Toneshia McKinley, Westwood High School

Natasha Mehra, White Station High School

Mariatu Okonofua, Ridgeway High School

Justin Pearson, Mitchell High School

Anneliese Sloves, White Station High School

Jamesia Terry, White Station High School

Content EditorHayley Huchton, The University of

Memphis

CoordinatorMarcus Matthews, The University of

Memphis

Assistant CoordinatorElle Perry, The University of Memphis

Project DirectorDr. Carrie Brown, The University of

Memphis


are at the end of May. There is a summer season on top of that. Kyla runs for both the school team and outside of school.

The time involved interfered with her schedule. “I’m not doing well in calculus,” Kyla admitted.

“They’re not letting me run track. It’s on and off because of my grades. They’re a stickler for academics, which is understandable, I guess.”

But this has not stopped her from taking challenging and advanced courses.

“I just get overwhelmed, sometimes,” she said.

Now Kyla believes the practice was worth it.

“You know that it would be worth it in the end, to be number one,” she said

In addition to the track team, Kyla has been involved with JROTC since her sophomore year, is a member of Latin Club, is the founder and president of Team Mohawk, and has this year joined Student Council. Though it is her first year, Kyla decided to run for senior class president.

“I was talking to my classmates…they thought fun should include having a better sense of camaraderie. I thought I was the perfect person to do that,” she said.

Kyla’s plans as the new senior president include more class activities.

“My goal as president is for everyone to get to know each other,” she said.

She also started the club Team Mohawk. “It’s to promote individualism and diversity, ”

she said. Every Friday, club members will wear their

T-shirts and “go visit a different table every five minutes for lunch.”

Team Mohawk will also sponsor tutoring

see OLYMPIAN, page 8

• Le Bonheur Zoo Boo at the Memphis Zoo Oct. 21-29

River Arts Fest on South Main Street Oct. 22• Memphis Tigers vs. East Carolina at the Liberty Bowl Stadium Oct. 25

• Chris Brown’s F.A.M.E. Tour at the FedExForum Oct. 26• Halloween Hike at the Memphis Botanic Garden Oct. 29

• Halloween on the Island at the Mud Island River Park Oct. 31

MEMPHIS HAPPENINGSBy Brionna HayesCarver High School


song includes a single repetitive melody that soothes the listener like a lullaby would a child.

7. Bad Meets Evil collaborates with Bruno Mars, creating the catchy song ‘Lighters’. The chorus tells about Mars’ desire to see the ‘sky full of lighters’ while the verses consist of the rap duo testifying to rising above adversity and conquering their internal demons. 8. ‘You Make Me Feel’ by Cobra Starship featuring Sabi is an upbeat dance song that definitely makes you want to get up and out of your seat. The fast repetitive tempo is addictive and makes the song three minutes and 36 seconds well spent.

9. Britney Spears delights us with the ever so memorable tune of her single ‘I Wanna Go’. The lyrics talk about how she wants to rise above people who are trying to make life miserable and resist negativity.

10. LMFAO brings ‘Party Rock Anthem’, another electro-type song. Interpolating Rick Ross’ ‘Hustlin’, ‘Party Rock Anthem’ makes it hard to resist the urge to get up and dance. This song gets listeners to lose themselves in the moment and have fun. It is definitely one that sticks with you no matter where you go.

1. Lady Gaga’s recent single entitled, ‘You and I’ has a little bit of Southern twang, uncommon for ‘Mama Monster.’ The song tells about Gaga’s rocky relationship with her love interest.

2. Jason Derulo’s hit ‘It Girl’ is an upbeat melody with a sweet message. In it, Derulo proclaims his love for the ‘it girl’ and sings about how glad he is to have found her.

3. Lil’ Wayne’s ‘How to Love’ has a slow tempo compared to what the rapper usually puts forth. Incorporating a soft R&B beat with elements of pop, the song plays in the head reminding us of how hard it is to both find and express love.

4.The new song ‘Moves Like Jagger’ by Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera displays elements of disco-pop, rock, and electropop with a twist of soul added by Aguilera. The song is fun and catchy and goes on about the lead singer possessing the famous moves of rock star Mick Jagger.

5. ‘Cheers (Drink to That)’ by Barbadian artist Rihanna is a slow song in which the singer talks about letting loose and just having a good time.

6. Adele’s ‘Someone Like You’, a slow soulful ballad, delivers a moving message about lost love. The

By Mariatu OkonofuaRidgeway High School

The Teen AppealPage 5 • October 4, 2011

Zoe Saldana, best known for her roles in Avatar (2009), Star Trek (2009) and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), stars as the lead role in Colombiana.

In the thriller, Saldana, who plays Cataleya, becomes an assassin after witnessing the murder of her parents as a small child.

She tries to gain vengeance for her family until the mafia gets the message to not mess with her or her family anymore.

The drama throughout this movie is non-stop.

The relationships between people are heart-touchingly passionate or extremely vengeful.

This movie has a lot of unexpected and unbelievable actions throughout the entire thing! It is definitely phenomenal and action-packed.

This is a must-see movie.

Action Abounds in ‘Colombiana’By Gabriel Bailey

Ridgeway High School

Page 6 • October 4, 2011

Gabriel’s Rating:

The Teen Appeal

1/2 page commercial appeal ad

55555 ST. NE • DETORUM, 90000

Sasha Campbell, a teenager in Memphis and senior in high school deals with the reality that her younger sister might be pregnant and have HIV in Can Broken Wings Still Fly?

This book, written by Memphis-native Damita E. Shaw, deals with the issues of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy set in a familiar landscape, with local landmarks like Walgreen’s stores, Lifeblood centers and recognizable street names.

This book helps both parents and teens realize how big a problem teenage pregnancy and the spreading of STDs is among high school students.

Also included in the book are two original poems from Shaw.

This book is a great read and is available in your local libraries and Davis Kidd booksellers.

Teen Pregnancy Becomes Book FodderBy Daniel Johnson

Craigmont High School


BOOK NOTES:

Author: Damita Shaw

Book Length: 90 pages

Others works by the author:

Gumdrops for the Mind

and Fruity Fur

from OLYMPIAN, page 3

activities. Kyla has a plan to raise money for charity. Club members will create and work in a club. Customers will “pay admission for an hour, maybe an hour and a half,” and a bell will ring every five minutes. Club members will try to visit a different customer and get to know them in five minutes; the goal is for the member to meet each customer in the room.

University of Tennesse -Knoxville, Vanderbilt, University of Iowa, Louisiana State and the University of Memphis have all shown an interest in Kyla.

“This has opened so many doors for me,” Kyla said. “I’ve been offered full-ride scholarships.”

She will soon visit the University of Iowa and Vanderbilt. “Once I’ve gone on all the official visits, then I’ll commit,” she said.

Kyla wants to be a biomedical engineer, a senator, or a college track coach.

Though she does not plan to try out for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, she plans to join the U.S. Track Team for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

Kyla, however, is not the only

Junior Olympian at White Station. Justin Davis, a junior, ran the 100-meter dash and placed fifth. He placed 20th in the long jump and 33rd in the triple jump.

Jessica Brown is an alumnus of WSHS and now attends Southeast Missouri State College. As a senior she placed 6th in the triple jump at the Junior Olympics this summer.

“This summer was a turning point,” said Kyla, summing up her experiences at the New Orleans Junior Olympics.

“Going Green” at White Station

By Natasha Mehra White Station High School

Awareness of the importance of conservation has increased over the past few decades, with more campaigns to enlighten the public. Businesses such as McDonalds, Starbucks, Wal-Mart, and Coca Cola have all become more eco-friendly, according to a study by the Business Pundit.

McDonalds has partnered with environmental groups to improve the environment. Starbucks has switched their coffee cup sleeves to those made out of recycled paper.

In addition to large corporations attempting to make a difference, ordinary people do their bit to help out the environment. At White Station High School, students have taken conserving resources into their own hands. The Green Team, a student-led organization that began in 2008 with a group of freshmen, began a recycling program at White Station.

Club sponsor Jody Riser said, “Conservation and environmental responsibility are not things that can be taught in class, so Green Team serves a purpose not

found in the classroom environment.” The club meets weekly to make recycling

bins out of cardboard boxes and to collect paper, glass, and plastic from classrooms around the school. Students drive this recycling down to the Agricenter International every week.

In addition, the club hosts a campus clean-up project every semester to beautify the school by raking leaves, planting flowers, pulling out weeds, and picking up trash. Anyone can join the club on a volunteer-basis, and all members

receive volunteer hours for their effort. “Doing anything by yourself is difficult

without leadership, and Green Team provides the leadership we need at White Station for helping the environment,” Sharif Kayali, a Green Team member, said.

White Station students are doing what they can to make a difference for their planet.


The directors and mentors made that a very easy task. One of our first activities was visiting or attending different worship services/mosques. I chose the Greek Orthodox Church to attend a worship service.

We took classes on documentary and film, constitutional foundations, conflict and citizenship and social movements during our first week at Wake Forest. After simulations, debates and discussions we learned about each other’s countries and ways of thinking. We participated in different activities: a baseball game, card games, and mini-gatherings in the evenings.

Then, we went on our study trip through the Northeast. Our first stop was in Philadelphia. We visited Independence Hall where America’s founding documents were penned. The chair that the first President of the United States sat in was there too. We were invited to the American Philosophical Society


from DIPLOMAT, page 1 and learned about different countries from all time periods. On our last day in Philadelphia, we visited the American Constitution Center; we followed American history through the ages.

Next, we visited Washington, D.C. and stayed at George Washington University. We attended the George Washington Center and we visited the sights of D.C. and took pictures to remember that this was reality. The visit to the State Department was the most breath-taking. It is the place where international cooperation lives. I was there with individuals from across the Atlantic Ocean—priceless.

Our return to Wake Forest was centered on service. We worked by day and lived with host families by night; mine was the Coats family and William Bort from France. At campus, we separated into different groups all working to help build the Winston-Salem community and ourselves. Every group did something special in an effort to help others; some raised awareness of

particular issues, others raised money for Haiti and Kieva, some brought joy to the elderly and educated people on how we are similar through our struggles, music, or in aspects of our lifestyles. We taught young kids about different countries and were able to expose them to individuals they would rarely meet.

The opportunity to be exposed to and expose others to different nations and customs is nearly indescribable. Our story is composed of 11 American fellows from all across this nation and 50 fellows from Europe. They ranged from the United Kingdom to The Netherlands to Sweden to Estonia to Spain to Latvia to Greece to Luxembourg and Switzerland. Over 30 countries and six states formed one family.

Life is so much better when you realize that the world is larger than your city, state and country. My experience showed me that it will take a unified effort to make the world what it can be.

Westwood Football: On Its Way to All Around SuccessBy Toneshia McKinleyWestwood High School

Westwood’s football team has been working hard all summer despite the harsh weather. This year the Longhorns are determined to have their first winning season in over 20 years.

Coach Anthony Jones graduated from Westwood himself in 2004 and was on the football team. He played quarterback for the Longhorns before moving on to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to play football. In 2007 he received a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and general management.

Jones went back to his alma mater to make a difference after graduation.

Jones has big goals for the Westwood football team this year and for himself also.

“My main goal is to get as many boys into college as possible,” Jones said.

He said he is also helping the boys turn into responsible and educated young men.

The team practiced hard-core five days a week over the summer, learning new agility skills and more.

The team also participated in community service. They kicked off a new event in July: “Westwood Community Pride Day” and they cleaned up the community, went swimming, and barbecued. “This was not an annual event; however, it will be,” Jones said.

The team also supports Levi Elementary. At least once a week the football players go to the elementary school and read books to the children.

To demonstrate that football is important but education is always first, Jones makes his players attend ACT workshops and sit in the front of the class.

The boys also have mandatory study hall each day.Sophomore defensive tackle Brandon Thomas said the

see WESTWOOD, pg 10

coach’s program has helped him. “The team has definitely made me

stronger academically and physically,” he said

Brandon says the coach actually makes him get involved and participate.

Thirteen-year Memphis Police Department veteran and school officer John Granberry said he looks forward to seeing the results of all the work.

“I feel like they’re going to do a good job this year,” Grandberry said. “They’re very excited and I’m excited for them.”

“Jones is really passionate about his players. He goes all out for them,” said Jamarcus Ricks, a sophomore at Westwood.


from WESTWOOD, pg 9 Phillip Sanders is a junior and he plays defensive end. Phillip says he remembers how Coach Jones was there for him even when things got rough.

“I was incarcerated on June 3, 2010 for aggravated robbery. Jones always kept in touch with me and that helped me a lot,” he said.“But now that my life’s on track, he encourages me to keep doing the right thing, stay in school, and eventually go to college. And I think football’s the thing that’s going to get me there.”

This year the fans are a lot more supportive. The games are packed.

“We are more supportive this year because of the dedication of the football players and also of the coach. We really don’t care if we lose or win, because the love and devotion

this team has to offer... I love my Longhorns,” said Nakia Malone, a sophomore at Westwood.

Junior quarterback Trey Gilkey said that his personal goal for this year is to make it to state. When he was asked how they were they were going to do that he replied, “By going hard every time we hit the field.”

What are we missing?The Teen Appeal is distributed to 32 Memphis City High

Schools and we want to make sure we are

representing

all of them.

If you have a story idea that you would like to see in

your newspaper, please call us at 678-4710 or e-mail

[email protected]

Visit The Teen Appeal on

Facebook at www.facebook.com/

TeenAppeal and on

Twitter at www.

twitter.com/teenappeal.



STYLE FILE

The chilly season is almost here! Finding trendsetters around Memphis is like spotting the stripes on a zebra. As people put away the short shorts and tank tops, they’re layering up with colorful cardigans. As the season change, the fashion will too.GIRLS: The fall is cover up season. No more flip flops and sun dresses. Try a really funky print legging with a basic v-neck and a denim

By Jamesia TerryWhite Station High School

LINDSEY BURGESS,WHITE STATION HIGH SCHOOL

JAMESIA TERRY, WHITE STATION HIGH SCHOOL

JON FRANKLIN,WHITE STATION HIGH SCHOOL

jacket to top it off. Add a few chunky accessories to really make a statement. Also for ladies this fall, the waist has returned! High waisted skirts bring a classic yet curvy look. GUYS: Although it is harder for you to play with funky colors, the classic button up polo shirt will suffice. Throw on a pair

of khakis with almost any color polo you’d like and your outfit is complete. Your kicks this season will make or break you. Tennis shoes will always be ok, but a nice pair of loafers will get everyone’s attention.Autumn is often associated with boring, neutral and drab colors. Do not be afraid to add vibrant colors to your fall look. This season is all about going overboard.

Documents

October 2011 Issue