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Established 2006 Volume 7 Issue 6 May 2012 South Pointe High School Rock Hill, S.C.
Corey Neely and Catherine Allen are the first couple to walk in for the presenting of the 2012 Prom Court. After the couples gather in the mid-dle of the dance floor, they partake in the court’s first dance.
Assistant principal Denise Khaalid crowns Gertera Barber as 2012 Prom Queen. Barber received the most votes from all the juniors and seniors who attended Prom.
Gertera Barber and Corey Neely pose for pictures after being crowned.
Olivia SmithReporter
Prom king and queen are possibly one of the most prestigious awards a senior could receive. For Corey Neely and Gerte-ra Barber this was reality.
“My prom night is one of those nights that I’ll never forget,” said Neely.
Voted to win by their fellow prom go-ers, Barber and Neely were honored.
As everyone cheered, they walked to receive their prizes, which was candy and the most importantly, the crowns. The king and queen were crowned by Denise Khaa-lid and Dr. Al Leonard.
After the “royals” danced, they took pictures and celebrated with their friends
2012 Prom King and Queen
Photos by Kaelyn Jiran/contributor
on the dance floor. “It’s every girls’ dream to be a queen,”
said Barber. They both were shocked to hear their
names called by prom committee adviser Kay McNutt.
“I thought CJ Davenport was going to win,” said Neely.
Barber was escorted in by Montay Crockett and Neely walked with Catherine Allen.
The Paris theme added to the excite-ment and romantic feel.
“It was better than last year, because the theme was horrible. But this year they did a lot better,” said Barber of the event.
Barber and Neely crowned in return to former prom voting tradition
Art illistrated by Taylor Snyder
COREY
&
GERTERA
Senior ‘12
Page 2 May 2012
Briann-Marie Ealy Opinion editor
GRADUATION
Facing your fear:
The graduation process is one of the major steps seniors will take with their transition from a high school student to an adult. Moving through this transition there can be a little stress, and even fear of the upcoming graduation date.
For some seniors their fears aren’t focused on one specific thing, “I’m scared of the whole thing,” said Sara Morrison.
Others, like Douglas Roberts, fear not know-ing what will happen after high school.
For Victoria Jordan her biggest fear of graduation is not be-ing able to see the people she sees in high school now. After high school best friends might end up going to different colleges and won’t see each other maybe for years on end.
“Make sure you stay close to your friends because it gets stressful, and
you’ll need them during that stress” are Jordan’s words of wisdom to seniors who are dealing with the same fear she has. “I don’t think I’d change it,” she said of her experience. “I loved it.”
“Just don’t be nervous, this is what you’ve been waiting for, this is why you worked so hard,” said LaPorsha Alexander, who’s own fear is of tripping while walking on the stage to receive her diploma.
For Sigourney Zacharski, her fear of graduation is not graduating at all, and if given a chance to do it over she would change her study habits.
Not passing scares some seniors because of their lack of study habits in the years that led up to their senior year. When asked what they would change, seniors answered that they would change
study habits, attend school more and focus more
on their studies. A
common fear for
seniors has to do
with their future after
high school--a fear of getting
out into the world and not
making anything of themselves, of ending up
as a failure. “As long as you stay focused on your
goal in life, everything will turn out fine,” said Schelsea Little. “Your fears will eventually pass.”
Illustrations by/Brianna-Marie Ealy Brianna-Marie Ealy/SPiN
Brianna-Marie EalyOpinion editor
Senior ‘12
Page 3 May 2012
Voi
ce of
the
Sta
llio
ns
Quay Walton Contributor
How many people do you know who didn’t graduate high school? Was it because they didn’t have enough credits to graduate? Many teenagers every year fail to graduate due to the high requirements of to-day’s education system. The dropout rate is way too high. South Carolina has one of the highest number of high school dropouts in the country. We need to lower standards.
First, you have to realize today’s
required number of required credits needed to graduate in South Caro-lina is 24. The old number is 16. We need to go back to that original number. The old number of credits helped a lot of kids get out of high school in the 80’s and 90’s.
Students are not the same as they were 20 to 30 years ago. Society is moving at a faster pace. A lot of kids in school now have more responsibilities than just education. Many of us have jobs after school. Several female students have children to take care of. I can personally vouch for students who are considered heads of their households. All I’m saying, really, is many students of this generation aren’t capable of getting 24 credits due to personal life issues.
Second, a lot of kids today are too far
advanced for their age group in school work. They understand the class and assignments, learning how to do the work at a faster pace. Advanced minded students should be able to surpass grade levels quicker if they are able to.
Right now, students are try-ing to get school to focus mostly on career-building courses rather than core courses.
Programs like those at Applied Technology Center are showing that students have many options with career choices.
Some kids may be meant to be mechanics. Mechanics don’t
require much read-ing or writ-ing abil-ity. English classes are a heavy burden as four credits are required for gradua-tion.
A lot of students now are aspiring to become barbers. Barbering and hair-styling do not require advanced math skills.
The state of South
Carolina requires four math credits for graduation. Having many credits in one core class is overrated.
Only students who see college as their immediate option need these credits. College should only be emphasized to students looking for jobs with heavy cre-
Dress code? What’s the point?
SCSPA 2012 Palmetto Award Winner 2010 SCSPA Sweepstakes Award Winner
.STAFF
Editor-in-chief...................Taylor Snyder
Managing editor..................Ciara Burris
News editor...............Mary Hannah Neil(Editor-in-chief in training)
Features editor......................Erin Fields
Opinion editor..........Brianna-Marie Ealy
Centerspread editor...........Jarvis Carter
Sports editor..................Ashli Simmons(Managing editor in training)
Photography editor..........Kendra Harris
Copy editor......................Josh Davidson
Webmaster..............................Alex Culp
Reporters.....................O’Brian BrownSierra GilmoreKaylia Givens
Skylar JacksonVinita Maigur
Marlana MaytonOlivia Smith
Contributors.................Bryant HarrisShirley Nicholson
Quay WaltonLogan Avera
Christina Hughes
Executive Producer ofSPiN in the morning......Catherine Allen
Adviser.................................Cindy Koon
Principal...............................Al Leonard, 2009 Journalism Education Association
Administrator of the Year
dentials in certain courses.
Third, the state of South Carolina should start to put more attention to career-building skills. The quicker the stu-dents are trained, the faster they can jump into the work force. Jobs can be filled quickly because elective-based schools like ATC can help students earn degrees in many trades early.
I personally feel we need to lower the standards if we want real improvement. Many kids will say work is too hectic. Twenty-four credits including most in core classes are unfair to students who lack certain math or English skills. Many students just aren’t good at science and history.
I believe we should start to focus more on career choices than core skills. We need pre-employment education now more than core value education.
Dress code. What is the point of dress code?
Seriously, what’s the point? Dress code is pointless; it’s a way to
keep kids restricted. Dress code makes us looks like the school wants us to look.
It’s our clothes and we should be able to wear them the way we want to.
There should not be a dress code at all.
If girls want to wear a bikini to
school, then it’s their choice. If guys want to sag their pants, then
let them sag. It’s their choice, it’s their clothes, so let the students dress the way they want to dress.
I think the dress code needs to be taken away because no one likes it. It’s a waste of everyone’s time.
If the dress code was taken away, then everyone would be so much happier. There would be fewer suspensions and fewer problems with administration.
The second reason is that the dress code serves no purpose. It’s just a way to keep students under their thumb.
People are still going to dress the way they want to dress so just take away the dress code. It is highly unnecessary and unreasonable.
People are going to dress to look appealing because they paid for their own clothes.
Like me, if I paid for my pants, no one is going to tell me how to wear them. I’m going to sag regardless of who tells me not to. I’m going to wear my hood regardless, because it’s my clothes.
The dress code only irritates and
angers students. If you want disrespect towards the administration to cease, then take away the dress code.
Also, the administrators wouldn’t no-tice any violations if they weren’t looking at inappropriate places.
Basically, the dress code is just a load of trouble.
I’m aware that some people think we might need a dress code, but we don’t.
Dress code is not a necessity. People believe the dress code is en-
forced to make us look nice. Yes this may be true, but don’t control us on every little thing we wear.
Who honestly cares whether we have a dress code or not because we’re in high school?
Basically, dress code is highly unnecessary and it causes way too many problems.
I have already gotten in trouble over dress code and in my opinion, dress code needs to be taken away.
It would make everyone happier and save a lot of stress.
Bryant HarrisContributor
Art illustration by/Brianna-Marie Ealy
Art illustartions by/Brianna-Marie Ealy
Graduation requirements cause concernSenior ‘12
Page 4 May 2012
Seniors should choose prom king and queen
Logan AveraContributor
A student passes all of his classes
with an average of a 95 on all of his report cards. Then while in his classes he pays half attention to the lessons that are be-ing taught, but every year regardless of what classes he signs up for, his schedule always puts him in basic, college prep classes and nothing harder. Finally one day the student’s parent came in and de-manded him to be placed into higher level classes. South Pointe High School should improve its course selection process so students can make well-informed choices for themselves.
First, if the school allows students to choose their classes in the spring, it should allow the students to take those classes. The guidance councilors should talk to the students about what the curriculum is for each class they want to sign up for. If a student chooses to put themselves in higher level classes, he should be briefed
on the individual concepts. His guidance counselor should not choose what classes the student takes. When the student and his counselor talk at his IGP meeting, the classes the student wants to take are finalized. Then the student schedule he re-ceives the next year still doesn’t reflect the classes he chose to be in; they reflect the classes his counselor believes he should take.
Second, before students choose their schedules, they should take placement tests for their classes. This ensures that all students are placed in correct classes that are based directly on their scores. This stops students from obtaining an easy “A”, and forces the students to learn and pay attention in their classes. It also ensures that the less intellectual students are put in classes where they have a fair chance of passing. This process would also help the attendance of every student because they won’t give up as easily on a class that they have a chance of passing.
Third, an improved selection proce-dure would make sure students learn the
information needed at their own speed. The terms “Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior” would no longer be suitable terms to use because it would take most students longer to graduate. It would prove that understanding the course is better than just earning the credits. There wouldn’t be the standard: four math and English credits and three social studies
and science credits. There would only be the concepts that the students have to master, to ensure that the stu-dents are prepared for life outside of school.
Others would say this idea would over-populate schools by making it take longer to graduate for most students, or even that the students shouldn’t be wor-ried about passing individual concepts if they could pass the whole class. But if a student passes a class without understand-
ing all the lessons taught in the class, the student is not learning what they need to be, depending on the stuff they can do to carry them through the concepts they don’t understand. The oversizing of classes is easily solved by hiring more teachers or even extending the school day to reflect more of a college schedule.
The schools should let the students choose what classes they attend. Students know their limits and what their capable and willing to do in school. Also guidance counselors should focus more on inform-ing the students about classes and less on just placing them in classes, letting the students take more control in their educa-tion preparing students for their futures.
Voice of the Stallions
Erin FieldsFeatures editor
The tradition of choosing who is crowned prom king and queen has always been, and should always remain the same. Randomly choosing names out of a hat takes the pride out of receiving the title.
Several years ago South Pointe High School switched from the traditional way of choosing prom king and queen to hav-ing the results be random, based on which box you were given as a court member.
Many students didn’t agree with the decision being random, so those students elected to the 2012 prom court decided to change it back to the traditional voting method this year.
This year’s court royalty were called in for a meeting Thursday before prom and made the change. Then on Friday, when prom goers picked up their tickets for the next day’s prom, they were also given the opportunity to vote for king and
queen from the princes and princesses voted on earlier by the senior prom goers.
“I would rather the students vote for prom king and queen because that’s a tradition throughout the U.S.,” said Ryan Shaw. “I just believe that is the proper way to do it.”
Traditions that have been the same for years should never have been changed. Having students vote for prom king and queen is a huge deal to some stu-dents. Therefore the rules should remain the same, giving students something to look forward to.
It is really up to the students on who deserves it. Prom king and queen isn’t just a pointless title; it is a huge honor. But if the decision is just based on luck, how is that an honor?
It’s good the method is back to its old tradition; being named prom king and queen is meant to go to someone who truly deserves it, someone who is caring, friendly, and outgoing. But if a person is randomly crowned, that leaves the person who really deserves it with little chance of getting it.
Of course, some students did like the random drawing method.
“I liked this idea because a lot of people tend to vote for the same people,”
says Stephanie Woehl. “There is more of a fair chance.”
In my opinion, the only upside to prom king and queen being randomly chosen is that it opened up a lot of doors to the under- dogs on the prom court.
“It gives everyone a chance to be king or queen,” says Albert Hughes. If students are still allowed to
choose the
prom court, I be-lieve they should also be given the choice of who wins king and queen.
If you really want to be crowned prom king or queen, you have to work for it and try to get as many votes as possi-ble. But if people are randomly crowned, that gives prom court nothing to work toward.
“It does away with putting up signs and giving out candy, because in that case
you are basically just chosen ‘most popu-lar’ instead of prom king or queen,” said Guidance Department Head Kay McNutt, who is the faculty member in charge of the prom committee the past several years.
By tradition, the honor is normally given to students based on personality and popularity. Who is going to be happy if someone gets chosen for all the wrong reasons? Now that students get to vote again, “most popular” is the one who is crowned.
“Prom is about the students so the students should have a voice,” said Cha-mara Clark.
Would you rather be crowned by your classmates who want you to get it,
or randomly crowned and having a chance of people being unhappy with the decision? If most people are upset with the outcome, I’m pretty sure that ruins all of the excitement for the prom king or
queen. Prom court is not a silly game
on seeing who gets lucky enough to get crowned. A lot of people really take it seriously, which is how it should be.
Being named prom king or queen should be something to be proud of be-cause you worked hard for it. That should be something that you tell your grandkids about which may even make them look up to you as a role model.
The pride of having the honorable title of prom king or queen should be car-ried on throughout your lifetime and not just forgotten after high school.
Students, not guidance counselors, should have final say on course selections for upcoming school year
Senior ‘12
Page 5 May 2012
Vinita Maigur Reporter
Seniors having their last couple of days left in high school can be freeing and stressful all at the same time. With juniors worrying about what’s in store for their next year, seniors graduating this summer give some beneficial advice and wisdom about the trials and experiences that will arise for them next year.
“Enjoy where you are now. Senior year is a big reflection of your entire life and it goes by fast, so don’t let the memories slip away. Cherish them,” said Shivam Patel
Most lower classman can agree that trying to fit studying, jobs and relaxation in a 24 hour day can seem impossible, with everything from sports to choir practice to hanging out with friends, but we have to remember that our education has to be taken seriously especially as we climb the ladder of success and move on to bigger and better things.
“Stick with their education. That’s just the best thing you could ever do through life. Oh, and enjoy your senior year,” Justice Clark said.
Every senior I spoke with has told the class of 2013 to enjoy every moment of their senior year and to hold the memories close, so they never forget them.
“Just to make their senior year as fun as possible but stay focused at the same time,” said Hannah Combs.
The advice given by the class of 2012 can give the class of 2013 confidence and perseverance to push on and be focused throughout their senior year, Also it can help to not let them forget that they are not alone because the more you climb the mountain of success, the harder it gets for everyone. A support system and a great group of friends can make it all possible. It makes high school so much better when you know people who are there for you.
“Have fun! Do your work, but have fun; it goes by way too fast not to enjoy it. Be yourself and live free,” said Grant Brannon.
“I would tell them make sure you study a lot because they will push you until you graduate and make sure if you don’t pass the HSAP, try hard on it because you need to pass it to get your diploma, but other than that it’s fun. Teachers are nice and you get to do more like leave class before everyone and leave school,” said Christina Teague.
One senior’s advice came straight from the heart.
“Don’t get too stressed about things, have fun and enjoy your last memories of high school, but get your work done too,” Lindsay Wooles recalled.
As we say goodbye to our seniors of 2012 and the wisdom and legacy that they leave behind at South Pointe High School, our friends and fellow future graduates will move on to an experience that could possibly change their lives. Not having them around is going to be painful. As we walk to the front of the school and open the glass doors on the first day of school in August for the class of 2013, we will be reminded of our classmates, friends and fellow graduates of the class of 2012.
Live Above The Influence
2012 class members gives advice for
Senior ‘12
Page 6 May 2012
Christina HughesContributor
If someone got credit and rewards for doing the same things that you do, but you did not get the acknowledge-ment, would you be happy about it? When a group of students does some-thing that not only makes them happy but pushes them to the edge, they deserve to be rewarded for their actions. Band students should get the same acknowl-edgements as other groups.
First, band students should receive acknowledgment for the athleticism of marching band by receiving a PE credit. Band students run laps around the band field every day. We stretch, do pushups, jumping jacks, and sit-ups. We march strenuous shows that put more sweat on your brow in a five minute show than playing a football game for an hour. Why should the ROTC class get a PE credit when we do more athletic activity, while they sit in a classroom playing a flight simulator game? We have to push ourselves even harder. Not only are we marching at fast tempos, but we also have to play our music while doing it. You can only breath in certain places, you have to remember your drill and keep in time. Band isn’t just music; it’s physical and mental work. You have to keep up, and you can’t just go and take a break for a little while. Band students are out in the sun during class, after school, and on the weekends. So why shouldn’t we get the credit?
Second, band students should also be recognized at the state championship football game. When the marching band arrives on the football field, you know the game is about to begin. We play our nation’s anthem and support our team with the fight song. We play music in the stands to entertain the crowd. Sometimes we play really loud to distract the other team. We play the music that the cheerleaders dance to. The band goes to all of the home games and most away games too. Our halftime shows give the crowd something to watch while the players are in the locker rooms. We even play music at the pep rallies. Two out of the four years that I have been at South Pointe, the football team has become State Champions. The football team and the cheerleaders line up on the field to receive their medals. But where is the band? We sit in the bleachers and watch as the cheerleaders get reward-ed for cheering on the team. But isn’t that the same as what the band does? The band should get rewarded too because we do as much as the cheerleaders do.
Lastly, the band class as well as the other arts classes should receive the ap-propriate funding and should not be cut. Why should the arts classes have less funding than the football team? South
Pointe requires students to earn a certain number of arts credits in order to gradu-ate. When funding is cut from classes such as chorus, orchestra, and band that are options to fill those arts credits, students have less to choose from. Football isn’t re-quired, yet they receive more money each and every year. They have enough money to buy new uniforms, new equipment, new shoes, and new workout clothes, while the band has had the same uniforms for five
years. We pay extra for our shoes and we don’t have the money to buy new instruments that we des-perately need. Our band shirts that we wear under our uniforms are cheap and fall apart after one sea-son. Band is required to put spon-sorship stickers from Coca Cola, Food Lion, and Family Trust Credit Union on the back of our band trailer. These sponsors supposedly sponsor our school, yet we don’t receive funding from them. The football team does! Band students pay hundreds of dollars each and every year to participate in band. This last year, band fees actually went up because of budget cuts, so students had to pay $450. This cost drives students away because they can’t afford to pay it every single year. What do the football players have to pay? Most pay nothing, and if they do pay, it is around $20-30. Even with the money our students pay, there is still not enough. The band students do not deserve to pay so much. The funding should not be cut. This program should grow, not wither away.
It is understood that there are some reasons why these things happen. Students who are in band need to know how to play an instrument. Some students might not be able to choose this class because of this. But students never have the chance to learn before high school because middle school budgets and some programs have
been cut. If students are willing to learn, we will gladly teach them so they can be part of our band. Even though this class is an arts class, it is very strenuous, but some administration might not allow it to have a PE credit because then it would be considered a dual credit course because you would receive an arts credit and a PE credit. A compromise to this would be to only receive the arts credit but exempt those students from having to take PE. Another option could be to allow the first year in band to be a PE credit and the next three years to be arts credits. If students are to be considered equal, then the programs should be treated equal as well. Some might say
that it would cost too much money to give the band the acknowledg-ment it deserves, but why should band be at the bottom of the totem pole? These students deserve the chance to be recognized for their hard work too.
Band students would be more likely to feel that what they do on a daily basis is recognized for what it is worth if they received the same rewards as others. They need to get the same recognition as the cheerleaders at the state cham-pionship games. The students need to be given the same credits as ROTC. They should also receive the same funding as the sports teams. More students would join the band and the program would grow if something was done to improve this problem.
Band deserves more recognitionSenior ‘12
Page 7 May 2012
Erin FieldsFeatures editor
The secret life of a teenage actressKendra Harris Photography editor
You may know her as the small red-headed girl jumping around in the hallways, but others know her as the talented Catherine Allen, producer of the student morning show and on-stage actress in numerous school and district productions.
What you may not know is that while most seniors were heading into mock AP exams or trying one last time to pass that HSAP, Allen was up in Chappell Hill, N.C., walking the red carpet as a film actress attending the premier of her latest movie.
“When I was eight years old, I started acting at a dra-ma camp. My first roll I played was an ommpa loompa in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” said Allen.
Her extensive involvement with Stallion Repertory Theatre productions and director Jimmy Chrismon and with the school’s morning show was a natural fit. This semester she is exploring visual art with Ashley Beard.
“I’m the only actress in my family, and I have done 30 plays/musicals, three or four films, three commercials, a book cover, and I’m a commercial model,” Allen said.
When people find out about her ca-reer, many of them are like, “Wow, lucky!” But Allen would be the first to tell you that having the dream and then pursuing your passion to the exclusion of almost everything else is what it takes to break through. Well, that and actual talent combined with hard work.
“In sixth grade Mr. Dickson ask me to be an intern
for the show and I tried to be on the show in the seventh grade,” said Allen of how she took the small steps neces-sary to taking over the entire morning show her senior year.
“When I went to Sullivan Middle School, I was a techie for two years and now I’m the executive producer for SPIN in the Morning,” Allen said.
“You may not believe this if you know the wide-
open, confident senior Catherine Allen, but when she was a tiny little ninth grader, she came into that SPIN in the Morning room with all those juniors and seniors and never said a word. She watched the boy who did the boards and then she started doing the boards. She worked hard, was 100 percent reliable, was always on time,” SPIN adviser Cindy Koon said of Allen. “I am no longer the morn-ing show adviser, but it is a joy watching what all Catherine has done for the show. She came into Journalism I and then Newspaper Produc-tion and helped start up SPIN Wired. She had
an innate feeling that journalism and drama were a nice fit, and they are. Some colleges even have them housed together or have the programs interconnect-ed. It is so rare to have a student ‘seize the day’ the way she does, with that mature awareness that life is not something in the future, but something we all live right now, in the present. She knows this is no dress rehearsal.”
Because of her contribu-tions, South Pointe principal Dr. Al Leonard chose Allen as the Student of the Year.
“I selected Catherine Allen to represent South Pointe as the Student of the Year largely due to the positive way that she represents the school, both in the building and in the community,” Leonard said in an email. “Her enthusiasm and love for her school is contagious! She has helped to build the foundation
for the morning announcements by estab-lishing high standards for years to come. Catherine’s passion for acting is evident in her performances with our theatre arts de-partment and will serve her well as she pursues her acting
career. I expect great things from her in the future!”While taking full advantage of high school classes
and experiences, Allen will not be heading to a university in the fall like many of her classmates. She’ll launch her career fulltime. She took classes in drama and journal-ism, seized opportunities both on and off campus with any project that interested her, all while still a high school student. Even before graduation June 2, she is a profes-sional model and actress, so there is not the magic divide between student and adult life.
“I’ll be in Italy for a month, I’ll be starting a docu-mentary with a fashion designer, I’m doing another film, and I’m moving to L.A. in January,” Allen said.
The Los Angeles-Hollywood area is the obvious epi-center of the film industry, but unlike so many students, Allen realized the way to start in the business was right in front of her.
“My first professional audition was the T-Mobile commercial; it was filmed in Rock Hill,” she said.
Of course, her incredibly supportive parents help make living her dream possible. “My family supports me. My mother calls herself my manager, and my dad, he is my driver. He drives us everywhere,” said Allen. They even parked the expectation she attend college, giving Catherine a year to see if she can launch a successful ca-reer on the West Coast. If things continue as they have, it should be a piece of cake. If not, well, then college goes back on the front burner as what they’d like to see her do. They understand their energetic red-haired daughter has to act to get more acting jobs.
“My film premier ‘Secrets in the Snow’ was April 14, 2012, and they are showing it to ABC family, and other TV shows,” said Allen, who finds one thing often opens doors to another in show business.
So high school could be the highest level of educa-tion this girl attains. And she attributes a lot of her suc-cess to the classes here at South Pointe.
“I think having the Arts in school is a good thing because if we didn’t, I would not have the level of skill that I have now,” said Allen.
A three year old, Catherine Allen mugs for a picture.
Catherine Allen and her co-star from the movie “The Secerts in the Snow” walk the red carpet.
Photos contirbuted by Catherine Allen
Senior ‘12
seniors
Page 8 May 2012
De’Angela Douglas
“Leaving early.”
What is your favorite thing about being a senior?
Quayvontae Rose
“It’s my last year and we get out of class early and get out of school a week early.”
Norman Davis
“This my last year. I’m ready to get out of school and experience the college life.”
Keyonna Miller
“Getting out of class early and this is my last year of high school.”
Devane Leach“My name and picture getting into the newspaper, getting senior privileges, and doing what I want to do.”
Lamar Byers
“Senior privilege.”
LaPorsha Ingram-Kayla Isaacs -Avery Jackson -Tiona Jackson-Justin Johnson-Katherine Johnson-
Charetha Jones Raven Jones Kendle Jones-Salley Phillip Kellas Brandon Kelley Michael Kerber
Hollis Kimbrell Parker Kirchinger Michael Kuehl Joseph Levi Jasemine Lewis LaBrian Lymus
Taraleigh Mackey Taylor Madson Jessica Mai Jacob Martin Joseph Martin Jalen Massey Jamesha
Massey Nicole Massey Alex McCleod Dana McCrorey Katy McFadden Khalid Mills Tyler Minton
Cadarious Mitchell Yantae Mitchell Brandon Mobley Diana Monteith Sallai Moore Trevor Mullinax
Seth Munyan Kyla Myers Nicholas Myers Johnsha Nelson Robert Nelson Andre’ Orr Kodie Oswald
Allen Patterson John Penyak Nakeya Poage Ashley Potts Tevon Potts Brian Price Sierra Pusloski
Anthony Quinones Ambrehea’ Rhodes Emmanuel Richardson Andrew Robbins Daniel Roberts
Jasmmine Robinson Khadijih Robinson Sh’Kayla Roddey Quayvontae Rose Alexandrea Sears Zachary
Sewell Samuel Shannon Garrison Sherer Tyler Sherman Douglas Showell Donisha Sibley Katelyn
Sortet Chandler Thomas Adria’ Thompson Cayla Thompson Jaime Torres Sarah Turbeville Hydeia
Wade Oceania Walker Keiosha Ward Kelli Ward Jarvaris White Abbigail Whitesell Antione Corbin
Hannah Womack
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
2012
Senior ‘12
Page 9 May 2012
Seniors share favorite memories
“What was your favorite senior memory?”
Lynsie Brandon“My favortive memory would be when Tyler took out friends and I out to dinner, got down on one knee and proposed.”
Page By: Marlana Mayton
Macee Coursey “Getting my graduation present early, which was my car.”
Kaleb Hemphill“When we won state.”
Isaac Rodgers“My car wreck.”
Samone Boulware“Probably winning state.”
Brooke Costner“A laptop.”
Jon’Quesha Peterson“Mini-fridge.”
Maya Pendigrass“Music.”
Seniors talk college freshman must-haves
“What is your college freshman
must-have?”
Nine months to choose from challenges these five to come up with only one of many memories that make up the last year of school
Senior ‘12
Page 10 May 2012
2012
Lalakisha Belizaire
Alex BlAirKarisa Boggs
Tre’ Branham
Michael Broome
Amber Brunson Kerber
Lajuandree Burris
Anna Burton
Terrick Burton
No
ah
Bu
tc
he
r
Lane Chamberlain
Christina ChesterTaylor CogginsWinston Craven
Jonathan Cruz
Alex Culp
Keosha Cunningham
Kirsten Dart
Ty’rica DavisLewis Dickert
Darian D
unn
Tarik Dunn
Kaitlin Ebeling Brenton Efaw
Dontrell Evens
Jessica Ferguson
Emily Funderburk
Katharine Funderburk
Jasmine Brown
Alex Gibson Shankia Glover
Quincy Goode
Nikia Green
Emma Hampton
Sarah Harbin
Nakira HarrisMatt H
artsock
Asia Hayden
Christopher Hemphill
Devin Hemphill
Natia Hemphill
Robert Herring
John HillLindsey Hinnant
Jevon Hinton
Deneshia Hogan
Caitl
yn H
oofn
agle
Dia
mon
d H
ope
Dillon HordMason Horne
Jared H
ovis
Michea
l How
ard
Shenika Howze
Megan HumphriesDontavious Ingram
Senior ‘12
“Believe that things will work out… follow your intuition and curiosity… trust your heart even when it leads you off the well-worn path… You have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future… The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it… Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”~ Steve Jobs
Page 11 May 2012
Hang
out S
pots
for 20
12 O’Brian BrownReporter
A good portion of students’ days are revolved around school. Whether it’s the time spend preparing for school, the actual time spend at school, or afterschool activities some participate in. When that bell hits 3:37, what kind of things do seniors like to do?
Zamonii Gibbs and Brehannah Anderson spend a lot of time together.
“We are together all the time. We enjoy each other’s company. You never know where you’re going to find us. The places where we go most of the time are malls. Our favorite mall is Pineville Mall. Our favorite stores are Forever 21 and American Eagle,” said Gibbs.
“We got to hit up that food court and Body Central and we go for the boys. We’re like Venus and Serena, Beyoncé and Solange; we’re inseparable,” said Anderson.
This seems to be one strong sister bond that can never be tarnished, broken, nor rained on.
Chasmine Strong likes being out in the public as well.
“My favorite place is Wing King,” she said. “I love their food. My favorite is their fried pickles. There is no place I’d rather be on earth. It may sound greedy, but Wing King is definitely worth it.”
While some like to go public places, some like Kade-idra Page like to keep it simple.
“I just like to go chill with my best friend Akeem Hayden. We spend a lot of time together; we’re either at his house or my house. I’m the type that likes to keep it simple and I enjoy spending time with him,” said Page.
With all this said the class of 2012 has some interest-ing places they like to hang out and it seems they really enjoyed themselves.
Kadeidra PageChasmine Strong
BrehAnnAh AnderSon, left; ZAmonii GiBBS, riGht
Seniors’ favorite places to hangout for 2012
O’Brian BrownReporter
After high school, seniors are challenged with really tough decisions to make about their futures. While being a college freshman might be on some minds, other stu-dents have post-high school plans not involving college, like Michelle Pittman.
“I originally planned to go to college. I thought I had everything together. I was on track to go and I had my mind set on two colleges, The University of North Carolina and the College of Charleston. I got denied by both, but I didn’t feel bad. That experience built me and made me realize that other people have the same goals in mind as I do. So if I want it bad enough, I got to step up my game. I’m going to keep working hard at my job, but I will achieve my goal one day sooner rather than later. I will be a proud college student,” said Pittman.
Unlike Pittman, senior Jimmy Ward never wanted to go to college. He had his mind made up at an early age about what he wanted to do with his life.
“I’m going to the military like my grandfather,” Ward said. “Growing up, he was my idol. It became clearer to me when I was 14 that I wanted to go to the military. I want to make a career out of it and be success-ful. Everybody should try it at least four years. Also I messed up in school, so my options were already lim-ited.”
We all at some point in life have to make decisions that are going to affect us for the rest of our lives, and for Pittman and Ward these deadline for these decisions are quickly approaching. Only time will tell if the paths they have chosen will be the right ones for them.
Seniors plan life after high school
Michelle Pittman
Trey Ward
From High School to College and Work and the Military, Here are the plans seniors make
Senior ‘12
Page 12 May 2012
1. How are you preparing for Senior Week?2. Where are you spending Senior Week?3. Who are you spending Senior Week with?
Joshua DavidsonCopy Editor
The week after school gets out wasn’t nicknamed “Senior Week” for nothing. It’s the week that graduates, fresh out of high school, get to enjoy their lives after the long years of mandatory schooling. This period of time is usually spent at the beach or with family members. It’s a time for relaxation and for celebrating after working hard to earn the diploma that exemplifies success.
Senior week: Cure for senioritisRachel Love
1. “Making a play list of songs on my iPod.”
2. “Disney World.”3. “My mom.”
LaSharra Barber1. “Saving up money and
working out.”2. “Going to the beach and
going to Florida to visit a college campus.”
3. “My friend Diamond.”
Karon Robinson1. “Going shopping.”2. “Myrtle Beach.”3. “Friends.”
What is your favorite mem-ory of one of the senior students?
John Keith, science teacher“Trevon Washington sat at the front of my Chem. Tech. class. Sometimes it would get rough in there, and since he sat at the front he would catch all my rude comments. This let us have a few jokes, and I got the impression that he really enjoyed the class. The other day he saw me in the hall and told me that he was going to college. This made me emotional because the other students probably won’t. I’m very proud of him.”
Andre Patterson, French teacher“My favorite memory is of Eliza Wilcox. I loved the way she creatively and humorously breaks the rules. It always makes me laugh.”
Teachers reminisce on memorable momentsErin Fields/SPiN
Joshua Davidson/SPiN
Joshua Davidson/SPiN
Senior ‘12
Page 13 May 2012
Chelsea Roddey pins a second place ribbon on a Special Olympic participant during the 100 meter female race. Roddey attended the Special Olympics with the Teaching Fundamentals class at ATC.
peace. LOVE. sPECIAL OLYMPICS.
Christina Hughes particpated in the Spe-cial Olympics by walking around Cherry Park taking pictures with kids.
Matt Hutches and Hadden Finch talk with a Special Olympics participant while he awaits his ribbon at the male long distance jump. Finch and Hutches volunteered at the Spe-cial Olympics as players on the varsity soccer team. Photos by Taylor Snyder
Laura Grier, Samantha Woodard, Ben Strong, Victoria Jordan, Laine Austin and Marissa Grant gather on the soccer field at Cherry Park on April 13 for the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics. South Pointe had many different groups help volunteer and represent the school, such as soccer players, IB students, football players, FCA and many more.
Renada Massey helped escort the Special Olympics bear around the park with her Teaching Fundamentals class.
(above) Liana Rameriz works the ribbon table at the male 100-meter walk with an Ap-plied Technology Center classmate.. (above left) Anna Mckeown works the Special Olympics t-shirt table. Mckeown is part of the Rock Hill City Council which puts on the event every year as part of Come See Me.
Senior ‘12
Jatee Vanderpool, Venisha Pendergrass1. Venisha and Jatee: “Going to Great Falls.”2. Jatee: “Since our freshman year.”3. Venisha: “Spending the night our each other house, and playing volleyball.”4. Jatee: “We don’t have one.”5. Venisha: “Nisha.”Jatee: “Tay.”
Kadeesia Patterson, Jasmine Burris1. Kadeesia: “One time when we were office helpers, Jasmine came out the office door dancing and she fell.”2. Jasmine: “Since the 11th grade.”3. Jasmine: “Singing songs together, dancing, and acting crazy.”4. Kadeesia: “Any place with food”5. Jasmine: “Thelma and Louise.”“Frock and Frak.”Kadeesia: “Skinny and Minnie.”“Thick and Thicker.”
Mariah Lawrence, Kaiti McFadden1. Mariah: “’It’s not really memories, it’s like our inside jokes.”2. Kaiti: “Since kindergarten.” 3. Mariah: “We eat a lot together and we love bread and chocolate, two major friendship food groups.” 4. Mariah: “Kaiti’s house.”5. Kaiti: “Ginger.” Mariah: “Mariah-on-Fiyah.”
Hannah & Karlie
1. What is your favorite memory as best friends?2. How long have you been best friends?3. What are your favorite activities to do
together?4. What is your favorite hangout spot?
5. What are your nicknames?
Photos by Jarvis Carter and Kaylia Givens
Karlie Davis, Hannah Henderson1. Hannah: “Baking together.”2. Karlie: “Since birth we’re cousins.”3. Hannah: “Baking, because we can bond and share stories; we’re emotional cooks.”4. Hannah: “Anywhere, it doesn’t matter as long as we are together.”5. Hannah: “Han.” Karlie: “Kar--we cut off the rest of the name after the first syllable.”
Chelsea Lloyd, Jessica Barnes, Brian Price1. Chelsea: “Going to Jessie’s farmhouse.”2. Chelsea: “Three years.”3. Jessica: “Going to Pink Berry, because it’s the best frozen yogurt ever, and it’s not in Rock Hill.”4. Chelsea: “Jessie’s basement because there is a pool table, a foosball table and movies.”5. Jessica: “We call ourselves Team Awesome!”
F R I E N D S. . . . . .
Jate
e & Venisha
Renada, Jarvis, Tyrone’ & Latisha
Kaiti & Mariah Brian, Jessica, & Chelsea
Kadeesia & Jasmine
Bobbi’Nya & Joneisha
Latisha Degraffenreid, Jarvis Carter, Tyrone’ Carter, Renada Massey1. Latisha “Renada’s 18th birthday weekend.”2. Tyrone’: “All of us, since the 8th grade.”3. Latisha: “Going out to parties, out to eat, just having fun, and enjoying life.”4. Tyrone’: “Anywhere, when we are all together.”5. Tyrone’: “Nene.”Latisha: “L-Dawg.”Renada: “Nikki.”Jarvis: “Jayda1.”
Joneisha Murray, Bobbi’Nya Washington1. Joneisha: My favorite memory with Bobbi was when we first hung out together and we was in the parking lot. singing and dancing with an old lady.2. Bobbi: Since 10th grade, when I first came to South Pointe.3. Bobbi: We usually eat and goof around. Joneisha: Going out to eat and to the mall.4. Bobbi:We don’t really have a favorite hangout spot; we hangout all over Rock Hill.5. Bobbi: Boobie. Joneisha: Neisha Bishia.
Jatee Vanderpool, Venisha Pendergrass1. Venisha and Jatee: “Going to Great Falls.”2. Jatee: “Since our freshman year.”3. Venisha: “Spending the night our each other house, and playing volleyball.”4. Jatee: “We don’t have one.”5. Venisha: “Nisha.”Jatee: “Tay.”
Kadeesia Patterson, Jasmine Burris1. Kadeesia: “One time when we were office helpers, Jasmine came out the office door dancing and she fell.”2. Jasmine: “Since the 11th grade.”3. Jasmine: “Singing songs together, dancing, and acting crazy.”4. Kadeesia: “Any place with food”5. Jasmine: “Thelma and Louise.”“Frock and Frak.”Kadeesia: “Skinny and Minnie.”“Thick and Thicker.”
Mariah Lawrence, Kaiti McFadden1. Mariah: “’It’s not really memories, it’s like our inside jokes.”2. Kaiti: “Since kindergarten.” 3. Mariah: “We eat a lot together and we love bread and chocolate, two major friendship food groups.” 4. Mariah: “Kaiti’s house.”5. Kaiti: “Ginger.” Mariah: “Mariah-on-Fiyah.”
Hannah & Karlie
1. What is your favorite memory as best friends?2. How long have you been best friends?3. What are your favorite activities to do
together?4. What is your favorite hangout spot?
5. What are your nicknames?
Photos by Jarvis Carter and Kaylia Givens
Karlie Davis, Hannah Henderson1. Hannah: “Baking together.”2. Karlie: “Since birth we’re cousins.”3. Hannah: “Baking, because we can bond and share stories; we’re emotional cooks.”4. Hannah: “Anywhere, it doesn’t matter as long as we are together.”5. Hannah: “Han.” Karlie: “Kar--we cut off the rest of the name after the first syllable.”
Chelsea Lloyd, Jessica Barnes, Brian Price1. Chelsea: “Going to Jessie’s farmhouse.”2. Chelsea: “Three years.”3. Jessica: “Going to Pink Berry, because it’s the best frozen yogurt ever, and it’s not in Rock Hill.”4. Chelsea: “Jessie’s basement because there is a pool table, a foosball table and movies.”5. Jessica: “We call ourselves Team Awesome!”
F R I E N D S. . . . . .
Jate
e & Venisha
Renada, Jarvis, Tyrone’ & Latisha
Kaiti & Mariah Brian, Jessica, & Chelsea
Kadeesia & Jasmine
Bobbi’Nya & Joneisha
Latisha Degraffenreid, Jarvis Carter, Tyrone’ Carter, Renada Massey1. Latisha “Renada’s 18th birthday weekend.”2. Tyrone’: “All of us, since the 8th grade.”3. Latisha: “Going out to parties, out to eat, just having fun, and enjoying life.”4. Tyrone’: “Anywhere, when we are all together.”5. Tyrone’: “Nene.”Latisha: “L-Dawg.”Renada: “Nikki.”Jarvis: “Jayda1.”
Joneisha Murray, Bobbi’Nya Washington1. Joneisha: My favorite memory with Bobbi was when we first hung out together and we was in the parking lot. singing and dancing with an old lady.2. Bobbi: Since 10th grade, when I first came to South Pointe.3. Bobbi: We usually eat and goof around. Joneisha: Going out to eat and to the mall.4. Bobbi:We don’t really have a favorite hangout spot; we hangout all over Rock Hill.5. Bobbi: Boobie. Joneisha: Neisha Bishia.
Vinita Maigur Reporter
Taylor Olivia Snyder is a blue-eyed, brown-haired Rock Hill native who is South Pointe High School’s youngest editor-in-chief and the first junior to carry over the title over into her senior year.
As a junior she led the staff to another South Carolina Scholastic Press Associa-tion Palmetto Award. Snyder has won individual awards for her work in journal-ism as well. In 10th grade she was named fourth in the nation for graphic art by the National Federation of Press Women, having placed first in the category in the South Carolina Media Women’s High
School Com-
muni-ca-
tions Contest. She was named first for sports photography by the SCSPA. She also placed second in the Winthrop Uni-versity Society of Professional Journalists annual “Free Speech” essay contest.
“When I received my first award in the 10th grade, I felt like I could do this, that I could become an accomplished journalist and one day be editor-in-chief,” said Snyder.
Now that junior staff members have been trying out for leadership positions, with Mary Hannah Neil earning the top job, Snyder has had mixed emotions. “I started crying when I realized that I wasn’t going to do this anymore. I am really go-ing to miss it,” said Taylor.
One of Snyder’s favorite parts about being editor in chief of the paper is help-ing students and doing something tangible to benefit the school. Snyder has a set mind on what she wants from this world, whether that’s helping others or hanging out with her friends.
“If you go into an article or a photo idea thinking what award can I get from
this, then your product turns out not what you wanted. You have to let
your talents work themselves; don’t do something just because you want an award. Do it because it will look good and it will be good,” said Snyder.
Although Snyder seriously considered journalism or mass commu-
nications or graphic designer as a major in college, she is taking on an entirely differ-ent challenge this fall at the University of South Carolina.
As a young child Snyder’s fondest memory was spend-ing time with her father at the
USC sta-dium.
“My first Carolina game was when I was about five
years old and I had a little cheerlead-ing outfit on and I was with my dad and we were walking up to the stadium and it was just so big, it scared me. I remember walking in and seeing all the fans and the field was huge and beauti-ful with the gamecock in the middle. I looked over to the students section and saw them jumping up and down with the towels to the song sandstorm and that is when I realized that I wanted to be a gamecock,” recalled Snyder.
Snyder has always dreamed about the day she would get accepted into USC; she found out that she was accepted in January. Walking to her mailbox from her front door to retrieve the mail at the end of the driveway, not knowing when many of her acceptance letters would come piling in, she was nervous. When she got the mail and started walking from the end of the driveway, she flipped though the bills and flyers that the Snyder family gets on a daily bases when she came across the envelope from the USC admissions office. Excited, she ran back into her house with the envelope in her hand. Snyder had been told that if she had been accepted, there would be a big Gamecock logo on the back. She slowly turned the envelope over: the big Gamecock logo said YES.
“I jumped up and down, I was so ex-cited. I always wanted to be a Gamecock,” recalled Snyder.
She now has her heart set on be-coming a doctor, possibly even a heart surgeon, so she is a pre-med and biology major.
Because of her strong family bonds, her grandmother’s illness may have played a part in Snyder’s desire to be a healer. She found out that her grand-mother had breast cancer, a disease that touches one in eight women each year in the United States according to cancer.org, Taylor realized quickly how this experience was going to change her life forever.
“My grandmother is a strong person because she is fighting breast can-cer, and I realized that the small things in my life do not compare to the things she
goes through in her life,” said Snyder.
But it does help to go through the big and little things with a best buddy. Snyder remembers when she met a spunky, red headed girl and Beta club member Cathe-rine Allen two years ago at prom. Snyder was taking pictures for the news-paper and Allen was helping through the Beta Club. The two knew each other but
really didn’t talk much. An instant connection came that night.
“We jumped into the middle of the dance floor with everyone, even though we weren’t supposed to,” Snyder recalled.
Allen and Snyder have been close friends ever since that night two years ago at prom. Catherine is the producer of
Kelsey DavisContributor
Hair up in a ponytail with her bow, smile on her face, dancing around. That’s Ciara. Skinny little thing with braces. That’s Ciara. A personality that shines and makes people laugh. That’s Ciara.
Ciara Burris defines happiness as living life stress free and always
having a smile. She wants to be remembered as a person who strived to be the best.
“My greatest fear? Dying before experiencing
life and how far lupus can take me,” said the South Pointe senior.
Burris, 18, has lupus nephritis, an illness affecting the kidneys. She’s still as strong as she can be, not letting this disease take over her. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, at least five million people worldwide have some
form of lupus. The disease develops in people between the ages of 15 and 44. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with
this disease are women, and it’s two to three times more
prevalent among women of color.
Re-flecting
back on her reaction
to the diagno-sis, Burris said,
“I was shocked and sad, but it didn’t stop
me because it didn’t stop my sister.”
Burris lost her sister, Marketia Heath, to this same disease. She had blood clots that went from her legs to her heart. Burris has to keep a watch for blood clots as well.
Marketia was 19 years old when she died, and Ciara is 18
now.Burris said this disease is
hereditary. She does have aunts on her mother’s side who have
it. She and her sister are the only ones with it on her dad’s side.
People close to her may notice the disease’s signature red
spots on her cheeks and across her nose, a but-
terfly rash. Her lupus
has flared up. She’s being a
little mopey, looks like some-
thing’s wrong. Still, she’s smil-ing, still laugh-ing. Still being Ciara.
During track season her ninth grade year, it was blazing hot
Editors brings home second state championshipoutside, and she was cold. She had chill bumps running up and down her legs.
“I thought my iron was low,” Burris said.
She missed out on her whole summer, lying in the bed. Her mom had to force her to eat.
She was going to her doctor, but he didn’t know what was wrong, and he sent her to Charleston. The doctors ran tests on her and they thought she had lupus but weren’t sure. The doctor in Charles-ton sent her to another doctor, Dr. Maury Passo. He diagnosed Ciara with lupus ne-phritis on Oct. 1, 2009. During the whole process she was in and out of school.
Ciara can’t stand in the sun all day and has a limitation of sports she can do.
“I don’t know what I can’t do because I do it anyway,” she stated.
Who can stop her from her love of dancing? When Ciara was three, her mom asked if she wanted to take gymnastics or dance. She chose to dance.
“Dancing was fun. I really enjoyed it. Going to competitions allowed me to experience different places.” She danced at Sullivan Dance Studio and
Dance by Sherri.“It was the love of
my life,” Burris said. She received her 10th year trophy for com-petitive dance.
In ninth grade, Ciara wrote an autobiography in her Journalism 1 class. Her story was so good, adviser Cindy Koon
wanted her to be a part
of SPIN (South Pointe in the News), the student newspaper.
Her sophomore year she joined the SPIN staff. This year she’s the managing edi-tor of the newspaper.
“She’s real because she tells you what it truly is,” stated senior Que’Desha
Craw-ford, who’s friends with and cheered with Burris.
It’s her friends who help her get
Managing editor lives with lupus throughout high school Editor-in-chief of two years gets into ‘dream school’
South Pointe’s morn-ing show and Snyder serves as the sportscaster on her staff. They work to-gether every day on afternoon announce-ments. Allen took fourth block to help out Snyder’s staff on SPIN.
When asked the question what you do for fun, Snyder replied with her blue eyes wide open and a big smile on her face that she enjoys hanging out with family and good friends, listening to a band called Hot Chelle Rea.
“I love this band called Hot Chelle Rea and my favorite song is Beautiful Freaks. And I love photography,” said Snyder. Her church basketball team made it all the way to final championship game in the league before falling to the other team from Lake Wylie.
Snyder has been looking back on her last semester in high school, wondering of what type of legacy she wants to leave behind. She came to a conclusion to shape the future senior Stallions.
“Just because it’s your senior year, don’t slack off. This year still counts, so make it worthwhile,” Snyder said.
through the rough times.On May 18, 2011, Ciara had to have
a biopsy. She couldn’t move her body at all that whole day. The surgeons took a piece of her kidney out because the level of protein in her urine was too high. The surgery was a five minutes process that left Burris in agony.
“I was in pain, and my back was hurting. I was happy though, because all my friends came to see me when I came home,” Burris stated.
Despite an affliction that sometimes threatens to overcome its sufferers, Burris plans to attend Francis Marion University and become a broadcast journalist.
“I like to get the facts right so people that wants to know the truth can know,” Burris said.
She was only looking at small schools to apply to. Her guidance counselor told her that with her lupus, teachers will be closer to her.
Her mind guided her to choosing Francis Marion or Lander University.
“I like Francis Marion because it’s not at the beach, but it’s at the beach. Lander’s in the middle of nowhere,” she said.
The choice also respects her mother’s wishes that she go to Francis Marion. She admires her mother the most out of her family. Her mom is a determined, inde-pendent person, Burris said.
“I can vent to my mom because she knows everything about me,” she added.
People find it surprising that she’s a girl who has an illness, because you can’t tell from just looking at her.
“No, I couldn’t tell she had an illness until she told me, and I couldn’t tell after,” junior Ashli Simmons said. She cheered with Ciara and also works with her on the newspaper staff.
“She’s a smart, outgo-ing person,” friend Ashley Jaggers said.
Taylor Synder placed fourth in the nation for National Federation of Press Women’s graphic art category for the art illustration above.
Art Illustrated by Taylor Synder
Photos contributed by Ciara Burris and Taylor Snyder
Vinita Maigur Reporter
Taylor Olivia Snyder is a blue-eyed, brown-haired Rock Hill native who is South Pointe High School’s youngest editor-in-chief and the first junior to carry over the title over into her senior year.
As a junior she led the staff to another South Carolina Scholastic Press Associa-tion Palmetto Award. Snyder has won individual awards for her work in journal-ism as well. In 10th grade she was named fourth in the nation for graphic art by the National Federation of Press Women, having placed first in the category in the South Carolina Media Women’s High
School Com-
muni-ca-
tions Contest. She was named first for sports photography by the SCSPA. She also placed second in the Winthrop Uni-versity Society of Professional Journalists annual “Free Speech” essay contest.
“When I received my first award in the 10th grade, I felt like I could do this, that I could become an accomplished journalist and one day be editor-in-chief,” said Snyder.
Now that junior staff members have been trying out for leadership positions, with Mary Hannah Neil earning the top job, Snyder has had mixed emotions. “I started crying when I realized that I wasn’t going to do this anymore. I am really go-ing to miss it,” said Taylor.
One of Snyder’s favorite parts about being editor in chief of the paper is help-ing students and doing something tangible to benefit the school. Snyder has a set mind on what she wants from this world, whether that’s helping others or hanging out with her friends.
“If you go into an article or a photo idea thinking what award can I get from
this, then your product turns out not what you wanted. You have to let
your talents work themselves; don’t do something just because you want an award. Do it because it will look good and it will be good,” said Snyder.
Although Snyder seriously considered journalism or mass commu-
nications or graphic designer as a major in college, she is taking on an entirely differ-ent challenge this fall at the University of South Carolina.
As a young child Snyder’s fondest memory was spend-ing time with her father at the
USC sta-dium.
“My first Carolina game was when I was about five
years old and I had a little cheerlead-ing outfit on and I was with my dad and we were walking up to the stadium and it was just so big, it scared me. I remember walking in and seeing all the fans and the field was huge and beauti-ful with the gamecock in the middle. I looked over to the students section and saw them jumping up and down with the towels to the song sandstorm and that is when I realized that I wanted to be a gamecock,” recalled Snyder.
Snyder has always dreamed about the day she would get accepted into USC; she found out that she was accepted in January. Walking to her mailbox from her front door to retrieve the mail at the end of the driveway, not knowing when many of her acceptance letters would come piling in, she was nervous. When she got the mail and started walking from the end of the driveway, she flipped though the bills and flyers that the Snyder family gets on a daily bases when she came across the envelope from the USC admissions office. Excited, she ran back into her house with the envelope in her hand. Snyder had been told that if she had been accepted, there would be a big Gamecock logo on the back. She slowly turned the envelope over: the big Gamecock logo said YES.
“I jumped up and down, I was so ex-cited. I always wanted to be a Gamecock,” recalled Snyder.
She now has her heart set on be-coming a doctor, possibly even a heart surgeon, so she is a pre-med and biology major.
Because of her strong family bonds, her grandmother’s illness may have played a part in Snyder’s desire to be a healer. She found out that her grand-mother had breast cancer, a disease that touches one in eight women each year in the United States according to cancer.org, Taylor realized quickly how this experience was going to change her life forever.
“My grandmother is a strong person because she is fighting breast can-cer, and I realized that the small things in my life do not compare to the things she
goes through in her life,” said Snyder.
But it does help to go through the big and little things with a best buddy. Snyder remembers when she met a spunky, red headed girl and Beta club member Cathe-rine Allen two years ago at prom. Snyder was taking pictures for the news-paper and Allen was helping through the Beta Club. The two knew each other but
really didn’t talk much. An instant connection came that night.
“We jumped into the middle of the dance floor with everyone, even though we weren’t supposed to,” Snyder recalled.
Allen and Snyder have been close friends ever since that night two years ago at prom. Catherine is the producer of
Kelsey DavisContributor
Hair up in a ponytail with her bow, smile on her face, dancing around. That’s Ciara. Skinny little thing with braces. That’s Ciara. A personality that shines and makes people laugh. That’s Ciara.
Ciara Burris defines happiness as living life stress free and always
having a smile. She wants to be remembered as a person who strived to be the best.
“My greatest fear? Dying before experiencing
life and how far lupus can take me,” said the South Pointe senior.
Burris, 18, has lupus nephritis, an illness affecting the kidneys. She’s still as strong as she can be, not letting this disease take over her. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, at least five million people worldwide have some
form of lupus. The disease develops in people between the ages of 15 and 44. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with
this disease are women, and it’s two to three times more
prevalent among women of color.
Re-flecting
back on her reaction
to the diagno-sis, Burris said,
“I was shocked and sad, but it didn’t stop
me because it didn’t stop my sister.”
Burris lost her sister, Marketia Heath, to this same disease. She had blood clots that went from her legs to her heart. Burris has to keep a watch for blood clots as well.
Marketia was 19 years old when she died, and Ciara is 18
now.Burris said this disease is
hereditary. She does have aunts on her mother’s side who have
it. She and her sister are the only ones with it on her dad’s side.
People close to her may notice the disease’s signature red
spots on her cheeks and across her nose, a but-
terfly rash. Her lupus
has flared up. She’s being a
little mopey, looks like some-
thing’s wrong. Still, she’s smil-ing, still laugh-ing. Still being Ciara.
During track season her ninth grade year, it was blazing hot
Editors brings home second state championshipoutside, and she was cold. She had chill bumps running up and down her legs.
“I thought my iron was low,” Burris said.
She missed out on her whole summer, lying in the bed. Her mom had to force her to eat.
She was going to her doctor, but he didn’t know what was wrong, and he sent her to Charleston. The doctors ran tests on her and they thought she had lupus but weren’t sure. The doctor in Charles-ton sent her to another doctor, Dr. Maury Passo. He diagnosed Ciara with lupus ne-phritis on Oct. 1, 2009. During the whole process she was in and out of school.
Ciara can’t stand in the sun all day and has a limitation of sports she can do.
“I don’t know what I can’t do because I do it anyway,” she stated.
Who can stop her from her love of dancing? When Ciara was three, her mom asked if she wanted to take gymnastics or dance. She chose to dance.
“Dancing was fun. I really enjoyed it. Going to competitions allowed me to experience different places.” She danced at Sullivan Dance Studio and
Dance by Sherri.“It was the love of
my life,” Burris said. She received her 10th year trophy for com-petitive dance.
In ninth grade, Ciara wrote an autobiography in her Journalism 1 class. Her story was so good, adviser Cindy Koon
wanted her to be a part
of SPIN (South Pointe in the News), the student newspaper.
Her sophomore year she joined the SPIN staff. This year she’s the managing edi-tor of the newspaper.
“She’s real because she tells you what it truly is,” stated senior Que’Desha
Craw-ford, who’s friends with and cheered with Burris.
It’s her friends who help her get
Managing editor lives with lupus throughout high school Editor-in-chief of two years gets into ‘dream school’
South Pointe’s morn-ing show and Snyder serves as the sportscaster on her staff. They work to-gether every day on afternoon announce-ments. Allen took fourth block to help out Snyder’s staff on SPIN.
When asked the question what you do for fun, Snyder replied with her blue eyes wide open and a big smile on her face that she enjoys hanging out with family and good friends, listening to a band called Hot Chelle Rea.
“I love this band called Hot Chelle Rea and my favorite song is Beautiful Freaks. And I love photography,” said Snyder. Her church basketball team made it all the way to final championship game in the league before falling to the other team from Lake Wylie.
Snyder has been looking back on her last semester in high school, wondering of what type of legacy she wants to leave behind. She came to a conclusion to shape the future senior Stallions.
“Just because it’s your senior year, don’t slack off. This year still counts, so make it worthwhile,” Snyder said.
through the rough times.On May 18, 2011, Ciara had to have
a biopsy. She couldn’t move her body at all that whole day. The surgeons took a piece of her kidney out because the level of protein in her urine was too high. The surgery was a five minutes process that left Burris in agony.
“I was in pain, and my back was hurting. I was happy though, because all my friends came to see me when I came home,” Burris stated.
Despite an affliction that sometimes threatens to overcome its sufferers, Burris plans to attend Francis Marion University and become a broadcast journalist.
“I like to get the facts right so people that wants to know the truth can know,” Burris said.
She was only looking at small schools to apply to. Her guidance counselor told her that with her lupus, teachers will be closer to her.
Her mind guided her to choosing Francis Marion or Lander University.
“I like Francis Marion because it’s not at the beach, but it’s at the beach. Lander’s in the middle of nowhere,” she said.
The choice also respects her mother’s wishes that she go to Francis Marion. She admires her mother the most out of her family. Her mom is a determined, inde-pendent person, Burris said.
“I can vent to my mom because she knows everything about me,” she added.
People find it surprising that she’s a girl who has an illness, because you can’t tell from just looking at her.
“No, I couldn’t tell she had an illness until she told me, and I couldn’t tell after,” junior Ashli Simmons said. She cheered with Ciara and also works with her on the newspaper staff.
“She’s a smart, outgo-ing person,” friend Ashley Jaggers said.
Taylor Synder placed fourth in the nation for National Federation of Press Women’s graphic art category for the art illustration above.
Art Illustrated by Taylor Synder
Photos contributed by Ciara Burris and Taylor Snyder
Page 18 May 2012
Jack Nguyen1. College.2. To get a good job and educa-
tion.
Logan Avera1. To become an adventurer.2. To be like an explorer and dis-
cover new things.Heidi Ebeling1. College.2. To further her education.
Chase Smith1. Go to college to study music.2. He always thought he was go-
ing to go to college to get financially stable and to have a career.
Nathan Acevedo 1. Go into the military. 2. Everybody in his family has gone
into the military and he always want-ed to do it.
Lang Bigham1. College.2. Still thinking about it.
1. Got to the College of Charleston to get his law degree.
2. Always wanted to go to law school.
1. What are your plans after high school?
2. Why do you to pursue this plan?
1.College
2. To be successful
Lottieonna Ervin
Seniors plan life after high school
CJ Davenport
Senior ‘12
Page 19 May 2012
S u pe r l a t i v e s2012Senior
Most
Random
Andy Duncan & Taryn Thompson
B e s t S m i l e
Morgan
McKoy
Jarvis
Petty
Kris Cook & Brittani Hawkins
Prett iest eyes
Most likely to skip class
Asha Kumar & Ishmael Wilkes
L o u d e s t
Bethany Polk & Zachary Taylor
Quietest
Jameishia Ingram & Claytavious Mitchell
Senior ‘12
Page 21 May 2012
eniors tackle new traditionSeniors Deunta’ Hughes, Kaiti Gebhardt, Augusta Couch, Jameishia Ingram, ChrisShondra Gaines, Grant Brannon, Kaitland Williams, Keasha Currence and Kally Williams pose for a picture before the powder puff game in District 3 Sta-dium South on March 23. The game was a fundraiser for the prom and the after-prom activities.
Senior girls powder puff team members cheer and chant before the game, getting ready for the first play.
ChrisShondra Gaines runs from a junior defender during the spirit week powder puff game, gaining the seniors some yardage.
Jameishia Ingram gains yardage for the seniors -as she flees from junior defenders.
Senior girls line up ready to try and move forward to get a touchdown. Quarterback Brooke Costner throws senior Keasha Currence the ball as she attempts to run through the junior defenders.
Photos by Shirley Nicholson
SSenior ‘12
Page 22 May 2012
Mary Hannah NeilNews editor
On April 13 Jacob Midkiff got his 101st hit, breaking the Stallions’ hitting record. He broke former Stallion Brad Ze-bedis’ (class of 2010) record of 100 hits.
“I felt nervous trying to get the hit,” said Midkiff. “But it felt great to be able to break a record by a player who has shown how good he is in high school as he is in college.” Midkiff (Middy) and Jacob Carrington (Sneaky J) are the two seniors of this spring’s South Pointe baseball team, which had its best season ever. They are both starting players, Midkiff as pitcher and shortstop and Carrington as left fielder.
“These two seniors are great team-mates. Both them work hard on the field and do very well in the classroom,” said head coach Jason Terry. “One is an OF, and the other is SS. Both are pitchers, so trying to replace two pitchers is hard, but we have great young talent that will hope-fully fill their shoes.”
Midkiff has been playing baseball since he was six years old, and has been
playing for the Stallions since he was in seventh grade. He is now the captain of the baseball team for the second year in a row.
Along with Midkiff, Carrington has played for the Stallions since he was in ninth grade. He has also played for the Rock Hill Hitting Facility, Post 34, and TCT Bulls.
Carrington’s most memorable mo-ment while playing for the Stallions? “We were playing Nation Ford. I was in my defensive position in left field. Nation Ford’s first baseman hits a bomb to left field, so I took my route for the ball. As I was coming close to the fence, I elevated to the ball. When the ball was inches from my glove, my feet clipped the fence and I flipped over, landing on my back,” he said.
Junior first baseman Troy Rawls said of Carrington, “He’s always helping people out when they’re struggling, and he never gets mad when someone messes up.”
Midkiff has played for many teams outside of school, such as CBC
O’s, On Deck O’s, On Deck Braves, On Deck Tigers, Carolina Outlaws, Carolina Cougars and Carolina Red’s.
“My favorite baseball memory is when I hit my first home run. I was 11, it was in Steele Creek little league,” said Midkiff.
After 12 years of playing baseball, Midkiff remembers a game in this year’s preseason tournament at Buford, where he bare handed a slow roter up the middle and threw the leadoff batter out at first.
“My greatest baseball play was when I stole home last year in the Wheels Tournament for the go ahead run,” said Carrington.
As Carrington and Midkiff finish their final season for the Stallions, they both wish to continue the sport after high school.
“I plan to play baseball at Presbyte-rian College and be in field and pitcher,” said Midkiff, who
com-mitted to play for them in
November. He will join Zebedis at the private college in Clinton, S.C.
Carrington also plans to play in college for Belmont Abby University in outfield.
Rawls says about Midkiff and Car-rington, “They have made a big impact. They get along with everybody, and they’re two of our main players.”
“Middy’s our Ace and Carrington’s got good speed in the outfield, and we’re going to miss both of their bats in the lineup next year,” said Rawls. “It will be pretty good, but it’s not going to be the same.”
The Stallion boys have had their best season, winning 19 games and losing 8.
”Both guys will be successful in whatever they do, if they have the desire they do now they will be successful for a longtime,” said Terry.
Terry also said both Carrington and Midkiff were a pleasure to coach. He wishes the best of luck at whatever they do after high school, and that he hopes they come to visit the South Pointe team.
“Both are good role models in dif-ferent situations, I will truly miss both of them,” said Terry.
Middy and Sneaky Jay move to next levelSeniors say goodbye to Stallions and hel-lo to college base-ball season this fall
Mary Hannah Neil/SPiN
Mary Hannah Neil/SPiN Mary Hannah Neil/SPiN
Taylor Snyder/SPiNJacob Midkiff and Jacob Carrington hug as they are announced on senior night on April 17. it was the last regular season home game for the two seniors.
(left) Jacob Carrington makes his first hit of the senior night game against Chester. (right) Jacob Midkiff positions in his short stop stance. The stallions later won the game with the score of seven to three.
Senior ‘12
Page 24 May 2012
Senior takes on a doubLEAshli SimmonsReporter
Senior defensive end and wide receiver JaRyan Jennings leaves behind some significant stats: 113 rushing yards, 576 receiving yards, 155 total tackles and 144 initial yards. But they won’t be his last because the gridiron star will be play-ing on Saturday come August.
Jennings has been playing football since he was seven years old. Some people might be surprised to know that he didn’t want to play.
“After the first game, I loved it,” Jen-nings said.
He hasn’t stopped playing since then. Always wanting to go to the next level, Jennings lifts weights and works hard. Even though he’s competitive, there’s always a different side to the players that no one really gets to see.
“My family in the stands cheering is what keeps me going. When you’re on the field, there might not always be a time to be worried about what’s going on around you. I’m just always thinking about the play,” said Jennings.
Jennings tries to get ahead of a Trojan during the 110 hurdles during a South Pointe home meet against Northwestern and Nation Ford.
Jennings makes an assist in a South Pointe home game against Fairfield Central. The Stallions later beat the Griffins 27-23.
Photo by Taylor Syder\SPiN
Photo by Kaelyn Jiran/ contributer
When asked his favorite thing about football he said, “The competitiveness, you get to hit people hard.” Having many goals, he wanted to reach two: winning state and getting a full ride to Newberry College. The senior accomplished both. Jennings did pretty good in his high school football career, but he thinks dif-ferently.
“I should have worked harder,” said Jennings.
Looking at his stats, others may disagree. Playing two different posi-
tions, Jennings has a lot of pressure on him, but he still says he could have done better.
His goal after college is to make it to the NFL.
“I got to work hard to get there,” said Jennings.
Jennings is joined by mother and father on national signing day. Jennings signed with Newberry College.
Photos by Taylor Snyder/SPiN
Page 23 May 2012
Is three a charm?Sierra GilmoreReporter
“When I was only six years of age I was around a group of high schoolers that attended Northwestern High School, and they bribed me into pole-vaulting 12 feet into the air. From that moment I felt great to accomplish this at a young age, and I knew right then and there I was going to be pretty good,” two-time pole vaulting State Champion Brett Squibbs, a senior at South Pointe High School, recalled.
Pole vaulting is more than just a sport to Squibbs. It’s a family tradition.
Squibb’s father Bryan Squibbs was pretty good in high school and even pole vaulted in college. Squibbs had three older brothers, Terry, Jeff and Ryan who were also great at pole vaulting. Terry got a full scholarship to University of South Carolina Upstate for pole vaulting. Terry also set the record at South Pointe to14 feet, and Brett beat that when he was only a sophomore. “It just felt great,” said Squibbs when asking him how he felt about beating his own brother’s record.
He also earned a State ring his sopho-more year and followed with a second championship as a junior. As of press time, he was hoping to get one his senior year.
“Three is a charm. I’m working hard daily at practice to fulfill this goal,” said Squibbs. “My family supports me 100 percent, and it feels good to have such a great support system. Knowing that they believe in me is just remarkable.”
Squibbs’ number one goal is to break the All-State record, which is 17 feet.
“Getting to the next level and get-ting better is what pushes me. I’m more spoiled into getting better. I’ll make sure I will come out on top,” he said.
Squibbs loves pole vaulting and wants to continue to keep a smile on his family’s face.
“I haven’t really progressed this season, but trust me it’s coming,” says Squibbs.
After high school, the pole vaulter is heading to the University of South Caro-lina on Life and track scholarships.
(above) Senior Brett Squibbs led the Stallions with a win at the Northwestern Trojan Relays. (left) Squibbs, pole vaulting during regular season, qualified for the state meet at semifinals May 5.
Contributor/Kaelyn Jiran
B.J. MuhammadContributor
Track-- it’s what I hear; it’s what I do. The crowd, the wind, the pain, and doubt, it’s all track. 90% mental, some people do
Bj Muhammad finishes first against Northwestern at a home track meet on arch 13. Sierra Gilmore/SPiN
Some of the things that I was going through in life at that time had putan effect on me and the way I performed that day.
“”Bj Muhammad
Squibbs loves pole vaulting andwants to continue to keep a smileon his family’s face.“
” Brett Squibbs
Senior reflects on track and life
it for the fame and fortune but I don’t do it for the fame or a name. I do it for me it makes me happy.
Also when I was down, it helped me put the thing I feared behind me.
I was hoping and waiting to go to
State and compete for a track ring but this was only a small piece of my strongest memory.
Some of the things that I was going through in life at that time had put an ef-fect on me and the way I preformed that day.
The problem started at home with my father and me. We were supposed to go to Hartsville to see my family, but there was only one problem, I had qualified for State.
He was upset already and said, “You will have to get ‘em again next year,” and I replied, “Man, whatever. No, this is my chance to do something big in my life and I’m not letting you mess that up for me.
My team needs me to be there and do this and that’s what I’m going to do.”
It pumped me up so much that I forgot I had nowhere to go to the next morning so I called my coach and I stayed with him until the morning.
The day had started and we were on
our way to South Pointe High School so we could get on the buses and head to a school around 2 or 3 hours away. I was listening to my music to put myself in the running mood. I call it, “getting my mind right.” It’s something like a self-esteem builder that helps me before my race.
The sky looked as if something was about to happen. It was dark and lit up at the same time.
I feel pain, pain from the shin splits and I feel happy, happy for the wins that I have achieved in the beginning.
They really bring a good feeling to my heart and put my mind at peace. It’s like a power from God himself and the energy that I need.
I can now leave my past behind. I’m in the race of my life; it’s time to beat it and this is only the beginning.
Senior ‘12
Page 24 May 2012
Senior takes on a doubLEAshli SimmonsReporter
Senior defensive end and wide receiver JaRyan Jennings leaves behind some significant stats: 113 rushing yards, 576 receiving yards, 155 total tackles and 144 initial yards. But they won’t be his last because the gridiron star will be play-ing on Saturday come August.
Jennings has been playing football since he was seven years old. Some people might be surprised to know that he didn’t want to play.
“After the first game, I loved it,” Jen-nings said.
He hasn’t stopped playing since then. Always wanting to go to the next level, Jennings lifts weights and works hard. Even though he’s competitive, there’s always a different side to the players that no one really gets to see.
“My family in the stands cheering is what keeps me going. When you’re on the field, there might not always be a time to be worried about what’s going on around you. I’m just always thinking about the play,” said Jennings.
Jennings tries to get ahead of a Trojan during the 110 hurdles during a South Pointe home meet against Northwestern and Nation Ford.
Jennings makes an assist in a South Pointe home game against Fairfield Central. The Stallions later beat the Griffins 27-23.
Photo by Taylor Syder\SPiN
Photo by Kaelyn Jiran/ contributer
When asked his favorite thing about football he said, “The competitiveness, you get to hit people hard.” Having many goals, he wanted to reach two: winning state and getting a full ride to Newberry College. The senior accomplished both. Jennings did pretty good in his high school football career, but he thinks dif-ferently.
“I should have worked harder,” said Jennings.
Looking at his stats, others may disagree. Playing two different posi-
tions, Jennings has a lot of pressure on him, but he still says he could have done better.
His goal after college is to make it to the NFL.
“I got to work hard to get there,” said Jennings.
Jennings is joined by mother and father on national signing day. Jennings signed with Newberry College.
Photos by Taylor Snyder/SPiN
Senior ‘12
Kaiti McFadden“Becoming the best motivates me
to keep playing volleyball,” said Kaiti McFadden.
McFadden has been playing ever since seventh grade. She also played bas-ketball but she felt like it wasn’t for her.
“I chose volleyball because it’s fast pace and exciting,” said McFadden.
McFadden has been awarded with an Allstate trophy, an All Region trophy and an Offense Player of the Year trophy.
Even though McFadden is undecided about pursuing volleyball in college, this sport has made her a leader, more aggres-sive and more hard working.
Seniors serve it up
Page 25 May 2012
Olivia Smith
Repoter
Just keep swimming, seniors
Alex Glasscock“My family motivates me to keep
playing,” said Alex Glasscock.Glasscock has been playing since
seventh grade. She also tried track and basketball but didn’t like them as much as volleyball.
“I enjoyed volleyball more than the other sports, and volleyball is more fun,” said Glasscock.
Glasscock was awarded with a Coaches’ Award and an award that the whole team got while competing in a tournament.
She doesn’t think she will be play-ing volleyball for her first year of college; instead she will be riding horses, which she has been doing since she was three years old.
“I think playing volleyball and riding horses will be too much for my first year of college,” said Glasscock.
Nikki Poage“The feel of winning motivates me to
keep playing,” said Nikki Poage.Poage has been playing since seventh
grade. She also tried basketball ,but it wasn’t for her.
“I picked volleyball because I was too girly for other sports,” said Poage.
Poage was awarded an Every Year Award and a tournament award.
“Volleyball has made me a better team member,” said Poage.
Poage will not be attending college but instead will join the Navy.
Michelle Thacker“I like the feel of the water because
you don’t have the effect of gravity,” said Michelle Thacker.
Thacker has been swimming ever since eighth grade. Since then Thacker has been awarded first place metals and ribbons.
“My parents encourage me to keep swimming,” said Thacker.
Although Thacker likes swimming now, she second guessed herself her first year in the sport.
“When I started year-round swim-ming, I liked it, but I kind of second
Brandon Anguiano“When I lived in California, I played
baseball, but after moving here from California my dad made me and my brother start swimming. My dad started training us because at first I didn’t know how to swim, but after I started practicing, I became better but still not as good as my father. Eventually, one day when he’s in a wheel chair, I will be better than my dad,” said Brandon Anguiano.
Anguiano’s father motivates him to do his best because like Anguiano, he is
Olivia Smith Repoter
guessed myself so I quit, but I figured out that I was right the first time and started year-round swimming again,” said Thacker.
Thacker prefers the water because it helps her to relax and relieves any anger or stress that she might have.
Although the water is relaxing for Thacker, she also has a fear that some-thing can go wrong while she swims.
“I have a fear of my goggles coming off and I have to swim without them,” said Thacker.
After high school Thacker plans on continuing swimming in college but doing intermediate swimming instead.
still swimming but at the age of 50 years old.
Anguiano have only been swimming for five years. In these few years An-guiano has received plaques for Coaches Award and Region’s Winner for Best Strokes.
“The feel of adrenaline that I get be-fore a race inspires me to keep going and push for the best,” said Anguiano.
“I hope to continue swimming in college if they have a program for it,” said Anguiano.
Shirley Nicholson/ Contributor
Shirley Nicholson/ Contributor
Shirley Nicholson/ Contributor
Shirley Nicholson/ Contributor
Art Illustated by: Vinita Maigur
Senior ‘12
Page 26 May 2012
Take a shot for me 1. Plans after high school? 2. How do you feel about what the team accomplished this year?3. What was your biggest high school highlight?
1. “I plan on attending Brevard College in the fall on a full ride.”
2. “I feel that this year’s progress was a great start for Coach (Melvin) Watson as the head coach and I am happy that I was able to play with him this year. I always wanted Watson as my head coach.”
3. “The game against Coach (Dwayne) Hartsoe at Fort Mill when I scored the last basket at he buzzer.”
1. “Attend college.”2. “I’m glad that in my senior year the team won
Regionals.”3. “When I made Jhante McMillan (Northwestern)
fall last year.”
Zay Williams
1. “Going to South Carolina State to be a sports agent, and I plan to walk on the basketball team there.”
2. “We became a better team overall; I feel really great.”
3. “When I had a chase-down block in the tournament this year verses Concord.”
Geral Nabritt
1. “Go to college to study busi ness.”
2. “It’s a great accomplishment; Coach (Melvin) Watson made a big difference in our success.”
3. “When I scored and one, and the crowd went wild.”
Isreal Lightener
Manzey Miller
Senior ‘12
Page 27 May 2012
1 2 3...ding!
O’Brian BrownReporter
Wrestling is one of those sports that requires specific mental and physical abil-ities. Wrestling involves taking calculated risks and trying to predict your opponent’s next move while your head is always on a swivel. Unlike other sports, you make one wrong decision there isn’t someone else to clean up your mistakes.
That’s why it takes a special type of person to not just perform, but to perform on highly skilled levels, people such as senior wrestlers Ben Strong and Tyrell Neely.
“I started wrestling when I was 13. I like it because it’s intense and makes me work. My mom actually made me start do-ing it, and then I got into it and I liked it. I would like to continue it as a profession, but I don’t think I’m good enough. Out of 100 matches I won 60 of them,” said Strong.
“I started wrestling when I was 14 years old. The only reason I started wrestling was because I didn’t make the basketball team. Wrestling builds your work ethic and you get a lot of respon-sibility and treats. My overall recorded is 160-45-6. My funniest moment while wrestling was I feel asleep during a match, but I love it,” said Neely.
Tyrell Neely Ben Strong
K C A B R E T R A U Q D R A U G G N I T O O H S C G Y G M Y
F Y L E E N L L E R Y T M P J G W R E S T L I N G A O V B Y
O Y W O R H T E E R F S R E T N E C S T A L L I O N S H B F
O J R Y T T K I J F S I T K A N G L L A B T E K S A B I W B
T P N J J S J C T E O W D A T O S V W S O V O F D R I Z C U
B O I P Y L Q P P U N T E R T E G Y I I G G N O R T S N E B
A J L K T L R G C L N A X J B E D Y V C D B C V D Y H K A S
L K K C A S E M O N T A Y C R O C K E T T E L O Y I R G L H
L A C A R B J E E S N E F F O V H H J K F S R P L A O G Q O
L D I R W A Q Z N X F I M U O M M M A S W I A E R Y N S B R
L E H T L U O F A Y X L L A B E S A B M V F T R C X D V K T
P Y Y W N I C A R Q E G M R J E D N B W P Y H E L I H L H S
H E A D C O A C H D F R T U D E F E N S E I H Z N N E I J T
E Y T V C N Y A S A W C O R L L A B T F O S O R D N C V T O
N L T O U C H D O W N X R C N U R E M O H C A N Q O I D E P
W O R L N T U O E M I T A Y L O R S N Y D E R J S B W S Y R
Baseball Head Coach State Champions Basketball Homerun Tay Hicklin Ben Strong Montay Crockett Taylor Snyder Center Offense Tennis Corey Neely Jr. Punter Timeout Defense Quarterback Touchdown Football Shooting Guard Track Foul Short Stop Tyrell Neely Freethrow Softball Wide Reciever Goal Stallions Wrestling
Page 26 May 2012
Lebby is a State qualifier
1. 4x1, 4x4, open 4, 200, long jump, triple jump and cross country.
2. Four years.
Seniors cross the finish line
Jamal is a State qualifier
1. 4x8, 4x8, 400, 800, 1600, cross Country.
2. Four years.
1. Pole vault.
2. For eight years.
White is a State qualifier
1. 4x8, 4x4, 400, 800, 1600 and cross country.
2. Seven years.
1. Long distance
2. two years.
Crockett is a State qualifier
1.4x1, 100 and long jump
2. For eight years.
Javaris White
Montay Crockett
Mariah Lawrence
Alexis Ukeweli
Jamal White
Miles Lebby
1. What events do you participate in?
2. How long have you been running track?
Senior ‘12
Page 27 May 2012
1 2 3...ding!
O’Brian BrownReporter
Wrestling is one of those sports that requires specific mental and physical abil-ities. Wrestling involves taking calculated risks and trying to predict your opponent’s next move while your head is always on a swivel. Unlike other sports, you make one wrong decision there isn’t someone else to clean up your mistakes.
That’s why it takes a special type of person to not just perform, but to perform on highly skilled levels, people such as senior wrestlers Ben Strong and Tyrell Neely.
“I started wrestling when I was 13. I like it because it’s intense and makes me work. My mom actually made me start do-ing it, and then I got into it and I liked it. I would like to continue it as a profession, but I don’t think I’m good enough. Out of 100 matches I won 60 of them,” said Strong.
“I started wrestling when I was 14 years old. The only reason I started wrestling was because I didn’t make the basketball team. Wrestling builds your work ethic and you get a lot of respon-sibility and treats. My overall recorded is 160-45-6. My funniest moment while wrestling was I feel asleep during a match, but I love it,” said Neely.
Tyrell Neely Ben Strong
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Baseball Head Coach State Champions Basketball Homerun Tay Hicklin Ben Strong Montay Crockett Taylor Snyder Center Offense Tennis Corey Neely Jr. Punter Timeout Defense Quarterback Touchdown Football Shooting Guard Track Foul Short Stop Tyrell Neely Freethrow Softball Wide Reciever Goal Stallions Wrestling
Senior ‘12
Senior ‘12
Page 28 May 2012
Kendra Harris Photography editor
Photo essay by Mary Hannah Neil
Midnight in Paris
PROM
2012
Photos by Kaelyn Jiran
