April 2012 Issue

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

Inside

Giving truth to Memphis youth

April 3, 2012Volume 15, Issue 7

www.teenappeal.com

White Station Enforces Electronics BanBy Sudeshna Barman

White Station High School

The author of Angel Fire makes a stop in Memphis.

p. 7

Memphis students earn money while representing their

schools.p. 9

Find out programs high school students can enroll

in over the summer.p. 10

Springtime fashion as represented by

Westwood High School.p. 12

computer classes, and three animations classes. “In the past, about a third of the students in my Advanced Placement classes brought their own laptops to school to work on their programming at school and at home. It’s not that major of an issue, because we use Dropbox and they can call me. It really only affects

the AP students and maybe some of the dual-enrollment students….but I predict that in the next five to 10 years our textbooks will be on electronic devices,” Agee said. Lydia Martin, or Reina as her students call her, is a Spanish teacher at White Station. She said, “I think the biggest problem with electronics is that students can communicate electronically. I understand that the board needs to control this kind of communication. I have

caught students cheating, but never at White Station.” I let my students use their cell phones as dictionaries. Sometimes they use iPod touches or iPads to create Spanish flashcards or puzzles. I’ve had to change from using electronic dictionaries to having real dictionaries, but it’s not really cost-effective because they’re ruined it a few years. But it’s an avoidable cost. We want kids to have more technology skills, but here we are snatching [technology] out of their hands,” Martin said. However, cheating is a serious consequence of allowing students to bring personal technology to school. “Students can take pictures of tests and pass them on to others,” said Mansfield. There is also the question of safety. Although English teacher Scott Harrison sees the potential benefits of using technology, he warns that there are risks. “Anyone who brings an expensive item to school,

White Station’s recently amended policy outlaws all electronic devices, ranging not only from the standard cell phones and iPods but also to gadgets such as laptops, e-readers, and iPads. The original policy was created by the previous Memphis City School’s Board years ago and outlawed “all electronics,” according to WSHS principal David Mansfield. At that time, however, laptops were not being brought to school and iPads did not exist. “Some weeks ago during a faculty meeting it was brought to my attention that students were bringing iPads and laptops to school. I said, ‘We have to get on the same page here,’ and so one morning I reminded the school about our electronics policy,” said Mansfield. He is unsure whether the new Shelby County Board of Education plans to continue the rule. Many students are indignant and many teachers are uncomfortable or even inconvenienced by the policy. Senior Joie Tanaka used to bring her laptop and Kindle e-reader to school. “I feel like [the rule] makes sense, but electronics also help me with my schoolwork. I would look up homework stuff on my laptop and read books on my Kindle. Some teachers still let me use my Kindle, but one teacher last period told me to put it away, even though I was reading Pride and Prejudice.” Joie thinks the rule was made because “people were abusing it too much, and one thing led to another.” Junior Quentin Kane still occasionally brings his iPad to school. “I used it as a chemistry book. Someone stole my chemistry book earlier this year, so I used the online copy. I also typed up papers for English,” he said. To Quentin, however, the ban is “not a big deal.” “Only some of my teachers enforce it, and I’ve never gotten in trouble since the rule came into effect,” he said. Paige Mandelman, a junior, used her laptop for her online class. “I used to do my online class during school hours, whenever I had some downtime. It gave me time to do my online class and I used it for learning purposes,” Paige said. “But now I have to work on it after school, so I go to sleep later. I have work and extracurricular activities, along with other homework. I have to make time to do it outside of school now.” Some teachers are also irked by the policy. Laine Agee teaches AP Computer Science, two dual-enrollment

An etymology teacher changes the rules on her board to reflect the new version of White Station’s electronics policy. (Photo by

Sudeshna Barman)

see POLICY, pg. 11

The Teen Appeal

The Teen AppealThe University of Memphis

300 Meeman Journalism Bldg.Memphis, Tenn. 38152

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

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

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

through The University of Memphis Department of Journalism, The

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

Giving truth to Memphis youth

April 2012 Issue

Contributing Reporters and Photographers

Sudeshna Barman, White Staton High School

Marica Bryson, Central High School

Brionna Hayes, Carver High School

Kima McGaughy, Melrose High School

Toneshia McKinley, Westwood High School

Ruthie Shaffer, White Station High School

CoordinatorMarcus Matthews, The University of

Memphis

Assistant CoordinatorElle Perry, The University of Memphis

Project DirectorDr. Carrie Brown, The University of

Memphis

Page 2 • April 3, 2012 The Teen Appeal

OPINION

a glimpse of their highs and lows, struggles and successes. The film also does a good job of letting viewers see into the eyes and heart of Courtney and his motivations.The movie is poignant and does a good job of not getting in the way of the story. There is no narration and what viewers see is essentially unvarnished. One complaint would be that some of the subtitles for a particular student were slightly erroneous. I am not generally a fan of subtitles for people speaking in English outside of extreme circumstances. The accent was not that impenetrable. During at least two scenes in the movie the audience broke out into spontaneous applause. And the ending brought many to tears (I guess I will fess up here.).The movie is rated PG-13 due to some swear words and runs 115 minutes. After the movie let out, I noticed there were also a few Tiger alumni who had decided to check out the film. They seemed pleased with the depiction. Undefeated is an emotional window into a year in the life of some unforgettable Memphians. I highly recommend seeing it.


“Undefeated” Shows CharacterBy Elle Perry

Teen Appeal Assistant Coordinator

I went to see the Academy Award winning documentary Undefeated the Sunday afternoon it opened in Memphis. The movie showed exclusively at the Malco Paradiso, a theater not known for showing independent or artsy films, unlike its cousins the Ridgeway Four and Studio on the Square. I’m not sure if it was intentional, but I immediately noticed that the sole showing scenario brought together many folks who would have otherwise avoided each other. (Confession: I often choose which theater and day/time I see a movie based on what I think the crowd will be like.) On this early Sunday afternoon showing, the number 16 screen was packed with all sorts of folks. Black, White, young, old, singles, families. It was a good representative cross-section of the city itself. Ok, now let’s get back to the movie. The documentary focuses on a single season (2009) of Manassas football and its volunteer coach, Bill Courtney. After opening a business nearby, Courtney decided to come aboard the team and also start a much-needed booster club. The school was unique in the

fact that it had never won a playoff game in over 100 years of existence. In fact, other schools would often use the team for their homecoming games. Other schools farther away

in Western Tennessee would actually pay Manassas to drive up and get beaten mercilessly. Also, in the movie we are introduced to the rough and tumble lives of three of the players: O.C. Brown, Montrail “Money” Brown, and Chavis Davis. We got to see

WhitehavenLauren BurnetteRasean Jenkins

Caylon Pettis

WestwoodBrandon Harrison

Kenya JacksonToneshia McKinley

Cleon Osby

WhitehavenLauren BurnetteRasean Jenkins

Caylon Pettis

White StationSai Boyella

Arthur McFerrenNatasha MehraRuthie Shaffer

Anneliese SlovesJamesia Terry

The Teen AppealPage 4 • April 3, 2012

Booker T. Washington

Sharleen Hamilton

CarverBrionna Hayes

CentralBrasia Austin

Marica BrysonKelsey JohnsonJeremy Williams

CordovaQuinton HolmesVictoria JohnsonTrenetia Lowery

Kelli Nichols

CraigmontDaniel Johnson

Nicolette RodgersAshley Sanders

East

Raquel BrewerCorey Clay

Andrea Smith

FairleyJaundra Clark

Hollis F. PriceRachel BusbyTierney King

Areon McCraven

Morgan Moore

MelroseWhitney ElyRobin Finley

Kima McGaughy

Kenyatta Small

MitchellBrandon Coleman

Paradise HartJustin Pearson

The Teen Appeal Wants You and Your Ideas

Middle CollegeMadison Renea

InmanSarah Pierce

Raleigh EgyptDestiny Dennis

OakhavenDeidra RichmondTerry Weatherall

OvertonCierra Paige

RidgewayBrittney Adu

Britanie ChildsRakesha Gray

TrezevantSelena

HumphreyShantel PettigrewMonique Pollion

If you have a story idea, please send it to [email protected] or contact a staff member at your high school. Ask your guidance counselor about the next recruiting session if you’re interested in being on our staff next school year or fill out the application on the next page or online at www.teenappeal.com.

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By Brionna HayesCarver High School


1. Ceramic Work by Eric Botbyl at the Union University Art Gallery on Apr. 10 at 9 a.m.2. Grizzlies vs. Suns at the FedExForum on Apr. 11 at 7 p.m.3. Red Hot Chili Peppers at the FedExForum on Apr. 12 at 8 p.m.4. Third Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes/Spring Art Walk at the Broad Avenue Arts District on Apr. 13 at 5:30 p.m.5. Memphis Redbirds Baseball/Opening Night at AutoZone Park on Apr. 13 at 7 p.m.6. Cinderella at the Orpheum Theater on Apr. 13 at 7:30 p.m.7. Rodeo of the Mid-South at the Landers Center (formerly Desoto Civic Center) on Apr. 13 at 7:30 p.m.8. Sharing Our Worlds Fashion Show at Bridges on Apr. 14 at 6 p.m.9. Memphis Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz at the FedExForum on Apr. 14 at 7 p.m.10. Human Nature Live:

The Ultimate Celebration of the Motown Sound at the Orpheum Theater on Apr. 17 at 7:30 p.m.11. Munch and Learn: The Chemistry of Paintings at The Dixon Gallery & Gardens on Apr. 18 at 12 p.m.12. Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Hornets at the FedExForum on Apr. 18 at 7 p.m.13. The LeMoyne-Owen College Concert Choir’s Annual Spring Concert at the First Congregational Church on Apr. 18 at 7 p.m.14. Repticon Memphis Reptile & Exotic Animal Show at the Southaven Arena on Apr. 21 at 10 a.m.15. Friends of the Bartlett Library- Annual Book Sale at the Bartlett Public Library on Apr. 21 at 10 a.m.16. Earth Day at Shelby Farms Park on Apr. 21 at 10 a.m. 17. The 10th Annual Southern Hot Wing Festival at the Jefferson Davis Park on Apr. 21 at 11 a.m.18. 3rd Annual Ole Skool Majorette and Drummers Jamboree at Wooddale High School on Apr. 21 at 3 p.m.

19. Grizzlies vs. Trail Blazers at the FedExForum on Apr. 21 at 7 p.m.20. Spring Arts on the Bluff at the National Ornamental Metal Museum on Apr. 22 at 12 p.m.21. Diana Ross at the Orpheum Theater on Apr. 22 at 7 p.m.22. Memphis Grizzlies vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at the FedExForum on Apr. 23 at 7 p.m.23. Opening Reception at the National Ornamental Metal Museum on Apr. 27 at 6 p.m.24. Jammin’ to the Music at the Children’s Museum of Memphis on Apr. 28 at 10 a.m.25. Signs of Spring Garden Walk at the Memphis Botanic Gardens on Apr. 29 at 1 p.m.26. Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival at Tom Lee Park on May 4, 5, 627. Search Party at The Children’s Museum of Memphis on May 4 at 3 p.m. 28. Original Tribute to the Blues Brothers at the Orpheum Theater on May 4 at 7 p.m.29. Oak Hall Run for St. Jude at Audubon Park on May 6 at 3 p.m.

MEMPHIS HAPPENINGS


By Sudeshna BarmanWhite Station High School

L.A. Weatherly, author of Angel Burn and Angel Fire, came to Memphis and spoke to a group of students about her novels at the Booksellers of Laurelwood on February 16. Her tour was sponsored by Justine Magazine, a publication for teenage girls. Weatherly was born in Arkansas but moved to the United Kingdom 17 years ago after her marriage. Her books were rejected many times before being published. She said, “When [the manuscript] come back and it says ‘Thanks, but no thanks,’ you lose faith in yourself.” Her advice to fledgling writers, however, is to “keep going. It’s very unusual to get published at a young age. Don’t get discouraged. It might be years…but you’ll definitely get there.” Weatherly’s reading habits are different from other writers. “I don’t read adult fiction because I don’t find interest in it. I really like the coming-of-age type stories.” Interestingly, Weatherly tries not to read young adult fiction either, especially not other “angel books” such as Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush or Fallen by Lauren Kate. “I’m worried it would undermine my self-confidence,” she said. The main characters in her Angel Series are Willow, a half-angel, and Alex, an angel hunter charged with killing her. Weatherly tries to write 2,000 words per day, or about eight pages. “A lot of [my daily work] is just thinking as I write. As a writer, I do plan things out. Although you can plan a lot of things in a story, a lot of things change. Sometimes even minor details become important...For example, I never knew that Alex spoke fluent Spanish. But it really worked out for me, because it the second book they travel to Mexico. It was hard to write about a place I’d never thought about, never been to. I knew [the first book] had to be set in America because it involved a road trip. This is a concept Europeans don’t quite grasp,” said Weatherly.

She came up with her main characters almost 20 years ago, trying to fit them to various stories. The first book she wrote about Alex and Willow was never published. “I’ve had Alex in my head since I was in my mid-twenties, and I’m 44 now. I had always wanted a ‘hunter falling in love with the hunted’ type plot…I thought it had a lot of energy to it. I was trying to find the perfect story to fit them. At first, Alex was going to be a teenage hit man, but I wanted a happy ending. As a hit man, there was not long term potential for happiness. I mean, he would be a murderer; he would be killing people for a living. Eventually he would have to go to jail, which sort of ruins a relationship. Then Twilight came out. I didn’t want vampires. Maybe demons, but then demon books started coming out, too.” What separates Weatherly’s work from those of other young adult authors is the fact that the angels are evil creatures. Weatherly was standing in front of a bookstore’s nonfiction display about angels when she was hit with the idea, “What if angels were not what we really thought they were? What is they were evil? What if they’re here and they have their own agenda?” Once she fitted Alex and Willow’s story to a plot, the writing came fast. “I wrote it in five or six months after dreaming about them for 20 years,” Weatherly said. Titling the completed book was difficult. “I wanted to title it Angel Heart. My editor…she was like, ‘You can’t do it. It sounds like a Harlequin romance novel!’ She wanted to name it Angel Heat…My publishers in the U.K. named it Angel. The only problem was that there are a lot of other things named that. My publishers at Candlewick Press in the U.S. wanted to name it Angel Burn. It was the obvious title, because angel burn is actually a part of the story. It just hadn’t occurred to me. The next book is called Angel Fire, and the third one is called Angel Fever. Basically, the idea is that things are heating up.”

Author of Angel Fire Visits Memphis

Angel Fire Review on pg. 8


Willow is a 16-year-old girl living with a mentally disabled mother and a brusque aunt. She tries to prevent a classmate from joining the Cult of Angels, a disturbing new religion that has been spreading among Americans like wildfire for the past two years. At their church, she is attacked by a malevolent angel and is rescued by a 17-year-old angel killer named Alex. Alex has been told that Willow is an angel and has been given orders to kill her. Upon seeing her, he realizes that she is not an angel and protects her out of an “enemy of my enemy is my friend” mentality. Alex and Willow realize that the division of the CIA which works to kill angels has been infiltrated by the angels. Wanting to create a new organization of angel killers, Alex and Willow travel from the East Coast to New Mexico and on the way fall in love. Though Weatherly claims to have been developing these characters for years, her actual characterization is negligible. Having bought and read Angel Fire at the book signing, I really do not think that Alex was very different from many other Byronic heroes of today’s supernatural young adult genre. He’s moody and brooding, with the prerequisite tragic past and handsome figure. Willow, on the other hand, is a strong female protagonist. She is

brave, reflective, and not as idiotic as most heroines. She is willing to make difficult choices and sacrifices for people she does not know and probably do not deserve her help.

There were no other important characters besides Willow and Alex, so I am not sure who my favorite was. My least favorite characters were the really minor ones – Willow’s best friend Nina and her Aunt Jo. Angel Burn was innovative and had the potential to become a great story. One thing I appreciated was Weatherly’s refreshing interpretation of angels as an alien race from a post-apocalyptic dimension with the intent of sucking humans of their souls. Unfortunately, the melancholy mood that held throughout and the lack of character development make the book flat and average. My favorite scenes were those during the early road trip, when neither trusted the other and there was a mutual dislike between Willow and Alex. The dialogue was not particularly funny or engaging, and oftentimes sparse. I recommend this book only to teenage girls who enjoy paranormal romances and dark, troubled heroes. L.A. Weatherly is currently writing the third novel in what she hopes will be a trilogy, called Angel Fever. It is expected to release in October of 2012. In the future, Weatherly sees herself “still writing. There’s no room in my head for anything else.”

Book Review: Angel FireContinued from pg. 7

Rating: 3 1/2 stars

Memphis Ambassadors Program gives the city’s children an opportunity to succeed in life and at school while also making new friends and lasting memories.

“My life would be different if I wasn’t in the MAP program because MAP has given me so many great memories and friends, and I can’t imagine how my day-to-day life would be without them,” said Central High School junior Kelsey Logan.

There are over 100 schools in the Memphis City Schools system, but many students do not know many people besides the friends they make within their own school and/or neighborhood. The mayor’s Memphis Youth Ambassadors Program (M.A.P.) gives teens in the city a chance to meet others outside of school while learning the true meaning of the four core values they need to focus on to start off their life in the real world: education, health, civic/social responsibility, and employability.

Kelsey said that she has become friends with kids she would have never imagined talking to in her first year of being in the program.

“I am more comfortable getting to know new different people. Some of my MAP friends are people I would normally never talk to. I’ve gotten to get closer to people in my generation that I don’t see on a daily basis at school. Also, my community builders, Greg and Zipporah, are great role models and wise young adults. They have given me some great advice and guidance.”

The Memphis Ambassadors Program is a year-round, after-school program that was developed to replace the summer job program after 1,000 kids did not receive their paychecks in 2009.

James Nelson, assistant to the mayor, told The Memphis Flyer, “When Mayor AC

Ambassadors Represent Their SchoolsBy Marica BrysonCentral High School


Wharton was elected in October 2009, one of the first issues we had to deal with was repairing the Office of Youth Services. It had a very rough summer, and some kids didn’t get paid, [so] we decided to revamp and try something new.”

Peter Formantes, one of the community builders for the work site located in district seven, got involved in the program after switching his major in college from nursing to psychology.

He said the program evolved from a small number to over 500 students.

“As I was doing my internship for psychology, my professor got involved with Mr. Nelson and they asked me to help them start this program. We started with 28 students to try to test it out and see if it works. Then from 28 students, a month later we moved on to 200 students and eventually it evolved into what it is today, and it worked out through all the trials and errors,” Formantes said.

Currently in its third year, the Memphis Ambassadors Program has provided tutoring and mentoring for 560 teens each year. The small number allows for equal representation between each of the seven city districts.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students are required to attend mandatory life skills training at 4:30 p.m. at their designated site. Meanwhile, on Mondays and Wednesdays students are allowed to come for tutoring or mentoring from their community builders. In addition, students do a monthly road map where they set goals (one for each core value) and list the steps they need to take in order to reach their goal within in that month.

“Most of the youth especially, if they don’t have much support, can’t find that direction to where to go and the program is a stepping stone to them growing up, because most youth don’t know how to reach their goal and we help them figure out how to get there are help them reach that goal,” Formantes said.

Not only has the program made a positive impact on the ambassadors themselves, but their community builders have grown also.

“I believe I have learned a lot myself while being a mentor in the program. I actually feel I have learned more than what I have taught my ambassadors. I am more humble, appreciate things more, and have learned how to be more patient with young adults,” Formantes said.The program also allows the kids to earn a quarterly stipend up to $500 depending upon the amount of points they receive. Points are earned by attending mandatory days, community service, parental involvement and other factors within the program. Students are also given points for each grade and their conduct on their report card. Each grade is a different amount of set points, so it motivates students to strive for higher grades.

Formantes shared that he “had youth who didn’t know where to go, had attitude problems, or just decided to give up. However, through the program, the ambassadors were able to reach their goal and I have ambassadors that are in college now with full-ride scholarships and internships. The program is so beneficial that it is too hard to sum up how much it benefits the youth, it is just life changing.”

The Teen Appeal

Get a Step Ahead This Summer With CampsBy Marica BrysonCentral High School

Summer is the time of year where many kids are happy that they do not have to go to school and they finally have the break they needed. Many students may not want to do anything but hang with friends or stay at home and relax, but this summer they should try something to get a jump start on the future. Graduation is rapidly approaching. Why not take advantage of programs offered in the summer that provide a snapshot of college life? Some even give college credit. Many programs have already passed their application due date since summer is near, but here are some that are still open for enrollment through May. These programs can be both life changing and educational for teens, so take advantage of them now.

iD Tech CampsWhen: (varies depending on session)Where: Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.Cost: $700-$900Are you thinking about becoming an engineer? Well this is the camp for you. Since 2001, this coed camp has opened the eyes and minds of teens through technology’s magic. With the help of highly trained instructors, campers learn how to construct PCs, laptops, and so much more in this weeklong session. To make it even better, the camp ranks as the number one tech camp in the nation. Visit www.internaldrive.com for more information.

Pro Ambitions Hockey CampsWhen: June 18-22Where: Nashville, Tenn.Cost: $351- $500/weekCalling all Sports Lovers! Instead of going to that same old basketball, baseball, or football camp, try something new! Sports Illustrated deemed this hockey camp “one of the best in the country”. The camp is open to all boys and girls form ages 6 to 18. Top-notch hockey coaches while in a small group, allowing for more one on one assistance, will teach you. With this camp, you will definitely get your money’s worth.

If you are ready to take on the challenge, go to www.proambitions.com

Camp JamWhen: July 9-12Where: University of Nashville, in Nashville, Tenn.Cost: $549/sessionJust like in the Disney Channel movie Camp Rock, Camp Jam brings out the rock in Rock n Roll. For four days, campers experience the beauty of music and the uniqueness of different genres of music. The first three days are spent learning, having fun, and practicing for the big concert that will be held on Thursday. Visit www.campjam.com for more information on how you can be a rockstar.

Memphis Music CampWhen: June 18-22Where: University of MemphisCost: $0The University of Memphis offers a summer music program for aspiring musicians of all ages. Visit www.memphis.edu for more information on this camp and other unique and cost friendly camps for all ages including a Math camp, engineering camp for girls, and a manufacturing camp for girls.

VolunTEEN ProgramWhen: June and July (3 separate sessions)Where: Lebonheur Children’s Hospital Cost: $0If you are an aspiring doctor, nurse, or anything in relation to the medical field, then this program is right for you. Not only will you help around the hospital, you will also get to know the duties of doctors and nurses. In addition, by volunteering at the hospital, you will be rewarded with service hours.For more info visit www.lebonheur.org and click on Ways to Get Involved.

So are you ready for a genuinely fun summer? Take advantage of one of these adventurous camps and do it soon, because the deadlines are quickly approaching.

Page 10 • April 3, 2012

STEM ACADEMY:

Funded by a special grant from the Tennessee Board of Regents, the U of M will offer a residential summer session

July 8-21 to let high school students explore the various STEM fields -- the sciences, technology, engineering, and

mathematics -- and to help them envision attending college to study those subjects.

The STEM Academy is open to students who will be high school sophomores and

juniors in the fall of 2012.

Chosen from Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools, the students will live on campus in U of M residence halls

during the two-week session.

Housing, meals and all activities will be paid for by the grant. To be selected,

students must have successfully completed Algebra I.

They also must have finished the ninth grade and have a minimum cumulative

GPA of 2.75.

A letter of recommendation is required from a teacher or staff member at an

applicant’s high school. Space is limited in this competitive program. The application deadline is April 13.

A printable application is available online at www.memphis.edu/

mathacademy0212.pdf.

For more information, call Shirley Cowley at 678-2345.


White Station Middle School eighth grader Max Friedman will show his genius on a big stage soon.

Max composed the piece Celebrate Artes, which will be featured at the second annual Artsfest hosted by Memphis City Schools March 30 and 31, 2012.

According to Max, Celebrate Artes is based on one of his earlier brass quintet compositions, but changed a lot over the course of composing.

Artsfest is a program intended to display MCS students’ artistic abilities. For the first time, a city-wide orchestra will also be a part of the program. The orchestra will perform a finale concert at the Cannon Center in downtown Memphis. Participation in the Artsfest Orchestra is determined by students’ All-West Tennessee Orchestra auditions earlier in the year.

Dr. Larry Livingston, professor of conducting at the University of Southern

Eighth Grade ComposerBy Ruthie Shaffer

White Station High SchoolCalifornia’s Thornton School of Music, will conduct the orchestra. Those who previously worked with Dr. Livingston at the 2011 All-State Tennessee Orchestra workshop know they are in for a treat.

White Station High School orchestra conductor, Dr. Andrew Palmer, said, “Some of my students worked with Dr. Livingston last year and really enjoyed it.”

White Station High School senior and concertmistress of the Artsfest orchestra, Joie Tanaka, expressed her excitement at having the chance to work with Livingston again.

When asked how Joie felt upon being named concertmistress, Joie commented, “I was happy; my hard work had finally paid off.”

Of course, Artsfest includes a lot more than just music. Memphis City School students will present choir, dance, and theater performances as well as original artwork at the Memphis City Schools Board of Education building.

Sound Fuzion, a band comprised of U of M

music students, came to White Station High School this

Friday, March 23 to play to all students.

They sang recent hits ranging from

Coldplay’s “Paradise” to “Bootylicious” (Destiny’s Child).

Students expressed their appreciation by doing the wave,

standing up, and even creating two mosh pits. At the end of

the concert, students swarmed the stage and demanded an encore, the chant

reverberating through the auditorium like

thunder. Sound Fuzion called it “the best

concert we’ve done this year.”

(Photos by Sudeshna Barman)

POLICY, from page 1

electronic or otherwise, is potentially at risk of being robbed. Best-case scenario is that the item is stolen. Worst-case scenario is that a student is injured in the process of it being stolen…Also, what about students who can’t afford such luxurious items? They could be at a disadvantage,” Harrison said.Kristy Conger is a Director of Instructional Technology and adjunct faculty member at the University of Memphis. Conger, previously a high school teacher, said in an e-mail, “I don’t believe bringing personal electronic devices into the classroom is a ‘right’ that students have. I see it more as a privilege, and that privilege is earned and kept by displaying appropriate use of the device during the school day. “There is more to effective instructional technology integration than simply placing a computer or interactive whiteboard into a classroom. First, the course curriculum should be reviewed to see if the use of technology is a good fit for the subject area being taught. If it is determined that teaching and learning can be enhanced within a given course through the use of technology, teachers must then be prepared to use the technology in their classroom,” she wrote. “Technology can help bring lessons to life in ways that weren’t possible a few years ago,” wrote Conger. However, she sees potential areas of concern. “Some teachers believe that technology of any kind in the classroom is a distraction. If technology is not properly integrated and lessons aren’t planned that effectively utilize a specific technology tool or resource, there is a chance that students will not be engaged during the lesson.”

Guys, it’s time to pull out those cargos you love oh so much. Graphic tees are also in right now. And so are camo shorts like celebrity Lil Wayne is often seen wearing.


Springtime and the Fashion is EasyBy Toneshia McKinleyWestwood High School

STYLE FILE

It’s the spring time and warm colors are in. Colors like pink, yellow, and light blue. This is the time when girls bring out their cute little sandals and also their minis.

Photos by Toneshia McKinley

Jada Allen and Jessica Davis dress up the boring school uniform with hot pink jewelry, comfy cardigans, and they both finish it off with Air Max 95’s. Jada also adds a fun

scarf to her ensemble.

Rheba Conner sports a

cheetah print vest, a black ruffle skirt, and brown Not Rated shoes.

Jamia Fairchild jazzes up her

uniform with a pair of cute brown boots and a pencil skirt. She spices it up with net leggings and a spiked belt.

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April 2012 Issue