excellence

southworld>> what’s inside?

>> what’s online?

Southside High School 4100 Gary St. Ft. Smith, AR 72903 Vol. 50 Issue 4 02.15.13

More award coverage at: >>

Spring sports preview highlights top performers and coaches as conference play begins.

pg. 6

Bowlers, wrestlers and swimmers qualify for state meets as winter sports wrap up seasons.

pg. 10

“I was excited, because I will be able to go to New York and D.C.,” junior Senate page William Jenner said.

photos by Blake Hanson

&honorsstudents accumulate awards

Karla Santigo

Kayla Menz Rac

hel D

avis

Nick Blair

Landon Hunter, Rachel Davis, Dylan Wright, Josh Adams, Sami Sexton, Thy Dai submitted photo

Breck Cogswell

Building up to the goal of making it to the National Competition, 50 FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) students from campus placed in the District 1 Competition on Jan. 23. “I had confidence our students would do their best,” sponsor Kelley Todd said. Students placing in the District events and those that had regional byes, qualified for State in Little Rock, and from there could qualify for Nationals in Anaheim, California in late June. “Making it to State and Nationals looks great on a college resume and gives students contact with real business professionals. It’s a great experience, and it is a good opportunity to show your skills,” Todd said. With resources of practice tests online and study guides available through the National office, students have the opportunity to be successful in a fair competition. “This was a pilot year on taking online objective tests. The purpose is to be a state qualifying, but at the competition we also elected new officers to represent the 26 schools in the River Valley area,” Todd said. In the past year, senior Rebecca Roebuck served as District

2 NOW

CAMPUS NOTES

Feb. 23-24 | @ SHS Drama Presents

Peter Pan

Feb. 26-27 Basketball State

Tournament

Feb. 18 | President’s Day Band All-State Convention @

Hot Springs

qualifiers advance 2.15.13

council presents talent show

drama prepares spring shows:> by Ambrosia Johnson

> by Drew SmithParliamentarian and senior Pedro Gutierrez resided as the District Treasurer. After the January elections, sophomores Nick Rincon claimed District President/State Vice President and Maddy Willis replaced Roebuck as District Parliamentarian. “I’m really excited since I have become a District officer. I’m excited to meet new people and try new things,” Willis said.

Premiering this semester Rebel Theatre will perform plays Peter Pan and classic musical Anything Goes. The Peter Pan shown through various movies and shows will be brought to stage with an outstanding cast of talented actors. “I wanted to do a childrens show

because kids love it, it has deeper meanings, and it brings adults back to their childhood,” senior director Kayla Menz said. Beginning in the Darling household, Peter Pan (Brandon Lopez) lurks during the night to hear the many bedtime stories told by Mrs. Darling (Kailyn

student directors present classic performancesHarris) only to be spotted and robbed of his shadow.

“We had a lot of technical difficulties, but we were able to pull it off. We weren’t sure what to expect when we stepped in to present, but it wasn’t bad.” - Colin Browning, 12

new online testing event format introduced

> by Carter MilliganKossatot photo by Lauren Humphrey

Will Bragg, Colin Browning, D.C. Lind photo by Andrea Johnson

Tulsa House photo by Kirby Bland

Filling the auditorium on Jan. 31, an estimated 400 people attended the annual Senior Council Talent Show. “The Talent Show is an important event because it is Senior Council’s number one fundraiser for prom,” sponsor Oretha Ferguson said. From the 15 acts, junior Forest Teeter claimed the first place prize from faculty judges Randy Kern, Lindsay Shotzman, and Dennis Tittle. “It was the best day of my life. I’ve never smiled so hard. I was really speechless and in no way expected to win because everybody was too talented,” Teeter said. Senior Zach Parks placed second and junior Ethan Echols took third place. “Something I’ve said for a long time is that I just want to make people happy doing what makes me happy which is creating and performing music,” Parks said.

Mar. 5-6 | @ SHS Grade 11 Literacy

Exam

Mar. 10 Daylight Savings

Time Begins

FBLA students won in

District 1 Competition on Jan. 23

50

DRAMA on southworldonline.com>

DRAMA on southworldonline.com

3501 Old Greenwood RdFort Smith, Ar, 72903

Phone # (479)434-3456Fax # (479)750-9857

wkronberg@jrp.arcoxmail.comrazorbackpizza.com

Wes KronbergWes KronbergOwner DCW Inc.

Full service oil change w/21 point inspection. ASE certified mechanic on staff.

Owners: Phillip & Julie Milligan

• 3500 Massard Road Fort Smith, AR (479) 484-5874• 1783 North Crossover Road Fayetteville, AR (479) 582-1783• 1904 South Walton Blvd Bentonville, AR (479) 273-5750

CAR CARE

3ADVERTISEMENTS2.15.13

3501 Old Greenwood RdFort Smith, AR, 72903

Phone # (479)434-3456Fax # (479)750-9857

wkronberg@jrp.arcoxmail.comrazorbackpizza.com

Wes KronbergOwner DCW Inc.

We’ve got your colors, Southside!

James B. Saviers DDS PA400 South 18th StreetFort Smith, AR 72901

Phone: (479)785-1419Fax: (479)785-4390

2.15.134 VIEWPOINT

Adviser: SUSAN COLYEREditors: CARTER MILLIGAN, BECCA RISLEYAssistant Editor: AMBROSIA JOHNSONPhoto Editor: BLAKE HANSONBusiness Manager: NICOLE HARPERLayout Editor/Webmaster: RIMA BHAKTA

Reporters: LAUREN HUMPHREY, ANDREA JOHNSON, ZELANA MOBLEY, LUCIA ORTIZ, VANESSA SICKLES, COLBY WHITFIELD, KAYLA WILSON, AMBER BALDWIN, WYATT BENJAMIN, ANNE CUNNIINGHAM, NICHOLAS KHODAYARI, TAYLOR ENSLOW, DREW SMITHPhotographers: BLAKE HANSON, KIRBY BLAND, LAUREN HUMPHREY, ALEXIS HUNTER, ANDREA JOHNSONPrinter: CALVERT-MCBRIDE 3811 PLANTERS ROAD FORT SMITH, AR 72908

479.646.8311 Ex. 218Editorial Policy: ANY USIGNED EDITORIAL RELFECTS THE OPINION OF THE STAFF AS A WHOLE AND NOT ANY INDIVIDUAL STAFF MEMBER. STAFF MEMBER SIGNED OPINION PIECES ARE INDICATIVE OF THE OPINION AUTHOR. Letter To The Editor Policy: THE SOUTHWORLD ACCEPTS ALL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FOR ANY COMMENT OR ANY COMPLAINT. ONLY THOSE LETTERS THAT ARE CONSIDERED RELEVANT AND ENGAGING WILL BE PUBLISHED.

Advertisement Policy: THE SOUTHWORLD HAS THE RIGHT TO REJECT OR EDIT ANY ADVERTISEMENT THAT IS DEEMED OBJECTIONABLE BASED ON THE OPINION OF THE STAFF. ADVERTISMENTS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM ATTACKING COMPETITORS AND SHOULD BE SOLELY BASED UPON THE MERITS OF THE ADVERTISER.Obituary Policy: SHOULD A DEATH AT THE SCHOOL OCCUR AN IMAGE OF THE DECEASED AS WELL AS A BRIEF DEATH NOTICE WILL BE RUN. Correction Policy:

IN THE EVENT OF A MISTAKE MERITING CORRECTION THE SOUTHWORLD WILL ISSUE A CORRECTION IN THE NEXT PUBLICATION. WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF THE MISTAKE MUST BE DELIVERED TO ROOM 125 AT LEAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE NEXT DEADLINE.Awards/Membership: THE SOUTHWORLD IS A MEMBER OF THE QUILL AND SCROLL SOCIETY, NSPA, JEA, CSPA, ASPA, AND SIPA. THE SOUTHWORLD HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE, PACEMAKER, AND ALL-ARKANSAS

SOUTHWORLDstaff

When I look at you, all I can think about is how no little girl dreamt of growing up to be a crack head. You scare me. With your eyes darting around in your head and that thing you do with your mouth, working it back and forth over some giant, imaginary wad of gum, it’s no wonder society immediately rejects you. You freak me out. You break my heart. Traffic stopped on Rogers, eyes’ glaring forward, no one acknowledges your consistent begging outside the car window. As soon as the light changes, drivers speed past, leaving you lapping rain water from a gas station ashtray. We are polar opposites. Watching you from my car, selfish intentions search for a chance to help you. But, I drive away. “Tweaker!” the insensitive blue pickup driver screams, his own cigarette smoke trailing in the wind behind him. With disgust and empathy, I can’t help but wonder who you used to be. Surely high school opened opportunities, presented experiences that you still hold dear. Were you a cheerleader or basketball star? Did you excel in band or were you a journalism nerd like me? Something happened long ago that turned a determined young woman into a street walking wanderer. Long before someone broke you and someone fixed me, we were both little girls. We probably both married Ken and Barbie and daydreamed of what kind of women we’d be. When I see you, abandoned on the corner chatting up a fire hydrant, my chest begins to feel heavy. I don’t even know what that means, except that I want more for you.

BIG DAYEVERY DAYBecca Risley

As students panic over class rank and GPA, teachers muddle through the new grading system. The website, Eschool, gives students no way of knowing their second semester GPA and causes teachers to manually round up grades while attempting to answer student questions. In the midst of chaos, school officials must review every GPA and recalculate for the new system’s errors. Students have asked the same question since finding out about the new online system, “Why did we switch?” Fort Smith volunteered to be the pilot district for Eschool. In 2014 Arkansas will require all schools use the same system and server. Unfortunately, teachers cannot always fix minor problems. The school must contact the state’s

network coordinator, and if it cannot be fixed, the issues are sent to Little Rock. It is an endless waiting game, and students are left at the mercy of strangers. While it is beneficial to have all the districts on one system, it is not plausible to implement it due to inaccuracy. The system has miscalculated GPAs, hid second semester grades, and does not take into consideration the needs of its users. Even with the flaws, the Department of Education insists all districts use this program when a different one would be beneficial. The administration, the teachers, and the students need to voice the software’s inadequacies to the state. The program needs to be user friendly, or the state should allow every district to switch to a system that covers individual and specific needs.

grading system inadequate> by Erin Coffman

hoax websites scam students

Every year high school graduates seek ways to finance the costs of a collegeeducation, with money getting tighter and harder to come by more people turn to scholarships and financial aid help. In turn more scam artists also turn to scholarships every year. The Federal Trade Commission reports that nearly 100 million dollars in fake scholarships were lost in the 2011-2012 school years. Be sure to scan the website of the scholarship for any of these signs. There are websites like debtfreescholar.com and www.ed.gov that have actual lists of hoax websites. They also have contact information if there are any questions to be asked. Do not be afraid to question liability.

> by Hayden Evans

counselor tips to avoid scams

if it’s a “contest”

scholarship and there is no

proof of past winners

1lack of contact information 23if the website asks for credit card numbers for an application fee

4if you never

signed up for a scholarship and

get an email saying “you’ve

won”

5if it seems too good to be true claiming things like “50% receive full ride scholarships”

“It is an endless waiting game, and students are left at the mercy of strangers.”

5ADVERTISEMENTS2.15.13

16 North 3rd Street Fort Smith, AR 72901479-782-8313

Monday-Friday 9:30 to 6:00 Saturday 9:00 to 5:00

SENIOR YEARBOOK ADS

ARE STILL AVAILABLE

ALL PHOTOS, MESSAGES AND PAYMENTS ARE DUE BY

APRIL 15th

INFORMATION CAN BE EMAILED TO:SHSYEARBOOKADS@YAHOO.COM

6 LIFE 12.17.12

Track and field began their season at the State Indoor Meet on Feb. 2 in Fayetteville. The team placed in several events, including returning state champion winner senior David Price placing first in shot put. “I’m hoping to win another state championship and just get better at discus and shotput,” Price said. Coach Steve Peoples anticipates competing in the new 7A Central conference in which Southside will compete with different schools including Cabot and North Little Rock. “In 2009-2011 the boys won state championships, and this year I think we’re back on track for a good team,” Peoples said. According to field events coach Bret Bricker, the team started training for this season immediately after Christmas break. Junior pole vaulter and long distance runner Maddy Pham hopes to improve her scores from the past season. “I’m looking forward to competing with the whole team,” Pham said. “We have a lot of really good girls and just a good team as a whole.”

> by Andrea Johnson

Coached by Craig Jones and Trey Holloway, the Rebel baseball team prepares for the pre-season conference tournament beginning on Feb. 28. “We’ve been practicing in game situations like bunt coverage’s and defensive strategies. We practice feet work in the outfield and basic infield situations,” senior Jay Glidewell said. Since before winter break, the team of 30 players has practiced six days a week, either at the indoor campus facility or on the fields at Evans Boys and Girls Club. “We’re trying to prepare for early season by going outside as much as we can, even in the snow. Players to look out for this season are the returning starters, who have each started at least one game,” Jones said. Standout players include senior pitcher Billy Lovvorn and junior catcher Mark Clark.

> by Becca Risley

realigned conference presents challenge

Ending last season with a 13-0 and 9-9-1 record, the respective soccer teams prepare for the pre season match on Feb. 25. With the new conference, players face off against new and old rivals, hoping to place well for the May 10-11 conference tournament. “It should be a good season. A lot are going to doubt, but I believe we will pull through,” senior Kristain Riviera said. Northside remains the biggest rival of both teams and they look forward to match ups on April 9 and May 7. “We are well in shape with diverse players. We can mix it up, and still play well together,” senior Rebecca Roebuck said. Conference play begins on Mar. 8 and 9 with a away game against Bentonville. Soccer matches will be held every Tuesday and Thursday. Lady Rebels play at 6, Rebels at 7:30. Junior varsity games are played before. “Fans are one of a kind, and without them it’s harder to win,” junior Daniel Ramirez.

> by Lauren Humphrey

indoor meets begin

spring preview

Wesley Carson photo by Lauren Humphrey

David Price photo by Blake Hanson

6indivduals placed in nine events

“I can’t wait for the season to start, we all want to play real games, the ones that count. I love spring sports, and I’m excited for it to begin,” Jones said.

7LIFE12.17.12

Q&As ftball

When is the first conference home game?

Explain your overall practice routine.

What fundraisers has the team done to support softball?

Feb. 26 versus Farmington

“We have morning practices for pitchers and catchers at 6:45 a couple days a week and the rest of the team

has practice 2:45-4:30pm indoors where they practice hits, dives and

outfield stuff,” senior Tamera Unger said.

“We sold candy boxes and 10 racks of ribs for $20.00 a piece around the

Super Bowl,” Unger said.

Coached by Craig Jones and Trey Holloway, the Rebel baseball team prepares for the pre-season conference tournament beginning on Feb. 28. “We’ve been practicing in game situations like bunt coverage’s and defensive strategies. We practice feet work in the outfield and basic infield situations,” senior Jay Glidewell said. Since before winter break, the team of 30 players has practiced six days a week, either at the indoor campus facility or on the fields at Evans Boys and Girls Club. “We’re trying to prepare for early season by going outside as much as we can, even in the snow. Players to look out for this season are the returning starters, who have each started at least one game,” Jones said. Standout players include senior pitcher Billy Lovvorn and junior catcher Mark Clark.

“Right now we’re evaluating players. The players make the lineup, not us. We will put our best nine on the field when opening day gets here,” Jones said. Near the end of March, the team will compete against Greenwood for the first time in the realigned conference. “It’s a match off like the football game. I think the rivalry shown at that game will be similar at the baseball game,” Glidewell said. After advancing to the third round of state last year, the team is working towards breaking their conference record. “We want to win the conference championship in our new conference and qualify for the State Tournament. Hopefully we will win Southside’s first ever State Championship in baseball,” Jones said.

realigned conference presents challenge

soccer preps to win Ending last season with a 13-0 and 9-9-1 record, the respective soccer teams prepare for the pre season match on Feb. 25. With the new conference, players face off against new and old rivals, hoping to place well for the May 10-11 conference tournament. “It should be a good season. A lot are going to doubt, but I believe we will pull through,” senior Kristain Riviera said. Northside remains the biggest rival of both teams and they look forward to match ups on April 9 and May 7. “We are well in shape with diverse players. We can mix it up, and still play well together,” senior Rebecca Roebuck said. Conference play begins on Mar. 8 and 9 with a away game against Bentonville. Soccer matches will be held every Tuesday and Thursday. Lady Rebels play at 6, Rebels at 7:30. Junior varsity games are played before. “Fans are one of a kind, and without them it’s harder to win,” junior Daniel Ramirez.

by Lauren Humphrey

“For a coach, we’ve been practicing all year long. It’s nice to finally get to compete,” Track and Field coach Bret Bricker said.

SCHEDULEFEB. 18AWAY VS VAN BUREN FEB. 25G I R L S VS BENTONVILLE

AWAY FEB. 26B O Y S VS BENTONVILLE@ BENTONVILLE

Who do you think is your biggest competition?

“Bentonville, we have yet to beat them since my sophomore year. Their pitching is always strong,

where ours has not been its best,” senior Kylie Ballard

As a team what would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?

“Our strength is infield because we are more of a team this year and have

a lot of returners. A weakness is our outfield since we have more new

players this year than last,” senior Ciara Sweeney.”

2.15.138

w

CULTURE

ith a collection of over 60 medals and trophies, senior Annie Piechocki spends her spare time Irish dancing. Currently an eleventh year member at the McCafferty School of Irish Dance, Piechocki competes nationwide for titles. “When my mom worked at Trinity she was talking to a few of the students who did Irish Dance and they convinced her to go to a performance to see what it really was like. She took me with her and I loved it right away,” Piechoki said. Before Piechocki competes, she spends several hours a week practicing and attending class. In the studio 10-15 hours a week, Piechoki rehearses with a teacher and logs additional practice time on her own. “On Tuesdays I have class at our studio in Chaffee Crossing and on Monday and Saturday I have class at our studio in Fayetteville,” Piechocki said. During her competition season, Piechocki performed in 14 cities, some as close as Little Rock and others as far as St. Louis, Grand Canyon, and Milwaukee. During the month of January she competes in a Regional competition called Oireachtas. “Oireachtas moves around every year but I have followed it from Dallas to Washington, DC and Orlando. New Orleans hosted it this year where I placed for the first time in a Preliminary Competition. Although I have not placed every year, I get a little closer. I hope to one day make it to Worlds,” Piechocki said. Each competition differs in scoring as well as dancers. Split into groups based on age and level, dancers receive scores for accuracy, overall presentation and style. “In order to raise your level, you must compete. I have competed against as many as 26 people in one dance,” Piechocki said. Elaborate costumes make up a large part of Irish dance. With each level Piechoki achieves, her costume improves as well. At the highest level, a dancer may design her own unique solo dress. “There is not another dress in the world like it,” Piechoki said. Dedicated to Irish Dance, Piechoki continues to improve

and compete at higher levels. She aspires to continue her dancing career and has considered becoming a certified Irish Dance teacher in the future.

stepping it upThe hardest part about Irish Dance would have to be patience. When I learn a new step, I want to be able to perfect it the first time. Dance has made me realize that hard work does pay off, Piechocki said.

“

”

> by Kayla Wilson

2.15.13 9ADVERTISEMENTS2.15.13

SeniorsEngagements

MaternityETC.

For booking infomration:479.650.7882

www.kalarathphotography.comLike me on facebook for promotions and updates

4516 Rogers AveFort Smith

(479) 782-5518

3501 Old Greenwood RdFort Smith

(479) 649-8585

8600 Rogers AveFort Smith

(479) 452-5594

DEADLINE FOR YEARBOOK ORDERS

APRIL 15th

10 2.15.13ACTION

Ethics in the professional sports community has become nonexistent. Steroids have been detected in every major sport, from bicycling to football. With Lance Armstrong’s confession of using performance enhancing drugs, a feeling of betrayal begins to sink in. His inspiring fight against testicular cancer and impressive record breaking wins at the Tour de France inspired millions. Armstrong’s cancer awareness LIVESTRONG bracelets flew off the shelves. Sure the bracelets may have not been worth the ten bucks grade school kids shelled out, but it was for a good cause, right? One can’t help but to think if the money really went to cancer research, or has the world been bamboozled into another Armstrong marketing ploy. Countless tweets recommend that Nike and the LIVESTRONG organization drop the “V” on the bracelets. LIE STRONG! A new performance enhancing drug has drawn attention. Deer antler spray, made from the velvet of immature antler growth, stimulates muscle growth and contains IGF-1, a banned substance. Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis admitted to using it, but claimed he wasn’t aware it contained a banned substance. Despite the use of a performance enhancing drug, Lewis still played in the Super Bowl. Student athletes shouldn’t admire and don’t have to follow Armstrong’s and Lewis’s example. Once you take away the unethical wins and drug use, they’re just like any other guy.

FROM THECarter Milligan BLEACHERS

swim team qualifies for state> by Becca Risley With six weeks remaining in the season, the swim team qualified more swimmers for the Feb. 23 state meet, the most in school history. “It’s great to see everyone’s hard work and effort pay off,” junior John McGehee said. Divided into three teams: Silver, Gold and Senior, each swimmer ranks depending overall strength as a swimmer. The Silver team practices every Mon-Thurs at Creekmore Park Pool from 4:15-5 pm; the Gold and Senior teams from 5-6:30 pm. “We work out to the ‘T.’ You

wrestling finishes strong> by Drew Smith

can only pass out in the water,” McGehee said. Preparing for the remainder of the season, each team will rely on certain state qualifiers to help them advance and place at the state tournament. “The freshmen and returning swimmers have showed themselves by filling last years’ legacy and the will to do well,” McGehee said. Coach Ian Bullock relies on returning juniors John McGehee and John David Clayton and sophomore Grace Ann Clayton. “We just hope to finish strong,” Bullock said.

After competing in three tournaments and eight dual matches, the wrestling team continues to gain momentum for the Feb. 12 Northside game. “They are ready to go,” coach Larry Johnson said. Without being able to fill all fourteen weight classes, the team forfeited unqualified matches but placed third in Gentry and prepares for Conference at Northside and State at the University of Little Rock. “The team is getting prepared through getting in good competition,” Johnson said. Johnson expects six or seven of the 22 wrestlers to score in top rankings at Conference and State. “The guys we have are dedicated, work hard, and it will pay off for them,” Johnson said. Johnson has been coaching on campus for three of the six years Arkansas has had wrestling competitions. Before moving to Southside, Johnson coached at North Chicago High School, his alma mater, where he won state in 1970 and advanced to the finals of the Olympic trials in 1976. “Wrestling is an outlet for most of these kids. Some parents want their kids to wrestle to do something positive,” Johnson said. At press time, the team was preparing for a home meet against Northside.

SPARES. Junior Chandler Rogers bowls in the Jan. 22 match against Bentonville. Bowling World hosted all games at their facility on S 36 Street. “I like bowling because it’s a team sport and everyone is really supportive and positive during a game,” Rogers said. The team relied on ninth grade members Jarek Vincent and Kayla Tucker for high-score performances.

photo by Andrea Johnson

12swimmers qualify for the state meet on Feb. 23.

John McGehee photo by Blake Hanson

BOWLING COVERAGE onsouthworldonline.com

>

112.15.13 ADVERTISEMENTS

BOWLING COVERAGE onsouthworldonline.com

02.15.1312 CAPTURE

junior Grace Ann Rothwell

z

“Being escorted by my dad was really touching and

made the night special since he came down from Seattle.”

sophomore Drew Smith

z

“Dressing up as Superman for Super Hero Day gave me

the power to fly through a Monday.”

senior Andrew Hindman

z

“It has been a challenging season with such a dramatic

change in conference.”

Emily Jones photo by Blake Hanson

photo by Blake Hansonphoto by Blake Hanson

“

photo by Kirby Bland

I WAS REALLYNERVOUSLEADING UP TO IT BECAUSE I HAD TO GET READY IN30 MINUTES B U T O N C E THEY CALLED MY NAME I WAS REALLY OVERWHELMED

BY THE SUPPORT FROM THE OTHER MAIDS AND MY

TEAM MATES.

”SENIOR EMILY JONES SAID.

I AM TRULYHONORED TO BE CROWNED BASKETBALL HOMECOMING

QUEEN,