toshoa times Volume 47, Issue 5 W.P. Davidson High School Mobile, AL Jan/Feb 2008

WHAT’S INSIDE:

Arts............................2 News........................3Features..............4-5

Sports.......................6 Entertainment....7

DHS Journalism.........................251-221-3096DHS School Office...................251-221-3084

On Wednesday, January 9, Lam Luong, from Irvington, Alabama, confessed that he threw his four children off of the Dauphin Island Bridge two days before. Luong was charged with four counts of capital murder. On January 10, search parties were dis-patched to recover the bodies of the children. That Saturday, the body of an infant was found by duck hunters and positively identified as Luong’s son, four month old Danny. After the infant was found, Luong claimed that he wanted to be more famous than the September 11 hijackers. Also on Saturday, Luong’s wife, Kieu Phan, related that she wished Luong had killed her rather than her children, and wanted justice for the deaths of her children. The next day, on January 13, the body of

three year old Ryan Phan was found. By that time, the family had given up hope that one year old Lindsay and two year old Hannah would be found alive. On Tuesday, January 15, the body of a small child was found near the Chevron Refinery in Pas-cagoula, but it was not able to be identified. Unable to identify the body, the now massive search party continued to search for the last child. That Friday, the child was identified as Lindsay, leaving only Hannah to be found.The body of another small Asian girl was found by Venice, Louisiana on January 20, and was confirmed to be Hannah Luong two days later. The funeral services were set for Saturday, January 26.

The Dauphin Island Bridge tragedy By Sid King

On January 22, 2008 Hollywood lost one of its most talented actors, Heath Ledger. Ledger was found dead in his SoHo apartment in Brooklyn. A house keeper found him lying on the floor with pills scattered around his body. He is survived by his two-year old daughter, Matilda. Heath Ledger was known for taking on a role so heavily that he became the character. Ledger was an Oscar nominee for his role in “Brokeback Mountain.” In his upcoming summer blockbuster, “The Dark Knight,” Ledger plays Batman’s worst enemy, Joker. Ledger’s role as joker is said to be the dark-est Joker ever portrayed.

Actor found dead By Elizabeth Vernon

Seniors with athletic achievements sign with colleges

Jared Carbonneau is one the star tennis play-ers here at Davidson. Jared is a senior who just got a full-ride scholarship to Faulkner State for his tennis skills. Jared started to play tennis in the 7th grade at Herron Lakes and has continued there. He also has played a year here at Davidson. What started to get him to start tennis? Six years ago he was at his uncle’s in Huntsville, and they played tennis, his parents told him to start to play because he was good, and he did. Jared is ranked in the top five in the state, and 170th in the entire south. When asked his favorite season to play, he said summer, and his favorite way to play is with his forehand. Jared’s serve is also very impressive: 115 miles per hour!

Jared Carbonneau

By Hope Larkin

Ryne Pulliam was just signed with University of Mobile. This senior is on Cross-country and track. Ryne’s favorite races to run are the 3.2 mile and the 5K. His time for 3.2 miles so far is 17.30 on the state course at Oakville Mound, and that was with a hurt ankle! Ryne signed with the University of Mobile with his mom, dad, brother, aunt, uncle, grandma, childhood friends, and his youth minister by his side. Ryne’s favorite season to run is the fall. Between cross-country and track, he prefers cross country.

Ryne Pulliam

Senior Valerie McAllister signed with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on Thursday, January 17, 2008. She received a scholarship for softball that includes everything except for housing. She will play center field and second base for Coach Kenney Long at Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Valerie started playing softball when she was four years old. She has played all positions; her main posi-tions are pitcher, second base, and center field. She started playing at Davidson High School in seventh grade and has been a starter for Davidson for five years. Coach Shipp said, “Valerie is a great student athlete.

She represents Davidson quite well and it has been an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to coach her the past five seasons in softball.” During the summer Valerie also played for the travel ball teams: Mobile Thrillers and Mississippi Pride. She has received many awards in her softball career. Brittney McAllister, Valerie’s sister signed with Millsaps College for softball. Brittney graduated from Davidson in 2006 and is now the starting pitcher at Millsaps Valerie plans to continue playing softball for another college in Mississippi when she finishes the program at Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Valerie McAllister

By Lauren Macon

The Friends of the Mobile Public Library High School Writing Contest Award Ceremony was held in the lecture room on January 25. The speaker at the ceremony was Mr. Watt Key, author of the award winning book Alabama Moon. His book is the winner of the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, Children’s Novel of the Year, Parent’s Choice Gold Medal, E.B. White Read Aloud Award for Older Readers, and was the Alabama Library Book of the Year. Mr. Key is a native of Point Clear Alabama and now lives in Mobile with his wife and children. He has a second book being published that should be coming out this fall or in the spring of 2009. At the High School Writing Contest Award Ceremony five of Davidson’s students were awarded for there outstanding writings. Senior, Katie Lynch re-ceived honorable mention for her creative writing essay; senior, Tyler Clardy won second place for his creative writing essay; senior, Nick Redfoot received honorable mention for his essay; sophomore, Hart Benton received honorable mention for poetry; and freshmen, Gray Brower won first place for his essay. All of the winners received an autographed copy of Mr. Keys book, Alabama Moon.

From left: Tyler Clardy, Katie Lynch, Nick Redfoot, Watt Key, Hart Benton, Gray Brower

Students receive writing accolades

By Courtney Mathis

The Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association has instituted this year a brand new Juvenile Court for which Tim Hall, a senior at Davidson was selected to be a Mardi Gras king. A commanding officer in the NJROTC, Hall is an outgoing, ambitious student. He is an Eagle Scout and the junior assistant of Boy Scout Troop 170. He plans to attend Moorehouse College in Atlanta in the fall. After graduation, he intends to be an officer in the U. S. Marine Corps. He plans to become a teacher after his military career. Hall also headed up the creation and design of a reading park on End Street in Pritchard. He designed the park to have a gazebo and plenty of seating for optimal relaxation. “Its a real honor to be a King,” says Hall. “I really just wanted to be a role model for younger kids.”

Mardi Gras King at DHS By Becca Doss

2toshoa times

2featured arts

Don’t let life get you downI want you to grow up – so hang aroundWith the good guys, the learners, the real coolPeople don’t be a fool – playing at school, acting all bad When deep down in side you only want to be All the good things in others that you seeYou don’t even know how much good you can doWhen you try really hard to be… just YOUYou can do anything thing you want to doBut, You gotta’ have a vision - to your own – self be true

Don’t let life get you downWhenever there’s a fight you – are always aroundYou’re right in the middle eggin’ it onScreamin’ and hollerin’ spreading the NEWS on your phone“Fight,” “fight” AND everyone runsThinkin’ that fightin’ is where there’s funI need you to step up to the plate…Like a homerun hitter Someone who does his best …lettin’ all the restBe bad to the bone – I need you home- at night alive and well--So listen to me when I tell YouDon’t let life get you down

‘Cause you see, Someday I’ll be gonemy life on earth will be over and donethe only good thing left of me will be---what I’ve taught you to do – to see--- to beI want you to still be here to makeyour world as happy as can beSo don’t let life get you down-I want you to grow up – grow old-so hang aroundSpread the news to everyoneNothing lasts forever – only the good that you’ve doneSo better yourself and help others too,Be the best they can be – while lookin’ at you

I hear You say “Life is not fair,”So what? Who Cares?Hear me when I say “Nobody ever said it was going to be easy.”At the end of the dayYou’re the only one You can control soDon’t let life get you downHang around … you are your own futureWe all live by the same rules in the end its what we do -- how we--play the game of life that countsso…Don’t let YOUR life get YOU down. Grow up, grow old , hang around.Do it for me…Do it for you.

Don’t Let Life Get You Down

By Mrs. J. Burge

Which makes me think of deathI shudder to think of hurricanes and bananasI don’t want to end up like uncle Rico who

hit the ground with a sickening thud from a weapon of mass destructionthat originated from Tony”s produce.

His death is almost our family legacy.We warned him to stay inbut with hurricanes it is not water.

What a shame to be slammed by a bananaand not live to tell the storyof what it looks like going 70 miles per hour.

Listen to me when I warn you:Don’t go outside and look aroundwhen the eye passes over

Always prepare for wind, rain, noiseand the attack of flying bananas.Death to high-speed fruit is an awful shame.

By Shelby May

This void of myriad voicesshouting whispers of “Pandemonium”.Meaning dissolves in currents of apathy and livesof fallen mortals sleeping.For a moment the angels pause and look,Then turn drearily away.And the door swings, gaining momentumwhile the breath of worlds mixes,unattended by craftsmen now bored playing cards.The estuary of atmosphere silently wailing,echoing the sorrow fromsomewhere out in spacein a crescendo of numbnessuntil, under lazy supervision swings freespiraling out of divine controland now the angels are alert,desperately trying to forcelife back into its cage.

By Jonathan

Jones

FEATURING...Mrs. Hoeb’s third block Creative Writing class

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• Hillary Clinton Party- Democrat Roe vs. Wade- Supports Iraq War Support- Opposes Same Sex Marriage- Opposes

• Barack Obama Party- Democrat Roe vs. Wade- Supports Iraq War Support- Opposes Same Sex Marriage- Opposes

• John Edwards Party- Democrat Roe vs. Wade- Supports Iraq War Support- Opposes Same Sex Marriage- Opposes

• Rudy Giuliani Party- Republican Roe vs. Wade- Supports Iraq War Support- Supports Same Sex Marriage- Opposes

• Mike Huckabee Party- Republican Roe vs. Wade- Opposes Iraq War Support- Supports Same Sex Marriage- Opposes

• John McCain Party- Republican Roe vs. Wade- Opposes Iraq War Support- Supports Same Sex Marriage- Opposes

• Mitt Romney Party- Republican Roe vs. Wade- Opposes Iraq War Support- Supports Same Sex Marriage- Opposes

• Ron Paul Party- Republican Roe vs. Wade- Opposes Iraq War Support- Opposes Same Sex Marriage- Other

Many students at Davidson High School have reached the age legal to vote for America’s next president. However, do all students

know who they are voting for and why? Many are going out on a limb hoping for the best. When voting for president, students need to know the issues their candidate is for or against. They also need

to know how the candidates campaign is running, whether their raising more money or if their campaign is costing them rather

than helping them.

CAMPAIGN

08

By Sid King Just as it takes years of heat and pressure to turn coal into a diamond, it also takes heat and pressure to put DIMUN, David-son’s Invitational Model United Nations together. This heat and pressure is placed on the shoul-ders of sponsor, Mr. Dollison, his appointed aide, committee chairs, secretaries, and sergeants-at-arms. These officers are select-ed by Mr. Dollison from his senior AP class, and are a vital part in or-ganizing and executing the Model United Nations. The committee chairs were selected during the first semester and have been busy compiling the DIMUN handbook, deciding topics of debate, and selecting a secretary, who will fur-ther aid them throughout the year. The committee chairs and their respective secretaries are Courtney Coxe and Jordan Steelman in the Economic and Social Committee, Tyler Weeks and Sarah McMinn in the Political Security Commit-tee, Stuart King and Lee Helen Weeks for the Humanitarian and Financial Committee, and Charles Gomes and Sarah Dollison in the Security Council Committee. Along with his appoint-ments of chairs, Mr. Dollison also appointed Lauren Auer as his personal aide and Sidney King as

his chief sergeant-at-arms. King, in turn, selected seniors, Blair Weeks, Michael Cook, Caroline Ed-wards, and Jonathan Jones to be sergeants-at-arms. These officers will join the chairs in organizing meetings and will help with other duties over the next few months. These seniors presided over the first DIMUN meeting during the evening of January 22 in the auditorium. At this meet-ing, the function of each commit-tee, the importance of resolutions, parliamentary procedure, and the formation of delegations were discussed. Also, on January 29 and January 30, the chairs held interviews for students interested in being one of the major pow-ers: China, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Russia. The major powers, along with the other delegations will be posted on the DIMUN website at www.dimun.org. Despite the things that have been accomplished so far, this year’s DIMUN is still in its infancy. There is still much to be done by the staff and the del-egates over the next few months, but the appointed officers are on their way to making DIMUN a truly dynamic organization.

Turning coal into DIMUN

DIMUN chairs Stuart King, Charles Gomes, Tyler Weeks, and Courtney Coxe pose after they delivered speeches at the first DIMUN meeting.

For nearly a month now, the primaries have been in full swing, and candidates have been campaigning endlessly, and sometimes brutally, to attain that all-too-important vote. The 2008 Republican primaries kicked off to a shocking start as Mike Huckabee emerged as the front-runner in the Iowa Caucus (Jan. 3). Afterwards, however, Huckabee seemed unable to place first in any other primary, despite famous actor and martial artist Chuck Norris helping in his campaign. Instead, Huckabee has hovered around third place in the Republican Party. John McCain, who won the New Hampshire primary (Jan. 8) and the South Carolina primary (Jan. 19), has been constantly compet-ing with Mitt Romney, who won the Michigan primary (Jan. 15), and the Nevada caucuses (Jan. 19), for the title of Front-Runner. Unlike the relatively mild Republican primaries, the Democratic primaries have been a raging turmoil of conflict and drama, especially between former first lady Hillary Clinton and Illinois Senator Barack Obama. Ironically, having Bill Clinton, who has experience campaigning for president for support has brought nothing but trouble for Hillary Clin-ton. While Clinton and Obama start World War III, former Vice Presidential Candidate John Edwards, the self-proclaimed “adult” of the Democratic primaries, has remained in the background of the proceedings, always taking a sizeable portion of the votes. Clinton and Obama have been very close in terms of support. However, in the South Carolina primaries, Obama crushed his rival, pulling in roughly 55% of the votes. It is impossible to tell who in each party will have the advantage when the primaries come to Ala-bama on February 5. Early voting will take place on January 31, in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, because of the Mardi Gras celebrations. Given the intense competition for the position of front runner in both parties, the primaries promise to remain an unpredictable race.

By Elizabeth Vernon

By Stuart King

toshoa times

4 features

By Hien Nguyen

English as a Second Language Davidson offers a class that teaches English as a second language. ESL (English as a Second Language) is taught by Ms. Lydia Smith. “It is difficult at times because this is my first time teaching this subject. How-ever, my students are diligent and eager to learn, which makes my job very fun,” said Ms. Smith. When asked, “What is the difference in teaching a student who understands English and one who does not?” she said, “You can’t take for granted that your students have background knowledge about various English words and concepts. Also, these students don’t share many of the cultural experiences that are common to English speaking students, and our cultural experiences en-hance and amplify our under-standing of our own language.” Imagine if an Ameri-can student went to another country with a totally different language. The student would be lost and not understand anything others are saying. It is scary to come to a new country, not knowing anything about the country or understanding their language. Some foreign kids can understand English fluently because they were American-

ized. “I didn’t have an education like my child did, when I lived in Vietnam. I had to work at a young age. I didn’t have the money or time for school, so I dropped out of school,” said the mother of sophomore Gloria Luong. “I came to America because I wanted my child to be educated and have a free life. I’m strict on my child learning because I want my child to have a bright future,” Gloria’s mother added.Of course it is easy for some students to learn a second lan-guage if the teacher knows the student’s language because the teacher can translate the mean-ing, but this is not the case for many foreign students. It takes them longer to understand English because they have their own language that they grew up with. To some students English is easy and basic to learn, but to other it is difficult. An American student who understands Eng-lish fully might think English is not difficult at all because he or she was raised knowing English. It was part of a life style, like another language is part of the foreign students’ life styles. Learning another language can be difficult when the students are limited at English. “English is difficult

for me because it is difficult for me to pronounce English words. Also some teachers speak very fast and it is hard for me to understand,” said senior, Meiladys UrQuiola Ruiz who is from Cuba. English is difficult because it is hard to understand the meaning of some English words. Also, it is hard because when you speak, people don’t always understand you,” said senior, Hector Guzman who is from Mexico. For some foreign students English is not hard to learn. “English is not hard to learn if you practice and put effort into your studies,” said freshman, Jaime Mora whose family is from Costa Rica. According to “al.com”, a man by the name Noel Sunzu found a new home in Mobile with the help from the Catholic Social Services Refugee Resettlement Program. Wars in Africa forced Sunzu from country to country, from one refugee camp to another. Finally, after 35 years, he found a home. Some of his school aged children are attending Da-vidson High. He said he would like them to attend college. “God is going to bless Mobile, Alabama.” Sunzu said, speaking through a translator at his Pleas-ant Valley Road home.

Mardi Gras, which in French means “Fat Tuesday,” was brought to Mobile by the French brothers, Iberville and Bienville LeMoyne. They were sent to the U.S. by King Louis XIV to defend the Louisiana Territory. When they reached their destination, there was a celebration, which is now celebrated in other cities in the U.S. Mardi Gras actually started in Mobile, although many people do not know that. In 1866, Joe Cain revived Mardi Gras which had ended because of the Civil War by celebrating with a parade. The first parade organization was Order of Myths (OOM), which parades the last night of all parades. Other old organiza-tions include the Knights of Revelry (KOR), Infant Mystics (IM), and the Comic Cowboys. Another one of the long tradi-tions of the season is the naming of the Mardi Gras King and Queen. In 1872, Mobile’s King Felix and his queen first reigned, and in 1939, King Elexis and his queen appeared for the first time. This year the Mobile Carnival Associations

(MCA) Royals King Felix III is Chadwick Burton Slaton and his queen is Catherine Louise McPhillips. The Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association’s (MAGMA) Royals King Elexis I is C’aracher Small, Jr. and his queen is Tasha Montae Lang. Queen Catherine and King Felix III have twenty- four ladies and knights who at-tend them at festivities. Queen Tasha has thirteen ladies who attend her and King Elexis I has thirteen knights who attend him also. Thousands of people fill the streets to celebrate Mardi Gras in Mobile. The crowds come with excitement to see the floats, and catch items such as Moon Pies, necklaces, coins, candy, and much more. Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout the South in cities such as New Orleans and Mobile, and has now spread to other cities across America and other parts of the world. Although Mardi Gras has become so popular that it is cel-ebrated in hundreds of cities, it will never be forgotten that the Mardi Gras holiday was started in Mobile.

Mardi Gras: A Mobile tradition

By Lauren Macon

As second semester dawns, the Hi-Q season draws closer with every passing day. After studying diligently and ceaselessly during third block during first semester, the Hi-Q team is finally ready to compete. That is, at least, how many students would feel after packing countless tidbits of knowledge into their heads for a whole semes-ter. The coach and sponsor of the team, Mrs. Tara Smith, however, wants the team to continue studying their materials, and says

that she will be holding several practices in her room during lunch waves. “I don’t want the team to forget all of the material they’ve studied in class,” explained Mrs. Smith, “we can’t win if we don’t even remember anything!” The curriculum of Hi-Q encompasses a wide variety of subjects, from Geography to Biol-ogy, and from Shakespeare to Current Events. How-ever, the team members aren’t so tortured and that they need to have a full understanding of each

subject. Instead, each student has their own designated topics of study, encouraging them to share knowledge before and dur-ing competition and work together as a team. The Hi-Q team’s first competition is on January 29 against Bryant and Theodore. Afterwards, they will compete against McGill and Blount on Feb-ruary 19 at Davidson High School. The Hi-Q team’s final match will be on February 27 against Vigor and MGM.

Nerds Rejoice: Hi-Q Season soon to begin

By Stuart King

Thursday, January 31 Mystic Striper Parade 6:30 pm

Friday, February 1 Crewe of Columbus Parade 6:30 pm

Floral Parade 12:00 noon

Knights of Mobile Parade 12:30 pm

Order of Angels Parade 1:00 pm

Mystics of Time Parade 6:00 pm

Saturday, February 2

Coronation of Queen to King Felix III

(Mobile Convention Center)

6:30 pm

Arrival of King Elexis I

(at foot of Government Street)

2:00 pm

Joe Cain Parade 2:30 pm

Le Krewe de Bienville Parade 5:00 pm

Les Femmes Cassettes Parade 5:30 pm

Sunday, February 3

Coronation of King Elexis

(Mobile Civic Center)

8:15 pm

Arrival of King Felix III

(at foot of Government Street)

12:00 noon

MLK Business and Civic Organization Parade

(rolls on Route D)

3:00 pm

MLK Monday Mystics Parade

(rolls on Route D)

3:30 pm

Northside Merchants Parade

(rolls on Route D)

4:00 pm

Monday, February 4

Infant Mystics Parade 6:30 pm

Order of Athena Parade 10:30 am

Knights of Revelry Parade 12:30 pm

King Felix Parade 1:00 pm

Comic Cowboys Parade 1:30 pm

Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association

(rolls on Route B)

2:00 pm

Tuesday, February 5

Mardi Gras Day

FAT TUESDAY!

(always the day

before Ash Wednesday)

Order of Myths Parade

(rolls on Route C)

6:30 pm

Parade ScheduleESL teacher Mrs. Lydia Smith helps Rehema Nibaruta, Cynthia Uwimana, and Esperance Dusenge in class.

Hi-Q students (from left) Charles Gomes, Wesley Davis, Stuart King, Tyler Weeks, Sarah McMinn, and Andrew Faggard busily prepare for their pending competition during a third block study session.

toshoa times

5features

Then and Now:

Today, we make New Year’s resolutions like to lose weight or to stop smoking. However, did you know that New Year’s resolutions originated the ancient Babylonians 4000 years ago? Do you know what the most popular resolu-tion was back then? It was to return all borrowed farm equipment.The idea of the New Year being on the first of January has not always been. The Babylonians, again, were the first to develop the idea of a new year. It normally started on the first new moon after the vernal equinox or, the first day of spring. A new year for many people is a chance to improve themselves in places that need work in their lives. Succeed-ing with a new year’s resolution involves motivation along with improving in the selected goals. People with determination are normally those who get their resolu-tions done. At Davidson we have taken a poll of what the most popular New Year’s resolution is. Most people at Davidson would like to improve in study skills or do better in

school. Others decided not to make a new year’s resolution at all. Chellie Vagjrt, a sophomore at Davidson, said her resolution was to spend less time on the computer, and more time on her schoolwork. Brendon Cooke, a senior, said,” My resolution is to be more like Allen Cumming and continue to sneeze with my eyes open.” Some administrators also had some Resolutions. Mr. Dollison, a 12th grade government teacher, said, “My resolution is to let students know not to procrastinate. However Ms. Mires in re-sponse, said, “I don’t believe in resolutions, they are stupid.” After looking at the variety of resolutions made today, as compared to back in the time when Babylonians ex-isted. Perhaps we should try to learn from the culture that created resolutions. Maybe we should spend 2008 returning all of that farm equipment we borrowed in 2007.

By Dakota HowellWinter Break

On December 20, the last day of semester exams, students were released four hours early from school. Starting on December 21, Winter Break lasted until classes resumed on January 7. With sixteen days away from school, teachers and students wondered what their friends did over the break. While some students took interesting trips, many students stayed home. Much time was spent on couches watch-ing television and enjoying the wonderful privilege of being lazy. Not many books were read and no math equations were solved. Most students spent their break relaxing and spending time with friends and family. For example, when asked how her time this break was spent, sophomore, Natalie Mizell cheerfully stated, “I went to a bonfire, hung out with friends, and shopped.” Some students said that they were during the two weeks of the break. On the other hand, many worked at their jobs.However, many students enjoyed the free time that they spent with their family members and friends. Senior, Corey Singleton stated, “I enjoyed not having to go to school. I loved spending time with my friends, family, and the people I haven’t seen in a long time.” Senior, Jordan Steelman stated, “I de-cided to stay home with my family because you can never really have enough family time.” While the love for fam-ily was expressed in many of the students’ comments, some had ex-periences that were not very com-mon. A number of students were asked if they had done anything interesting over the break (e.g. trips, etc.). Freshman, Jeffrey Lee went to New York, went to a family reunion, and had a party. Senior, Alex Taylor said, “I went to Seattle, Washington, had lunch in the Space Needle, and hung out with friends and family.” Junior, Shelby Massingail went to Disney World and sophomore, Chellie Vajgrt went to Orange Beach to enjoy her birthday. Sophomore, Fred Perry stated, “During my break, I went to Birmingham with my family and played PS3 most of the time I was

there.” Freshman, LaNyra Duncan said, “I went to Memphis and then to the mall for some shop-ping. Some students did things that were somewhat unique to say the least. Fresh-man, Erica Salter stated, “I was almost in a car crash and I played on Xbox Live.” Senior, Jessica Lopez said with great enthusi-asm, “I went bowling, shopping, and I set the oven on fire.” Junior, Vi Nguyen mainly sat at home and watched television, but also saw Sweeny Todd five times. Also, Senior, Paola Torres was shocked when she found out that her parents wanted her to cook Christmas dinner. She also watched movies and spent time with family and friends. A few of the Davidson teachers did interesting things as well. Herbert Stallworth, a history teacher, relaxed and caught up with friends. He is also on a legislative team that met with state legislatives to discuss educational issues, technology, and school funding. Jan Mires, a much-loved AP History teacher, said that she went to Mountain Park, Oklahoma to visit in-laws and played golf. Mr. Verkouille, one of the assistant principals said, “I had black-eyed peas and rice at my parents’ house on New Year’s Day because eating rice is supposed to be good luck. Plus, I got to eat free food.” Coach Shantazio relaxed and enjoyed basketball. He stated, “I also spent time with family and I regener-ated my teaching juices.” Some teachers went to conferences, workshops, and did other school-related activities. Apart from the break as a whole, New Year’s was an especially important time for teachers and students this year. Many students at Davidson thought that New Year’s was a time of celebrating, doing new things, and upbringing the New Year. Other students thought that it was more of a time to spend with their family. Overall, the break was a period of relaxation that was very much needed.

New Year’s ResolutionsBy Alex Saint-Paul

By Deonte Johnson

A man once said, “If a race has no history; if it has no worthwhile tradi-tion, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being extermi-nated.” This man happens to be Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month. At the start of February of every year, the U.S. celebrates Black History Month and it continues dur-ing the month. It is a whole month devoted to giving recognition to African Amer-icans throughout history that have done something worthy of acknowledgement but may not have received proper credit. February 7, 1926, was the date on which Black History Month was estab-lished. It started with only a week dedicated to Black History, but in the 1960s it was expanded to an entire month. February was not

just a month chosen at random, it had significance Woodson found important. Woodson chose February because it was the month that held birthdays of two men who contributed to the history of Blacks in America; Abraham Lincoln and Fred-erick Douglass. Abraham Lincoln is credited for the Emancipation Proclamation that freed all slaves in 1863, while Frederick Douglass is widely known to be a writer, philosopher, and abolitionist speaker during the times of slavery. When asked, most students at Davidson were in agreement about Black History Month not being recognized enough. Nashijla Bethune, junior, stated, “It’s not recognized enough in schools. Teachers aren’t putting it out there for us to learn.” Coach Seale said that when he first started teaching at Davidson the history

books did not give African Americans the credit they deserved. However, today’s history books recognize many accomplishments by African Americans. But there are always two sides to an argu-ment. Some may ask why we dedicate a month to just one race and not others. It is the point of Black History Month to give African Amer-icans the acknowledgement they did not receive in the past, in times of segregation. Now that times are changing and we have come closer to giving everyone the equal rights they deserve, it may seem that having a month dedicated to one race might separate us. However, Thao Duong, a junior, said, “I saw on TV that a lady didn’t like Black History Month, but I think it’s good that the people that sacrificed lives are recognized.”

Black History Month By Morgan Chapelle

Senior Editors: Rebecca Doss Courtney Mathis

Copy Editors: Sidney King

TheToshoaTimesispublishedbytheJournalismclassofDavidsonHighSchool.TheobjectiveoftheToshoaTimesistopublishafactual,informative,andentertainingnewspaper,andtoprovideaforumfortheexpressionofdiverseviewpoints. Theopinionsandviewsexpresseddonotnecessarilyrep-resenttheviewsoftheadministration,theadvisor,oranyTimesstaffmembers. Thenewspaperreservestherighttorejectanymaterialthatislibelous,obscene,orindangerofposinganimmediateandmate-rialdisruptiontotheeducationalenvironment.TheTimeswillnotprintobsceneorlibeloussubmissions,norsubmis-sionsthattargetanindividual. Advertisementsthatareobscene,misleading,orillegalwillnotbeprinted.TheTimesreservestherighttorejectanyadvertise-ment.Toplaceanad,contacttheadvisorortheTimesstaffat221-3096.

Toshoa Times Staff

Eli AikensTy StokesDeonte JohnsonKaty JohnsonDakota Howell

Morgan ChapelleAlex Saint-Paul Laura ClaxtonLauren MaconElizabeth Vernon

Hien NguyenTyler ClardyKatie LynchHope LarkinStuart King

toshoa times

6Sports

Boy’s soccer season begins

Ladies on the Field

The 2007-2008 Boy’s soccer team started off with a bang! At tryouts all the boys competed for their spot on the varsity and junior varsity boy’s soc-cer teams. The group dwindled down to 22 players, and then they got down to business. Physicals were held to start the teams off on the right foot. The boys practice everyday, pushing themselves as far as they physically can to prepare for their first game. But before the team starts to practice soccer they must go through the rigorous conditioning. During conditioning the boys run laps, do push-ups, crunches, and stretching exer-cises. Senior Daniel New, the goalie for the var-sity boy’s soccer team, says “The team is excellent, excellent! The best I have ever seen! We are all in the best shape I have ever seen because of our new fourth block training.” This is the first for the soccer team .All of the boys are able to practice and run

during their fourth block classes. This year’s junior varsity coach is DHS graduate, Memo Lumbreras. The junior varsity team is also very optimistic and positive about this sea-son. The junior varsity boys are all looking forward to proving themselves during the games this year so that they can play for the varsity team in the next few years. Although most of the games are away, seven of them are played on our own field. Coach Bearden says that if anyone is interested in finding out the exact dates and times for the games, the schedule is located on the schools web-site. This season is coming fast and the teams are practicing hard. The first varsity boy’s soccer game is on February 12th at UMS at 7:00 P.M. and the junior varsity boy’s game is also on the 12th at 5:00 P.M. Be sure to come out and support the 2007-2008 Warrior soccer teams!

The girls’ varsity soccer players started the season with much enthusiasm and excitement. They have worked extremely hard, conditioning and practicing three times a week before the sea-son even starts. Practice starts right after school and ends at around 5 o‘clock. With the help of Coach Wortham and Coach Hiscox, the girls learn many new skills. The team includes: seniors, Christian Cain, Lauren Cherry, Karlien Druwe, Tawensha Hector, Katy Johnson, and Mimi Pham: juniors, Thao Duong, Amanda Espino, Courtney Hutchens, Oanh Nguyen, Victoria Salazar, Hien Nguyen, and Robin Wullschelger; sophomores, Hartley Denny, Erica Massa, and Court-ney Vines; and freshmen, Laura Valverde, Christina Salazar, Chelsea Parkes, and Myanh Nguyen. The girls’ first games are on February 16-17 at Bryant High School. Come out and support your team. With the encouragement of their fellow warriors, the girls will gain more confidence and will have the winning season.

By Hien Nguyen

By Katy Johnson

Graphic Commander-In-Chief: Simon Reinert

Staff Writers:

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The second-ranked LSU Tigers ran over, ran through and just flat out ran circles around the Buckeyes on their way to a 38-24 route of Ohio State. Because this was a season of so many surprises, this was hardly an upset: Ohio State for the second time fell apart in college football’s biggest game, a year after the Buckeyes were DEMOLISHED by Florida 41-14. The Tigers became the first two loss team to ever compete for the national title. Ohio State’s running back Chris Wells got the game off to a quick start for the Buckeye’s but that wouldn’t last long. On the fourth play from scrimmage, the Buckeyes’ bruising back started left, made a nifty cut right and burst through the middle. After Chris Wells opening 65 yard touchdown run there wasn’t much more to celebrate. Fortunately for the Tigers, their offense finally started to click. They then relied on tried and true running back Jacob Hester, who broke a 20-yard touchdown run making it a 10-3 game. Tied at 10, the Buckeyes counted on Wells, who delivered one of the season’s best stiff-arms on a 29-yard run, and Ohio State seemed about to retake the lead. Instead, Jean-Francois broke through the middle, and blocked Ohio State’s 38-yard field goal try.

LSU handed the ball off to another one their five elusive running backs, and the NCAA sprint star, Trindon Holliday, gained great position for the upcoming touchdown. Flynn’s next pass was a per-fect touchdown toss to Brandon LaFell in the back left corner of the end zone putting the Tigers ahead 17-10. LSU’s defense then made a huge play to seal the deal. Cornerback Chevis Jackson intercepted Boeckman’s toss and streaked 34 yards down the right sideline. The Buckeyes tried to save some dignity once the game was basi-cally over with Todd Boeckman’s 5-yard TD pass on fourth down to Brian Rob-iskie. As time expired, Boeckman threw another “gimme” touchdown pass to Brian Hartline. The final score was not indicative of the Buckeye’s caliber of play on January 8th. “We just didn’t do the things you need to do to win a ballgame of this nature.” Ohio State coach Jim Tres-sel said. The loss left Ohio State at 0-9 overall in bowl games against teams from the Southeastern Conference. And again the underdog SEC team destroyed an overrated powder-puff Big Ten School. “It’s unbelievable to know you’ve failed two years in a row,” the Buckeyes Chris Wells said.

LSU wins national championship

By Tyler Clardy

toshoa times

7entertainment

Juno starts out with a teen-age girl dealing with an unexpected pregnancy. Juno (Ellen Page) decides that instead of having an abortion, she will give her newborn to a mar-ried couple who cannot have a baby. Helping Juno through her pregnancy is her father, step-mom, best friend, and Pauline Bleeker, the dad that still isn’t ready to stop being a kid him-self. During these nine months Juno discovers that her pregnancy will have both emotional and physical pain that her icy-defense is no match for, and realizes that some grown-ups still want to be kids

The Red Jumpsuit Appara-tus’s new CD Don’t Fake It is one of the best I have heard so far. It starts out with the song “In Fates Hands” which features acoustic strumming that goes to a screaming chorus. “False Pretense” starts out slowly, but as it progresses, it gains rhythm, which makes it a song that would be played over and over by listeners. “Misery Loves Its Company” begins with screaming vocals, and when it gets to the chorus it turns into a whole differ-ent song. “Your Guardian Angel” is a song about a man who would do any-thing for the one he loves no matter what the cost. This CD is filled with songs that are happy, sad, indifferent, and crazy, but it really is a good CD.

What’s new...

Movies:Juno

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Music:

By Hope Larkin Differences in musical selection are broad at Davidson High School. What kind of music students choose to listen to is sometimes a direct effect of places they live things they do and what they want to be. Mr. Edwards says, “People put up musical borders cause of lyrics, but I personally listen to every-thing.” Other people believe music choices have to do with friends and being in the “it” crowd. “I listen to more indie rock kinds of things, and I believe other people listen to their music because of their friends.” said senior, Ryan McCarry. This is true with some people that believe certain music is meant for people of a particular race, religion or culture or even high school cliques. For some people, music is

just a flow and beat. In this case, lyr-ics don’t mean much; they just feel it, while others think music is more about lyrics. “I believe music has to have good lyrics because if it doesn’t, the song is pointless and is an empty moment of noise,” said freshman, John Paul Matheny One group of people believes that music has wandered from its origin of giving a message, whether it is love, politics, or even a mindless fun, and has become a form of corporate marketing and money making. Sophomore Fred Perry said, “I feel certain music has moved from its true purpose.” There is also a group of people that think music is not com-pletely pointless, and still has a soul. “ I don’t believe all music has lost

its point and not all the messages are meant to be helpful like in the past, but now a lot of the messages are negative,” said sophomore Luis Escajadillo. Musical choices and thought vary around the school and the feelings are in a wide spectrum, but one thing can be agreed on at Davidson: we need music in our life. Without it, we would not be able to express ourselves, and for some, it is a way of meditation and relaxation. “No, I can’t live without music. It calms me,” said senior, Arel Watson. Others just can’t explain why, but they need it. When asked if he could explain why he needs music, sopho-more, Lorenzo Goldsmith said, “No, I can’t. I just need it.”

Musical DifferencesBy Ty Stokes

The local talent here in Mobile is surprisingly mixed with a diversity of bands. Most shows range from three to ten dollars, with three or four bands playing that is a great deal. This Christmas there was Jolly Fest which consisted of 12 bands, and lasted from three p.m. to nine p.m., the cost was ten dollars. The Mug is planning to have another festival that will consist of twenty bands and will last from twelve to twelve. Many of the band members are Davidson students. Steven Whiddon, Dale Morrison, and Ryan Mercer are all in bands that play together regularly. Steven sings vocals for Guided by Trust, a Christian rock band. Guided by Trust has been together for about two years and they were just signed with Audience Record Label. Steven says that what he loves most about performing at shows is seeing the kids dancing, crowd surfing, and he loves hearing “rebel yells”. The band is musically influenced by Underoath, The Devil Wears Prada, and Emery. Steven’s inspirations are Dallas Taylor, Undero-ath’s Spencer Chamberlain, and fellow singer Dale Morrison. Dale and Ryan both play for We Are Kids. Ryan plays drums and Dale does vocals. The band has been together for about four months. Dale says that he loves the attention from the crowd, seeing other bands, and hardcore dancing. Their musical influences are The Alliance of Us and Them, Son of a Gun, and A Plea for Purging. Dale’s inspirations are Steven Whiddon, Ethan Leslie, Dallas Taylor, and Guided by Trust. Many of the bands go on tour. Bands from Florida, Mississippi, and Atlanta have played at The Mug, The YMCA, Government Street Baptist, and The American Legion. Marshill Café, City Church of Mobile, and Satori are also venues to play at. There are many other bands besides Guided by Trust and We Are Kids that play weekend shows frequently. There is Blood Red Squid, Pump Action, and Son of a Gun. All if these bands are extremely diverse. Pump Action is an up and coming rap band and they even have a CD out. Son of a God is a hard core, scream-o band. Many of the students at Davidson and friends of the bands attend shows every weekend. Ask just about anyone and they can tell you when the next shows will be, where it is, and what time. The shows are great places to go and meet new, interesting people and listen to great music.

Mobile’s local talentBy Katy Davis

toshoa times

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