Where did he come from?
By: Abby Hopper - December 10, 2015
Mid-winter has always been a time of celebration across the world. Even before Jesus was born people still celebrated light and birth during this time. “History of Christmas,” an article by the History online Staff says after the winter solstice, people would celebrate the end of winter and give thanks to the longer days and more sunlight. Now we use it as a time to celebrate family, friends, and the birth of Jesus. We also now have the figure head of good ole’ Jolly Saint Nick, or Santa Claus.
Santa Claus can be traced back to a monk named St. Nicholas. He was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, which is near what we call Turkey today. Nicholas was adored for his piety and nature to give, which led to him being the center of many legends.
Some say he went as far as giving away all of his inheritance–a very wealthy inheritance at that– and left his home to travel and help the less fortunate. According to the History online Staff, “One of the best known of the St. Nicholas stories is that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married.”
Today Santa Claus is seen as a hefty man who brings children presents on his sleigh pulled by twelve of his best reindeer. Christmas is also celebrated in a very different way. For example, 8th grader, DJ Robinson, said, "My family's Christmas tradition is to watch Christmas movies and eat chocolate chip cookies." Whatever your Christmas traditions may be, we hope you have fun and be safe while doing them!
Mid-winter has always been a time of celebration across the world. Even before Jesus was born people still celebrated light and birth during this time. “History of Christmas,” an article by the History online Staff says after the winter solstice, people would celebrate the end of winter and give thanks to the longer days and more sunlight. Now we use it as a time to celebrate family, friends, and the birth of Jesus. We also now have the figure head of good ole’ Jolly Saint Nick, or Santa Claus.
Santa Claus can be traced back to a monk named St. Nicholas. He was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, which is near what we call Turkey today. Nicholas was adored for his piety and nature to give, which led to him being the center of many legends.
Some say he went as far as giving away all of his inheritance–a very wealthy inheritance at that– and left his home to travel and help the less fortunate. According to the History online Staff, “One of the best known of the St. Nicholas stories is that he saved three poor sisters from being sold into slavery or prostitution by their father by providing them with a dowry so that they could be married.”
Today Santa Claus is seen as a hefty man who brings children presents on his sleigh pulled by twelve of his best reindeer. Christmas is also celebrated in a very different way. For example, 8th grader, DJ Robinson, said, "My family's Christmas tradition is to watch Christmas movies and eat chocolate chip cookies." Whatever your Christmas traditions may be, we hope you have fun and be safe while doing them!
Where are they now?
By: Candace M. Baker – December 8, 2015
Great Falls high school spits out graduates every year. Ever wonder where they go? Some stay here. Some move away. Some further their education and others go straight to work. Wherever they go, they know where they came from: Great Falls, South Carolina!
So, let’s look into where a few of our recent graduates are:
Marion Craine, Class of 2015
Studying Biological Sciences PrePharmacy at Clemson University. Craine is part of an intramural football team and is working toward being on the Clemson football team. He is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Clemson.
Mac Renwick, Class of 2015
Studying Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University. Renwick is part of the shotgun team.
Madison Hopper, Class of 2014
Studying Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting at Winthrop University.
Hub Baker, Class of 2014
Working at Carolina Adventure World as a Rental Agent and a trail monitor.
Chris Culp, Class of 2015
Studying Computer Science at Presbyterian College. Culp is on the football team and is playing on an intramural basketball team.
Chloe Hinson, Class of 2014
Studying Dental Hygiene at York Tech and working at Hickory Tavern in Indian Land.
Nick Hood, Class of 2014
Studying engineering at York Tech and working at Dollar General in Great Falls.
Those were just a few of our recent graduates from Great Falls. Surely they are all successful in what they do. Great Falls high school wishes them all the best of luck in their future!
Great Falls high school spits out graduates every year. Ever wonder where they go? Some stay here. Some move away. Some further their education and others go straight to work. Wherever they go, they know where they came from: Great Falls, South Carolina!
So, let’s look into where a few of our recent graduates are:
Marion Craine, Class of 2015
Studying Biological Sciences PrePharmacy at Clemson University. Craine is part of an intramural football team and is working toward being on the Clemson football team. He is also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Clemson.
Mac Renwick, Class of 2015
Studying Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University. Renwick is part of the shotgun team.
Madison Hopper, Class of 2014
Studying Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting at Winthrop University.
Hub Baker, Class of 2014
Working at Carolina Adventure World as a Rental Agent and a trail monitor.
Chris Culp, Class of 2015
Studying Computer Science at Presbyterian College. Culp is on the football team and is playing on an intramural basketball team.
Chloe Hinson, Class of 2014
Studying Dental Hygiene at York Tech and working at Hickory Tavern in Indian Land.
Nick Hood, Class of 2014
Studying engineering at York Tech and working at Dollar General in Great Falls.
Those were just a few of our recent graduates from Great Falls. Surely they are all successful in what they do. Great Falls high school wishes them all the best of luck in their future!
SANTAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Story and video by: Nauria Wilmore
"Elf" is a Christmas movie starring Will Ferrell, who goes by "Buddy" the elf.
When I first got this movie I was in Elementary school and my aunt bought it for me for Christmas.
It is a hilarious movie and it makes me laugh every time I watch it. I have to watch it every year on Christmas doesn’t feel the same.
Elf is about Buddy being accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood with Santa's elves. He was not able to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, so the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, to look for his real father.
WATCH ELF TODAY!
"Elf" is a Christmas movie starring Will Ferrell, who goes by "Buddy" the elf.
When I first got this movie I was in Elementary school and my aunt bought it for me for Christmas.
It is a hilarious movie and it makes me laugh every time I watch it. I have to watch it every year on Christmas doesn’t feel the same.
Elf is about Buddy being accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood with Santa's elves. He was not able to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, so the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, to look for his real father.
WATCH ELF TODAY!
Giving a tot some toys
By: Abby Hopper - December 1, 2015
Toys for Tots is a yearly program created by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve designed to collect toys during the months of October, November, and December. These toys are then given as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in different communities all over the country.
Toys for Tots' official online page states that the ultimate goal for the program is to "deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.” The program uses anyone willing to help to achieve this goal of spreading hope.
The Toys for Tots foundation also notes that it was named an official activity of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1995 and continues to thrive and be a major project in the Corps to this day. In 1996, Toys for Tots had spread across all fifty states in the US as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The foundation was awarded a four-star rating by the Charity Navigator in 2002 and was ranked #267 in the “Philanthropy 400." Over the course of its existence, Toys for Tots has delivered over 494 million toys to over 230 million less fortunate children.
As Toys for Tots has grown over the years, the foundation has been known to partner up with numerous celebrities and officials such as: Cathy Lee Crosby, The Lone Ranger, Billy Ray Cyrus, and John Wayne. They have also teamed up with some famous cartoon characters: Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, Road Runner, and Sylvester the Cat.
Sophomore, Piper Hopper, said, “I have participated with Toys for Tots at my church several different times and it’s really a great thing to do. It leaves me feeling happy that I get the chance to give to others.”
If you would like to get involved in this awesome Foundation, go to http://www.toysfortots.org/default.aspx to get more information and start donating!
Resource
"Toys for Tots." Toys for Tots. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2015.
Toys for Tots is a yearly program created by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve designed to collect toys during the months of October, November, and December. These toys are then given as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in different communities all over the country.
Toys for Tots' official online page states that the ultimate goal for the program is to "deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.” The program uses anyone willing to help to achieve this goal of spreading hope.
The Toys for Tots foundation also notes that it was named an official activity of the U.S. Marine Corps in 1995 and continues to thrive and be a major project in the Corps to this day. In 1996, Toys for Tots had spread across all fifty states in the US as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
The foundation was awarded a four-star rating by the Charity Navigator in 2002 and was ranked #267 in the “Philanthropy 400." Over the course of its existence, Toys for Tots has delivered over 494 million toys to over 230 million less fortunate children.
As Toys for Tots has grown over the years, the foundation has been known to partner up with numerous celebrities and officials such as: Cathy Lee Crosby, The Lone Ranger, Billy Ray Cyrus, and John Wayne. They have also teamed up with some famous cartoon characters: Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, Road Runner, and Sylvester the Cat.
Sophomore, Piper Hopper, said, “I have participated with Toys for Tots at my church several different times and it’s really a great thing to do. It leaves me feeling happy that I get the chance to give to others.”
If you would like to get involved in this awesome Foundation, go to http://www.toysfortots.org/default.aspx to get more information and start donating!
Resource
"Toys for Tots." Toys for Tots. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2015.
Thanksgiving from the beginning
By: Abby Hopper - November 24, 2015
When you hear thanksgiving what do you think about? Most people are going to say something like: eating so much turkey you could literally turn into one, or answering the same question about a million different times for the family you hardly ever see. Or maybe even getting your coupons ready for that big black Friday sale; but what really is Thanksgiving?
Freshman, Jessica Dutton said, “I think of my family and me together eating a meal which especially consists of Ham!”
Hunter McManus, a sophomore here at GFH, said, “Thanksgiving is a time to share and give to others.”
The article on Wikipedia, "Thanksgiving (United States)," says that Thanksgiving goes all the way back to 1621, when the pilgrims decided to celebrate their first harvest in the New World. This celebration lasted a whole three days! There were ninety Native Americans and fifty-three Pilgrims who participated in this celebration.
Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a federal holiday since the Civil War in 1863. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens", and this was to occur on the fourth Thursday in November.
Ahmed Saeed from CNN notes that, while originally Lincoln was not going to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday, Sarah Josepha Hale, a restless magazine editor, would not stop until the day had some recognition. Her other claim to fame is she originated the nursery rhyme, “Mary had a Little Lamb."
Have you ever wondered where people got TV dinners from? Well you have Thanksgiving to thank for that. Someone at Swanson in 1953, incorrectly counted the number of frozen turkeys it would sell on Thanksgiving by…26 tons! Different industries worked to together to come up with a plan to just slice the meat up and repackage it with some side items, which gave us the first TV dinner.
While most people do not think much of Thanksgiving, America has actually been greatly impacted throughout history by this celebration. It is and always will be a tradition held dearly to Americans everywhere.
When you hear thanksgiving what do you think about? Most people are going to say something like: eating so much turkey you could literally turn into one, or answering the same question about a million different times for the family you hardly ever see. Or maybe even getting your coupons ready for that big black Friday sale; but what really is Thanksgiving?
Freshman, Jessica Dutton said, “I think of my family and me together eating a meal which especially consists of Ham!”
Hunter McManus, a sophomore here at GFH, said, “Thanksgiving is a time to share and give to others.”
The article on Wikipedia, "Thanksgiving (United States)," says that Thanksgiving goes all the way back to 1621, when the pilgrims decided to celebrate their first harvest in the New World. This celebration lasted a whole three days! There were ninety Native Americans and fifty-three Pilgrims who participated in this celebration.
Thanksgiving has been celebrated as a federal holiday since the Civil War in 1863. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens", and this was to occur on the fourth Thursday in November.
Ahmed Saeed from CNN notes that, while originally Lincoln was not going to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday, Sarah Josepha Hale, a restless magazine editor, would not stop until the day had some recognition. Her other claim to fame is she originated the nursery rhyme, “Mary had a Little Lamb."
Have you ever wondered where people got TV dinners from? Well you have Thanksgiving to thank for that. Someone at Swanson in 1953, incorrectly counted the number of frozen turkeys it would sell on Thanksgiving by…26 tons! Different industries worked to together to come up with a plan to just slice the meat up and repackage it with some side items, which gave us the first TV dinner.
While most people do not think much of Thanksgiving, America has actually been greatly impacted throughout history by this celebration. It is and always will be a tradition held dearly to Americans everywhere.
Chicken sandwich controversy
By: Nauria Wilmore - November 17, 2015
Well students, the chicken sandwich hunt is over. Yup, Lewisville has stolen our favorite chicken sandwich. According to our modern day investigation system called "Snapchat." Snapchat revealed Lewisville students enjoying the chicken sandwiches that students at Great Falls High have been looking for. The sandwiches that Lewisville have come in little cute fancy packages sort of like Chick-Fil-A. Even the patty looks better meanwhile we have frozen patties and bootleg bread sandwiches. Is this favoritism, people? Come on, we're in the same district… Check out the video below to see how a few of GFH students feel about our chicken sandwiches and Lewisville's chicken sandwiches.
Well students, the chicken sandwich hunt is over. Yup, Lewisville has stolen our favorite chicken sandwich. According to our modern day investigation system called "Snapchat." Snapchat revealed Lewisville students enjoying the chicken sandwiches that students at Great Falls High have been looking for. The sandwiches that Lewisville have come in little cute fancy packages sort of like Chick-Fil-A. Even the patty looks better meanwhile we have frozen patties and bootleg bread sandwiches. Is this favoritism, people? Come on, we're in the same district… Check out the video below to see how a few of GFH students feel about our chicken sandwiches and Lewisville's chicken sandwiches.
Yesterday was for broccoli, but today is for ice cream
By: Nauria Wilmore - November 10, 2015
Hooray, students and teachers! Our school now has Ice Cream. Yes, we know it’s Fall, but it's never too late for a fantastic treat.
The cafeteria has a variety of choices that you may choose from, but it won't be here long guys, according to a cafeteria source. So come on people. It's only fifty cents.
Today I chose the awesome chocolate and vanilla ice cream sandwich. I think that the whole ice cream thing is great. We have something new at school other than vending machines and cafeteria chips.
When discussing the ice cream with junior, Mahagony Mcclurkin, she said, "I enjoyed the ice cream today at lunch because it tasted great and it was very fulfilling. My favorite kind was Strawberry Shortcake on the stick. I think we should have the ice cream forever because it gives us something to look forward to at lunch."
It is great seeing students enjoy something new here at Great Falls High. If you didn’t get yours today, be sure to get it tomorrow.
Hooray, students and teachers! Our school now has Ice Cream. Yes, we know it’s Fall, but it's never too late for a fantastic treat.
The cafeteria has a variety of choices that you may choose from, but it won't be here long guys, according to a cafeteria source. So come on people. It's only fifty cents.
Today I chose the awesome chocolate and vanilla ice cream sandwich. I think that the whole ice cream thing is great. We have something new at school other than vending machines and cafeteria chips.
When discussing the ice cream with junior, Mahagony Mcclurkin, she said, "I enjoyed the ice cream today at lunch because it tasted great and it was very fulfilling. My favorite kind was Strawberry Shortcake on the stick. I think we should have the ice cream forever because it gives us something to look forward to at lunch."
It is great seeing students enjoy something new here at Great Falls High. If you didn’t get yours today, be sure to get it tomorrow.
Once you go Empire, you won't go back
Review by: Nauria Wilmore - November 5, 2015
That’s right! Empire is back. This is the second season of Empire. The FOX show comes on every Wednesday at 9 PM.
I love this show, I watch it every week. It is an American drama television series where they fight for control over a company they call the Empire. Lee Daniels and Danny Strong created the show which also stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard.
This show has me hooked because of course they have cute boys. From Lucious (Terrence Howard) going to jail to Jamal (Jussie Smollett) controlling the Empire and the rest of the crew fighting for the soul of Empire Entertainment, it's so interesting! But I can't spill all of the beans, guys. You have to watch!
Speaking with Khari Talford, junior at Great Falls High School about Empire, she stated that her favorite actress on Empire is "Cookie." Taraji P Henson plays the role of Cookie and she is Talford's favorite actress because Cookie voices her opinions.
Talford also talked about last night's episode. "It was a good episode and it had a lot of action, and I think that Hakeem should have gone to the building with Luscious and Cookie," said Talford. "I think this season is going to have a lot more action and be a lot better."
Some people may think that Empire is "overrated," but I do not think that. The show gets better and better every week; it leaves you in suspense. So get with it folks and tune in next Wednesday!
My rating: 5 stars
That’s right! Empire is back. This is the second season of Empire. The FOX show comes on every Wednesday at 9 PM.
I love this show, I watch it every week. It is an American drama television series where they fight for control over a company they call the Empire. Lee Daniels and Danny Strong created the show which also stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard.
This show has me hooked because of course they have cute boys. From Lucious (Terrence Howard) going to jail to Jamal (Jussie Smollett) controlling the Empire and the rest of the crew fighting for the soul of Empire Entertainment, it's so interesting! But I can't spill all of the beans, guys. You have to watch!
Speaking with Khari Talford, junior at Great Falls High School about Empire, she stated that her favorite actress on Empire is "Cookie." Taraji P Henson plays the role of Cookie and she is Talford's favorite actress because Cookie voices her opinions.
Talford also talked about last night's episode. "It was a good episode and it had a lot of action, and I think that Hakeem should have gone to the building with Luscious and Cookie," said Talford. "I think this season is going to have a lot more action and be a lot better."
Some people may think that Empire is "overrated," but I do not think that. The show gets better and better every week; it leaves you in suspense. So get with it folks and tune in next Wednesday!
My rating: 5 stars
Stop Before You Drop
By: Nauria Wilmore - October 29, 2015
Will your head explode or will you puke everywhere? Too much Halloween candy can be dangerous. According to Kids Health "Most kids said they get at least 50 pieces of candy, with over 44% saying they get more than 100 pieces." I never ate too much Halloween candy but if I did I think I would turn into a candy monster and feel very sick. I decided to see how others felt, so I spoke with students at Great Falls High about what would happen if you eat too much candy on Halloween or what they thought would happen if you ate too much candy. Artez Blackmon, a sophomore, said that he thinks he would go into a sugar rush. Charizma Griffith, a sophomore, said you will get sick and throw all of the candy back up. Breanna Hunter, 9th grader, said that you will get very, very fat while Sumer Hinson, also a freshman, said you will get "candy diabetes." Through my interviews, I came across someone who actually did experience what it's like to eat too much Halloween candy! Brooke Kirkland, senior, shared her story with me. "I had the biggest stomach ache, it's like a lazy spell that I was under, I couldn’t move" said Kirkland. This year I wanted to go out and eat as much candy as possible, however hearing these horrifying stomach ache and monster visiting stories I will be sure to only eat a few pieces. So this year, be careful students! You don’t want the candy monster to visit.
"Kids Talk About: Halloween Candy." Kids Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.
"Kids Talk About: Halloween Candy." Kids Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2015.
What are you anxious to see this Halloween???
By: Tiambre Talford - October 29, 2015
When Halloween comes around there is candy, costumes, and haunted houses. But how could we forget about the movies? The legendary scary movies that seems as though they only come on for Halloween are back. Every year for Halloween, students can't wait to watch their favorite scary movie. So here is some input from some Great Falls High School students on what movies they are anxious to see this Halloween, and what is their favorite scary movie. Check it out!
Popular Halloween costumes
By: Nauria Wilmore - October 27, 2015
Yes! That’s right, Halloween is approaching once again. Do you have your costume yet? If not, that’s alright. Check out these amazing costumes from back in the day, and also the most popular costumes of 2015.
1930s-40s costumes provided by Vintage Everyday.
Yes! That’s right, Halloween is approaching once again. Do you have your costume yet? If not, that’s alright. Check out these amazing costumes from back in the day, and also the most popular costumes of 2015.
1930s-40s costumes provided by Vintage Everyday.
Erica Tempesta of Daily Mail online has what you need to know about the most popular decades' Halloween fashions (click on the images below to read more about them!):
Costumes have come a long l way from then. This year's top 5 costumes are
- Minions
- Bad Blood(Taylor Swift outfit)
- Star Wars
- Disney Decedents
- "Inside Out"
Resources
Tempesta, Erica. "Sexy Halloween through the Ages: How Costume Trends Have Evolved over the past 115 Years." Daiy Mail. Association Newspapers, 16 Oct. 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
"Creepy Halloween Costumes from Between 1930's - 1940's." Web log post. Vintage Everyday. Blogger, n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
Pictures provided by:
Tempesta, Erica. "Sexy Halloween through the Ages: How Costume Trends Have Evolved over the past 115 Years." Daiy Mail. Association Newspapers, 16 Oct. 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
"Creepy Halloween Costumes from Between 1930's - 1940's." Web blog post. Vintage Everyday. Blogger, n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
Tempesta, Erica. "Sexy Halloween through the Ages: How Costume Trends Have Evolved over the past 115 Years." Daiy Mail. Association Newspapers, 16 Oct. 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
"Creepy Halloween Costumes from Between 1930's - 1940's." Web log post. Vintage Everyday. Blogger, n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
Pictures provided by:
Tempesta, Erica. "Sexy Halloween through the Ages: How Costume Trends Have Evolved over the past 115 Years." Daiy Mail. Association Newspapers, 16 Oct. 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
"Creepy Halloween Costumes from Between 1930's - 1940's." Web blog post. Vintage Everyday. Blogger, n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2015.
Red Ribbon week? More important than we thought
By: Candace M. Baker
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Red Ribbon Week? Yes, it is to persuade other to pledge to a drug-free life, but something had to happen to get this week started. Someone had to sacrifice their life.
Kiki S. Camarena joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on June 28, 1974 and his life was never the same. He was assigned many cases before his final assignment in Mexico for four and a half years where he tracked the country’s biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers.
Camarena came very close to exposing the multi-billion dollar drug pipeline in 1985; however, he was kidnapped on February 7th of that year. His body was discovered on March 5th but it was believed that he was murdered two days before.
Kiki Camarena died at age thirty seven trying to stop drug trafficking which he did for eleven years. During those eleven years he received two Sustained Superior Performance Awards, a Special Achievement Award and, the Administrator’s Award of Honor, which is the highest award granted by DEA.
Shortly after his death congressman, Duncan Hunter, and a high school friend, Henry Lozano, started “Camarena Clubs” in Kiki’s hometown. The members wore red ribbons and pledged to live drug-free lives in honor of Kiki Camarena and his sacrifice.
No one thought the clubs would go so far when the members presented the “Camarena Club Proclamation” to Nancy Reagan, first lady. She brought the clubs to national attention and in 1988 made them official with her husband as co-chairman.
Today, more than eighty million people make their drug-free pledge and show it by wearing red ribbons!
Jimmy Duncan, Health teacher at Great Falls High, encourages his students to make the pledge to live drug-free not only during red-ribbon week, but all year. He does this through lessons, videos, projects, and personal stories.
Pierce Funderburk, Senior at Great Falls High, will be taking the pledge on Wednesday and he encourages his friends to do the same.
Be drug free Great Falls High! Make the pledge in Pride Time on Wednesday to be drug-free and honor Kiki!
Source: "Why We Celebrate Red Ribbon Week". Kiki and the History of Red Ribbon Week. N.p., N.d., PDF File.
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Red Ribbon Week? Yes, it is to persuade other to pledge to a drug-free life, but something had to happen to get this week started. Someone had to sacrifice their life.
Kiki S. Camarena joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on June 28, 1974 and his life was never the same. He was assigned many cases before his final assignment in Mexico for four and a half years where he tracked the country’s biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers.
Camarena came very close to exposing the multi-billion dollar drug pipeline in 1985; however, he was kidnapped on February 7th of that year. His body was discovered on March 5th but it was believed that he was murdered two days before.
Kiki Camarena died at age thirty seven trying to stop drug trafficking which he did for eleven years. During those eleven years he received two Sustained Superior Performance Awards, a Special Achievement Award and, the Administrator’s Award of Honor, which is the highest award granted by DEA.
Shortly after his death congressman, Duncan Hunter, and a high school friend, Henry Lozano, started “Camarena Clubs” in Kiki’s hometown. The members wore red ribbons and pledged to live drug-free lives in honor of Kiki Camarena and his sacrifice.
No one thought the clubs would go so far when the members presented the “Camarena Club Proclamation” to Nancy Reagan, first lady. She brought the clubs to national attention and in 1988 made them official with her husband as co-chairman.
Today, more than eighty million people make their drug-free pledge and show it by wearing red ribbons!
Jimmy Duncan, Health teacher at Great Falls High, encourages his students to make the pledge to live drug-free not only during red-ribbon week, but all year. He does this through lessons, videos, projects, and personal stories.
Pierce Funderburk, Senior at Great Falls High, will be taking the pledge on Wednesday and he encourages his friends to do the same.
Be drug free Great Falls High! Make the pledge in Pride Time on Wednesday to be drug-free and honor Kiki!
Source: "Why We Celebrate Red Ribbon Week". Kiki and the History of Red Ribbon Week. N.p., N.d., PDF File.
Corn Mazes vs. Haunted Houses
By: Tiambre Talford - October 27, 2015
Halloween is finally here! All the kids are excited to put on their costumes and go trick or treating. But for the teenagers and adults there are corn mazes and haunted houses. Even though corn mazes aren't that popular in this area, they can still be lots of fun. Corn mazes are giant puzzles that you walk through. For Halloween they usually have people jumping out trying to scare you. A haunted house is a house or building often perceived as being inhabited by disembodied spirits.
Students at Great Falls High have heavy opinions about what they prefer to do in the fall.
Tierra Lynn, a senior, said, "Haunted houses because in corn mazes it is very easy to get lost and in a haunted house there is one way in and one way out."
Lynn also noted, "Haunted houses have doors, steps, chairs and other things that make the experience seem real. But a corn maze is confusing and you're just in a corn field."
Both corn mazes and haunted houses could be fun to do for a good scream.
So get out and have some fun at a corn maze or haunted house!
Students at Great Falls High have heavy opinions about what they prefer to do in the fall.
Tierra Lynn, a senior, said, "Haunted houses because in corn mazes it is very easy to get lost and in a haunted house there is one way in and one way out."
Lynn also noted, "Haunted houses have doors, steps, chairs and other things that make the experience seem real. But a corn maze is confusing and you're just in a corn field."
Both corn mazes and haunted houses could be fun to do for a good scream.
So get out and have some fun at a corn maze or haunted house!
The Originality of Ghost Stories
By Tiambre Talford - October 22, 2015
Every year around Halloween time the talk of urban legends and ghost stories comes about. But do you know where these stories actually came from?
According to History online, "Since ancient times, ghost stories and tales of spirits who return from the dead to haunt the places they left behind have figured prominently in the folklore of many cultures around the world."
For example, the notorious mobster Al Capone, who was in a Philadelphia penitentiary has reportedly appeared to disrespectful visitors at his funeral plot in an Illinois cemetery. Spectral banjo music has also been heard coming from inside Capone's old cell at Alcatraz, where he was one of the first inmates.
Most of these scary stories involve historical figures like kings, queens, politicians, writers, and even gangsters. Many of them died mysteriously or violently.
Most places that are said to be haunted are usually associated with something emotional from the ghost's past. The place is often the former home or the place where he or she died. Urban legends change throughout the years because they have been talked down through so many generations that people tend to change the way it was originally told.
As you tell your spooky stories to your friends and family make sure your telling it the way it was originally told. The scarier the better!
According to History online, "Since ancient times, ghost stories and tales of spirits who return from the dead to haunt the places they left behind have figured prominently in the folklore of many cultures around the world."
For example, the notorious mobster Al Capone, who was in a Philadelphia penitentiary has reportedly appeared to disrespectful visitors at his funeral plot in an Illinois cemetery. Spectral banjo music has also been heard coming from inside Capone's old cell at Alcatraz, where he was one of the first inmates.
Most of these scary stories involve historical figures like kings, queens, politicians, writers, and even gangsters. Many of them died mysteriously or violently.
Most places that are said to be haunted are usually associated with something emotional from the ghost's past. The place is often the former home or the place where he or she died. Urban legends change throughout the years because they have been talked down through so many generations that people tend to change the way it was originally told.
As you tell your spooky stories to your friends and family make sure your telling it the way it was originally told. The scarier the better!
It's Boo Time
By: Tiambre Talford - October 21, 2015
The holiday most known for costumes and candy is here. Yes, its Halloween time. But, where do you think it all started?
Halloween is on October 31st which is the last day of the Celtic calendar. Halloween culture can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain, and Northern Europe. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead.
Today, most kids don’t know what the actual meaning is of Halloween. They only know that they get to put on scary costumes and go get candy. According to the article "History of Halloween," it is a time of celebration and superstition. The article also states that Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts.
Halloween has become a holiday that kids and even adults worldwide have begun to enjoy. The scary holiday is also the second best holiday after Christmas.
So get ready to put on your scary costumes because it's about to get spooky.
Halloween is on October 31st which is the last day of the Celtic calendar. Halloween culture can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland, Britain, and Northern Europe. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead.
Today, most kids don’t know what the actual meaning is of Halloween. They only know that they get to put on scary costumes and go get candy. According to the article "History of Halloween," it is a time of celebration and superstition. The article also states that Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts.
Halloween has become a holiday that kids and even adults worldwide have begun to enjoy. The scary holiday is also the second best holiday after Christmas.
So get ready to put on your scary costumes because it's about to get spooky.
"History of Halloween." History. N.p., 2003. Web. 21 Oct. 2015.
Breast cancer is among us!
Charlotte Bronte made breathing easier by…creating Eyre
By: Abby Hopper - October 14, 2015
On Friday October 9, 2015, Mrs. Mitzie Renwick’s third block English IV Honors students went to see Polly Teale’s adaptation of Jane Eyre at Winthrop University, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The group left around 8:15 AM, arriving forty-five or so minutes later at Winthrop's Johnson Theatre. The show started at 10 AM and our Great Falls students were one of three schools that attended the play.
“The play was very interesting. It gave a good physical representation of the characters and their feelings. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Jane Eyre. I also believe that it was very accurate to the book's plot. Although some things were shown in lighter detail, I still believe it was very accurate,” junior, Aaron Blackmon, said after seeing the play.
The play was about two hours and fifteen minutes long, with a very short intermission. It was acted out by Winthrop’s drama students, so there were several repeat actors - actors that played multiple roles. All in all the play was very entertaining. The play went well with the book while having its own unique aspects about Jane Eyre herself.
For the English IV students it was defiantly something to see especially after reading the book in class. With some confusion at first regarding the girl following Jane, which the audience later finds out is Bertha Mason, most students really enjoyed the play and were really happy they got the experience it.
Many enjoyed watching the humorous actor play the dog character, Pilot. Clayce Reid, viewer of the play, said, “Jane Eyre was an outstanding play; it was well put together with many great actors. Polly Teale brought out more in Jane and some of the main characters than even the book did. I definitely would recommend this play to anyone who is reading Jane Eyre or likes to be involved in understanding different people's emotions.”
The play was very insightful on how every person has their own perspective of things. Polly Teale’s portrayal may not be the same as your way of seeing Jane Eyre or not the same as how others see Jane Eyre, but it showed Teale’s interest and way of thinking and that was the whole point of Teale portrayal.
After getting to skip a day of school, getting to watch an informative and entertaining play, and enjoying a great meal at CiCi’s Pizza, the bus finally arrived back at school around 2:45 PM. Students filed out of the bus dreadfully returning to their fourth block classes, but still keeping their spirits of the great day they had getting to attend Winthrop for a day and seeing this unique version of Jane Eyre.
“The play was very interesting. It gave a good physical representation of the characters and their feelings. I would highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Jane Eyre. I also believe that it was very accurate to the book's plot. Although some things were shown in lighter detail, I still believe it was very accurate,” junior, Aaron Blackmon, said after seeing the play.
The play was about two hours and fifteen minutes long, with a very short intermission. It was acted out by Winthrop’s drama students, so there were several repeat actors - actors that played multiple roles. All in all the play was very entertaining. The play went well with the book while having its own unique aspects about Jane Eyre herself.
For the English IV students it was defiantly something to see especially after reading the book in class. With some confusion at first regarding the girl following Jane, which the audience later finds out is Bertha Mason, most students really enjoyed the play and were really happy they got the experience it.
Many enjoyed watching the humorous actor play the dog character, Pilot. Clayce Reid, viewer of the play, said, “Jane Eyre was an outstanding play; it was well put together with many great actors. Polly Teale brought out more in Jane and some of the main characters than even the book did. I definitely would recommend this play to anyone who is reading Jane Eyre or likes to be involved in understanding different people's emotions.”
The play was very insightful on how every person has their own perspective of things. Polly Teale’s portrayal may not be the same as your way of seeing Jane Eyre or not the same as how others see Jane Eyre, but it showed Teale’s interest and way of thinking and that was the whole point of Teale portrayal.
After getting to skip a day of school, getting to watch an informative and entertaining play, and enjoying a great meal at CiCi’s Pizza, the bus finally arrived back at school around 2:45 PM. Students filed out of the bus dreadfully returning to their fourth block classes, but still keeping their spirits of the great day they had getting to attend Winthrop for a day and seeing this unique version of Jane Eyre.
Checking in to never check out
By: Abby Hopper - October 8, 2015
Last night at 10 PM, season five of American Horror Story premiered. After living in a haunted house, escaping an asylum, spending some time with witches, and playing in the circus, American Horror Story will focus on the many horrors that take place in Hotel Cortez, Los Angeles, California. This season is expected to be much darker than previous seasons and the audience will see the return of other characters from past seasons. With two new main cast members, Lady Gaga and Matt Bomer, viewers are definitely in for some suspense.
If you're into the guts and gore, American Horror Story is definitely the show for you. Watching the show last night I was surprisingly very happy with how the first episode of AHS went. With the familiar faces and the new plot I can already tell where I’ll be every Wednesday night, crowding the TV anxiously waiting to see what creepy scene will pop up next. Haileigh Skinner, an AHS viewer says, “I loved it! It had just the right amount of scary in it to leave you wide-eyed but not terrified.”
Lady Gaga and Matt Bomer play the two head villains, which are the perfect fit for this pair. Other cast members really get into their characters as well. The audience was also introduced to the detective who will lead the case of the mysteries happening within Hotel Cortez. After seeing several flashbacks during the show viewers are really given a lot of background on what, how, and why the events are happening.
I give American Horror Story an A on the account that it not only is an entertaining show, but also because of how much the viewer truly gets into each season and character. I am definitely ready for next week! Are you?
If you're into the guts and gore, American Horror Story is definitely the show for you. Watching the show last night I was surprisingly very happy with how the first episode of AHS went. With the familiar faces and the new plot I can already tell where I’ll be every Wednesday night, crowding the TV anxiously waiting to see what creepy scene will pop up next. Haileigh Skinner, an AHS viewer says, “I loved it! It had just the right amount of scary in it to leave you wide-eyed but not terrified.”
Lady Gaga and Matt Bomer play the two head villains, which are the perfect fit for this pair. Other cast members really get into their characters as well. The audience was also introduced to the detective who will lead the case of the mysteries happening within Hotel Cortez. After seeing several flashbacks during the show viewers are really given a lot of background on what, how, and why the events are happening.
I give American Horror Story an A on the account that it not only is an entertaining show, but also because of how much the viewer truly gets into each season and character. I am definitely ready for next week! Are you?
When hit by the Joaquin...
By: Abby Hopper - October 6, 2015
As we all know, South Carolina has recently been greatly impacted by hurricane Joaquin. Over 200 counties have been affected and Sunday night there were approximately five fatalities.
Governor, Nikki Haley, is quoted through CNN saying, “We are at a 1000-year level rain, that’s how big this is.” The weather service issued a public service announcement letting people know to not drive through rushing waters no matter how shallow the water seems to be. Citizens were also advised to stay home and off the roads.
According to The Guardian, because some did not listen to the warnings, there was a twenty vehicle collision within twelve hours on Sunday. There was also around 750 motorcyclists who called for assistance within that time period. In Columbia on Saturday, most business workers spent their day sand bagging their businesses and duck taping their windows.
Though Hurricane Joaquin didn’t actually hit South Carolina directly, he came very close. South Carolina has had approximately twenty inches of rain fall. Over nineteen different schools closed due to weather and road issues. “I have lived here for over 45 years and have never seen it like this,” Mickey Williams of Sullivan’s Island, told Christian Today online.
South Carolina has been extremely lucky, as well as the Atlantic Sea Board, with Hurricane Joaquin not hitting her directly and continuing his path. We hope everyone has been and stays safe and that we can all come together to help with the rebuilding of our state.
To help out those in need, Chester County high schools have challenged one another to a Bottled Water challenge, a competition to donate the most bottled water to be sent to those in Columbia who need it most. Please donate today through Friday!
Governor, Nikki Haley, is quoted through CNN saying, “We are at a 1000-year level rain, that’s how big this is.” The weather service issued a public service announcement letting people know to not drive through rushing waters no matter how shallow the water seems to be. Citizens were also advised to stay home and off the roads.
According to The Guardian, because some did not listen to the warnings, there was a twenty vehicle collision within twelve hours on Sunday. There was also around 750 motorcyclists who called for assistance within that time period. In Columbia on Saturday, most business workers spent their day sand bagging their businesses and duck taping their windows.
Though Hurricane Joaquin didn’t actually hit South Carolina directly, he came very close. South Carolina has had approximately twenty inches of rain fall. Over nineteen different schools closed due to weather and road issues. “I have lived here for over 45 years and have never seen it like this,” Mickey Williams of Sullivan’s Island, told Christian Today online.
South Carolina has been extremely lucky, as well as the Atlantic Sea Board, with Hurricane Joaquin not hitting her directly and continuing his path. We hope everyone has been and stays safe and that we can all come together to help with the rebuilding of our state.
To help out those in need, Chester County high schools have challenged one another to a Bottled Water challenge, a competition to donate the most bottled water to be sent to those in Columbia who need it most. Please donate today through Friday!
"Obama Declares State of Emergency in South Carolina over Floods." The Guardian. Guardian News, 3 Oct. 2015. Web. 6 Oct. 2015.
Hicap, Jonah. "Hurricane Joaquin's Fury: South Carolina Rains Worst in a Thousand Years-governor." Christian Today. Christian Media Corporation, 6 Oct. 2015. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
Conlon, Kevin, and Nick Valencia. "In South Carolina, It's a Historic Flood." CNN. Cable News Network, 4 Oct. 2015. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
Hicap, Jonah. "Hurricane Joaquin's Fury: South Carolina Rains Worst in a Thousand Years-governor." Christian Today. Christian Media Corporation, 6 Oct. 2015. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
Conlon, Kevin, and Nick Valencia. "In South Carolina, It's a Historic Flood." CNN. Cable News Network, 4 Oct. 2015. Web. 06 Oct. 2015.
Scream Queens
By: Abby Hopper - October 1, 2015
September 22, 2015 launched the series premiere of the new Fox television show, Scream Queens. Created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, Scream Queens is a horror comedy centered around the numerous murders on the Wallace University campus.
"The gloriously hilarious hyper-reality that MTV's 'Scream' should have been," Merrill Barr, a Forbes.com contributor says about the new Fox hit.
The show stars Emma Roberts, Skyler Samuels, Lea Michele, Abigail Breslin, Keke Palmer, Nasim Pedrad, Glen Powell, Diego Boneta, Lucien Laviscount, Oliver Hudson, Billie Lourd, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The show also features Nick Jonas and Arianna Grande until they meet their gruesome death in the second episode.
Emma Roberts who plays Chanel Oberlin is the President of the sorority, Kappa Kappa Tau, which is the main target of the murderer. The find out later in the show has something to do with the discovery of an event that took place twenty years ago in that house.
After watching this show I have come to the realization that this will not be a show that I continue to watch. While the show made me laugh quite a few times, it was just not what I expected from the same producers of Glee and American Horror Story. I think the show is annoyingly hysterical and will not make it further than one season.
I give the show 3 out of 5 stars.
If you'd like to check out the show yourself, follow along with the new Kappa Kappa Tau pledges and with freshman Grace Gardner (Skylar Samuels) and love interest, Pete Martínez (Diego Boneta) as they come together to try and solve these mysterious murders.
"The gloriously hilarious hyper-reality that MTV's 'Scream' should have been," Merrill Barr, a Forbes.com contributor says about the new Fox hit.
The show stars Emma Roberts, Skyler Samuels, Lea Michele, Abigail Breslin, Keke Palmer, Nasim Pedrad, Glen Powell, Diego Boneta, Lucien Laviscount, Oliver Hudson, Billie Lourd, and Jamie Lee Curtis. The show also features Nick Jonas and Arianna Grande until they meet their gruesome death in the second episode.
Emma Roberts who plays Chanel Oberlin is the President of the sorority, Kappa Kappa Tau, which is the main target of the murderer. The find out later in the show has something to do with the discovery of an event that took place twenty years ago in that house.
After watching this show I have come to the realization that this will not be a show that I continue to watch. While the show made me laugh quite a few times, it was just not what I expected from the same producers of Glee and American Horror Story. I think the show is annoyingly hysterical and will not make it further than one season.
I give the show 3 out of 5 stars.
If you'd like to check out the show yourself, follow along with the new Kappa Kappa Tau pledges and with freshman Grace Gardner (Skylar Samuels) and love interest, Pete Martínez (Diego Boneta) as they come together to try and solve these mysterious murders.
Fall Fashion: 2015
By: Abby Hopper - September 29, 2015
Fashion is defined as a popular trend, especially in styles of dress and ornament or manners of behavior. Throw Fall in there and you may just be on to something. Fall is one of the most highly requested seasons for fashion and one of the easiest to follow along with.
Some of the 2015 top Fall trends are:
Junior, Emilee Smarr, was asked, what her favorite fall fashion trend is and what is the one fall fashion item in her closet she can't live without, she answered, "My favorite fall fashion trend is all of the dark colors. My one clothing item I cannot live without in the Fall are my brown Frye riding boots… or my leggings… or my Uggs."
“I cannot live without my super long socks or my dark lipstick during the fall,” said Kerrigan Mullis when asked about her personal Fall fashion. Fall has just begun so there is defiantly still time to go out and get all the necessities for this season! Be that fashion statement GFH show us your own unique Fall Fashion!
Some of the 2015 top Fall trends are:
- Car Wash-Skirts
- Puffer Coats (Bold Colors and Cuts)
- Faux-Fur Stoles
- Flares
- Neon Color Prints
- 70's inspired outfits
- Statement Earrings
- Shearling Coats
- Brown
- Chunky Knits
- Head-To-Toe Black
- Long Line Blazers
- Winter Floras
- Winter Creams
- Turtle Necks
Junior, Emilee Smarr, was asked, what her favorite fall fashion trend is and what is the one fall fashion item in her closet she can't live without, she answered, "My favorite fall fashion trend is all of the dark colors. My one clothing item I cannot live without in the Fall are my brown Frye riding boots… or my leggings… or my Uggs."
“I cannot live without my super long socks or my dark lipstick during the fall,” said Kerrigan Mullis when asked about her personal Fall fashion. Fall has just begun so there is defiantly still time to go out and get all the necessities for this season! Be that fashion statement GFH show us your own unique Fall Fashion!
A year in space
By: Abigail Hopper - September 17, 2015
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to space? For Scott Kelly this question has and still is being answered. Scott Kelly, U.S. astronaut, was given the chance to go to space and stay for a year.
This past March, Kelly and his fellow astronaut Mikhail Kornienko, launched from the International Space Station, into space, orbiting 230 miles above Earth, and are planning to remain there for a full year. Kelly will be the first American to stay in space for this amount of time, orbiting the earth.
You would think that would be the ultimate experience in life, and it probably is but it’s not always fun for the astronauts. Going from a planet with gravity to zero gravity is difficult and straining on the body. These astronauts have had to, and are still dealing with: backaches, bone loss, lousy sleep, loss of balance, headaches, muscle atrophy, nausea, radiation exposure, and rashes. Kelly tells the Air and Space Smithsonian, "You feel bad for a month, and I’ve never felt completely normal."
NASA’s says, "Right now, two humans are pushing the limits of our knowledge on how to survive in space." NASA is also planning a trip to mars in the hopefully not so far away future. A trip to mars would be approximately a three year long journey so by the end of this year long journey NASA hopes to have enough information to determine what people could handle.
We wish nothing but the absolute best to Kelly and his fellow astronauts as they continue their journey of a life time. If you would like more information or to follow along with Scott Kelly and the others on this mission you can go to the following link http://time.com/space-nasa-scott-kelly-mission/.
Resources:
Gugliotta, Guy. "Scott Kelly's Year in Space." Air and Space Smithsonian. Air and Space Smithsonian, Mar. 2015. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
"Halfway There." NASA. NASA, 14 Sept. 2015. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
This past March, Kelly and his fellow astronaut Mikhail Kornienko, launched from the International Space Station, into space, orbiting 230 miles above Earth, and are planning to remain there for a full year. Kelly will be the first American to stay in space for this amount of time, orbiting the earth.
You would think that would be the ultimate experience in life, and it probably is but it’s not always fun for the astronauts. Going from a planet with gravity to zero gravity is difficult and straining on the body. These astronauts have had to, and are still dealing with: backaches, bone loss, lousy sleep, loss of balance, headaches, muscle atrophy, nausea, radiation exposure, and rashes. Kelly tells the Air and Space Smithsonian, "You feel bad for a month, and I’ve never felt completely normal."
NASA’s says, "Right now, two humans are pushing the limits of our knowledge on how to survive in space." NASA is also planning a trip to mars in the hopefully not so far away future. A trip to mars would be approximately a three year long journey so by the end of this year long journey NASA hopes to have enough information to determine what people could handle.
We wish nothing but the absolute best to Kelly and his fellow astronauts as they continue their journey of a life time. If you would like more information or to follow along with Scott Kelly and the others on this mission you can go to the following link http://time.com/space-nasa-scott-kelly-mission/.
Resources:
Gugliotta, Guy. "Scott Kelly's Year in Space." Air and Space Smithsonian. Air and Space Smithsonian, Mar. 2015. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
"Halfway There." NASA. NASA, 14 Sept. 2015. Web. 17 Sept. 2015.
Switch a click: say hey to someone new!
Say yes to field trips
By: Nauria Wilmore - September 15, 2015
Do you ever wonder
why we don’t go on field trips? Well, me too! I think as students at Great
Falls High School, we should be able to go places and get involved in more
things outside of school. Field trips will give students the opportunity to
explore people, places, and things. Katerra Talford, junior at Great Falls High
School thinks that we should go on more field trips because it will expand our
knowledge and learning abilities.
Mrs. Mitzie Renwick's English IV honors class will be going to see a theatrical adaptation of Jane Eyre on October 9th. The class will be in the middle of reading the novel by Charlotte Bronte when they go see the play.
The Beta Club is also going to the Great Wolf Lodge for a Leadership Summit Oct. 12-13. Why can't we have more options like this?
Having more field trips will also give us something to look forward to and work hard to get done. Another reason we should go on field trips is because spending approximately seven hours in a classroom or school atmosphere can get very tiring.
Field trips can be very beneficial to students and teachers as well. Going places and learning new things can interest us and teach us new things in a more complex way. Most people think that field trips may take away from teaching time, but it will not! We can plan for trips and even raise money. So Great Falls High….So what do you say Great Falls?
Mrs. Mitzie Renwick's English IV honors class will be going to see a theatrical adaptation of Jane Eyre on October 9th. The class will be in the middle of reading the novel by Charlotte Bronte when they go see the play.
The Beta Club is also going to the Great Wolf Lodge for a Leadership Summit Oct. 12-13. Why can't we have more options like this?
Having more field trips will also give us something to look forward to and work hard to get done. Another reason we should go on field trips is because spending approximately seven hours in a classroom or school atmosphere can get very tiring.
Field trips can be very beneficial to students and teachers as well. Going places and learning new things can interest us and teach us new things in a more complex way. Most people think that field trips may take away from teaching time, but it will not! We can plan for trips and even raise money. So Great Falls High….So what do you say Great Falls?
Social Media dos and don'ts
By: Candace M. Baker- September 10, 2015
I'm sure if you're reading this, you use social media. Just think for a moment about some of the things you like to see and some things that bother you on social media, surely those things will be covered in this article.
Social media comes in the form of websites or applications and users create accounts to share content with other users. The most popular social media apps are Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and the legendary Facebook. In order to use these apps correctly you will need to know some dos and don’ts. Let’s start with Instagram:
DO
• Post at least every 1-2 weeks
• Use filters
• Use short and catchy captions
• Tag the people in your photos
• Be active by liking other peoples posts
DO NOT
• Post constantly - If there is 3+ pictures, make a collage.
• Post long captions
• Post pictures of the same thing
• Post drama and gossip
• “Blow up” other people’s account
Those are just a few basics, but the rules can be stretched. Twitter isn’t that complicated, almost everything is acceptable but:
• Direct messaging people your mixtape
• Following to unfollow
Snapchat on the other hand can be used in so many wrong ways. Here are some guidelines:
DO
• Post daily or at least a few times a week
• Post funny pictures and videos
• Post groupies
• Post a minimum amount of selfies
• Adjust the time limit based on the picture
DON’T
• Post 100+ second stories
• Constantly post selfies
• Post irrelevant things
• Send people your story
It is easy to be an annoying Snapchat user if you don’t use it correctly. And now, the ancient Facebook, that is actually still used a lot.
DO:
• Use to get out information
• Use to communicate with a group of people
• Use to entertain or be entertained
DO NOT:
• Constantly post statuses
• Post a ton of pictures unless they’re all at once
• Post drama or gossip
We have to be careful using social media applications; nobody wants to be the annoying person that gets blocked because they live on the “DO NOT” list.
When asked about her social media preference Lathen’Ya Frederick, senior at Great Falls High, said that she prefers Facebook because it helps her catch up on things.
Chandler Wertz, sophomore at Great Falls High, said that he uses Facebook the most because his mother won’t let him have any other accounts. When asked about what he doesn’t like to see on Facebook he said “people’s lives, I really don’t care.”
Social media comes in the form of websites or applications and users create accounts to share content with other users. The most popular social media apps are Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and the legendary Facebook. In order to use these apps correctly you will need to know some dos and don’ts. Let’s start with Instagram:
DO
• Post at least every 1-2 weeks
• Use filters
• Use short and catchy captions
• Tag the people in your photos
• Be active by liking other peoples posts
DO NOT
• Post constantly - If there is 3+ pictures, make a collage.
• Post long captions
• Post pictures of the same thing
• Post drama and gossip
• “Blow up” other people’s account
Those are just a few basics, but the rules can be stretched. Twitter isn’t that complicated, almost everything is acceptable but:
• Direct messaging people your mixtape
• Following to unfollow
Snapchat on the other hand can be used in so many wrong ways. Here are some guidelines:
DO
• Post daily or at least a few times a week
• Post funny pictures and videos
• Post groupies
• Post a minimum amount of selfies
• Adjust the time limit based on the picture
DON’T
• Post 100+ second stories
• Constantly post selfies
• Post irrelevant things
• Send people your story
It is easy to be an annoying Snapchat user if you don’t use it correctly. And now, the ancient Facebook, that is actually still used a lot.
DO:
• Use to get out information
• Use to communicate with a group of people
• Use to entertain or be entertained
DO NOT:
• Constantly post statuses
• Post a ton of pictures unless they’re all at once
• Post drama or gossip
We have to be careful using social media applications; nobody wants to be the annoying person that gets blocked because they live on the “DO NOT” list.
When asked about her social media preference Lathen’Ya Frederick, senior at Great Falls High, said that she prefers Facebook because it helps her catch up on things.
Chandler Wertz, sophomore at Great Falls High, said that he uses Facebook the most because his mother won’t let him have any other accounts. When asked about what he doesn’t like to see on Facebook he said “people’s lives, I really don’t care.”
Get it together: How to stay organized
By: Candace Baker- September 8, 2015
I grabbed the wrong notebook. Can I borrow a pencil? I forgot to charge my laptop. We had homework? These are common things that come out of the mouth of an unorganized student. You will never have to say these things again if you just get organized. It’s easy!
First things first, get a day planner and make it your best friend. Anytime you’re given an assignment, write it down; if you’re running low on paper or pencils, write it down.
Also you will need to have a different binder or notebook for every class. Note: Do NOT try to keep all of your things in one notebook.
And you want to always have extra pens and pencils in case you or a friend runs out. It is also handy to have highlighters and sticky notes to emphasize what’s most important.
Of course you have to have somewhere to keep all of these things. Try your locker, which needs to be organized as well. Get a shelf for your locker and keep your notebooks with the textbooks they go with, so that you will never grab the wrong one. It is also convenient to have a whiteboard on the inside door of your locker so you can write down reminders to yourself. Hang your bags and jackets on the hooks in your locker. If you know that you’re a messy person, it may help to hang a grocery bag on a hook for your trash.
The organization can’t stop at school, have a designated place at home where you can do your school work. Keep all of your school supplies together at home, so that you won’t forget them in the morning.
Laderrica Jordan, junior at Great Falls High School, says that the best way to stay organized in school is by keeping a separate binder for every class. When asked about organization, Colonel Corral, senior JROTC instructor, said that he keeps a "to-do list," cleans the clutter off of his desk every day, checks his work e-mail, and prioritizes his day from most to least important.
First things first, get a day planner and make it your best friend. Anytime you’re given an assignment, write it down; if you’re running low on paper or pencils, write it down.
Also you will need to have a different binder or notebook for every class. Note: Do NOT try to keep all of your things in one notebook.
And you want to always have extra pens and pencils in case you or a friend runs out. It is also handy to have highlighters and sticky notes to emphasize what’s most important.
Of course you have to have somewhere to keep all of these things. Try your locker, which needs to be organized as well. Get a shelf for your locker and keep your notebooks with the textbooks they go with, so that you will never grab the wrong one. It is also convenient to have a whiteboard on the inside door of your locker so you can write down reminders to yourself. Hang your bags and jackets on the hooks in your locker. If you know that you’re a messy person, it may help to hang a grocery bag on a hook for your trash.
The organization can’t stop at school, have a designated place at home where you can do your school work. Keep all of your school supplies together at home, so that you won’t forget them in the morning.
Laderrica Jordan, junior at Great Falls High School, says that the best way to stay organized in school is by keeping a separate binder for every class. When asked about organization, Colonel Corral, senior JROTC instructor, said that he keeps a "to-do list," cleans the clutter off of his desk every day, checks his work e-mail, and prioritizes his day from most to least important.
What's in your locker?
Never negatives always positives
By: Abby Hopper - September 3, 2015
When you think of high school what do you think of? Friday night football games, being able to make and share memories with your friends that’ll last a lifetime? All the good things right? Well what about all the hard work and dedication you have to put into it as well? Those nights you have to skip out on hanging with your friends because you have to cram for that Pre-Cal test you have the next day or having to do all that homework the teachers assign because you just know their out to get you. We all have this idea in our heads about the negatives of high school yet are there really any negatives at all?
There are things we don’t want to do in high school of course; that’s life. But with all the “negatives” that come with high school there’s always that end result which is positive. Yes, you stay up doing all that homework. But the next day in class when you get that 100 because you put the time and effort into doing it, how will you feel? That feeling right there is a reward in its self. It’s that mindset you now have for whatever you have to do next. Or when you get back that test you studied non-stop for and it’s an A and you get to not only show that to your parents so their proud of you, but you also know that you’re bettering your future in the long run.
Freshman Aubrey Rowles tell us, "My biggest struggle with high school right now is keeping my grades up. But I plan to change that by making up work when I can and studying harder." When you put in all the hard work and do all the time consuming tasks, you are granted all these rewards we really don’t even think about.
"Pay attention in class and do your work so you won't have to make up for it senior year" said Morgan Lubojacky, senior here at GFH, as a tip to the freshmen. We all have that one goal, to finish high school. What do we do when we get closer to that goal? We apply for colleges. We start making plans for our future. Colleges are going to see those grades you work SO hard for or see you play whichever sport you’re active in and think “Wow! Now that’s a smart kid” or “Man, that kid can play that sport.” So don’t think about the “negatives” in high school think about all those small victories. Think about what all you can accomplish when you do the right things and prepare yourself.
There are things we don’t want to do in high school of course; that’s life. But with all the “negatives” that come with high school there’s always that end result which is positive. Yes, you stay up doing all that homework. But the next day in class when you get that 100 because you put the time and effort into doing it, how will you feel? That feeling right there is a reward in its self. It’s that mindset you now have for whatever you have to do next. Or when you get back that test you studied non-stop for and it’s an A and you get to not only show that to your parents so their proud of you, but you also know that you’re bettering your future in the long run.
Freshman Aubrey Rowles tell us, "My biggest struggle with high school right now is keeping my grades up. But I plan to change that by making up work when I can and studying harder." When you put in all the hard work and do all the time consuming tasks, you are granted all these rewards we really don’t even think about.
"Pay attention in class and do your work so you won't have to make up for it senior year" said Morgan Lubojacky, senior here at GFH, as a tip to the freshmen. We all have that one goal, to finish high school. What do we do when we get closer to that goal? We apply for colleges. We start making plans for our future. Colleges are going to see those grades you work SO hard for or see you play whichever sport you’re active in and think “Wow! Now that’s a smart kid” or “Man, that kid can play that sport.” So don’t think about the “negatives” in high school think about all those small victories. Think about what all you can accomplish when you do the right things and prepare yourself.
Special: Opinion/Humor
You're not you until you eat from the candy machines at GFH
By: Nauria Wilmore - September 2, 2015
At the beginning of the year we thought the candy had disappeared. On August 27, 2015 the candy reappeared! Students
from Great Falls High rushed down the halls with mouths watering to the snack
machines. I am so excited for this candy to be back because we were all
heartbroken to see the candy leave!
But now that it’s back, here’s the real question, is this candy temporary? According to an administrative source last year we were not able to sell candy due to fatty ingredients and lots of calories. Either way, I think the candy should stay because who doesn’t love candy? It like that amazing feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you see those machines.
But on a more serious note, it boosts your morale and kills your hunger. Eating that snickers bar after a long day of studies will make you feel warm inside. It can calm all of your nerves and make you really relaxed. In addition, the candy is a great incentive in our school because if we continue to have candy in the snack machines, it will give the students something to look forward too and be excited about when getting to school and when lunch comes around. So get yours today!
But now that it’s back, here’s the real question, is this candy temporary? According to an administrative source last year we were not able to sell candy due to fatty ingredients and lots of calories. Either way, I think the candy should stay because who doesn’t love candy? It like that amazing feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you see those machines.
But on a more serious note, it boosts your morale and kills your hunger. Eating that snickers bar after a long day of studies will make you feel warm inside. It can calm all of your nerves and make you really relaxed. In addition, the candy is a great incentive in our school because if we continue to have candy in the snack machines, it will give the students something to look forward too and be excited about when getting to school and when lunch comes around. So get yours today!
Helping you do your best: Preparing for the ACT and SAT
By: Abby Hopper - August 27, 2015
Preparing for the SAT and ACT might seem simple, but in reality it takes time, hard work, and dedication. With today's technology and resources there are endless opportunities to prepare for these types of tests.
Here's a list of the top ten tips to help you with the SAT from knewton.com:
1. Take practice tests.
2. Know the test structure.
3. Read.
4. Study your vocabulary.
5. Write as many practice essays as possible.
6. Use your calculator.
7. Memorize rules and formulas.
8. Understand how multiple choice works to your advantage.
9. Know when to guess and when to pass.
10. Make it a stress-free zone.
https://www.knewton.com/resources/blog/test-prep/top-10-ways-to-prepare-for-the-sat/
Here's a list of the top ten tips to help you with the ACT from magoosh.com:
1. Buy at least 2 reputable study books.
2. Use the entire time for each section.
3. Get inside the head of the test makers.
4. Learn the most frequent test concepts.
5. Plan out a reasonable study schedule.
6. Pinpoint your weaknesses and attack them.
7. Remember that test taking is a learned skill, not an inherent gift.
8. Do some timed practice to check in on your pacing.
9. Memorize the instructions for each test.
10. Spend some time with the free resources.
http://magoosh.com/hs/act/about-the-act/2014/top-ten-ways-to-prepare-for-the-act-exam/
Our teachers and faculty play a big part in helping the students prepare for these types of test. Students can look to them for advice and tips. "There are a variety of great study tools out there for students to use. One here at school that is available to all students is Study Island, but there are many others. For instance the free website, www.march2success.com, has both SAT and ACT prep sections. Another great site is https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat. This site has full length tests as well as step by step instructions for students to help figure out not only the answer to the questions but the strategy you could use to figure out how to answer questions similar to the practice question” Mrs. Shannon Mills, teacher at Great Falls High, noted. Senior, Pierce Funderburk, who scored a 24 on his ACT says, “The school brought someone in to help us prepare for these tests. As a result of that I did a lot better than I did the first time on the ACT.”
We wish you all the best of luck when you do take these tests! Go Devils!
Here's a list of the top ten tips to help you with the SAT from knewton.com:
1. Take practice tests.
2. Know the test structure.
3. Read.
4. Study your vocabulary.
5. Write as many practice essays as possible.
6. Use your calculator.
7. Memorize rules and formulas.
8. Understand how multiple choice works to your advantage.
9. Know when to guess and when to pass.
10. Make it a stress-free zone.
https://www.knewton.com/resources/blog/test-prep/top-10-ways-to-prepare-for-the-sat/
Here's a list of the top ten tips to help you with the ACT from magoosh.com:
1. Buy at least 2 reputable study books.
2. Use the entire time for each section.
3. Get inside the head of the test makers.
4. Learn the most frequent test concepts.
5. Plan out a reasonable study schedule.
6. Pinpoint your weaknesses and attack them.
7. Remember that test taking is a learned skill, not an inherent gift.
8. Do some timed practice to check in on your pacing.
9. Memorize the instructions for each test.
10. Spend some time with the free resources.
http://magoosh.com/hs/act/about-the-act/2014/top-ten-ways-to-prepare-for-the-act-exam/
Our teachers and faculty play a big part in helping the students prepare for these types of test. Students can look to them for advice and tips. "There are a variety of great study tools out there for students to use. One here at school that is available to all students is Study Island, but there are many others. For instance the free website, www.march2success.com, has both SAT and ACT prep sections. Another great site is https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat. This site has full length tests as well as step by step instructions for students to help figure out not only the answer to the questions but the strategy you could use to figure out how to answer questions similar to the practice question” Mrs. Shannon Mills, teacher at Great Falls High, noted. Senior, Pierce Funderburk, who scored a 24 on his ACT says, “The school brought someone in to help us prepare for these tests. As a result of that I did a lot better than I did the first time on the ACT.”
We wish you all the best of luck when you do take these tests! Go Devils!