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(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Kristian Craig
Staff Writer
Move over, Fred Astaire! Step back, Michael Jackson!
Douglass has started up a ballroom dance team that hopes to compete with other schools. Students have been practicing in the cafeteria after lunch for over a month under the guidance of Orlando Arnold of Mr. Smooth Dance Studio. Arnold was brought to Douglass by Army JROTC instructor 1st Sgt. Laverne Rush.
“Two reasons why we are doing ballroom dancing: we have two military balls coming up where the ballroom dancing can come in handy; second, it teaches discipline and cooperation,” said Rush.
Rush said that the primary intent is team building for those who participate, and it gives young people a skill they can use for the rest of their life.
“The event worked out well because some of the guys benefited from it. Also, it gives the young men some ballroom experience,” said Rush.
Rush also said dancing is a great form of exercise,
“I never really knew how to dance-dance, so this is a good experience,” said Douglass senior Da’Mon Swain. “The Dec. 15 military ball is main reason for the ballroom dance classes.”
Rush said that the long-term goal is to establish a team and compete against other schools. A team of 20 boys and 20 girls.
“Once you get more into ballroom dancing, it becomes fun,” said Douglass sophomore Kyle Davis.
“It is a fun way to exercise, because learning from a person who is not only a dance teacher but was a commander in the army,” Douglass student Jonathan Enyinnah said.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Demetrius Wilson and Eric Williamson
Contributing Writers
What causes a miscommunication? How do communications turn violent? Why are so many African American males having deadly confrontations with each other? With the police?
While having an interaction with the law is not a problem exclusive to the African American community; ending up dead after the interaction is becoming way too common and is currently the center of unrest across America.
On any given day around Osborn, it isn’t uncommon to see a group of teens walking around with saggy pants, loud offensive music and unruly attitudes.
But it is just as common to see another group staying after school participating in after school clubs and helping in the community.
Unfortunately the image that is often captured by the media is the image of the group of guys that often times are involved in intimidating and sometimes illegal activity. The negative actions of a few impact so many. Innocent people that are not criminal are now being targeted.
While the media and rap artist are frequently criticized for the negative images being glamorized and African American youth wanting to portray that image in the hood; do they exclusively deserve all the blame?
Although it is taught in school and home that everyone is an individual, right now African American males are often being lumped together as bad people because of how a few want to handle situations; situations that will actually resolve themselves a lot of times if the person is just respectful and calm.
While it is common that people sometimes say and do things they often regret when they act while angry ; the question becomes why aren’t more people backing down and taking the high road when a conflict arises?
“Oftentimes arguments are because people have to stand their ground because if they don’t people will think that you are weaker and they will try it again,” MST junior John Wilson said. “And if they are with their friends, they really don’t want to back down.”
“I rarely hang with a group of guys other than my brothers and very close friends, because I never know who has a beef with someone else, and I don’t want to get into that negativity,” said OPrep junior Eddie O’Brien, who plays on the football team and enjoys being social.
“When I go out with my friends, people sometimes look at us like we are going to rob them and that makes me feel like an outsider in my own community, so I make sure I am respectful and encourage my group to chill,” OPrep sophomore Jamarria Hall said.
In an attempt to help restore our community and teach kids and adults that expressing ones feelings often time leads to an understanding of how the other person feels thereby squashing the beef positively; Osborn offers a program entitled Restorative Practices.
Housed on the third floor of Osborn, program manager Ms. Boyce waits to help young adults and adults resolve conflicts peacefully. She teaches and encourages teens to be respectful, empowered and accountable for their actions by using a strategy being implemented district wide.
It is not easy doing the right thing but in the end you will benefit more. The only way to make a change is to change oneself.
While Wilson said he feels that some people will never change. Some will.
“If you get a group of people willing to talk and work on the problem respectfully it will be a lot fewer people who will act like that,” Wilson said. “More people will be willing to be the bigger and walk away. The next time I have a conflict, I will be open to work it out with Ms. Boyce and give Restorative Practices a try.”
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Jackeitha Roberson and Nickyra Denham
Staff Writers
Nov. 13 was a big day for Benjamin Carson’s first class of seniors. It was the day they first donned caps and gowns to pose for their yearbook pictures.
It was a chance for the class of 2015, the school’s first graduating class, to enjoy being together and look forward to the next time they’ll wear the cap and gown — graduation day.
For many students, the experience served as motivation to keep working toward graduation and their future plans.
“Cap and Gown day was an insight on how graduation day is going to feel,” senior Andrew Moore said.
For students who entered Benjamin Carson as freshmen, it was especially meaningful.
“It makes me want to see everyone I came to the school with and I want us all to graduate together,” TJ Arrington said.
“My experience wearing my cap and gown made me cry, and honestly I hardly ever cry, so that was a warm-hearted moment,” senior Michelle Ashford said. “Just to watch every smile and wearing the royal blue robes and the green sashes was just such a joy. I really can’t wait until June of 2015. That’ll be the moment I’ll never forget.”
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Martez James and Shawn Miles
Staff Writers
Recently Thana Ali, a representative for Teen Hype, came to the school to teach about HIV/AIDS. She added that teens who are worried about them having HIV/AIDS can get tested, free of charge. All they have to do is go online to teenhype.org, for more information.
December is the annual awareness month for HIV/AIDS. According to the World Health Organization, 35 million people around the world have HIV/AIDS. Half of these 35 million are women, and more than half are children up to the age of 15.
“I feel that the awareness of aids is of great importance everyone,” said senior Alvin LeBray. “It should give people insight on what can happen if they have unprotected sex, safety with people they just meet, and general information about it if they don’t already know.”
“Well first people need realize that AIDS is a choice you make. If you choose not to be aware, not to protect yourself, and to randomly have sex, then you’re choosing to be exposed to the disease,” senior DeMarco Jenkins said.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Alonzo Nellems
Staff Writer
The Pershing boys’ varsity basketball team enters the season with high expectations despite having to replace four graduated starters from last season’s City Championship team.
Coach Wydell Henry said he will have his team running more this season, in hopes of becoming more aggressive on defensive and offensive.
“[I expect us] to be very competitive and win city and state championship,” Henry said.. “We are working even harder and running more than last year.”
Henry has been coaching for 11 years at Pershing.
“I enjoy coaching and the best part it is being able to see the youth develop and go off to college,” Henry said.
As a child, Henry, was inspired by his middle school coach, Marcus Webster.
“Coach Webster was like a father figure,” Henry said.
Henry said he expects great things from his team this year and he wants them to be competitive and work together as a team.
Star player Marquel Ingram looks to lead the team to a State Championship and another City Championship.
“This year’s team is mentally and physically tougher and play more as a team,” said senior combo-guard Ingram, who has received college offers from numerous mid-major schools.
Pershing basketball has become a tradition of excellence and this year’s team seems poised to keep that excellence going.
“I love Pershing basketball tradition, and the way they hold us accountable as young men,” said Ingram.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Jessica Hawkins
Staff Writer
Principal Lisa Phillips has been awarded the “2014 Principal of the Year” award by the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), a nonprofit organization devoted to furthering the academic success for the nation’s children, specifically African-American children.
Phillips, who was selected among 50 other applicants, received the award during the 42nd Annual Conference of the National Alliance of Black School Educators on Nov. 21 in Kansas City, Mo. The NABSE provided airfare and lodging for Phillips to attend the event.
According to the Detroit Public Schools website, NABSE selected Phillips because “... she demonstrated the most quality of leadership that has resulted in significant positive outcomes for African-American students.”
With the Class of 2014 earning over $45 million in scholarships, the NABSE took notice of Cass Tech high school under the leadership of Phillips.
“I am most proud of Cass Tech earning the the honor of being selected as an International Baccalaureate school, under the coordination of Sherise Hedgespeth, now after three years of diligent training CT students will have the option to take more rigorous international curriculum courses,” Phillips said. “The IB Diploma program is ideal for university preparation. This year, we also will have the largest graduating class from the dual enrollment program with Wayne County Community College which allows high school students to take college courses [up to 60 credits] and graduate with an associate’s degree.
“When I accepted the award I humbly said thank you, however I’m accepting the award on behalf of the entire group; the administrators, teachers and vice principals.
“When I became principal here I did not want to rest on the legacy of Cass, I had to sit and think, what I am going to do as the new principal how can I uphold a legacy that has been a constant in the City of Detroit for 100 years?”
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Nathan Lymon
Staff Writer
This school year at Douglass Academy, the temperature has been very cold in one portion of the school. It has been so cold that Douglass English teacher Nathan Tedford hasn’t been able to teach inside his classroom in over a month.
“Well, it’s taking me away from the resources that are in my classroom because of how cold it is,” said Tedford.
“Sometimes it’s so cold that I can barely concentrate,” said Douglass junior Evan Rogers. “Switching classrooms can cause distractions.”
With the building being so cold, Tedford has to constantly jump from room to room every day. He said that he hopes that the problem will be fixed for the student’s sake.
Douglass Spanish teacher Colleen Danel is also experiencing these problems in her classroom. Danel has to be in a different classroom every day.
“There’s no heat in my classroom, and there’s no money in the budget to fix it,” said Danel. “It’s different to teach without knowing what room I will be in because of how cold it is.”
Danel said that the engineer Benjamin Gibson is trying his hardest to fix the problems.
“Well, the problem started when we had the cold weather two weeks ago [early November], and it froze the heating system,” said Gibson.
“As soon as we get the money, we will repair it,” said Gibson.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Antonio Christian and Denise Barnett
Staff Writers
On the evening of Nov. 17, Benjamin Carson sophomores met in the auditorium of Spain Elementary School to take part in the third annual White Coat Ceremony. This “rite of passage” has become a three-year tradition that celebrates the sophomore class and encourages students to continue working hard in their studies.
Students’ accomplishments in their freshman year were recognized and students were presented white coats to symbolize their progress toward careers in science and medicine. Dr. Reginald Eadie, Board President of DMC Harper University and Hutzel Women’s Hospital, offered the opening remarks. Eadie said he believes the event is a significant moment for Benjamin Carson students.
“The white coat ceremony is one of the many assets Ben Carson High School offers DPS students,” Eadie said. “Had such a ceremony been available during my Cass Technical High School days, my dream of becoming a physician would have been much closer to a reality.”
William G. Anderson, vice president and director of medical education at the Detroit Medical Center, gave the keynote address and Dr. Gary Willyerd, associate dean of the Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine, led students in a pledge to commit to professionalism, caring, dedication and a concern for the betterment of mankind.
“It was a special moment for me to lead the pledge of honor and to hear the Class of 2017 proudly declare their passion toward medicine, along with their academic and professional duties,” Willyerd said. “I found myself thinking back on my own white coat and offering gratitude to many, especially to my school for the educational opportunities it provided and that have allowed me to wear the ultimate symbol of doctoring, the white coat.”
During the ceremony sophomore Xavier Jack offered a spoken word selection which student Jacob Barnes called inspirational because “he is in our shoes, he spoke to us.”
Senior Mia Norris recalls here ceremony two years ago.
“It’s a wonderful thing to see sophomore students receive something that can be considered a high honor,” she said. “But even more important is the fact that they understand it is the person who wears the coat that gives it the meaning.”
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Jonathan Enyinnah
Staff Writer
Frederick Douglass students aren’t just orators — but song creators!
Students at Douglass have a wide variety of talent, but there are a few students that have musical talent. For those students, they have or should be a member of the Lyricist Society. The Lyricist Society offers an opportunity for our young men to express their different musical talents through rap, singing, voice acting, writing, spoken word and poetry. The Lyricist Society meets in the room of its founder, Douglass teacher and founder of the Lyricist Society Quan Neloms, every other Monday during lunch to discuss new ideas and share what they have written.
The Lyricist Society began in 2009 at Douglass as an after-school program. The program was in part started as a way to increase student involvement in creative arts, but also a way to promote cultural awareness, achievement and literacy through the use of hip-hop and digital media.
Since its beginning date, the Lyricist Society has evolved to include not only hip-hop, but digital storytelling, video editing, creative writing and live performances. Although its facets have expanded, the Lyricist Society still is purposeful in giving students a voice and promoting cultural awareness, achievement and literacy through a creative medium, said Neloms
“The Lyricist Society’s mission is to show the world that African-American rap and hip-hop culture is not a holy evil, but a way of expression,” said Douglass senior Bruce Johnson.
Johnson has been a member of the Lyricist Society for more than two years and specializes in voice acting and narrating.
“The Lyricist Society helps us unlock the conscious mind of people,” said Douglass senior Micheal Zellars. Zellars has been in the society since late last year.
Zellars stated that when the instructor is teaching, the students (society) are his audience. “The teacher will set the tone of the class” said Zellars.
The Lyricist Society was recently on the radio on station WRCJ 90.9. The society members who were interviewed were seniors Bruce Johnson, Michael Zellars, Cortez Johnson and Javontae King, and junior Kamar Graves.
1218DougSociety: Douglass senior Michael Zellars writing his new rap, “Nutrients”
Listening to Kris Kross’ “Tonite’s Tha Night” to inspire him
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By James Johnson and Dashayia Murphy
Staff Writers
English teacher Ron Tracy said there were many days last year when it was too cold to teach.
“Last year it was 50 degrees in the classroom when I got to school,” Tracy said. “This year it’s been warm every morning.”
That’s because operating engineer Ray Mattison has been coming to work at 3 a.m. to make sure the building is warm enough by the start of the school day.
It takes two boilers to heat the whole school, but only one is currently functioning. One of the three boilers in the building has been broken for years. Another one has been off-line since September. It may not be operating until next summer, so Cody will go through this winter with only one boiler.
“If the temperature is below zero, I have to get here at 11 p.m. to heat the school for the next day,” Mattison said.
Robert Clemons, one of only two engineers at Cody certified to run the boilers, said people take heat for granted. Cody’s heat comes from boilers that date back to 1951. They require that a certified engineer be present in the building any time the boiler is running, and often they have to be present in the boiler room because the machines aren’t automatic.
“I like older boilers, it is more spacious and old-school,” Clemons said. “But everything manual makes work harder.”
When they first arrive, the engineers fill a tank with water. There are indicators that let them know if the water levels are too low; they have to be checked often. Many parts of the machinery fail, and the engineers have to do manual bypasses to fix the problems.
“We’re one step ahead of shoveling coal,” Mattison said. “That’s how antiquated this systems is.”
Mattison doesn’t know of any plans to update the heating system in the near future.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
How does one have a say in who he or she believes should be in charge? It is pretty simple, voting. One reason Americans wanted to be free from Britain’s shackles is because we did not have a say in anything; from taxes to who was in charge. We have broken the shackles that have had us bound and we are now in a democracy.
There was once a time where voting was based strictly on who was more qualified and who could perform the job to the best of their abilities. Getting out to vote was a main priority for citizens and they took much pride in getting to the polls. They were also very knowledgeable of the candidates who were running as well as the proposals. But down through the years, the knowledge of the candidates who are running slowly faded away. Citizens are now just going to vote because it is “the right thing to do.” With no knowledge of the candidates, voters are just casting a vote that really does not mean anything to them. They are voting in vain.
To help put a stop to this, here at East English Village, a mock election for students in early November. Students were able to receive a ballot and vote for “real life” governmental officials. They voted in a “voter booth” which exposed them to real life situations in preparation for voting once they reach voting age.
During the process, teachers stressed the importance of getting out to vote and more importantly, knowing who you are voting for. Learning this early really benefits the students because the more informed of a voter you are, the better the outcome will be. It has been said that, the kids are the future of tomorrow, so with more knowledgeable voters, our future will be in good hands.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Kaelyn Collins
Staff Writer
“I don’t have a gun, stop shooting.” August 9, 2014: The last words of Mike Brown.
“Please don’t let me die.” March 9, 2014: The last words of Kimani Gray.
“I can’t breathe.” July 17th, 2014: The last words of Eric Garner.
These three men spoke their last words in front of their killer. These three men spoke their last words to a man wearing a badge; men who are supposed to “protect and serve” citizens in this country. They lost their lives at the hands of a police officer.
When I heard the news that Ferguson, Mo., police officer Darren Wilson [Mike Brown’s killer] was not going to be indicted my initial reaction was an overwhelmed feeling of anger and disappointment but unfortunately not shock.
It is disturbing to know that what happened to Brown, Gardner and Gray could happen to my younger brother, father, uncles, cousins or the black males I go to school with and live in my community.
“Today’s generation does not realize that racism escalated since Obama has been in office,” said junior advanced placement English instructor Shar Willis. “It’s right in your face on video from Mike Brown to Eric Garner to Aiyana Jones.”
However, the fact that these officers face no consequences for their actions is more upsetting than anything. Black lives are looked at with fear and less worthy of fighting to save in this country. The message we are being sent is that it doesn’t matter what goals you have or achievements you have made. To a white police officer that carries a gun, your life does not mean a thing.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Charles Jones and Deangela Simmons
Staff Writers
On Nov. 1, President Barack Obama was in the Detroit area campaigning on behalf of the Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Gary Peters and gubernatorial nominee Mark Schauer.
As the political party leader, Obama is expected to campaign for any democratic candidates on all levels of government. The purpose of his visit was to convince voters to show up at polls and vote for his party.
Many of East English Village staff members had the opportunity to partake in the event.
“I am Democrat, a member of the Michigan Democratic Party, I just had to witness history, and I wanted to hear the message from our political party leader, as he stressed the importance of the mid-term election,” civics teacher Peggy Brown said.
Despite the long wait in a crowd of 5,000, these teachers said they would have not missed the opportunity to witness the president visit Detroit, a city on rise, as he spread his message.
English teacher Jacquelyn Jones-Frederick said the event can be described as one for no words. She says “it was a beautiful experience, one of those lifetime historical experiences you don’t want to miss.”
Jones waited in line for about an hour before being seated in the bleachers where she had a clear view of the president.
“It was a melting pot of all nationalities as the president pressed importance of voting,” she said.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
In my days of debate I have seen a lot of things take place. The growth of critical debate in my regional rounds, the way critical debate has affected my relationship with some of the people in my life, and the interesting ways in which I meet people.
The door to my future opened as I was trying to formulate what I wanted to do with my life and devising ways to get there. I knew in my heart that it was debate.
When my mother told me about Loyola High School, a small Catholic school in Detroit, as an atheist my first thought was no. However, when my mother told me that they had a debate team, I was hooked. As the words left her lips, thoughts of how I could get into the school swirled through my mind. I told her that I wanted to go to Loyola, and she filled out the paper work to get me into the school.
As I wandered the halls of Loyola my freshman year, I looked for and found the captain of the debate team. He introduced me to the coach of the team, my geography teacher, Kathy Gross. We talked about what debate is and how I would fit into it. Then she informed me that we had two weeks until the first debate. Those two weeks were the worst of my debate career, but in the end, it paid off. When I went to my first debate, I won. That was one of the first lessons that I learned — perseverance pays off.
Four years later, I am now a varsity debater. I have not won all my debates, but I continue to learn, and better myself both as a person and a debater. I traveled to places for tournaments that I probably would not have gone otherwise. I have also met several influential people that are helping me to get into the college of my dreams.
The road has been long, but I have never been happier. I can say that the decision to attend Loyola and participate in debate was one of the best that I have made.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Jasmine Jones
Staff Writer
Most seniors are preparing to go to college after they graduate. However, how will they know which college is the best one for them?
Decision Day, a Detroit Public Schools-sponsored event, is specifically designed so high school seniors can choose a college that is right for them. Participating universities were at Renaissance High School on Nov. 1 talking to upcoming graduates and giving information about their school so it can be easier for them to choose what is best for their education.
There were many colleges that were at Decision Day, including Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, Bowling Green State University, Oakland University and Wayne State University. Each school had a table with a representative there to explain more about the school.
Some seniors at Detroit International Academy for Young Women attended the event.
“Decision Day was really bursting with activity, with many hopeful students readily applying to the colleges they wanted to get accepted into,” senior Anika Chowdhury said. “Each table that was set up for a specific college was really organized and they all easily took the applications and were really nice about answering any questions we had. I really liked the fact that they still had a lot of information at all of the colleges' tables in case you haven't applied yet, and may be planning to later.”
“Decision Day was cool,” senior Nadia Malik said. “I like how fun and easy it was because before we got there, we had to get our packets together including our transcripts and letters of recommendation. Everything was in a folder and all we had to do was hand it to them. Plus the people there, with the colleges, were very nice and were there to answer questions I had.”
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Jonathan Hurt
Staff Writer
It’s almost the time of the year for seniors to go hunting for college scholarships. There are many different scholarships out there for the choosing. Some focus on students of a particular interest of study while others support students all around.
Let’s face it, not everyone is a 4.0 student with a full-ride to any college they’d like to attend. Some are average students with a 3.0 (or lower) G.P.A. who need a bit more help when it comes to paying for college, especially with tuition costing an arm and a leg. This is where scholarships can help.
“My favorite site to use is Scholarships.com because it’s easier to find scholarships suitable for you and the possibility of winning is higher,” senior Xavier White said.
According to princetonreview.com, the top five scholarship sites are the following: Scholarships.com, CollegeBoard.org, FastWeb.com, CollegeNet.com, and ScholarahipMonkey.com.
Whatever sites you decide to use the bottom line is that you apply for them. Some may feel that applying for scholarships is a lost cause because their chances of winning are slim to none. Sometimes applying for the smaller scholarships increases your chances of winning.
Scholarships are an amazing opportunity that should be taken advantage of by students. Truth is billions of dollars of free money are never claimed each year due to students not applying for them.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Daisha Posey
Staff Writer
The Pershing Alumni Board is paving the way for students to achieve success in college.
The Alumni Board offers three $1,000 scholarships to Pershing students for college, while also being mentors and role models to students.
“Pershing students are important to the alumni association,” said Ann Connally, President of the Alumni Board. “Our model is giving back to Pershing. ...We understand that this is the foundation to the students life and we want them to succeed.“
Connally said she wants to see students succeed and she did this by helping to create an Alumni Association and encourage students to go to college.
“The student population was 3,000 when I was in school but it seems like students are dropping out quickly,” Connally said. “The students attitudes have changed towards education no one really wants to learn how we used to want to.”
But Connally and the Alumni Board hope to change that.
The idea for the scholarships came after Connally’s 20th high school class reunion.
“We had money left over and decided to give the money to students for scholarships and we continued in became 501c3,” Connally said.
Besides the scholarships, the Alumni Board sponsors a career day in the fall, bowling events and an alumni picnic in June.
To be eligible for the scholarships, students must have a 2.0 GPA. Interested students should ask their counselors or the principal.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By DeAnna Howard and Brian Wilson
Staff Writers
Cass Tech senior Jade Cantrell recently became the first person in Michigan to receive the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross Award, which is presented annually to the top JROTC cadets across the country.
One out of every 5,000 JROTC students receive this honor. It is warded to one high school senior cadet per district who is in the JROTC program, is in the top 25% of their ROTC and academic class rank, and has demonstrated exemplary military leadership.
Cantrell, who will attend West Point next fall, was presented this award by Maj. Gen. Gwen Bingham in November. Deputy Mayor Isaiah McKinnon and Chief of Police James Craig were also in attendance.
The award ceremony was narrated by Jade’s twin sister Jaymee Cantrell who said, “I am extremely proud that my sister was given this award and will be attending West Point Academy next year.”
Jade Cantrell earned a a full tuition scholarship to West Point, estimated at more than $430,000. Cantrell plans to join her good friend Ciara Gerald, a 2013 Cass Tech alum, whom Cantrell said encouraged and mentored her when she first started in the JROTC program at Cass.
“I will be happy to see a familiar face when I leaves home for college,” Cantrell said. “West Point is an academy that women did not traditionally attend. I am very lucky to have a mentor and friend paving the way for me. ”
Cantrell visited West Point Academy last summer during its Summer Leadership Experience and it served as a preview to the school year. After college, Cantrell plans to use her five-year commitment that comes with attending West Point to become an Army Finance Officer.
Ikeya Lake and Jahaira Maxwell-Myers contributed to this report.
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Keyonna Wash and Daishenal Cross-Gibson
Staff Writers
“Are you a twin?”
For some doubles, this is the most annoying and redundant question that can be asked. Some sets become upset when people point out that they are twins.
Sophomores Breanna and Britney King say “that stating something so clear is what makes [us] upset.”
When senior Iyonna Scott was asked about being a double —the same question that upset Breanna and Britney King — she handled it differently.
“I love the fact that I have someone in this world who looks like me,” Iyonna Scott said of sister Paris. “I think of my sister as my best friend who just so happens to look like me. So if I could make that wish, I wouldn’t change anything.
“No one has ever treated us as if we were different than anyone else,” Iyonna Scott said. “I love the feeling of people staring at us. I just love the fact that we are noticed as one and not as individuals.”
When asked if she liked being separated from her twin for long periods of times (months, year, etc.), Iyonna Scott said, “I don’t like to be separated. I also hate the fact that we go to different schools.”
Some sets want to be treated and seen as separate, not as one.
English teacher Christina Bell-Bowers and middle school teacher Cetaura Bell-Rodgers, who happen to be an identical set of twins, working in the same building.
“Our parents raised us as individuals,” Bell-Bowers said. “They only dressed us alike on holidays, because the extended family expected it. Our mother would tell us, ‘you’re just like everybody else,’ I guess to keep us humble because of the attention we received.”
“I love working with my sister, because when we share stories about our day, we know exactly who we are discussing,” Mrs. Bell-Rodgers said. “We work on different floors, so we really don’t see one another during the day. But on the first days of school, we know we have to ‘The Lecture’ with each one of our classes to keep the twin questions to the bare minimum.”
“It is very irritating to have students ask the same questions over and over again,” Bell-Bowers said. “The majority of the time, they want to have classroom discussions about us, or students are eager to say, ‘I saw your twin today.’”
And what about those who get mistaken as twins, who aren’t even related? Junior Addie Bonds gets mistaken for senior Diamond Ferguson’s twin.
“I tend to get angry when people tell me I look like her; only because I don’t know her,” Bonds said. “I honestly think I don’t look like her at all. I don’t think we hold any resemblance.”
“People keep saying [we could be twins],” Ferguson said. “We don’t look alike.”
(12/17/14 6:00pm)
By Raquel Grant and Tyler Zellous
Staff Writers
What’s the big deal? It’s just a picture.
But cap and gown pictures turned out to be a special moment for many seniors and staff.
Senior adviser Elaine Hudson said she felt weepy as she watched the seniors putting on their caps and gowns on Nov. 14 for photos that will be in the senior section of the yearbook.
“This is a big step for them because it’s tangible and makes graduation more real,” Hudson said.
Senior Derica Mullins said things changed for some seniors after cap and gown pictures were taken.
“Their attitude changed from ‘I don’t care’ to ‘I can do this’ after picture day,” Mullins said.
Many seniors are getting serious because now that can really see themselves graduating. It’s also making them to work harder. Some of those who are taking classes on E2020 to recover missing credits said putting on the cap and gown really motivated them to work more.
But not everyone is ready. Resource teacher Edith Wine said she felt proud as she watched students put on caps and gowns, but she said she still worries about graduation.
“I am not ready because I think they’re not ready,” Wine said. “They have such a short time left to develop the skills for life.”
Later this month seniors will get together for a holiday event, and the senior pinning is coming up soon.
