Monday, October 31, 2016
Friday, October 28, 2016
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
River Bluff Football Player Passes Away
BY MAGGIE JARRARD, Sophomore
BLYTHEWOOD-- Lewis Simpkins, River Bluff High School football player, collapsed at a preseason practice on August 10th. He passed away from complications from a pre-existing heart condition.
Simpkins was an achieving defensive tackle for the Gators and was coming into his sophomore season. The 6’2, 270 lbs. defensive lineman was ranked 50th in the state.
“Football players that may have a condition that hinders them from playing, should at least be on the team,” Tucker Shelton sophomore, Blythewood JV football player said.
Kneeling for the Equality
BY EMORY FANNIN, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- Many Americans feel everyone should stand up for the National Anthem. But, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick does not think so.
Kaepernick kneels during the playing of “The Star Spangled Banner” before each of his games.
According to Aljazeera news “Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers' backup quarterback, brought his protest to draw attention to racial inequality to a nationally televised Monday Night Football audience, by kneeling on the field rather than standing as the national anthem played.”
Chaos on the Highway
BY BILLY LOPES, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-Throughout the past three years, the highways in South Carolina have been full of disasters.
The SC Highway Patrol have issued their yearly toll of deaths due to wrecks on SC highways. The current count is 625 deaths.
Lisa Grazioli, employed by the RCSD, said that “the highways would be safer and feel safer if there were interstate light poles.”
This argument has been going on for years now, that the citizens think these light poles are “highly needed”.
Fine Arts Are Questioned Important
BY LAUREN ALARCON, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- An ongoing question for several schools is, “Are the art programs and education such as visual arts, dance, and drama courses helpful to the learners?"
“Years of research show that it's linked to almost everything that we, as a nation, say we want for our children: academic achievement, social and emotional development,” according to an article by Fran Smith: “Why Art's Education Is Crucial, and Who's Doing It Best”.
The evidence, in this instance, is significant, and it is confirmed that research states it is imperative to a student's learning process. It most importantly equips them for their future in the real world.
Students Stress Finding Parking Spaces in the Morning
BY STEPHEN DAUWAY II , Sophomore
BLYTHEWOOD -- The recent enrollment of students at Blythewood High School has caused a large increase in parking on campus. Most students at Blythewood High School find there always late or arriving at school just before the bell.
"Sophomores park in the stadium parking lot due to space in the much larger student parking lot, causing more traffic," Football coach Craig China said.
China believes that this has caused traffic to rise on on campus, as well as off campus.
Marching Band; Becoming a PE Credit
BY BRIANNA WARE, Sophomore
BLYTHEWOOD-- Recently, the South Carolina Legislature proposed the law to make Marching Band a Physical Education credit. Marching Band members spend hours upon hours working, sweating in the heat, and on the field.
According to Cynthia Roldan from the Charleston Post and Courier, Marching Band could satisfy Physical Education requirements.
“It [marching band] should be a PE credit because, when you do marching band you do it for 3-4 years and that is plenty enough exercise. We stay out for hours at a time and do a lot of hard work. I think marching band is similar to PE, it's just that Marching Band does so much more,” sophomore Marching Band member, Taylor Harris said.
Boxing as a High School Sport
BY MARKEL SAMUEL, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- Considered one of the most dangerous sports in the world boxing could potentially be a high school sport.
According to The Guardian, 12 percent of high schools in the United States have boxing or MMA as an elective Physical Education class. But boxing is more popular in the U.K. Based on statistics from England Boxing Corporation (E.B.C.) 35 percent of schools in the United Kingdom have a boxing team.
The reason for a better percentage of schools who have boxing teams are higher there than in the U.S. is because it's also legal for them to have boxing teams in the U.K. There is a bigger population of pro British boxers.
Students Protest During Spirit Week
BY MICHAELA CATOE, Junior
BLYTHEWOOD--Blythewood High School students decided to have a protest during lunch in the atrium on Thursday, Sept. 22.
Due to “Fifties Day” during spirit week, a large group of students opted to wear all black instead of dressing up.
“The blackout was meant to let everyone know that Black Lives Matter and that we want to be heard or seen, whichever. All we ask for is justice and peace. We’ll do whatever it takes to achieve that. No justice, no peace. The intentions were not to stir anything up or cause controversy. We’re just asking for equality,” Junior Imoni Johnson-Darby said.
Down on Bull Street
BY CLAUDIA WATSON, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- Asylum. When someone hears that word they automatically think of crazy or insane. Those are two words that can describe such a place. But those places and the people who were held there were a huge part of history.
One of the biggest Asylums in America is here on Bull Street in Columbia.
“It was depressing. I remember the first time I went there, I commented about how drab the place was to the head doctor. ‘Yes, but the patients don’t see it that way,’ he said,” Frank Blaum former Pharmaceutical sales rep said.
The Babcock Building is known for its iconic red dome, and its Robert Mills-designed architecture. The 165-acre asylum has been known for its care of the mentally insane for nearly 200 years, the asylum had their first patient admitted in 1828. Until plans for it to turned into what is being called an “economic behemoth.”
Clowns in the South
BY EDWARD WILSON, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD---South Carolina is experiencing some problems with “scary” clowns who are in forest areas of South Carolina.
There have been numerous reports of these clowns from Greenville to Blythewood they allegedly come in the woods and taunt people according to Police
Residents of South Carolina aren’t too pleased to hear about what’s going on.
“People are just dumb and bored and not knowing what the consequences of them doing this,” ELA teacher Candice Rowland said.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Monday, October 24, 2016
Technology Continues To Grow, Improve At BHS
BY CAMPBELL SUMMERS, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- Technology has been integrated more into Blythewood High School in the past few years, and teachers have mixed feelings on the transition.
“I like it,” English teacher Erin Zehner said. “I think that our world and future is so rooted in technology that it only makes sense to help the students learn with it.”
It’s no surprise that the future is technologically oriented, and homes and workplaces have already adapted, or are adapting, to accommodate their digital friends. Schools, however, are split on evolving or staying the same.
Football Coaches Take Precaution In Hot Weather
BY EMMA WEILAND, Sophomore
BLYTHEWOOD-- Seven out of 10 people believe water should be provided for athletes. However schools encourage students to bring their own water.
Students are fairly good about drinking water, with the exception of a few students.
“I rarely get athletes in the training room with their primary problem being dehydration. Much of the time it is poor nutrition or lack of food,” Athletic trainer Steve Meisel said.
BLM vs. ALM Stirs Debate Among Students
BY TAYLOR JOHNSON, Sophomore
BLYTHEWOOD-- There’s a huge debate going on between the Black Lives Matter movement and the All Lives Matter movement. Some people via social media have come to the conclusion that the saying All Lives Matter is a response to Black Lives Matter.
The BLM movement is the outcome of the multiple killings by police officers to African American citizens. Although BLM has been around since July 13, 2013, it went on a huge uproar this year when the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile occurred.
On July 5, Sterling, A 37 year old black male was gunned down by Baton Rouge Police. According to CNN News, sterling was shot outside of a convenience store when police responded to a call about a man threatening another man with a gun.
Richland School District Two Considers Combining Marching Bands
BY SYDNI DINGLE, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- Richland School District Two is considering combining the five individual High School’s marching bands into one band in the fall of 2017.
In the spring of 2016, district officials discussed creating a district marching band, but voted against the idea.
Members of the Blythewood High School Blue Legion marching band are excited for the idea of combining a band and hope it will be a possibility in the upcoming years.
BHS Leo Club Helps Give Back to the Community
BY ABIGAIL RIMMER, Junior
BLYTHEWOOD-- Almost every Wednesday, a herd of radically different students walk through the 800 Hallway of Blythewood High School towards science teacher, Michael Varnadore’s room to come together for Leo Club.
Leo Club is a service based school club dedicated to different projects to give back to the community.
Composed of a large portion of BHS’s population, Leo Club attracts many different members from all grades and walks of life.
Teenage Girls Struggle with Self Image
BY ZANAA RICE, Sophomore
BLYTHEWOOD- Based off the information from The Huffington Post, teenage girls’ self image plays a big role in their daily life.
According to The Huffington Post, today teenage girls seem to have a problem with their self image and how they are portrayed to the world. The feeling of not being good enough and trying to look like everybody else to grab attention from others is a must in order for them to gain confidence in themselves.
Sophomore, Kiara Jackson believes a girl’s self image should reflect on how girls look on tv and movies.
Filipino President Questions Barack's "Crackdown on Drugs"
BY BREASIA DAVIS, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- Filipino president, Rodrigo Duterte, insulted President Barack Obama during a speech in the Philippines Sept. 5 because President Obama questioned Duterte’s, “Crackdown on Drugs”.
Duterte led a press conference with Southeast Asian leaders. According to CNN, Duterte claimed he has “no master except the Filipino people”
Duterte then personally attacked the US President and also insulted his mother. This whole situation was due to Obama questioning Duterte’s “Crackdown On Drugs” which led to the deaths of over 2,000 Filipino officers.
Students Complain About Mystery Lunch Food
BY ARMONI MORRIS, Sophomore
BLYTHEWOOD-- The disagreement between students and the school's federal policy on low calorie lunch has flared up into an opinionated war. Students are perturbed with the school’s new policy regarding lunch.
“I know it’s a privilege to get school lunch, but it should be better,” Sophomore Jelani Kirven said.
Students get the option to choose between a fruit or vegetable. Research from the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act states over the past years 56% of food has been thrown away by students, that they only eat the entrees and not the healthy side food according to United States Department of Food and Nutrition Service.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Lacrosse Coach and Player Share Their Experience On the Team
BY AUTUMN NUGENT, Sophomore
BLYTHEWOOD-- Sophomore Hailey Chaisson from Blythewood High School and her mother, Kristen Chaisson share their experience as player and coach on a high school lacrosse team. Hailey began playing her freshman year when her older sister invited her to try out for the team. Kristen Chaisson became an assistant coach the same year.
Hailey Chaisson says lacrosse is a team sport requiring everyone to work together. Since the team works so closely they end up sharing a bond with one another.
“We are a very close team,” Hailey said. She goes on to say that a team that bonds with one another will gain more trust and have more support, which will help out on the field.
Blythewood Varsity Football Team Starts the Season
BY CAROL ANN CRAIG, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD--- Every Friday night fans and students come out to support the Blythewood High School varsity football team.
“My main goal for the season is to become state champion,” junior quarterback Jordyn Adams said. Adams said he believes the team has the potential to make it with teamwork.
Varsity football players have had many rough patches through the last seasons. With the lose against Westwood High School after starting with a good season.
The affects of the Zika Virus
BY MADISON AUTON, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- The Zika virus is a severe pandemic that has spread to over 50 countries.
“Zika attacks organ and particularly the growing brain, auditory system and ophthalmological system (hearing and vision). Because the virus attacks brain cells, they are damaged and do not experience growth. Therefore the infant’s skull doesn’t grow and they are born with microcephaly, a very small head,” said Pediatrician Carolyn Auton
The Zika virus is not only a deadly virus but expensive as well.
“The estimated medical costs to support one baby affected by Zika is well over $10 million. Due to the many medical issues, their life expectancy is shortened,” Auton said.
Teens Find Interest In Gap Years
BY MARI PRESSLEY, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- Transitioning from high school to college, a teen is relieved after 12 years of schooling and may just want to take a year long break. This feeling has caused British teens to become accustomed to a tradition of taking a gap year.
More American teens are adopting this custom as well.
“I plan to take the gap year between high school and college,” Christa Dupre said, Honor Roll student freshman.
How Students feel about the new iPhone 7
BY SOFIA CROWLEY, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- On Sept. 16, Apple announced the iPhone 7 along with the Apple Watch Series 2, saying goodbye to the headphone jack.
The recently released iPhone 7 comes with new and improved camera systems, water resistance, a better display, and a better battery life but doesn’t contain a headphone jack.
Many people are questioning the business on their decisions, and wonder why they would take the risk.
“I’m fine with it being gone but what is the point and why did they do it so unexpectedly?” freshman Macy Kimpson said.
What makes a Volleyball Lady Bengal
BY VANESSA LOUIS-JEAN, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD--According to MaxPreps, the Lady Volleyball Bengals are ranked fourth in the state plus having a stellar record of 33-3 and in their 5A region 10-2.
English teacher and volleyball coach, Mary Hall has created one of the most renowned volleyball programs in the state.
“What makes this season different is definitely my players, ... mature groups of players staying level-headed and focused on a mission,” Hall said.
Each player has helped further their teammates to reach their highest potential, which is evident in the team's record.
Rise In Epipen Prices Cause Rile
BY AMAYA BROCKINGTON, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- An abrupt increase in the price of an Epipen has triggered outrageous concerns for many people in the United States.
BLYTHEWOOD-- An abrupt increase in the price of an Epipen has triggered outrageous concerns for many people in the United States.
Epipens are life-saving injection devices for people with severe allergies or allergic reactions. Those who were to have an allergic reaction to something would simply take the Epipen and inject it into their thigh. It then releases epinephrine which decreases the swelling which saves their life.
The prices have been steadily rising through the years, but just recently it rose to over $600 for one. Mylan, the pharmaceutical company is responsible for the Epipen price hikes and it has no regrets regarding this controversial decision.
Up Coming Marching Band Changes
BY SYDNI DINGLE, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- Richland School District Two is considering combining the five individual high school’s marching bands into one band in the fall of 2017.
In the spring of 2016, district officials discussed creating a district marching band, but voted against the idea.
Members of the Blythewood High School Blue Legion marching band are excited for the idea of combining a band and hope it will be a possibility in the upcoming years.
“I would rather be a part of a combined band because I will get to do more and be a part of something more than just being known for being in a single band,” freshman member of the color guard Iyanna Jean-Simone said.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Monday, October 17, 2016
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Cheetah Cub Makes a Recovery
BY ALEXANDER HICKMAN, Sophomore
BLYTHEWOOD - Three weeks ago, a cheetah cub, Emmet, recovered from pneumonia and was introduced to a puppy, Cullen, to help in his rehabilitation at Ohio’s Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Riverbanks Zoo Interpretive Educator Kat Feingold explained how and why the Columbus Zoo utilized animal companionship. Feingold also discussed how Emmet and Cullen will be treated in the future, specifically about feedings.
Feingold said the standard procedures for introduction of animals regardless of species differentiation.
BLYTHEWOOD - Three weeks ago, a cheetah cub, Emmet, recovered from pneumonia and was introduced to a puppy, Cullen, to help in his rehabilitation at Ohio’s Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Riverbanks Zoo Interpretive Educator Kat Feingold explained how and why the Columbus Zoo utilized animal companionship. Feingold also discussed how Emmet and Cullen will be treated in the future, specifically about feedings.
Feingold said the standard procedures for introduction of animals regardless of species differentiation.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Monday, October 3, 2016
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