Spotlight’s On… Mrs. Adams

By: Shelby F. Cody Certainly you have seen her before, whether she has fixed your laptop or checked out a book for you, Mrs. Adams is always there for help. She has been working here since the 2001-2002 school year, and her favorite part about working here is the students and teachers that she gets to work with everyday. When we told her that she was our spotlight she was honored. When asked why she thought she might have received this honor as our spotlight she replied that she does a lot around the school, from ordering and cataloging books to checking out the laptops, and helping with technological mishaps. Mrs. Adams is a important part of our school that we can not go without.

Support Person of the Year By: Kaitlin Merck

This year Mr. Reddish was

chosen as our school’s Support Person of the Year. Mr. Reddish works with many of our teachers. Danielle Reddish, his daughter that attends NHMS in the eight grade, said, “I’m really happy that my dad finally got noticed. He does a lot of things for this school, but never gets recognized for any of it.” Mr. Reddish deserves this award, so if you see him in the halls congratulate him or tell him thank you when he helps you or your class.

Volume 2 Issue 9 May 26, 2009

Spotlight’s on… Kaitlin Merck

I was born in Gwinnett County and am

happy I have finally escaped from that place. I moved here at the very beginning of my sixth grade year and have loved it ever since. I love the small town lifestyle. My friends are my life. They are what keep me sane. If I am going through a tough time, or just need to talk, I know I can always turn to Matt, Savannah, and Zach. I trust them all with my life, and know that they would never do anything to hurt me. They support me with whatever I choose to do and always know how to make me smile. I get along with everybody, even if I don’t act like it at times. I don’t mean to be mean. I’m a very quiet person when I am around someone I don’t know or an adult, but when I’m with my friends, I’m a whole different person. I try to always help my friends if they have a problem no matter what. I put others before myself and try to never be selfish. Music is amazing. My life revolves around music. I play flute in the band and I have played many other instruments earlier in my life. I may not be good, but I love to play anyways. Music is how I express myself. I can connect music to anything if I try. This has been the best year for me because I have finally found friends that I am so close to. My boyfriend and my friends have made this year great for me. I finally feel like I belong here. Written By: Kaitlin Merck

Spotlight’s on… Karen Torres

I was born in Los Angeles,

California. When I was a few months old, my family moved back to Mexico. I lived there for four years, then my family moved to Georgia. I went to school at Demorest Elementary. I didn’t have many friends, but that all changed once I got to 3rd grade. My favorite things to do are play soccer, or any sports, listen to music, and play with my dogs. I have many favorite movies, including Finding Nemo and Stick It. Although I’m not very fond of reading, I do enjoy reading a book every once in a while. My favorite book is the Book Thief.

Family is very important to me. I think that the bond between families can never be broken, no matter what.

I find friendship very important. One quote I truly believe in is:

“A true friend stabs you in the front.”

-Oscar Wilde I think that friends are essential to everyone. Friends are there for you to lean on when times are rough, and to tell you the truth when you mess up. The words I live by are: “Cherish what you have, because when you least expect it, it could all be gone.” By: Karen Torres

Spotlight’s on… Tara Heimberger “Serendipitous, fun to be around, unique.” These are words people have used to describe me. I was born in Gainesville on July 12th, 1995. Ever since I was a small girl, I have taken dance lessons, and these are what make me different. Most people think of dance as a girly activity, but I assure you, there are dancers that are stronger than most of the football players at our school. (I am talking about you, Jacob Mann, Braxton Pierce and the Long twins) Religion plays a big part in my life. I am a Christian. I may not go to church very often at all, but it doesn’t mean I don’t believe in God. My friends also play a big part in my life. They help me with my problems, and we always have a great time together. 8th grade has been, by far, the best school year I have ever had. I have made tons of new friends, experienced new things, and I have gotten better at my schoolwork. 8th grade is a time of change, but also a time for fun. This year is basically your last year as a semi-child, so enjoy it while you can. By: Tara Heimberger

Spotlight’s on… Megan Mikeal

I was born in Virginia on St. Patrick’s

Day. I find this very ironic because I have the temper of the Irish and I really like Gaelic things, especially music. I love most forms of music, and it plays an important role in my life. I’m in the school band; there I play the xylophone. At home I have a guitar and a keyboard that I dabble on and a trumpet and clarinet that I’m having looked after so I can learn to play them. When I’m not playing music, I’m listening to it. The other thing that I spend a lot of time with is my family. I have three little brothers, a mom, a dad, and three grandparents that I love very much. With summer coming up I get to fly to my dad’s soon and see my family up there. They are all different, and though they can be annoying I love them dearly. The majority of my year is spent at school; as crazy as it may seem I actually like school. I work hard and I’m in honors with pretty good grades. Outside of school I’m busy with things like church, band, volunteering and of course friends. I enjoy writing and most of the arts. However I’m not very gifted in the visual arts field, minus photography. Although I love art I would like to go into politics or business when I grow up. I have big dreams and I hope to go far. By: Megan Mikeal

Spotlight’s on… Shelby Cody

I was born in Hammond, Louisiana- a place of music and parties. Some people believe me to be a rare kind of person. It might be because of my personality, which may have been rubbed off from Louisiana. I have brung my own kind of Spice to the lives of those that I am close with.

Many of my friends and family support me in my activities such as:

♦ Orchestra ♦ Chorus ♦ Theatre

I don’t think anyone can stick me in

any one category. I have many different types of friends and I listen to all kinds of music. Some might think of it as different personalities, but I think about it as just being myself, and if being myself means having different interests then so be it.

All together I believe that I am unique, as are all of my friends and family.

And I love them dearly.

Spotlight’s On… Savannah Whitehair

My name is Savannah and I am a girl that most would never see my true personality. I was born in Meridian, Mississippi and then moved to Pennsylvania. I lived there for six years. My grandfather was in desperate need of help when he was diagnosed with cancer so we moved here and I never regret it. I have my own personality, and I don’t intend to act like someone I’m not. I am generally a happy person, but there are days when I keep to myself and think. I have learned to be a first rate version of myself rather than a second rate version of somebody else, and I totally believe that being yourself is the most wonderful gift. My life really revolves round God’s plan for my future. He is my Savior and strengthens me in everything I do. When I am weak he stands strong and brings me back up when I have fallen. He has his watch over me when I am lost and he is there when I need him. Music is a very important part of my life as a student. I play the trumpet in the school band. Music can express my feelings and my emotions. I listen to music whenever I can and also when I am in the mood to write. It’s how I express myself. My friends are also a really important part in my life. My true best friends are Kaitlin, Matt, and Zach. They have been there from the start even though it was really rough and rocky. They always give me advice when I have problems. They have their shoulders for me to cry on when I feel like letting my emotions out even though I don’t like to. I may have only known them for a couple of years but they mean so much to me it is indescribable. Thanks guys for making my life amazing and I hope we are the old people causing trouble in the nursing home.

Young Georgia Authors

There were two amazing NHMS

students just named Young Georgia Authors recently on May 14, 2009. They are Nathan Byers and Nick Sarbon. Nick was the 7th grade winner from NHMS. Nathan was presented awards for winning 8th grade from NHMS, as well as winning the county award for the eighth grade. Mr. Costley presented Nick and Nathan with their trophies. Way to go guys!!! By: Savannah Whitehair

Carowinds On Saturday May 16, band students that wanted to go went to Charlotte, North Carolina to Carowinds, and an amusement park where many band competitions are held. The park has many roller coasters and rides for the students to enjoy during the day. We left at 6:00 that morning and got there around 11:00. The students went straight into the park and had fun riding rides until 6:15 that night. At 7:00, the students played a concert for three judges. The band got straight ones, or a superior, which is the best rating. They also said we were the best sounding group of that day. “I think this trip is a good motivator for students,” says Mr. Dean, “the students had a great time and they look forward to doing this trip again next year!!” By: Savannah Whitehair & Kaitlin Merck

Honors Day By: Kaitlin Merck & Tara Heimberger

The one big event of the 8th grade year is honors day. The staff treats it like a senior graduation. All the girls wear dresses and the boys wear ties. It’s definitely a big deal. This year’s 8th grade honors day was started off with the 8th grade video. There were some technical difficulties, so we didn’t get to finish watching it. Afterwards, the signing team performed. Then began the plethora of awards. (Many parents showed to congratulate and support their students.) Overall, it was an amazing honors day. The seventh graders also had their honors day. They got academic awards and the very significant “Outstanding Award”. Many seventh graders dressed up. It was definitely shorter than the 8th grade honors day, but it was just as important.

NHMS Cheerleaders Many girls tried out for the 2009-2010 cheerleading team of NHMS, but only a selected few made the team. Mrs. Barron will coach cheerleading this season. Here are the girls who made football cheerleading:

• Marlee Adams • Madison Barclay • Kristen Barron • Lindsey Brown • Carli Doss • Kristen Eller • Katie Ferguson • Marissa Maness • Rie Parker • Kelsey Skelton • Elizabeth Stinespring • Emily Sosebee • Abby Wright • Rachel York

Here are the girls who made basketball cheerleading:

• Marlee Adams • Brooke Allen • Madison Barclay • Heather Eller • Kristin Eller • Katie Elrod • Katie Ferguson • Madi Higginbotham • Marissa Maness • Rie Parker • Kelsey Skelton • Bridgette Taylor • Jordan Williamson • Abby Wright

By: Tara Heimberger

Sports Now that the school year is near it’s

end, sport seasons are also to their end. To wrap up all the sports’ seasons, the Sports Awards took place. All teams had great seasons and finished strong. The coaches are proud of their teams and are going to miss all of their athletes as they move on to the next grades.

By: Karen Torres

Sports Awards Sports awards took place on Monday May 11, 2009; they were held in the gymnasium. All north Habersham athletes were recognized and awarded for their great accomplishments during their seasons. After the ceremony, the athletes went outside and enjoyed some snacks that were set up for them. At the short break, every North Habersham athlete received a t-shirt. All the coaches were proud and recognized their athletes with great pride.

By: Karen Torres

Powder-puff Football Game

The girls’ powder-puff football game was held on Tuesday May 19, after Honor’s Day, and during the 8th grade cookout. The teams were the 8th grade girls vs. the 7th grade girls. The 8th grade girls won this year. During the first half, the 8th grade girls scored a touchdown. When the second half began, many of the girls had knocked each other to the ground. The girls had fun, and so did the crowd as they cheered on their teams.

By: Karen Torres

Eighth Grade Dance

The eighth graders have finally had their long awaited dance. On May 8th, they gathered together in a completely transformed lunchroom to dance all night long, or until the clock struck nine. All their dance moves (courtesy of Ms. Myers) were used while the D.J. played “Thriller”, “Stayin’ Alive”, and “Cotton Eyed Jo”. Everyone enjoyed the live music played by our own band of eighth graders that finally decided to call themselves “Breaking Audio”. The food was great, and everything was a lot of fun. The eighth graders would really like to think all the parents that volunteered and the PTSO for all the work that went into making a very special night for everyone. Hope you all had fun at your first real dance.

Bar Incentive

For the last bar incentive of the

year all of the eligible students went down to the football field. They each were given ice cream. After eating,

some of the students played soccer or kickball while others sat around talking

to their friends. No matter what anyone did, everyone had a good

time. By: Kaitlin Merck

Field Day

Both the seventh and eighth grade recently had their field days. Sadly, the seventh graders had their field day rained out. They got to enjoy a movie inside instead. Eighth grade on the other hand got to have a full day of sunshine and fun. Some of the events were: the water balloon toss, the soccer dribble, the free throw toss, eleven, football toss, tug-a-war, and the fifty yard dash. In the end the gray team did the best over all, but everyone had fun, and that’s what counts. At the end of the eighth grade field day everyone got to sign yearbooks. Everyone had a blast. Kudos to the annual staff. You guys did a great job!

Eighth Grade Science Projects

The eighth graders just finished with their solar ovens that we mentioned in our last issue. Although the sun wasn’t very bright, everyone attempted to cook some sort of dish in his or her oven. Some of the foods cooked include: smores, hotdogs, mini-corndogs, hot pockets, and cookie dough. Another recent project the eighth grade has undertaken is their bottle rockets. These aren’t the ever-popular fireworks type, but two liter bottles that have been transformed into rockets. Students did this on Wednesday the 21st. By: Megan Mikeal

Dates to Remember: May 25- No School

May 27- Social Studies & Reading Final Exams May 28- Science & Language/Arts Final Exams

May 29- LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, Math Final Exam, and EARLY release

August 7, 2009- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Help Tip

During the summer make sure to wear lots of sunscreen and be safe. We want you all to return safe and sound next year. Also try to read some

during the summer to stay smart and not forget anything.

Quotes of the Month: “The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him.”

-Henry Stimson

“Speak when you’re angry and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.”

- Lawrence Peter

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” -Anaisnin