the northridge

eSt. 2003

The student voice of Northridge High SchoolSEPTEMBER 22, 2014 VOLUME 12 ISSUE 1

reporter

new principal begins strict anti-violence policySUJITHA PERAMSETTYASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

A new policy regarding fighting in school known as ‘3-30’ has been enforced by principal Kyle Ferguson.

According to the policy, if a there is a fight, the people involved will receive three days of suspension and 30 days of in-school suspension.

Ferguson said the purpose of the policy is “to make students think before they act.”

“if your consequences are significant and meaningful, the student will think before they act,” he said.

dean of Students darren Spence said the rule “shows that we’re serious about curbing violence. Violence is a serious issue in our school.”

Ferguson has experience with this policy, and he said he knows that it works.

“i’ve used [the ‘3-30’ policy] for seven years at my prior school, and it was very, very effective, and it’s been effective here,” he said.

Sophomore Lillian Woolf said she thinks there will be fewer fights this year.

“i don’t think there will be a lot of fights because of how much is at stake,” she said. “Your future could be ruined for one little fight.”

Ferguson used the example of seeing a cop in your rear view mirror to explain.

“even though you’re not doing anything wrong, you’re like ‘oh;’ you’re looking at your speedometer; you’re making sure that you turn your blinker on, and you’re making sure you come to a complete stop

because you know what happens if you don’t,” he said. “That doesn’t mean cops are bad; they’re not. They’re here to serve and protect.”

Ferguson said he has already seen the policy at work at the school.

“The beautiful thing—it almost brings tears to my eyes—is when i see two kids who were on the verge of fighting, get up, shake hands or hug, and walk out,” he said. “it’s a win-win situation for everybody.”

Woolf has noticed a change because of the policy.“in general, i think, to me, there isn’t much trouble

as there used to be, but it’s just the beginning of the year,” she said.

“We’re off to a good start,” Spence said.

See the editorial, ‘Our Thoughts,’ on PAgE 2 for more on the ‘3-30’ policy.

JAMES NIILEREDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The green and black signs displayed on property of the tuscaloosa City Schools testify to its attendance policy, known as ‘here,’ implemented this year.

“[The Board of education] put [the policy] in place so students are in class and not just walking the halls and things like that,” Ken Smothers, counselor, said. “i think it’s a great policy. it should have been done a long time ago. When you’re in a class, you can hear what’s going on in the classroom and learn [the] material.”

Smothers said he agreed with the policy “one hundred percent” and trusts its effectiveness.

“it should be very effective, if teachers,

security and administration hold kids accountable. When i walked out in the hallway the first day of school, i thought i was in church. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. i appreciated this policy from day one,” he said.

Kyle Ferguson, principal, said he was in favor of the policy being enacted.

“A common focus for the tuscaloosa City Schools is improving our attendance rate,” he said. “You can’t teach people if they’re not here. nobody wants to go to Saturday school.”

paul McKendrick, superintendent, said there were over 84,700 absences last year.

“on average, that’s eight days per student,” he said. “That just made it imperative we do something to cut down the number of days students are out.”

Board of Education initiates ‘Here’ programPolicy change designed to keep students in school

McKendrick explained the ‘here’ program is only a “slight change in policy.”

“We went from 10 excused absences to five,” he said. “At my school in Virginia, we didn’t have unexcused absences.”

Ferguson said other schools across the state have adopted policies similar to the tuscaloosa City Schools’ ‘here,’ including the school of which he was the principal.

“pelham adopted a Saturday school criteria,” he said. “Thomasville has had it in place the past several years. A lot of schools are headed in that direction.”

McKendrick said schools initiate such policies, “partly because it’s related to funding.”

“You’re funded on average daily attendance,” he said. “The state’s accreditation policies require 95 percent attendance.”

McKendrick said that the effectiveness of the policy will depend on its execution, and that it is his hope that the policy contributes to a rising attendance rate of at least 10 percent.

“it will be as successful as the practice inside our buildings,” he said. “parents have to realize attendance is incredibly important.”

McKendrick said the policy will not negatively affect student athletes or those participating in other legitimate extracurricular events.

“if you’re in a school-sponsored event, you’re fine. We’re not walking down the hall dragging a whip,” he said.

“What’s the problem? We all need to be in school,” McKendrick said.

‘3-30’

YES NO

24 26

50 students polledInformation compiled by James NiilerInfographic designed by James Niiler

ICE BUCkET CHALLENgE

page 8

AT A gLANCE

Woolf said Ferguson “is doing very well at his job.”Ferguson said he thinks that the ‘3-30 ‘policy will

help students learn more.“When people spend less time in trouble,

they learn more in class,” he said. “it’s important for us to have the order and discipline in order for us to close the achievement gaps that exist.”

“

“

It’s a win-win situation for everybody.kYLE FERgUSON, PRINCIPAL

Photo from MCT Campus

northridge high School2901 northridge roadtuscaloosa, Alabama 35406

www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com

DO YOU AgREE?

RIVAL RUNDOWNpage 3

Photo by Jacob Martin

2 THE NORTHRIDgE REPORTERSEPTEMBER 22, 2014opinion

‘3-30’ policy necessarynorthridge and Central students will swap schools to break down barriers

OUR THOUgHTS

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2006 • CSpA gold Medalist 2005-2013 • SipA All-Southern 2003, 2005–2012 • ASpA All-Alabama 2003–2013 • nSpA All-American 2004, 2008, 2011 • Best SipA newspaper in Alabama 2003–2007 • nSpA news Story of the

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The opinions in The northridge reporter are those of the stu-dents and not of the faculty or administration of northridge high School or the tuscaloosa City Board of education. it is the policy of The northridge reporter to publish all non-ob-scene, non-libelous, signed letters to the editor, regardless of the opinion expressed in them. Submit letters to Susan newell in room 109 or email to snewell@tusc.k12.al.us.

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Entertainment EditorJason LongOpinion EditorBert McLellandSports Editor*Jordan hutchinsonAsst. Sports Editor*Camri Mason

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the reporternorthridge

eSt. 2003

The student voice of Northridge High School

t he ‘3-30’ policy initiated at our school this year may be considered draconian by some, but The Northridge Reporter believes it to be a necessity long overdue.With no ill will towards school administrators of years past, it was an

unfortunate fact that fights were routine under their regime. The fights were often violent brawls and attracted the negative attention of students, teachers and parents.

Classes were disrupted as teachers were forced to either break up the fight or keep their students from running out and gawking at the brute violence. Because the fights nearly always occurred in a crowded location, usually a hallway, they tended to render foot traffic practically immovable for several minutes.

Students who were not even engaged in the fight also had their personal safety at risk, and those who did participate in the fight were usually suspended for only three to five days—a mild slap on the wrist for putting themselves and others in harm’s way and doing more than anyone to provide the school with a negative reputation.

The causes of the fights were always incredibly foolish and because punishment for them was so lax, a cycle of violence was perpetuated at our school. Thankfully, the ‘3-30’ policy has begun to reverse these effects.

Under this policy, all students involved in a brawl are suspended for three days, and then placed in in-school suspension for another 30. Since Aug. 7, there has only been one fight at our school—a true record. it is obvious that the threat of spending a month in strict isolation has deterred those who prefer to deal with their differences in a violent manner from acting in such a way. hopefully, it will continue to do so.

For those that believe this policy is brutal and unfair, so is having to put up with fights. The best way for the ‘3-30’ policy to work is when the student body realizes there are more viable options to work out differences, than one in which the consequence is spending a month in a small room.

JAMES NIILER • EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Advertising and subscriptions: Contact The northridge reporter at (205) 759-3734 ext. 295 or snewell@tusc.k12.al.us to advertise in or subscribe to our paper.

JAMES NIILEREDITOR-IN-CHIEF

next month, a few of our staff members will do something extraordinary. This will be something never done before,

possibly in the history of Alabama, and has the potential to make great changes.

This entire enterprise will be based on investigating perhaps the most polarizing topic in our country: race.

The Northridge Reporter is about to embark on a remarkable journey. it is, and will be, a project led entirely by students. no teacher or any other adult suggested we do this.

For one week in october, four students from northridge, including myself, will swap schools with four students from Central high School. We will attend our classes there; we will have student mentors and meet their friends; we will do investigative journalism and take photos of our experiences; we will attempt to fully integrate (pun intended) into our host school.

The entire idea is crazy. Why are we doing this?

regular readers of our blog will remember this story began last year. propublica, an investigative news organization from new York, invited our class and the journalism class at Central to document our daily lives and racial interactions at our schools through photography.

After our work went on display this spring, then-Sports editor Camri Mason had the incredible idea of a student exchange taking place. This would deepen our understanding of what life is like for people under different circumstances than ours, namely, those who attend a virtually all-black school.

our goals for this project are many, but the chief one is to show racial integration

works. it’s our belief that people of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds shouldn’t be afraid of each other; rather, they should come together, learn from each other and get along. We’re not even saying it’s necessary they become friends—they just need to appreciate their differences and respect each other as people.

Central was once perhaps the premier high school in Alabama, where both black and white kids thrived. Sadly, it is no longer. Central represents only a small portion of the tuscaloosa community and has suffered as a result.

however, we believe that when a school is a microcosm of the entire community, the entire community benefits. We hope, if only for a few days and in a small way, to make Central reflect the whole community

just a bit more.it has been a fantastic (and stressful)

journey putting this project together. From the superintendent to school principals, from teachers to university professors, all have been deeply supportive of us and thrilled by what we’re doing. it seems impossible for us not to make a difference by doing this project.

When the exchange finally occurs, we don’t want glory. All we want is to show the world it is possible for white and black kids to go to school together—not as rivals defined by the color of their skins, but as friends defined by the content of their characters.

““ People of different races...

shouldn’t be afraid of each other.

AgREE 20DISAgREE 1

FriendsMackenzie Johnson, John Mark McCleland, Kristy Stephens

www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com

Art by Mychi Tran

Meghan McAbee Stylist and Educator

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(205) 886-1152/ (205 886-7636Mon-Fri: 8:30-6:00 / Sat: 9:00-4:00 /

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Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Meghan McAbee Salon

We fix clothes for men, women and children.

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THE NORTHRIDgE REPORTERSEPTEMBER 22, 2014 3opinion

67%

20%

13%

RIVAL RUNDOWNWho’s our biggest rival? We asked students and teachers to weigh in.

“ tChS; we’re like a little brother to them, and nobody likes their little brother.

NOLAN ALLEN, JUNIOR

Bryant; because it’s an old standing rivalry that will pick back up again.“ BETH ALLAWAY, SCIENCE TEACHER

“ tChS; they terrorized the school.

BYRON BROWN, FRESHMAN

“ hillcrest; we have history between us, and they play dirty, and a lot of chitchat going on during the game.

ORLANDO WALkER, JUNIOR

133 students polledInformation compiled by Jordan Hutchinson and Camri Mason

Infographic designed by James Niiler

Quotes compiled by Camri Mason and Jordan HutchinsonPhotos by Camri Mason

4 THE NORTHRIDgE REPORTERSEPTEMBER 22, 2014feature

CRACkINg UP Juniors Kristianah Dent, Ronald McLaurin, Fred Bates, LaVest Williams, Jalen Madden and principal Kyle Ferguson share a laugh in the history hallway. “We were talking about each other,” Bates said. McLaurin said the conversation led to the topic of football. “Jalen made a joke about losing all the games,” McLaurin said. “Ferguson is a cool guy when you meet him.”

REBECCA gRIESBACHMANAgINg EDITOR

With 11 years of experience under his belt, new principal

Kyle Ferguson implements a new set of expectations for the school.

“The foundation of having a great school starts with discipline,” Ferguson said. “if you have chaos in an unorganized environment, it’s hard for everybody. We want to create a culture of respect.”

problems in the beginning too, but my dad is good at what he does, so i’m confident he can make [the school] a better place.”

his positions at Thomasville and escambia County high schools provided Ferguson a chance to cultivate his expectations for students of all backgrounds.

“At escambia, we lost a lot of students to private schools, but they ended up coming back because they liked it better there,” Ferguson said. “At Thomasville, we had a graduation rate of over 90% in a school that was 68% poverty. it goes to show that you can’t use poverty as an excuse not to achieve.”

their tendency to live up or down to your expectations.”

ragan, who went to Thomasville with her dad while he was principal, said Ferguson’s rules are effective in every environment.

“he’s worked in a lot of places with all kinds of people and rules like 3-30 actually work,” ragan said. “in my old school, i have only seen two to three fights. i think that some of the rules, although some think they’re harsh now, can really help and make a difference.”

Ferguson said his philosophy on maintaining the expectation of the school is that even when an administrator leaves, “things keep going as they should” because the expectations are set firmly in place from the beginning.

“our main points of focus are discipline, attendance and academics. When the first two are in place, the third follows,” he said.

Ferguson said he’s all about relationships with his students, and ragan said she has already noticed her dad building similar relationships with his new students that he had with his old.

“My dad already loves the students and faculty at northridge. he comes home telling stories and talking about the students he’s met during the day, and he honestly cares about the students here,” ragan said.

Ferguson said he also plans to strengthen the school’s relationships with Central and Bryant high Schools.

“i want to create an intense rivalry as well as a strong support system,”

he said.demario plott, senior, said he respects

Ferguson’s “effort to enforce the rules.”“overall, i see less people getting in

trouble. it’s demanded that you follow the dress code and the rules. eventually, the students will take responsibility for their own education,” plott said.

Ferguson said it’s all about being proactive and consistent; once discipline is in place, student achievement is the end result.

“You can’t go to work and fight. You can’t go to work and disrespect your boss. You can’t not go to work,” Ferguson said. “This is work. Your bosses are your teachers and your credits are your paycheck.”

I WANT 1300+ OF OUR STUDENTS TO FEEL LIkE THIS IS THEIR SCHOOL.

“

”kYLE FERgUSON,

PRINCIPAL

...YOU CAN’T USE POVERTY AS AN ExCUSE NOT TO ACHIEVE

“

”kYLE FERgUSON,

PRINCIPAL

BUILDINg BONDS

NEW SCHOOL, NEW POLICYFerguson said different schools called for

different measures of disciplinary strategy; he came up with the “3-30” rule at Thomasville, which allowed the school to boast less than ten fights in seven years.

“i didn’t use the 3-30 rule at escambia because our set of resources was different, and it was not needed. At Thomasville, juvenile probation didn’t play an active role in the city schools. i had to come up with something, and it had an immediate and lasting impact. if you give students something

to think about before they act, it prevents the action from happening,” Ferguson said. “Kids are basically the same as far as

Ferguson said that along with addressing the achievement gap, “enhancing technology capabilities” and improving infrastructure, he wants to focus on creating a “positive climate for everybody.”

“i want every single parent to feel great about sending their kids here,” he said. “i want 1300+ of our students to feel like this is their school.”

PAST ExPERIENCEFerguson began his first position at

escambia County high School in 2003, where he was assistant principal for three years. he spent the following seven years as assistant principal and principal at Thomasville high School, a school he said had a similar demographic but much smaller size than northridge. his daughter ragan Ferguson, junior, said she is also adjusting to a larger school.

“it’s not quite like home here,” ragan said. “There were only 500 students at Thomasville. Thomasville was a really small town where everybody knew everybody.”

ragan said she was surprised at the stories she heard of school fights in the past.

“i think everything is just so different here,” ragan said. “Thomasville had a lot of

New principal stresses disciplinary action NO-NONSENSE

Photo by Camri Mason

THE NORTHRIDgE REPORTERSEPTEMBER 22, 2014 feature 5

BERT McLELLANDOPINION EDITOR

principal Kyle Ferguson who can seem no nonsense at school can be laid back.

“i never skipped a day of school ever,” Ferguson said. “i certainly don’t think i ever disrespected a teacher. School was just a place i liked to be.”

ragan Ferguson, Ferguson’s daughter, said that her father “loves his job.”

She said he often works very long hours but seeing her father at school makes up for lost time at home.

Ferguson said he has hunted since he was five.

in his office hangs the head of the seventh largest buck ever shot in Alabama, which Ferguson said was given to him by his high school teacher Carl raley.

“i just love to look at it,” he said. “My wife wanted me to sell it ’cause i was offered a lot of money for it, but i said ‘no, i’m not selling that, that’s a piece of Alabama history.”

ragan recalled a little joke Fergusson played on her prom group last year.

“he showed up in the background of our picture with a gun and a hunting outfit,” ragan said.

While Ferguson may be a very keen hunter, it is not his only outdoor passion.

“i’m a very avid fisherman,” he said, adding that (since he moved here) he often takes his boat out on the river.

Ferguson has an impressive track record when it comes to athletic programs, which he described as “the front porch of the school.”

in high school he played every sport from football to discus throwing and started a soccer program at his last school (Thomasville high) which never had one before.

kATHRYN VERSACEINFOgRAPHICS EDITOR

Kyle Ferguson was the athletic director at Thomasville high School for the past seven years while also being the principal.

Ferguson was athletic director because as principal there was an obligation to take care of athletics at Thomasville. The head coach was a national Board certified science teacher and could not take on the responsibility of athletic director.

“The principal is ultimately responsible for what is going on good or bad,” Ferguson said.

“As the athletic director there are extra responsibilities than just being the principal,” Ferguson said. “i was very busy. it was a lot of desk work. i kept up with funds and handled the money. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes on unseen.”

he said he also was responsible for who was eligible for all athletics.

“i was in constant communication with the [Alabama high School] Athletic Association,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson said he does not miss being the athletic director.

“it’s pretty overwhelming. i like to have the chance to watch the game, not being busy managing an event,” Ferguson said.

Under Ferguson, Thomasville won the 4A State Championship in 2010. he wears the championship ring on his finger.

“i also have rings from when i was a senior in high school and two from college,” Ferguson said.

There has been just one game where northridge has played Thomasville.

Athletic director david Akins said we played Thomasville in the spring of 2007.

Ferguson said he has been closely involved in the creation of the new northridge fishing team, created by Coach Michael Smith.

he said the fishing team is particularly close to his heart. “i own a boat,” he said, “and i plan

on being one of the boat captains.”What time Ferguson doesn’t spend

working with students in and out of school, he devotes to his home life, socializing with his family and his family friends.

Yara Akl, a good friend of ragan Ferguson, said she got to know Ferguson a little better in the course of an extremely enjoyable evening at the Ferguson house.

“he got back late,” she said, “but he was extremely interactive. he sat down with us and was really funny. it was like i was talking to my own dad.”

“he definitely gave me that Father figure vibe,” said Sarah gorg, another friend of ragan’s who was at the house the same evening.

Comparing Ferguson to a parent, gorg said, “if they really care about their children or their students, they enforce rules, not just to like, pound us with them, but to keep us safe.”

The notion of Ferguson as a father to the students seems to be the pervading image among those who really know him.

Yara said many students are judging the principal harshly without getting to know him at all.

“he’s like a role model,” she said. “he’s really funny. i love his sarcasm.”

“BEST BOSS EVER” Situated in his office is a plaque of Thomasville High School’s football achievements presented to Ferguson in 2010.

Facets of Ferg

WATCH OUT BOYS Ferguson, decked out in hunting gear, stands in the back-ground of a pre-prom picture between his daughter Ragan Ferguson, junior, and her date Kyle Thrower.

Photo by Ragan Ferguson

Ferguson doubled as tigers’ athletic director

FERgUSON’S OFFICE

BERT McLELLAND & JACOB MARTINOPINION AND COPY EDITORS

principal Kyle Ferguson was involved in theatre in high school and is looking forward

to supporting theatre productions at the school.

Ferguson’s involvement in theatre began with his role in the senior play. he said he didn’t expect anything but a minor role.

“i wanted some one-line part,” Ferguson said. “i just wanted to hang out with my buddies. After baseball we went back to campus to find out what part we got. i got the lead role.”

After the play Ferguson was offered a theatre scholarship but turned it down to play college football.

Although he did not continue in theatre, Ferguson was supportive of the drama program at Thomasville.

drama teacher donna Wright said she heard excellent things about Ferguson from her contacts at Thomasville.

“i’m friends with Lisa newton, [the Thomasville drama teacher],” Wright said. “She had only good things to say about [Ferguson].”

While at Thomasville, Ferguson was awarded the title of Administer of the Year 2009 by the Alabama educational Theatre Association.

Ferguson said he was honored but completely surprised to receive the award.

“i wasn’t affiliated with that association at all, but newton promoted me and

got everyone else to vote,” Ferguson said.Ferguson said he is looking forward to

supporting the theatre program.“i really haven’t had a chance to have

involvement,” Ferguson said. “i will certainly support and promote our theatre productions.”

I WANTED SOME ONE-LINE PART...

... I gOT THE LEAD ROLE.kYLE FERgUSON, PRINCIPAL

“”

AWARD IN OFFICE SHOWS PRINCIPAL’S DRAMA CONTRIBUTIONS

Ferguson has outdoor interests

‘no-nonsense’ principal builds relationships with new student body, reveals life outside the office

Photo by Rebecca Griesbach

Photo by Rebecca Griesbach

6 THE NORTHRIDgE REPORTERSEPTEMBER 22, 2014

news

DESTINY HODgESNEWS EDITOR

Christian clubs could make an appearance.

Kyle Ferguson, principal, Coach Jeff Sparks and Coach Bob Brantley are working together, along with students and other faculty members, to bring Christian organizations back.

Coach Sparks said a Christian organization would be a good chance for students to socialize and cross racial, economic and religious barriers.

“i noticed we didn’t offer an opportunity for our Christian students to get together, so i thought this would be a great way for students to interact,” Coach Sparks said.

Faculty members interested in Christian organizations said they are searching for students who are leaders in their communities, churches and schools to step up and make it known.

Senior and SgA Secretary Lee Wicks said a Christian organization can be started.

“There’s a lack of spiritual focus in the students of the school,” Wicks said.

other students are taking action and preparing for Christian organizations.

A group of students, under the leadership of Miller Fitts, senior, and Thomas Mullins, junior, are meeting at City Café, heritage house or the jaguar (near the auditorium)

every Wednesday at 7 a.m. to pray, have Bible study, hang out and eat breakfast. Fitts said she spread the word about the group through social media.

“i posted it on instagram [@nCSU_updates] and our church website [Church of the highlands],” Fitts said.

She said she did not want this group to be affiliated with any church.

Faculty members have been looking for a time to meet. They said it’s hard to get everyone together at the same time. in the morning, students are still arriving up to and after the bell.

Meeting during bonus has been discussed. Ferguson said he would allow students to meet in bonus.

“We need to figure out the logistics. We need a place for everyone and a way to ensure that students won’t say they’re going to somewhere and then never get there,” Ferguson said.

The name nCSU (northridge Christian Students United) was given to this organization last Thursday during a meeting with Mr. Ferguson.

in the meeting, leaders discussed the difficulties that arise with meeting during bonus.

if the club meets in bonus, it wouldn’t be every day. it would be once a month, week or every other week. The students will decide whether or not this will be put into action.

Christian clubs to return soon

NATE HESTERSTAFF WRITER

Scholar Bowl is a question and answer based style of competition, much like Jeopardy.

teams of 4-6 people compete in tournaments with both individual and team questions.

The questions asked cover a broad range of subjects. ranging from math to popular tV shows, Scholar Bowl tests a competitor’s knowledge.

Jennifer Canterbury, scholar bowl coach, has coached the team for six years. She competed in high school for a year, as well as two years in college.

Canterbury met her husband playing Scholar Bowl, and her team won third place in a national tournament one year.

rebecca han, freshman, has been competing for three years. She first became interested in Scholar Bowl as a seventh grader when her brother was on the team.

“i think we will do pretty well. We have been practicing and we have some experience,” han said.

She said her favorite part of Scholar Bowl is “the competitions as well as the traveling.”

han said Canterbury is experienced and qualified.

Canterbury said “i am a know it all.” She said she loves Scholar Bowl because

it gives her a chance to leave people amazed at her “useless” knowledge.

“did you know that grasshoppers breathe through holes in their thorax and abdomen called spiracles?” Canterbury said.

Scholar Bowl team makes useof ‘useless knowledge’

PLAN IT Destiny Hodges, John Mark McCleland, Jeff Sparks, Lee Wicks and Miller Fitts discuss the future of Christian clubs. These leaders have been planning for weeks. John Mark McCleland said he thinks they’re making progress. “We could definitely build this up,” McCle-land said. Jeff Sparks and other coaches are supporting this group.

JACOB MARTINCOPY EDITOR

Studying abroad from europe, junior Simon Seitel arrived in the United States in early August.

Seitel, 16, is from a town called Schorndorf, near Stuttgart, germany. Seitel said he decided to go on a student exchange to strengthen his english and to have a unique experience.

“[i wanted] to improve my english skills and knowledge and to see how the life is of a usual American family,” Seitel said.

Since his arrival on Aug. 6, Seitel said he has noticed differences between german and American schools.

“The schools are real different. We have school twice a week until 4 p.m. and three times a week until 1 p.m.,” Seitel said. “i can choose more courses in the US than in germany.”

Seitel said the school systems are different.

“After elementary (until fourth grade) your teachers and parents decide which high school you go to. We have three types of high school: one for not so intelligent people that goes to grade 9 or 10; one for the usual people, where most people go, that goes to grade 9 or 10; and one for the people who are good in school that goes to grade 12,” Seitel said. “i go to the third type.”

Seitel said the relationship between

students and teachers is different as well.“here the relation between teacher and

student is like friends. in germany it’s more serious,” Seitel said.

Seitel said American food differs from the food in germany.

“in germany we have more traditional food,” Seitel said. “A lot is a combination of meat and noodles. We also have real bakery, with bread, many types of bread.”

hunter harris, freshman, is the host brother of Seitel. he said he knew that his family would be hosting an exchange student before Seitel arrived.

“[My family and i] have been [hosting exchange students] for a

couple of years, so i knew we were going to get another one,” harris said.

harris said he enjoys the experience of hosting Seitel.

“i enjoy the cultural experience of having someone from another country in my house,” harris said. “it’s fun because it’s kind of like having a brother or sister.”

Seitel said he plays soccer and guitar.during his 10 month stay in the United

States, Seitel said he is looking forward to gaining a new point of view about the US.

“Besides playing paintball or going to the beach, i am looking forward to gaining a new experience, maybe a new point of view,” Seitel said. “[The student exchange] will probably make me more open.”

german exchange student finds differences in schools

SIMON SEITELPhoto by Jacob Martin

Photo by Camri Mason

MYCHI TRANART EDITOR

More freshmen ran for class officer positions this year than any other year at this school.

A total of nineteen freshmen ran for the positions of president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer.

“We got a very eager school spirited bunch of freshmen,” Kathleen oatts, SgA sponsor, said.

on Sept. 12, the candidates gave their speeches in the front office through the

intercom. Since there were so many candidates, the

speeches were moved to bonus period.on Sept. 15, the student body was

informed of the winners during the morning announcements.

Madison goldstein is the new treasurer, desiree Ferrell the new secretary, tripp daniels the new vice president and the new freshman president is Mary Katherine Winfield.

now that the election is over, the SgA will be planning for homecoming.

record number of freshmen seek officeSee the October paper for a story on a

Swedish exchange student at our school

THE NORTHRIDgE REPORTERSEPTEMBER 22, 2014 sports 7SUJITHA PERAMSETTYASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

track and field athlete indiya Summerville won a title for shot put at the national Junior olympics this past summer.

Summerville, senior, earned “first-team All-American, placing fifth out of 68.”

She does both shot put and discus.

Summerville said shot put and discus are like a release.

“i like shot put because you can just push everything you’re feeling into a small object,” she said.

Summerville has been doing shot put and discus for five years.

“My middle school coach threw me into it,” she said.

Jeff Sparks, track and field coach, has been working with Summerville for four years, and said she has improved every year.

“her work ethic has improved, her technique has improved and her strength level has improved. Therefore, her performance levels have improved,” he said.

Summerville said she can still improve in some aspects.

“i can work on my emotions and keeping them down,” she said.

Caleb Wright, senior, has been on the track and field team with Summerville

REBECCA gRIESBACHMANAgINg EDITOR

Upon accepting the position of head wrestling coach, former strength trainer and assistant wrestling coach Shane Ashcraft said he plans to increase membership and improve skill level within the team.

“i had a good relationship with the guys, and i wanted them to have someone to keep the rest of them going,” Ashcraft said.

don Mcnabb, former wrestling coach, said he stepped down from his duties this year to spend more time with his grandchildren.

Bob Brantley, basketball coach and friend of Mcnabb’s, said, “he was a good coach. he wouldn’t have left if he didn’t care about his family.”

Senior Cory gayle, one of the oldest wrestlers on the team, said he has experienced changes in leadership throughout his time on the team.

“Mcnabb was an awesome coach. he worked with us, taught us, he was funny; everybody loved him,” gayle said. “it’s the same with Ashcraft, but he’s stricter on the amount of work we have to put in.”

Mcnabb said Ashcraft seemed promising for the new position; he was a good strength trainer and could be counted on to “get everything together.”

“The program’s in good hands,” he said.“he’s got to do a better job at cleaning

the mats, though,” Brantley joked.Ashcraft said he plans on getting the

team more space to practice because they have limited space in their current location, the girls aerobics room.

“proper funding and money is always an issue for wrestling. i want to build the

program to where it’s not as small and where we can garner more attention,” he said.

in addition to building the program, Ashcraft said he wants to host more home matches and find an outside coach with a wrestling background to help out.

“We always have pretty good competition,” Ashcraft said. “There aren’t a lot of tuscaloosa teams, so we have to go to matches in Birmingham. We’re up against some teams that are pretty darn good.”

gayle, who competed at the state level last season, said he thinks the new team will take competitions seriously.

“it was awesome winning something you worked hard for. We only had two people get to go last year, and i saw the expressions on the others’ faces when they couldn’t go. i think our goals will be much higher this year,” he said.

Wrestling is “not what everybody thinks,” gayle said; it is a sport to be respected.

“it’s not WWe. it’s not play. it’s very physical, so if you wanna play you gotta be mentally and physically tough. You gotta be willing to work hard,” gayle said.

With sign-ups Sept. 22-26, Ashcraft said he specifically wants younger students to join.

Senior Miller Smith said the team is old - made up almost entirely of seniors - and needs freshmen in order to grow.

“We have a lot of good wrestlers that have a lot of experience. i think they’ll teach the new ones what they need to know,” Smith said.

Along with “keeping you in shape,” Smith said wrestling is a sport that one can constantly improve at.

“it’s a great thing to do,” he said. “go to Ashcraft and talk to him. You won’t regret it.”

Coach looks for new playersfor wrestling team

NATE HESTERSTAFF WRITER

it rained for most of the varsity football game Sept. 12 in the school’s area game against Brookwood.

The team improved to (2-2) with a 16-6 win.

The team was led by orlando Walker and Kyle Stewart, who both scored one touchdown.

The team also got a safety and Cooper herrington went 2 for 2 on extra points.

robert guin, offensive line coach, said, “That win was absolutely pivotal as far as overall morale goes; (1-3) and (2-2) is a huge difference.”

The team plays Bryant Sept. 19 in an away game.

“We know we have to work hard every day and nothing is given,” guin said.

Varsity outlasts Brookwood in rain,plays Bryant next ASHCRAFT STEPS UP

SERVE IT Varsity volleyball player Denae Sisler, (15), senior libero, serves during the 3-2 loss against Brookwood on Tuesday, Sept. 16. “We worked hard, but in the end we couldn’t finish it out,” Sisler said. The JV team swept County High 2-0 on Sept. 18, scoring 25-15 and 18-16.

Photo by Camri Mason

Photo by Jacob MartinWIN IT Junior Orlando Walker (27), run-ning back runs with the ball in the Brookwood game on Sept. 12. He scored one touchdown. Robert Guin, offensive line coach, said, the team has been “working on fundamentals and being positive trying to avoid a let down.”

INDIYA SUMMERVILLE

Summerville places fifth in Junior Olympics in July

since freshman year and has gotten help from her.

“When we lift weights, she shows me the proper form and how to breathe,” he said.

Wright said he thinks Summerville’s success is because of her hard work.

“honestly, she works out all the time,” he said. “even when we don’t have practice, she always works out.”

her father, timothy Summerville, said practice and hard work are the reasons why she is so good at shot put and discus.

“She’s a very dedicated athlete, and she has an amazing array of coaches,” he said.

her father said he is proud and “excited for her future and wondering what the future holds.”

Summerville said she wants to continue shot put and discus after she graduates.

“i want to go collegiate,” she said. “i want to go as far as i can.”

Sparks said Summerville is likely to sign a scholarship.

“She’s being recruited. There are other schools that are interested,” he said. “She’s working to go to the next level.”

her father said she will be successful as long as she keeps the fire for it.

“As long as she stays dedicated and works hard then there is no telling where she can go with it,” he said.

Photo by Carter Love

See more photos of the Brookwood game on our website

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Students participate in ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ to raise ALS aw

areness

JAM

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it’s the icy blast that’s taken the nation: the A

LS ice Bucket Challenge. Since

the campaign began this sum

mer,

several students and teachers in the school have participated in the challenge to fundraise for A

LS research, as well as to have a good tim

e.

“i got challenged a couple of times,”

Mallie h

umber, history teacher, said. “o

ne of m

y brothers challenged me, a friend of

mine, and then [senior] Sean M

iller.”

hum

ber was aware of ALS before the

challenge fad began but did not actually participate in the challenge. She sent a donation to the A

LS Association instead.

“Basically, i didn’t want to be on a video.

it’s just not for me,” she said.

Sean M

iller, senior, did the challenge to top that of a relative.

“i did it specifically to try and top my

brother. he m

ade a video of himself getting

hit by a bucket and then a glass of water thrown at him

,” he said.

Miller was challenged by senior C

harles

Lane and in turn challenged two of his friends.

“honestly,

i didn’t

know enough

information [about A

LS], and i was kind of being selfish. it wasn’t im

portant enough to m

e. i did donate to the school,” he said.

Carter

hill,

english

teacher, was

challenged and consented to a bucket of icy water being poured over his head.

“two people challenged me,” he said.

“one was m

y friend Chad g

arretson and another was a teacher paul h

edrick.”

hill’s involvem

ent in the challenge led him

to challenge friends Michael Bissell and Bryan

Loper, as well as principal Kyle Ferguson.

Following a weeklong fundraiser, Ferguson was dum

ped with water at the pep rally on A

ug. 29.

“Mrs. [e

rin] darnell saw [m

y challenge]on a video on Facebook,” h

ill said. “We

snowballed it into a way to make a fundraiser

at the school.”

hill said he did the challenge “partly for

the fun, partly for the donation.”

“[i knew about ALS] because of K

evin turner, a form

er Alabam

a player, and a story [eSpn

] did about a year and a half

ago about him and the condition,” he said.

A

ccording to the ALS A

ssociation, ALS,

or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is com

monly

known as ‘Lou gehrig’s disease,’ after the

professional baseball player it killed. A fatal

nervous disorder, it has no known cure, causing patients to lose their ability to m

ove and function.

Those who participate in the ice Bucket

Challenge are nom

inated by friends or fam

ily over social media. n

ominees are

expected to

dump

themselves

with ice

water within 24 hours, post a video of the event on social m

edia, nominate up to three

others to do the same and send a donation

to the ALS A

ssociation or other charitable organization.

Since the inception of the ice Bucket C

hallenge, over $100 million have been

raised for ALS research.

BR

RR

! Kyle Ferguson, princi-pal, has w

ater poured on him for

the ALS ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ by seniors G

raham Lim

baugh and R

eid Ryan and junior Fred Bates at the pep rally on Aug. 29. Ferguson w

as dumped after

being nominated by English

teacher Carter Hill, follow

ing a school-w

ide fundraiser that raised $918 for the ALS Asso-ciation.

Photo by Camri M

ason

42%

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58%

SAID ‘YES’

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Information com

piled by Kathryn Versace

and John Mark M

cClelandInfographic designed by Jam

es Niiler

75 students polled

www.northridgereporter.wordpress.com

Photo by Camri M

ason