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Taught by: Quin
Navarra
2009/2010 Articles
Religion and God
in the Public Schools
By Andrew Mauldin
“They take his name out of the schools. /The lawyer says it breaks
the rule. /The Pledge of Allegiance can’t be read and under
God should not be said.” These are lyrics to a song by Joe
Nichols. There have been many heated political debates about
whether or not the use of God’s name can be used in public
schools. There have also been many discussions on whether
public schools have the right to teach religion in school or
even begin any school function with a prayer. Many
organizations have been created solely for the purpose of
preventing the use of God’s name and his teachings in
schools. In fact, several years ago, the Tangipahoa Parish
School Board came under fire from some of these
aforementioned organizations trying to ban the school board
from opening up their meetings with a prayer.
Hammond High student Rebecca Beach believes that it is good
to keep religion out of the school because it helps everyone
to avoid even the slightest bit of controversy or trouble.
Chelsey Albin, another HHS student, disagrees. She said, “I
believe that schools should have the right to allow religion
in the schools.” According to Albin, discussing religion in
the schools helps students to learn about other people’s
cultures and ways of life.
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution gives
Americans the right to freedom of religion. But should this
right end as soon as someone walks into a public school’s
doors? This is a matter that is highly debated and will
probably remain a controversy for years to come.
The History
Behind the History
By: Maya Loving
Dr. Carter
G. Woodson, the second African-American to earn a Harvard
doctorate, once said, “We should emphasize not Black
history, but the Black in history. What we need is not a
history of selected races or nations, but the history of the
world void of national bias, race hate, and religious
prejudice.”
The
previous quote leads us to ponder the “history” behind Black
History Month and why we study Black history. Many people
wonder just how Black History Month originated. According to
cnn.com and the Association for the Study of
African-American Life and History, Black History Month
originated in 1926; although at that time it was known as
Negro History Week by Dr. Carter Woodson. In 1976, Negro
History Week evolved into Black History Month.
The
significance of Black History Month being celebrated in
February is because it was the month in which Frederick
Douglass and Abraham Lincoln were born, both of whom Woodson
admired greatly and both of whom contributed to helping
African-Americans and their struggles. In addition to that,
many African-Americans throughout history have received
acknowledgments, acceptance, and respect during this month.
Because of
Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month exists today. It
is no wonder that he has earned the title of the “Father of
Black History.” His contributions to the advancement,
awareness, and acceptance of African-Americans are
far-reaching and greatly appreciated.
A New Face at HHS
By Jakeitha Baker
“He
runs! He shoots! And he scores! The crowd goes ballistic!
Coach Grigas has the biggest smile on his face!” These are
common occurrences and words spoken with the Hammond High
boys’ basketball team this year. Coach Brent Grigas is the
new boys’ basketball coach and is in the process of molding
this year’s team into champions.
After
graduating from S.L.U. in 2008 with a degree in social
studies education, Grigas took a position as an assistant
basketball coach at Southwood High School in Shreveport.
Hammond High was lucky to snatch him from North Louisiana.
It is no surprise that he aspired to be an educator and
coach. His father, Steve Grigas of Ponchatoula High School,
served as his role model. In fact, his father assists him in
his duties here at H.H.S. According to Grigas, coaching
basketball was very natural for him because of his father’s
example and influence.
Grigas
was excited about taking the head coaching job here at H.H.S.
He knew that he would be working with many talented
athletes, so passing up the chance to be a part of this
program would not have been a wise decision. He says his
most challenging duty is keeping the boys out of trouble and
under control.
He is
obviously living up to the demands of a head coach. The Tors
are currently ranked first in their district and sixth in
the state. Challenging or not, Grigas seems to be fitting in
to Tornado Alley very well.
The Valentine’s Day Mystery
By Metisha Knighten
Every February 14th,
candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones.
This is done most of the time without ever asking the
burning question---Why? What is the purpose of exchanging
these goodies, and how did it get started?
According to history.com, Valentine’s Day and its origins
are heavy with mystery. One of the possible beginnings of
Valentine’s Day is that Saint Valentine (a man) was in jail
for some reason, and while he was in prison, he wrote a
letter to someone he loved (Rumor has it that it was his
jailor’s daughter.), and he signed it, “from your
Valentine.” This famous phrase is still popular today. There
are other myths surrounding the possible beginnings of
Valentine’s Day traditions, but this one seems to be the
most reasonable one as far as romance is concerned.
We
all know that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and
many people are expecting those special gifts. Let us not
forget the reasons behind this special day.
Senioritis…That Dreaded Disease
By: Becky Beach
It’s that time of year again when high
school seniors are bombarded by a pestilence known as
“Senioritis.” According to urbandictionary.com,
“Senioritis” is a crippling disorder which strikes twelfth
graders, usually right after midterm. Symptoms include
laziness, an excessive wearing of baggy clothing, failure to
study, and an extremely nonchalant attitude. Seniors may be
diagnosed by teachers, parents, peers, or even themselves.
Alas! There is but one cure for this horrid illness. The
only known solution to this epidemic is a phenomenon known
as graduation. After interviewing several seniors, it is no
surprise to see that “Senioritis” does indeed exist among
us. Even senior class president Jerry “Scooter” Cox said
that he feels that he has the worst case ever. When asked
to elaborate on why he has diagnosed himself with
“Senioritis,” he said, “Knowing that it is the last time I
get to see a lot of people, I just want to have fun.” Being
so carefree can be a disadvantage, though. Scooter says
that as a senior he is more relaxed, but he is also
stressing because he is so relaxed. Huh? So what advice do
the seniors of 2010 have for future classes? Drum Major
Nick Alford says, “Don’t procrastinate!” Fellow senior
Chelsey Albin chimed in to add on to Nick’s advice, “. .
.because Mrs. Heaton’s class is no joke!” Between finals,
term papers, and college applications, it’s not hard to fall
prey to this so-called disease. When you find yourself in
this situation…and you will find yourself there…just
be sure that—wait—What? Class is over? Why am I still
writing? Arrrgh! “Senioritis”!
All I Want for Christmas
By Metisha Knighten
It’s that time of year again when most kids are
wondering what is going to be waiting for them under the
Christmas tree. A recent survey taken from numerous students
at HHS indicates that most students are certain that they
will get at least one gift that they requested. One question
asked on the survey form was what did the students most want
for Christmas this year, and the top three gifts requested
are the following in order of importance: 1. Money, 2. i-phone,
and 3. i-pod. Another gift request that received a lot of
votes was for world peace, and several even wished for fried
chicken.
We
wish you a very happy holiday season!
2010 HHS Golf Team
By
Andrew Mauldin
After a heartbreaking end to the 2009 golf season, the
Hammond High golf team is gearing up for the start of the
2010 season. Coached by George Slaight and sponsored by
Sheryl Morales, the team is hoping to make it to the
Louisiana state playoffs.
The senior members of the 2010 team are Casey Moll, Tristan
Manuel, Matt St. Pierrre, Cole Serigne, and Keen Jackson.
Junior members include Robert Triana and Andrew Mauldin. HHS
also has a female member of its golf team: Brittany Watts, a
sophomore.
In 2009, the HHS golf team missed the state playoffs by two
strokes; however, they were able to send two players
individually to the state playoffs. Those players were Paul
Mannino and Keen Jackson. Three months ago, the team held a
pastalaya dinner sale to raise money for the 2010 season and
raised over a thousand dollars.
Keen Jackson, captain of the golf team, has been on the
team his entire high school career. Jackson has high hopes
for this year. His main goal is “to send the whole golf
team to state.”
The team will start practicing in early January, and the
first match is scheduled for early March.
The Cost of Being a High School Senior
By Jakeitha Baker
Usually, the phrase “senior year” brings
to mind thoughts of fun, heavy studying, partying with
friends, and graduation time. Does anyone ever consider the
monetary side to being a high school senior? The cost of
being a senior can be rather expensive. These expenses
actually start accumulating during a person’s junior year
with the cost of his or her junior class ring. However, that
is just the beginning.
Other than graduation invitations, a
perspective senior has other items available for purchase.
There are senior class t-shirts, senior fees, club fees,
class fees, and, of course, the cost of a senior trip. Yes,
some of these costs are not mandated by the school, but they
are an important part of the senior experience.
There should be a folder given to every
senior on the first day of school, and on this folder,
there should be a warning label: Caution! The following
senior obligations could burn a hole in your pocket and in
your budget!
This isn’t the old days. The cost of
being a senior can be tremendous,
and students and their parents need be prepared.
Administrators or Fashion Police?
By
Dustin Forsberg
“Tuck in
that shirt!” “That’s not a school-approved jacket!” “Those
earrings are too big. Take them off.!” “Go shave that thing
off your face!” “No more than two bracelets or you’re
suspended!”
Do these
commands sound harsh? They are routinely spoken around
Hammond High. This year, the HHS administration has been
cracking down harder than ever on uniform violations.
The
majority of the schools in our nation have resorted to a
uniform policy. The main goal in setting a
uniform code is so that the students will be focused on
academics, not fashion. Most authorities claim that making
the students wear uniforms is also for their safety. For
example, if someone walks on campus and is not in uniform,
that person can be easily noticed.
Ms.
Michelle Simmons, Assistant Principal of Discipline at HHS,
claims that the advantages to wearing uniforms far outweigh
the disadvantages. She said, “Some of
these kids just don’t know how to dress.” The uniform policy
forces them to “know” how
to dress.
Students
are not always so positive and supportive of the uniform
regulations. Raven Hill, an HHS student, says
that the school “should focus on where we are as far as
education rather than focusing on what we’re wearing.”
No
matter what opinions a person has or what side someone
takes, the uniform policy is here to stay
and continues to get more stringent every year.
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