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Olympics and drugs draw attention
BY VENESSA KIRK
The Olympics always draws a lot of attention; however, this year
it is drawing a different kind of attention.
C.J. Hunter, track star Marion Jones's husband, tested positive
when given a drug test in July. Hunter denies ever taking any
anabolic steroids to improve his strength. Hunter is not alone;
others are testing positive to drug tests.
Sixteen-year-old Andrea Raducan of Romania has also tested positive
to a drug test. The Olympics officials took her gold medals away
from her for punishment. Raducan claims that she had been taking
cold medicine that could have caused the test to come out positive.
Michaela Melinte, also of Romania, was escorted off the Olympic
Stadium track just before she was supposed to throw in the hammer
competition. She too had tested positive for using steroids.
Olympic competitors should not be allowed to compete if they
are tested for drugs and the results are positive. Every athlete
entering the Olympics should be required to pass a random drug
test before the Olympics even begin.
There are people all around the world watching the Olympics,
including kids of all ages. These Olympic athletes are role models
for people everywhere. The athletes should think about the message
that they are sending out to all the kids watching.
Feeling
the Raider Spirit
BY ELIZABETH BLEAKLEY
Unless you have been living under a rock during your stay at
MCHS, you should know that the Red Raider football team hasn't
exactly been extraordinary successful in the previous years.
We all know that they have been the subject of occasional jokes
and sarcastic remarks. They weren't a total embarrassment, but
on the other hand, they weren't the pride of the whole school
either. They were just the ones who got on the field every Friday
to play a game that only a loyal few actually paid attention
to while the rest of us used it as an excuse to socialize. No,
I'm not bashing them. I'm just stating facts.
Well, obviously, this year is different. They have played five
undefeated games, and we the students are now eating our words.
I have to admit that I was highly skeptical of continuing the
winning streak after two lucky games. But obviously, this isn't
due to luck. We have talented players who have trained very hard
this summer and are dedicated to what they do. Each time I walk
by that poster near Mrs. Coulter's room that says, "Catch
the Spirit of the Raiders: 5-0," I truly feel a sense of
pride.
The football team has endured so much criticism and doubt in
the past few years, that they deserve to be congratulated. Even
if they lose the game this Friday, I will still be feeling the
"Raider Spirit."
Should
the driving age be increased?
BY STACIE SMITH
Teen driving. Everyone complains about it. At least, adults do
anyway, it seems. But what is so terrible about teenagers behind
the wheel? My parents sum it up in one word (which they always
use before I leave the house) inexperience. A solution?
The Georgia Legislature will soon face the prospect of changing
the driving laws for teenagers. Such strong concern for this
is due to recent news reports stating that 16 Atlanta-area teens
have died in accidents involving teen drivers since March. There
are many factors, I believe, that they should consider before
changing this law.
There are various advantages to changing the driving age. It
is a known fact that auto accidents are the number one cause
of death among young people. If they raise the driving age to
17, hopefully the death rate will decrease drastically. Young
people are always so anxious and excited to have the privilege
to drive on their own and truly grasp the feeling of freedom
and independence. So, all the older, more experienced drivers
want to take that privilege away from them? Well, not exactly.
Actually, increasing the age by one or two years does not make
them wait very long. Teens' experiences as they grow older give
them maturity, as they learn from their mistakes and strive to
improve their lives. That being said, thousands of new 16-year-old
drivers in America died or were critically injured in automobile
accidents in the past. A car wreck should not have to be one
of those "mistakes." One of my very good friends recently
wrecked her car totaled it and scared her to death. Even
though she is 16, she definitely agrees that it is a great idea
to change the driving age.
Still, the disadvantages should be taken into consideration.
Inconvenience, for example, is definitely one aspect that teens
and parents alike can find frustrating. Anytime a 16-year-old
driver wants to get out of the house, they can leave with just
their license and keys in hand. If the driving age were to increase,
they would have to be carried around for most of their high school
years. While parents are working or maybe even just wanting to
rest, their kids always want to attend football games, after-school
activities, and above all, their teens will want to go out with
their friends. Parents continuously say, "We can't do everything
all at once," and this holds true for these kinds of situations.
It will be difficult for parents to get everyone where they need
to be and still find time to pack in their own schedules. Also,
are not drivers all the same when it comes to inexperience? Yes,
17-year-olds may be slightly more mature than 16-year-olds, but
experience with driving begins only when someone first starts
driving. Basically, it does not matter if they change the driving
age from 16 to 40 there are still going to be inexperienced
drivers on the road
Overall, teen driving is an aspect of society not taken lightly,
because of the tragic consequences of recklessness among young
people. Who knows if the driving age will ever increase; the
one thing this technological world today can expect is the disadvantages
of certain technologies. Cars are definitely a major asset, but
accidents cannot wholly be avoided it just is not possible.
Fine art
feature: Alice Stone
BY TESSA HOLLIS
When students decide which classes to take or activities to participate
in, many choose to do things that they excel in. This is clearly
the case with senior art student Alice Stone.
"When I was little I used to make up stories and draw pictures
to illustrate them," confesses Stone. Her interest deepened
when she entered elementary school and took art classes, and
in middle school when she took private lessons. She continues
to take private lessons in addition to art elective courses in
school. Stone finds that through the years art has enabled her
to make statements that she wouldn't have been able to make using
words.
Stone is involved with a multitude of art forms, her personal
favorites being watercolor and colored pencil. She uses a great
variety of mediums because she enjoys seeing some of the original
results that she can produce.
Stone's interest in art comes mainly from her grandmother, who
is also an art teacher.
Stone recalls, "I remember going over to her (grandmother's)
house and seeing all of her artwork. I used to think of how much
I wanted to be just like her."
While Stone's grandmother influences her as an artist, Claud
Monet's work is one of her greatest sources of inspiration in
her work. Monet's watercolors are her favorite for the beautiful,
calm atmosphere that they are able to convey.
In the future, Stone hopes to attend the University of Georgia
for an undergraduate degree in graphic design or illustration.
Following that she hopes to enroll in Savannah College of Art
and Design for her graduate work, and establish a career that
will use her artistic talent.
Art teacher Patti Coulter says, "I've enjoyed working with
Stone in the art classroom for the last three years, watching
her come up with interesting and creative solutions to each art
project. She always gives her best to each assignment."
With her natural talent and hard work, Stone's future in the
world of art is a sure success.
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4-H is a worthwhile club
BY RACHEL VERHINE
4-H is a wonderful club. I, personally, have been in many clubs,
and I've been on many teams. Out of all the clubs and teams,
4-H is the only club where I don't have to be someone I'm not
just to please other people. 4-H is just one big "family"
4-H offers many different things. There is always something that
you are interested in. There are many different judging teams.
4-H helps you learn leadership and helps you be more social.
There are also camps and at those camps not only do you have
fun, but you also go to interesting classes and meet new people.
4-H Week is coming up. It is October 1-7. Come and support 4-H.
Use our head to think smart and join 4-H. Use your heart to support
4-H. Use your hands to hold up a sign that says "I'm in
4-H to make the world a better place." Use your health to
help the less fortunate know what 4-H is all about.
Open house held for parents
BY STACIE SMITH
Parents love nothing more than to see their children succeed
in school. At open house, parents were allowed to interact with
their children's teachers and be more involved in their acadenic
lives. This opportunity also provides a way for parents to understand
exactly what, if anything, is hindering these students from doing
their best and a chance to improve their children's study habits.
Mr. Jim Ring stated, "Many of my present students have older
siblings that I once taught, and I always enjoy getting to see
my former students and their parents."
In addition to open house, parents are always welcome to contact
teachers for conferences during the year.
Frank
May: A stand-out student
BY STEPHEN TIPPINS
Frank May is a stand-out among this year's junior class at MCHS.
A lifelong citizen of Hull, Frank is the son of Dale and Dameron
May and is the brother of current MCHS senior Mira May.
Frank is a dedicated student and, in fact, has been an active
member of the academic team the previous two years. With his
mother being a teacher, he has been positively influenced concerning
his education, and is very dedicated when it comes to his academics,
as he plans on attending college at the conclusion of the his
high school career.
As far as his extra-circular activities are concerned, Frank
is an avid golfer. As a member of the high school golf team,
Frank frequents Whispering Pines Golf Club in Colbert during
his free time. And as a member of the marching band, Frank is
mastering the art of baritone sax, an instrument he has been
perfecting for the past four years. Also, he is currently an
employee of Advanced Auto Parts.
With so much going on, it could be easy for a young man like
Frank to become stressed, but Frank has a great sense of humor,
and takes most critical things in stride.
"Yeah," says fellow junior Jenni Nation, "Frank's
kind of a jolly guy ... he's got a great laugh."
When he's not hitting the golf links or blasting away at the
sax, Frank finds time to hang out with his friends, where his
sense of humor comes in handy. He and his friends primarily enjoy
watching movies and having fun with whatever the spur of the
moment provides.
All in all, Frank is a great guy and a definite stand-out among
his peers.
LaTana Coile joins MCHS staff
BY JENNI NATION
This year MCHS has added 10 new teachers to the staff. One of
these new additions is Ms. LaTana Coile. She is teaching psychology,
sociology, AP and ACP U.S. history.
Coile is no stranger to these halls. She graduated from MCHS
with the class of 1981. While a student here, she was a member
of the state championship basketball team After graduation, Coile
attended Emmanuel College for two years and gained an associate's
degree. Afterward, she attended UGA, where she earned a bachelor's
degree in education in secondary social sciences. She acquired
her master's in education from Piedmont College.
Before becoming a teacher, Coile wanted to be a lawyer. But after
working at a day camp for a while, she decided that she wanted
to work with children. And what better way than being a teacher?
She finally decided to become a history teacher when she figured
out that it would be the best way to combine the two things she
enjoyed, children and history.
Before coming to MCHS, Coile taught social studies at Franklin
County for 14 years. She also coached varsity softball and middle
school basketball. This year she will be the assistant coach
for the girls' basketball team.
Coile and her husband have lived in Madison County all their
lives. She is now a resident of the Shiloh community. In her
spare time she enjoys reading, watching and playing sports, being
outdoors and spending time with her family.
Coile is truly an excellent addition to the staff this year.
I know from being in her AP U.S. history class that she is a
great teacher with a zeal for educating her students. We are
all glad that she decided to join our winning team.
NHS meeting held Wednesday
BY ASHLEY WALLER
The first annual meeting of the National Honor Society was held
Wednesday. The new officers were announced for the 2000-2001
year: president-Megan McKay, vice president-Donny Stamper, secretary-treasurer-Arrie
Brown, historian-Christine Simmons, projects chairwoman-Crystal
McGinnis, and sponsors-Mrs. Darley, Ms. Simmons and Ms. Sanford.
Upcoming events were discussed and many things are in store for
NHS members. These include the environment T-shirt sale fund-raiser
to the trash pick-ups which help members to earn needed service
hours.
Induction of new members will be held Thursday, October 5, at
7:30 p.m. This is a chance for inductees to become official members
of NHS.
To be asked to join NHS you have to have a 90 average and you
must receive five service hours a year to remain a member. To
receive your pin you have to earn 30 hours.
The NHS convention will be held in April at Jekyll Island. NHS
will also sponsor the Mr. MCHS pageant. All proceeds go toward
convention, operating costs and scholarships.
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