Michaela Olafson, a senior on the Northside varsity volleyball team, also got a surprise as we took her out of her class to interview her.

 

Apparently winning their first game against Callaway sprung a winning streak. The girls have won five out of seven games and are excited to see how the rest of their games play out. Tonight, August thirtieth is another game against Callaway and they’re hoping to pull a win again.

 

“State is a long ways away,” Michaela said when asked about it. “I’m pretty sure it’s a team goal of ours to go, though.”

We also interviewed Morganne Harper, a freshman about how it felt making the varsity team.

 

“It was a pretty big accomplishment to me. Knowing that I had made varsity as a freshman is pretty good,” Morganne said.

 

 

 

 

The First Game!

     Jonathan Karastury, the starting quarterback for the varsity Northside High School football team, got a big surprise when we pulled him out of Mrs. Housand’s AP World History class to interview him about their first game against Shaw High School. He didn’t really know what to say when we interviewed him, but it seems he eventually found some good answers for the questions we had prepared for him.

“I’m pretty excited because I know we will beat them,” he told us while laughing. How does he know that? I could say the many days after school with bone-crunching practices

Jonathan also told us how he think the season will go. “We have a lot of good players so I expect it to be a pretty good season.”

If you want to go and cheer the Patriots on to give them even more motivation to win against the Raiders, be at Kinnet Stadium at seven.

Underwood Inspires

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By: Gabby Wilson 

Wilma Rudolph once said, “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”  Being an athlete requires a person to have a winning mentality.  When I sat down with Northside freshman Travis Underwood, I understood what being an athlete truly means. 

Underwood was born with Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy.  Cerebral Palsy is a group of chronic conditions affecting body movements and muscle coordination that is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development or infancy.  It is characterized by an inability to fully control motor function, particularly muscle control and coordination.  This condition is not “curable” in an accepted sense; however, therapy and applied technology can help those with Cerebral Palsy lead productive lives. 

Cerebral Palsy has taken a toll on Travis’ life, but he does not let that hinder his love for sports.  Talking to Travis gave me a better understanding of what playing sports is like for Travis, and I learned that he is everything an athlete should be and more.  When I asked Travis about his love for sports, he lit up with excitement.  “I love sports,” Underwood said.  “I have never allowed my disability to stop me from playing sports, and the Muscogee Lions have given me an opportunity that I never could have imagined having.”

The Northside football team welcomed Travis as their football manager when he was a freshman.  Travis describes his love for football by saying that, even though he is not able to participate, being the manager is just as satisfying.  “I still get to learn more, and help the players and coaches,” says Underwood.  “I loved getting to know the players throughout the season.  They are like a family to me, and I am so blessed to be a part of the team.”

Outside of school, Travis plays wheelchair basketball, handball, and football through Muscogee County’s adapted sports program.  He began playing with the Muscogee Lions in the 7^th grade when he caught the game winning touchdown catch that won his team the State Championship.  At the time, Travis was the youngest player on the team, and now he is the oldest and enjoys being a leader for his fellow teammates.  This past year, Travis helped lead his handball team to be the state runners-up.

“Travis does not allow his disability to slow him down one bit, he will try almost anything,” says Gloria Brown, Muscogee Lions football and handball coach.  “He is a wonderful young athlete who sets positive examples for his teammates both on and off the court.”

When I asked Travis who his role model was, I did not know at the moment that I would be writing a list of names.  “My brother Caleb and my cousin Seth have always pushed me to never give up and of course my parents,” he began.  “Coach Brown, Coach Ingram, Coach Wilson, Coach Dee, and Coach Reid are important to me because they gave up their valuable time to help me and the Lions.  Mr. Brakefield deserves huge thanks from me because without him, I would not be where I am today.”

Travis’ passion and determination is contagious.  He is a wonderful young athlete who is an inspiration to all.  The Northside football program and the Muscogee Lions program would not be where they are today without him.

 

Northside Rifle Hopes for State Title

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By: Gabby Wilson Northside High School has proven itself worthy of recognition in many areas of the athletic world.  While some only keep record of the more popular sports such as football, basketball, and baseball and tend to overlook sports that are not as common, Northside recognizes their Rifle Team as one of the best […]

Prom: This one-syllable word brings forth thoughts of fancy dresses, slick tuxes, expensive dinners, and a magical night of dancing and fun to teenagers across the country. For Northside High School, prom is scheduled for April 21^st, making it a distant thought for many. However, Orin Lincoln, a senior here at Northside, has taken the initiative to ask his dream date to prom two whole months in advance. At first, this seems to be a very premature decision. But when one considers the fact that this perfect girl’s name is Betty White (yes, THE Betty White), the early invitation doesn’t seem like such a bad idea. Orin, being a very intelligent individual, realized that a simple email saying “Wanna go to prom?” just wouldn’t cut it for the hilarious and very esteemed actress. So Orin stepped it up a notch and wrote Betty White an original song (which you can watch on the link below). He put on his tux, pulled up a chair to his piano, and made a video of himself singing his heart out in hopes that Betty White would see his unique invitation someday soon.

Orin’s video has captured the attention of students, teachers, parents, and even local news stations WTVM and WRBL.

Many Northside students (including Tara Tompkins, Reagan Lammert and Patrick Ndungu)are raising awareness of Orin's dream to go to prom with Betty White by tweeting about it on Twitter.

And Orin isn’t the only one who wants to see his dreams come true. Dozens of people have re-posted and shared the link to Orin’s video through Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Junior, Bryce Jackson, is currently keeping a running count of how many mentions the hashtag #OrinAndBettyWhite is getting on Twitter, and several students, including senior Emily Fitts and Northside alumnus Liz Carson, have submitted the video to popular talk-show host Ellen Degeneres through Facebook and her show’s website. Carlie Cooper, Orin’s public relations representative, says “When Orin mentioned the idea to me, I was absolutely thrilled and I told him I would do anything to help him. So, I sent the video to WTVM. They aired it the next evening.”

Orin says that the thought of asking Betty White to prom surfaced during Ms. Mion’s AP U.S. Government and Politics class last semester. One of his classmates joked that Orin should ask Ms. White to prom and he immediately loved the idea. At first he was uncertain if asking her to prom would be a good idea. However, when his grandmother, approaching the age of 92 and an avid Betty White fan, encouraged him to pursue his dream, he got to work on his catchy song that has captured the attention of the entire community.

Surprisingly, Lincoln’s original song was created in just one night. Using a chord progression from a song he had entertained at GHP (Governor’s Honors Program) as a Piano Minor this summer, Lincoln says that the lyrics fit well and suited his singing style. He also says he got inspiration from several famous pop artists. “Anyone who has ever heard me sing Florence and the Machine or Lady Gaga should not be surprised at how I composed the melody,” said Lincoln.

Although his hopes of attending prom with Betty White are very high, Orin says that he would understand if she

Orin's personal tweet about his dream date and the sensation he has created in the community.

has prior commitments on April 21^st. “If Betty White even acknowledges the video, I think that would be fantastic. But of course, I would love for her to come. Hopefully Betty White will be glad to know how much people want her to come to the Northside High School prom,” he said.

Help Orin Lincoln reach Betty White by posting the video to your Facebook and Twitter pages. The more people that know about it, the more likely Betty will see it.

Winter Cabaret 2012

Northside’s most recent Drama production was the 2012 Winter Cabaret hosted on Friday, January 27 at 7 pm and on Sunday, January 29 at 2 pm.  Formerly known as Dinner Theater, the show has been a tradition at Northside since the school’s opening in 2002. This year’s show was as entertaining and enjoyable as ever.

The show is always famous for its hilarious and well played MCs, but this year they raised the bar for future MCs to come. The theme was based on the well-known movie, Back to the Future, that hit the box office in 1985. Blake Lowry and Abby Fitts wrote the scripts for MCs and incorporated Back to the Future with some of our favorite teachers here at Northside, creating a twisted tale that kept everyone laughing. Brooks Bennett did a wonderful job playing our principal, Mr. Wilson, and enjoyed saying “schedule” just as Mr. Wilson would. Other MCs included Gabby Wilson as Mrs. Powell, Emily Fitts as Mrs. Fasick, Donavan Weldon as Coach Laney, and TJ Moore as Mr. Harper. MCs who played characters from Back to the Future were Blake Lowry as Doc, Abby Fitts as Jennifer, and Juan Rodriguez as Marty. The show consisted of the three main protagonists from Back to the Future going back in time and meeting our teachers as teenagers. Through their time traveling escapade they managed to skew the history of Northside which everyone found was the most memorable part of the show.

The cast blew their audience away with the first song “Back in Time” that corresponded with the Back to the Future theme. Another memorable number from this year’s Winter Cabaret was a duet by Gabby Wilson and Juan Rodriguez as they sang a mix up of “You and I” by Lady Gaga and “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry.  The cast left the stage on a more serious note just as the curtains closed for intermission after they sang “I Need You to Survive.” This number was different than any other number because they used sign language to interpret the song, making it all the more beautiful. Most of the audience found that the second half of the show was even better than the first. In the hippie number the cast interacted with the audience while singing the song “Hair.” The cast agreed that this was one of their favorite numbers because they loved dressing up in hippie attire. A student here at Northside, Kaysee Cross, was a member of the audience and said her favorite number was “Hair” as well. Jessica Shadix also saw the show and said she loved the couples’s number in which they danced and sang to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”  The show came to a close with some astounding numbers including the famous O’ Girls and O’ Boys. The O’ Girls based their entire number on a rain theme this year and blew the audience away.  “I was really excited to be a part of O’ Girls as a first year cast member of Dinner Theater, it was an honor,” said Katelyn Marrone. The show went out with a bang with the well-known song “I’m a Believer” from the cartoon movie Shrek.

The show was a huge success as it is every year. Dinner Theater is the biggest fundraiser each year, bringing in thousands of dollars to benefit the always growing Drama department. Mr. Harper, the director/producer of Winter Cabaret thanks all who came and supported the show. He also hopes it was enjoyable for everyone. The cast is also thankful for their supportive audience. They agree that this production is much more than just a show but an experience from high school that creates memories to last a lifetime.  I would recommend to anyone that they should certainly buy a ticket to next year’s show. Winter Cabaret is one show you do not want to miss.

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One Act Play 2011: With Their Eyes

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From the first day of school to October 24, Mr. Harper and a handful of students rehearsed every day after school for the 2011-2012 One Act Play.

As 2011 marks ten years since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, Mr. Harper chose With Their Eyes, a play about a group of people from Stuyvesant (Sty-vess-ant) High School who experienced the attacks just four blocks from Ground Zero. The actors portrayed students and faculty members alike with a set of platforms resembling the wreckage of the World Trade Centers, which were provided by Mr. Hightower. “This show was a stretch for all of us, seeing as we normally do musicals and children’s theatre,” said Mr. Harper.

On October 27, 2011, the cast traveled by bus to Warner Robins, Georgia, to compete in the annual One Act Competition. The One Act Competition consists of every high school in Georgia being split into sections or “regions.” The schools within the region perform their plays in front of a board of highly esteemed judges from throughout Georgia. The scores are based on variables such as: acting, quiet transitions in between scenes, cooperating as a cast and overall time. The plays must remain within a time limit of 55 minutes, including setting props up on the stage and moving them to an off-stage position when the play is finished. “The cast performed really well, and the crew did great work backstage.” said stage manager Madison Oates.

Northside competed against seven other schools in the region and placed sixth, ranking above Bainbridge and Troupe County High Schools. First place went to a deserving Northside Warner Robins, who performed How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. “One Act was a great experience, full of ups and downs. But I’m glad I did it. It always turns out well in the end, even if we don’t win. We put on a good show, and that’s all that matter,” says cast member Savannah Sosa.

Guiding Northside Students and Athletes On and Off the Field

By: Gabby Wilson, Editor-in-Chief

 

Northside High School principal James Wilson called promoting Chris Porch to Northside’s Guidance Director Position one of the easiest decisions he ever made.  “Chris is a great young man.  He’s a family first person who has a gift to lead young people, whether they are our guidance counselors, students, or athletes.”

 

Porch began his career in education as a Special Education teacher at Kendrick High School in 2005, while teaching and counseling at Kendrick, Porch served as the Head Track coach from 2006-2008 where he earned the All Bi-City Coach of the Year Honor in both 2006 and 2008.  In 2008 moved permanently from teaching to counseling.  He joined the guidance department at Northside in 2010, and then later in 2011 was promoted to Guidance Director when former Guidance Director Lance Henderson was promoted to an assistant principal’s position at Columbus High School.   He returned to the football sidelines this year and has played a vital role in the Patriots 5-4 season. 

 

The 1998 Shaw High School graduate made the All Bi-City Team for football in 1997 and received All State track recognition as the states AAA Long Jump Champion in 1998.  Porch signed a football scholarship to Albany State where he played as a freshman.  He transferred to the University of Georgia after his freshman season and was a member of both the Bulldog football and track teams. 

 

 

When asked about his role as a counselor and coach, Porch stated, “In many ways, being both a counselor and coach prepares me for success in the opposite role.  Both roles require listening, teaching, and encouraging students to work through life’s obstacles and to meet their personal goals.  My goal for all students that I work with, on and off the field, is for them to be prepared for success beyond high school.  I approach both my counseling and coaching duties with this goal in mind.  As a counselor and coach that means emphasizing that all goals both academic and athletic are obtainable with hard work and a positive attitude.”  Porch went on to say, “Often times being a counselor and coach means long days and late nights, and I’m so thankful to have a wife that supports both aspects of my life.  It is with her love and support that I am able to manage being a father, counselor, and coach.  This year was full of memorable events for my wife and I as I have resumed coaching after two years of taking a break.  None have been more memorable than the birth of our first child, Kennedy Grace Porch.  Through God’s grace, prayer, and the support of our family, friends, and co-workers she is doing well after being born three months early.  Whether it is a long and stressful day or a game loss, nothing gives me more strength than my daughter Kennedy.  She is our little miracle.”

Aloha Wednesday

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Who loves Northside? We love Northside! We also loved the student body’s school spirit today. Students wore Northside attire and red, white, and blue to show their Patriot Pride. Today’s winners definitely displayed their love for Northside by standing out among the crowd. Carlie Cooper, senior, showed her Northside spirit and represented the graduating class of 2012 by wearing red, white, and blue and a personalized 2012 cape. She loves Northside because of all the opportunities she has to succeed. Joining her was junior, Lauren Wilson. Lauren dressed as Lady Liberty. Her costume was complete with a book, “torch”, and headpiece. She shows patriotism by standing tall and still, greeting newcomers, and reading A LOT. Travis Hall stood out among the crowd of patriots by wearing a blue morph suit and red bottoms to show his school spirit. Coach Laney couldn’t even identify “the kid with the mask.” The Northside faculty and staff even got involved in today’s festivities. Mrs. Sneed personally made a skirt out of various Northside T-shirts. These patriots showed great pride in their school, but our clear winners today are Brooks Bennett and Gabby Wilson. Brooks dressed as Captain America complete with bullet-proof alloy shield. Brooks’ “lust for justice” inspired his super look today. While interviewing Brooks, he kept exclaiming “I can’t surrender! I don’t know how!” His partner in justice, Gabby Wilson, says she loves Northside because “it’s the best school ever, and the principal is kind of cool. I mean I don’t go to school, I’m Wonder Woman. But that’s what I hear.” She also insisted we call her by the name of Wonder Woman and wondered aloud who this Gabby Wilson we spoke of was. When asked what her real identity was, she replied “Of all people, you know who I am…who the world needs me to be. I’m Wonder Woman.”   Northside tudents’ love for their school was definitely apparent today!

Don’t forget, tomorrow is Tacky Tourist Thursday!

Totem Pole Tuesday

Totem Pole Tuesday was most definitely sick!

If you didn’t already figure it out, seniors dressed as senior citizens, juniors were dressed in what they would’ve worn in middle school, sophomores were kids, and the freshmen were in

Mary Mac Allen showed her inner child by dressing as a fairy princess.

diapers. Considering today’s differentiating themes, we’ve chosen winners from each class. Representing the babies….I mean the freshmen were Kathryn Craig

Allen Cheal and James Walker dressed as tween Boy Scouts.

and Carson Slocumb. Carson sported a classic onesie while Kathryn wore a white dress and carried a pacifier throughout the day. Christin Whaley displayed the kid within and represented the sophomores by wearing a super girl cape, a princess tiara, and her favorite pink dress. Before school, Christin watched Barbie movies, practiced ballet and had a tea-party with her stuffed animals. Mary Mac Allendressed as a fairy to display her inner child. Goldfish are her favorite food for snack time because “fishies” are her favorite animals. Among the juniors, James Walker and Allen Chealwere exemplary tweens.

Joey Goldman, Mary Beth Wilson, Caitlyn O'Conner, MJ Irvin, Lauren Wilson, Ashley Worthington, and Kelsey Plemmons form a pyramid to show their inner middle schoolers.

They wore their Boy Scout uniforms and stressed the importance of rope tying in their lives.  Teeny-bopper MJ Irvin got in touch with her inner middle schooler by texting her BFFs and overusing the word “like.” She’s totally a Belieber and owns exactly 27 silly bands.  And as far as the seniors go, you’re darn skippy that Angie Baez

Angia Baez and Cameron Starr surround Kevin Johnston as "Guido Grandmas."

represented the old timers pretty swell. She and Cameron Starr dressed as “Guido Grandmas” and spoke in New Jersey accents throughout the school day. They wore cheetah print leggings and phanny packs. Angie also claims that she has had five face lifts within the past month. In addition, Jalen Lacy stood out among the senior citizens by dressing as our very own principle, Mr. Wilson. He sprayed his hair white and wore one of Mr. Wilson’s personal ID badges. Jalen even imitated Mr. Wilson throughout the day. Jalen says that when his dentures go missing, they mysteriously appear under the sofa. Overall, Totem Pole Tuesday was a total success.

Jalen Lacy came to school dressed as Northside's principle, Mr. Wilson.

Get ready to show your Patriot Pride tomorrow on Aloha Wednesday! Remember: The Patriot Reveille staff will be on the lookout for the students who show just how much they love their Northside Ohana the most!