Sequoyah High School - The Arrow

Sequoyah High School -- 4485 Hickory Rd, Canton, GA -- December 2018 -- Volume XVI Issue 3

Historic season lands Chiefs in Elite 8
By Cameron Keehley some positions, which led to fatigue near the
The football team made history this end of the season. The varsity football team warms up against River Ridge on Oct. 5. The Chiefs finished the sea-
son with a 6-2 record in the region. Photo by Madi Foley.
season by becoming the first team in school’s “What caught up with us a little bit at
history to have a third-round home game. the end was we were a little bit beat up which Senior Collier Pecht and junior Colin Koprowski stand along the sideline and watch the defense
They started out the season winning sev- most teams are at this time; we lacked a little attempt to stop the opposing team’s drive. Pecht led the team through a long historic playoff
en out of their first eight games, and then bit in depth which could have helped us a lot run. Photo by Madi Foley.
finished strong with a 10-3 record, allowing more,” Teter said.
them to make it to the Elite 8.
After the Creekside victory on Nov. 16,
The last time the Chiefs won ten which put the Chiefs into the Elite 8, Coach
games in a season was in 2008. Coach James Teter was surprised at the turn of events.
Teter viewed the 2018 season as one for the
books, and one like no other. “I was just in a little bit of disbelief. Be-
cause most people don’t know the touchdown
“I just think it was an awesome expe- in overtime was kind of a messed-up play and
rience, I mean just the journey itself of what then the two-point play was a total busted
we went through,” Teter said. “The journey play that ended up working out in our favor,”
we had and the memories they created, not Teter said. “Most people don’t realize that the
just for themselves, but for the school, for the last two plays that meant the most worked
community and all that was pretty fantastic.” out in our favor, but they really weren’t run
correctly so it was a little bit of ‘oh my god I
The team trained for countless hours can’t believe that just happened.’”
in order to succeed this season. This was not
anything new to the players or coaches who For senior Collier Pecht, the Creekside
had already been working hard to achieve this game was one he will never forget.
goal.
“You got to see the look of victory and
“They worked extremely hard. [They the look of defeat on the Creekside faces,”
worked] from the week after we stopped a Pecht said. “[It] just makes you realize that
year ago [to the end of the season],” Teter you can lose week in and week out, especially
said. “It wasn’t like they just started [training] during the playoffs.”
over summer; it really started last year, pretty
much in November.” Pecht recalls this season as special and
appreciates how the team embraced their so-
Alongside the strong work ethic, lead- called underdog role.
ership was a large factor in the team’s wins,
and this year’s seniors exhibited this mostly. “No one gave us a chance from the
start, all we had to do was just believe in the
“[They showed] a ton of leadership,” people that surrounded us in the locker room
Teter said. “Not that we didn’t have good and the coaches,” Pecht said.
leadership the year before, I just think they
approached it in a different manner, so I Pecht was the starting quarterback
think they showed a lot of leadership.” and the vocal leader of the team and took on a
lot of responsibility.
Teter believes that if the team wants
to continue to succeed in the near future, the “You just got to embrace it and realize
players must learn work ethic from the senior that if you lead, they will follow. As a high
class. school football player, especially under Coach
Teter, you devote all your time from May to
“That’s what I told everybody at the December all to football and pray you get
end of the [Northside] game the other night the right outcome,” Pecht said. “This year
was that I hope that they could take what this we worked as hard as I have ever seen any
senior class did and learn from it and add to Sequoyah team in the four years I was there.”
it, so if they can do that then we won’t have
any problem, but if they don’t, then we will Pecht cherished every moment he
struggle,” Teter said. could while on the field with his teammates
and made numerous memories that will last
Junior Nicholas Ballance hopes to forever.
bring leadership to next year’s team.
“The memories I made [this season]
“[The seniors] will pass the torch to us with my best friends and brothers will forever
and we will give good advice to the upcoming be told to future friends down the road,”
juniors and sophomores,” Ballance said. Pecht said.

The Chiefs lacked depth this year at

The Chiefs huddle up after an unforgettable season. They finished the season ranked 6th in the Senior Collier Pecht dives in for the two-point conversion. The Chiefs beat Creekside 50-49 in
6A standings. Photo by Madi Foley. overtime, advancing them to the Elite 8. Photo by Madi Foley.

INSIDE Christmas around the world Coach Eddy is ready Charitable clubs raise funds and
THIS Pg. 3 Pg. 8 donations Pg. 12
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2 News The Arrow December 2018

The countdown to finals has begun
By Katie Whitfield through last year’s finals was that many
With only a few days left of school, teachers said, ‘Well, if you keep your grades Sophomore Isabella Valone struggles to carry textbooks she studies out of. Students studied
up, you won’t have to take them next year,’” weeks before finals to prepare for the assessments. Photo by Phoebe Offenberg.
students are excited to finish the first Lanter said. “I think that [exemptions] were
semester. However, the end of the semester a great inspiration to keep an A and give your tests more difficult. As the end of the year quickly nears,
also means finals must be taken. Many all. Since I have straight A’s, I [could] have “I believe all of mine are on paper students prepare for finals and prepare to
students see finals as a game changer for their exempted any final.” enjoy a stress free holiday break.
grades. This adds pressure on the students which makes it even more difficult because
as they strive to do the best they can on the With many students taking honors some of them might not be multiple choice,”
exams. and AP classes, students typically study ahead Hansen said.
of time to make sure they are prepared for
Junior Cassie Myers believes that these tests.
the weight of each final puts too much stress
on the students. Since finals count as such “Normally, I study for about a week
a large percentage of the overall grade, this before the finals,” Lanter said. “If I begin
could potentially cause students to drop a studying hard before then, a lot of the
letter grade. information I’ve relearned won’t feel fresh
during the final. I’d estimate about an hour
“I think the weight system we have a day of individual studying, but a lot of
for finals puts a lot of unnecessary stress on teachers give homework and study guides so
students for finals because you can work so you can be prepared.”
hard throughout the year on normal tests and
assignments to get a good grade in the class, Lanter is experiencing the heavy
but you can get tanked if you don’t do well on workload of high school for the first time.
the final,” Myers said.
“I’ve prepared for math over a longer
With the assessments covering period than last year, as I started studying
a whole semester, students are often in late October,” Lanter said. “Overall, high
overwhelmed with the pressure of school finals involve more studying and more
memorizing material that spans over five stress.”
months. Sophomore Savannah Hansen is
familiar with the stress that comes with finals. Other students do not study as much,
and they treat finals like any other test in their
“Finals are over all the material we’ve classes. They do not put in any extra effort
learned this year which makes it even more just because it is a final. Senior Ian Faulkner
difficult,” Hansen said. is one of these students.

Some students experience more stress “I rarely study, but I know I’m an
as they are not able to exempt finals anymore. outlier when it comes to that,” Faulkner said.
Freshman Wesley Lanter wishes he were able
to exempt exams. Even though technology is
continuously growing in the school, finals still
“One of the things that got me remain on paper. Some students find written

Students have a love/hate relationship with snow days
By Natasha Ambriz
Over the past several years, there Drawing by Katherine Williams. Sophomore Dalton Luedke was one of the still tired from the trip.”
team members to attend the trip. With temperatures reaching below-
has been at least one day when school was When February break was taken
cancelled due to severe weather. Last year, away, it was a burden for many students. The “Like all the other students, I didn’t freezing levels and rainy days on the horizon,
school was cancelled on multiple occasions speech and debate team goes on their annual like [the county] taking away our break, the likelihood of snow is greater than ever.
due to both a hurricane and snow. The trip to the Harvard tournament during [although] I did not have anything planned This time, however, the school and the county
county responded by adding three makeup February break. They get back on Tuesday over the break,” Luedke said. “I did not go to are prepared with their new digital learning
days during the latter half of February break. afternoon and usually have the rest of the school Wednesday but did go Thursday and program.
Many students were displeased with the break to catch up on their sleep and enjoy the Friday, and it wasn’t fun considering I was
decision, and a significant portion of the stress-free week. Last year, this was different.
student body opted to skip school those days
due to prior plans.

This year, the county has led
efforts to prevent this from happening again.
The most notable effort has been the shift
to digital assignments on Canvas so that
students would not have to miss valuable
learning time. This allows students to learn
lessons and take assessments online. Like
other years, Dr. Brian Hightower, school
superintendent, and the school board follow
specific protocol to dictate whether it is safe
for students to make the trip to school.

“As usual, we expect that there
may be several days where road conditions
become hazardous,” Hightower said. “We
have done our best to communicate to
students and parents that in the event of
inclement weather that we will err on the
side of safety when making school closure
determinations and communicate those
decisions immediately. We have also piloted
digital learning platforms to determine next
steps in development of protocols which
would allow for us to implement those rather
than cancel school.”

Ideally, all of the 42,000 students
in the county would be able to access
assignments via Canvas to prevent getting
behind in classes. However, this solution may
not be as simple or feasible as it seems.

“We are looking for consistency
throughout the school district and from
class-to-class,” Hightower said. “We are also
hearing that not everyone has Internet access
at home and that in the event of inclement
weather, not all families would have power at
home.”

The Arrow December 2018 News 3

Christmas celebrated around the world
By Tatum Beckwith Rokudai said her family and most Japanese
The holiday season is the time of Thanksgiving. His family does not have any tenth century story where Zwarte Piet first have chicken for dinner and cake for dessert.
special traditions, except for the Netherland’s appeared and became a Dutch tradition. Their meals back home are not so different
year that most people spend with family and Sinterklaas holiday. On Dec. 5 each year, from the meals many Americans have on
friends. Regardless of religion, the two-week Sinterklaas and his helper, Zwarte Piet, give Although there are many different Christmas night.
long holiday break serves as a time to be the kids who have been good their gifts, and Christmas traditions worldwide, in some
with loved ones and celebrate . Whether it is everyone spends time with their families. This places their celebrations are similar to those “Christmas back home is not as big as
watching funny Christmas movies, cooking tradition originated from the middle of the here. Junior Mihiro Rokudai from Japan here,” Rokudai said. “The celebration is small
and baking for Christmas dinner, or wrapping shared her typical Christmas back at home. and with immediate family. Each of the kids
gifts on Christmas Eve, this is the time for joy gets gifts but only one.”
and celebration.
Senior Kathi Tolstiuk is also staying
There are a few students who will with her host family for Christmas instead of
spend this season away from their families returning home to Austria.
and away from their own country. The six
foreign exchange students will not get to go Many Americans start decorating the
home, spend time with their families and day after Thanksgiving . The lights are lit up,
friends, or partake in traditional festivities like the tree is decorated, and the festivities start
usual. Instead, they will stay with their host before December even begins. Tolstuik does
families in America. not get the full month to admire her tree and
lights; the tree is not even purchased until
When Junior Daniel Dix celebrates Christmas Eve.
Christmas back in his home country, the
Netherlands, he does not celebrate the “We celebrate Christmas on the
religious aspect of the holiday but rather the evening of Decemeber 24,” Tolstiuk said.
time his family spends together. However, his “That’s the first time you are allowed to see
family celebration is not any different than a the Christmas tree. We light candles and get
lot of American celebrations. the presents after we eat dinner.”

“I’m staying here for Christmas, and I Instead of having jolly Saint Nick
miss my family,” Dix said. “But I’m not really wiggle down the chimney, in Austria they
homesick.” have the angel Christkind bring them
their presents. Christkind is described as a
In the Netherlands, Dix would golden-haired baby, with wings; Christkind
stay at home with his immediate family to symbolizes new born Christ.
celebrate. His typical meal consists of turkey
and the usual foods Americans have at Despite the many miles separating the
countries, the Christmas celebration goes on.

Ethan Trimbach celebrates his differences
By Abbas Al-Seidi families celebrating Hanukkah use a to the candles; however, he receives small Despite these differences, both

It is that time of year again: the Menorah, a candle with eight wicks that is lit gifts, like an article of clothing or something Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations bring

weather is turning cold and holiday each night. Trimbach receives gifts according that has sentimental value. people together during this holiday season.

decorations are put up. For most students,

this time of year means Christmas.

However, junior Ethan Trimbach

does not celebrate Christmas. For Trimbach,

Dec. 25 is just another day on the calendar.

“I don’t wake up early for presents or

leave cookies out for Santa,” Trimbach said.

Trimbach does not feel left out when

all of his friends are celebrating Christmas.

“I take pride in being different,”

Trimbach said. “I am Jewish, so I have

my own holidays to look forward to like

Hanukkah. Just like Christmas I spend

Hanukkah with my close family. Occasionally,

my grandparents will come over too.”

Though Trimbach does not celebrate

Christmas, this has not stopped him from

enjoying the holiday.

“I would love to hang out with some

friends on Christmas and feel the Christmas

spirit,” Trimbach said.

Christmas has several different foods

and drinks that are iconic to the holiday

such as eggnog, gingerbread, and cookies.

Trimbach is not used to eating anything

special for Hanukkah.

“My mom will cook for the family

just like she would any other day,” Trimbach

said. “I have never heard of [latkes]. That just

goes to show you [that] everyone chooses to

celebrate and do things differently.” Junior Ethan Trimbach lights a menorah in celebration of Hanukkah. Trimbach grew up in a Jewish household, meaning he celebrated Hannukah
Instead of a Christmas tree, Jewish
growing up. Photo by Phoebe Offenberg.

HOLIDAY CALENDAR

4 Opinion The Arrow December 2018

New Government, New Voices, New Movement
Introducing the New Voices Movement

By Shira Wildschut than the people. I’m encouraged that young ideals like pro-choice, minority rights, and leaders all around,” Lawrence said. “I think
One of the best days of my life people are turned on and see that they have a individualism. Abrams’s campaign chair that bringing those experiences to bear as
stake in what happens in this election.” Allegra Lawrence also finds that Abrams is a governor will only help her support the First
happened because I was not afraid of the person of the people, even young people. Amendment and other rights.”
word “no.” The fact that some people are Warnock spoke at the Abrams rally
afraid of the word “no” is disappointing. alongside many influential figures, including “I think one of the most wonderful One of the most important things
Many people allow this word to dictate their Congressman John Lewis. Lewis has been things about Stacey Abrams as our next to remember is that we are all still equal
lives. I am lucky enough that I didn’t do advocating for equal rights for decades, governor is she brings so many different and deserve the same rights, whether it is
that, or I would have never met former U.S. beginning his career early on by walking skill sets to bear, and one of them is she’s an regarding our right to free speech, our right to
President Barrack Obama in person. alongside Martin Luther King Jr. at the author,” Lawrence said. use a bathroom, or our right to vote.
March on Washington for Civil Rights.
Attending the Stacey Abrams rally at Being on the same team as Abrams, “We are all part of these United
Morehouse College this past November and “At one time in the state of Alabama Lawrence is a strong believer in the right to States,” Obama said. “Whatever we look
learning about the New Voices legislation there were African-American lawyers and free speech for all ages and all demographics. like, whatever our last name is, however our
taught me that there are no laws in place teachers and college professors [who were parents came into this country.”
to protect our newspapers and online told] they cannot breathe the life of another,” “[Abrams] understands and embraces
publications from people who wish to censor Lewis said. “They will not be able to hold us the First Amendment and has incredible With Abrams’s loss in the race for
us. Even me and my journalism group face down.” respect for creative expression and new governor, the future of the New Voices
this issue. If someone doesn’t like what we ideas and that’s what constitutes minority movement in Georgia remains uncertain.
say, especially administrators, all they need to In an ideal world, people of all
do is tell us so, and we are silenced. There are races, genders, ages, and religions would Shira Wildschut stands in front of the stage where Obama, Abrams, and other speakers made
no protections against censorship. However, be welcome into society. However, there is their speeches. Wildschut attended the Stacey Abrams rally as part of the press.
all of this can change with the New Voices still a need for laws to protect them because
movement. of the discrimination and prejudices that Wildschut is stands in between Abrams Campaign Chair Lawrence (left) and Campaign
remain, even now, decades after the civil Treasurer Emily Ellison (right). Students being heard was an important issue for the Abrams
The New Voices movement began in rights movement. People are counting on Campaign team.
North Dakota, where its legislature passed a newly-elected candidates to bring the country
bill to ensure students are given free speech together. that is okay
in publications. Now, the Student Press Law
plays a big role in tracking who allows their Former President Obama spoke on
students to talk. Many powerful figures are Georgia’s gubernatorial candidate Stacey
very supportive of student voices being heard. Abrams’ behalf at her rally, urging students
Reverend Raphael Warnock would rather to speak up. His actions spurred the crowd
have a student reporter ask him questions to the point where the masses were chanting
than a New York Times reporter. “Vote, vote, vote.”

“I’m excited whenever I see young “We can’t sit around any longer
people find their voice and exercise it,” because America is at a crossroads,” Obama
Warnock said. “The democracy is no stronger said.

Obama spoke to help the public realize
what is truly going on in America.

“The [truth is that] the rhetoric was
designed to exploit our history of racial
inequality, to make us believe that there’s
nothing better,” Obama said. “Georgia, I
would like to think you are past it. [Politics]
is a playbook where the powerful and the
rich turn to whatever they can do to keep that
power. They’ll say whatever, even if it hurts
the economy.”

His support for Abrams, a democrat,
is due to her beliefs in more progressive

Our brains are sick but
in movies and TV shows. It’s a scary reality up to us to do our own part to fight this For anyone struggling with a mental
By Natasha Ambriz that we as humans don’t want to accept. I epidemic. We must normalize discussions illness, please speak up. I know it’s hard
One in five children ages 13 to 18 always hear people say “I wish I could’ve done of mental health in our own households and and scary and the fear of rejection is simply
something to stop them from committing in our community in order to destigmatize terrifying, but silence isn’t strength. I promise
have or will have a serious mental disorder, suicide,” or “If only I had known,” or “I such disorders. We must get the conversation you there are millions of people just like
according to the National Alliance on Mental didn’t think they were being serious when started, even though others may push back. you, struggling with the same insecurities
Illness. Of these, just over half have received they said ...” The line between true mental and demons that you struggle with. For
mental health services for their illness. illness and saying things for the sake of being “We can’t remainEven with all of the cases of suicide in the everyone else, be on the lookout for warning
Suicide is the second leading cause of death a cool “edgy” teen has become blurred, and silent in times like signs that one of your loved ones may be
among teenagers ages 15 to 17, after traffic- teenagers don’t know how to react. Is that these.” contemplating suicide. Talking about wanting
related incidents. The state of Georgia has person who posted “kms” on their finsta or to die, reckless behavior, extreme mood
had 34 suicides so far this year, three being in private story kidding? Or are they serious? state, the media is still refusing to speak up swings, and withdrawing oneself from society
Cherokee County specifically. Sometimes we don’t know until it’s too late. about the issue. That’s why I’m writing this are all red flags that something is wrong. As
article. We can’t remain silent in times like uncomfortable as it may be, ask the hard
If these statistics aren’t enough to The issue of suicide is even worse these. questions. A moment of embarrassment is
frighten you, then I don’t know what will be. for LGBTQ+ youth. Data from the Trevor nothing compared to a lifetime of guilt and
Today’s teenagers are expected to bear the Project reveals that LGBTQ+ youth are five “what ifs.”
weight of school, extracurriculars, family times as likely to attempt suicide compared
issues, jobs, and more, all with the goal of to cisgender heterosexual youth. Over Teresa Stan tells her personal story of losing her brother to suicide. Stan formed the LRJ Foun-
going to college in mind. More often than not, 80 percent of LGBTQ+ youth have been dation in honor of her brother Lou to raise awareness amog schools in the state. Photo by
the pressures are too much to handle, and we assaulted or threatened, and every instance Phoebe Offenberg.
crack. We develop anxiety disorders, panic of victimization in an LGBTQ+ person’s life
disorders, and depression. We even attempt more than doubles the likelihood of self-
suicide. harming. Shevon Jones of the Georgia Bureau
of Investigation’s Child Fatality Review Unit
Suicide isn’t just something you see admits that there is still work to be done:
“That’s why I like talking to youth because
we’ve been targeting youth collectively,
but I think that trans youth have different
dynamics and different risk factors, so that
may be something we need to look into. I
can honestly say we don’t have any specific
measures in place to address that.”

Although the Georgia Department of
Education alongside the GBI are working to
train counselors and make resources more
accessible for those who are struggling with
mental illnesses, it is not enough. It is now

The Arrow December 2018 Editorial 5

Opinion The Arrow
Staff
STAFF EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief
Senior Natasha Ambriz looks up at the falling snow on Dec. 8 following an early dismissal from school due to the snow. Ambriz participated in Brae Davies
practice digital learning activties in each of her classes. Photo by Valerie Ambriz.
News Editor
Since we first began school is the lack of access to internet at to complete their work within five Natasha Ambriz
back in kindergarten, technology homes. Some students don’t have school days; this would allow them
started evolving. From smart boards computers at home on which they plenty of time to submit assessments. OpinionStudent Life Editor
to BYLD to Canvas, technology has can complete their assignments. Perhaps students could also be Shira Wildschut
slowly become more integrated into Other students may lose internet or allowed to check out computers to Sports Editor
education, and electronic learning power, especially during inclement take home and complete work; this Caleb Struchtemeyer
tools have provided unique methods weather days. This may prohibit would prevent teachers from losing
of teaching and evaluating students. students from doing work on the day valuable class time. To ease stress Opinion Editor
One of the latest initiatives by the of the inclement weather. In addition, on teachers, teachers could post Cole Burton
county is digital learning days. students with working parents explanation videos and printable
These days are meant to replace may be required to look after their worksheets rather than be required Copy Editors
a normal school day for times younger siblings; thus, they wouldn’t to have an online assessment of any Valerie Ambriz
when inclement weather prohibits have enough time to complete work sort. This would be easier for teachers Cailyn Hooper
students from coming into class. for all six classes. and help save them time. We can Photographers
This policy is a preventative measure learn from several schools that have
so that students won’t have to miss With this new policy, teachers already implemented digital learning Madi Foley
the last couple of days of February will also have their own challenges. days, including Gwinnett County. Phoebe Offenberg
break like last year. Currently, the Hypothetically teachers would need Marketing Manager
school has been practicing this to post the assignments in enough Although waking up to Caroline Campbell
policy by assigning online work each time for the students to get it done snow and sleeping in can be fun,
month, such as discussion posts or during the day. Because school is ultimately, digital learning days are Reporters
simple Canvas quizzes. Next year, not normally canceled until the day a students’ salvation, as it would Gabby Troche
teachers could be expected to send of, that would mean teachers would prevent them from losing days from Cameron Keehley
assignments through Canvas so have to either have an online task on break. However, this program’s Grayson Belanger
that students can complete them at standby to assign or quickly make success if entirely reliant on students’ Abbas Al-Seidi
home if school were to be canceled. an assignment that same morning. access to internet, which may be Taylor Moody
As Sequoyah begins to pilot this An assignment on standby may not unreliable especially under inclement Zeke Quarles
program this year, there are certain be relevant to the unit, and it may weather conditions. Digital learning Chad Morrow
possible concerns that must be be difficult for teachers to create an is the future, and if Cherokee County Morgan Sullivan
taken into account in order to ensure assignment so quickly. Teachers are is conscious of the program’s Tatum Beckwith
success. just as likely to lose power, impeding concerns and works to perfect it, they Hannah Robbins
their ability to communicate with can revolutionize snow days. Peyton Ripley
One of the most obvious students through Canvas. Jessica Owen
possible challenges in this program Alan Graber
If students are given leeway
TJ Murphy
Katie Brown
Katie Whitfield

Katherine Williams

Sequoyah High School
4485 Hickory Rd
Canton, GA 30155
770-721-3200

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6 Feature The Arrow December 2018

Joy to Se

Senior Amelia Westmoreland waves at a classmate as she passes him in the hallway.
Westmoreland enjoys being a part of the community by volunteering. Photo by Phoebe
Offenberg.

Shop with a Chief mentor Austin Morris lifts a child above his head in order
as close to the $125 provided as possible, as well as the 20% discount given

Key Club Unlocks t

Sophomore Riley McClure laughs with her friend sophomore Ava Gasser. McClure radiates By Shira Wildschut year.
positivity to all her friends on a daily basis. Photo by Phoebe Offenberg. Running through each aisle, a kid “I found out my mom was in Circle K,

Senior and mentor Audrey George walks alongside Junior Alex Davison while she pushes the dodges his mentor before sliding on his knees which is the college version [of Key Club] and
cart with a smiling Shop with a Chief child. George wanted to volunteer because she loves in front of the holy grail of remote-control right after she told me about that last year
giving back to the community. Photo by Shira Wildschut. trucks. Jaw dropping, he points at the cars Gabi Latimer was talking about Key Club…
and gets to his feet; he stands on his tip-toes so I was like ‘It’s fate, I gotta do it,’ so I joined,
to look at the cars on the top shelf, but they and I absolutely love it, I love serving,” Neely
are still out of reach. Without hesitating, the said.
mentor lifts the kid on his shoulder to give
him a better view of the toys, and the small Neely was not president last year,
boy breaks into a giant smile. but as leader this year, she hopes she can
successfully execute the club’s ideas.
This semester, the Key Club organized
a service project called “Shop with a Chief.” “I’m actually super excited to [be
The project was adopted from Etowah High president]. Last year we tried to do [Shop
School with some modifications. The project with a Chief] as a club, but it fell through,”
raises money so that underprivileged children Neely said. “So, I’m just really excited to see
at Sequoyah’s feeder schools can have the the impact we have on those kids and just
chance to go Christmas shopping with the really help them.”
guidance of mentors provided by the club.
Walking around Target, students are given Kimberly Brassard, the club sponsor,
the opportunity to buy gifts for their parents, helped fix the problems from last year to
siblings, and little necessities for themselves make it a success this year.
as well. Key Club President and senior
Alana Neely coordinates most projects and “This year, we almost waited too late,”
organizes the club. Brassard said. “I guess Etowah had a school
from Cobb County that got them started in it.
“I’m helping coordinate everything Mr. Van Alstyne is 100 percent behind it.”
with Ms. Worthy and Ms. Brassard and just
making sure everything is in line. I’m also a Brassard took advice from Etowah to
mentor, so I’ll be shopping with them,” Neely make the project as successful as possible.
said.
“They also do like toiletry items
The Key Club is a student-led because some of the families are in need of
service organization dedicated to aiding that,” Brassard said. “[Etowah] also [does]
the community. With three to four service dinners, kind of like the boxes we do for
projects a year, students must plan and Thanksgiving. The money they generate, they
participate in at least one in order to obtain put into a fund, so let’s say there’s somebody
a chord for graduation. Neely was moved to in the community in our school that’s having
join the club when it began during her junior their lights turned off or water shut down or
a huge medical need or glasses because they
broke them. It turns into a help center.”

In order to volunteer, students did not

The Arrow December 2018 Feature 7

equoyah

How to: BE KIND
By Peyton Ripley and Katie Brown going,” McClure said.
to show him as many toys as possible. The children were advised to spend At times, high school can become The love for smiling at people in
n by Target. Photo by Shira Wildschut.
stressful for students and teachers; as a the hallway is not something that is only
the Holiday Season result, kindness is not always a top priority. recognized by McClure.
Many students around our school love the
have to be a member of Key Club. Shop with that last year. We also volunteered at a 5K, holiday season due to the endless amount of Junior Ella Avery loves seeing
a Chief took place on Dec. 8. With 20 kids, and they needed sponsors. We are going to, I opportunities to be nice and spread kindness. strangers smile back at her in the hallway.
the 32 mentors had their hands full making believe, be working the lights at Towne Lake.” It comes especially easy to many people She thinks that even though it may be easier
sure the kids did not spend all of the money during this time of the year. to spread kindness during this season, it is
on candy and that they also bought Christmas The club distinguishes itself by being important to be kind to everyone at all times
gifts for their family and other necessities. primarily student run. As president, Neely Senior Amelia Westmoreland likes of the year.
comes up with most of the service ideas to smile at people in the hallways and bring
“We let them shop with their family.” they participate in. Other club members in things for others’ birthdays. She knows “The world we live in can be so chaotic
Brassard said. “So, it’s just a really cool help organize and lead as well. Brassard that no matter how bad her day is, someone and filled with so many terrible things, and
experience.” and Worthy are simply there to monitor the always has it worse. it’s so easy to be consumed in the darkness,”
group. Avery said. “Yet, it’s my goal to show people
The Key Club appreciated any “Sometimes they are focused on one love and make everybody feel important
donations, physical or monetary. The club “I just show up when they tell me thing like getting to their next class, and through simple acts of kindness.”
reached out to the high school for participants to,” Brassard said. “So what me and Ms. it’s nice to [say] ‘Hey, how are you doing?’”
in the projects, and the response was Worthy do as sponsors is be there. We have Westmoreland said. She notices that smiling at people in
overwhelming. to go to the things with [the students], but the hallway can bring change to the whole
it’s supposed to be about young people. They Westmoreland was raised in a good- school.
“We’d love volunteers,” Brassard said. come up with the ideas; they get the money natured household, which is what molded her
“Teachers are volunteering to wrap presents together; they do the fundraisers; they choose into the person that she is today. “Smiling at someone can create a
that need to be wrapped, and we’re going to what projects they’re going to do. Sometimes ripple effect and spread to more people and
get them breakfast and lunch and maybe if my controlling gets in the way, and I have to “My parents have always valued impact people’s day,” Avery said.
we can find somebody to dress up we can get really hold back because I’m not supposed to volunteer work and being a light to people,”
pictures with Santa.” really do anything other than just be there to Westmoreland said. “I come from a church Students find it especially easy to be
advise. I’ve enjoyed it.” background, and we are always about kind during this season due to everyone’s
This year, the club sponsored the spreading God’s light.” overflowing amount of happiness.
schools Halloween contest, charging $2 per The Key Club worked to make Shop
costume entered in the competition. They with a Chief a success, and next year they With the many things going on in Sophomore Lizzy Letizia thinks that
reached $900 in Costumes for a Cause, all of could use help from all over the school to see everyone’s life, whether good or bad, being everyone has a more optimistic outlook
which went directly into Shop with a Chief. more kids shopping for their parents, buying rude is sometimes easier than being kind. because of the reason for the season. She
gifts for their siblings, and smiling as they Gossiping at the lunch table, judging people finds it easier to be kind to the people around
The club has not only invested their realize they have found the Lamborghini on what they wear, and giving people weird her as a result of their better moods.
time in Shop with a Chief. Key Club has also of remote-control cars. The club hopes to looks are all options rather than building up
participated in the Angel House project, learn from mishaps that occured this year the confidence to walk up to someone and “I like talking to my classmates,
which helps orphaned students who are no and improve to make next year even better. ask how their day is going. Sophomore Riley making people laugh, and just smiling at
longer young enough to remain in a foster The Key Club hopes to have made an impact McClure chooses to be kind above all. anyone who passes by,” Letizia said.
home, as well as assisting in other, smaller on the kids and mentors and to have spread
projects. holiday cheer. “When people are rude to you it sticks Her devotion to being kind is due to
out and when people are kind to you it sticks the impact that it makes on the people she
“[The Angel House] gives [orphaned out [as well], so I just choose to be kind,” sees.
kids] a place to stay if they go to college,” McClure said. “You never really know what’s
Brassard said. “So, we had a room there, and going on in someone’s life.” “You never know what someone else
we [decorated it]. We painted; we bought is going through or what struggles they’re
furniture; we put lamps in there, [and] we did Although sometimes it is hard to facing,” Letizia said. “Being nice makes both
spread kindness, there are some ways that yourself and others feel better.”
can be extremely easy.
Spreading kindness may not be that
“[I like to spread kindness] by smiling hard after all. Smiling, helping someone in
at people or asking them how their day is need, or greeting someone is a step in the
right direction and is certain to leave an
impact on someone’s day.

Junior Ella Avery talks to Tatum Dondanville before AP Psychology. Avery and Dondanville
played basketball together freshman year. Photo by Madi Foley.

8 Sports The Arrow December 2018

New Athletic Director Eddy is ready
By Chad Morrow athletic director,” Eddy said. “Eventually I to work at Sequoyah in its opening year of and wrestling, it was a lot of fun.”
Following athletic director Mr. Craig filled in over there again and was the assistant 1990. He coached the first Chiefs wrestling Eddy was also the opening principal at
principal with him, so I’ve worked with him team and taught in the physical education
McKinney’s departure, the Chiefs have a new a couple of times, so it’s great to be back and department. Creekview, which was difficult yet rewarding.
interim athletic director, Coach Robert “Bob” work with him again.” “It was a great opportunity to build
Eddy. However, being an administrator in the “I coached wrestling for about 11
school district is not new to Eddy. Once again, a position was ready to be years. It was great; we got a couple of state a school from scratch,” Eddy said. “To be
filled and Eddy was there to take it. He has championships and had a lot of fun,” Eddy able to hire everybody at the school, to be
Eddy has been involved with the always appreciated what Cherokee County said. able to establish traditions, and to be able to
Cherokee County School District for over 30 has provided him with and wishes to return build something brand new the way you feel
years and has extensive experience in a school as much as he can. His wrestling teams won the 1996 and it should be built, was a lot of fun. The way
environment. 1999 State AAAA Wrestling Championships, that school opened, with just the ninth grade
“The county asked me to help out, and with Eddy winning State AAAA Wrestling and adding a class each year, was a really
“I worked for 30 years, all 30 in I really didn’t hesitate about being interested Coach of the Year in those same years. He was great way to build a school. Every year I got
Cherokee County. I was eligible to retire, and in doing this,” Eddy said. “Some people would also crowned State AAAA Athletic Director of to hire more folks and it was very fun, but
I wanted to take advantage of that, and do probably ask me why I would be a principal the Year in 2001, his first year in that position. not something I would necessarily want to do
something else,” Eddy said. and drop down to an assistant principal, but He was inducted into the Cherokee County again because it was a lot of work.”
I really feel indebted to the county for the Sports Hall of Fame five years later, in 2006.
Eddy has been retired for the past opportunities I’ve been able to have here. A Eddy is very excited to spend the
six years but fills in when needed. He has lot of it has been here at Sequoyah: coaching His main reason for pursuing a year at Sequoyah and is looking forward to
never worked outside of the county and wrestling and being an administrator here. I teaching career was that it enabled him to experiencing the Chief spirit once again.
enjoys his interim positions. was excited about coming back.” continue coaching. He taught several different
classes, with a few not offered at Sequoyah “Coming in here now is very exciting
“I never fully retired because the Two of Eddy’s sons have graduated anymore. Although he primarily wanted to because we have a football team, for the first
school system asked me to come back and from Cherokee County schools, and he coach, he still enjoyed teaching his classes. time since 2004, hosting a playoff game, and
work again. So, the past six years I’ve been believes that it has been very beneficial to we have a chance to play some more games,
doing that. Any time they need someone to fill raise his family here. “I was in the [physical education] and it’s going to be fun. We also are starting
in, I’m able to do that,” Eddy said. department, so I taught a variety of classes the winter sports that I’m looking forward
“My son Aaron graduated in 2007 when I was here, including tennis and to watching, like wrestling, basketball, and
Eddy also has worked with the from Sequoyah. He had a great experience personal fitness, but my favorite was my swimming,” Eddy said.
newest principal, Mr. Robert Van Alstyne, on here, and it prepared him for college. My outdoor education class,” Eddy said. “We
more than one occasion in the past and looks younger son graduated from Creekview. They had a ropes course up on the hill, so we had a
forward to another year alongside him. just have great schools here,” Eddy said. zipline and all kinds of high ropes activities,
so it was a blast. Between outdoor education
“I worked with Mr. Van Alstyne over Eddy was among the first teachers
at Etowah when their principal left, and
I filled in as the principal and he was the

Sequoyah Athletic Director Robert Eddy celebrates on the sideline with Principal Robert Van Maintenance facility technician Ty Adams and Robert Eddy discuss hanging state and region
Alstyne. They previously worked together at Etowah High School. Photo taken by Caleb champion banners for wrestling in the Sequoyah East gym. Coach Eddy’s wife, Yvette Eddy, has
Struchtemeyer. also worked at Sequoyah since 1999. Photo by Phoebe Offenberg.

The Arrow December 2018 Sports 9

Sydney Rosant pulls up on Brown
By Cameron Keehley thought I could do this in college.” “I don’t really know exactly what like her name to be known for a long time
The fall of senior year is one full of Going to college can be nerve- to expect because they do have a lot of at Sequoyah and to go out with a bang, so
upperclassmen, so I know that, whatever time she has her expectations set high for her last
test scores, essays, and extracurriculars, all wracking for some, but Rosant is looking I do get [on the court], I just want to make the season.
leading up to college applications. As seniors forward to it and does what she can to most of it and be an impact player when I go
apply to the colleges of their dreams, athletes prepare for playing for Brown. there,” Rosant said. “I hope to break as many records
look to commit to playing at theirs. Senior as I possibly can,” Rosant said. “I want to
Sydney Rosant managed to do just that; “I’m super eager [to get there]. They With this being Rosant’s last season show people that there are different aspects
earlier this month, Rosant signed with ivy just started playing, so I’m always watching at Sequoyah, her biggest goal for the year is of my game [like] my rebounding, my court
league Brown University to play basketball. their games and just seeing how they do winning something she has always dreamed vision, and the ability to make plays for my
things there,” Rosant said. of: a state championship. Rosant would teammates.”
Rosant was considering schools like
Memphis or Harvard but, in the end, it was a Coach DeWitt believes Rosant’s work Senior Sydney Rosant drives past her defender for an easy bucket. Rosant has played basketball
pretty easy decision for her to make, for more ethic is what can lead her to thriving at the since the age of four. Photo by Caleb Struchtemeyer.
than just the athletic factor. college level.

“I just really like the atmosphere that “She’s a gym rat. I see her in the
I get there. The fact that [Brown] has open mornings at 7:15 shooting around in the main
curriculum, which is when you don’t have gym before the rest of the students are here,
a set of core classes that you have to take,” and that’s what it takes to be a really good ball
Rosant said. “I think that’s something that player,” DeWitt said.
really intrigued [me and] that I was always
interested in.” Despite her dedication to the sport,
adjusting to play at the next level still has not
The decision to play college basketball been an easy ride for Rosant.
is not a new one for Rosant; she has been
considering playing at the college basketball “I’ve definitely been working out
level since her middle school days. a lot more than I have ever,” Rosant said.
“Just making sure that I’m in the best shape
“Middle school was when I realized possible and that the speed is there because
that I really wanted to commit myself to doing the game is a lot quicker.”
this,” Rosant said. “I think when I was little,
I was just playing for fun and then I [started Rosant has been working hard to
to realize] that I was a little bit more ahead get to the level of the other college players
skill wise than other people my age, so I really because she knows that Brown has a lot of
upperclassmen and is determined not to get
overshadowed by them.

Siblings turn teammates
By TJ Murphy unforgettable memory.
Teammates are those who compete “My favorite memory by far is when Senior Colton Haney watches his brother play on varsity. Colton Haney played offensive
tackle throughout high school. Photo by Madi Foley
alongside each other. They practice together, playing in the first round of state last year and
they play together, and they wish the best for we lost the first two sets. We barely pulled
each other. Having a sibling as a teammate out in the third set, and we won the fourth
allows one to compete with the opposing then pulled through the fifth set and won. The
team as well as with their brother or sister second we won, Allie came over to me and
on the same side of the court, field, or gym. just gave me a big hug,” Paige Powers said.
These bonds are shared throughout many of
the extra-curricular activities. Senior Colton Haney, and his younger
brother, sophomore Jonah Haney, play on
Sophomore Paige Powers, the starting the varsity football team together and are
outside hitter for the Sequoyah volleyball constantly pushing each other to improve
team, is grateful to have the opportunity to their game.
play alongside her sister, junior Allie Powers.
“I push him in training with the team
“Just simply having my sister on the and when he is on the field for kickoff,” Colton
court automatically calms me down. For Haney said. “He pushes me in the same way.”
example, if I’m stressed, I look at her and
she tells me to calm down. It makes me less Jonah Haney appreciates his brother’s
anxious, and I play smarter,” Paige Powers mentorship, although it may sometimes seem
said. harsh.

Allie Powers, the starting right side “If I do something wrong, he tells me
hitter for the team, also improves from her how to do it better,” Jonah Haney said.
sister’s presence on the court.
Teammates always hope for the best
“She pushes me to go to extra open when it comes to their fellow teammate’s
gyms and condition with her,” Allie Powers success on the field. Siblings are no different;
said. when sharing a common passion, they
motivate one another to always perform their
After just two years of playing by her best when competing.
sister’s side, Paige Powers already has an

Sophomore Jonah Haney patiently waits his turn as he watches his brother on the offensive Sophomore Paige Powers prepares for a hit as her sister, junior Allie Powers, watches. Together,
line. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Jonah Haney made it onto the varsity team this year. Allie and Paige Powers won the first round of the state championship last year. Photo Provided
Photo by Madi Foley. by Allie Powers.

10 Sports The Arrow December 2018

Coaches help students reach the top
By Caleb Struchtemeyer “You lose out on [spending] time
Coaches can have a distinct impact with family, working long hours, dealing with Varsity basketball coach Allen Carden directs his players during drills during a practice. Carden
parents sometimes, but it’s fun,” Patterson first started coaching in 1986. Photo by Shira Wildschut.
on a player’s high school athletic career by said.
helping improve skills on the playing field career.” memories with Greene.
and learning how to be productive in society. For some coaches, time away from Sometimes, players can grow “[My favorite memory was] last year:
Sequoyah coaches try hard to improve home is not as bad because their children are
a student’s ability, from early morning on the team with them. relationships with their coaches, especially it was the last swim meet and [my friend
practices to hours watching film to even after participating for numerous years. Junior Gabe Reddick’s] last meet, and it was very
important life lessons. “I don’t ever look at it as sacrifices or varsity basketball player Khalid Salaam has a emotional to swim our last event and [qualify]
burdens. I look at it as opportunities,” Carden deep appreciation for what Carden has done. for state,” Baird said. “After we got out,
Varsity basketball coach Allen Carden said. “[My kids] all played for me in high everyone was cheering, and Coach Greene
believes in making the lives of his players school; all three of my sons and my daughter “He’s helped me a lot as a player since was giving us all hugs, and it was really
better outside of basketball. Carden finds played for me in [her] first two years. So… our freshman year. He works a lot with skill work sweet.”
that in order to become a better player, family was always involved.” and helping you get better as a player overall
players must be a better person first. like dribbling, passing, shooting,” Salaam Coaches can have a unique
For many coaches, seeing said. “Then as a person, he wants you to be opportunity to influence and affect players’
“First and foremost, we have to teach improvement is the most fulfilling parts of the places on time, he wants you to wear the right lives. They have the ability to connect with
the kids how to be productive members in job, as it is their responsibility to help guide stuff, and do stuff that will prepare you for students in a special way.
society when they get out of high school. the players to hone their skills as athletes. life.”
Basketball is not the whole world, but during Diving and swimming coach Miriam Greene “Kids do not care how much you know
those two hours of practice we have to make finds that this perspective of coaching is the Players, just like coaches, also tend to until they know how much you care,” Carden
it seem like it is, but then after that you’ve most rewarding to her. have a favorite moments with their coaches said. “From a coaching standpoint you’ve
got to make sure you’re a good person,” and the relationship that grows between always got to keep that in mind. The lasting
Carden said. “We don’t really try to develop “[My favorite things to see are] them. Senior swimmer Tanner Baird has impact you can have on their lives as they go
great players; we try to make good people building relationships with the swimmers, grown a relationship and shares fond into society is the most important thing.”
and teammates. The most important thing is helping them improve, watching them
being a good teammate.” improve,” Greene said. “Watching [Rachel
Renner] progress from her freshman year to
For many coaches, coaching is the her senior year was exciting [due to] winning
reason they started teaching. Wrestling coach two state championships in diving.”
James Patterson has been coaching since
the beginning of his career and has been Often times, coaching for long periods
involved in numerous sports. of time can lead to some great memories.
They can be anywhere from buzzer beaters to
“[I] started [coaching] freshman state champions.
year of college, fresh out of high school,”
Patterson said. “[I coached] wrestling, “One [of my memories] is playing a
football, baseball, and girls golf.” championship with my son in the starting
lineup and just sitting there as they run out,”
However, being a coach does not Carden said. “Coaching my oldest son in high
come without its sacrifices. Patterson knows school then him coming back and helping me
that helping the team can mean sacrifices coach now as my assistant coach: I feel like
elsewhere. that’s one of the high points of my coaching

Wrestling coach James Patterson helps a player practice by grappling with him. Patterson has
coached since he got out of college. Photo by Phoebe Offenberg.

Swim and dive coach Miriam Greene watches during the Relay Meet with Coach Kora Hodgins.
Greene became head coach in 2015. Photo by Caroline Campbell.

Entertainment 11
Holiday QuizThe Arrow December2018
If you got mostly:
What Christmas
movie fits you best? A

1. As the snow falls softly down to the ground, how would Congratulations!
you want to spend your time? You’re the more traditional
type. You like the older
A. Drink hot chocolate and sit by the fire B. Catch up on missed homework movies, decorating the tree
C. Watch the Hallmark channel with D. Go outside and build a snowman with your family, and just
doing more conventional
your significant other things.

2. What is your ideal holiday date? Movie suggestions--
A. Sleigh ride under the stars B. Host a dinner with your families Elf, Charlie Brown, A
Christmas Story, Home
C. Bake cookies together D. Get pictures with Santa Alone, Miracle on 34th Street,

3. When Christmas finally arrives after a year of waiting, B
where do you want to spend your holidays?
A. At home B. On a cruise Some people aren’t
truly the Holiday type--and
C. In a big city D. At your grandparents’ house that’s totally okay. Staying in
the spooky mood is fun too.
4. When you wake up on Christmas morning, what type of
weather do you want to see outside? Movie suggestions--
A. Snowy B. Hot Krampus, Nightmare Before
Christmas, Holidays, The
C. Cold but sunny D. Warm Children

5. If the Georgia weather gives you more than an inch of C
snow, how would you build your snowman? Ah, our lovebirds
A. 3-tiered with a scarf and carrot nose B. Turns into a work of art have flown into the nest.
Watching those that are in a
C. Turns into a snowball fight D. Just never works out relationship just makes those
tears flow. We understand,
6. As Thanksgiving passes and Christmas season rolls a good crier can lift anyone
around, what is your favorite Christmas tradition to take away from a bad mood.
part in?
A. Decorating the tree B. Going to see grandparents Movie suggestions--
Love Actually, The
C. Cuddling by the fire D. Opening presents Holiday, Four Christmases,
Serendipity, Holiday in
7. As you work hard to wrap, decorate, and open presents, Handcuffs, or any Hallmark
what is your favorite Christmas treat to snack on? Movie
A. Holiday cookies B. Fruit cake
D
C. Chocolate-covered strawberries D. Gingerbread
Mom, mom, mom!
8. To get into the holiday spirit, what is your favorite Dad? Our inner kids can
Christmas song to jam out to? always find a way to break
A. “Have Yourself a Merry B. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa through, and those moments
can be the most fun.
Little Christmas” Claus”
Movie suggestions--
C. Anything sung by Mariah Carey D. “Frosty the Snowman” The Grinch, Santa Buddies,
Frosty the Snowman, Merry
Christmas, Drake and Josh

12 Entertainment The Arrow December 2018

Adventures of Baby Chief Sequoyah
By Katherine Williams

Chorus student turns

to SoundCloud

First rule of service club: give back By Morgan Sullivan
Senior Patrick Fagan has been
By Katherine Williams for the HFES board games and the service club.
During the holiday season, many MUST ministries food drive.” “Interact is a high school version involved with music for most of his life
and has continued to pursue his inter-
people celebrate by coming together, Another example of these service of the Rotary Club, which is a nation- est throughout his high school career.
laughing together, and eating together, clubs is National Honors Society, spon- al organization. It is purely a service Whether it is choral or indie, Fagan
but many people in Cherokee County sored by science teacher Ms. Yolanda organization specifically aimed at serving enjoys performing and creating all types
do not have the same luxury. There Payton. Like Beta Club, the National locally,” Kelsey said. of music.
are many people that are not able to Honors Society participates in many
celebrate, which is why clubs serve the service opportunities that impact the Interact is looking to serve in local His initial exposure to music was
community. community. opportunities instead of broad activities. through his mother, and although he was
unsure of his love for music in the begin-
Beta Club is one example of these “Over the years we have done “We were involved this year in ning, he learned to love the presence of it
service clubs, sponsored by English everything from [helping serve at] the reading through kids’ letters to soldiers. in his life.
teacher Dr. Cathy Murphy. Students Salvation Army to MUST Ministries,” We offer to do things with policemen
impact the community around them by Payton said. and firemen like we get their groceries “I always kind of sang whenever
partaking in service experiences during for them or offer free childcare and that my parents would play music when I
the holiday season. During the holiday season this sort of thing,” Kelsey said. “We also was little,” Fagan said. “My mom forced
club also participates in the Holiday help organizations inside the school like me to do voice lessons when I was 7
Along with weekly activities like Lights of Hope. Habitat for Humanity with things like the years old, and I kept on doing them
this, Beta Club members participate Toy Drive.” even though I wouldn’t want to go, but
in projects annually that allow an even “The Holiday Lights of Hope asks I’d always enjoy them whenever I went.
bigger area of outreach. for a lot of volunteer workers to come If you are interested in serving the They helped me move on and decide that
and show the lights inside the homes, many people in our community in need I love music, and I’m really thankful for
“We just offered members an and so our students go and serve differ- this holiday season, please contact these that.”
option of participating as a volunteer in ent shifts acting as tour guides, directing club sponsors for information on how
the Canton Christmas parade on Dec. 1,” people, and so on,” Payton said. and where you can serve. Prompted by his love of music, Fa-
Murphy said. “We have a wide variety of gan joined chorus his freshman year and
activities, but we’re probably best known Interact, sponsored by English joined the men’s quartet last school year.
teacher Mr. Brett Kelsey, is another
“The quartet has been a part of
National Honors Society members share gifts for the Children’s Healthcare Toy Drive as the the program since Markham’s been
holiday season approaches. NHS Member Austin Perales waited in line to hand over his here; this is Markham’s 10th or 11th year
donation to club sponsor Ms. Yolanda Payton. Photo taken by Phoebe Offenberg. teaching here, so the quartet has been
here pretty much that long. I joined the
The Beta Club gathers boxes to feed people in need of a Thanksgiving dinner (pictured left). Interact members stock a closet for Children’s quartet last year after our last set of quar-
Healthcare of Atlanta in Cherokee (pictured right). Photos provided by Cathy Murphy and Brett Kelsey. tet members all graduated out,” Fagan
said.

Fagan was introduced to a range
of genres at a young age, fueling his love
for music.

“I listen to a lot of different styles
of music,” Fagan said. “Growing up, my
dad would play punk rock, alternative,
other kinds of rock, and a lot of classic
music like the Beatles; then I was intro-
duced to a lot of indie-pop music, and
more alternative [as well as] rap music,
R&B, and a whole collection of genres.”

Besides listening to music, Fagan
also creates his own music on the Sound-
Cloud platform, where he has released
an EP under the name “VAEO.” Fagan
released his first song on Dec. 23, 2017.
He describes his music as being wide-
ranged and diverse.

“I just make whatever I’m feeling,”
Fagan said. “I’ll go from writing a song - a
little joke song about McDonald’s and
other fast food chains - and then I’ll be
doing some weird indie song, which is
pretty much what my entire EP was, just
a collection of weird indie songs.”

If his music on SoundCloud does
not take off, Fagan still has a plan to fall
back on.

“If somehow my music got wildly
popular, that would be pretty cool, and
I would definitely go with that,” Fagan
said. “[But] in college I’m just looking to
[go into] business, but I would still like
to be a part of the music industry, maybe
going into music production.”

Fagan’s music can be found on
SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Music
under the name VAEO.