The Official Student Newspaper of Braswell High School @TheBengalBeat
MARCH 26, 2021 || Aubrey, Texas || Vol. 5 || No. 3 Not Just the Advanced Technology Complex
Aces During COVID SEE SPORTS ON PAGE 8
Mia Romani, Staff Writer
Students lounge in the hallways of the Advanced Technology Complex (ATC) waiting for their Friday class to start. Photo by Emmanuella Mbonu
Emmanuella Mbonu Staff Writer
The ATC will house the College and Career Academy at LaGrone and offer core The Advanced Technology classes in addition to the classes Complex (ATC) is in the process they currently have available of becoming a home campus for for students. The first stages Denton ISD students. of development are currently
The tennis team competes in the tournament season each week at different high schools. The team has been working hard during the fall season with four winning games and now the team is getting ready to go to district tournaments. “We are doing really well so far,” assistant coach Jonathan Peters said, “For each tournament we have had several players advance to play for medals, while others have been eliminated after two matches.” Along with the struggle of getting eliminated, tennis has been impacted by COVID just like any other sport this year.
SEE NEWS ON PAGE 2 SEE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON PAGE 9
My COVID Valentine
Courtesy of Unsplash/Emrecan Arık
Courtesy of Unsplash/Nathan D
Alexys Rodgers, Staff Writer
Aaliyah Breedlove, Editor-in-Chief
Every 50 minutes someone is affected by a drunk driver. That number would go away if people would just learn to either stay at home when deciding to drink, or find an alternatively safe way to get home that doesn’t involve getting behind the wheel.
TikTok is known for giving its creators songs, dances, and even food techniques much publicity. However, no one could have predicted songs from the High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (HSMTMTS) actresses would go viral on the popular app.
SEE OPINION ON PAGE 4
SEE LIFESTYLE ON PAGE 10
Courtesy of Unsplash/Annie Spratt
IN THE KNOW Page 2
THE BENGAL BEAT Editor-in-Chiefs Aaliyah Breedlove Reagan Netherland
Staff Members Ericka Anderson Amiah Bell Madison Cardenas Caleb Davis Diego Gonzalez Najah Harris Ramayah Jackson Austin Kiser Emmanuella Mbonu Caitlyn Mills Miranda Newton Nhan Nguyen Halle Perry Hailey Redden Myrical Roberts Alexys Rodgers Mia Romani Mahnoor Sadiq Janaye Sweat Tyler Thomas Reece Thompson Da-Kwuon Walters
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
Now College and Career Academy at LaGrone NEWS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
underway as the district makes plans for what the final changes will look like. “We are working on the plan but do not have all the answers,” Marcus Bourland, principal of the ATC, said. Many teachers at the ATC aren’t fully aware of the future of the campus because of how relatively new the talk of these changes are. “Me and a lot of others don’t have much information at the time, but are excited to see what comes up,” Health science teacher Julie Kendrick said. Previously, juniors attending classes at the ATC received a survey with questions on their interest in attending classes at the campus full time. “Personally I would not because I attend quite a few activities such as soccer, science UIL, and HOSA,” junior Lillian Kalmbach said. Along with her extracurriculars, Lillian is also an athlete which provides less incentive
Faculty Adviser
Phyliciá Anderson panderson@dentonisd.org 972-347-7746 To pitch a story or learn more about school advertising options, please email bengalbeat16@gmail.com. Courtesy of Denton ISD
to leave as students who participate in these activities would not be able to do so while attending school at the ATC. However, she did acknowledge the opportunity others could have with the ATC being a home campus. “I think it’s cool that the ATC is giving kids a chance to graduate and attend courses full time because it allows students to focus on a specific course more,” Kalmbach said. For years, the ATC has been adjunct to a main facility, but now it is branching out and becoming an independent system.Although the exact timeline is unknown, it could be as soon as next year that students are given the choice to move campuses and attend school at the ATC, changing its student life culture. #
IN THE KNOW
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
Page 3
District Moves to 1-to-1 Devices for Students
Janaye Sweat, Staff Writer
Even if a student had his or her own device, the administration All DISD students were eliencouraged every student to get a gible to receive a Chromebook with chromebook from the school. distribution Jan. 20-25 for face-to-face “Having an extra device gives learners and January 26-29 for conmany students their own separate nected learners. technology just for school,” sophoThe goal was for students more Katelyn Smith said. “It’s easier to to be able to complete their school bring around and keep track of it.” assignments from anywhere, and to Students having their own receive a device, a student’s parent or Chromebooks can self-paced themguardian completed the mobile device selves and prepare themselves for agreement. Students who did not have the future technology. “Many colleges a completed form were not eligible to are offering more and more courses receive a Chromebook. online, so it is preparing students for “Whether your student will that,” sophomore English teacher be using a district-issued ChromeConnie Rose said. book or not, every family must comStudents can also get asplete the form at the following link signments done more efficiently at for each enrolled BHS student,” the home and school by being provided Braswell Campus Information stated. with this opportunity to have their
own device. “Students only did work at school because they don’t have a device at home,” sophomore Mariah Milner said,.“and with this opportunity everyone can turn in their assignments right on time.” If anyone has any questions regarding Chromebook distribution contact Mr.Smalley, at zsmalley@ dentonisd.org or Denton ISD’s Digital Resource Hub. #
Students use their Chromebooks during school hours to complete assigned work. Courtesy of Unsplash/Brooke Cagle
Texas Gets COVID Vaccines To Stop Virus Spread Tyler Thomas, Staff Writer John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Dr. Meenakshi Ramanathan, assistant professor of Pharmacotherapy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, sent out an urgent request Dec. 24, for residents to get vaccinated now and fast. Residents in phase 1A and 1B were to receive the vaccine first, Hellerstedt said in a statement to NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). The purpose of this was to reiterate the importance of all vaccines being administered in their entire allotment with deliberate speed.
“I feel good about the COVID vaccine,” English teacher Wendy Korleski said, “but many people are worried about it. Medical victories came with the pandemic along with challenges such as virtual learning, Dr. Ramanthan stated to the NBC network. . “Some people show the symptoms, but the
State officials are urgent to get vaccines from the federal government to ensure everyone is vaccinated. Courtesy of Unsplash/Daniel Schludi
symptoms vary person to person,” Ms. Korleski said. Both the commissioner and Dr. Ramanathan worked with Wise Health Systems to ensure the vaccines were distributed in a timely manner and continued to stress the importance of vaccinations, and the urgency for individuals to be vaccinated. “We had no expectation going into this process of being able to provide vaccines to as many first responder groups or even the public, but with extra doses in the vials, we are able to protect our community beyond these walls of our hospital,” Hellerstedt posted on his Facebook page. The Wise Health System hospital in Decatur
reported all 1,105 patients were administered vaccinations within six days and were the only hospital in Texas to receive the vaccination as of Christmas Eve, according to NBC 5 DFW.. “I will get [the vaccine] if my mom says so,” senior Shawn Ragsdale said. “If not, then probably not.” Others are also debating if they will receive the vaccination as there are both pros and cons. “Some people have a weakened immune system, or their bodies can’t fight off the strains of the vaccine,” Ms. Korleski said. “[However,] it will teach your body how to fight off COVID.” #
OPINION Page 4
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
Drunk Driving Kills: Think Before You Drink OPINION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Drunk driving has led to several accidents on the road with many taking place at night. Courtesy of Unsplash/Matt Chesin Lives are lost when mindless people make the life-changing decision to drive on the roads while intoxicated. The hearts of loved ones are shattered due to the effects of these decisions although the drivers had a choice when deciding to get behind the wheel while impaired. “I feel that drunk driving is wrong and irresponsible,” sophomore Hannah Retallack said. “They have made a wrong choice and that choice affects everyone around them, not just them. It puts everyone at risk and is usually fatal and not worth the risk.” There are some who have been affected by drunk drivers and they never got the chance to tell the driver how they felt. This led them to feel anger and fear. “I would tell drunk drivers to think, is this really how you want to feel while not having 100 percent of your control on the roads,”
sophomore Kaycee Plett said. “I’ll also include that it’s okay to ask for help [getting home], but choose wisely because there are not-so-good people out there.” Although laws enforcing consequences for drunk driving have increased, the law does not always stop the decision one person can make to get behind the wheel. “I would provide stricter laws at bars,” Retallack said. “The bartenders would have to make sure that the person who is drunk has a ride before leaving. I’d also provide worse punishments for drunk driving.” Those who have experienced a life-changing
event due to the reckless acts of drunk drivers shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone’s selfish act. “I would say that they were not being responsible about one: getting in their car and driving, two: being selfish about their actions, and three: there are other people on the road as well,” Plett said. A simple solution would be to plan ahead of time to get a ride to the next location when drinking will be involved in whichever event is attended instead of making the last minute decision to get on the road. “Intoxicated people wouldn’t be a problem if they just got a ride home,” Retallack said. “Can you imagine the guilt that comes in the morning? They just need to realize that if they are going to go out, they need a plan to get them home. A plan that doesn’t involve them driving.” Citizens noticing someone driving uncontrollably, or for those who do not feel safe being on the road are encouraged to dial 9-1-1 when suspecting drunk driving. One phone call could save a life. #
Courtesy of Unsplash/Matthew T Rader
OPINION
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
Page 5
New Semester Brings New Hopes and Struggles
Nhan Nguyen, Staff Writer
knowledge gained from this will be. “I feel eager to take on this Not to mention it provided muchnew semester. Although there will With the last semester behind be challenging times, we are more needed stability for teachers. them, most students and teachers “Personally, this is my first prepared than ever with our new started school again in brand new normal,” Ms.Younkman said. “I believe semester as a connected learning classes and seeing brand new faces. teacher so it will all be different this new change will allow face-toEveryone returned to part face teachers and connected learning for me. I predict this new semester two of school, but many felt like they teachers to be able to focus their will provide a stronger balance for were starting over again. New faces students and teachers to focus attention rather than splitting it were introduced while old ones faded between the two environments.” their attention on the learning away. However, most students and environments they have chosen,” Ms. Many students saw this teachers embraced this change. Younkman said. change as a reinvention and self“I feel pretty confident Everything is new, and improvement opportunity. With a new walking into this semester. I don’t everything has changed, and while environment, many were willing to know why, but I just have a good reevaluate themselves and change for that might have been alarming for feeling about it,” sophomore Elias some, the fresh perspective is what the better. Arizmendi said. “I’m actually fine with “I plan on focusing more this everyone needed to move forward. the classes that I was switched to. “For my little corner of this semester. I feel I could’ve done far Not only do all the students seem better in the last one,” Arizmendi said. new experience, which is all I can fix relatively interesting, but the teachers ”I don’t have many predictions for this and strengthen,” Mr. Culver said. “I seem like they’re gonna be nice too.” year to be honest but if I had to make look forward to giving my best and Many teachers were eager creating a unique means of learning one it’s that I’ll make a new friend for this new change, but some for those willing to take the ride with or even get closer to a few I already lingering fears remained. As the me into May and beyond!” have.” world continued to grapple with # Looking towards the future, COVID-19, some teachers worried there are a few bugs to fix and the new switch might make the lives new experiences to face, but the of students who are behind more stressful. “Virtual goes against the very Students and teachers return to a new semester with a few new classes in early January after a district push to phase out hybrid classes. Courtesy of Unsplash/Green Chameleon nature of humans for millennia to learn as a social process, the process only succeeds through relationships built,” history teacher Richard Culver said. “Some students struggle greatly with being cooped up in their homes, often with siblings whom they cannot get space from most days. A partial week in, and I beat myself up every night about whether I could have done more.” While there is always more which could be done, teachers like Whitney Younkman (English) were positive that with this new change many would see the positive effects.
BENGAL BIO Page 6
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
Spotlight On: The Braswell Acquatics Team
Reagan Netherland Editor-in-Chief
Despite COVID-19 restraints on who could go to regionals, the program still saw two athletes It was August 2020 and things advance this season. Freshman Quinn were looking bleak for the Braswell O’Reilly competed and was named aquatics team. The coronavirus the first 6A district diving champion pandemic had not only held the in school history. In addition, senior world in an endless quarantine since Dakota McLean progressed on to March, but was also threatening to regionals in the 100m backstroke and take away their 2020-2021 season. 50m freestyle after she placed third Even if the team could practice, they in both of these events at district. were entering into the cutthroat McLean placed seventh in the 50m competition of 6A swimmers for the freestyle at regionals. very first time. The team would have “Quinn has really good focus,” to train even harder to succeed in this Coach Carlile said. “He’s quiet, but tough district, and that was assuming he works extremely hard. I would say another outbreak didn’t cancel their that is what separates him from all the season entirely. rest of the divers.” Six months later, the Bengal The team got into the pool Aquatics sent two athletes to at 6 o’clock in the morning and regionals after a strong showing in was in the water for about an hour the district championship. The success and a half. The unusual silence in the team found last year in 5A had the natatorium changed the overall carried them through the new division atmosphere during the race. The change. comforting yells they often heard “The transition to 6A is from the crowd were missing this always scary,” head aquatics coach year. Sabrina Carlile said. “Our kids are just “We weren’t allowed to have any big meets, and we weren’t allowed really resilient and they just kind of to have boys and girls there at the took the challenge and worked hard. Almost every single athlete got a best same time,” Coach Carlile said. “The environment was very different. There time and competed really high at the were no fans, it was very quiet. That 6A level.” was a challenge, but they did a good COVID-19 also impacted job with it.” the number of athletes who could The new restraints on progress on to the regional and practices and meets prevented the state meets with only the top four team from doing their usual tradition swimmers or divers in each division of spaghetti dinner the night before being able to go to regionals this a meet, but didn’t keep them from year. This added another level of continuing others. Seniors McLean, competition to the season. Julian Guerror, Claire Cox and Cecelia “Usually, it’s the top six that advances [on to regionals]. If we were Beene were all celebrated at the program’s first home meet, then again not in a COVID year, everybody with all the seniors in the district at would’ve advanced,” Coach Carlile the district championships. said.
“We are very community based,” Coach Carlile said, “that brings us together and helps us be successful.” The program made waves in their 6A debut and is looking forward to continuing to build a name for themselves in the coming years. “Overall for the program, [more advances] to the regional and even state meets would be the biggest goal,” Coach Carlile said. “Minor goals within that, everyone improving and getting their best time. Then, just growing the program overall.” Coach Carilie commended all the athletes on their work ethic and positive attitudes, despite the pandemic and stress of the 6A competition. Although the Bengal aquatics team didn’t even dip a toe into the water until the first day of school, that did not stop them from taking the plunge and making this season their own. This team’s combination of ambition, community-mindedness and grit paved the way to their victories during this season and these 5A-to6A underdogs will continue to be a reckoning force in upcoming seasons. #
Bengal Aquatics has a strong showing after getting back in the water. Photo by Shylynn Duren
SPORTS
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
Page 7
Track & Field Hosts Talented Sophomores
Reece Thompson, Staff Writer
Florida also caught Kiser’s eye after being inspired to surpass The Bengals’ track team the rankings of American hurdler and prepared for their first meet Saturday, sprinter, Grant Holloway. Feb. 27, which they hosted here at “I have a lot of track stars I Braswell High School. look up to, but my favorite is Grant The Bengals woke up early Holloway,” Kiser said. “He’s young and to get ready to compete against all of he’s killing the hurdle game right now. the other 6A schools in the area. The He broke a lot of records that I can athletes and coaches made sure to hopefully break later down the road.” be diligent about wearing masks and Kiser’s teammate, sophomore social distancing. Kendall Beard also has a goal of being “My favorite part about track able to compete at the collegiate meets is the ability to compete at a level. He too enjoys hanging out with high level and the freedom that track friends after events and talking to new holds,” sophomore Austin Kiser said. people or friends competing at other Running that much helps him schools. with his endurance and learning to “I run about two to three pace himself as he usually finishes the miles every month so I can always stay last 400-meter with a full sprint. in track shape even during football,” “If I can run at any college Beard said. “It can sometimes get it would probably be Florida [State tiring, but that’s where my two to University] or [Louisiana State three miles I run a month come in University] because Louisiana is like clutch so I have more stamina.” my second home and Florida has Beard loves hurdles and finds amazing facilities and great coaches,” it is his favorite event to compete in. Kiser said. “My favorite event to
compete in is the 300-meter hurdles because I enjoy jumping and it’s very different from what everyone else does,” Beard said. Bengal Track has shown promise this season, finishing second place as a team at both meets. The program is eager to see athletes like Kiser and Beard succeed in future seasons. #
Sophomore Austin Kiser takes a picture with his dad after competing in a race he won in California over the summer. Courtesy of The Kiser Family
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SPORTS Page 8
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
The Girls Basketball Program Takes On 6A
Madison Cardenas Staff Writer
The Lady Bengals girls’ basketball team has embraced their 2021 season, despite their transition to 6A play and COVID-19 restrictions. Given no other choice but to persevere, the team has found ways to dominate this uncharted territory. “The players have adjusted and continued to work extremely hard. As it stands now, [varsity] will finish third in a pretty tough district,” head coach Lisa Williams said, “and will make playoffs for the first time in 6A. I believe we are headed in the right direction.”
The philosophy the coaches instilled into their players led to many positive outcomes for the team. “It is having the WE/ME mentality and doing those things to make the WE better,” Coach Williams said. “Culture includes things like accountability, consistency, expectations, discipline, sacrifice, having fun and trusting/enjoying the process just to name a few.” As other teams within the program continued to grow, they also took on this philosophy and learned to be focused, be prepared, and be calm before games. “I just focus on the game and try not to get
anxious,” freshman Arianna Shepherd said. Yet, many sports seasons came with wins and loses and there were games that did not always fall in the win column. “[The freshmen team] played Guyer the first time around and lost by 14,” assistant coach Scott Case said. “The second time we played them we were very competitive and only lost by 4. I was told it didn’t even look like the same girls were playing.”. A team is only as good as the sum of its parts and this year offered personal best games for each player. “When [freshmen] played Mckinney for the
first time, I had 19 points and several assists and blocks,” Shepherd said. With new and upcoming talent moving up in the program next year, the Lady Bengals’ basketball program is hopeful for another great season. “I look forward to continuing to build the Lady Bengal Basketball program by taking everything from this year and learning from it,” Coach Williams said. “I’m expecting greater things as far as leadership is concerned. Our goal is to be a top contender in our district and state-wide. Looking forward to greater things.” #
Tennis Competes Throughout The Year SPORTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
“[About] 35+ players decided not to play this year because of Covid, so that has been a huge impact,” head coach Steven Baggett said. “Plus, all the changes to the format of how we run our tournaments this year has also been a huge adjustment.” Despite the challenges that elimination and playing during a pandemic have brought, the team overall has improved. “We coaches were really worried about how the team would look when we returned after the summer, but we looked really good,” Coach Peters said, “I am really happy with how the team looks today compared to this time last year.”
As they improved their skills, the teammates also helped each other out with kind words. “I love to give others positive feedback and encouragement on and off the court,” junior Jasmine Starkes said. “It can just remind them that somebody is watching and has their back even if things go badly.” Along with team motivation, they also prepared for big games, such as their match against Northwest High School which took place Feb. 19. “Our district matches should be a tough one, but with consistent practice, good diets, a positive mindset, I think everyone will power through and improve even more from
the fall season,” Starkes said. After finishing their tournaments, the tennis team also prepared for next year’s games. “Next year should be our best year yet,” Coach Baggett said. “We will have a senior-loaded team and their experiences from the last couple of years should pay off.” #
Courtesy of Unsplash/ Josephine Gasser
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
Page 9
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
VIBE-N On Valentine’s Day with Virtual Gram
Diego Gonzalez, Staff Writer
Vibe, a BHS choir group, sang Virtual Valentine’s Day greetings to students in the Commons. Being in the midst of a pandemic,Valentine’s Day might have been difficult for people who couldn’t see their significant others or family members.Vibe decided to make a virtual Valentine’s Day card to lighten students’ spirits. “It’s really nice that we could do anything on Valentine’s Day at all,” junior Nia Powell said. “I think people will enjoy the sentiment of it.” The group had their doubts about setting up a holiday event during a global pandemic but decided to press forward in spite of the opposition.worldwide crisis.
“We didn’t even think we would be doing anything this year,” junior Savannah Ardis said. “Mr. O was the one who came up with the idea, we all pitched into the idea from there.” The pandemic has made this year’s Valentine’s Day cards look a bit different than last year’s Valentine’s Day Grams. “We did serenades for people last year. People would ask us to sing for other people. Sometimes parents would ask us to sing for their kids,” Powell said. “It was really sweet.” The group wanted to replicate this idea in a more COVIDsafe way. With some planning, coordination and creativity, they came up with the idea to make virtual Valentine’s Day cards evolve.
“We [made] a video with us and the online people singing a song,” choir director BenOehlschlaeger said. “It’s going to play in the commons on Valentine’s Day.” After figuring out what songs to pick and coordinating the group, they succeeded in completing their card. By Feb. 10, they were already polishing their craft. “It was really fun,” Ardis said, “Hopefully next year we can get back to doing serenades again.” Members of Vibe had fun putting this together the project and students and staff certainly had a blast watching it.Valentine’s Day is a day of closeness, connection, and celebration, and Vibe put forth their best effort to celebrate this national holiday. #
Graduation creeps closer for seniors
Caitlyn Mills, Staff Writer
as someone who isn’t very expressive verbally, I am able to better express how I feel about hard times through my art,” sophomore Antwanette Tate said. When hard times come, some people like Tate found art allowed them to fully express their emotions. “You will see more [people] on social media growing through their art by creating pieces of the emotions and struggles during the pandemic while also encouraging others to use art as a form of Art students hang their masterpieces on the wall Jan. 25, to show therapy,” junior Paxton Hoard said. what they created last semester. Photo by Caitlyn Mills Hoard observed when people are able to be creative and put their emotions The pandemic caused many into their work it can become like therapy. restrictions on daily activity worldwide “Art [helps us]... express and for many people. The disruption to ourselves more and overall ... [helps us]... their work, school and social lives led to enjoy what images and pieces our own feelings of sadness and loneliness. brain can create,” Hoard said. However, art was one outlet some Since the pandemic started, some people utilized because it allowed them to people found they had a lot more free time express themselves. on their hands; the perfect opportunity to “To me, personally, art is an paint or draw. escape from these hard times because
“One positive way the pandemic has affected artists is by giving them more time to create because of the stay-at-home orders or restrictions on everyday life,” art teacher Lauren Melton said. Some students saw art as a way to make it through difficult times. Others said by taking time to find what inspires them, they also found happiness and joy. “I continue to draw, paint and create during hard times even though I never finish them. When I am inspired by a picture, a sunset, a smile, etc, I have this overwhelming need to capture it,” said Mrs. Melton. She also said the need to “capture the moment” was also very inspiring. “I think [those who are] struggling can benefit from art the most,” Hoard said. “People from all over the world can see a piece of artwork and interpret all differently, but it can give them all the same sense of hope.”
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LIFESTYLE Page 10
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
Disney Artists Feud Over Song Lyrics LIFESTYLE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Releasing a snippet on Tikok, series star Olivia Rodrigo’s song “Drivers License” had creators and fans from all over the world captivating the song and streaming it relentlessly. Olivia Rodrigo first gained recognition when she starred in Disney’s show, “Bizaardvark”, as the character Paige. Shortly after the show ended in April 2019, HSMTMTS aired in November 2019 with Rodrigo playing Nini Salazar-Roberts, who’s character played leading lady, Gabriella Montez, in the school’s theatre production of the movie series. Rodrigo also gained popularity after releasing her song, “ All I Want” that same month, which she also sang on HSMTMTS. Although this song went viral on TikTok, it wasn’t as big as her song “Drivers License’’ which she released at the beginning of January 2021. The song broke many records, including being Spotify’s most single-day streamed song, which she accomplished on the fourth day of it’s release. “Drivers license was such a good song and if you listen to the song even once, you can see why it’s everyone’s favorite,”Rodrigo fan and
Courtesy of Unsplash/ Luke Porter
Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter let TikTok fans and their latest singles do the talking for them in their rumored pop drama feud. Courtesy of Unsplash/Dan Dennis
junior Taylor Carter said. However, rumors that the song was about co-worker Joshua Bassett and his rumored girlfriend, Sabrina Carpenter, began to arise. Although nothing was confirmed or denied, fans had already begun speculating about the drama surrounding the song. As a result, many die-hard fans of Rodrigo had begun harassing Carpenter via social media and even sent death threats to the artist’s page. Carpenter shortly came out with her own song called “Skin” which created more controversy overnight. Many believed the song was ill natured towards Rodrigo while others believed the song was just misinterpreted and wasn’t about Rodrigo. “I’m truly convinced that this is all a publicity stunt on Sabrina Carpenters end,” Carter said. “Super entertaining, but also super fake.” Many of Carpenter’s fans couldn’t see her making a song like that to publicly bash another artist. However, the song continues to be
circulated on TikTok with the rumors of the publicity stunt causing a continued fuel between the “Drivers License” artist and the “Skin” artist. “I think personally everyone should stream “Driver’s License”. I’m team Olivia all the way,” Carter said. “Sabrina was out of line. Olivia gave her a compliment, yet Sabrina is bragging about how Josh is ‘on her skin’.” Although Carpenter did come out in a recent interview stating she “wasn’t bothered by a few lines in a [magnificent] song” and wrote a diss track about it. She continued by letting fans know that even with the song seemingly being about Rodrigo, the song was actually inspired when “a lot of people were trying to get to me. The song isn’t calling out one single person” she wrote in a instagram post. Rodrigo has yet to confirm or deny any rumors about her song “Driver’s License” and thanks fans for supporting her music.
LIFESTYLE
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
Page 11
Inauguration Day Fashion and Style
Najah Harris, Staff Writer
Inauguration Day takes place every four years (unless there is a re-election)and includes speeches, performances, swearing-in ceremonies and fashion. Juniors Imani Taylor, Dakwuon Walters and senior Whitley Curtis judged outfits from the inauguration to see who was best dressed after watching it on TV. “The fashion at this year’s inauguration was amazing,” Taylor said. ”I couldn’t choose which one was my favorite.” According to Vogue. com, inauguration fashion, especially for the first ladies, are not just their favorite outfits in their closet. It is something that should symbolize how they will represent the country for the next four years. The look of the first lady, President and Vice President are of the most important. These prominent individuals are sworn in to lead the country, so it is up to the designer to ensure they look the part. “This inauguration was a special one to me because everyone who was present looked like they were fit to lead,” Curtis said. “When I look at someone in a leadership
com. He is most known for the powerful messages behind his work with notable branding for former first lady Obama and Colin Kapernick. “The inauguration outfit I would change would be Jennifer Lopez’s outfit,” Taylor said. “Her outfit was nice, but the white on white was a lot. I think she should have worn a blue trench coat to add a pop of color.” Courtesy of Unsplash/ Inauguration fashion Thom Bradley was a big thing for this position, I would want them News, the designers of Vice year’s inauguration. The to dress their absolute best President Kamala Harris’ President,Vice President and everyone looked as outfit were Christopher and first lady all stepped out such.” John Rogers and Sergio and represented themselves Not only is Hudson, two small well, setting the tone for Inauguration Day a big deal designers from Louisiana possible fashion choices to for the President, but it’s and South Carolina take place over the next also a big deal for fashion respectively. Rogers has four years. designers. According to the also designed for prominent “This inauguration, LA Times, Inauguration Day figures like that of Cardi B, in my opinion, will be is where fashion designers Traci Ellis Ross, and Michelle the most memorable will get to have their big Obama, according to Vogue. inauguration for me,” Curtis break, with getting clothes com. said. “The outfits, the poets, displayed to millions of “I would’ve worn the vocalists, the everything. Americans on a very Michelle Obama’s outfit I enjoyed it all. It would be important person being if I were invited to the unfair just to pinpoint one a designer’s dream. Here Inauguration,” Taylor said. thing when the whole thing they can make an impact “Her outfit was simple, yet was amazing.” and convey a message to a elegant. The color really Overall, the fashion lot of the American people complimented her skin tone at this year’s inauguration watching. very well. The belt was also represented the different “One of my favorite a simple piece, but it tied designers and their very outfits was Vice President the outfit together very simple yet elegant style. Kamala Harris,” Walters nicely.” Here’s to the next time said. “I liked the way the Another designer, viewers can see how times purple dress and coat fit Kerby Jean-Raymond, styled have changed through her and I like the choice of Jill Biden and had previously fashion. color she used.” been the stylist for Harris # According to NPR as well, according to Times.
LIFESTYLE Page 12
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021
Social Distance and Celebrate Black History
Myrical Roberts Staff Writer
Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Malcolm X, Mary Jackson and Claudette Colvin. These are the names of African American significant figures that have touched the U.S. and changed the pathway for generations after. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday was Jan. 18, this year. On this day, the general population took this time off to reflect on years past and the contributions he made to the American society. “I find [the MLK holiday] inspirational.You can take it as a day to make people feel included, or to remember to follow your dreams,” English teacher Stefani Moore said. If it were not for the influences of Martin Luther King Jr., schools, hospitals, and communities would still be segregated.
From the end of January and throughout February, the US celebrates inspiring African American figures and their accomplishments. Courtesy of Unsplash/ Maria Oswalt
Courtesy of Unsplash/ Alex Nemo Hanse
“[There] would be a huge gap in bringing people together,” Mrs. Moore said. “MLK, Jr. was one of those people that made it visual to bring people together rather than pull people away.” Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday kicks off Black History Month (BHM) which starts Feb. 1, and includes 28/29 days of celebrating Black historical figures. “I wish it was something we applied weekly and I like that we bring highlights to people that we don’t talk about normally,” Mrs. Moore said. Due to COVID-19, the way people celebrate BHM changed dramatically this year. Social distancing and masks made it difficult to do things people would normally do prompting more creative ideas when trying to celebrate the national holiday. “I start my class with bell ringers,” Mrs. Moore said. “I would include a picture of an unknown
Black historical figure to talk about and bring light to. That’s one of the things I miss about regular school years.” BHM isn’t just for African Americans and is a holiday that encourages unity among all nationalities. “Black History Month should be more appreciated,” sophomore Janaye Sweat said. “It’s a time to honor the devotion to learning and stand united against racism.” With the Black Lives Matter movement becoming more of an inclining topic, February has become one of the most ideal months to talk about issues that often affect society today. Martin Luther King, Jr. and so many others had a dream that all would be able to live life to the fullest. Take time to remember these heroes. #