news/features

October, 2007

Don’t bet on it: Students opinions mixed on gambling legislation
The table games legislation that passed in August has brought multiple opinions to the “table” as adults and teenagers alike mull over differing views. Reactions to the multiple ballot miscounts and subsequent recount upped the ante in this debate.

If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of athletics, band
Throughout the summer, the sticky humidity, unbearable temperatures and heat indexes of more than 100 degrees tormented athletes and band members who spent long days outdoors preparing for the fall sports season. Even after school began, the sweltering heat stayed around to torture all of those who dreamed of autumn leaves and cool air.

Students speak out about sexuality
There’s no clear statistic on the number of homosexuals in America today. Some studies place the figure at 10 percent, others at 1. Still if you take the middle ground - 5 percent - that’s more than 15 million people in America who are gay or lesbian.

School shootings: Plans needed for panic prevention
Imagine quietly sitting in history class, counting the seconds until the bell rings. Suddenly a staccato BANG! BANG! BANG! replaces the bell. Students panic and teachers shriek. Classroom doors fling open, and pandemonium ensues as everyone stampedes through halls and down the stairs trying to escape.

Close ‘Open for Business
“Wild and Wonderful” has always expressed the general nature of our state. The first thing most people think of when they hear this slogan is West Virginia. These words also remind West Virginians what they have to be proud of. The wild in “Wild and Wonderful” may describe our mountains and wildlife, but the wonderful also describes our people and the state’s general atmosphere.

Web exclusive: Election errors as frustrating as gambling outcome
"West Virginia: Open for Business." What a motto for this great state. For the most part, I have been pleased with Joe Manchin's accomplishments so far in his term as governor, but I am thoroughly disappointed with this change.

Pain in the pump: Are high heels worth it?
Many females wear high heels on a daily basis to look more attractive. Shoes can say a lot about a person, and wearing heels usually says, “I can take pain.”

June, 2007

Tests try to measure diploma’s worth
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As seniors approach graduation, many are anticipating leaving high school behind. A diploma should certify that they are ready for life in today’s difficult society - but what if it doesn’t?

Valedictorian: honor or farce?
Students take pro, con positions.

What causes dropouts?
People always say that high school is the best time of your life, but if that’s true, then why do so many high school students drop out?

Fantastic Furman worth a visit
Put aside the fact that Furman falls at no. 41 on US News & World Report’s 2007 Top Liberal Arts Schools, and focus for a moment on the campus’ sheer beauty. Anyone with 20-20 vision would be happy there.

Couple deals with approaching graduation
In high school, dating is supposed to be finding out what you’re all about and what you’re looking for, learning what’s good and what’s not. But occasionally, a pair will luck out and find something more real.

How soon is too soon for marriage?
When you think of high school, many things come to mind — studying, partying, hanging out with friends, dating. Marriage, however, is not typically one of them.

Religion & relationships
Height, age, maturity - these are all things we think about when it comes to dating. But what about religion? Does it play a part in who you do or don’t date?

Dating across the age gap
When it comes to dating, age can be a controversial subject. Some people say that age doesn’t matter, that it’s just a number. Others think that when a person dates someone dramatically older, then he or she is being inappropriate.

A little less romance
Have you ever seen “Happy Days”? If you have, think about how it portrayed teen dating as compared to how we define dating today.

Do we need sex ed?
Let’s face it - kids don’t like having personal conversations with their parents. And perhaps the most embarrassing thing to discuss with them is sex.

What is IB?
When South Charleston High School sophomores create their schedules for the next year, they have a choice to make. Do they continue on with regular classes, or do they participate in the International Baccalaureate program?

Explaining the political parties
Some teenagers think the voting age is just right. They think that anyone who can fight in Iraq or be drafted should be able to vote. After all, someone fighting in a war should be able to vote for the leader who is in control of that war, right?

Are you ever too old for Disney?
“Sweet niblits!” If you know that phrase, then you’re probably a “Hannah Montana” fan. But since “Hannah Montana” is on the Disney Channel, some teenagers worry about what their peers would think if they knew that they watched the show instead of, say, “The Hills” or “The O.C.”

May, 2007

Cinco de Mayo: It’s more than just a day on the calendar
In English, Cinco de Mayo means the fifth of May, which is the day Mexicans celebrate their victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Many Americans mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, but it’s not...

What is mariachi music?
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration, and what would a celebration be without music? When people hear the word “mariachi,” they often picture musicians strolling through Mexican restaurants dressed in flamboyant outfits and carrying a small guitar. But that is not all that mariachi music is.

Mexican teen discusses life south of the border
Andrea Celorio is a sophomore at Poca High School whose family moved to West Virginia from Guadalajara, Jalisco a few years ago. Here, she gives the inside scoop on Cinco de Mayo and life in Mexico.

Election 2008: It’s not too early to start educating yourself
Although the next presidential election is still more than a year away, candidates are getting an early start. Every day, a new presidential hopeful announces his or her intentions, making it difficult to keep names and campaign promises straight, especially for young voters.

The human lottery: Reinstating the draft
The military draft, or conscription, is defined as selecting an individual for military duty without his or her expressed consent. The United States government last initiated the draft during the Vietnam War.

Stress And Torment: Taking the SAT
Much to the dismay of high school students everywhere, “the man” (otherwise known as the College Board and the Educational Testing Service) administers the SAT seven times per year.

Do students study for the SAT?
To be accepted at most colleges, students must take one of two (or both) grotesque standardized tests: the ACT and the SAT. Though these exams could determine where you end up in college, most teens interviewed for this article did not study for either test at all. It was nearly impossible to find a single student who actually studied — even a miniscule amount.

Homework a hassle for busy teens
These days, teenagers have a lot on their plates, and school and homework are probably the biggest things that they struggle with on a daily basis. Whether adults realize it, it can be very difficult to maintain a good GPA and also be a well-rounded individual.

Energy drinks are all the rage
You’ve most likely seen the caffeine and “energy boosting” supplement-filled drinks that dominate every 7-11 across the nation. Though the drinks gained mainstream popularity in the mid-1990s thanks to Red Bull, evidence of energy-filled drinks has been traced as far back as 1929 with Lucozade, a hospital drink for “aiding recovery.”

Is pop losing its popularity?
Increasingly, teenagers can be seen straying from vending machines by the likes of Coca-Cola and Pepsi and bringing their own drinks to school instead. Is this just a passing fad, or is pop becoming passé?

Debating the HPV vaccination
Human Papillomavirus, commonly referred to as HPV, is a sexually-transmitted disease responsible for more than 70 percent of cervical cancer cases and more than 90 percent of genital warts’ cases. Recently, though, the Food and Drug Administration approved a prevention vaccination, Gardasil, targeted towards females age 9-26.

Senioritis affects all students
Sun shining. Flowers blooming. Pools opening. Students studying. Err, back up a little. When the weather turns warm and it seems as if spring has finally arrived, students tend to have a drastically decreased motivation toward schoolwork.

April, 2007

Does popularity influence achievement or vice versa?
Every year, high schools hold a number of elections, whether for student council representatives and club leaders or prom and homecoming queens. And it always seems like these elections are controversial.

R U 4 real? ‘Netspeak’ in schoolwork
Lessons in proper diction, grammar and spelling taught in English classes from the very beginning are thrown out when teenagers discover instant messaging.

Model looks a weighty issue
The ultra thin “fad” that Kate Moss helped to usher in has yet to disappear, as celebrities and supermodels around the world strive for an unhealthy physical appearance.

The buzz on braces
“Don’t forget you have an orthodontist appointment tomorrow.” No other words can give the same jiggle to a stomach and sweat to the palms as those eight can to a metal-mouth.

What is Lent?
This year, Easter falls at the beginning of spring break. Once it arrives, the Christians among us will probably celebrate with chocolate, gifts and worship, but some Christians are showing their dedication now during the Christian season of Lent. It runs from Ash Wednesday (which was Feb. 21) to Easter Sunday.

Breaks best for wisdom teeth removal
Normally, when teens think of spending time away from school during a break, their thoughts involve relaxing, sleeping, hanging out with friends or going out of town. The last thought for most is spending the week recuperating from a trip to the oral surgeon for removal of wisdom teeth. However, long breaks can be opportune times for such procedures.

Wiccan teen explains her religion
Someone who practices Wicca is called a Wiccan, and he or she usually thinks of themselves as a witch. Because so many people are un-informed about Wicca, there are many stereotypes about the religion.

Indian group preserves its heritage
Although on first, second or even third glance, the greater Huntington-Charleston area seems to be suffering from a lack of cultural diversity, even the minority population is making its mark on the state. One such organization contributing to this is the Tri-State India Association.

Learning to forgive and forget
Your best friend betrays you. You find out “through the grapevine” that your boyfriend or girlfriend cheated on you. Your parents yell at you about the littlest things. Any of these situations sound familiar?

Promise or provoker?
Back in the days of drive-in movies and black and white TVs, promise rings symbolized seriousness within a relationship. The problem now is that everything has an alternative motive.

March, 2007

Prom gowns for all budgets
While the snowflakes are flying and the winter temperatures are dropping to single digits, it hardly seems like the time to start shopping for the perfect prom dress. But really, prom season is just around the corner, and the time to start looking for the perfect dress is right now.

Stick ‘em up!
Forget ‘SexyBack,’ Dime Store Heist is bringing ska back
Ska originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s as a form of dance music that combined American jazz and R&B and Jamaican mento music. As for the origin of the word “ska,” one theory is that it is a shortened version of one musician’s greeting of “Love Skavoovie” to friends.

Teens discuss alcohol and drug use
Whether on the silver screen on in real life, teens are no strangers to alcohol and drugs. Twenty-five percent of the alcohol consumed in the U.S. is by people under age 21, according to Joseph Califano, president of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. Also, the 2003-04 National Survey on Drug Use & Health revealed that by age 19, half of all teens will have tried marijuana, with 18 percent having used within a month of the survey.

School’s best kept secret?
Yes, believe it or not, that boring-looking room at school might actually contain something worth checking out.

Has America lost its manners?
No matter how hard Barney may have tried to teach us as children, teenagers today have basically abandoned the idea of manners completely.

International program encourages global learning
The world in which we live is becoming smaller every day. Since the early 90s, great strides in technology have allowed corporations to do business across the globe, bringing together more individuals from all walks of life.

What makes a martyr?
The definition of a martyr is different for all religions and people. A general definition, though, is a person who dies because of his or her faith. All throughout history, people have become martyrs for their faith and views.

The gay rights debate
The American nation was founded on fundamental rights and freedoms, but those who support gay rights feel that the gay community is being denied these rights and freedoms.

Fitting in: Are gay teens accepted by their peers?
Every person is brought up in a different way. On the subject of homosexuality, some people are taught that being gay is wrong and isn’t acceptable for any reason, while others are taught that it doesn’t matter and that it shouldn’t make anyone less respected as an individual person.

New idea for keeping schools clean
During the past few months, students at Hurricane High School have frequently heard announcements such as, “Students, we are low on custodians today. Please clean up your areas at lunch and throw away any excess trash.”

Do good grades make you a geek?
If you make straight A’s or have a grade point average above a 4.0, then this article may be for you.

Finding our voice: Should students be represented on school boards?
In February 2006, Adam King, a student in Asheville, N.C., began work on a proposal to instill a student representative on the Buncombe County Board of Education. The representative, a student advisor, would act as a voice for students in the Buncombe County school system.

February, 2007

Abortion: one girl’s story
Abortion is one of those topics that’s always hot, always in the news. Some people argue that abortion is wrong and that it should be outlawed. Others argue that it’s a woman’s body and it’s her choice what to do with it. But sometimes the issue isn’t so black and white. What if the woman was raped? What if she knew that her child was going to be extremely mentally or physically handicapped? What if she knew that she wasn’t mentally or fiscally ready to become a parent or that her body wasn’t ready to allow her to become a mother?

Spice it up!
Cooking program lets students get creative
The ProStart program at St. Albans High School is one of the most prestigious culinary programs at the high school level in West Virginia. It’s one of only two ProStart programs in Kanawha County. (The other is at Riverside.)

Teens talk fashion influences
For teens, clothes are more than just a way to cover up. They give confidence and reflect personalities. They play a huge role in our lives. It is no coincidence, then, that stores and brands are constantly competing for our attention. But is teen fashion all about trendiness or are there other things that inspire teens in their individual style?

Those three little words
The words “I love you” mean something different to everyone. It’s up to you to make your own definition.

Does height hinder relationships?
In general, it seems that girls prefer to date guys who are taller than they are, and guys prefer to date girls shorter than they are. But how much does height really matter to teens when they’re choosing a partner?

Getting around with an injury has ups and downs
It might have been around first or second grade when you first caught wind of the tales of the school’s “secret elevator.” The older, wiser fifth graders would gather on the playground and swap tales about it being lined in gold with plush red carpet. It was for teachers only, of course, but the coolest of the cool swore on the jungle gym that they had seen this elevator, and a few even claimed to have ridden in it.

Bus blues
You get up at 5 a.m., get dressed, make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important (like homework or pants) and head out to your bus stop. This time of year, it’s cold and you are almost happy to see the bus’ headlights beam at you in the dark. Almost, but not quite.

Sherman students discuss lunch concerns
Many students are not fans of school lunches. There are a lot of jokes made about the type of food served in schools. However, some students at Sherman find the positive in their school’s lunch program.

Teens sneak snuff at school regardless of rules
“I am addicted to smokeless tobacco,” admitted Ryan*, a student at Riverside. “I wish I wasn’t because it’s hard to go a long time without it. It makes me feel weak when I don’t get it for a long time.”

Blame birth order
Have you ever been frustrated with a sibling and thought, “Why can’t they be more like me? I must have been adopted!”? Well, adoption may not be the case, but there are speculation that it could be your sibling’s birth order that causes him or her to be so different.

Student opinion mixed on Shakespeare’s work
“That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” reads A’rielle Barksdale, a freshman at South Charleston High School. She is, of course, reading from Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Romeo & Juliet,” which is required reading for Kanawha County high school freshman. At South Charleston High School, students in Mrs. Lynda Biron’s English classes approach the assignment with varying levels of enthusiasm.

Objects in future are closer than they appear
The future is closer than you might think. Nowadays, schools are making students decide earlier and earlier what they want to do with their entire lives. This can be very stressful for teens.

January, 2007

Lessening the hurt that comes with loss
Death cannot be avoided. Everyone has experienced the death of an acquaintance or loved one at some point in his or her life, and it is always a difficult and painful ordeal. However, when the death happens to someone young and/or as the result of a tragedy, it can be even more difficult.

Think before you tease
Let’s face it, teens make fun of their peers. They start fights, spread rumors and intentionally say things they know will hurt someone’s feelings. Almost everyone is on the giving or receiving end of this teasing at some point in his or her life. So why do teens do it?

School of rock: No shortage of teen bands in area
Many kids dream of growing up to become a rock star. But the reality is that the music industry is a tough business, and the chances of success are small. Still, this doesn’t stop students at George Washington and other high schools across the globe from persisting to form a band. But even that isn’t as easy as some people may think.

Getting a jump on the competition
Today’s horses have many uses — police animals, herders, pets. They’re also competitive athletes, used in sports like polo, rodeo, equestrianism and racing. Warrior is one of these competitive athletes. He belongs to equestrian Katie Hensley, a junior at Cabell Midland.

Happy Feet: Clogging with the West Virginia Kickers
Sometimes called the “melting pot” dance, Appalachian clogging is a lively form of entertainment. Instead of employing arm motions and graceful movements as the main forms of attraction, it has all eyes riveted to the cloggers’ feet, which beat out an almost hypnotizing rhythm in sync.

Freedom of speech
Should foreign language classes be required?
These days, most students wishing to attend college are required to have taken and passed at least two foreign language classes in high school. Signing up for these classes can be annoying because students sometimes have trouble fitting them into schedules. But, as with other important electives like computer applications and accounting, foreign language classes teach a valuable skill. How do students feel about the requirement, though?

Say what? Hybrid language gaining popularity
Everywhere you go today, you hear people speaking different languages. Some speak English, others speak Spanish. Some speak both at the same time. Teens are required to learn a foreign language, and most choose Spanish because it sometimes seems like the United States’ second language. Then, when they interchange Spanish words with English ones in conversation, the result is Spanglish.

Room for all religions at Catholic school
One of the most obvious differences between Charleston Catholic and public schools in the area is the religious aspect. Students at Charleston Catholic hear prayers at morning and afternoon announcements. They go to Mass once a month. They take theology classes that are required for graduation. So why would non-Catholics choose a Catholic education?

The new intoxication...the cell phone?
While there are many things that can cause drivers to be distracted, cell phones seem to be at the top of the list. Effective this past summer, West Virginia teenagers are not allowed to use cell phones while driving, though adults are.

Custodian caught in Hawaiian quake
When St. Marys High School custodian David Wagner signed up for the trip to Hawaii sponsored by Parkersburg television station WTAP, he was just looking to have a nice vacation. But four days after arriving in the Aloha State, he had a rude awakening.

Arming teachers isn’t answer to school violence
Because of the threat of school violence, schools in Texas are teaching children as young as kindergarten age to defend themselves and fight back in the case of an attack. A Wisconsin legislator is pushing for legislation to allow teachers, administrators and other faculty members to carry concealed weapons.

Ranking rivals
Who says you can only have one?
Whether it’s a packed stadium or a noisy gym, it doesn’t matter. People in Clay County love to come out and show their support for school athletics. And with all of this support, the school has racked up quite a list of rivalries.

Makeup for dummies:
A how-to guide for applying cosmetics so you look your best
In its November issue, FlipSide ran an article spoofing the tendency of some females to wear excessive amounts of makeup. Still, makeup is an important part of a teenage girl's appearance, and there are ways to wear it well -- highlighting your features without looking like a circus clown.

December, 2006

A stinky situation: Living with parents who smoke
Studies in recent years have shown that teenage smoking is decreasing, but approximately 3,000 teens still begin smoking each day. And teens whose parents smoke are twice as likely to become smokers themselves. Even if teens do not smoke, though, they are still affected if they live with parents who do.

When siblings fly the coop
The house is quiet, and there is an empty seat at the dinner table. Quarrels between siblings are few to none. There is something - or rather somebody — missing. It’s an older sibling who’s fled the nest, gone off to college.

Former model recalls life in the spotlight
Nineteen-year-old Kurt Hanz, who arrived in West Virginia from Connecticut at age 4, got his start as a model when he was 10. “I saw a sign at Town Center for a Facefinders model show,” he said. “I knew my talents had always been more in the way of comedy and acting, but I still wanted to give it a try."

A convention for ‘anime’-niacs
Anime is very popular. Tons of people love it. And one way they celebrate their love is by attending anime conventions. Locally, Tsubasacon was held at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington in mid-October. It was filled with all kinds of goodies like pocky (a Japanese snack food), toys and, of course, anime.

The facts about ferrets
Millions of ferrets are kept as pets in the United States alone, yet these animals remain extraordinarily misunderstood. ... As the owner of three loving ferret babies (Brutus, Chico and Baby Girl), I have henceforth declared that this injustice towards ferrets be tolerated no longer.

Want money? Get a job!
What should you do the next time you ask for a few hundred dollars to buy that new digital camera or those concert tickets and your parents respond with, “If you want money, then get a job”? You could sit at home and sulk in front of the television, indulging your sorrows with Ben & Jerry. Or you could impress your parents and earn some cash.

Protect yourself from domestic violence
October, which was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean that teens should forget about the issue. It’s important to be aware of the dangers of domestic violence. Everyone has the potential to be affected by it, and teenagers especially should be made aware of how to protetct themselves before it’s too late.

Are teens having safe sex?
Television, radio and magazine advertisements for contraceptives are widespread, and more teens are becoming sexually active everyday. But whether they’re having regular sex or oral sex, are they taking the time to use some form of protection?

SEX ED: Should condoms be available in public schools?
The debate over offering free condoms at public schools has been going on for several years now. Opponents argue that condoms in schools will encourage teens to have sex. Supporters say that free condoms in schools will help teens practice safe sex because once they decide they’re going to have sex, teens will have it, regardless of whether they’re doing so safely.

Students debate drug testing for teachers
When our parents send us off to school each morning, they expect us to get the education we deserve. But what if that can’t happen because a teacher is on drugs and not totally focused on what he or she is teaching? This may not be a widespread problem in West Virginia schools, but it does happen.

Does suspension hurt college chances?
For obvious reasons, educators don’t usually look too kindly on suspended students. They assume that if these students did something to get themselves suspended, then they either aren’t very concerned with their education or are troublemakers. This is an opinion that their classmates and others may share. But how do colleges view the situation?

November, 2006

There’s no place like homecoming
The word homecoming literally means a return home. At colleges and universities, it’s an opportunity for alumni to return and celebrate their school. What does homecoming mean in high school, though?

Inmate speaks frankly about meth use
The people in jail for meth-related cases are men and women, young and old. I obtained the transcript of an interview with one such person in a West Virginia jail. The 27-year-old mother, who has a 1-year-old child, spoke to an officer at the facility where she is incarcerated.

Choosing sides in science class
With the threat of lawsuits and fear to even say the phrase, intelligent design has never been more infamous than now. School boards have to decide whether to teach the concept, and to do this, they ask opinions from parents, unions and other schools. However, the one group they fail to ask is the students.

Teens divided on capital punishment issue
Capital punishment is another term for the death penalty, which, historically, has been used in nearly all societies. Today, though, many countries that used to use it have done away with it. However, 38 of the 50 U.S. states still officially sanction the use of capital punishment, and this has led to a great divide among American citizens.

Off-campus lunch an option for Catholic upperclassmen
Every day as the bell rings to end fourth period, sophomores, juniors and seniors make their way out the doors of Charleston Catholic High School to their favorite downtown restaurants. For more than 20 years, students at the school have enjoyed off-campus lunch privileges.

Are CliffsNotes cheating?
Everyone can relate to having to read a book that isn’t particularly likeable or easy to understand. So, what do you do when that happens? One of the most common practices is using CliffsNotes, SparkNotes and other reading shortcuts.

School uniforms as bully busters?
In high school, appearance is very important. Sometimes, it’s too important. Students may tease and bully other students simply because of the clothes, makeup or hairstyles that they wear. One way some schools have tried to reduce this problem is by having students wear uniforms.

First Sissonville band fest a success
On Oct. 7, Sissonville High School hosted the first annual Sissonville Band Festival. A total of 13 competing bands attended — Bluefield, Buffalo, Lincoln County, Minford, Nitro, Paden City, Ravenswood, Ritchie County, Riverside, South Charleston, Tyler Consolidated, Wayne and, of course, Sissonville. Hurricane gave an exhibition performance.

Who is Daniel Johnston?
Daniel Johnston is one of the greatest living singer-songwriters in America, but, tragically, very few people know it. His painfully direct, in-depth songs of unrequited love, pain and sorrow as well as his innocently naive look at the world have been highly acclaimed by the indie rock community while remaining largely unheard by the rest of the world.

Girls, beware EMS
A disease is spreading with intense and frightening rapidity, striking fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned medical professionals. This illness is making its way through the halls of high schools and middle schools around the globe.

Reality check: Teen embraces seatbelt safety after serious crash
It was supposed to be a great day. Actually, it couldn’t have been better: I was with my best friend. We’d gotten haircuts and gone shopping. We were leaving for the beach in 48 hours. I had gotten the most delicious strawberry Icee in the world! What could possibly go wrong?

Sexual assault: Getting help, getting healed
No matter the magnitude or particulars of the event, sexual assault is traumatizing for the victim. Common reactions include, but are not limited to, shock, numbness, loss of control, fear, a sense of vulnerability, helplessness and disorientation. Also, though the attack was not the fault of the victim in any way, he or she may feel self-blame or guilt for “allowing” the crime to occur. People who have been sexually assaulted need to heal. They need care and comfort.

October, 2006

Around the world on summer vacation
Summertime is a time of travel for most teens and their families, often featuring trips to the beach or an amusement park. But what if you had the choice to go somewhere more exotic than that? What if you could go to another country, learn about a different culture and eat ethnic food? This summer, that option became a reality for three Cabell Midland students.

Tips for stress-free college tours
Campus tours, financial aid, scholarships, information sessions, admissions interviews — it’s easy to see why finding the right college can be so overwhelming. But don’t let all of these details bog you down. With some guidance, touring schools can be a fun process rather than a difficult one.

New school, new challenges for freshmen
Another school year has started, bringing with it new clothes, new classes and, of course, new faces. Most of these new faces are freshman, who are dealing with even more newness - a new school.

Many teens don’t read summer assignment
School is back in session, to many a student’s dismay. And with that return comes new tests and assignments, some of which involve the dreaded summer reading assignment.

How to deal: stress solutions
The stress in your life can be caused by many things — a big change like starting high school or moving to a different place; an emotional event like losing a loved one or an uncertainty like worrying about your future. Procrastinating or wasting time can even cause stress.

Are video games art?
Many people hear the word “art” and automatically think of music or paintings, but art is much more than that. It covers a wide variety of hobbies, careers and activities. But does it include video games?

June, 2006

The Graduation Gang
The Class of 2006 is the largest graduating class FlipSide has seen in its nearly 15 year history. Some have been on the staff for their entire high school careers, while others have only been part of the program for a year or two. However, all have graced the pages of this magazine repeatedly, and now it's time to honor the 18 writers, artists and photographers saying goodbye.

Graduation not goodbye
With the end of another school year comes graduation and parting with good friends. Saying goodbye is never easy, but the important thing is never to let these friends go.

College students offer advice to freshmen
Heading off to college can be like jumping into untested waters. What lies within that great unknown? Will you sink or will you swim? To help ease the transition, several University of Charleston students offer the following advice to upcoming college freshmen.

Be safe, grads
Alcohol, drugs, pregnancy, rape, even death. Do those sound like fun things for a safe and happy graduation? Sadly, graduation night, in addition to prom night, can be one of the most dangerous nights for teenagers.

Exam requirement angers students
Now, only seniors can earn exemptions from final exams at Charleston Catholic.

Students get medieval on school project
George Washington sophomores travel back in time to become citizens of St. George’s Shire. With the help of many members of the junior and senior classes, sophomore English students transform the George Washington football field into the fictional medieval town as part of a medieval re-enactment.

Matewan senior on the road to successful art career
At a very young age, Brady Fields began drawing and expressing his artistic capabilities. His mother pushed him to increase his artistic abilities until her passing in 2005. “To me, art is a form of emotional expression,” said Fields, a Matewan High School senior and Mingo County Career and Technical Center student, who acknowledges “my mother for putting me on the right track — I owe her everything.”

Music to your ears?
IPods seem to be everywhere nowadays. It seems that everywhere you turn, you see people of all ages walking around, jamming to that black, white, pink or blue music player in their hands. They’re so popular that Motorola has even released a cell phone that’s compatible with Apple’s downloadable iTunes.

May, 2006

Homemade happiness: Ellen’s serves variety, but ice cream is the key
If you walk or drive very often in downtown Charleston, you’ve probably passed it many times. You even may have stopped in for an ice cream cone. It’s Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream on Capitol Street, and it has been there since the fall of 1997. But a glance at the two large blackboards on the inside walls reveal that Ellen’s serves a lot more than ice cream.

Arguing about Abercrombie
Students look at A&F from two points of view.

Cracking school summer dress codes
Spring is here at last and with it comes spring fashion - short shorts, barely-there thong sandals, spaghetti-strap tank tops and more. However, we are still in school until early June, and while we’re there, we are supposed to abide by our school’s dress code.

Can cross-campus dating work?
Being in a relationship with someone from a different school can be difficult. For instance, not being able to see your boyfriend or girlfriend at school every day can be somewhat frustrating. However, some in this situation say the distance is actually better than being with them all of the time.

Too many dates? Who to choose
Formal events are a big deal. With tickets, outfits, accessories, flowers, dining and dates, it’s a wonder that anyone has the patience to tolerate the stress that accompanies formal dances. And still, millions of high school students everywhere get together each year and deal with all the drama that comes with events like homecoming, winter formal and prom.

Bad reputation irks skaters
People find thrills in various ways, but all thrill seekers have one thing in common: the satisfaction that comes with an adrenaline rush. As teenagers, limited by age and rules, it can be hard to find a way to get that perfect adrenaline rush. One way to do so is by skateboarding.

April, 2006

And the winner is...
Anthony Young, 17, a junior at George Washington High School, has smoked the competition to take top honors in the FlipSide/Smoke on the Water Chili Cook-off Art Contest.

Military service opinions diverse in rural community
Rural areas, along with inner cities, have long been considered prime recruiting spots for the U.S. military, and with few job opportunities and family traditions of military service, some teens in these communities see joining the military as an attractive option.

Teen parenthood: a blessing too early?
We’ve all seen the talk shows like “The Montell Williams Show” and “Maury” where young parents will argue that they are one billion percent sure that they are/aren’t the father of a particular child. And while these shows can be entertaining to watch, have you ever stopped to think about just how hard it would be to be a teen parent?

Do U text?
It seems that today, new cell phone fads are emerging every day. From picture and video phones to customizable ring tones and phones with keyboards, all these trends seem to target one group in particular: teens. One of the most popular features among teens is text messaging.

‘I feel stuck in the middle’
Lesbian conflicted over feelings, faith in God
“Laura,” a Kanawha County High School junior, has lived with the fact that she is homosexual for many years. In middle school, she chose to share her sexual orientation with others.

Last man standing
How important is class rank to students?
The competition to be number one is fierce in today’s society. Class rank is no exception. There are students who give their all throughout all four years of high school to come out on top in the final rankings. Their goal is to be named valedictorian or salutatorian.

March, 2006

Teen adds to family with foreign exchange students
Seven years ago my family was offered the opportunity to host an elementary school Spanish teacher. I was in second grade at Flinn Elementary School, and my brother Bryan was in kindergarten. Despite the fact that we were so young, my parents accepted the opportunity.

Coffee Talk: Can you smell the aroma of Charleston?
Community, love, family and home are just a few words that describe the atmosphere established at the coffee houses in downtown Charleston. But what is it about these places that draws in the customers?

Katrina volunteer couple touched by experience
New Orleans still celebrated Mardi Gras this year, but the event was a much watered down version of past years. During the month of February, visitors poured into the city for the event’s festivities, a far cry from those visitors who poured into the city just a few short months ago - volunteers helping the city rebuild itself after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Are you a statistic?
What do you see when you walk through the halls of your high school? A group of giggling girls? A posse of football jocks? Someone with his or her nose buried deep in a book? They may all look like normal students going about their everyday lives, but underneath the surface could lie a drug abuser or someone who has experimented with drugs.

Feeling blue?
There are positive ways to deal with depression
Have you ever had one of those days where everything you do seems to go wrong and do more harm than good for you? Of course you have. Everyone has a personal stash of awful days somewhere, and unfortunately, it’s our destiny to experience them.

Students heat up winter with ‘Chili and Verse’
Richwood High School students treated audiences to a night of hot food and cool entertainment in January. “Chili and Verse,” produced by the school’s drama and AP English classes, featured a chili dinner, musical presentations and poetry performances, including a last poet standing contest.

Exercise your mouth - speak up for your beliefs
In today’s society, freedom of speech — the right to express one’s self — is a major issue. Freedom of speech is a given right, and everyone from nine to 90 has something to say. But why are some teens afraid to speak out? Are they afraid of being ostracized or punished?

Helping the community or helping yourself?
It is an all too popular belief that teenagers view community service projects as necessary evils to fulfill a school requirement or enhance their chance to get into a good college. How close is this to the truth, though?

February, 2006

String time
Program gives orchestra musicians an outlet at school
The last bell of the day sounds and hundreds of students flood the hallways. While everyone gathers their belongings and heads for home, beautiful music flows throughout the school. The first explanation for the music is that the band is practicing. However, this time, the band is not the source of the sound. Instead, the music is coming from the South Charleston Chamber Orchestra.

January, 2006

Hi-Y conference full of fun, learning
Hi-Y, short for high school YMCA, is a national club that promotes youth leadership and community service. In November, the annual Senior Fall Program Conference for West Virginia Hi-Y members was held at Jackson’s Mill near Weston. Nearly 300 high school students from across the state spent a weekend at the Lewis County conference center learning ways to improve their local clubs and making new, lasting friendships in the process.

Teens say no to sex
Look like this, talk like that, wear these clothes, wear that hairstyle. Pressure to conform is everywhere these days. From friends and peers to the media and school, it’s unavoidable. Among the pressures teens face is the pressure to have sex.

Skip the Skippy: Peanut products banned at peanut-free schools
One of the most severe allergies is the peanut allergy. It can be caused from eating, touching or even smelling peanuts or peanut derivatives, and the reaction that occurs requires immediate medical attention. It can often be fatal. So, how does the parent of a child with such a life-threatening allergy send him or her into an environment like school?

Future filmmakers get start in Capital class
“Lights, camera, action!” shouts the director as he prepares to film the next scene of his movie. The actors then recite all the studied dialogue and get the shot done. The director yells, “Cut!” Students at Capital High School may find themselves saying these things this year as they prepare to make a movie in the new Introduction to Filmmaking class.

N.J. private school bans student pages on popular Web sites
Cursing at teachers, vandalizing the school and breaking the dress code one too many times are all very common reasons for suspension. However, a Catholic high school principal in New Jersey has added one very unusual reason to that list: blogging.

The world of tomorrow? Teens not optimistic about planet’s future
No one can accurately predict the events of tomorrow, let alone those 20 to 30 years from now, but that doesn’t stop people from forming opinions. In August, Time magazine posed this question to approximately 500 13-year-olds: “When you reach your parents’ age, do you think the U.S., compared with now, will be a better place to live/worse place to live/about the same as now?” The majority of those polled (46 percent) responded that it would be a worse place to live.

Seeing clearly: the facts on laser eye surgery
When I wake up in the morning and look around my room, all I can see is a fuzzy, tangled up tornado of colors and patterns. I squint my eyes, trying to distinguish my furniture from the posters on my wall. Finally, I drag myself out of bed and stumble into the bathroom, where I force my contacts into my eyes. After a few irritable moments of adjusting my lenses, the world straightens itself out and I am ready to start another day.

Keep cursing out of everyday language
P. Diddy says them. The Ying Yang Twins say them. In fact, a lot of celebrities say them. So why can’t I?

December, 2005

Rock of all ages
West Virginia seems to be the last place on earth that well-known rock bands come to play. Occasionally, one or two popular groups will drop by for a high dollar show, or local bars, where teens aren’t allowed, sometimes offer semi-known acts. One club in the area, though, has been working to change all of that...

Anime fans discuss how much is too much
Anime has enjoyed a rise in popularity with our generation. If you go into any video store, there is usually a section just for anime. The same is true with bookstores — more often than not a manga or graphic novel section is present.

Balancing Act: Students juggle school, work
The bell rings, and school is done. You’re free to do whatever you want for the rest of the day. You’re free, that is, unless you’re one of the students that work after school. Instead of going to football games, running around with friends or engaging in any other teenage time consumer, these students spend their after-school hours working.

Projects explore Spanish culture
Miss Toni Sutton, or Señorita Sutton, as she prefers to be called, is the new Spanish teacher at St. Marys High School, and she wants to make Project Week a tradition.

Why you all up in MySpace?
Teens love to express themselves. It’s one of the reasons why tension between social groups exists. Teens like having different friends, clothes and interests than other people do, and the idea of being noticed for originality is a huge concept in the teen world.

November 2005

So long, soda
Middle schools ban sale of soft drinks
Soda may be a fizzy, sweet, energy-boosting and thirst-quenching beverage for student drinkers, but it’s something else for schools: controversial. This is because, in addition to the previous descriptions, it’s also fattening, sugary, addictive, a waste of calories and an unhealthy choice to have as part of a regular diet.

SAT or ACT: Which is best?
During one’s educational journey, required tests are inevitable. ... All of these tests lead up to the mothers of them all - the SAT and ACT.

Brain Trust: GW has state's most Merit scholars
It is often said that with age comes knowledge. This is certainly the case at George Washington High School, where this year 14 seniors were selected as National Merit semifinalists and three as commended scholars — the most in the state.

Senior Advice: Things to consider when choosing a college
It may seem like senior year has just begun, but soon you will have many important decisions to make. Are you prepared to plan what you’re going to do and where you will be for the next four years of your life? Because that’s what choosing a college boils down to.

Scandalous shirts a homecoming problem
You see them sneaking around the school, quietly collecting money and sitting in class uneasily going through materials. No, these students aren’t hustlers or drug dealers - they’re the makers and sellers of illegal homecoming shirts.

Pain at the pump
In every teen’s life there comes a point where he or she can legally provide his or her own transportation. When that point in my life came along, I was both ecstatic and impatient. I thought it would be amazing to drive myself around and have such freedom at hand. Then, the rising gas prices challenged my fantastic thoughts.