By Darian Eswine
Teachers participate in the teacher luncheon hosted by Student Renaissance.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Weekly Playlist: American Pride
By Chase Gosman, Claire DeFrancisci
This week A&E isn’t taking this amazing country for granted by honoring it with the best patriotic songs.
1. “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith
2. “If You’re Reading This’ by Tim McGraw
3. “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” by Alan Jackson
4. “Some Gave All” by Billy Ray Cyrus
5. “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen
6. “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood
7. “Coming to America” by Neil Diamond
8. “Star Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key
9. “American Pie” by Don McLean
Teens take action through internet phenomenon
By Bekah Landers and Jared Murray
A 30-minute Youtube video, tons of Twitter posts, posters, bracelets, buttons, election signs; the Kony 2012 movement is not only sweeping the nation but almost every country, thanks to word of mouth, internet posts, and celebrity promotions that reach from Oprah Winfrey to Justin Bieber.
The Invisible Children organization sponsers the KONY 2012 movement. Invisible Children is a California based non-profit organization that strives to inform the community about the stories from the African civilians in an attempt to end the longest running armed conflict in Africa. With the movement having exploded onto the internet and other media bases, some FC students are also attempting to get involved.
Junior Ted Hartog is one of those students who are trying to help raise awareness.
“The Invisible Children movement’s intentions are to send U.S. troops to aide the Ugandan army and we have yet to raise enough awareness,” said Hartog.
The movement will feature several events that intend to raise even more awareness. An upcoming event to raise awareness is called “Blanket the Night.” This will involve posting signs all over any local city on April 20. Another event is a dance marathon in late November. If one can not attend these events there are other options online readers can participate in to help the cause.
“Posting the video, tweeting #KONY2012, and visiting the website helps raise awareness,” said Hartog. “You can also buy the action kit online from the Kony 2012 website.”
With the rapid growth of this movement, criticism and controversy has arised. The Invisible Children budget plan has been heavily scrutinized, and the effectivness of the organization itself has been questioned. With the detainment of the creator of the Kony 2012 video new criticism and mocking of the Invisible Children has become more common than ever.
Despite the criticism circulating about the organization, Hartog offers advice on what to do when one makes a decision on which side of the story they believe.
“I think that anyone who supports should educate themselves on both sides. Don’t blindly follow one side of the facts,” said Hartog.
Senior Evan Pearce has a different view than Hartog.
“I don’t think America should be the world’s policemen. We’ve gone to many other countries for things like this and it never ends well,” said Pearce.
The internet has made this cause known, through a vast variety of tactics and approaches. Views on the internet takeover are differed.
“I think a lot of the people supporting it are really uneducated on the cause. Most of them don’t understand the problems our own country is going through. We’re in a huge economic recession with a skyrocketing debt and numerous social issues. The supporters are too busy worrying about problems in other countries to focus on the problem here,” said Pearce.
Needless to say, the views on the Kony 2012 movement differ. With legal allegations and a worrisome financial plan, the movement will give everyone a different view on helping out.
“America is not a perfect people or a perfect country, so it doesn’t make sense to me that we’re trying to help every other country besides ourselves,” said Pearce.
‘Seussical’ to reschedule charitable performance
By Danielle Rehor
Following Friday’s bad weather and the after school activity cancellations, last Friday’s performance of “Seussical” is rescheduled to this weekend. The upcoming weekend’s times are 7:30 on Friday and Saturday, and 2 and 7 pm on Sunday.
In addition to the changed dates, the theater department will be taking donations before and after performances, as well as during the intermission. The donations will be given to Red Cross to help benefit the tornado victims.
Seniors commemorate four years of wide-spread talent
By Claire DeFrancisci and Meghan Poff
Tuesday night at the boys’ basketball game against Brownstown Central, the cheerleaders, Dazzlers, pep band, and boys’ basketball team celebrated Senior Night. Between players, parents, and coaches, there was a mixture of feelings.
For cheerleading coach Ashley Nevin, the last home game with the seniors was an emotional night.
“This last home game is bittersweet. I’m excited for the girls and the things they have to come but I am also going to miss them,” said Nevin.
Although the cheerleading team will be losing three seniors this year, Nevin sees it as an opportunity for the younger team members.
“There are always voids to fill every year when your lose seniors, but I’m also excited to see some of the underclassmen have their chance to step up as leaders,” said Nevin.
For other teams, the void will be a tough one to fill. Dazzler coach Todd Sharp recalls his time with his group of girls.
“This year’s senior class was I think the closest group of girls I have ever had. These are girls that if it wasn’t for the team, I don’t think would have ever become friends and I have been able to watch them grow together throughout the years. They are all strong leaders and they compliment each other well,” said Sharp.
As senior basketball player Quinton Miller thinks about his time at FC, he said he will definitely miss practice the most.
“I’m feeling depression and sadness. And happiness and excitement,” said Miller.
For senior Jenna Bain, the last home game of the season reminds her of what she loves most about being a Dazzler.
“Being on this team has helped me push myself to the limit and continue to become a better dancer.”