Tag Archives: Megan Johnson

Features

Sophomore Joel Jackson shares experience in theater

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By Megan Johnson

Sophomore theater student Joel Jackson takes a deep breath, running over his lines in his head a thousand times over to ensure he does not make a mistake. It’s only minutes away before he steps upon the stage to perform for hundreds of people. For most teenagers, this situation would be extremely stressful. However, for Jackson it is just another day.

Jackson has been involved in theater for approximately 12 years. He got started through watching his sister perform ballet.

“I was interested whilst watching her perform. So, I started taking the acting classes that they offered. From then on I just started working at different places and fell in love with it.”

Jackson shared that since that time, he has had the opportunity to be a part of many different shows all over the country. This includes Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Georgia and Florida.

Out of the many Jackson has participated in, he shared the most memorable.

“My top three would have to be ‘Music Man’ at the Oldham County Arts Center, ‘Aladdin’ in Atlanta, Georgia and ‘Wizard of Oz’ at Derby Dinner,” said Jackson.

Not only has acting affected Jackson’s memories, but it has inflicted upon his personality as well.

“It’s made me really confident. I’m really outgoing as well and I’m not afraid to talk to people,” said Jackson.

Jackson’s personality shines through to those around him, at least it does to one of his closest friends junior Bonnie Hopkins.

“The first time I met Joel was one day during lunch. He came up to me and said ‘Let’s go, Bonnie.’ Then we walked around the school together just talking. We’ve been best friends ever since,” said Hopkins.

Hopkins shared that she had seen only a few of Jackson’s performances, but every one she had seen was fantastic.

“He’s a phenomenal actor. He just connects so well with the audience,” said Hopkins.

Sophomore Ashley Denny shared that she believes Jackson’s acting skills are that of a professional.

“I definitely see him going places with such talent.”

Since theater has become such a major part of Jackson’s life, he plans on pursuing a career with it.

“Theater is great if it’s your passion, which for me it is. My main goal is to be on Broadway someday. But just in general, I want to be paid to do what I love.”

Jackson ended with a strong statement to sum up his love of theater,

“I cherish it.”

Students can observe Jackson in his latest performance in “Les Miserables.” The showing times are Nov. 1,2, 8 and 9th at 7:30, and Nov. 3 and 10 at 2:30.

Jackson and junior Madeline Coffey at rehearsal for Les Miserables. Photo by Rachel Lamb
Jackson and junior Madeline Coffey at rehearsal for Les Miserables. Photo by Rachel Lamb
Features

Student-led event brings faith, fellowship together

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By Rachel Lamb and Megan Johnson

Every year the fourth Wednesday in the month of September is Annual Global Day of Student Prayer. On this day an event known as “See You at the Pole” is held before school nationwide.

By having this opportunity, students get the chance to pray for their nation and school with others that have the same beliefs.

“They are not the only Christians in school, so they should not be intimidated,” said Georgetown Christian Church’s youth minister Chris Cowsert.

He added that since the school is the biggest mission field available, it is important for students to show their faith through coming.

“The world is turning away from Christianity, so it’s refreshing to know that there are other teenagers like me,” said freshman Mitchell Lockhart.

He shared that he has invited friends to similar events and they would invite other people, causing fellowship to grow.

Sophomore Phoenix-Grace Lackey agreed with Cowsert and Lockhart’s statements.

“Students need to know that they are not alone in the walk with Christ.”

It has been shown that participation has affected teen fellowship greatly. Without them, this would not be possible because it requires student initiative as well as leadership and organization.

“It is very important to me to see student from area churches come together for one purpose,” said Campus Life director Kevin Becht.

However, they are not alone in the process of organizing. Staff members, such as counselor Kirk Hamsley, have participated in this event ever since he started working at FC, play a big role in ensuring that it is running smoothly.

Hamsley said that FC has participated in See You at the Pole for the past 20 years.

For more information on “See You at the Pole” please visit syatp.com.

Features

Some student athletes seek alternatives to earning PE credits

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By Sydney Sears and Megan Johnson

In order to graduate from FC,  students must take two semesters of physical education. According to the “Alternative Supervised Physical Education” section of the Floyd County Student Rights Guide, any student that partakes in a school sport or marching band class may use his or her activity as a PE class. However, this rule only applies to teens that are a part of a school-associated sport or activity. Any other outside activity does not count. Due to this circumstance, athletes such as these end up having to take gym and cannot take other classes that help further their education.

“It did affect my schedule because I couldn’t take certain classes like child development or culinary arts,” said junior Kenzie Ross.

Ross is part of an all-star dance team and had to follow the guidelines to gain PE credits. Ross stated that she felt that her hard work with the dance team should have earned her credits.

“It’s aggravating because we work hard. We practice two to three times a week for two to three hours.”

Sophomore Ashley Denny also shared her opinion regarding the  work that she puts into gymnastics.

“I work three days a week and three hours for each session. It involves a lot of cardio and strength training,” said Denny.

Many athletes who do sports outside of school, work just as much as athletes who do school sports. The only difference is that their teams are not affiliated with the school. This produces the question of why other athletes are not allowed to earn P.E. credits as well.

“I just don’t think it’s fair that other athletes are offered that and people like me aren’t.” said Denny

Denny and Ross concluded with ideas to help their situation and other students like them. Ross explained that students could provide evidence that they play a sport and spend enough time doing that sport to earn their credits

Denny agreed with Ross in that aspect.

“This problem could be resolved by having the student bring in a note from their coach, just like how FC athletes do.” said Denny.

Principal Janie Whaley shared that there actually is a possibility for an athlete that is not part of the FC athletic program to gain credit. However, these students must show their participation in their sport.

“All students receive a ‘B’ if they complete the season. There is a fitness test at the end of the semester that allows students to move from a ‘B’ to an ‘A’.”

Although this option is offered to all athletic students, there has still been a minor reduction in enrollment.

Whaley shared her final thought on both P.E. and sports in and out of school, which is essential for students to endure.

“The end result is physical fitness.”

News, Uncategorized

Vietnam Memorial Wall shines new light on veteran respect

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By Melanie Parrish, Delaney Smith and Megan Johnson

Walking up to the wall is an emotional journey to many of the people there. Tears are shed as people trace over names of loved ones that were lost all those years ago. Not all of the people who gave their lives were killed in battle. Many of them put others before themselves, risking their lives, on Sept. 11, 2001 to help people that could not help themselves while they were trapped in the burning towers when the planes crashed into the World Trade Center.

“I feel that you should treat a veteran with as much respect as you would your best friend,” said  sophomore Aidan Holt, a former NJROTC cadet.

The memorial, which was in Clarksville from Aug. 14-18, displays a small scale replica of the original Vietnam Memorial wall as well as replicas of many other memorials honoring the people who have died for the country. This includes the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and multiple 9/11 memorials. FC NJROTC proudly carried the honor of posting the colors at 1 p.m. on Aug.15.

“It made my heart hurt for those who have lost [loved ones],” said sophomore Joel Jackson, who attended the event.

Jackson said that he believes the wall honors everyone in the way they deserve, and hopes that people visiting, including himself, would take a moment to remain silent and reflect upon what they had seen.

“The area where the wall was standing was almost silent.”  

This memorial means something different for each individual that visits. 

“It means more than just a wall with a whole bunch of names. I think it meant that people risked their lives for everything that we know,” said Holt.

Some say veterans were treated very harshly when they first arrived home from the war. The wall is intended to honor these veterans.

“When we arrived home in Washington, protesters spit at us and hollered. We were just doing our jobs,” said retired Army Artilleryman Bud Downard.

Former Air Force Captain Jeri Rue agreed that veterans should be treated with more respect.

“They gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We need to do more for the ones that come back that are handicapped veterans and that society needs to do more for them. Veterans are very honored. I just wish the economy was stronger so they would have better jobs for when they come out of service,” said Rue.

About 9,870,000 military personnel served on active duty during the official Vietnam era from Aug. 15, 1964 to May 7, 1975. According to Standown.org, about one third of homeless adults in the US are veterans. Veterans represent about 11 percent of the population, meaning that anywhere between 107,000 and 300,000 are homeless and/or out of work. The Department of Veteran Affairs stated that the number of homeless Vietnam veterans is higher than the number of fatalities during the war.

“Veterans deserve good VA (Veteran Administrations). They deserve to be taken care of when they have problems,” said Downard.

Downard explained that during the time of the war that his job as a specialist fourth class was to fire cannons at the Vietnamese. He remembers the living conditions of the war most vividly, as camps consisting of holes dug in the ground with sandbags on top. 

“They gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We need to do more for the ones that come back that are handicapped veterans. Society needs to do more for them,” said Rue.

Holt shared his finial opinion on respecting veterans.

“I think a good way to honor veterans is to show your greatest respect and gratitude to them and their families.”