The Cardinal: OHS' Newspaper

Bathroom Please?

by Daryl McCloud

 

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-Volume 2, Issue 3-

OHS Track Team off to great start

Track Team striving for the best for a new and improved season
by Bena Hanyard

            OHS’s2009 Track Team has kicked off and had its first meet on March 4th, located at Paulding County High School. It was a Quad-Meet, which is when the team goes against multiple opponents.
            At the meet, the throwers did exceptionally well. Darnell Moore, an OHS senior,  placed 2nd in discus for the boys, throwing 114 ft., 5in. For the girls’ discus competition, Damesha Boney, an OHS junior, placed 1st and Dominique Stringer, an OHS junior, placed 5th. In the boys Shot Put division, Moore placed 5th. For the girls’ Shot Put, Boney placed 3rd and Stringer placed 8th. Moe (needs a last name and what class they are in) threw 28 ft and Coach Tedder said, “That is exceptionally good for her because that is the farthest she has every thrown.”
            The High Jump went well also. OHS triumphed with three of jumpers placing in the top two spots. Justin Browner, an OHS senior, placed 1st for the Triple Jump, jumping 42’ 9”. Joshua Henderson, an OHS senior, and Roland Assinzo, also an OHS senior, placed 2nd in High Jump, jumping 6’ 0”.
            OHS is truly proud of the effort that the Track Team gave at this meet and we all hope that they can continue this winning attitude throughout the entire season.
            The coaches for this year are: Coach Chris Wilson, Coach Sasha Tedder, and Coach Melanie Garland. Wilson and Garland coach the running, while Tedder handles the throwers. The coaching staff is hoping for an immense turn out of support for this season. The coaches optimistically believe they go to the State tournament this year, where they will compete against other top runners and throwers. The goal for the State tournament, according to the coaches is to try to be ranked in the state as one of the top runners or throwers.
            To prepare for this huge event, the team runs the OHS 3 mile-trail everyday and practices throwing Discus and Shot Put. They have been working hard to get in shape for this first meet. Browner, our victorious Triple Jumper, said, “We run a lot especially on the trial and we do stairs to get in shape.”  Henderson, our outstanding second place High Jumper, added by stating that, “We work out in the weight room doing things like rockets and Mario jumps to get our vertical hops better.” Two of the senior jumpers Josh and Justin said, “we did our best and we came out with a pretty good standing for that to be our first meet and hopefully everyone can do better next time.”
            In regards to the throwers’ practice Boney exclaimed, “We throw a lot everyday and we work hard at trying to get better and we also work out in the weight room to build our muscles.” Placing 1st in the shot put is great for her first competition every in this sport and the coaches were very proud of her and think she did her best. “I did try my best and I actually came out on top of everyone and I am happy that I did that,” Boney said gladly.
            Each player hopes that they will do better next time or at least get the same standings. The next track meet will be March 14 and will be held at South Paulding. OHS will compete against South Paulding hoping to get good rankings in each race so they can get closer to their goal to making it to state.

- Volume 1, Issue 2 -

Movie Review: The Outlook of Notorious

A female perspective
By Shay Jackson

The film Notorious is the life story of the rapper B.I.G. or Notorious B.I.G. as some know him, yet most call him Biggie. The main roles were performed by Voletta Wallace (Biggys mom) Sean Combs (rapping producer), Faith Evans (Biggys wife), and Lil Kim (Biggies lover) and they all take on important roles through out the life of Biggy. Christopher Wallace (Biggie) and his mother started off with a good mother and son relationship during the movie. The movie portrays not only the life of Biggie, as many people knew him, but also the untold facts of what happened behind close doors of this infamous rapper.
            Notorious takes on not only the bad events but the good events of his life as well. This difficult leading role was taken on by Jamal Woolard. The role was difficult do to the challenges of sounding like Biggie as well as revealing the negative things Biggie did from childhood to his subsequent high school drop out and drug dealing as a teenager.
            The film Notorious shows the two different life styles of Notorious B.I.G. and the many causes of the problems in his life. He starts off from a caring son, to a high time drug dealer, to an abusive husband, to a grown man not caring about the life he lives. The movie gives viewers many reasons on why his life ended up so outrageous. This movie makes you want to replay it back to back. It gets your adrenalin flowing and your mind wondering what’s going to happen next. When you watch the film once you’re not going to get enough of it.
            Want more? Then stop reading this article and go out and BUY it! Time is running out! Check it out while you can!!! Rent it! Borrow it from a friend! I promise you won’t regret it.

             

Written by: Reggie Rock Bythewood, Cheo Hodari Coker
Directed by: George Tillman Jr.
Running time: 100 min.
MPAA Rated: R
Release Date:  1/16/09
Starring: Angela Bassett (Voletta Wallace), Jamal Woolard (Christopher Wallace), Anthony Mackie (Tupac Shakur), Derek Luke (Sean Combs), Naturi Naughton (Lil Kim), Antonique Smith (Faith Evans), and Sean Ringgold

The Cardinal Rating:    out of  

Movie Review: A Second Take on NOTORIOUS!

A male perspective
By John McSwain

            Directed by George Tillman Jr., Notorious depicts the remarkable rise of hip hop legend Christopher Wallace (Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G.) before his untimely death at the age of 24 in a drive-by shooting. The film was produced by both Sean "Puffy" Combs and Biggie's mother, Voletta Wallace who assumingly wanted to make the story of Biggie’s life as accurate as possible.
            Framed by the night of Biggie's death, the film traces his childhood as a straight-A student to his early life as a drug dealer, jailbird and teenage father surmising with his death.
            Before his freestyle rap tape brought him to the attention of producer Sean "Puffy" Combs played by (Derek Luke), Biggie was an unknown rapper who sold drugs in order to provide for his daughter. An interesting addition to the film is that Biggie's son, Christopher Wallace played young Biggie and Angela Bassett played his mother, which brings the story of Biggies’ journey to life.
            However, as the film progresses the audience is introduced to Notorious them of fame and fortune which brings its own share of problems, this includes an affair with the rival feisty Junior M.A.F.I.A. rap group member Lil' Kim played by (Naturi Naughton), marriage to fellow hip hop star Faith Evans played by (Antonique Smith) and a friendship-turned-rivalry with charismatic West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur played by (Anthony Mackie).

The Good
The reason why this movie is good is because it did a fantastic job at imitating “the true Biggie.” The movie keeps the viewers attention and wondering what’s going to happen next. Another good attribute about this movie is that the actors and actress act and take on their role really well, which makes the movie even more enjoyable for viewers and fans.

The Bad
In this movie 2-Pac was made out to be a bad guy when in reality he wasn’t. So, for those who aren’t familiar with Biggies story will be under the impression that 2-Pac was negative and mean.

Worth seeing
Notorious is watchable enough and well acted but it doesn’t tell Biggie fans anything they didn't already know. The movie is good and very informal about Biggie’s life so those who do not know about him will definitely know him after watching this movie.

Directed by: George Tillman Jr.
Written by: Reggie Rock Bythwood, Cheo Hodari Coker
CAST: Derek Luke, Naturi Naughton, Antonique Smith, and Athony Mackie
Running Time: 123 mins
Release Date: 1/16/09
MPAA RATING: R

The Cardinal Rating:  out of 

Dancing to your own Groove

Coach Nelson speaks about Break Dance Club
By Decarus Wright

            Do you like to pop and lock? Are you amazed by how people are able to spin on their heads? You are about to find out in my interview with the coach of OHS’ Break Dance Club.
            “The experience of coaching a dance club can be fun and challenging at the same time. When you’re a break dance coach you have to balance working on your dancing and helping the students with their dancing. Other than that, I enjoy every minute of working with these kids.” This was a quote stated by OHS’ Biology teacher and Break Dance Club Coach Brian Nelson. The Break Dance Club, which made its debut in October 2007, is a club on its way to new heights.
            It has performed well on its brightest stages such as, the Cool Schools event at OHS in early January 2009. The Cool Schools event was when the CBS news crew came to OHS to film our big pep rally which started from 5am to7am. All of the credit goes to Nelson. “We were proud, we worked hard, and it was fun to represent Osborne by having a great performance.” He claimed. In as early as two years the Club has shown progress.
            The Break Dance Club practices and meets in the school cafeteria two days a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. Nelson says it takes tons of practice to learn these moves which, is the reason that they have three hour practices. He also encourages his students to work hard on their dancing. “It is hard to say who shows the most notable talent so far. The students all shine in different areas.” Nelson proclaims. In practice club works on a variety of dance styles such as, Hip Hop, Break Dancing, Popping and Locking. Their amazing dance moves are proof of the hard work and effort that the Break Dance Club puts in to improve their dance skills.

 

- Volume 1, Issue 2 -

Two Takes on Teen Pregnancy

An Opinion Column

By Tahreer Khatib and Ashley Harris

 

Disclaimer:

The content in this opinion column is the opinion of two students at OHS and should not be taken as the advice of a professional. If you need help, then please speak with your counselor, a teacher, or an administrator. Reader’s Discretion is advised.

Movie Review: Under the Same Moon

An Immigrant Story
by Miguel Verduzco 

“Under the Same Moon” is the story of Carlitos, a nine-year old boy who lives with his grandma in Mexico and thousands of miles away from his mother, Rosario. His life is really hard and lonely. He has to get up early in the morning, make his grandma her hot-chocolate and get ready for school. Carlitos only has one friend who has no mother or father; he is all alone and works in the streets selling gum.
            I can really relate to this film. As I watch the film, I think about my own circumstances. My mother came to the United States when I was four-years old and I stayed with my grandparents. I really did not, feel lonely, not as much as he did because I had my older brother and sister yet I can relate to Carlitos because, I did miss my mom a lot.
            As the film progresses the audience finds out that Carlito’s grandmother was really sick. They also discover that due to her illness she, was going to die sooner or later and she knew it. That is why she would tell Rosario, Carlitos mom that she needed to take the boy with her, or go back to Mexico to take care of him. Carlitos never lost hope in his wanting to go to the United States to live with his mom. Every Sunday morning at 10:00 AM Rosario would call Carlitos from a public phone and tell him that she loved him with all her heart and no matter what he will always be in her heart.
            Rosario would tell him that very soon she was going to be able to send him enough money so that he could be able to go to Los Angeles CA. Carlitos had not seen his mom for four-years. I can relate to that because I was not able to see my mom for four years as well. I was only able to talk to her via the phone once a week until she was able to bring my siblings and I to live with her.
            I really enjoyed this movie because of the experience that is shown. They filmed the movie in a place where it seamed as if Carlitos crossed the border. The main reason this movie caught my attention was because it reminds me of why I’m here in the U.S. Carlitos’ mother, Rosario and I both came here to succeed and to give us a better chance at having a productive life.
            I definitely would recommend this movie to someone else; it would probably be a person that was born in the United States. The reason for this is so that they could at least see how hard it is to live an immigrant life. All they have to suffer and live just to get from one place to another. Not only that but all the things and family members they leave behind, looking to reach the American Dream.
            What really made this movie good were probably the actors and the director. I really think Carlitos was the best protagonist for this roll of traveling to the U.S by himself. The way the movie was written was probably the best way it could have been written, the actors were awesome and the director did his best job. If you can go to the theater and see the movie for yourself, you’ll notice that the movie says it all, there’s really no better way this movie could have been written.
            I really loved this movie and my favorite actor was Carlitos. I would rate this movie a 10 out of 10 because while I was watching this movie I was really feeling it inside of me, it also reminded me of when I was traveling to the U.S. All the places that were chosen to make the scenes were perfect, I loved them.
             In my opinion, I think some people might have not liked this movie because of the use of two languages’ during the movie, Spanish and English. Probably they would have preferred the movie if it was just in English and the sub-titles in Spanish or the opposite way. The ending to the movie was probably another reason that people didn’t like the movie, because during the whole movie Carlitos was struggling to find his mom and hug her, tell her that he loved her. Instead all the audience got to see was Carlitos and his mom, Rosario see each other across the street.    

- Volume 1, Issue 2 -
photographs taken by Noah Saragoza

A Time to Celebrate

Black History Month
by Karen Rendon

            “Black History means changing, it means acceptance, it means learning, and being proud,
Black History is a celebration away from ignorance,” stated sophomore Zenaida Peterson when asked about what Black History means to her.
            Historians such as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., and our first African American President Barack Obama, have had an impact on Black History. They have each set forth examples on how to better themselves and the name of their people. Civil Rights activist Rosa Parks made a name for herself by not obeying a bus drivers order that she give up her seat to make room for a white passenger. African American Muslim Minister Malcolm Little was a dauntless promoter for the rights of African Americans; he was a man who questioned white America in astringent terms for its abomination against black Americans. Martin Luther king Jr., a man who created a legacy for the Civil Rights Movement, the man who “Had a Dream” of equality between blacks and whites.
            Barack Obama the first African American President of the United States. The month of February is celebrated as “Black History Month” a time to honor the legends that have ameliorated our country.
            A time to celebrate our fellow African American man, we commend Black History Month, for they have helped better our country for all man. Our land is filled with minorities, and men such as Martin Luther King Jr. have shed light to such a racial country, by making the states equal for all man. We must keep the faith alive and show gratitude to those who have made Black History. Showing appreciation is what Osborne High School has planned for the month of February, with a performance from “The Cardinal Mask” drama club on February 23 and 24.
            Angela Gordon had this to say regarding Black Histories meaning, “Black History means recognizing the great things African Americans have done that is or are not celebrated daily. It is also knowing your background if you’re an African American.”
            “To me Black History is not just a month that should be celebrated only once a year. It’s something that should be celebrated every month of the year. Although, other races endure heartaches and pain, I feel that blacks have endured more. From slavery to segregation, we’ve taken it all in. Even after all the greats like Malcolm X and King were assassinated, we still overcame the heartache and pain. It took many years, but I feel like we are finally getting over the struggle with our new president Barack Obama. We have not gotten over the struggle, but I feel like it’s a start,” confirmed senior Krystal M. Freeman on what Black History means to her.
            “Black History to me is celebrating who we are, where we came from, and what we went through as Black people. It doesn’t matter whether or not we came from Africa, Jamaica and America; we all have one common ground, whether we like it or not, we are all from one way or another. Because of what our ancestors went through in order for us to be what we want to be, do what we want to do, and have as much equality as everyone else. For them going through everything they went through, we pride these people for their mental and emotional ability and for the inspiration and strength that we do know we had,” stated senior Petagaye Francis on her thoughts of History.

- Volume 1, Issue 2 -

2008-2009 OHS Sports Scores and Schedules

CLICK ON THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE
ALL SCHEDULES AND SCORES

Baseball Schedule/Scores       Boys Basketball Schedule/Scores         Boys Tennis Schedule/Scores
                               

Girls Softball Schedule/Scores         Girls Volleyball Schedule/Scores        Girls Tennis Schedule/Scores

                                    

- Volume 1, Issue 2 -
tables generated by Flo Brown and Quantavis James

Movie Review: Love and Basketball

by Bena Hanyard

            The title tells movie goers all about the movie, Love and Basketball. A young girl (Monica Wright) who loves basketball and hopes one day she will be a WNBA player. Her companion has the same dream to become a player in the NBA. Hostility between the two lasted until high school when they realized they had a love for each other. College is when the two really thought more about each other. I think this movie is emotional, funny, and entertaining.
            The quality of the movie is excellent and it puts you right in the frame of mind as if you were in the movie. The characters were good actors and actresses even the kids, so the acting will not drive anyone away. This movie made me think about every situation that the main characters went through.
            This movie teaches life lessons about love, personal struggles and mainly about life itself. Dilemmas happen and sometimes you have to move on and continue to make a better future for yourself, and try not to make the same mistakes as others did.
            If you like basketball, love movies, and young adult entertainment I highly recommend this movie. Buying this movie and having it at home to watch on a rainy day and you have nothing to do would be a great idea because it is a relaxing movie. Everything about this movie makes you want to come and see it. It will be the movie of the year so come out and watch it.

Written by: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Directed by: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Running Time: 124 mins
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for sexuality and language
Release Date: 21 April 2000 (USA)

CAST: Glenndon Chatman (Young Quincy). Jess Willard (Jamal). Chris Warren Jr. (Kelvin). Kyla Pratt (Young Monica). Alfre Woodard (Camille Wright). Naykia Harris (Young Lena). Harry Lennox (Nathan Wright). Dehhi Morgan (Nona McCall). Dennis Haysbert (Zeke McCall). Sanna Lathan (Monica Wright). Omar Epps (Quincy McCall). Colleen Matsuhara (UCLA Coach). Al Foster (Coach Hiserman). Nathaniel Bellamy (Jr. High school Referee #1). Regina Hall (Lena Wright).

The Cardinal Rating: out of 

 

- Volume 1, Issue 2 -