Features
Reagan Petto: New Student Perspective
Written by Avery Love
Reagan Petto shopping at a local Goodwill store.
Starting at a new school is hard. All of us have had to do it at some point, even just with the transition from middle school to high school. Imagine then, if you will, transferring to a new school as a senior. Reagan Petto, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, doesn’t have to. She moved to Fairview, North Carolina near the end of the last school year and started the school year here with us, at A.C. Reynolds High School.
I had the chance to speak to her a while back about what this transition was like, and she said something that really hit me. “You know how we’re seniors? We’re supposed to be at the top of the totem pole, having a chill year with our friends, knowing our way around. I don’t have any of that. I can get lost on my way to the bathroom.” For our students who have been at this school before, many of us can take these things for granted. Even as freshmen, we came up with friends made in middle school. Imagine starting your last year of high school, and coming in totally blind. “I think the thing I miss most about my old school is my friends,” Reagan says. “I’ve met tons of nice people so far but it’s hard to reach out to new people to make friends.”
Although Reagan is having a hard time getting used to things here, she’s been keeping an optimistic view on things. “At first, I was a healthy mix of nervous and excited for my first day but I think it went well!” But of course, school isn’t just about social aspects. Thankfully, she seems to like her classes too. “I think the favorite of my classes would be AP studio art because I love doing art. But my fourth-period class, AP literature, is full of really cool people too.”
As a school community, what can we take from Reagan’s story? Kindness. Something of which there’s not nearly enough of in this world. If you see a face you don’t recognize in the hallways, introduce yourself. You never know when you may make a friend.
I had the chance to speak to her a while back about what this transition was like, and she said something that really hit me. “You know how we’re seniors? We’re supposed to be at the top of the totem pole, having a chill year with our friends, knowing our way around. I don’t have any of that. I can get lost on my way to the bathroom.” For our students who have been at this school before, many of us can take these things for granted. Even as freshmen, we came up with friends made in middle school. Imagine starting your last year of high school, and coming in totally blind. “I think the thing I miss most about my old school is my friends,” Reagan says. “I’ve met tons of nice people so far but it’s hard to reach out to new people to make friends.”
Although Reagan is having a hard time getting used to things here, she’s been keeping an optimistic view on things. “At first, I was a healthy mix of nervous and excited for my first day but I think it went well!” But of course, school isn’t just about social aspects. Thankfully, she seems to like her classes too. “I think the favorite of my classes would be AP studio art because I love doing art. But my fourth-period class, AP literature, is full of really cool people too.”
As a school community, what can we take from Reagan’s story? Kindness. Something of which there’s not nearly enough of in this world. If you see a face you don’t recognize in the hallways, introduce yourself. You never know when you may make a friend.
Teaching Internationally
Written by Zoe Marlowe
Imagine leaving your home country to go teach at a trilingual school 4,230 miles away. Well, Heather Baker, a family and consumer science teacher here at Reynolds, did this not only once, but twice.
Mrs. Baker and Mr. Recorla, a former Reynolds science teacher, both met here at Reynolds causing them to fall in love and start a new life together. Mrs. Baker and her husband both student taught internationally before they got the job here at Reynolds. Their lives changed in 2018 when they decided they wanted to teach overseas again, this time in Morocco.
Morocco is located in Northern Africa and is influenced by Arabian and European cultures. Mrs. Baker was a pre-K teacher at a trilingual school where students spoke Arabic, French, and English. Luckily the students understood Mrs. Baker and she was able to teach the whole time in English.
The biggest difference teaching internationally for Mrs. Baker is Morocco's religion. “It’s over all just a different world,” says Baker. Unlike the United States where Christianity is our majority religion, in Morroco, theirs is Islam. Sundays here in America are like Fridays in Morocco, resulting in peaceful mornings and being able to leave school early. During Ramadan the teachers even took naps during their lunch breaks because of their fasting.
After two years, Baker and her husband decided to move back home just in time for the childhood education position here at Reynolds. “It was refreshing to leave normal life for a few years and come back with fresh eyes,” says Baker. Using those fresh eyes, she continues to bring a smile to her preschoolers and students every morning. Welcome back Mrs. Baker!
Mrs. Baker and Mr. Recorla, a former Reynolds science teacher, both met here at Reynolds causing them to fall in love and start a new life together. Mrs. Baker and her husband both student taught internationally before they got the job here at Reynolds. Their lives changed in 2018 when they decided they wanted to teach overseas again, this time in Morocco.
Morocco is located in Northern Africa and is influenced by Arabian and European cultures. Mrs. Baker was a pre-K teacher at a trilingual school where students spoke Arabic, French, and English. Luckily the students understood Mrs. Baker and she was able to teach the whole time in English.
The biggest difference teaching internationally for Mrs. Baker is Morocco's religion. “It’s over all just a different world,” says Baker. Unlike the United States where Christianity is our majority religion, in Morroco, theirs is Islam. Sundays here in America are like Fridays in Morocco, resulting in peaceful mornings and being able to leave school early. During Ramadan the teachers even took naps during their lunch breaks because of their fasting.
After two years, Baker and her husband decided to move back home just in time for the childhood education position here at Reynolds. “It was refreshing to leave normal life for a few years and come back with fresh eyes,” says Baker. Using those fresh eyes, she continues to bring a smile to her preschoolers and students every morning. Welcome back Mrs. Baker!
High School: Unpredictable at First
Written by Olivia Roberts
Freshman year is difficult and challenging for everybody. Nevaeh Cassida shares her insight on her first year at A.C Reynolds High School. “I thought it was very big and going to be a different change”, Cassida says, echoing thoughts many freshmen have. The size of Reynolds is a lot bigger than the middle school. Nevaeh was “nervous about getting lost”, and many other students going into their freshman year also felt as if they were going to get lost on the first few days too. Nervous about getting lost at school isn’t the best feeling, but what helped Nevaeh feel better was “getting all the classes I wanted, and I have friends in my class” . Coming up to high school is a lot different: “In high school you have more freedom, while in middle school they were more strict'' and “the classes at the high school are also a lot longer”. High school also has a lot of different classes, like weight training, interior design, and foods. Nevaeh's favorite class so far is “health science, because she's very interested in body anatomy”. Overall Nevaeh’s experience has been going pretty well for her freshman year. She’s looking forward to being even more settled as the semester goes on.
How Do You Get Through Online School?
Written by: Taylor Connor
Everyone’s routine has been all over the place since online school has become the new normal. Some people wake up early for school, others wake up later and sometimes are late for school. “I get up at 9:00 a.m. every day since my AP Art class is at 9:30 a.m.,” says senior, Bonnie Cole. “A routine has improved my academic performance because I am more alert and I have a lot of time in the morning,” says another senior, Molly Pierce.
Everyone here at A.C. Reynolds has an hour lunch break after the second block. Usually, everyone would be walking down to the cafeteria with their friends catching up as they go to get food for lunch. Now, everyone is at home with their families eating lunch. Bonnie Cole says, “I usually go out and run an errand or get lunch, then get back in time for my last two classes.”
Some people are rushing to catch up on work they have missed or just taking a break until they head back on Zoom. “The benefits of having a routine is time management, knowing exactly what you need to do and when, also not having to rush. I would consider writing everything down I have to do that day to stay organized and on top of everything,” says Molly.
Routines help people throughout the day to stay organized. Online school routines may help your stress about logging on in time and getting everything done. Molly says, “It helps me keep track of myself. It also helps me to be more alert instead of just jumping out of bed and logging onto Zoom.” Molly’s advice to others is, “To try to figure out what works for you whether it be the time you get up for school or the way you get ready.” These seniors plan on keeping a routine to stay organized throughout their last year of high school.
Everyone here at A.C. Reynolds has an hour lunch break after the second block. Usually, everyone would be walking down to the cafeteria with their friends catching up as they go to get food for lunch. Now, everyone is at home with their families eating lunch. Bonnie Cole says, “I usually go out and run an errand or get lunch, then get back in time for my last two classes.”
Some people are rushing to catch up on work they have missed or just taking a break until they head back on Zoom. “The benefits of having a routine is time management, knowing exactly what you need to do and when, also not having to rush. I would consider writing everything down I have to do that day to stay organized and on top of everything,” says Molly.
Routines help people throughout the day to stay organized. Online school routines may help your stress about logging on in time and getting everything done. Molly says, “It helps me keep track of myself. It also helps me to be more alert instead of just jumping out of bed and logging onto Zoom.” Molly’s advice to others is, “To try to figure out what works for you whether it be the time you get up for school or the way you get ready.” These seniors plan on keeping a routine to stay organized throughout their last year of high school.
Extroverts and Introverts: How Are We Adjusting to Quarantine?
Written by: Lily Veres
Ever wondered why you get really excited, motivated, or cheerful around people? Or, perhaps, you encounter the opposite. You seem to lose energy until you get home alone, and only then do you feel the need to do the things you want to do? Well, the basic answer to why you are this way is that you are either an introvert or an extrovert.
So what are introverts and extroverts? An introvert is a person who generally gains energy from being alone. Introverts are known to want to stay home rather than go out, sometimes they can be seen as antisocial or awkward but they actually just don’t want to be around people because that’s not when they feel best. Being around people or out in public for long amounts of time drain introverts of their energy. According to Elliott Harvey, “I would say I’m an
introvert because I am shy when it comes to meeting new people and get very drained around others.” Introverts also might find happiness or productivity out of quarantine since they are used to, and crave, staying home. Audrey Veres says, “I have felt like there is more time and permission to focus on creative projects like my art and home improvements.”
Extroverts, on the other hand, gain energy from the people, places, and things around them. Extroverts are known to be social and outgoing, ready at any point to go out and get things done. Being home alone makes an extrovert lose energy. They need to be around people in order to feel like their best selves. They need that daily social interaction to feel good and motivated. Quarantine could greatly impact an extrovert's mental health. Evan Oldenburg says, “I think quarantine has definitely messed with my mental health because I have not had many activities that I use to generate energy to get through life.”
In conclusion, the best thing to remember is that all of this is a learning process and that every single individual is struggling with different issues. Extrovert or introvert, I think we can all agree that we just want things to be back to the way they once were. Hopefully, someday, we can get back to that point. If you are having issues with your mental health or just having issues with what’s going on, please reach out and seek help. We have fabulous counselors at ACRHS, and we do not want the quarantine to be painful. Instead, we view it as an opportunity where we all can learn and grow in fantastic ways.
So what are introverts and extroverts? An introvert is a person who generally gains energy from being alone. Introverts are known to want to stay home rather than go out, sometimes they can be seen as antisocial or awkward but they actually just don’t want to be around people because that’s not when they feel best. Being around people or out in public for long amounts of time drain introverts of their energy. According to Elliott Harvey, “I would say I’m an
introvert because I am shy when it comes to meeting new people and get very drained around others.” Introverts also might find happiness or productivity out of quarantine since they are used to, and crave, staying home. Audrey Veres says, “I have felt like there is more time and permission to focus on creative projects like my art and home improvements.”
Extroverts, on the other hand, gain energy from the people, places, and things around them. Extroverts are known to be social and outgoing, ready at any point to go out and get things done. Being home alone makes an extrovert lose energy. They need to be around people in order to feel like their best selves. They need that daily social interaction to feel good and motivated. Quarantine could greatly impact an extrovert's mental health. Evan Oldenburg says, “I think quarantine has definitely messed with my mental health because I have not had many activities that I use to generate energy to get through life.”
In conclusion, the best thing to remember is that all of this is a learning process and that every single individual is struggling with different issues. Extrovert or introvert, I think we can all agree that we just want things to be back to the way they once were. Hopefully, someday, we can get back to that point. If you are having issues with your mental health or just having issues with what’s going on, please reach out and seek help. We have fabulous counselors at ACRHS, and we do not want the quarantine to be painful. Instead, we view it as an opportunity where we all can learn and grow in fantastic ways.
Social Distancing or Social Disengaging?
Written by: Jenna Barnes
Are you social distancing or social disengaging? It is hard to connect with our classmates and friends during this time because of social distancing, but there are other ways to do so. We asked some AC Reynolds students how they stay in touch with their friends and peers.
Mary Stone says she, “...[likes] face-timing a lot because it feels like...face to face conversation without actually being with them.” Not only is face-timing effective, but getting in contact with a friend could be as easy as sending a text. Another student, who has chosen to stay anonymous, says, “I usually text people.”
Technology is not the only way people get in touch with others. Allison McKay says, “I participate in a study group twice a week where friends and I do some school work together.” Having the study group as an outlet during this time allows for friendships to continue and one’s mental well-being to remain in check.
The app, Zoom, has been very popular these days. Zoom is the way our teachers are communicating with us on a daily basis. Students have been using it for things other than school. For example, one student says, “I do dance Zoom classes.”
Though we are currently trying to work through a difficult time in our lives, there are unique ways that we can stay connected with one another and not completely disengage with each other.
Mary Stone says she, “...[likes] face-timing a lot because it feels like...face to face conversation without actually being with them.” Not only is face-timing effective, but getting in contact with a friend could be as easy as sending a text. Another student, who has chosen to stay anonymous, says, “I usually text people.”
Technology is not the only way people get in touch with others. Allison McKay says, “I participate in a study group twice a week where friends and I do some school work together.” Having the study group as an outlet during this time allows for friendships to continue and one’s mental well-being to remain in check.
The app, Zoom, has been very popular these days. Zoom is the way our teachers are communicating with us on a daily basis. Students have been using it for things other than school. For example, one student says, “I do dance Zoom classes.”
Though we are currently trying to work through a difficult time in our lives, there are unique ways that we can stay connected with one another and not completely disengage with each other.
2020: The Year of Change
Written by: Alana Hanson
This year, everyone has experienced a lot of change. There have been new ways of living and learning. School definitely has had to have adapted the most. Teachers have had to adjust their teaching styles to fit students’ needs.
Kids who normally had a desk in a classroom now have to find spaces in their homes to do their work. 75% of students interviewed do their schoolwork in their bedroom. Most people interviewed like to be in their room because that's where they feel most comfortable and where they can concentrate the most. Becca Sessions stated, “There is a desk in my room and I know I can concentrate at my desk.”
Students believe that some teachers are assigning more work even though they are not in the classroom. However, survey results show that almost 38% of students don't have a lot of work. One student thinks that chemistry is his hardest class because, “It is a lot to take in over Zoom.” Chase Gall says, “Band [is difficult] because it’s going to take a lot more time to get used to because of virtual schooling.”
One positive to virtual learning is that students get to sleep in! Half of those interviewed wake up after 7:30 AM every morning. Normally, they would be on the way to school at that time.
Overall, this has taught many of the students and faculty how to adapt to change. Perhaps, now every time someone experiences change, there will be an optimistic perspective.
Kids who normally had a desk in a classroom now have to find spaces in their homes to do their work. 75% of students interviewed do their schoolwork in their bedroom. Most people interviewed like to be in their room because that's where they feel most comfortable and where they can concentrate the most. Becca Sessions stated, “There is a desk in my room and I know I can concentrate at my desk.”
Students believe that some teachers are assigning more work even though they are not in the classroom. However, survey results show that almost 38% of students don't have a lot of work. One student thinks that chemistry is his hardest class because, “It is a lot to take in over Zoom.” Chase Gall says, “Band [is difficult] because it’s going to take a lot more time to get used to because of virtual schooling.”
One positive to virtual learning is that students get to sleep in! Half of those interviewed wake up after 7:30 AM every morning. Normally, they would be on the way to school at that time.
Overall, this has taught many of the students and faculty how to adapt to change. Perhaps, now every time someone experiences change, there will be an optimistic perspective.
The New Face of Yearbook
Written by: Alyssa Manley
It’s the end of the school year, which, for most students, means lots of studying, hard work, and dedication. It’s no different for ACR’s yearbook staff members who’ve spent the year working tirelessly, day in and day out, to create a yearbook that will satisfy the entire student body. But unlike other classes, yearbook students had to do some adjusting due to its changing face.
As many know, Mrs. Love has been Yearbook Advisor for 8 years. Over the time, her fun-loving and cheerful attitude has become synonymous with the yearbook and yearbook class. But like everything in life, there comes a point that you have to step back and focus on other things. That was this year for Mrs. Love because it felt like the “right time to take a break.”
And the right time it proved to be. Mrs. Troy, a new to Reynolds English teacher, was there to take on the role. She had been a newspaper editor in high school and has an undergrad in Communications which made her perfect to teach the yearbook class. “I just had to get acclimated with the yearbook program and get to know each of the staff members,” she said about the transition between her and Mrs. Love.
The transition wouldn’t have gone as smoothly if it weren’t for the steps taken by the two of them, Mrs. Troy explained. “We talked often and met at least once a week to talk Yearbook… Because we had planned so well, the handoff happened without any major hiccups.”
Now, at the end of her first semester of yearbook, Mrs. Troy has decided that she loves it. “Taking on this role has brought me back to me roots… It’s fun to interact with the students and faculty and share our school’s story through writing and pictures.” She plans to continue heading up the yearbook class for many years to come.
As many know, Mrs. Love has been Yearbook Advisor for 8 years. Over the time, her fun-loving and cheerful attitude has become synonymous with the yearbook and yearbook class. But like everything in life, there comes a point that you have to step back and focus on other things. That was this year for Mrs. Love because it felt like the “right time to take a break.”
And the right time it proved to be. Mrs. Troy, a new to Reynolds English teacher, was there to take on the role. She had been a newspaper editor in high school and has an undergrad in Communications which made her perfect to teach the yearbook class. “I just had to get acclimated with the yearbook program and get to know each of the staff members,” she said about the transition between her and Mrs. Love.
The transition wouldn’t have gone as smoothly if it weren’t for the steps taken by the two of them, Mrs. Troy explained. “We talked often and met at least once a week to talk Yearbook… Because we had planned so well, the handoff happened without any major hiccups.”
Now, at the end of her first semester of yearbook, Mrs. Troy has decided that she loves it. “Taking on this role has brought me back to me roots… It’s fun to interact with the students and faculty and share our school’s story through writing and pictures.” She plans to continue heading up the yearbook class for many years to come.
Humans of AC Reynolds: Tyler Crain
Written by: Alyssa McGuirre
There are many unique students here at Reynolds. I did a project called Humans of ACR similar to Humans of NewYork, a man that approaches people on the street, and asks them personal, yet random questions. I had a great talk with Tyler Crain, and got to see what he does to help his fellow students at Reynolds. He has set up an Instagram page to “spread positivity” among the students of ACR. He also takes “pride in his grades” and works very hard to maintain an A/B average. He believes that “the internet is a common problem among the youth” and wants to spread positivity with an Instagram page, and a just a friendly hand to hold in general. He encourages students to come and talk to him if they are going through something. Tyler says “you are not alone, there is always someone to have your back. He likes to share his beliefs about society, and he shares music. He always wants to brighten someone's day, and is open to make new friends. I befriended Tyler through his positivity and bright soul, wanting to help others. So whether it is a shoulder to lean on, a positive message, or even simply a conversation, you can help your peers reach happiness one at a time.
The Art of Kayaking
Written by: Alyssa McGuirre
Not only the students here at Reynolds have interesting hobbies, teachers do to. I spoke to Ms. Lampley, and asked her what she chooses to do in her free time that is different from other people. She participates in white water rafting, and kayaking. These sports take much concentration, and can be dangerous at times. This is why you have to invest money, and experience into buying your equipment. You have to make sure that you have a helmet, a canoe, paddle and many other things. This can be quite expensive, so you have to take the time to plan out your supplies. This is a sport that definitely takes training, time, patience, experience, and team effort. You should take precautions, and make sure to bring life jackets, and floats. Depending on the level you choose when rafting, the currents with vary. Such as level five being roaring rapids, and level one being calm streams. Make sure to take classes before rafting, and kayaking, and take time to plan out your destination, as many spots have different difficulties. If you are interested in learning about this sport, Ms. Lampley knows much about it, and is enthused to share her experiences with kayaking, and ways to take place. As a plus side, there are many places in North Carolina to go kayaking, such as Asheville Outdoor Center, Green River Adventures, Feel free kayaks, and Lake Lure Adventure company.
A Climber of our Own
Written by: Jackson Wright
The Spot climbing gym located in Eric's home town of Boulder CO.
Imagine moving from your hometown full of friends and lasting memories to a city nearly 1,500 miles away full of new faces and strange places. This is true for one of Reynolds’ own, Eric Terral.
Eric was born in Boulder, CO where he grew up rock climbing and snowboarding in the city that is only 45 mins from Colorado's capital of Denver. The big move happened just before his freshman year of high school due to his father finding a new job opportunity. Naturally Eric was faced with many new ominous questions: Will I make new friends? Will I like the new school? Will I get to continue the sports I've loved for all of my life?
Luckily Eric found satisfying answers to his questions. “It was hard at first but I eventually made good friends and learned to really like Reynolds...lots of great people and classes” said Eric during an interview.
Eric is not alone is his story; many kids move schools and are introduced to different atmospheres and people. At times it can be hard but Eric has a few tips for those who do have to move. “Be persistent and put yourself out there to make new friends...you receive what you put out”.
As stated in Climbing Culture, Eric is an avid climber and use to be apart of The Spot climbing team out of Boulder where he trained under renowned professional climbers and even competed nationally. While sad to leave what www.travelboulder.com calls “the epicenter of climbing”. Eric was thrilled to learn that Asheville is developing a climbing culture of its own, “though I prefer climbing in Boulder due to the gyms being more developed I was excited to learn Asheville had gyms of its own”.
To all of you who might move schools, just have, or know someone new who is going to it is important to known that there are always upsides to situations and that what may look like the end might just be a new beginning.
Eric was born in Boulder, CO where he grew up rock climbing and snowboarding in the city that is only 45 mins from Colorado's capital of Denver. The big move happened just before his freshman year of high school due to his father finding a new job opportunity. Naturally Eric was faced with many new ominous questions: Will I make new friends? Will I like the new school? Will I get to continue the sports I've loved for all of my life?
Luckily Eric found satisfying answers to his questions. “It was hard at first but I eventually made good friends and learned to really like Reynolds...lots of great people and classes” said Eric during an interview.
Eric is not alone is his story; many kids move schools and are introduced to different atmospheres and people. At times it can be hard but Eric has a few tips for those who do have to move. “Be persistent and put yourself out there to make new friends...you receive what you put out”.
As stated in Climbing Culture, Eric is an avid climber and use to be apart of The Spot climbing team out of Boulder where he trained under renowned professional climbers and even competed nationally. While sad to leave what www.travelboulder.com calls “the epicenter of climbing”. Eric was thrilled to learn that Asheville is developing a climbing culture of its own, “though I prefer climbing in Boulder due to the gyms being more developed I was excited to learn Asheville had gyms of its own”.
To all of you who might move schools, just have, or know someone new who is going to it is important to known that there are always upsides to situations and that what may look like the end might just be a new beginning.
Climbing Culture
Written by: Jackson Wright
Image of the lead wall at the Smoky Mountain Adventure Center located on Amboy Rd.
Rock climbing as a recreational activity has been around for over 200 years with the first instance of it being a recognized sport was in England during the late 1880’s. Although it has been around so long, it has only gained mass popularity in the US over the past few decades. Areas and locations such as Boulder Colorado and parts of California have been conducive to the sports growth, due to their many climbing gyms and natural rock features. Rock climbing has also more recently been portrayed in award winning documentaries such as The dawn wall and Solo that has brought even more popularity to the sport.This era of growth is also true for our own small city of Asheville.
Asheville currently has two active indoor climbing gyms: Climbmax Climbing located on Wall St. downtown and Smoky Mountain Adventure Center located on Amboy Rd. With the rise of these two gyms and viable outdoor climbing at places like Rumbling Bald near Lake Lure, it is no wonder that you are starting to see more and more climbers at our very own high school.
A growing population of climbers within our student body has set out to better themselves and learn more about the somewhat perceived obscure sport. Madeline Ellis, a junior, is relatively new to the climbing world but goes to show there are many ways to get started “i got started because my dad was always a really big rock climber and took me climbing a couple times outdoors and then I found out some of my friends climbed at some of the gyms in Asheville so I had people to go with more often so i just began climbing a lot more”. Getting started is also very easy, ‘to start climbing you really just need to want to do it, and then some shoes and a chalk bag. with that much you can do things like boulder downtown or at SMAC, and then you can rent a harness or buy one after that in order to do things like belaying. from there it’s up to you what you do but that’s basically what you need, but you can get a rope and belay devices and more advanced gear as you start climbing new things and new ways”.
Juniors are not the only ones climbing; a group of sophomores have also taken local routes by storm. “Me and about five of my friends have been climbing for a few months and we all enjoy it… it's a lot of fun” said sophomore Rainy
Campbell.
As the sport of rock climbing becomes more mainstream climbing gyms and climbers are bound grow in numbers. As evident by the already existing number of climbers this will be a very welcome change
Asheville currently has two active indoor climbing gyms: Climbmax Climbing located on Wall St. downtown and Smoky Mountain Adventure Center located on Amboy Rd. With the rise of these two gyms and viable outdoor climbing at places like Rumbling Bald near Lake Lure, it is no wonder that you are starting to see more and more climbers at our very own high school.
A growing population of climbers within our student body has set out to better themselves and learn more about the somewhat perceived obscure sport. Madeline Ellis, a junior, is relatively new to the climbing world but goes to show there are many ways to get started “i got started because my dad was always a really big rock climber and took me climbing a couple times outdoors and then I found out some of my friends climbed at some of the gyms in Asheville so I had people to go with more often so i just began climbing a lot more”. Getting started is also very easy, ‘to start climbing you really just need to want to do it, and then some shoes and a chalk bag. with that much you can do things like boulder downtown or at SMAC, and then you can rent a harness or buy one after that in order to do things like belaying. from there it’s up to you what you do but that’s basically what you need, but you can get a rope and belay devices and more advanced gear as you start climbing new things and new ways”.
Juniors are not the only ones climbing; a group of sophomores have also taken local routes by storm. “Me and about five of my friends have been climbing for a few months and we all enjoy it… it's a lot of fun” said sophomore Rainy
Campbell.
As the sport of rock climbing becomes more mainstream climbing gyms and climbers are bound grow in numbers. As evident by the already existing number of climbers this will be a very welcome change
Raising Chickens
Written by: Alyssa McGuirre
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Here at Reynolds, there are some very unique students, who have interesting hobbies. I spoke with Mackenzie Walker, and asked what she does in her free time. I soon found out that she raises chickens. She has a list of things she needs to do such as cleaning their water daily, making sure they are fed, and even playing with them. Another thing that should be taken into consideration when raising chickens is predators. You have to have a secure coop, with a fence usually around it, to avoid animals breaking in. Taking care of chickens is a hard job, that takes much dedication. If your interested in a hobby like this, make sure to plan ahead. Raising an animal is a fun, but also hard job. You should make sure to be responsible, and have enough time to tend to them.
Is drawing the minds greatest healer?
By: Alyssa McGuire
Ever have a rough, stressful day and you can’t get your mind off something? Well, there might be a solution. If you haven’t already, you should take up drawing. When you draw there are no wrongs or rights, just unique pieces of you, defining who you are.
In an article posted by “Sage Journals,” they believe that it has “significant effects on the memory”, and increases brain activity with, “aging individuals, and patients with dementia.”
Drawing has many benefits proven by Mayo Clinic. They say that, “drawing pushes us to see the world in a different light.” Mayo Clinic also says, “It can also help us re-examine our feelings and boost our emotional intelligence.”
So whether it’s painting, sculpting, sketching, or drawing, you can put your mind at ease, simply by putting your hands to work with art.
In an article posted by “Sage Journals,” they believe that it has “significant effects on the memory”, and increases brain activity with, “aging individuals, and patients with dementia.”
Drawing has many benefits proven by Mayo Clinic. They say that, “drawing pushes us to see the world in a different light.” Mayo Clinic also says, “It can also help us re-examine our feelings and boost our emotional intelligence.”
So whether it’s painting, sculpting, sketching, or drawing, you can put your mind at ease, simply by putting your hands to work with art.
The Grammys
Written by: James Mulvey
The Grammys are an award show celebrating the “most talented musicians” in society right now. It happens annually on February the 10th; this year it will be the 61st time of the show. The Grammys have been the main organization that celebrates giant music artists. Over the last couple of years the Grammys approval ratings have went down significantly and have been under lots of scrutiny for being biased against certain artists because of race, religion, gender or popularity.
Many artists would love to be nominated for Grammys but less and less celebrities are wanting to even attend the Grammys as a boycott or protest at them, some examples are Justin Bieber and Kanye West. Even more might do it this year.
Some students shared how they feel about the Grammys this year. This is what a student who is very interested in Hip-Hop music said. “ I love watching the Grammys but each year more and more I feel it is a popularity contest, not a contest of musicianship” Brighton Coe 10th grader said. Another person; Jack Morris said, “I kind of don’t care if my favorite artist wins a Grammy anymore. If I think they’re good then it’s all I need.” A big majority of people I spoke to say the same things about how the awards are rigged
A lot of people still enjoy the Grammys though. Rainey Campbell said “I really love watching the Grammys and I want my girl Cardi B to win this year, I don’t think people should care so much about it, I just watch it for fun”. This girl still has faith in the awards show and Many other people are agree with the Grammys and their choices on those who wins.
Either way you may think between the Grammys be rigged against certain minorities or less popular people, vs, the Grammys being perfectly fine and fair. However, there is a middle line, and what is the best solution to this is for the Grammys to actually share with the public their rubric on decision making process on how winners are chosen. That would clear up lots of confusion and make people like the show a whole lot more.
https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/8489045/2019-grammy-nominees-full-list
http://www.newsrecord.org/arts_and_entertainment/the-th-grammy-awards-stir-up-controversy/article_9d6a1a5c-0b32-11e8-964b-c7e491fba219.html
Many artists would love to be nominated for Grammys but less and less celebrities are wanting to even attend the Grammys as a boycott or protest at them, some examples are Justin Bieber and Kanye West. Even more might do it this year.
Some students shared how they feel about the Grammys this year. This is what a student who is very interested in Hip-Hop music said. “ I love watching the Grammys but each year more and more I feel it is a popularity contest, not a contest of musicianship” Brighton Coe 10th grader said. Another person; Jack Morris said, “I kind of don’t care if my favorite artist wins a Grammy anymore. If I think they’re good then it’s all I need.” A big majority of people I spoke to say the same things about how the awards are rigged
A lot of people still enjoy the Grammys though. Rainey Campbell said “I really love watching the Grammys and I want my girl Cardi B to win this year, I don’t think people should care so much about it, I just watch it for fun”. This girl still has faith in the awards show and Many other people are agree with the Grammys and their choices on those who wins.
Either way you may think between the Grammys be rigged against certain minorities or less popular people, vs, the Grammys being perfectly fine and fair. However, there is a middle line, and what is the best solution to this is for the Grammys to actually share with the public their rubric on decision making process on how winners are chosen. That would clear up lots of confusion and make people like the show a whole lot more.
https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/8489045/2019-grammy-nominees-full-list
http://www.newsrecord.org/arts_and_entertainment/the-th-grammy-awards-stir-up-controversy/article_9d6a1a5c-0b32-11e8-964b-c7e491fba219.html
Singing in the Rain
By: Avery Love
The spring musical for this year is Singing in the Rain, a timeless jukebox musical. But is it really all that? This is a review of Singing in the Rain, written by a hopeless pessimist.
Most of the characters aren’t my favorite, and this next paragraph’s just a diss track for those people. Don Lockwood is a popular actor who loves dancing and singing. In my opinion he’s a creeper and skeeze, with a gigantic ego. He pushes his weight around on more than one occasion, and thinks that he’s the boss of everyone because he’s a movie star. Then his costar, Lina Lamont. She might be beautiful, but her squeaky voice and walnut sized brain make her obnoxious. However, she might be dumb, but she’s pretty devious. She knows exactly how to get what she wants using trickery and blackmail, even though she doesn’t have enough common sense to help her keep it. Kathy Selden is beautiful and has a fantastic singing voice, but it’s too bad she’s too far up on her high horse to be an interesting character. In the beginning she’s saying how she doesn’t like the movies because they’re all the same, and how the only real art form is acting and how she’s going to be in a play just to interest our very own Mr. Lockwood, when really she’s working as a Coconut Grove girl, and when that doesn’t work out, turns to acting. What a hypocrite!
But there are parts I like, too. The set during the song “You Were Meant for me” is incredible. The colors, and the flying dress, and the mist! All of it comes together perfectly. Cosmo’s character as comedic relief, and possibly the only good, funny character in the movie. Lina and Zelda’s friendship where they hype each other up, and make sure the other know of any trickery that may be going on, and spilling tea in the dressing rooms.
Overall, Singing in the Rain is a movie with good parts and bad parts, just like any other. But overall, I just can’t give it a negative review. At least, not while Cosmo’s making ‘em laugh.
Most of the characters aren’t my favorite, and this next paragraph’s just a diss track for those people. Don Lockwood is a popular actor who loves dancing and singing. In my opinion he’s a creeper and skeeze, with a gigantic ego. He pushes his weight around on more than one occasion, and thinks that he’s the boss of everyone because he’s a movie star. Then his costar, Lina Lamont. She might be beautiful, but her squeaky voice and walnut sized brain make her obnoxious. However, she might be dumb, but she’s pretty devious. She knows exactly how to get what she wants using trickery and blackmail, even though she doesn’t have enough common sense to help her keep it. Kathy Selden is beautiful and has a fantastic singing voice, but it’s too bad she’s too far up on her high horse to be an interesting character. In the beginning she’s saying how she doesn’t like the movies because they’re all the same, and how the only real art form is acting and how she’s going to be in a play just to interest our very own Mr. Lockwood, when really she’s working as a Coconut Grove girl, and when that doesn’t work out, turns to acting. What a hypocrite!
But there are parts I like, too. The set during the song “You Were Meant for me” is incredible. The colors, and the flying dress, and the mist! All of it comes together perfectly. Cosmo’s character as comedic relief, and possibly the only good, funny character in the movie. Lina and Zelda’s friendship where they hype each other up, and make sure the other know of any trickery that may be going on, and spilling tea in the dressing rooms.
Overall, Singing in the Rain is a movie with good parts and bad parts, just like any other. But overall, I just can’t give it a negative review. At least, not while Cosmo’s making ‘em laugh.
Winter Sentiments
Written by: Noah Clifford
Asheville, a magnificent winter destination. Those native to this mountainous land often become acclimated to its inherent beauty, they develop tolerance to the land’s superb natural appeal. It’s a pity to those whose habitual oblivion have become ignorant to this land’s beauty. The winter time, however, offers a stark contrast to the rest of the year’s familiarity. Snow capped mountains pop at the eye, rather than humbly stray in the background. Frigid conditions slow the hussle and bussle of life, giving nature a chance to settle and relax. As mother nature’s more harsh touch envelopes this land we begin to realize our own subjectivity to her conditions and temperament, we realize both her strength and her beauty. It is at this time where the image of humanity we have spent so long constructing is at its most fragile, forcibly subject to nature’s undertaking, those with open eyes use this time to reflect on their conflicted belonging.
To who do I confide, to nature or to humanity? Questions of reality are sparked by the changing climate, and sentiments tend to run high in this time of harsher conditions. We begin to realize the success of our own survival, we begin to appreciate every ounce of life for its persistence and will to succeed. We see this first in nature, and then within ourselves. We realize the futility of life, for nature’s ability to so easily condemn it to eternity, and for this we become grateful. We realize the need for thanks and gratitude, we realize the love we so often bottle up is useless with death so near, we realize our own futility and for this we give thanks for what we have, for this we love and hold our families closely, for this we profuse sentiments of jolly and greet each other like siblings.
So please, let winter’s harsh grasp show us a little about ourselves. Let winter’s harsh grasp force us to love one another. Let winter’s harsh grasp show us the more important things in life. And of course, have a happy holiday!
To who do I confide, to nature or to humanity? Questions of reality are sparked by the changing climate, and sentiments tend to run high in this time of harsher conditions. We begin to realize the success of our own survival, we begin to appreciate every ounce of life for its persistence and will to succeed. We see this first in nature, and then within ourselves. We realize the futility of life, for nature’s ability to so easily condemn it to eternity, and for this we become grateful. We realize the need for thanks and gratitude, we realize the love we so often bottle up is useless with death so near, we realize our own futility and for this we give thanks for what we have, for this we love and hold our families closely, for this we profuse sentiments of jolly and greet each other like siblings.
So please, let winter’s harsh grasp show us a little about ourselves. Let winter’s harsh grasp force us to love one another. Let winter’s harsh grasp show us the more important things in life. And of course, have a happy holiday!
Recipe Review
Written by: Avery Love
Photo by AllRecipes
For me, baking is a huge stress reliever, and sharing it with people I love is something very close to my heart. I love watching their faces as they bite into a baked good and taste it for the first time. So I decided to try and bake something I’ve never made before, rate the recipe in terms of simplicity, how well it worked out, and what the student taste-testers thought!
Since I’m a huge fan of chocolate, I decided to make something I have eaten before, but not ever made: Oreo Balls! The recipe looked easy enough to follow; after all, there were only 3 ingredients: oreos, white chocolate, and cream cheese. But as I got into it, I realized that I was not prepared. The recipe was wrong about how many oreos were in a standard package, and I didn’t have as many as I needed. It said I should save 9 crushed oreos to sprinkle over the finished truffles, but I didn’t have that many, so I just had to skip that step in order to have enough to finish the main part of the ball. My next screw-up I’ll admit was my own fault. I forgot that I had to soften the cream cheese before mixing. With that little mistake, I made a lot more work for myself. Another thing was that it told me roughly how large to make the balls, but gave me no way to make sure that the sizes were correct, so all of them ended up being different sizes. My last complaints are with the chocolate melting and dipping- and I have a lot of complaints. The amount of chocolate I needed was over double what the recipe called for. It was lucky that I had enough on hand at my house to fix the recipe. Another thing- it didn’t give me any tips on how to melt and dip! I’ve watched enough random baking videos to know that usually you use a double-broiler, so I guessed that was how to do it, but it didn’t work great. The chocolate wasn’t melting correctly, and dipping was a nightmare! The balls weren’t holding together and I couldn’t get that pretty, smooth, sheen like shown in the pictures. One last note- it didn’t make anywhere near as many balls as the recipe promised. Overall this recipe was a nightmare- that, or I’m just a bad baker!
Now for the taste test. I handed out every ball that I made- other than the ones my family stole overnight- and overall the comments were overwhelmingly positive. “It’s really, really good!” says Olivia Belle Traylor. When I asked her to elaborate on that, and why she liked it, the freshman replied that she liked “the texture! It’s really gooey.” Olivia Stacey, another who tried and liked it, says “Oh my god… How is this even possible? Can I order like, 20 more of these?”
Two people who tried it didn’t like it. Shae Austin says, “Yeah, no. I don’t like it.” When I asked her why she explained “I just don’t like chocolate.” Allyson Ray says, “White chocolate makes me really sick.” Well, I understand those arguments, given that the whole dessert is pretty much just chocolate.
So overall, oreo balls taste really good, and are a 100% make again, unless you are the one who has to make them. This recipe is rated an 9.5 stars for taste, but about a 2 because the recipe was a pain to follow.
Overall notes for the recipe!
Since I’m a huge fan of chocolate, I decided to make something I have eaten before, but not ever made: Oreo Balls! The recipe looked easy enough to follow; after all, there were only 3 ingredients: oreos, white chocolate, and cream cheese. But as I got into it, I realized that I was not prepared. The recipe was wrong about how many oreos were in a standard package, and I didn’t have as many as I needed. It said I should save 9 crushed oreos to sprinkle over the finished truffles, but I didn’t have that many, so I just had to skip that step in order to have enough to finish the main part of the ball. My next screw-up I’ll admit was my own fault. I forgot that I had to soften the cream cheese before mixing. With that little mistake, I made a lot more work for myself. Another thing was that it told me roughly how large to make the balls, but gave me no way to make sure that the sizes were correct, so all of them ended up being different sizes. My last complaints are with the chocolate melting and dipping- and I have a lot of complaints. The amount of chocolate I needed was over double what the recipe called for. It was lucky that I had enough on hand at my house to fix the recipe. Another thing- it didn’t give me any tips on how to melt and dip! I’ve watched enough random baking videos to know that usually you use a double-broiler, so I guessed that was how to do it, but it didn’t work great. The chocolate wasn’t melting correctly, and dipping was a nightmare! The balls weren’t holding together and I couldn’t get that pretty, smooth, sheen like shown in the pictures. One last note- it didn’t make anywhere near as many balls as the recipe promised. Overall this recipe was a nightmare- that, or I’m just a bad baker!
Now for the taste test. I handed out every ball that I made- other than the ones my family stole overnight- and overall the comments were overwhelmingly positive. “It’s really, really good!” says Olivia Belle Traylor. When I asked her to elaborate on that, and why she liked it, the freshman replied that she liked “the texture! It’s really gooey.” Olivia Stacey, another who tried and liked it, says “Oh my god… How is this even possible? Can I order like, 20 more of these?”
Two people who tried it didn’t like it. Shae Austin says, “Yeah, no. I don’t like it.” When I asked her why she explained “I just don’t like chocolate.” Allyson Ray says, “White chocolate makes me really sick.” Well, I understand those arguments, given that the whole dessert is pretty much just chocolate.
So overall, oreo balls taste really good, and are a 100% make again, unless you are the one who has to make them. This recipe is rated an 9.5 stars for taste, but about a 2 because the recipe was a pain to follow.
Overall notes for the recipe!
- Soften the cream cheese, it’ll make it easier to mix
- Chill the balls before dipping them in chocolate or they will fall apart.
- Maybe buy a pack of mini-oreos to crush if you really really want to do the crumble on top.
- Try microwaving the chocolate in 15 second intervals instead of using the double broiler.
Ask Amelia, advice column!
Written by: Amelia Novak
High school is a time for learning and experiencing new things. During the four years we spend at Reynolds, there are many events we find ourselves lost for a solution and yearning for advice. To try and encourage the acceptance to speak out and ask for help when it is needed I’ve made this advice column where those with questions may ask anonymously and I will try my best to respond in the most helpful form.
I have so many expenses with gas money, food money, and saving up for college that I don’t really have very much money to freely spend but I really want to take this girl out on a date, can you help?
Dating in high school can be difficult for various reasons, one of the biggest is money issues. It’s hard to save up when there’s so many things you want to spend it on. Dates don’t have to be one of those things though. Options like going on hikes, having picnics in parks, or even just meeting up downtown and walking around, give you a chance to still feel romantic without emptying your wallet.
There’s this guy that I started liking that really hurt me, but I can’t stop liking him no matter what I do and I can’t get him off my mind even though he did me wrong. What should I do to try and help get over him?
What your feeling is something that a lot of people struggle with, letting go of someone who has hurt you can be extremely hard to do. However just like all things it is not impossible and usually comes with time. Realizing that you are worth more than the person that has hurt you is a process that takes time. One thing that usually helps me is to focus on my friends and going out with them and spending time with them and putting in extra effort into school.
I am new to the school and I’ve been struggling recently to make and keep friends, do you have any tips to help me?
Making friends in a new school can be tough but eventually you will feel like you fit right in with everyone else. People usually tend to gravitate to a group of friends that they specifically spend time with and make plans with. Connections create friendships so try and say hello and build a conversation with everyone you get the chance to. It's important to keep a positive outlook and try and make as many connections as possible.
As a new freshman here at Reynolds, I hear everyone being so worried about their high school transcript and making sure they have everything they need to get into the best colleges they can. What can I do to improve my transcript?
To improve your transcript there are many things you can do, like join news clubs and even start one if you have an idea. Things like taking honors and advanced placement classes also help improve your GPA which colleges look at. Any extracurricular activities you can get be involved in always are a positive and show that you are an active participant in the community at school. Sports, clubs, band, chorus, etc. all help boost your transcript. Also things like volentueer work and jobs you’ve worked can help put you ahead when making your transcript.
I have so many expenses with gas money, food money, and saving up for college that I don’t really have very much money to freely spend but I really want to take this girl out on a date, can you help?
Dating in high school can be difficult for various reasons, one of the biggest is money issues. It’s hard to save up when there’s so many things you want to spend it on. Dates don’t have to be one of those things though. Options like going on hikes, having picnics in parks, or even just meeting up downtown and walking around, give you a chance to still feel romantic without emptying your wallet.
There’s this guy that I started liking that really hurt me, but I can’t stop liking him no matter what I do and I can’t get him off my mind even though he did me wrong. What should I do to try and help get over him?
What your feeling is something that a lot of people struggle with, letting go of someone who has hurt you can be extremely hard to do. However just like all things it is not impossible and usually comes with time. Realizing that you are worth more than the person that has hurt you is a process that takes time. One thing that usually helps me is to focus on my friends and going out with them and spending time with them and putting in extra effort into school.
I am new to the school and I’ve been struggling recently to make and keep friends, do you have any tips to help me?
Making friends in a new school can be tough but eventually you will feel like you fit right in with everyone else. People usually tend to gravitate to a group of friends that they specifically spend time with and make plans with. Connections create friendships so try and say hello and build a conversation with everyone you get the chance to. It's important to keep a positive outlook and try and make as many connections as possible.
As a new freshman here at Reynolds, I hear everyone being so worried about their high school transcript and making sure they have everything they need to get into the best colleges they can. What can I do to improve my transcript?
To improve your transcript there are many things you can do, like join news clubs and even start one if you have an idea. Things like taking honors and advanced placement classes also help improve your GPA which colleges look at. Any extracurricular activities you can get be involved in always are a positive and show that you are an active participant in the community at school. Sports, clubs, band, chorus, etc. all help boost your transcript. Also things like volentueer work and jobs you’ve worked can help put you ahead when making your transcript.
Catching That Spark
By Ivan Popovich
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Fire/Relationship
To make a fire you need three things: flint, steel, and tender. You hit the flint and steel to get the sparks, which then lands on the tender and hopefully catches (takes more than one spark). Relationships work in the same way. Two people come together and hang out. This can be looked at as the tender. When hanging out, laughing and doing activities, if there is something there you could feel the spark. All it takes is that good spark to catch and make the fire!
Keeping it Going
Once that fire starts...it won’t last forever. You must feed the fire. To start off you need to add twigs (can’t just throw a log on it or you’ll put out the fire). As the twigs burn, you add more and more. You’ll get to a point to where you can add sticks and even move up to logs As in the sticks being little actives like going on dates and moving in, and the log be marriage. The fire will be growing, getting bigger and stronger. This also applies to relationships! Once you got that little fire going you need to continue doing little actives and being together, or the fire will just die off. To have a successful relationship you need to continue to add new layers, as in going to new places and trying new things. Moving the relationship and getting closer can be looked as feeding the fire.
Environment
Keeping a fire going can be easier in some places than others. If it is raining, it will be very hard to keep that fire going. If you start lacking or forget to add sticks to the fire it could die out. When having a fire, rain or wind can put out the fire, or can be hard to start a fire. The rain can be something that come up as family drama or having a heavy argument. OR the rain when starting the fire can be a bad relationship before. By having a healthy environment the relationship will flourish just like a fire would.
Bigger Picture
When you get that spark you want to rush it and just go off and be in the moment. You need to stop yourself and wonder if you’re in the right environment and figure out how to keep the fire going. If the person you are trying to have a successful relationship with is trying to rush things and skip the levels then it might not be healthy and will not end up working. You need to slow down and go through all of the steps for a fire or relationship to continue and be strong. You need to sit and enjoy the warmth of the fire instead of rushing and missing it. Overall, it’s going to take effort and time to get that fire going, and this goes for both people keeping that spark going.
Lost it but can still get it back
When a fire is left alone and doesn’t have anything to burn. It will die off slowly and become ash. But after the fire goes out you can still get it started again. It will have an ember. This ember can catch back on fire easily allowing you to get that fire back and start. But before you do make sure to understand why it died off in the first place, and if you should get it start again. But of course, it will take two people to do this not just you.
No Flame
Sometimes after having a fire going something can stop the fire or one of the person can just stop feeding the fire. Leaving you all alone to get that fire going which won’t last for long. But you will get to a point to where you just can’t get the fire to start up again. No matter what you do you just can’t get it to start again, you can start over completely and try again when you’re at a point where the fire is just gone out for good than you should take a step back and try to understand why the fire didn’t last. What you need to do next you have a flame with someone. And grow from it. Because stronger and better to be able to make a better and stronger fire.
Fire in You
So far, I've talked about how you can only have a fire with you and someone else. But you should always have your fire in you. Being able to warm you up and keep you going without relying on some else. Being strong and whole is very important. You should not make a fire with someone else if you are not a whole. If you do than just reply on that person and they must be your other half while still being whole. It will not last the fire.
Fire = Relationship
This goes with friends, dating, family, all of it. It’s good to understand how a relationship starts and how it can die off and grow so quick. How much work you must put into it. You can look back on this and understand what went wrong in past relationships allowing you to grow and improve you’re for the next fire you get going. Hopefully this truly helps you see relationships in a new way and helps you grow and improve yourself.
To make a fire you need three things: flint, steel, and tender. You hit the flint and steel to get the sparks, which then lands on the tender and hopefully catches (takes more than one spark). Relationships work in the same way. Two people come together and hang out. This can be looked at as the tender. When hanging out, laughing and doing activities, if there is something there you could feel the spark. All it takes is that good spark to catch and make the fire!
Keeping it Going
Once that fire starts...it won’t last forever. You must feed the fire. To start off you need to add twigs (can’t just throw a log on it or you’ll put out the fire). As the twigs burn, you add more and more. You’ll get to a point to where you can add sticks and even move up to logs As in the sticks being little actives like going on dates and moving in, and the log be marriage. The fire will be growing, getting bigger and stronger. This also applies to relationships! Once you got that little fire going you need to continue doing little actives and being together, or the fire will just die off. To have a successful relationship you need to continue to add new layers, as in going to new places and trying new things. Moving the relationship and getting closer can be looked as feeding the fire.
Environment
Keeping a fire going can be easier in some places than others. If it is raining, it will be very hard to keep that fire going. If you start lacking or forget to add sticks to the fire it could die out. When having a fire, rain or wind can put out the fire, or can be hard to start a fire. The rain can be something that come up as family drama or having a heavy argument. OR the rain when starting the fire can be a bad relationship before. By having a healthy environment the relationship will flourish just like a fire would.
Bigger Picture
When you get that spark you want to rush it and just go off and be in the moment. You need to stop yourself and wonder if you’re in the right environment and figure out how to keep the fire going. If the person you are trying to have a successful relationship with is trying to rush things and skip the levels then it might not be healthy and will not end up working. You need to slow down and go through all of the steps for a fire or relationship to continue and be strong. You need to sit and enjoy the warmth of the fire instead of rushing and missing it. Overall, it’s going to take effort and time to get that fire going, and this goes for both people keeping that spark going.
Lost it but can still get it back
When a fire is left alone and doesn’t have anything to burn. It will die off slowly and become ash. But after the fire goes out you can still get it started again. It will have an ember. This ember can catch back on fire easily allowing you to get that fire back and start. But before you do make sure to understand why it died off in the first place, and if you should get it start again. But of course, it will take two people to do this not just you.
No Flame
Sometimes after having a fire going something can stop the fire or one of the person can just stop feeding the fire. Leaving you all alone to get that fire going which won’t last for long. But you will get to a point to where you just can’t get the fire to start up again. No matter what you do you just can’t get it to start again, you can start over completely and try again when you’re at a point where the fire is just gone out for good than you should take a step back and try to understand why the fire didn’t last. What you need to do next you have a flame with someone. And grow from it. Because stronger and better to be able to make a better and stronger fire.
Fire in You
So far, I've talked about how you can only have a fire with you and someone else. But you should always have your fire in you. Being able to warm you up and keep you going without relying on some else. Being strong and whole is very important. You should not make a fire with someone else if you are not a whole. If you do than just reply on that person and they must be your other half while still being whole. It will not last the fire.
Fire = Relationship
This goes with friends, dating, family, all of it. It’s good to understand how a relationship starts and how it can die off and grow so quick. How much work you must put into it. You can look back on this and understand what went wrong in past relationships allowing you to grow and improve you’re for the next fire you get going. Hopefully this truly helps you see relationships in a new way and helps you grow and improve yourself.
The Summer Before College
Witten by: Noah Clifford
One’s adolescence is practically ruled and limited by the hours of school they must attend. Day in and day out, students all around feel they’ve earned the time off they receive over the summer. This is their time, their time to experience life free from the confines of school. Summer after summer students get to experience this joy, up until their last: the summer before college.
The summer before college is often seen as the last summer of being a kid, at least in some minor sense of the word. This summer marks the last moments of freedom before the confines of adulthood limit the time they have to adventure and explore. Warren Stotesbury plans to make the most of this freedom by “adventuring this summer” to places like “Hurricane Creek, Midnight Hole, and Lake Huey.” Emma Wilson also has eventful plans such as “going to the Hilton Head Islands with [her] family, and likely going on a trip with her church.” Autumn Jones plans on “going to Puerto Rico on a mission trip, I think we’re going to implement community outreach, and try and fix up some houses and such.”
Warren Stotesbury attempts to top all of these with plans to “jump off of the bridge in Hot Springs.”
While many seniors are using this free time to experience their new-found freedom, others are taking advantage of this opportunity to earn some money for the costly years ahead. “I’ll probably be working mostly.” admits senior Logan Boeshore, “work and vacation most likely.” says senior Christian Welch. “I’m going to work at Target.” adds Emma Wilson.
It seems a the student-athlete demographic may be exceptionally unique when it comes to summer plans. “Well, I’ll probably be reporting to Gardner-Webb for training this summer.” says Delaney Mccullough, who recently committed to playing D1 Volleyball for the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs.
All in all, it seems the summer following senior year will be quite varied for Reynolds students. No matter what the plans are, it seems clear that each student has ambitious intentions on how they wish to spend it.
The summer before college is often seen as the last summer of being a kid, at least in some minor sense of the word. This summer marks the last moments of freedom before the confines of adulthood limit the time they have to adventure and explore. Warren Stotesbury plans to make the most of this freedom by “adventuring this summer” to places like “Hurricane Creek, Midnight Hole, and Lake Huey.” Emma Wilson also has eventful plans such as “going to the Hilton Head Islands with [her] family, and likely going on a trip with her church.” Autumn Jones plans on “going to Puerto Rico on a mission trip, I think we’re going to implement community outreach, and try and fix up some houses and such.”
Warren Stotesbury attempts to top all of these with plans to “jump off of the bridge in Hot Springs.”
While many seniors are using this free time to experience their new-found freedom, others are taking advantage of this opportunity to earn some money for the costly years ahead. “I’ll probably be working mostly.” admits senior Logan Boeshore, “work and vacation most likely.” says senior Christian Welch. “I’m going to work at Target.” adds Emma Wilson.
It seems a the student-athlete demographic may be exceptionally unique when it comes to summer plans. “Well, I’ll probably be reporting to Gardner-Webb for training this summer.” says Delaney Mccullough, who recently committed to playing D1 Volleyball for the Gardner-Webb Bulldogs.
All in all, it seems the summer following senior year will be quite varied for Reynolds students. No matter what the plans are, it seems clear that each student has ambitious intentions on how they wish to spend it.
East Village Grill Review
Written by: Jackson Wright
The East Village Grille located in Oteen shortly up the road from Ingles is a well known establishment for those living the the Haw Creek/Bell community. East Village has been open for over 25 years and seems to be loved and cherished by many, including some of the students here at A.C. Reynolds. The friendly waitstaff, calm and collective atmosphere, and variety of tasty meal options all alicit to its great success.
While East village Grille has many wonderful menu options to choose from one item in particular is beloved by students: “My favorite item on the menu is definitely the Tiger wings because they are not like any other wings you can find in Asheville” says Oliver Pipin, a Senior. “I love the Tiger wings; they have such a bold and spicy flavor,” exclaimed Junior Caitlin Zorn. While the food may be a homerun success, other factors also contribute to students love for the restaurant. “The atmosphere of East Village Grille is one of my favorite things about it. When you eat three it feels like your eating at home” added Oliver. Further proving their commitment to the community, Oliver had a interesting story about the Grille. “One time me and my friend got stuck in a snowstorm, and to escape the weather we went to Evg (East VIllage Grille). They let us charge our phones due to the power being out everywhere else and seemed to genuinely care about our wellbeing”.
The East Village Grille not only holds a special place in students’ hearts but in others hearts as well. Elizabeth Wright was a waitress at the East Village Grill during the early 90’s. She elaborated on how the restaurant has changed over the years. “When I first started working there over the summer the menu was a little different. I loved the Jr. club they use to have, but they took it off and replaced it with the triple decker” said Elizabeth. Besides some minor menu changes it appears the restaurant has always stayed true to its core values the owner of the restaurant has put in place. “Nick (the owner) use to always tell the staff to try and be as kind and caring as possible” said Elizabeth.
The East Village Grille is truly a restaurant set out to serve tasty food that keeps people coming back and by all means is geared towards creating a family that is geared towards community.
While East village Grille has many wonderful menu options to choose from one item in particular is beloved by students: “My favorite item on the menu is definitely the Tiger wings because they are not like any other wings you can find in Asheville” says Oliver Pipin, a Senior. “I love the Tiger wings; they have such a bold and spicy flavor,” exclaimed Junior Caitlin Zorn. While the food may be a homerun success, other factors also contribute to students love for the restaurant. “The atmosphere of East Village Grille is one of my favorite things about it. When you eat three it feels like your eating at home” added Oliver. Further proving their commitment to the community, Oliver had a interesting story about the Grille. “One time me and my friend got stuck in a snowstorm, and to escape the weather we went to Evg (East VIllage Grille). They let us charge our phones due to the power being out everywhere else and seemed to genuinely care about our wellbeing”.
The East Village Grille not only holds a special place in students’ hearts but in others hearts as well. Elizabeth Wright was a waitress at the East Village Grill during the early 90’s. She elaborated on how the restaurant has changed over the years. “When I first started working there over the summer the menu was a little different. I loved the Jr. club they use to have, but they took it off and replaced it with the triple decker” said Elizabeth. Besides some minor menu changes it appears the restaurant has always stayed true to its core values the owner of the restaurant has put in place. “Nick (the owner) use to always tell the staff to try and be as kind and caring as possible” said Elizabeth.
The East Village Grille is truly a restaurant set out to serve tasty food that keeps people coming back and by all means is geared towards creating a family that is geared towards community.
Seniors Future
Written by: Kylee Plemmons
The end of the year is winding down and many of the students are getting ready to go off and start their lives. They are packing up and saying goodbyes. Whether they are going close or far, they are all partaking on a new journey. A journey that will continue for the rest of their lives. This journey will include heading off to college, the military, or the workforce. I decided to look into what some students have planned or hope to have planned for the next couple steps of their careers.
Mitchell Cross has told me that after high school he plans to attend NC State University to study engineering because “Taking physics really opened up my mind to using math and science. Engineering seemed like a really cool mix of them both.” He said at school he would like to study engineering. I asked him what he dreamed to do with his degree.“I dont fully know but I know I want to take my career and run with it, especially with more like environmentally friendly things like bridges or even just communities around Asheville or even out of the country.” he told me. He talked of big dreams of changing lives and the environment. He told me he decided to go into this for many reasons. “I’ve always been a huge environmentalist.” Mitchell said. He also told me It sounds like he has a solid and substantial plan.
Another student named Sierra Connor told me she was planning on heading to AB Tech to get a degree in business and franchising and she said “I want to make money my own way.” She told me that after getting her degree she hoped to open her own places of business. I asked her why she decided she wanted to steer her career in that direction. She told me she hoped to start out building connections with many people and with those she can successfully own her own business. I asked her if there was any specific kind of business she wanted to own and she said that she would be interested in pursuing food and beverage type of business or something dealing with fashion. Both are awesome ideas!
No matter what they decide to do every decision is an important one. Each thing they do decides the next step they take. It is hard to see your future especially while in high school but things always have a way of working them out. College is usually the first step but not always. So whether you decide to go right or left you will find your way and end up at the destination you were meant to find.
Mitchell Cross has told me that after high school he plans to attend NC State University to study engineering because “Taking physics really opened up my mind to using math and science. Engineering seemed like a really cool mix of them both.” He said at school he would like to study engineering. I asked him what he dreamed to do with his degree.“I dont fully know but I know I want to take my career and run with it, especially with more like environmentally friendly things like bridges or even just communities around Asheville or even out of the country.” he told me. He talked of big dreams of changing lives and the environment. He told me he decided to go into this for many reasons. “I’ve always been a huge environmentalist.” Mitchell said. He also told me It sounds like he has a solid and substantial plan.
Another student named Sierra Connor told me she was planning on heading to AB Tech to get a degree in business and franchising and she said “I want to make money my own way.” She told me that after getting her degree she hoped to open her own places of business. I asked her why she decided she wanted to steer her career in that direction. She told me she hoped to start out building connections with many people and with those she can successfully own her own business. I asked her if there was any specific kind of business she wanted to own and she said that she would be interested in pursuing food and beverage type of business or something dealing with fashion. Both are awesome ideas!
No matter what they decide to do every decision is an important one. Each thing they do decides the next step they take. It is hard to see your future especially while in high school but things always have a way of working them out. College is usually the first step but not always. So whether you decide to go right or left you will find your way and end up at the destination you were meant to find.
