The 2012 Senior Compass

SENIORissue

the

MAY 18, 2012 | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL

Senior Superlatives page 2

Seniors’ Plans After High School

pages 4 & 5

Saying goodbye to the Journal’s 90th year

2

2012 senior superlativesMost Likely to...Award Boy Girl

Succeed in lifeBecome a Picasso

Marry someone famousBecome president

Become a millionaireBecome a famous actor

Compete in the OlympicsHave 10 kids

Find a cure for cancerGo streaking

Appear on “Survivor”Never miss a class reunion

Never attend a class reunionEat a worm for money

Eat a worm just becauseBecome a police officer

Own a pet monkeyWork at SHS

Become a hippieLive in another country

Save a lifeBe pretty fly for a white guy

Be a stay-at-home momBecome SHS principal

Take over the worldCry at graduationSet a world record

Travel the worldBecome a famous rapper

Become a comedian

Casey DomekJake Lauster

Matt LytleBrandon RitterKellon Thomas

Matt LytleAndrew Oliver

Willie RiggsCorey Mills

Austin AndryAustin Andry

Brandon RitterDan Arndt

Michael HartWestin Faulkner

Bryce KalenMichael Hart

Matt LytleDevin LeslieTonino Arapi

Brandon RitterCollin Lewis

Daniel HernerBrandon RitterCasey DomekAndrew OliverTonino Arapi

Paul Summers Westin Faulkner

Kayla ChappellAngela OaksSarah OwensSarah Owens

Kimberlyn BeardGena ClaytonJuanesha Byrd

Becca EastKayla ChappellBrooke Gagliola

Ali DeHartSarah OwensSarah Owens

Cara HinhCara Hinh

Kayla GreenTyler PascalAli DeHart

Ashlyn BridgewaterEmma HughesRachel Foster Carly CopasBecca East Ali DeHart

Marie PrevostBrooke GagliolaJuanesha ByrdEmma Hughes

Carly CopasCara Hinh

Odds & Ends

{senior OPINIONS}FAVORITE MALE TEACHER1. Mr. Anthony Pernell 2. Mr. Samuel Hanley

3. Mr. M. Klopfenstein & Mr. D. Jones

FAVORITE FEMALE TEACHER: 1. Ms. Barb Whitlock

2. Mrs. Bonnie Tempest 3. Ms. R. Pierce & Mrs. S. Matlock

DANCE SONG: 1. “Wobble” by VIC

2. “Dance (A$$)” by Big Sean3. “Party Rock” by LMFAO

FAVORITE ARTIST: 1. Lady Gaga 2. Taylor Swift3. Wiz Khalifa

FAVORITE MOVIE: 1. 21 Jump Street

2. Deathly Hallows Pt. 23. Bridesmaids

PLACES TO GO TO LUNCH: 1. Subway

2. McDonald’s3. McAllister’s

FAVORITE TV SHOW: 1. Big Bang Theory

2. How I Met Your Mother3. New Girl

FAVORITE CLASS: 1. Theater

2. AP Government3. AP English Language

HARDEST CLASSES: 1. AP Enviornmental Science

2. Pre-Calculus Honors3. AP Government

HARDEST TEACHERS: 1. Mrs. Chrisina Ferguson

2. Mr. Glenn Chew3. Mrs. Bonnie Tempest

Over 50 seniors submitted their votes to award their fellow classmates titles in the following catagories. See if you got the honor of being the best of the senior class.

Award Boy GirlBest hairBest eyes

Best laughBest smile

Best lookingBest dressed

Best personalityBest future parent

Best dancerBest singerBest pirateBest writer

Best pick-up linesWorst pick-up lines

Best driverWorst driverBest advice

Worst adviceMost popular

LoudestStrongest

NicestFunniest

Class clownMost talentedBiggest texterMost talkative

Most down to EarthMost outgoing

SassiestBest couple

Stay friends forever

George BlakenbakerCasey Domek

Stefan MunseyBrian BoucherBrian Boucher

George BlakenbakerDustin BakerDustin Baker

Brian BoucherMatt Lytle

David PilandCody Foster

Ethan HawesKeWan Davis

Nolan FenwickJoey Bayer

Caleb CantwellEric MarlowMatt Lytle

Austin AndryCameron Ellis

Stephen MorrisZack HartmanZack HartmanAndrew Oliver

Kris KuehrGeorge Blakenbaker

Matt GamboaBrian Boucher

Matt MiilerJ. Houchins & C. Foster

Zoey FreeseKaty Hamlin

Robyn GarmonPeyton McNeely

Ashlyn BridgewaterCecilia Salas

Danielle BiggerstaffBecca East

Rhiannon WhiteisGena ClaytonZoey Freese

Brittany HemphillCarly CopasKayla Green

Claire StebbeClaire Stebbe

Danielle BiggerstaffCara Hinh

Zoey FreeseSarah Owens

Taylor LockwoodClaire StebbeSarah Owens

Cara Hinh Kayla ChappellAlison Gaffney

Cara HinhAbbey Maitland

Shannon DelgadoTaylor Maine

K.Patterson & T. Maine

interestingFACTS

Due to ties, the Journal flipped a coin to

determine the winners.

Casey Domek and Daniel Herner lost the coin toss

when deciding “most likely to stay friends.”

There was a four-way tie for 2nd and 3rd place on “favorite

activity.”

For “worst driver” there was a three-way tie

between Claire Stebbe, Cara Hinh and Zoey

Freese.

Cara Hinh was nominat-ed for the most catego-

ries, but only won 6.

My favorite memories from the begin-ning of this year for the Journal were the compliment circles.

You probably know what they are: Everyone sits in a circle (or, in our case, around the “family dinner” table), and a wave of compliments moves around the circumference. Each person in turn says something nice about the person to his or her left ... or right, depending on which way the compliments are flowing that night.

We did that during late production nights for the first several issues in the fall. Oh, it was hokey for sure, but it actually

served an important purpose. It helped this staff, made up largely of publication rookies, feel comfortable and welcome in what can be an intense and intimidating environment.

I’d love to say it was my idea, but I can’t. It was the goofy brainchild of our editor, Brittany Hemphill, just one of the seniors who stepped in to fill the many leader-ship vacancies left from last year. There were many holes to fill, and the seniors, inexperienced as many of them were, did a pretty amazing job of filling them. They learned quickly, and they developed into an efficient staff whose newspaper has been named a finalist for our most coveted award, the Hoosier Star.

We’ll find out in the fall if we win the Hoosier Star, but this year’s seniors will be off to college by then. Before they go, I wanted to take one more trip around the compliment circle.

Jackie Smith, you impressed me by liv-ing up to your commitment even when you probably didn’t want to.

Zack Hartman, I think you could sharp-en a pencil, and it would make me laugh.

Cody Foster, your writing became re-ally good really quickly this year.

Marie Prevost, you’re hilarious. Thanks for working so hard and producing good work for no return other than the experi-ence of being on staff.

Biak Chin Par, you might be one of kindest, most impressive people I’ve ever met.

Emma Hoskins, I had no idea that you could write like that. I wish I would have known earlier.

Gabe Allen, I loved how proud you were to be a member of the Journal staff this semester. I was proud to have you.

Allison Gaffney, the first time you spoke in journalism class last year, I thought, that’s a confident, intelligent, and really upbeat kid. Now I know that initial reac-tion was spot on.

Corey Mills, I appreciated the fact this year that I could say, “Corey, get this done,” and then walk away knowing that

you’d do it and do it well.Ashlyn Bridgewater, you’re loaded with

talent. Focus that, work hard, and write your ticket.

Noelle Straub, the second semester seemed weird this year. It was more fun with you as a full timer.

Matt Lytle, you work your butt off at pretty much everything. That’s going to take you a long way.

Cara Hinh, you are unabashedly your-self. There’s never a dull moment (or a dirty window) when you’re around.

Cecilia Salas, you wanted to make your pages more interesting, and you pulled it off. I enjoyed greeting you at door 13 about 300 times this year.

Ali DeHart, you make things happen. I admire how willing you are to lead and how driven you are to do things well.

Brittany Hemphill, I love how much you love the Journal. In your interview last year, you promised hard work and enthu-siasm. You delivered.

Let me take a moment to go full circle

MAY 11, 2012 | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL MAY 11, 2012 | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL

by MichaelKlopfensteinAdviser

“I’m happy to be YOUR newspaper adviser.”

Remember when... The Journal has compiled a list of memorable events from the seniors’ freshmen year to this year.

The Journal is a finalist for the Indiana High

School Press Associa-tion’s “Hoosier Star.”

The Journal won two awards at Ball State University’s Journalism Day.

freshmen year2008-09

sophomore year2009-10

junior year2010-11

senior year2011-12

... Democrat Mr. Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election against Republican candidate Mr. John McCain....after only winning two games in the previous three years, South-port’s varsity football team finally had a winning streak that ended in the Cardinals recieving their first ever Conference Indiana football title.

... Perry Township was hit with a 6.75 million dollar budget cut.... the “On Time Next Time” room was established in an effort to decrease the number of student tardies.... seventh period schedule is passed by board for the next year, making block scheduling a thing of the past.

...Katie Freund, a member of the class of 2012, passed away, ending her battle with Cistic Fibrosis.... dfter much dedication and ef-fort by Perry Township students, staff and parents, the Referendum passed for Perry Township.... Principal Ms. Barbara Brouwer recieves the honor of principal of the year.

... major construction plans were ap-proved for the future of Southport beginning next fall. ... the number of English Learners increased by over 200 students.... a balanced calendar schedule for the 2012-13 school year was ap-proved. The first day of school for the 2012-13 school year will be July 31, 2012.

Louis Gregory lost the title “Pretty fly for a

white guy” by one vote to Collin Lewis.

4 5MAY 11, 2012 | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL MAY 11, 2012 | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL

{classof2012}

Post high school plans

Kent State

Miami University of Ohio

Roosevelt University

Johnson and Wales University

Air Force Academy

Coast Guard Academy

US Naval Academy

Xavier University

Bellarmine University

Kentucky Wesleyan

Lindsey Wilson College

After surveying the seniors, the Journal

has compiled a collection of the

seniors’s post-high school plans

including their intended majors and

their future locations.

University of Indianapolis

4 miles from Southport

Florence Salamone: Nursing

Dustin Baker: Kinesiology

Tonino Arapi: Athletic Training

David Stierwalt: Pre-med

Zoey Freese: Sports management

Matt Miller: Psychology

Matt Gamboa: Business management

Claire Stebbe: Nursing

Angela Oaks: Art and English

Becca East: Elementary education

Indiana University


George Blankenbaker: Undecided

Kate Carlson: Psychology

Terren Dodds: Mathematics

Eric Marlow: Undecided

Kristin Kopec: Business

Brian Boucher: Undecided

Taylor Main: Pre-med

Katie Patterson: Undecided

Kimberlyn Beard: Informatics

Dan Arndt: Environmental policy and political science

Ashlyn Bridgewater: Journalism and art therapy

Cody Camp: Fitness specialist

Leigh Bowles: Business

Tyler Paschall: Accounting

Brooke Gagliola: Education

Casey Domek: Business

Wabash College


Nolan Fenwick: Engineering

Morrent Thang: Biology and French

In-state

Indiana State University


Mariah Chastain: Undecided

Amanda Gaines: Pediatric nursing and music education

Collin Lewis: Sports marketing & management

Ivy Tech


Uyen Ho: Nursing

Amanda Armstrong: Undecided

Gabe Allen: Communications and social media

University of Southern Indiana


Sally England: Radiology

Sarah Owens: Sports management

Emerson Kirkpatrick: Economics

Purdue University


Marisa Ciecielski: Pre-vet

Ethan Hawes: Professional flight

Brittany Hemphill: Creative writing & English

Nick Andre: Law and society

Joey Bayer: Aerospace engineering

David Dart: Mechanical engineering

Butler University

17.5 miles from Southport

Kayla Chappell: Pharmacy

Taylor Lockwood: Biology

Rhiannon Whiteis: Psychology

Indiana Wesleyan


Miriam Maldonado: Nursing

Anderson University


Stephen Morris: Social psychology

Franklin College


Corey Mills: Pre-med and microbiology

Clemencia Tello: Undecided

Dillon Webb: Criminal Justice

Tia Waters: Music and photography

University of Evansville


Anna Ramey: Undecided

Abby Springer: Business

Marian University


Whitney Dickey: Administration

IUPUI


Chris Rizzi: Medicine

Zack Hartman: Landscape architecture

Jacob Merrick: Criminal justice

Cody Foster: English education

Abbey Maitland: Special education

Ali DeHart: Special education

Eric Sterret: Business

Allison Lynch: Law

Daniel Herner: Business administration

Biak pin Char: Chemistry

Ball State University


Noelle Straub: Sociology

Ashley Wilson: Public relations

Marie Prevost: Poli science

Tum Mabe: Astrophysics/architecture

Kathryn Hamlin: Early childhood education

Meleah Fishburn: Communications

Depauw College


Jacob Dickey: Undecided

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology


Anthony Groves: Computer engineering and physics

Art Institute of Indianapolis


Chris Pryor: Media arts and animation

Out-of-state

Roosevelt University


Nicole Straub: Undecided

Kentucky Wesleyan


Kortni Haupt: Elementary/Special Education

Lindsey Wilson College


Michael Hart: Business management

Bellarmine University


Paige Massey: Exercise science

Xavier University


Allison Gaffney: Broadcast Journalism

IUPUI

Indiana University

Ball State University

Purdue University

University of Indianapolis

Franklin College

Wabash College

Indiana State University

Indiana Wesleyan University

Ivy Tech

Butler

UniversityAnderson University

University of Evansville

Art Institute of Indianapolis

University of Southern Indiana

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Manchester University

Depauw University

Southport High School

Kent State


Kellon Thomas: Business management

Miami University of Ohio


Cara Hinh: Theatre and journalism

Robyn Garmon: Undecided

Johnson and Wales University


Cecilia Salas: Culinary arts

Military

Coast Guard Academy


Brandon Lobb

Air Force Academy

1,071 miles from Southport

Colton Perdue

Alexandria Whitaker

United States Naval Academy

1,071 miles from Southport

Brandon Ritter

New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts


Westin Faulkner: Acting and theater

Ryan Raftery: Acting and playwriting

Marian University

New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts

6

To say the least, this has been a tumultuous year. In the past year, I’ve began to understand who I am and what I want to do. As college looms ominously above all of our senior heads, decisions have been made and

papers turned in that seal me into contracts that make me promise to pay off the future for dozens of years to come. But, everyone knows that. So instead, here is much of course much wanted and valued opinion on the things I learned in high school.

Here is my list of things I am so very glad I did when in this learning stepping stone of high school.

Don’t ever tell yourself you can’t do something. Take a theatre class with the illustrious creature Ms.

Barbara Whitlock.Failure happens. We learn and move on. Don’t ever restrict your music taste to one genre. That goes for your taste in future mates, as well. In fact, don’t look for your soulmate among the

crowded hallways of Southport.Take time to appreciate Mr. Michael Klopenstein and

his humor. If you didn’t know, he’s also the voice of god at all the home football games.

Most of all, find something you love and don’t do it half way.

After all, you only live once right? #goodbyesopobest experiences of your life.

entertainment editorCARA HINH

7

do something scary

I was still fully equipped with my middle school awkwardness when I walked through the Sopo doors as a freshman. I was intimidated

and insecure. It took high school to get me over that. These definitely have not been the best four years of my life, but I can at least say I’ve learned a lot.

I can go on about how much I’ve grown and I’ve made lifelong friendships, but if this is real talk, no one cares about that. What I can let you underclassmen know is this: Don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s a waste of time. Get your work done, but make sure you enjoy growing up too. And if you find a group or club you can really associate with, consider yourself lucky. Having a huge support system through crappy times is really important and very worth it.

I can’t say I’m going to really miss high school but it’s sad to see me childhood go. Make the best of your time here and be prepared to start a new chapter in your life when the time comes.

opinion editorCECILIA SALAS enjoy your childhood while it lasts The time has come for us

seniors, the class of 2012, to pass on. Not in a deathly way, but in a way for us to experience the new challenges that will help us proceed through life.

The time here at Southport High School was a time I will take with me through the rest of my life.

From the long home rooms the first two years of high school to the unassigned lunch’s senior year, it all was so real. And having it already end is such a crazy thought. I knew high school would bring me too many wonders, but not the ones that I experienced.

Theater is definitely one of my best experiences here in high school. I enjoyed singing and acting, but was afraid to show it. Yes, I was in choir, but I wanted to do more than just sit back with a group and sing. So I auditioned for the school musical junior year and ended up absolutely loving it. That led me to the school play and other productions. I also met so many new people through it and made new friends. It was a blast.

I’m definitely ready to move on with my life, but before I do, I’m going to look back at theater and what high school has brought to me and take it with me.

sports editorMATT LYTLE

have fun!

Joining the Journal staff my senior year was probably the worst thing I could’ve done. It put me in a situation where I constantly regretted my decision every time I walked

into room 400. Being on the Journal was probably one of the best

experiences I’ve had in high school, which led to a lot of bittersweet moments for the past two semesters. I enjoyed knowing things going on in the school before everyone else did, and I loved being able to write for something that wasn’t an English class. And, most importantly, I loved that I got to choose to be there. So many times in high school things we once enjoyed, such as reading or writing, are ruined and forced to be another dull aspect of our lives.

Unfortunately for me I realized almost too late that writing was something that I could enjoy, a hobby I could participate in. So, to not make the same mistake as me, I implore you to find a hobby. It doesn’t have to be something as extravagant as rock climbing or sky diving, but something you enjoy and something of your own choosing.

reporterMARIE PREVOST

have a hobby!!!I walked into Southport High

School for the first time over three years ago. I was surrounded by unfamiliarity of faces and classrooms. I read my schedule, and I was to report to room 400, Journalism. For being my first class

in my very first year of high school, I look back, unable to give a proper “thank you” to whoever decided my schedule.

The class only taught me how to write journalistically. It wasn’t until Klop asked me to join the Journal staff my sophomore year when I was able to reap the benefits of working with my peers to produce something great.

Journalism is an art. It’s not something everyone can do. To be able to put yourself out into a situation where your only goal is to find that story necessary to provide information for others ... It’s truly a thrill.

What’s better than doing something you love? Doing something you love with people you love - that love doing the same thing as you! I met a handful of people specifically through The Journal with an abundant amount of talent. Words couldn’t express the amount of thankfulness in me to have met these people that became friends, including Klop.

“Produce great work,” he said. The Journal provided me with more than a chance

to write for my high school’s newspaper. It provided with the opportunity to shape the person I am today. Thank you, to everyone involved, for everything.

business managerNOELLE STRAUB

party in moderation

I don’t know what you want me to say. I feel like it’s suppose dreams filled with caps and gowns. I’ve come across a few

close bonds – but I won’t miss those. I won’t be saying goodbye to those. Those relationships will not end just because I no longer attend Southport High School. I won’t even miss Southport. Anything that matters I will be taking with me. What I’ll be leaving are these white block walls and crowded hallways. So I guess I can’t understand the sadness that some of my peers experience. I’m not saying goodbye because I’m not leaving anything. I’ll be gaining much more here in a couple of months. So instead of me using these words to wave goodbye, I guess I’m saying wish me luck and I’ll maybe see you around. I don’t want to catch myself saying “I wish I was still in high school,” in the future. And I hope for my class the same. We’ve all outgrown this place. I think I’m supposed to include some words of wisdom right about now. Well here it is – be happy. In the last four years of my life, that is what I have learned that means the most; not something like how to do my make up or get an A on a test. Be happy, because in the end that’s what matters.

reporterASHLYN BRIDGEWATER

obtain happiness

Southport high school ah kum khat chung ca a tial ve mi dirhmun in ruah nak cheuh kan duh ve hna. Caa tial hi ka ngakchia te in ka duh mi zong

a si bal lo. Mirang ca cu chim lo in lai ca ka ngakchia te in ka holh peng mi holh hmanh in ca tial cu ka ruah bal lo. Tanghlei khat ka dih lai ah Ka hawi le le ka saya te hna thazang pek nak thawng in mah Journal khan hi ka lak cu a si. Lai ca manh tha te in a tial kho lo mi nih cun zei tin mirang ca le lai ca he tiah a tial khawh lai tiah nan ruah cio lai. Ca tial ka thawk ka ah cun ka tial mi hi zei a si ti hi kei mah manh nih ka fiang lo. Mah ca ka tial tawn ah hin, a hmasa bik ah mirang ca in ka tial i ka editor nu nih a ka remh piak dih hnu in laic a in ka tial than tawn. A hram thawk cu har manh seh law nikhat hnu nikhat in ka lai ca tial mi a that lawng si lo in ka mirang ca tial mi pawl zong an tha tluah mah. Mah ti hin ka sia rem nak hmun in ka chuak i mah journal khan ah ka lut bantuk in nang nih zong nan sia rem nak hmun in chuak ve cang uh law thil thar nan tuah bal lo mi tuah i zuam ve uh.

reporterBIAK CHIN PAR

Na sia rem nak hmun in chuak cang

Well it’s 2012 and the world hasn’t ended, not yet for that matter. When I entered Southport my freshman year,

I was so nervous that I thought my world was going to end, but just the opposite happened. In middle school, everyone was so terrified about fitting in, and in my years at Southport I was surprised (pleasantly) that there were people that were not afraid to be themselves. Though I am not ashamed to say that I pretty much still have my middle school sense of humor, I will say that my attitude about school has drastically changed. As my time at Southport has started to fade, I kept telling myself that I regret everything about high school and that I would go back and change it all if I could. But it is best to leave high school without regrets, so I am going to leave Southport and look forward to college and forget regret. Goodbye Southport, it has been a great four years!

reporterGABE ALLEN get involved in some-thing before it’s too late Let’s face it. High school

was not the highlight of my life. I hated getting up at 6 every morning to be greeted by people that were just as unenthusiastic about mornings as I was. The

worst is the fact that two-thirds of the school doesn’t care to be here. That created an uninviting atmosphere. Although I have been bursting at the seams to get out of here for four years, I do appreciate the good times I’ve had.

Being involved in Riley Dance Marathon, Soccer, and Journal kept me going when I couldn’t stand this place anymore. Soccer gave me a consistency in my schedule and introduced me to a lot of friends that I never would have had otherwise. Journal challenged me to learn to work well with other people. I think finding my niche and sticking with true friends made high school much easier, almost enjoyable at times. What I will miss most are the awesome teachers and staff at Southport, like Mrs. Underwood, Mr. Michael “The Klop” Klopfenstein, Ms. Breeden, and Mr. Williams just to name a few. They offered a ton of support and encouragement. Although I’m glad I won’t be coming back, I will miss the good times I had at Southport. On to bigger and better things! [Puts fist in the air.]For Narnia!

photographerJACKIE SMITH

challenge yourself

I was never good at saying goodbye. High school as a whole has been the best four years of my life. People have come and go, and I’ve changed

along with it. I’ve been tried and tested, and made into a better person for it. I met my best friend, Andrea Reinhart, who I’m sure beyond any doubt will continue to be my best friend for the rest of my life. Because of this, I feel the need to give a small tribute to her. You go through a lot of friends in high school, especially as a girl. Drama and changing values split people apart. But Andie and I have never fought once. We’ve laughed together and cried together, and when I go away to college this fall, I know we’ll never be far from each other. Thanks Ands, for putting up with me, and remember that when I’m gone, stand up for yourself and be who you want to be. You ain’t no d@#$ duck. To the rest of you, you’ve all been an important part in my life. I won’t forget the memories I’ve made here. Thank you all.

reporterEMMA HOSKINS

don’t miss out on the football games

It was 1999 and I was sitting with my class on the first day of kindergarten. My teacher gathered us together and explained that we would be the

class of 2012. At that moment, all I could think was how far 2012 seemed away and how I was never going to survive to see graduation. That all changed once I set foot in high school.

By my sophomore year, time started flying by so fast. Days blurred into weeks and weeks turned into months, until the next thing I knew, it’s May of my senior year and I’m about to graduate.

Even though I am more than excited to go to Xavier, I know that I would not be where I am at today if I did not make the most out of high school. The lessons I learned at Southport are going to pave my future in my college career.

All of the friends I made and all of the educators that influenced me along the way, played such and integral role in shaping who I am.

Take advantage of high school because it does go by so fast. Look forward to college but also live in the present because so many memories will be missed otherwise.

reporterALLISON GAFFNEY

drink coffee in Hanley’s class after an all-nighter I guess it’s time to say

goodbye. I would like to say that I won’t miss this place, but that would be a lie. I will miss feeling like a big bad wolf towering over little freshmen

in the hallways, and getting to see my friends. I think that’s what I liked most about high school, forced relationships. Mere chance put me together with people I would never imagine myself being friends with and forced me to appreciate these people. Whether it be by having an assigned seat next to someone I’ve never seen before, or by being caught at the same lunch table as my future girlfriend.

It’s weird to think that these last four years will determine the course of the rest of my life. As for now, I can’t determine if I will consider my high school years a success or not. I wasted a lot of time, that’s for sure. But I guess I completed the ultimate goal of high school: keep up your grades and get into college. Now it’s time to move on to another four years of school, and the rest of my life. Goodbye Southport High School. <3

reporterCODY FOSTER

skip 40 class periods

MAY 11, 2012 | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL MAY 11, 2012 | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL

8

It’s safe to say that I’m infinitely happier at the end of my high school career than I was at the beginning. It’s not because this is

the end of Southport’s endless ramps or massive amounts of homework (let us all believe that college will be less work.. hah.). No, it’s not because I’m leaving Southport at all. It’s what I’m taking with me.

I’m taking my love of creative writing from Mr. Stephen Bowles’ sophomore IDEA English class. That greatly respected man reintroduced me to writing, and I know that I wouldn’t be so passionate about it if it wasn’t for him. There are teachers who teach standards, and then there are teachers who teach you about yourself and about life.

I’m taking a lot of learned lessons about dedication and perseverance with me. Thanks to Mr. Jack Williams and his pre-cal honors class, I finally understand pre-cal... sort of. It might be more accurate to say that I have a better understanding of what it means to not give up when things get tough and to just keep giving it your all instead. He is the role model for dedication. This guy seriously does it all.

I’m taking lots of snark and encouragement from Mr. Sam Hanley and

Ms. Julie Breeden. Taking on two English classes my senior year could have been a mistake. However, with two amazing teachers that continuously added fire to my passion for English, it definitely wasn’t. Being in both of these classes has solidified my plans for the future—learning as much about writing and English as I can. It goes without saying that without them I might not be heading in the direction that I am.

I’m taking Mr. Michael Klopfenstein’s facial expressions and witty comebacks with me. If he wouldn’t have given me a chance as the editor-in-chief of this year’s Journal, then I wouldn’t have learned half as much as I have in the past year. He has been a great adviser when it comes to leading a group of my peers and when it comes to life outside of the Journal. He’s an incredible teacher and an even better mentor. I’m not sure if I’ve ever met a teacher who cares about his students as much as he does. Take journalism classes to see it for yourself.

These are the people that I’m taking with me as I walk across stage and explore life beyond Southport High School. They are the wonderful group of teachers who have never failed to show me something about myself and life that I never quite understood before they came around. They have played an important part in my happiness, and I won’t ever be able to thank them enough.

editor-in-chiefBRITTANY HEMPHILL

read “The Things They Carried”

MAY 11, 2012 | SOUTHPORT HIGH SCHOOL

Dear Mr. K,Thank you. Thank you so

much for sparking my interest in journalism during my freshman year.

Thanks for giving me a chance to be on the Journal staff my sophomore year. Thanks for being a teacher that I can count on. Thank you for being the best role model that a high school student could ask for. I will forever appreciate the opportunities and experience you’ve given me as one of your student journalists, and I think every Journal staffer would agree with me.

During this past couple of weeks, there have been certain moments when I caught myself reflecting on my great experiences on the Journal staff for these past three years. I am going to miss high school journalism so much. My high school career is coming to an end, and I love thinking about how much the Journal has changed and improved since I was a freshman. I went from being just a student in your class to being one of the main students that is in charge of producing the Journal. I know that I couldn’t have accomplished any of that without you. I can’t wait to come back in two or three years and see what amazing things the staff is doing then under your supervision.

As cliché as this might sound, there were moments when I absolutely loved it and moments when I absolutely hated it, but I wouldn’t trade these memories for anything. The Journal is what I am going to miss the most about high school, and there’s no doubt about that.

Production nights were the highlight of my week simply because I got to be around my best friends and because I got to work on something that I took so much pride in. I will never forget the feeling of having my work appear in the Journal. It taught me what real accountability was.

Being a member of this high school paper is why I enjoyed high school as much as I did. I have made so many great friendships, and I know that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without being a part of this staff.

My involvement in the Journal has made me a better person in school and out of school, and I am so grateful for that. I know that I will always remember my times in the Journal room as some of my best during my time at Southport. I truly enjoyed the years I spent in your classroom. It hasn’t hit me yet that I won’t be in your classroom next year. Thanks for everything! I’ll miss you and everything about the Journal next year.

-Ali

managing editor of contentALI DEHART memorize “Mean Girls”

seniors of the Journal

Documents

The 2012 Senior Compass