RTRE

DH

AW

KT

IME

S

WESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOLBlythewood, South Carolina

May 2015Vol. III, No. 4

Fifty-nine French students and their teachers arrived on campus as part of an international cultural exchange with our sister school, Lycee Montdory in Theirs, France. The guests arrived on April 7 and departed April 16.

The program, spearheaded by French teacher Bill McCormick, seeks to expose students to other cultures, with the goal of getting to know one another by experi-encing cultures first-hand. Westwood is the only school in the district to have this

type of partnership.Senior Markayla

Walls was excited to see new faces on campus. “I learned that we have the same fashion. We’re honestly not all that different except the countries.”

During the ten-day visit, the French visitors shadowed students around the school, went camp-ing at Cheraw State

Park, visited Charleston and were treated to a good ole Southern barbeque, complete with a whole hog.

A little skeptical at first, senior Raven Garrick-Duckett learned that some of the French students love math just as much as she does. Duckett said, “If I went to Paris, I would visit the Eiffel Tower and take many selfies!” Despite her skepticism, she ended up warming up to them and liked them.

The French guests stayed with host families so they could fully experience the American way of life. One of the requests: to visit an American grocery store.

Already familiar with the French culture, senior Ashli Cullum has visited France before, and she loved it. “France was beautiful, I have to go back the people were so, nice!” She enjoyed having the exchange students around, and she’s eager to go back. Seeing them reminded her of how great it was.

In the next year or so, McCormick hopes to take a group of students and teach-ers to visit Lycee Montdory, building on the international partnership between our schools.

Swordsmen clashed. Knights jousted. Visitors feasted. Life-sized, human foozball games were played. Held April 17, the Third Annual Renaissance Faire brought a taste of times long gone to Westwood.

But who organizes this event? Students and faculty pool their knowledge about the Renaissance era and work to put together a well-organized event.

“Since the start of the Renaissance Faire, we have gotten really good re-views and responses in the Blythewood community,” said Dr. Anne Richard-son, head of the Renaissance Faire Planning committee.

With the help of fifteen teachers and a few parents, this year’s Faire was the “best planning that its been in the last three years,” said parent Robin Blume.

Teacher Steve Wilson, logistics coordinator, said, “[I] want to keep every-thing organized so no one feels as if they were cut short by planning. A better layout was our key to success this year.”

The wristbands were a new addition to this year’s Faire. They were de-signed to help keep track of those performing as well as people who helped set up and run the various booths.

This newfound success has not gone unnoticed. Since the first Renaissance Faire in 2013, the attendance rate has tripled in size. As the years go by and more attractions are added, the Faire gains fans in the community.

“To be honest, I believe that the elementary kids that attended had more fun than the actual Westwood students,” freshman and performer Ashley Epper-son said.

With every Faire that passes, the planning becomes more focused and orga-nized. This does get to be very time consuming due to the amount of work and pre-planning required as well as the already loaded schedules of the planning committee. “Every year, there are more people wearing costumes and having fun at the different booths,” said Ashley Auspelmyer, member of the Renais-sance Faire planning committee. “I hope that next year we can have more people participating.”

Planning for next year is already underway, and the committee members hope to top this year’s Faire.#TBT? No, it’s “Back in the Day” at the first Teachers and Tiaras contest! A

“Throwback Monday”, so to speak. Held on April 13, Teachers and Tiaras show-cased our multi-talented faculty (Who knew?) and, with the $5 tickets, raised money for Westwood’s Backpack Program.

Teacher Anne Richardson said, “Congratulations to the contestants of Teachers and Tiaras for a fine contest last evening. Bob Stutts came in runner up with Barba-ra Soblo crowned as the winner and all the teachers did a smashing job-and all the money went to a great cause-The Westwoood Backpack Program.”

Science teacher Barbara Soblo was crowned the Ultimate Redhawk Supreme, en-tertaining the crowd with her a capella performance.

Richardson gave a run-down of the other winners. “Congratulations to Pasquail Bates who sold the most tickets and won the Audience Choice award, Lisa Faulken-berry and her amazing twirling batons, Cheryl Guy and her virtuoso piano playing, Kelsey Grant and her enthusiastic dance aerobics with students, Sharon Johnson and her beautiful rendition of Ave Maria, Terri Moss and her soulful performance of Hopelessly Devoted to You, ... Bob Stutts and his imaginative duet with an accom-modating partner, and Steve Wilson and his 6 pack abs and fire extinguisher!”

She added, “Kudos also to Janet Frick and students Jalil Bonds and Ryan Hiller for organizing the event, Baili Byrd and Nick Hooks who served as MC’s, the West-wood Drum Circle and Veneshia Stribling and the Westwood Dance Company and Crew who provided wonderful entertainment!”

Order of the Redhawk recipients knighted during Renaissance FaireKing Ralph knights sophomore Delaney Woodham, a recipient of the Order of the Redhawk. Other newly-knighted Sirs and Dames include senior Dalton Wilson; juniors Katie McCarthy, Abi Mabey and Landon Williams; sophomore Jada Ravenell; and freshman Justin Wright.

By Stephanie Seabrooks, Staff Writer

French visitors from sister school say “Bonjour” to WHSBy Alandria Haynes, Staff Writer

PE classes teamed up with the French students to teach them baseball basics. The visitors then attended a baseball game downtown.

Teachers and Tiaras Contest entertains, raises money for cause

After a hard-fought battle, the victors emerged! Faculty participants (and winners!) Pasquail Bates, Barb Soblo and Bob Stutts show off their hardware.

RT

VO

ICE

S Dear Student Body, Faculty, Staff, and Westwood Community: From the bottom of my heart, I want to say that I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity you

have given me to serve as your Student Body President for the 2014-2015 school year. This letter will only express a small token of how much of an honor and privilege it has been. I could not imagine spending my senior year any differently. It has been my pleasure to serve Westwood, and a greater pleasure to bring home the title of 4A State Student Council of the Year, of which you deserved no less.

Mr. Schmidt’s theme for this school year was “We Are Family” and oh, how true it is. As I refl ect on the many activities planned by Student Senate this year -- from the unifi ed wearing of the “Beat Blythewood” shirts, serving hot chocolate to our bus drivers, serving our community together during the Foster Kids’ Party, laughing together at pep rallies, watching everyone get all dolled up for the Sadie Hawkins’ dance, and the many, many dress days and lunchtime activities in between

-- I can’t think of any theme more fi tting. If you were to ask anyone, I’m 99% sure they would agree that Westwood’s best quality is our family-like

environment. I will miss it more than anything. As my parents will attest to, I have probably spent more hours on campus than I did in my own house this year (kidding but not kidding). Because of the many late nights and early mornings on campus, Westwood has easily become my second home. We are far more fortunate than most that we attend a school that feels like home, and where the people feel like family.

My experience working alongside my best friend and Vice President, Lauren Drescher, has made fulfi lling my duties much easier and incredible. I have also been blessed to work with a supportive group of dedicat-ed leaders in Student Senate. I hope that you all continue to be involved in helping Westwood be the “best wood”.

As my time in offi ce comes to a close, it is my wish that all of you had the opportunity to have a year full of memories, fun, spirit, and accomplishments. I hope that I was able to faithfully serve and represent our student body to the best of my ability. I’ll be honest with you, it has been a long, diffi cult, and sometimes stressful journey. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone this year; speaking in front of the entire student body, addressing the school board, and answering pessimistic community members’ questions about West-wood were not exactly easy tasks to handle. One year later, as I write this letter, I can say that without a doubt I am a far better leader and better person thanks to the experience and opportunities that came with my role.

My fi nal piece of advice to leave you with is to stay humble, stay hopeful, and stay focused. When things get tough -- remain strong. For we can do all things through Him who gives us strength.

I wish every student, faculty, and staff member a successful 2015-2016 school year. Best wishes to Nick Hooks and Megan Knight as they transition into their roles as your next Student Body Offi cers. I trust that Westwood is in good hands.

Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to serve. I appreciate it more than you know- and I can honestly say that it has changed me for the better.

We are, and always will be, Westwood.

Your 2014-2015 Student Body President, Baili Byrd Class of 2015

A Student Body President’s Goodbye ‘Wood WinsSenior Alyssa Castellucio won Best in Show

in the 9th Annual Ridgeway Arts on the Ridge Student Art Competition. The show included a wide range of artworks from Blythewood HS, Ridgeview HS, Fairfi eld Central HS and Rich-ard Winn Academy.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members competed at the SC FBLA State Leadership Conference in Charleston. Senior Ija Charles took fi rst place with her business plan. Second place winners includ-ed senior Bryanna Commander with her lo-cal chapter annual business report; Madison Hancock and Alicia Parson with their social media campaign, and junior Ashli White with her digital video production. WHS’s chapter as a whole was recognized with a Gold Seal of Merit. FBLA representives will compete at the National Leadership Conference in Chicago, IL this summer.

Student Council was named the 2015 AAAA Student Council of the Year. Junior Nick Hooks wasinducted into the Terry McCoy Hall of Fame and senior Ekklesia Hawkins was rec-ognized as the SC District 4 Chair for 2014-15.

Senior Jenelle Francis won the High School Division in the 2015 SC Youth Art Month State Show sponsored by the SC Art Education Asso-ciation and Sargent Art. Francis’s scratchboard drawing was among 24 artworks selected for this statewide exhibit.

Several art students were recognized at the 4th annual Portrait of Hope Art Gallery lun-cheon April 21 at the Brookland Banquet and Conference Center in Columbia. The funds raised from the sale of the artwork goes to the Future Leader Scholarship for underprivi-leged students pursuing higher education. The program has awarded over $150,000 in schol-arships. This is the third year Westwood had artwork accepted. This year, we were the only R2 school represented in the gallery. At the cer-emony, senior Patty Ploehn explained her art-work to an audience of around 250.

More than a dozen Westwood students attended the TEDx Youth conference held on April 18 at the Darla Moore School of Business in Columbia. This TEDx conference was organized by and for SC high school students and featured over 20 speakers and performers, most of them teens. Attendees heard from a variety of speakers on topics related to the theme of “Surprise”, including lessons about success and failure, personal branding and fi nding your true self.

Not only did students get to hear from these speakers and learn some valuable lessons, they also participated in several events that allowed them to connect with other students.

“My favorite event of the day was the MP3 Experiment,” said junior Katie McCarthy. “Everyone had to listen to the same track simultaneously and perform the tasks we were directed to do. It was hilarious watching everyone do the macarena, cha cha slide, etc.”

Junior Briana Lewis is already looking forward to next year’s event. “I would most defi nitely attend again, given the opportunity. To those attending next year, I would say to pay close attention to what each speaker has to say.”

Teacher Ashley Auspelmyer, Westwood’s ambassador for the event, added, “I would love to attend TEDxYouth Columbia again as well as other TEDx and TED conferences. I would tell future attendees to approach it with an open mind, ready to learn new ideas, to think about things in a way they have never thought about them before, and to get to know people who they normally might not talk to. Part of the fun of the event is talking to strangers, making new friends, and opening up yourself to experiences and ideas you’ve never considered!”

To send a letter to the editor: RedhawkTimesWHS@gmail.comTo advertise: mbrebner@richland2.org or 803.691.4049 x36072

Editorial Policy Th e purpose of the Redhawk Times is to inform the students, faculty and community of Westwood High School of events and issues which aff ect them. Th e paper also serves as a communication link between the students of WHS and the community at large. Editorials refl ect the opinions of the staff and/or individual journalists and do not necessarily represent the views of the faculty or administration. Th e Redhawk Times welcomes submissions, which may be edited for grammar, inappropriate language and length. Please email submissions to mbrebner@richland2.org. Subscriptions are also available. For more infor-mation, please contact Ms. Brebner or a member of the staff .

STAFF: Baili Byrd, Ryann Felder, Alandria Haynes, Monique Holland, Abi Mabey, Katie McCarthy, Jeremiah McCoy, Maysia Miles, Michaela Pinapfel, Stephanie Seabrooks, Jordyn Seibles, Ashli White, Rebekah Williams, Hailey Zalewa

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Chelsea Blackett-Medina, Antonio Carr, Ihyan-na Cruz, Amaya Johnson, Kira Parker, Angel Salley, Kelly Smeby

FACULTY ADVISOR: Mary Brebner

RE

DH

AW

KT

IME

SS

TAFF

2014

-201

5

RT

NE

WS

Building connections, promoting power of ideas, TEDx Youth Conference encourages open minds

Senior Tishawn Harrison and fellow Red-hawks play “Ninja” as an ice-breaker during lunch. TEDx is great for making connections.

Sophomores Ryan Stout and Crystal Rodgers look down upon their subjects in Sleeping Beauty, performed by Actor’s Theater on March 21. The players performed for the community as well as a matinee for the students.

The majority of colleges require prospective students to take either the SAT or the ACT. SATs focus on critical reading, math, and writing. ACTs focus on the same subject plus science. While nei-ther test is more benefi cial than the other, it is rec-ommended that you take both.

“Personally, the SAT is an indicator of how much we’ve learned so far and what we need to learn more of to increase our knowledge,” said se-nior Patricia Ploehn.

To prepare for the test, Ploehn suggests going to practice sessions to get personalized help. The school offers PSAT and SAT workbooks, too.

SATs are important as they show you where you stand educationally. They are benefi cial in the long run because they help you get comfortable with standardized testing. The website carolinacollegeprep.com provides SAT work-shops and college prep tips.

Junior Meleah Riddle took the ACT April 28 along with all other juniors in the state. She didn’t fi nd the writing and reading portions that bad, but found it a bit diffi cult in sci-ence portions.

For anyone taking the test in the future, Riddle suggests going online and answer some practice questions so that to get a better feel for the test. Riddle found the test benefi cial because it allowed her to show colleges what she can do and will help her earn scholarships.

SAT or ACT?Why not both?by Maysia Miles, Staff Writer

Ath

lete

Pr

ofi

leB

y H

aile

y Z

alew

a, S

taff

Wr

iter

Felix Mejia, senior

Senior Felix Mejia is one of the three varsity soccer captains, playing the position of striker. It is his third year playing soccer for the school, and he hopes to continue on with it in college.

Q: When did you fi rst start playing soc-cer?

A: When I was fi ve. I started in the streets with pick up games.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being on the soccer team?

A: As captain, I like leading people. I re-ally like having fun. I don’t see it as some-thing hard; I see it as something I love to do, and it’s just something I’ve always done.

Q: How do you personally prepare for a game?

A: I listen to music and I try to focus on things that will happen in the game. I especially try to focus on my weak points and think of how I can do better in the actual game.

Soccer coach Tyler Havird spoke about Mejia and his contribution to the team.

Q: What contribution does Mejia add to the team?A: He’s a model of consistency. Ever since his fi rst year, he’s constantly

working hard and listening, and he’s the absolute model of what we look for in athletes. He’s extremely coachable.

Q: Why did you choose Mejia as a key player?A: He and I see eye-to-eye. When he’s waiting for his ride, we’re talking

about soccer together. When he’s in my class, we’re talking about soccer to-gether. He eat sleeps and breathes this stuff. He’s very dedicated, and if you’re going to interview anyone, it needs to be someone who is 100% dedicated to this sport. Most of our guys are part-time soccer players and two-sport athletes. He is a one-sport and one-sport-only athlete.

Head Coach Summers brings home another one

Head Football Coach Rodney Summers was recently named State Strength Coach of the Year by the State Strength Coaches As-sociation. This year, Summers led 12 of our athletes to qualify for the State Strength Meet. Of those 12 athletes, six of them earned med-als in the competition and one state champion.

From April 30 to May 2, the 2015 NFL Draft took place in Chicago. The Draft is an important and nerve-wracking event for football fans in all cities. This event is a chance for the NFL to improve their rosters by adding talented college players. During the two-day event, all 32 teams have their pick of members to add to their team.

The fi rst pick of the Draft, which went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was a quarterback from Florida State University by the name of Jameis Winston. He of-fi cially signed a four-year deal, worth over $25 million, including a nearly-$17 million bonus, with the team the Friday after he was drafted. The team’s general manager, Jason Licht, said that the team wanted to get the contact signed as quickly as possible guaranteeing Winston’s position for next year.

The excitement didn’t stop there as many more picks were made throughout those days including Alvin Dupree, an outside linebacker from the University of Kentucky, was drafted onto the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dupree is 6’4”, 269 pounds, and also plays basketball. Marcus Mariota, an Oregon quarterback, was drafted by the Tennessee Titans. He was the overall second pick in the draft, and the Titans don’t believe they’ve made a mistake.

Now that the draft is over, the last thing to do is train. Once training is done, the NFL team coaches will see if their decisions were the right ones.

NFL Draft brings fresh blood to rosters, Florida State QB fi rst draftby Hailey Zalewa, Staff Writer

Photo Credit: The State Newspaper

Calling all seniors! Calling all seniors! Graduation is dawning. Our caps and gowns are here and we’re signing our yearbooks. Fun, stressful, challenging...no matter how you look at it, high school certainly provided a ton of experiences for us.

Stephen Timmons said, for him, high school, was an adventure that was both exciting and challenging. He started at Blythewood before coming to West-wood. During Timmons’ sophomore year, he partici-pated in football, track and field, and Helping Hands, a group that does volunteer work in the community. He admits that he is pretty excited for college and said, “[I am] ready for new challenges of college.” He added that the biggest lesson he learned is to fo-cus on work, mind his business and do what makes him happy.

Abrianna Barr said, “ The challenging thing I ex-perienced this year was my math class. I’ve always had a hard time in math and the fact that this is my last year I have to make it count.” While she believes she’s ready for the “real world”, Barr admits, if she could do things differently, she would have gotten more involved in school activities.

Gabriel Edwards, who attended Ridgeview his freshman year, describes high school as being boring and with no genuine people. However, he is really excited to graduate, but is “kind of nervous because [he] doesn’t know what to expect.”

Though it’s been challenging at times, Brandi Mccoy is loving her senior year. “Three years ago, I would have had all my college plans in order and a military career already on the right track! Trying to do all of this in one year is difficult but not im-possible!” said Mccoy. She added, “Nobody’s ready for the ‘real world’, but you can learn over the years from your experiences and the decisions you made in your life.”

Ija Charles knows that hard work pays off and is excited to graduate. Charles described high school as a place where there is “freedom to strive”, add-ing that it does not matter where or what school you came from, that everyone can create their own path of success.

Of her senior year, Markayla Walls said, “Se-nior year has been a challenge, and I also gained a lot of close friends that I want to get in contact af-ter we graduate.” Her only high school regret is that she wishes she’d gotten more involved in clubs and things outside of school, but she believes she’s ready for the real world and is eager for the new challeng-es that await her. She feels that her parents and her school instilled the strong morals and values that she needs in order to go out in life and conquer it.

by Alandria Haynes and Jordyn Seibles, staff writers

Honestly, focus on your work because that’s what matters.-Stephen Timmons

“If you slacked around throughout high

school, then it’s too late. This year, focus on

having good grades, staying involved, and

community service. Those are 3 key things

to getting into college. Please don’t wait

until January to apply to colleges...and

start applying for scholarships OVER THE

SUMMER. Trust me, it’s worth it.” -Clanesha Munford

And now, a word from our seniors

As graduation looms, seniors take a look back

Senior year is going to be stressful. Don’t

let people tell you that senior year is the

easiest year and stress-free. It certainly is

the easiest year, but it’s stressful because

you’re going through the college and gradua-

tion process, which can make you stress out

and feel overwhelmed. Try and find time for

yourself to calm down, do things that make

you happy. Above all, make sure to find as

many opportunities as you can to make

memories. You’ll want to take them to

college with you.-Patty Ploehn

Don’t party too much or too hard.-Tyler Dale

Do NOT slack off

meaning don’t

get lazy on your

homework or

studying for

quizzes/test.

You could still

repeat se-nior and that

would be horrible

to not graduate with your class

because you weren’t focusing on school

anymore. Applying to colleges can be nerve

wracking , but if you have confidence that

you’ve done well on your SAT/ACT test (you

are gonna take this test for college) then

you should be accepted. Even if you aren’t

accepted into your dream college, keep ap-

plying to college. It’s never too late to apply

when the college is doing rolling applica-

tions. Continue to focus on

schoolwork and don’t let

messy drama and boys

get in the way of your road

to success.

-Alexandria Cornelius

Stay focused. Senior year is a time to have fun and enjoy your last year of “youth”, but it is also the stepping stone to deciding how you will spend the rest of your life.-Kiara Edwards

DO NOT PROCRASINATE. It will come

back to haunt you. Also, take advantage

of the scholarships that Ms. Faulken-

berry sends us. I know her name in

your inbox can be annoying sometimes

lol but she is there to help you.

-Malik Beckman

When things get tough, push HARDER and move forward. Never give up!-Mekka Glenn

Don’t slack off because at the last minute you’re

gonna do everything just to try to pass.-William West

Get involved and join a sports team, club, student gov-ernment, etc. Don’t just be a student.-David Konopka

Work hard. It may not seem like the thing that you want to do, but its the thing that you should do. It will pay off in the end.-Ryan Brinson

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make friends. Join a club, or play a sport. Try new things, and have fun. But don’t forget to study and do your best in class!-Ashley Rudd

Enjoy life and

cherish the time you

have an underclass-

men, because time

moves faster than

you think.

-Jordan Harding

Photo Credit: Jordyn Seibles

RT

FEA

TU

RE

S

College is a time away from parents and high school drama, an escape--a home away from home for many--an opportunity to establish self-worth and understanding and independence. Excitement rises in seniors as graduation approaches and they can see the end of a long tunnel as a new chapter to their life is about to begin.

Many seniors are excited to leave for college in August. Many are also worried about being away from their family, taking care of themselves and passing all their classes. They all agree that being able to start an independent life, to create a life more suited to their needs, and to take on more responsi-bilities is exciting, and they cannot wait to experi-ence their new lives come August.

Senior Patty Ploehn feels that going off to college will provide new experiences. “I’ll gain a better un-derstanding of adulthood, gain new responsibilities, and be truly independent on my own.”

Not knowing what to expect, the first year of col-lege can be confusing and scary, but Ploehn believes that by getting involved with the school, her first year will allow her the time to become more organized and meet new and interesting people. She hopes to “figure out what I am suppose to do in life--what im-pact I am suppose to make in my life and possibly the lives of others.”

Like Ploehn, senior Jordyn Seibles is excited for college. “College is going to provide a completely different environment for me, and the experience is going to be a great one.”

Rushing a sorority or fraternity provides a differ-ent experience for college students. Seibles said, “I hope to pledge a sorority and create a lasting impact/impression on my sorority sisters.”

Not being 100% sure on what you want to be go-ing to college is completely normal, but if you have a clear ideal path then there are no fears. Senior Mo-nisha Robinson is excited to start an independent life of her own, allowing for more freedoms, but she is not clear on what her intentions are when it comes to life after college.

“I’m not quite sure if I want to become a zoologist and work at South Carolina’s Riverbanks Zoo here in Columbia or if I want to be a marine biologist,” she said.

by Michaela Pinapfel, staff writer

“My advice for the upcoming seniors is to just live life. This is your last year, make it count. And, do all your work because you want to except your exams, haha!!!” -Alandria Haynes

My advice for upcoming seniors is: Worry about yourself. At the end of the day, YOU are the one striving to be the best you can be. It’s good to have friends, but at the same time, be with friends that want and need to be success-ful like you’re going to be.-Tishawn Harrison

And now, a word from our seniors

College: a time of independence, new experiences

Don’t play around, stay in [those] books

and have fun your senior year.-Ija Charles

Apply to schools early and if you

can get a free application do it.

The college I’m going to I got a free

application from going to the college

tailgate. Also get involved so you

can build your resume. Also don’t

let school stop you from having a

good time just remember this is

your year make it a good one.

-Taylor Bronson

Focus on your work, don’t stress out, and live life the right way. Don’t make dumb choices--they will end up hurting you and everyone around you.-Ashleah Williams

Take advantage of every scholarship opportunity. It will pay off in the long run.-Stephanie Seabrooks

You need to start applying for colleges as

soon as possible, get involved as much as

you can because your senior year goes by

quick, make it last. -Jazmine Wood

Stay focused. Nev-

er lose sight of your

dreams and what you

want to accomplish.

-Jordan Harding

No matter what you’re going through, keep your head up and FIN-ISH. Go out with a BANG!!-Shontera Boyd

Work hard now and you won’t have to later.-Erin SkrivanSenioritis is real, and it will hit you. Hard. You’ve made it this far, don’t screw it all up by slacking off.-Evan Cowles

Work hard. It may not seem like the thing that you want to do, but its the thing that you should do. It will pay off in the end.-Ryan Brinson

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make friends. Join a club, or play a sport. Try new things, and have fun. But don’t forget to study and do your best in class!-Ashley Rudd

Make sure your grades

stay good so you can

get into any college

you want.

-Brandi McCoy

Photo Credit: Hailey Zalewa

YOLO

Westwood has its fi rst All-American athlete: junior Evan Carri-gan. After a strong season of wrestling, Carrigan was invited to the All-American national wrestling tournament.

“I was extremely excited because I had fi nally achieved another one of my many goals,” said Carrigan. “I immediately walked up to my mother, she was crying and I almost started to tear up myself.”

“Evan’s success is a direct refl ection of his hard work and com-mitment to the sport,” said head wrestling coach Ashley Powell. “Being named an All-American in only his third year is incredible.”

Despite the tough competition, Carrigan did not feel too nervous and pressured. “I knew that I had worked as hard if not harder than anybody else in the past three years than most people probably did their whole wrestling career up until that point,” he said. “It was my turn to start making myself known.”

“Wrestling is a sport that sometimes takes a while to see success. Evan decided two years ago that he wanted to be good, and he has sacrifi ced so much time and work over the past two years to reach his goals.”

Carrigan’s father always told him before a match: “Wrestle smart, stay in position, and little victories.”

This is something Carrigan holds close to his heart, and it has helped him get this far in his wrestling career. All-American match-es are much more challenging when compared to regular high school matches.

“The competition at national tournaments can be much more diffi cult from the high school season competition,” Carrigan said. “I saw many different styles of wrestling at this tournament that I was not used too. This made each match a different puzzle that I had to complete in six minutes which can be very diffi cult.”

“Many colleges that have contacted me about Evan can’t believe he has only been wrestling for three years,” said Powell. “The best thing about Evan [is] even through all the succcess is that he has remained humble and continues to work with the hopes of getting better. Everyone is very proud of Evan’s accomplishments, and we hope they continue for him.”

Even with the pressure and the harsher competition Carrigan makes sure to have a good time doing what he loves. “I try to have fun no matter where I’m wrestling or who I’m wrestling. I just go out on the mat to have fun doing what I love. Win or lose, wrestling will always be there for me in the end.”

The 2015 outdooor track season was success-ful. The boys team had 14 regional qualifi ers, led by freshman Montre Miller and sophomore Rudy Mitchell in the sprints, and junior Keenan Javis and senior Richie Finch in the jumps. Sophomore Kaden Briggs also qualifi ed by running a personal best 1:00 fl at in the 400 hurdles, and senior Ereck Lewis ran a personal best 10:14 in the two-mile run.

The boys team was also able to qualify a pair of relay teams in the 4x100 running 43.1 second (one lap around the track), and the 4x800 running 8:29 (8 laps around the track).

“This shows the depth of talent on the team that so many of our guys were able to run fast and help their four-man team advance,” said boys head track coach Evan Lima.

The girls team had six region qualifi ers, led by region champ Kelsey Briggs jumping an aston-ishing 19’6” and destroying her competition, said Lima. The girls team was able to qualify in the 4x100 meter relay, running 48.89 seconds.

This year, the Lady Redhawks softball team showed great improvement, said head coach Lila Grooms.

“We had several injuries this year so some decisions had to be made in order for the team to compete,” Grooms said.

This meant players were placed in var-ious positions that they normally would not play. For example, junior Makenzie Turner took on the role of pitcher and ju-nior Madison Oxendine served as back-up pitcher. Newcomer freshman Brooke Bayne took over as catcher and senior Andrinea Patrick played both outfi eld and catcher.

The team brought home two wins this season, an improvement from last year.

“We commend each and every young lady (even those not mentioned) on step-ping up and being a team player!” said Grooms.

This year, the boys soccer team had the most wins in program history and, according to soccer coach Tyler Havird, they are looking to build off the wins and losses for next season.

“The boys played well this year as we adapted to the competiveness of AAAA soccer in an ex-tremely diffi cult region,” Havird said.

Standout players for the year include junior Gurbir Malhi, an All-Regional selection and the current Redhawk Soccer Goals leader; junior Ma-lik Griffi n, best all-around player this year and co-captain with Malhi; and junior Jonathan Dy-armett, best defensive player for the team.

Head golf coach Mi-chael Dobreski said, “We had a tough year record-wise but fi nished strong with a fi fth place fi nish in the Region Tournament.”

Eighth grade player Kendall Wallace be-came the fi rst golfer in school history to qual-ify for the Upper State Tournament.

Evan Carrigan: Westwood’s fi rst All-American athlete Spring Sports Wrap-Up

Baseb

all

Boys tennis head coach Ramona Gonzalez said, “It was a year of growth for us. We went from a team of fi ve last year to ten this year.”

As for the season itself, Gonzalez said, “We had some very tough opponents and yet many of our matches ended up in nail-biting tie breakers. We beat Ridge View - also a growing and competitive team.”

She added, “Our big moment, however, was our fi nal match when we beat Camden Military Acade-my for the fi rst time in four challenges.”

Boys SoccerSoftball

Boys Tennis

Golf

Trac

k&Fi

eld

Girls SoccerPhoto Credit: Chelsea Blackett-Medina

Photo Credit: Kira Parker

Photo Credit: Jennifer Dyarmett

Photo Credit: Kelly Smeby

Photo Credit: Lifetouch

“I think I have found my true calling. After going through over eight months of physi-cal therapy, I have discovered that learning how your body works and how to heal injuries is really, really, interesting to me. Because of this experience I have decided to attend Clemson University in the fall to major in Health Sciences so that I can go to physical therapy school after graduation.”~Bekah Williams, senior

“I don’t know. The best is yet to come.”~Carleton Bailiff, sophomore

“Winning First Runner up for Miss Under-classmen at Miss Westwood.”~Kristen Lincoln, junior

“I got a 100 on my AP European History Test.”~Karrington Gardner, sophomore

What’s the best thing that happened to you this year?

“I survived.”~William Ayers, freshman

“I think the best thing that has happened to me this school year was being able to travel to Italy and Spain with a few friends from school and Mr. Disharoon. It was such a great experience to visit the beautiful cities of Rome, Barcelo-na, and Madrid. We had so much fun visiting the different churches and monuments and taking self-ies.”~Anna Bramlette, junior

“The best thing that happened this year was when I found out that our Drama Club was going to Nationals in Nebraska. Unfortunately, we later found that we couldn’t afford it. It was bitter-sweet.”~Stephanie Seabrooks, senior

“The best thing that happened to me this year was that I got ranked up in JROTC.”~Nubia Miles, freshman

“The best thing that has happened to me this school year is when I won as the high school contestant for the Poetry Out Loud Contest. This great accomplishment lead me to be the Mistress of Ceremony of The Black History Month Assembly 2015.”~Dasha Miller, junior

“Best thing that happened to me was making varsity cheerleading! I never thought I would, and it was a great feeling.”~Anisah Reed, junior

“The best thing to happen to me this year is being able to play in our first ever playoff basketball game.” ~Terrance Barnes, sophomore

“Letting go of people and things that are stressers in my life is the best thing that has happened to me this school year. Because of that, I’ve actually been able to enjoy my junior year and have fun with those around me.”~Ashli White, junior

“Athletic training be-cause I met a lot of new people. It made senior year a lot better because you do so much.”~Taylor Bronson, senior

“There are a few good things that have happened to me this year. One is having one of my drawings displayed at the school multiple times; two is being able to apply for an amazing pre college program; and last, I love being a part of the Renais-sance Faire. I was able to perform with my best friend.”~Gabriela Pagan, junior

Photo Credit: Amaya Johnson

Photo Credit: Ihyanna Cruz

Photo Credit: Angel Salley

Photo Credit: Hailey Zalewa

Photo Credit: Angel Salley

Photo Credit: Antonio Carr

Photo Credit: Hailey Zalewa