volume 35, issue 2

THE BOTTOM LINE Quotable “Not really sure who should win the election, but I’ll probably complain either way.” » Bob Roberston

VOLUME 35 , ISSUE 2 DECEMBER 14, 2012

Golden FleeceINTERACTIVE

Wrestlers diets help them battle the scales. Use your smartphone

to scan the QR codes throughout this issue.

Washel to join staff as interim asst. principal

Principal Amy Rhoney recently announced that Bob Washel will be named the new temporary as-sistant principal at Roberson. He will be replacing Kaye Lamb and will be the second assistant princi-pal Roberson has had this year. “We are having two temporary vice principles this year because Lamb is taking another position, and we are not able to hire a per-manent vice principle for next year until the summer,” Rhoney said. During her time at Roberson, Lamb was responsible for dis-cipline, observing teachers, and helping with athletic supervision at soccer, football, and basketball games. “I enjoyed the people in general during my time here because they were all so wonderful, helpful, and patient. But the main thing I enjoyed the most was working with the students directly again,” Lamb said. After Christmas, she will be taking a job at the central office as the interim Director of Graduation Initiative where she will be helping students in Buncombe County graduate. “The main focus of my new job will be to try and reduce the drop-out rate in the county. I have a real passion for helping students finish high school, and I am going to make sure they don’t give up and stay in school,” Lamb said. Lamb said this was not the original plan when she was hired at the beginning of the year, but that she is really excited about her new position. “Mrs. Lamb took the position of assistant principal to help us out, but now the central office really wants her to work there, so that’s why we hired Mr. Washel to finish out the year,” assisstant principal Janet Greenhoe said. Washel will begin working at TC starting after winter break, coinciding with the time Lamb will be leaving. According to Rhoney, Roberson had to hire two interim assistant principles because of the timing. “We have a person in mind for the permanent position, but we will announce it later after they have completed certification requirements. They will begin thier new assignment the summer of 2013,” Rhoney said. Washel is a retired principal from Owen High School and most recently worked in the superinten-dent’s office as the director of Safe Schools and Interscholastic Athlet-ics Facilitator. “He is one of my good friends and is a delightful gentle-man with a quirky sense of humor. He will be a good fit for TC,” Lamb said.

Current assistant principal Lamb will be moving to central office.

High schoolsadjust to new 9-week pacingAll schools are now on same schedule to help with transportation.

By ELIZABETH RANDStaff Writer [email protected]

Over the last year and a half, area schools are missing something that is typically common in the winter: snow days. A day off of school due to inclement weather is decided by the superintendent in consulta-tion with the Buncombe County School’s(BCS) transportation staff. “They consult with law enforce-ment, BCS Emergency Services as well as weather experts to determine road conditions to see if school can be held on schedule, with a delay, or not at all,” Associate Superintendent Suzanne Swanger said.

The transition from a school year with multiple work days that could be used for make up days are built in to the calendar to a year without any snow days is due to the new legisla-tive mandate that says we have to be in school for 185 days. “Even though it is only a couple of extra days, I feel like those days are heavy on all of our minds. It almost makes us more stressed out to think that we have to stay longer,” sophomore Philip Summers said. According to history teacher Brian Feid, whenever a snow day is called, BCS uses optional teacher work days that are usually found at the end of the calendar. In some cas-es, like that of two years ago, where the system had a significant number of snow days. The missed time had to be made up on Saturdays. “It doesn’t really affect me until it snows. Until it does I will teach

on the days that they need me to be here.” Feid said. “Like everyone else I will adjust.” Yearly calendars are made by the Calendar Committee, a group of ap-proximately 35 educators, students, and parents. A survey also goes out to staff and parents for their input. North Carolina legislative man-date says that there has to be 185 days in the calendar for 2012-2013. BCS received a one-time waiver from the North Carolina Depart-ment of Public Instruction to use three days for professional develop-ment due to the new Common Core and Essential Standards, so in effect, students will have school for 182 days. Swanger also mentions that for the 2013-2014 school year, the law require students to be in school for 185 days or 1025 hours of instruc-tion.

photo/EMILY MCCORD/golden fleece

LET IT SNOW: Teachers and students have noticed the lack of cold weather and snow days so far this year.

Lack of snow days continue to affect students.

By ELIZABETH MCBRIDE Staff Writer [email protected]

Students continue through year without ‘snow breaks’

By AVERY LINDSAYStaff Writer [email protected]

Students in Buncombe County High Schools are having to adjust to more than just a longer school year. Now, they are on a new nine-week grading period, rather than the traditional six-week schedule the schools have run on for decades. Teachers such as Regina Phillips, find this harder for students and themselves more grades that have to be entered into the system during each period. This may cause some students to lose sight of how they are doing. “Students will have to keep better track of their grades since there will be more work every nine weeks. It’s going to take some time to get used to,” Phillips, who teaches math, said. TC staff became aware of this change at the end of last year before exams started. “We found out from central office before the end of the year. It had been thought over for a while, but the decision was just recently made. We’ll just have to see if it will make any improvements with the students,” Phillips said. Elementary, intermedi-ate, and middle schools have all operated on a nine-week schedule since the county system began. And although the decision to change was largely connected to aligning the high schools with other schools, some teachers believe the change will be positive. “I believe that it gives a better picture of students’ overall grades, versus the old six-week schedule. I am hop-ing that this will help students be more accountable for their grades and help them to keep better track of their final aver-age,” history teacher Elizabeth Ferguson said. Seniors who have been at TC for the past three years are adjusting to the new grading policy, even though this nine-weeks schedule follows along with elementary and middle schools. Senior Arianna Douglas has a different belief on how to handle this adjustment. “Well, I think there are benefits in that students have longer to get their grades up, but at the same time you have to maintain good grades for a longer period of time.” Douglas said. “I think that the six-week schedule might have been better than this new nine-week schedule, but it’s hard to say for sure which one will be more beneficial.”

A packed house at the latest school board meeting was made aware of the district’s newest regu-lation that addresses the distribu-tion of information to students in the system. The new “administrative regula-tion” is the latest attempt from the system to address the growing issue of the Buncombe County School’s (BCS) religion and distribution policies. According to multiple reports from the Citizen-Times, this new regulation is connected to the controversy that developed last year between the distribution of Bibles and pagan materials.

According to the new regulation (653R - Distribution of Informa-tion), each year high schools will be responsible to facilitate a commu-nity event which allows organiza-tions, including religious ones, to distribute materials or literature. Roberson will be holding its event in the spring. “The responsibility of this fair has been placed on the high schools to plan, prepare, and staff the event,” principal Amy Rhoney said. Only the high schools in each district will hold the fairs, and they are required to take place after school hours. In addition to the fair, a three-minute video discussing rights and regulations regarding religion will be shown to all students in the county on Jan. 20, which is World Religion Day. Teachers were re-quired to view a 15-minute version of the video on their role in this issue as well. “The video is designed to help

clarify and understand the rights and responsibilities regarding religious actions in school. Both teachers and students can pray, just not together,” BCS Director of Communications Jan Blunt said. A separate, yet connected, situ-ation presented itself last winter when North Buncombe High School basketball players decided to pray at center court and invite visiting teams and coaches to join them. In response to this, the question was raised as to if coaches could participate. In response to that even, the county clarified what coaches can do with Board Policy 652. “Coaches can not lead, partici-pate in, or encourage any prayer or religious activity with their teams,” Athletic Director Laura Beaty said. Whereas this has been gerer-ally followed before, new emphasis is being placed on the appropiate roles to ensure further issues don’t arise.

County policies reflect new emphasis as to what schools can do.

By ARYN EISEN Editor, Golden [email protected]

Board of Ed clarifies positions on issues dealing with religion

Buncombe County’s

#653R#652Instructs high schools to hold distribution event for community organizations, including religious groups.

Clarifications to ensure that coaches do not participate

in any religious practices with students on campus.

RELIGION POLICY

Recent Clarifications to Board Policy

source/buncombe.k12.nc.us

Find out who’s all decked out when it comes to holiday decorations in Asheville.

Asheville PAGE 7 Sports PAGE 12

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BRUSHING UP: Senior Amber Roberts is teaching the class the proper procedure to clean dentures. Allied health students must perform multiple skills at the state standard to pass their CNA exam in order to reach full certification.

Students involved in the Allied Health II classes at Roberson took the CNA exam this past weekend. The exam is the next step to test nursing aids. Although the students are not yet able to be employed as full-time

nurses, this exam tests their knowledge and ability to perform skills a nursing assistant would need. According to Allied Health teacher Beth Collier, the exam includes a multiple choice section and a practical skills section. Students are also required to have 40 hours of long term care experience. “They have different skills that have to be checked off, but they do not know what they are beforehand. All they know is that there will be a hand-washing portion, a measurement portion,

and then three random assessments,” Collier said. Each semester, up to 10 students are selected to take the exam based on an application process. The students are typically seniors, however, this year one junior, Machayla Dutcher, also participated. “So far the class has been a challenge, but I think most felt confident about the exam,” Dutcher said. Collier feels the students were prepared for the exam. “The hardest part for the students is the skills section

because they get so nervous,” Collier said. Following their exam students then complete a series of hospital observation circuits at the Veterans Administration Hospital. Senior Moorea Dippel thinks hospital observations are one of the unique opportunities available for students who are involved in the class. “I’m most excited about getting to watch a surgery. It’s going to be a great experience,” Dippel said.

This year the cafeteria offered the traditional holiday meal

to all local police officers and firefighters.

Thanksgiving Meal

All AP English III and APUSH classes recently took a trip to see the historic movie about Abe Lincoln’s life.

Lincoln Movie Trip

The dance department held it’s 20th annual performance last week. This years performance

included “Bollywood” and hip-hop style dances.

20th Annual Recital

Since our official launch in September, our online site has been covering Roberson daily. Below are

some of the few stories we covered.

What’s Going On-line?

GoldenFleeceOnline.com

**If you have a Smartphone or an iPhone, you can simply scan the QR Codes next to the stories for

direct access to the story. Otherwise, you can search them easily online at GoldenFleeceOnline.com.

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Nine HO-2 students attempt CNA test

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Congratulations!

By CAROLINE STRAY Staff [email protected]

As Christmas approaches, decorations are being hung, presents are being bought, and Christmas trees are being cut. Once again this year, the Christmas tree for the White House will be provided from a tree farm in North Carolina. Each year, the National Christmas Tree Association

hosts a contest where growers, industry experts and consum-ers vote on who will provide the official White House Christmas tree. To qualify for the national contest, growers must first win state or regional competitions. This tradition has been honored since 1966 when the NCTA began. “Each state has a competi-tion and then one tree farm is selected to represent that state in national competition,” Ashe County Agricultural Agent Travis Birdsell said. This year, a 19-foot Fraser Fir from Peak Farms in Jef-

ferson, N.C. will be displayed in the Blue Room. This is at least the ninth time a North Carolina tree has been chosen since the compe-tition began. “North Carolina tree farms are chosen because we pro-duce very high quality trees. Ashe County alone has had seven national champion tree farms,” Birdsell said. The tree was chosen in ear-ly October and delivered on Nov. 23. Rusty and Beau Estes, owners of Peak Farms, were able to meet Michelle Obama, daughters Malia, Sasha, and

“first-dog” Bo upon delivery. But Peak Farms is not the only North Carolina tree farm getting attention from the executive branch this year. Vice President Joe Biden also received his Christmas tree from Cool Springs Nursery, a farm located in Banner Elk. According to North Caro-lina agriculture commissioner Steve Troxler, this marks the first time that both the Christ-mas trees for the president and the vice president have come from the same state.

In addition to CNA testing, students experience nursing home and hospital.

President,VP pick Christmas trees from NC This is the 9th time NC trees have been selected.

By JENNY DOWNEY Staff Writer [email protected]

60% 30%

Features3GOLDEN FLEECE • December 14, 2012

Kuder, Jones begin process of growing world’s hottest peppers in horticultureJuniors Zak Kuder and Colton Jones are the first ever horticulture students to grow ghost peppers for this project.

By CAROLINE STRAY Staff Writer [email protected]

While most students in Duane Banks’ Horticulture class are growing habanero or jalapeño peppers, Kuder and Jones are growing the Naga Bhut Jolokia pepper. Commonly nicknamed ‘ghost pepper’, the heat produced from this pepper is rated 1,041,427 units on the Scoville Scale, which is used to rate spicy foods and vegetables from one to 16,000,000 units. More mild peppers, such as the habanero, have a rating of about 200,000 units. In addition to add-ing a spicy flavor to food, these peppers are also used as a weapon in hand grenades or to make pepper spray. “One of our big projects of the semes-ter was to grow some sort of vegetable,” Kuder said. “We wanted to grow something unique, so we chose ghost peppers. They have never been done before in the class.” According to Horticulture teacher Duane Banks, ghost peppers have never been grown by any student for this project before. Typically the students grow flowers,

other types of peppers, or tomatoes. “The most popular seeds picked this year were tomatoes,” Banks said. “Over 100 seeds of those went right away, because they’re easy and get good results. Differ-ent types of flowers were also popular, because they are also not too difficult, grow quickly, and have pretty good results if you grow them cor-rectly.” The students have

two main projects to complete over the semester, including another involving producing a flower pot from recycled mate-rial. These are all part of the process to teach students exactly how plants are produced and survive to maturity. The main purpose of this project is for them to learn to propagate plants from seed,” Banks said. “It’s part of the curricu-lum, and we complete two major projects during the year to enforce their knowledge of it.” Students had the option of choosing from a limited selection of seeds such as marigolds, petunias, or jalapeños that are provided by the teacher or by using their own money to purchase other types of seeds of their own. Although the project

was assigned as an individual grade, Kuder and Jones chose to use the same type of seed and chose to order them from pepper-joes.com because no local stores manufac-ture the peppers. The students have to grow 10 seeds of any type of vegetable, although some may

not finish growing before the semester ends.According to junior Mark Monroe, Kuder and Jones chose the most unique plant in the class. “I’ve heard about ghost peppers on TV, and they’re pretty well-known,” Mon-roe said. “Watching Zak and Colton complete the process definitely taught me more about it, and it’s really interesting. I’m just growing a simple tomato.”

Although the project is for this semes-ter, several students’ plants will not finish growing until next semester. However, that is not the most important thing, because Banks just wants to make sure they under-stand the process of getting there. “We wanted to do something really unique, and we’re pretty excited about the ghost peppers,” Jones said. “However, they take around 92 days to fully grow, so it’ll be pretty boring for now.”

Cafeteria turns deficit into profit in two years

The Roberson cafeteria like all other cafeterias in Bun-combe County, is a non-profit program. According to Child Nutrition Supervisor Amy Hamrick, the profits that all the schools make go to the child nutrition department to pay for new equipment, fix old equip-ment and pay for uniforms. “Buncombe County gets a certain amount of money from the federal government for each meal purchased, and the rest

is earned by the cafeterias,” Hamrick said. Profits from the “a la carte” items such as Gatorade, brownies, or an extra slice of pizza go to the child nutrition department to pay for the needs of all the

cafeterias in Buncombe County. The cafeteria purchases these items separately based on demand. “There are 42 schools in Buncombe County and each school has it’s own cafeteria. We deposit the money to the

child nutrition department but we don’t get to choose what it is used for,” Principal Amy Rhoney said. In previous years ,the cafete-

ria operated at a loss. Ac-cording to Hamrick, at the end of the 2010-2011 school year, Rob-erson’s cafe was about $24,000 be-low budget. At the end of the 2012 school year, the lunch-

room had covered the previous debt and actually ended with $24,900 surplus. Hamrick believes that strict-

ly following the guidelines from the government might be one of the reasons for the increase in profits. The federal government allots funding based on serving sizes; so if someone serves more than the serving size, then the cafeteria loses money. This is why the cafeteria staff serves the food instead of having a self-serve line. “The government gives us very specific guidelines to fol-low for serving sizes to ensure that nutrition requirements are met. For pricing, following these guidelines more closely can be the difference of a lot of money,” Hamrick said. Hamrick also believes that in previous years the cafeteria may have made too much of a certain item and ended up hav-ing to throw it away.

All extra funds earned from BCS cafeterias benefit child nutrition department.

By JENNY DOWNEY Staff Writer [email protected]

TUITION

RALEIGH, NC

In-state: $7,788

Out-of-State: $20,953

Room and Board $8,414

ENROLLMENT

25,176

Male%56.3

Female% 43.7

Faculty-to-Student Ratio: 17:1

Student Organizations 400+ Undergraduate Majors

100+

ATHLETICS

Division I ACC

Average SAT: 1600-1890

For pricing, following these guidelines more closely can be the

difference...

“

”» AMY HAMRICK

Cong

rats

Par

ents

Jasmine White- NC Central Madison McGlohon- NC CentralCecyll Underwood-Winston Salem StateSequoia Watkins- NC StateDerrell Parker-NC CentralKelsey Lynch-Virginia TechJessica Zirpanen- UNC Chapel HillJessica Zirpanen- UNC Chapel Hill

We’ll Move the Next GenerationExclusive Cuts T.C Roberson High SchoolFirehouse Subs Frank’s New York DeliNannett Designs Handbags FuddruckersEnglish Garden Cottage Trax’s Hair Design(Hendersonville) Haywood Park MotelsWillie Freeland Home Green’s MinimartTwo Nutcakes CateringTwo Nutcakes Catering A.C. Reynolds High SchoolShobox Irmo High School

photo/KATHRYN SIZEMORE/golden fleece

ALL PEPPED UP: Junior Colton Jones transplants a bell pepper in Horticulture. Jones and junior Zak Kuder are preparing to plant the worlds hottest peppers for a project. “We wanted to grow something unique, so we chose ghost peppers,” Kuder said.

TUITION

AUBURN, AL

In-state: $9,446



ENROLLMENT

25,469

Male%51

Female%49



140+

ATHLETICS

Division I SEC


TUITION

DURHAM, NC

$40,665


ENROLLMENT

6,680

Male%51

Female%49



100+

ATHLETICS

Division I ACC


TUITION

CHAPEL HILL, NC

In-state: $7,694



ENROLLMENT

29,137

Male%56.3

Female%43.7



68+

ATHLETICS

Division I ACC


TUITION

GREENVILLE, NC

In-state: $5,813



ENROLLMENT

21,589

Male%38

Female%62



100+

ATHLETICS

Division I ACC


NC State

We wanted to grow something

unique, so we chose ghost

peppers.

“

”» ZAK KUDER

Auburn

Duke

UNC

ECU

Each month, we compare 5 different colleges from around the state & nation on common attributes and stats.

GOLDEN FLEECE • DECEMBER 14, 2012THEMED 4 GOLDEN FLEECE • DECEMBER 14, 2012 THEMED 5

REILLY SULLIVAN Freshman

“No because it’s not really addressed.”

THE BOTTOM LINE COMPILED BY JOSA [email protected]’

Student Panel discusses drinking, drug use connected to partying

School ‘partying’ encompasses variety of teen, cultural issuesBy ELIZABETH MCBRIDE Staff Writter [email protected]

Different views of teenage partying have been exemplified through movies such a “Project X” and yet a sampling of different generations still produces varying assumptions on the definition of ‘partying.’“I just don’t think that any of the Hollywood movies correctly represent how teens really party,” sophomore Danielle Boase said. When it comes to partying it may be hard to find a classification that fits everyone’s point of view. The broad ‘Hollywood Party Scene’ is typically personified as up to 100 children crammed in the house of the idolized rich

jock or the preppy cheerleader with solo cups in everyone’s hand. “I think Hollywood tends to glorify partying to be what the “rich beautiful

people” do, although I assume not everyone there is drinking and getting high,” social worker Katherine Sims said. “It’s a shame that Hollywood can’t put a more positive, healthy influence on teens.” Statistics show that nationally alcohol is a definite factor of partying. According to SADD.org, a 2008 study shows 72 percent of teens have consumed alcohol at least once before their high school graduation, and 37 percent have by the eighth grade. “Alcohol is always a part of most major parties these days. And yeah, I’d say it’s always easy

to find for those who want it,” junior Jordan Smith said. For some teens it maybe harder to come across alcohol by themselves, but with the help of their parents, ironically, it can be easier. According to alcoholism.about.com, a recent poll shows two out of three teens, ages 13-18, said it is easy to get alcohol from their homes without their parents knowing about it. “You’ll see kids come into the store with their parents, but I couldn’t imagine any parent supplying alcohol to their children. My guess is that teens get alcohol from older friends who can buy it. Ultimately, we don’t have any control what goes on after people have purchased the alcohol,” Kay Billings, the Manager of the ABC Store on Hendersonville Rd. said. Because alcohol is known to be a more expensive item, it can be harder for teens to get the alcohol by themselves. “Within the 10 ABC Stores around Asheville, we make millions of dollars a year,” Billings said. To some teens it is hard to come across alcohol by themselves, but with the help of their parents it is easier. “I feel like alcohol is harder to get now, and laws have gotten stricter and more difficult. Over the years, it has increasingly become a harder thing to come by, unless the parents are okay with them having alcohol,” SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions) advisor and counselor Natalie Anderson said. A factor that adds to the expense of alcohol is the ‘sin tax,’ which is the tax on certain goods such as alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. “I know of kids that get their supply of alcohol from their parents. Some sneak it and some give it to them. My parents say that if I were to drink, then they would want me to drink at home,” a member from the panel said.

Each month, we will be asking students in the school to give us their perspective on a particular issue. The opinions expressed in this feature are not necessarily the views of the Golden Fleece or it’s staff.

TANNER CASE Junior

“No, I dont think its an issue. It happenes

everywhere.”

GRAHAM CORNWELL

Sophmore“I don’t think so,

because all my friends are good. I try to be

around friends that don’t really do that

stuff. So, I dont see it that much.”

MAX CROWNOVER

Freshman

“No, it’s not that big of a deal. You don’t

really hear about it that much.”

ANNA CATHERINE NAZEMI

Sophmore

“Yeah, not really in honors classses

but mainly standard and it hurts them

academically.”

ZEKESCHMELZLE

Senior

“No, I hear about some, but not really.There was

a lot last year.”

Teen partying is a big issue...It is dif-ficult for teens to ignore peer pres-

sure.

“

”» Katherine Sims

Do you think partying is an issue at T.C.?

This month, the Golden Fleece talked to our panel about the subject of “partying,” covering multiple aspects of one of the most commonly talked about events for teens. We candidly covered issues relating to when and how they happen, and how big of a role drugs and alcohol play. Here is a selection from our conversation.

Question: So, do you think that underage drinking is problem for students at Roberson?Panel Member 1: I don’t think it’s really a problem unless they are driv-ing after they drink.Panel Member 2: The way I see it, if you’re not smart enough to out-smart the cops and get caught, then you shouldn’t be drinking in the first place.

Question: What kind of things do you see at parties? Drugs? Alcohol?Panel Member 2: Mainly drugs. Well, pot at least.Panel Member 3: I see weed and alcohol at the parties I go to.Panel Member 4: It really depends on who you are hanging out with. It varies.

Question: How often do parties hap-pen?Panel Member 1: Just whenever. But it’s not every weekend.Panel Member 3: If you mean when someone’s having a house party, like when their parents are gone, then I think it happens pretty often.

Question: So does that mean that most parties happen when parents are gone?Panel Member 2: It depends on their parents. Some would rather have them drink in the house than go somewhere else.Panel Member 3: I know a mom who was clueless cause her son used to have people over and they were all drinking and smoking, and she thought that they were just watching a movie or something. She had no idea for about almost a year.Panel Member 1: Most parents choose to ignore it if they do know what is going on.

Question: So how do teens get alco-hol?Panel Member 3: From fakes (ID’s). There’s all these websites online. It’s really easy. I think most people can also get alcohol from their parents, cousins, etc.Panel Member 1: Yeah, it’s really easy to just make a fake ID through Photoshop.

Question: Ok, so we’ve all seen the Hollywood versions of the teen party. Do any parties in Asheville get that big?Panel Member 2: I’ve heard about two huge ones in Asheville…

Question: Do you think partying distracts teens from school?Panel Member 1: It depends to what extent. If you get super-hungover on a Sunday night and Monday morn-ing you can’t go to school, it’s defi-nitely affecting you.Panel Member 2: My friends “par-take” in mischief on the weekends… They party as AP students to literally just escape from all that they have to do. They’re the kids that just don’t get caught.

Question: So, what constitutes a party?Panel Member 1: I don’t think it’s always like 50 beers. It could be a party with just a couple of drinks.Panel Member 2: People consider partying just drinking or smoking or whatever you’re doing. It could just be going and chilling and watching TV to calm down for the day. It’s not always something crazy or big.

Question: Are people just drinking and partying to be cool?Panel Member 2: Yes. I can’t even count how many times I’ve seen a girl take one shot and be like “Oh, I’m so wasted.” I feel like for a lot of people, it’s not about the socializing and stuff; it’s just to be cool.

Question: Do you think teens know when to stop drinking?Panel Member 1: I think it depends on the personality of the person.Panel Member 3: I’ve seen a lot of drinking and driving, but I know a lot of kids aren’t that stupid.Panel Member 1: If the person knows their limit and if they know if they’re okay… I mean if they’re smart enough and not completely wasted… If they’ve had one beer or something, then I guess it’s okay.Panel Member 2: I don’t want to be judged for this, but sometimes I think drinking in high school is good cause I’ve heard a lot about kids that have really strict parents, but when they go to college, they have to go to the hospital and get their stomach pumped because they had so much to drink and don’t know their limits. I mean, person-ally, I think it’s much better to learn at a younger age. Even though it’s illegal when you go to college, you know everyone is going to drink. So, if it’s just with your parents, just

learn your limits because when you don’t, that’s when you get in trouble.

Question: Do you think drinking is a form of rebellion?Panel Member 1: I mean, yeah, it has an “edge” to it.Panel Member 2: I think a lot of people just do it because it’s a good time and it’s a way to have fun.

Question: What do you think the age should be to drink?Panel Member 2: I think it should be 19, because it’s more out of reach, but in college, it’s kind of impractical that the law doesn’t recognize that everyone in college is drinking. Everyone does it, so what’s the point?Panel Member 1: Yeah, they don’t even really enforce it anymore.Panel Member 2: They know people are going to do it, they just want to make it harder to do.

Question: With the recent fact that some states are legal-izing marijuana, what do you think? Should the government just legalize everything?Panel Member 1: I don’t think they should legalize all drugs, but I don’t see why they haven’t le-galized marijuana. Alcohol can make you violent, but I’ve never heard of anyone getting high and being violent.Panel Member 2: Economically, I think it would really benefit us if we did legalize it. I did this project on if we legalized marijuana, and it would really help. It wouldn’t totally elimi-nate the debt, but if you put a tax on it, it would help. And person-ally, I think weed is less harmful than alcohol. Panel Member 5: I don’t under-stand why alcohol is legal but marijuana isn’t. Panel Member 2: If they legal-ize weed, there definitely needs to be an age limit because you can clearly point out when someone is high and you can’t always do that when someone is drinking. But your brain isn’t done developing until you’re older, and it dampens your brain cell growth if you start smoking when you’re 13.

To better understand the issues that students at Roberson are facing, we have formed a student-based committee to discuss topics that affect the entire school. The members of this committee this month were: Freshman Jacob Davis & Ashley Land, sophomore Cat Jennings, juniors Ellie Collins, Jason Horecky & Lauren Whiteneck, and senior Alex Zorich.

Dude, Party?

The South is typically known for fried chicken, sweet tea, and love for college foot-ball. Another age-old tradition present in the South and in our community is debutante balls. Asheville Junior Assembly (AJA), an invite- only service club, continues this tradition by “presenting” high school junior girls to society. The event will be held on Dec. 15 at Biltmore Forest Country Club and will be the 73rd year it has been held in Asheville. Each year, the organization chooses a local project or a non-profit to assist. This year, the girls collected toiletries and other items for the Trin-ity Place Runaway Shelter in Asheville. During the presentation each debutante is required to wear a white dress and gloves. The white color originally symbolized that the young woman was eligible for mar-riage. Obviously, today the continued usage of the white dress is just to uphold tradi-tion. This year there are 20 mem-bers participating in the as-sembly, eight of which attend TC Roberson, a significant in-crease from the two Roberson students that did last year. For junior Kat Winkenw-erder, AJA is both a mixture of tradition and fun. “The club raises money to help a children’s, and we just all get to dress up, be with our friends and family and have a great time,” Winkenwerder said. Winkenwerder’s aunt was a member of Brigade (a similar debutante event that is for college freshmen) nearly 60 years ago. Her older brother was also an escort and King in Brigade. This family lineage makes Kat a legacy in the as-sembly. “It is an honor. My family has also been a part of this and it is fun to see how we all come together,” Winkenw-erder said. For many families, provid-ing their daughters with an opportunity to participate in AJA is a cherished tradi-tion. As legacies, these girls have the chance to be a part of an event that a close family member was also a part of. Ju-nior Sophia Silver decided to join AJA because of her older sister’s experience. “She said it was a really fun experience because she met so many girls from Asheville,” Silver said. Whether the members are continuing an old family tra-dition or starting a new one, AJA brings family and friends together to celebrate the suc-cesses of the debutantes. While many trends fade in and out, I think that event is a classic, timeless trend because of its emphasis on service and family traditions.

The Golden Fleece is the official newspaper of TC Roberson High School, 250 Overlook Rd., Asheville, NC, 28803. A product of the Communications class, it is published monthly throughout the year and is printed by The Star, 315 E Graham St., Shelby, NC 28150. Opinions expressed in the columns, cartoons, photo illustrations, and letters that appear in the Golden Fleece are the views of the indi-

vidual writers and artists. All unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the Golden Fleece staff.

As a public forum for student expression, the students determine the contents of the publication without prior review. To receive permission for reproduction, please write the editor. Subscription cost is $20 per year. A single copy is free to all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the school. Additional copies are $.25 each. The Golden Fleece is a paying member of MCT Campus and Tribune Media Services. All images not

taken specifically by the Golden Fleece staff members are used with expressed permission by the original owner. Adviser: Mark Harrison

© Copyright 2012 by the Golden Fleece Media Group. All Rights reserved.

LEADERSHIP BOARD

ARYN EISEN

BROOKE GORDON

SARAH DAVIDSON

SCOTT SCHREIBER

LEA BURTON

Editor, Golden Fleece

Business & Project Manager

Technology Director

Executive Producer, GF Current

EDITORIAL BOARD

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STAFF

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TRENDING TOPICS

By SARAH DAVIDSONEditor-in-Chiefsdavidson.communications@gmail

THE BOTTOM LINE Contact Us Questions? Comments? Got an idea? Contact us online or at [email protected]

Editor, GF Online

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Editor-in-ChiefElizabeth RandKathryn Sizemore

Caroline Stray Briana Ullman

AJA offers classic Southern traditions

Opinion 6GOLDEN FLEECE • DECEMBER 14, 2012

The rush to second chance breakfast, better known as

‘snack time’, has been of-fered since mid-Novem-ber and is very popular among students. Through all the excite-ment, the issue of the nu-tritional value of the food choices has been ignored. More students may take better advantage of the opportunity if health-ier options were provided during this time. According to su-pervisor of child nutri-tion Lynn Ferguson,

the breakfast offered must be a minimum of 550 calories, including a food item and milk/juice, to provide students who may miss the “most important meal of the day” an opportunity to get something substantial enough to fuel them for the day. Yet an apple and a milk would accumulate to 217 calories, and for someone who is just looking for a snack, this is a good option. While many student appreciate this high

calorie meal, other health conscious students would be in favor of fresh fruit or oatmeal. But the desire for healthier options, most fruits do not meet meal requirements unless they are combined with a higher calorie addition. But we disagree, healthier options would appeal to a variety of students, if they were an option. The ideas behind the chosen foods are ones that are quick, easy, and require little clean up.

All of these requirements may be met, but at what cost of nutritional value? These high calorie snacks are meant to fuel us, but weren’t we always taught that sugar makes us crash? A piece of fresh fruit would definitely be better than a sugary packaged pastry. Both should at least be offered for those who want it. Now that restaurants are required to include nutritional information with their items, schools are should follow the new heath trend.

Sugar Rush

VS. Now that we are in the 21st Century, a new dilemma has been presented in how to better teach today’s youth: tablets or textbooks. Tablets are the way to go. Tablets help us learn faster. When students look at a textbook, they typi-cally think it will be boring and many times don’t take the time to read it. But to today’s generation, tablets are any-thing but boring. It just makes it look more interesting if it’s on a tablet than on a textbook. According to the Department of Education, it is 30-80 percent faster and easier for students to learn an objective on a tablet than in a textbook. Even at it’s lowest amount, the result is that ev-ery year we would learn more quicker. The fact that one tablet can hold 100 textbooks, including homework and quizzes, also helps de-clutter binders or folders because almost everything would be on the tablet. Textbook apps on tablets cost 50-60 percent less than physical textbooks. Even though a tablet can cost about $160, it saves money over time because of all the textbooks that can be added at lower rates. According to the Federal Commu-nications Commission, using tablets would save the school $250-$1000 per student every year. Because it saves the school on money, be able to use money for other things the school would needed. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, a major

publishing company in America, did a test on the best way to learn. In California, he tested a digital version of Algebra I text and a physical Algebra I textbook. Students that learned from the tablet scored 20 percent higher on standardized tests than those who learned from the textbook. Harcourt’s experiment proves that a tablet is better in teaching objectives than a regular textbook. It also saves paper, which is a good thing. Tablets provide things a textbook cannot. A tablet has interactive maps for history classes and even a dictionary app. They offer easy access to whatever is needed, while with a textbook, stu-dents may need to have three different books out on a table at the same time. Although many students do not have sufficient home internet, they have other places they could go and do their school work. Students can go to the lo-cal library or even school. Using tablets in high school pre-pares us for the world after we gradu-ate. Since the world is converting to a digital society, being exposed to it in high school helps us get a preview of the adult world.

Textbooks have been around for over 320 years. But now, many school systems are moving to a technol-ogy-based educational system where textbooks may no longer be

in use. Although tablets are good, they should not change what we know and what has taught us for centuries. Tablets may be nice to watch videos and play games on, but they should not be replacing the physical, paper-filled textbooks. Tablets can be a distraction from what the teacher is teaching which can end up harming a student’s grade if they do not focus on what the teacher is saying. In fact, while in class, teachers may think students are studying, doing homework or taking notes when they may actually be play-ing a game or surfing the internet But what’s worse is the additional excuses students may invent. “My tablet froze.” “I forgot my tablet at home, so I can’t do work today.” “I couldn’t find my charger, so my battery died.” And don’t forget the fact that some of the excuses may

be true. Teens already easily lose their iPods and cell phones, so schools may end up having to buy several new tablets in the same month just because of common carelessness. Even if a tablet may be less expansive than books at the start, the cost of purchasing the tablet, (which can be anywhere from $200-500) and the software for textbooks doesn’t take in account the cost of paying for wi-fi and training teachers and administra-tors on how to use the new tech-nology effectively. The new Koontz Intermediate School and Asheville High have already started using tablets for instruction. Here at Roberson, students will soon be able to bring their own electronic devices and use them at school. Better yet, why not just stay home and take all online classes? I think that students should be allowed to use technology for typing a paper or researching a topic but they should not be our main source of learning. When students are forced to work together and figure stuff out without the help of a teacher they learn skills that they would never be able to learn by just clicking a button. We may be trying to jump on the technological education bandwagon a little too soon.

Tablets assist in student learning

Technology needs limits

WORTHYJosa Worthy is a sophomore

in her first year of journalism.

Her opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Golden

Fleece.

RANDAnne Rand is a sophomore in her first year of journalism.

Her opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Golden

Fleece.

‘Snack Time’ needs healthier options

Head to Head

GOLDEN FLEECE • DECEMBER 14 , 2012OPINION7

This month, I am focused on a newly popular show on A&E that profiles the lives of the Robertson family. The family first premiered on Outdoor Network in “Duck Commander” in 2012, but moved to its new channel on March 21 with the premier of “Duck Dynasty.” The second season of the show has raised the family’s viewers by 139 percent and the finale on Dec. 6 shattered the networks records and passed many infamous shows such as “Survivor” and “The X-Factor.” The company shows the non-typical side of a multi-million dollar industry and that this new wealth does not have to change a person’s way of life. The show brings in up to four million views on any given Wednesday night. Personally, I think the show is entertaining and a good source of comic relief, while unlike many others, continuing to uphold high morals and values. However, I can not help but realize a correlation between my past columns, Honey BooBoo, and this one. Both are very popular shows about so-called ‘redneck’ families that you would not expect to see on television. This also gives a glimpse into what Americans will watch, something or someone they can laugh at instead of ‘with.’ In both cases, the shows are very enjoyable, but I continue to wonder how families such as these make it into the TV spectrum. Where many may see the show as “just more trash TV”, I thoroughly enjoy the profiling of a real family, especially one with a story such as this. The family has made its way from poverty to riches by producing duck calls in the Louisiana bayou and has captured the nation’s heart after 25 years of perfecting these calls. The show focuses on working hard while re-membering the importance of family in this family business. The family is known for their extremely long beards and camouflage attire. Phil Robertson started this busi-ness and his son Willie is now the CEO of the company. According to tvguide.com, the show is mainly watched by an 18 to 49 year old de-mographic. This program is nothing short of a touching story of a truly unique fam-ily that prides themselves in upholding high moral values that they continue to raise their children with. Each day brings new challenges for the family to overcome and they never fall short of providing quality problem-solving skills with a smile on their face. I would recommend this show to anyone looking for a funny, exciting and a little bit crazy experience.

TV Topics

By ARYN EISENEditor, Golden Fleece [email protected]

“Duck Dynasty” showcases morals Series highlights “multi-millionaires” with normal values.

Once a person turns 18, she/he can gamble in both state and national lotteries. Many seniors at Roberson are eager to buy their first lottery ticket just because they turn 18 as a right of pas-sage. On my 18th birthday this November, I bought my first lottery tickets. One was for the North Carolina Educa-tion Lottery and the other was with the national Power-ball. I knew that my chances

were very slim for winning anything. Like many of my other friends who recently turned 18, I bought them only because I could. Whereas it does not hurt to spend

a dollar on a ticket just to try, gambling becomes wrong when it turns into an obsession. According to savingadvice.com, the chance of win-ning state lotteries is 18 million to one, where the chance of winning a national lottery is 120 mil-lion to one.

Last month, many teachers at TC took part in the Powerball lottery. But like students buy-ing tickets only on their 18th birthday, most teachers partici-pated just for the fun of it. This past lottery was so significant because the win-nings were at the highest that it has ever been, over $500 million. The national Powerball lottery winners were

announced at the end of No-vember: one from Missouri and one from Arizona. Each winner received $293,750. However, in a realistic world, the amounts are no where near this. I know only a few people who have ever won any lottery, and their winnings only totaled $2,000. The gamble is pointless when looking at the whole idea of lotteries. Savingsad-vice.com points out that people are 45 times more likely to get hit by lightning than they are at winning a significant amount in the lot-tery. Be careful. The lottery can be something to enjoy, but it can become a real problem.

Seniors turning 18 should be careful about getting caught up in lottery

cartoon/JAKE HAYDEN/golden fleece

Without caution, harmless activity can quickly evolve into a gambling addiction.

RANDElizabeth Rand

is a senior in her third year of journalism.

Her opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Golden Fleece staff.

Homework should be limited to week days onlyStress is increased with work assigned over the weekend.

HAYDENJake Hayden is in his first year of journalism.

His opinions do not necessarily reflect those

on the Golden Fleece staff.

TO EXAMS COMING SO SOONTO CHRISTMAS BEING JUST AROUND THE CORNER

THE BOTTOM LINE Raves & Rongs A quick look at what’s good and what’s bad at TC and beyond.

Rongs

BY NIKKI [email protected]

For all classes, exams are coming up. But unfortunately for Biology, English II, and CTE classes, they will be taking exams early. Good luck y’all!

TO BREAK FEELING SHORTERThis year, our last day is on a Friday instead of a Wednesday like last year. This means we will only have seven school days off. That’s hardly considered a break! TO NO SNOW YET So far, this winter has not produced any real snow fall for the South Buncombe area. Hopefully snow will come soon. It

would be nice to have it snow around, say, January 2nd.

TO “LES MISERABLES” OPENING

It’s that time of year again to hang your decorations, to listen to you favorite Christmas songs, and put up your Christmas tree. It’s the

most wonderful time of the year.

“Les Miserables,” the musical phenomenon, is being released on Dec. 25 as a full-length motion picture. Prepare to feel your heart ache while watching this

amazing classic.

TO VISITING THE GINGERBREAD HOUSES For 20 years now, the Grove Park Inn has held the National Gingerbread House Competition.

Entries come from as far away as Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and Massachusetts.

ChristmasTOP TEN

Raves

1122

33

44

55

66

7788

99

1010

A typical high school student dedicates approxi-mately 35 hours of his week in a classroom; however, the time spent on school work greatly increases when the student goes home and opens his book bag and sees the amount of home work he’s been given that night. Almost every high school student will tell you that they spend anywhere from two to five hours a night on home-work. I don’t entirely disagree with homework as a whole; I simply believe there should be a limit to the amount and that includes putting an end to work over the weekend. Harris Cooper, a professor of psychology and Director of Duke University’s Program in Education, was the head author for a study on home-work. Cooper stated that homework shows a positive correlation with grades, but

too much can prove counterproductive for students at all levels. According to Cooper, a high

school senior should receive about two hours worth of homework; anything extra does not pro-vide higher achieve-ment. “Kids burn out. The bottom line re-ally is all kids should be doing homework, but the amount and type should vary according to their developmental level and home circumstances,” Coo-per wrote. So homework is indeed helpful, but too much is harmful. Many Roberson stu-dents have jobs, are involved with a sports team, or have other extracurricular activi-ties. This makes for very little free time. Being a student athlete myself, I know how hard it

can be for many students to find the time to com-plete all their homework. It is almost impos-sible to get any work done on a bus ride back from a game or match. After a tough loss, it’s the ab-solute last thing on your mind. All this puts both mental and physical stress on a student. Students

receive homework over the weekend such as projects, essays, or studying for a big test on Monday. This can eas-ily transform a nice, relaxing weekend into a worry-filled couple of days. We are now going to school every day of the week with no retreat from the load of work assigned. Stress can be a common result and can easily cause students to

become tired and frustrated. Both of these have a nega-tive impact on students that affects schooling when they are tired or feel increased amounts of pressure. Some educators may be-lieve that if you aren’t work-ing every day, then you lose potential and memory due to inactivity. But there are other, equally important things besides weekend work. Weekend homework causes students to miss out on things like spending time with family, socializing with friends, or playing sports. We need the weekend to rest and reflect, not hunch over our books the way we do the other five days of the week. High schoolers already give enough of their hard work and time to school; they deserve a break to keep it all manageable. It’s not too much to ask to have two simple days without work. Weekends should be reserved to take time off and have fun, not work.

What happens when four Golden Fleece movie

buffs compile their lists for the best Christmas

movies of all time? You get this:

cartoon/KATHRYN SIZEMORE/golden fleece

1,500 pointsettias are used inside the Biltmore House, consisting of both red and white colors. Out of the 1,500, 750 pointsettias can be seen at a given time, while the others are tended to in preparation to be rotated in.

Fast Facts Betcha’ didn’t know some of the neat facts about Asheville. We’ll feature one each month here!

SOURCE: WWW.BILTMORE.COM

Asheville is known for its “outdoorsy” nature, but is not typically deemed as a skiing town by travel websites. However, with six ski resorts located within a two hour range of Asheville, ski team members from Roberson know the best places when it comes to “shredding the powder.”

“I learned to ski at Cataloochee in seventh grade on a field trip, and I’ve been skiing for a while now,” Senior Jacob Maples said. The ski season in

Western North Carolina

generally runs from late

November to late

March,

depending on the weather. All six of the “local” resorts include snow-making to add to the base in order to kick-start the season when there is not much snow. Three of the resorts, Appalachian Ski Mountain (the oldest), Sugar Mountain (the largest) and Beech Mountain (the highest), are located near Boone. The closest of the six is Wolf Laurel, located 31 miles north of Asheville. Cataloochee is the next-closest, about an hour drive into Maggie Valley. Finally, the smallest resort, Sapphire Valley, is situated south of Asheville, close to the South Carolina border. Director of Marketing at Beech Mountain, Talia Freeman, explained that the 2009 – 2010 season was the best out of the last 10 years because they recorded 143 inches of natural snowfall. However, last year had the least amount of recorded snowfall and was expected to lower the revenue for the year because of the lack of snow. For some resorts, the lack of snow was not all bad. “Last year was actually a positive for us. It enabled us to considerably improve our snow making efforts and to prove to the locals and our customers our ability to retain quality skiing, despite the lack of snow,” said Freeman. “We had a good return rate, and a lot of

happy customers.” According to CTI Group Adventures of Asheville, Beech Mountain is the most popular resort when it comes to directing winter group getaways. The company averages around 700 to 800 ski trips, annually. Lee Rhodes, an employee at Ski Country Sports, mentioned that last year’s weather did not hurt their sales too bad, but that the weather this year is making up for any downfalls last year. “Business has been good, especially for the last three weeks since hurricane Sandy hit [which brought in a taste of winter to the area]. We have been gaining more customers because of it,” Rhodes said. Jacob Maples chose snowboarding for his senior project, claiming that it interested him and that he knew he could do it with his friends. His favorite place to board is Wolf Laurel because it is cheaper and he can get free lift tickets because his friend works there. “I enjoy snowboarding because it’s an adrenaline rush, and it’s fun. I usually go for eight to 10 hours, because when you really get into it, you can go all day,” Maples said.

Asheville area provides skiing opportunities for locals

By LINDSEY HOOVER Staff Writer [email protected]

As the pumpkins and broomsticks are put away, the snowmen and Santas are starting to show up throughout Asheville as people begin to decorate for the holiday season. From classic Christmas lights to giant inflatable nutcrackers, many different types of decorations are seen throughout the area during this time of the year. Stores all over the United States prepare for the decorating season by offering many different types of discounts and sales for consumers. In 2011, decoration sales throughout the United States rose eight percent from the year before. As a whole, consumers spent an average of about $6 billion on decorations. Between January and September of last year, the artificial

Christmas trees that were imported to the United States from China were valued at about $79.7 million. Students and teachers at Roberson are participating in the holiday decorating activities, according to bookkeeper Michelle Maynor, the bigger the decorations, the better. “I think it’s a really fun thing to do and I’ve always enjoyed it,” Maynor said. “We have three trees, lights, music, and I lost count of the inflatables at 18.” Every year her husband Ted Maynor goes all out while decorating for the holiday. He not only decorates their yard, but two of his neighbors’ yards as well. “Even after the holidays are over he puts out an inflatable Santa on a surfboard,” Maynor said. “He also buys about two or three new inflatables every year when they go on sale a few weeks after Christmas.”

“Christmas wouldn’t be the same without my dad decorating the way he does,” Junior T.J. Maynor said. “My

personal favorite decoration is the big Santa in an RV that we put in the front yard.” The Maynor family isn’t the only family here at Roberson who takes decorating to the next level. Foods I teacher Lynn Isgrig also shares how she likes to get into the holiday spirit by decorating big. “I’ve done this for as

long as I have had kids, which is about 23 years,” Isgrig said. “We decorate big, that’s for sure. All the halls, banisters, and railings are decorated in wreaths and lights in my house.” According to Isgrig, decorating this way doesn’t have to be expensive at all. She tells how shopping smart and using what you have in new, creative ways can be an alternative for big spending this

time of year. “Our decorations definitely wouldn’t be complete without the giant snow globe we’ve used every year for as long as I can remember,” Isgrig said. Whether it’s the decorations or the gingerbread cookies that gets people in the mood for the holidays, the gingerbread house contest at the Grove Park is one way to get into the holiday spirit. The contest lasts from Nov. 20, 2012 to Jan. 2, 2013. This year is a very special year for the contest being as it’s the 20th anniversary of the competition and the 100th anniversary for the hotel as a whole. The entry deadline for the gingerbread house contest was Nov. 12 and judging will begin Nov. 17. According to David Mead, the director of the competition, it costs thousands of dollars every year for the hotel to do the competition. “The contest definitely brings in more business for the hotel around this time of year,” Mead said. “Twenty years ago when we started doing the competition our main intention was to bring in more business for the hotel.”

By CASEY GREENWALT Staff Writer [email protected]

Maynor participates in holiday decorating traditions.

We have three trees, lights, music, and I

lost count of the inflatables at 18...

“

”» Michelle Maynor

Asheville 8GOLDEN FLEECE • DECEMBER 14, 2012

Families, businesses decorate for season

FIRST DATEEDITION

From lower to higher budgets,

there’s always something to do in the area with

that special someone.

FOODLower Price

Med Price

Higher Price

TO DOLower Price

Med Price

Higher Price

DON’T FORGET

What’s a better way to spend

the holidays than with someone?

Looking for a cute little restaurant? Asheville

offers great Christmas options.

Visit us online to see the complete feature by sophomore

Victoria Goss.

This year four popular books are popping up on the big screen; “The Great Gatsby”, “The Hobbit”, “Life of Pi” and “Les Miserables”. Other classic books have been made into movies such as “Eragon”, the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “Harry Potter”, and the most recent, “The Hunger Games”. “For ‘The Hunger Games’,

we had set up banners around the school advertising the trilogy and hope to do the same for these four,” Media Specialist Renee Handley said. “The Great Gatsby” was written in 1925, “The Hobbit” was written and published in 1928, “Life of Pi” in 2001, and “Les Miserables” was published in 1862 but written 20 years before that. Because those movies are coming out, I think that

more people will

want to check out the books,” Handley said. “The Great Gatsby” will be released on May 10 2013. A different version of the book was made into a movie in the 1970s and it is now being remade with new characters, including a famous actor, Leonardo Decaprio. Handley thinks that all of the upcoming movies will be a big hit. Elnglsih teacher Joi Keen’s English III AP class had to read “The Great Gatsby” for their summer reading. Keen is interested in seeing the movie, but she isn’t sure how it will live up to the original movie back in the 1970s. “We partly talked about seeing it during school as a field trip, but they have extended the release date until summer 2013. We are naturally inclined to see it,” Keen said “The Hobbit” will be released into theaters on December 14. According to Huffington Post, Bilbo Baggins, the main character, has the same sword prop as Frodo did in the earlier trilogy “Lord of the Rings”. The movie was filmed in New Zealand but was in the Mystie Mountains in the story. “Life of Pi” was released into theaters on November 21. According to Writers Digest Magazine, the book is translated

into 41 langauges. The book also won the Booker prize. His other book, “Beatrice and Virgil” was written right after “Life of Pi” was published. “Les Miserables” will be released into theaters on Christmas Day. There is an upcoming play for “Les Miserables” in Charlotte February 2013. In 2010, London had it’s10,000th play of “Les Miserables” in the Queen Theater. They are having some of the original cast members,

from the older movie, be a part of the new movie. Vogue Magazine states that Anne Hathaway, who plays Fantine, lost 25 pounds to look the part. Hathaway’s mother, Kathleen, was the understudy for Fantine in one of the

touring play productions. English teacher Helen Smith’s had her English II Honors class read “Les Miserables.” She is excited about the movie coming out to theaters because it combines music and acting.Smith has always loved the plot of the book and hopes that the movie will follow the book closely. “I think the class is very excited it is coming out. If they read it and liked it, they will want to see the movie. And if they didn’t like the book, I think they will still want to see it,” Smith said.

GOLDEN FLEECE • DECEMBER 14, 2012 Entertainment 9

Four ‘book room’ novels lead list of recent books being made into filmsPrevious and current English classes have included these titles into their curriculum.

By ANNE RAND Staff [email protected]

I think the class is very excited it is

coming out. If they read it and liked it,

they will want to see the movie.

“

”» HELEN SMITH

With the recent release of “Skyfall,” Daniel Craig appeared as the illustrious 007 for the third time. This 23rd Bond adventure has done very well in the box office, earning $90 million in its opening weekend. Sean Connery was the best James bond of all time, and I have always been electrified by his movies. I used to think that no actor could ever top Connery as James Bond, but it seems as though Craig might prove me wrong. Daniel Craig has recently made a name for himself as a hard-hitting MI6 agent who portrays what James Bond was meant to be from the start. Actor Daniel Craig surpassed expectations and thrilled Bond lovers with his performance in the 2006 popular “Casino Royale.” Eager fans flocked to the theater in 2008 to experience Craig as Bond in “Quantum of Solace.” However, audiences were not as pleased with its outcome and felt as though it fell exceedingly short of its predecessor, according to its ratings. In “Skyfall,” painful memories from the past resurface to trouble M, threatening her job, and possibly her life. James Bond must pull himself together to save the MI6, and country that he has pledged his allegiance to. Even if things get personal, Bond must persevere to abolish the threat. “Skyfall’s” release conveniently coincided with the 50 year anniversary of James Bond, which started with “Dr. No in 1962,” featuring Sean Connery as James Bond. This new installment to the James Bond franchise is not overwrought with the compulsive need for constant action, high-tech equipment, or meaningless love interests. Over time, James Bond movies have unfortunately been characterized as nothing more than cutting-edge gadgets and beautiful women. “Skyfall” shatters this misconception by displaying more personal, sophisticated characters that will hopefully continue in future Bond films. I liked to see the action filming style in “Skyfall” improve drastically from “Quantum of Solace.” The action scenes in “Quantum” left most audiences slightly queasy due to the unorthodox camera angles as well as the rapid fire changes in camera views. “Skyfall” is much calmer, creating an experience that still induces excitement, without prompting digestive unrest. “Skyfall” is Daniel Craig’s best performance as James Bond. It may not be the greatest Bond film of them all, but it is nonetheless a spectacular movie. “Skyfall” was fantastic and I loved every minute of it.

Bond is back, better than ever

FILM FANATIC

By HENRY SHARPEStaff Writer, Golden Fleece

[email protected]

Jukebox An up-to-date look at new music being released in the coming months.

TRE!

Green Day

DECEMBER 11

OMENS EVOLUTION OF A MAN

30H!3 Example

DECEMBER 4 NOVEMBER 19

GLOBAL WARMING

Pitbull

NOVEMBER 26

WARRIOR

Ke$ha

DECEMBER 3

UNORTHODOX JUKEBOX

Bruno Mars

DECEMBER 10

THE BOTTOM LINE BY ELIZABETH [email protected]

source/Fox 2000 Pictures, Universal Studios, & Warner Brothers Pictures

This album is the final chapter of

Green Day’s saga. It has all kinds of

music that is featured including old-rock,

acoustic ballads, and piano ballads.

One of the songs on this album “You’re Gonna Love This” has become a hit; with the help of

Nathaniel Motte and Sean Foreman.

This is one of the first albums from the UK that incorporates this European style

of hip-hop and dance music.

On this album, there are other artists besides

Pitbull including the Wanted, Enrique

Iglesias, and Jennifer Lopez.

This album follows right along with Ke$ha’s previous

albums with a bratty electro-romp “Thinking of You”

song.

The album cover has a gorilla holding

a jukebox, which signifies Bruno

Mars’ love for music and how this has impacted his life.

Features10GOLDEN FLEECE • DECEMBER 14, 2012

If popular theories are to be believed, students won’t have to worry about exams this semester. Or for the next year, for that matter. That’s because multiple predictions say that the world will end in seven days. Dec. 21, 2012 is a date with many different prophecies which have one similarity, the end of time. Similar events have been predicted in the past without the obvious results. in 1982, science writers John Gribbin and Stephen Plageman said the San Andréa’s fault would cause an apocalyptic cycle of earthquakes. However, nothing happened on at the predicted time. “The world will end when it’s ready. Sometimes it leaps ahead, and you just have to expect the unex-pected,” freshman Christian Nichols said. More recent superstitions can be attributed to the Mayan civilization. The Mayans, located in Cen-tral America, date back to before 2,000 B.C. They are known for their development of an alphabet and a

calendar system. The calendar is especially famous today beacause it ends next Friday. Anthony Aveni, an archaeoastronomer and Ma-yan expert at Colgate University in Hamilton, told NationalGeographic.com that the date is simply the

overturn of the largest grand cycle in the calendar when a new cycle begins. According to Aveni, this new cycle happens every 5,125.37 years. Dec. 21 is also the winter solstice, or shortest day of the year. Another theory of the world’s end this year began as Nibiru, a supposable terrestrial planet, was predicted to collide with earth in May of 2003. When nothing happened, doomsday was moved to 2012 to align with the Mayan calendar. “The world is definitely not going to end on Dec. 21st. All the theories have been investigated, studied, and shot down,” sophomore Chris Dugan said. NASA also addressed possible catastrophes such as a solar storm, where the sun erupts lethal solar flares and heat that ultimately burn Earth. And al-though the sun does go through phases where solar activity increases, scientists claim that there is no indication it can produce a storm strong enough to harm the planet. Polar shift is another real event that could cause problems, but according to NASA scientists, it will not occur anytime soon. In a polar shift, the magnet-ic poles switch, which would create untold problems throughout the world. According to NationalGeo-

graphic.com, roughly every 200,000 to 300,000 years, the poles change and the earth is temporarily without a magnetic field and could be exposed to solar storms normally blocked by the field. Another theory is that a rare galactic alignment, which occurs every 26,000 years, is coming. In this alignment, the sun appears at the midpoint of the Milky Way and leaves the earth exposed to “un-known galactic forces” that could create problems. However, senior NASA astrobiology scientist David Morrison stated in a report that he doesn’t believe this to be a viable problem. “There is no ‘galactic alignment’ in 2012, or at least nothing out of the ordinary,” Morrison said. According to Morrison, during winter solstice, the sun appears to cross the midpoint of the galaxy but does not change any gravitational pull, planetary orbits, solar radiation, or anything else that could impact earth. For some at Roberson, there is yet another piece of assurance that all will be well next week. “Matthew 24:36 says ‘no one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the Father.’ So my view on it is that there may be scientific signs that the end of earth may be coming, but this verse proves the predictions wrong. Nobody knows except God,” junior Camille Smarjesse said.

With several holidays just around the corner, many fundraisers are being organized to help families in need around this time of year. At Roberson and around the community, numer-ous opportunities to give back start in early November. But according to sophomore Maria Stillman, students should not just give back to the community during the holidays. “Everyone deserves something over the holidays, but that is not the only time we should think about oth-ers. People need things everyday; we

just start to think about it more when we are buying ourselves things for Christmas,” Stillman said. According to counselor Melanie Parham, every year the student food drive is held in early December to help families in need for the holidays. However, this year it has been rescheduled to begin Feb. 4 due to a typical lack of donations during early spring, which is has become a slow time for Manna Food Bank after mul-tiple donations in December. According to art teacher Nerina Patane, the lack of canned food during the spring is becoming a big issue for local food banks. “Community members may not think it is important to donate in the spring because the media has made the holidays a big time for giving,” Patane said. On average, student food drives provide seven percent of Manna Food

Bank’s total canned food profits each year. In Western North Caro-lina, approximately 300,000 pounds of food are raised just in student food drives alone, according to the charity. Manna event coordi-nator Autumn McCarv-er said things just would not be the same without local schools. “High schools are a huge part of the way we collect our food and get help from the commu-nity,” she said. “Stu-dents have

a drive and a passion for helping others that is so great.

The food bank would not be as successful

without them.”

Theories predict end of world in 7 days

Charity events happening not only during holiday seasonHoliday food drive rescheduled to address year-round needs.

Ancient superstitions originate from the Mayan calendar ending on December 21, 2012.

By JAKE HAYDEN Staff [email protected]

By GENA SCULLY Staff [email protected]

Class Rings are a keepsake that can be a constant

reminder of all the great things you achieved over

the years despite their cost.

Senior pictures are a great way to capture the memo-ries of your senior year, but it’s certainly going to cost

you some time and money to get them done!

Range of $75 for 1/8th of a page-$325 for full page

Parents or other loved ones can buy space to “shout-out” to their senior in the school yearbook. Not only is it great seeing all of the

adorable messages and pictures from parents and loved ones, but also a great walk down memory lane.

Seniors can buy t-shirts, key chains, tassels, and

everything else imaginable. The options get a little ri-

diculous, but who wouldn’t want to buy a class of 2013 inspirational charm neck-

lace for 28 dollars?

CO$T of

being a $ENIOR

3049 Hendersonville

Highway

Foam and FabricFor all of your

project needs!

828-684-0801

FALL/WINTER

CLASS RINGS

$100+

Source: Jostens.com

SENIOR PICTURES

$25-$1000

Source: Howmuchisit.org

YEARBOOK AD

$75 FOR 1/8TH OF A PAGE- $325 FOR

FULL PAGE

Source: TC Roberson Yearbook

CLASS GEAR

$10-$290

Source: Jostens.com

photo/EMILY MCCORD/golden fleece

MELT DOWN: Multiple doomsday prophecies have aligned themselves to 2012 due to the Mayans influence. “The world when end when it’s ready. Sometimes it leaps ahead, and you just have to expect the unexpected,” freshman Christian Nichols said.

By Brooke Gordon

Sports11GOLDEN FLEECE • December 14, 2012

Concerns arise due to lack of public pools available to schoolsSharing of the Zeugner Center forces 3 schools to share swim practice time.

By ELIZABETH MCBRIDEStaff Writer [email protected]

In Buncombe County, of the five public swimming pools used for varsity swim teams, only one is indoor. The Zeugner Center, formerly known as the Skyland Recreation Center, is the only indoor pool used by the system, providing Roberson, Reynolds, and West Henderson with practice and meet space during the winter season. “I think BCS could support the construction of an aquatic center for our high school and middle school ath-letes. While we are grateful to have the

Zeugner Center, the facility is aging and maintenance is a concern,” former swim coach Beth Lindsey said. Koontz Intermediate School, Cane Creek, and Valley Springs also use the space for practice up to two days a week before the high school season starts. Swimming, a heavily-participated

winter sport, has been stressed by this setback, according to athletes. Due to the aging facility, the pool is periodi-cally unavailable for swimmers’ use and causes coaches to search for other in-door facilities in surrounding areas such as Mars Hill and Brevard. “The two hour daily practice turns into three to four hours when you in-cluding travel time,” Lindsey said. According to sophomore Anastasia Soule, the fact that TC has a location so

close to campus is nice. “It’s hard when we have to wait to practice or when someone comes in right after us,” Soule said. “But it is pretty convenient for a meet or for practice because we don’t have to travel too far.” From the Roberson district alone, there are over 60 middle school students involved in swimming, and around 40 swimmers for the high school team. “I am proud of the dedication and perseverance of our athletes and their coaches in the face of less than perfect training conditions,” Lindsey said. “Our swimmers compete with teams who train in Olympic quality facilities with year round training opportunities. With adequate facilities, there is no telling what our teams from the western region could do.”

MAKIN’ A SPLASH: A member of the Reynolds High School swim team practices in the Zeugner Center pool. Reynolds is one of six schools, including Roberson, who share the pool during the swimming season.

photo/KATHRYN SIZEMORE/golden fleece

Although the stripes on the zebra are unique, when grouped together it’s difficult

to distinguish one from another. In the wild this increases the chance of survival.

In business it means certain death.

8 2 8 . 2 5 9 . 9 910 • w w w. t h e g o s s a g e n c y . c o m

Signings& Commitments

C O M M I T T E D

Coburn Burroughs

SR

“I chose NC State primarily because it is predicted to be one of the Top 3 Division 1 wrestling teams in the country next year.”

NC State University

W R E S T L I N G

SR

Other Athletes Who Have Signed or CommittedKathryn Black

Nathan BlaylockRachel BryantMaddie Brock

Tanner BushBraxton DavidsonMercedes DuckerBrooke Gordon

Katon HarwoodParker JohnsonEmily McCordElizabeth Rand

Dunkin Doughnuts. I used to have that stuff all the time, and now I basically had to take it out of my diet,” Knight said. According to Brown, the

boys’ diets consist mainly of eating well and exercising to reach their goal and weight division. “Although we do have to watch what we eat and workout to make our weight division, it is definitely worth it,” junior Alex Bush said.

From Page 12

»

Varsity Wrestlers

WEIGHT CLASS

WRESTLER

106 lbs:

113 lbs:

120 lbs:

126 lbs:

132 lbs:

138 lbs:

145 lbs:

152 lbs:

160 lbs:

170 lbs:

182 lbs: 195 lbs:

220 lbs: 285 lbs:

Morgan ThrasherNick DollingerOliver LierzJoel Van WykSeth SicinaAaron KnightJosh McCarsonKameran GillardDakota ParkerRhett BrooksTyler HardinBlake MeadMarshall SizemoreHarrison StitclerJohn SinacoreJonah LierzTrea BethaiJake HendrixDevin CaseWilliam RamosTravis MilesMichael McCordKyle HulsingKeithan SmithSpencer HollifieldCoburn BurroughsAlex BukshCody MilesJeff DeleonJohn Pace

TC fields squad of 30

Sports 12GOLDEN FLEECE • December 14, 2012

Dating back to ancient Rome, sports have been surrounded by competitions, crowds, and superstitions. According to Askmen.com, superstitions can be anything from avoiding stepping on lines to always wearing the same article of clothing, (ie. basketball super star Michael Jordan always wore his North Carolina University jersey under his Bulls uniform for good luck). And according to senior Parker Johnson, these superstitions seem to help athletes in nearly all sports due to a common belief that the rituals can help a team succeed. “I think superstitions are beneficial because having a routine and doing something over and over again helps calm the players down for big games,” Johnson said. Rituals can be seen in the baseball player who spits into his hands before picking up a bat, or the basketball play-er bouncing the ball a certain number of times before taking a foul shot. Even fans tend to have superstitions they believe will help their favorite sports teams, like wearing a particular jersey or sitting at the same table while

watching a game. “I always wear the same Duke t-shirt when I am watching them play, because I don’t want to know what will happen if I don’t,” senior JD Cook said. Coaches also see the use of super-stitions, and cross country and track coach Andrew Devine said that routine is important when athletes are prepar-ing for big events. “I think it is impor-tant to have a routine and some supersti-tions, but it is equally important to remain calm if there is mess up or break in the routine. You just have to be rational,” Devine said. For Roberson ath-letes, the level of rou-tine and superstition varies. Members of the wrestling team wear their sweatpants inside out before a match, and they even make sure to put their headgear on last before they wrestle. Football players hit a sign reminding them to “Play like a cham-pion today” when running out of the locker-room. As a matter of tradition, the cross country teams never set up a tent at meets, and some runners, like senior River Gordon, wear the same socks to every race. “I feel like the one time I don’t wear my socks something bad is going to

happen. When I didn’t wear the pair of socks to one meet, it rubbed my feet raw,” Gordon said. Some teams focus more on tradition than superstition. According to senior Sam Hayden, the girls’ varsity soccer team has worn dimes on their wrists or shin guards for the past seven years to show that they are playing for the

other 10 members on the field, and not themselves. The cross country teams have spa-ghetti dinners two days before every race, and baseball players typically eat at Chick-fil-a before every game. “I think su-perstitions and traditions are so prevalent in sports because

they provide the fans and players with a feeling of comfort whenever there is a big game. They make them feel like they have done everything in their power to prepare for at the big event,” former AP Psychology teacher and assistant principal Lindsey Rice said.

Girls ‘rally’ for boys’ basketball players

Junior and member of the boys’ varsity basketball team AJ Scott appreciates the gestures of the Rally Girls, no matter if they lose or win. “It’s nice to know that the team still has fans out there supporting us after a tough loss,” Scott said. Not only does the boys’ varsity basketball team have hundreds of fans and Keen’s Krazies at their games, but they now have added the “Rally Girls” to the Roberson fans. Senior Class President Lydia McKeithan started the tradition of the Rally Girls this year after former Roberson student Jordan Bell got the idea last year. “Jordan wanted to start it up last year, but it was only an idea. This year, we decided to make it a reality,” McKeithan said. The Rally Girls consist of junior and senior girls who focus on individual members of the boys’ varsity team. The girls plan to attend every home game this year. Junior Kat Winkenwerder enjoys doing something special for the boys. “Before each home basket-ball game, we all get together and make cookies or cupcakes for the players. I really enjoy it,” Winkenwerder said. Roberson’s student cheer-ing section, called the Keen’s Krazies, has been support-ing the team for eight years. According to senior Zeke Schmelzle, the addition of the Rally Girls helps personalize the attention. “With the size of the Keen’s Krazies and now the Rally Girls, it gives the players on the team different fans to play for,” Schmelzle said. “It’s a whole different level of support and appreciation with what the Rally Girls are doing.” The team receives the treats from the Rally Girls occasion-ally after a game. Scott loves how the Girls stay connected to the team. “I appreciate what the Rally Girls are doing. They make you feel really special,” Scott said.

Wrestling is the only high school sport in North Caroli-na in which weight is a defini-tive aspect of the sport. “Out of all the sports I have played, wrestling is definitely the most stressful out of all of them. That’s because of the weigh in aspect of it and hav-ing to deal with making the weight division,” sophomore wrestler Trae Bethae said. Roger Landry, former wrestling coach at Brodhead High School in Wisconsin and creator of the mpssaa.org, wrote about the effects of diets on wrestlers. A quote from his site reads, “…trying really hard to cut weight can make a wrestler hate the sport even though in reality they truly love it.” When “cutting weight” wrestlers can take it to a dangerous level, he says. According to head coach Damon Brown, the wres-tlers at Roberson do not take unhealthy measures to try and cut weight. “I know some people at different schools who go to extremes, but none of our wrestlers have to physically harm themselves or do in-tense wrestling diets to make weight,” Brown said. In most states in the U.S., there are 14 different weight divisions and at least one wrestler is assigned to each division. Larger teams have backup wrestlers to fill in if the person assigned to that weight does not make his division or he is out for other reasons. “I think one of the rea-sons none of us has to go to a harmful level to make weight is because there is always a backup wrestler, so it is not like you’re letting your team or yourself down,” Bethae said. According to senior Aaron Knight, being a wrestler means making sacrifices when it comes to what he can eat to make his weight division. “The hardest part about my wrestling diet would have to be cutting out all of the doughnuts and coffee from

Wrestlers look to maintain healthy practices

Upperclassmen girls support boys’ basketball team.

By COURTNEY CASE Staff [email protected]

Superstitions create routines that aid players in their sporting events.

By AVERY LINDSAY Staff [email protected]

Roberson teams maintainvariety of unique traditions

Wrestlers look to avoid extreme diets to make weight.

By BRENNA FLANIGAN Staff [email protected]

»See SQUAD/

Each month, we will feature your Tweets about our sports. Just use #RamNation!#RamNationTHE BOTTOM LINE

#RAMNATION

@l_tarpley“Cutest swim

team you ever did see.”#RAMNATION

@maddieanne96

“Best feeling ever to be back out

there on the track for practice”

#RAMNATION

@jihburr22“Looking at

all the scores and the high-lights on the

news”#RAMNATION

@CCow21“All I know is that TCR

has the best cheerleaders in the state”

#RAMNATION

@grace10wirtz

“Ready to do work at practice tonight!”

@L_Allen13“6:30 a.m. challenge with the team!”

#rampride#grind

When I didn’t wear the pair of

socks to one meet, it rubbed my feet

raw.

“

”» RIVER GORDON

@Wrestling-Pack

“Roberson wrestling looking to

get 1% better each day!”

@sweet-peamh

“meet today against north buncombe.”

Sports Superstitions

volume 35, issue 2

Documents

time lamb

kaye lamb

principal principal

new position

retired principal

new temporary

central office

new job