GSeptember 25 Issue 1 2012 Volume TRACKS

The Super Issue Marvel versus DC page 10 | Lame Super Powers page 13 | Girl Power page 20 The Greyhound Tracks If you were a , Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Bazrod Managing Editor Emily Sermons what would your name Writing Editor Darby Kunnemann Q: and power be? News Editor Natalie Williams Opinions Editor Darby Kunnemann Features Editor Cristina Bixby Scoop Editors Anna Morrell Morgan Puckett Sports Editor Bonnie Pirlot Associate Opinions Editor Kelsey Asher Photo Editor Savannah Cole Morgan Puckett, aka, Captain Morgan Samantha Piper, aka, Pipin’ Hot Business Manager Christina Honey Scoop Editor Senior Staff Writer Senior Staff Writers Hannah Carter “I can do anything” “Katniss Everdeen, step aside! I’m Samantha Piper the real girl on fire.” Kaegan Stone Staff Writers G Harper Beckham Collin Edmonds Allison Game Heather Giles Brewer Kunnemann Anushka Madwesh Daniel Spelfogel Darby Thompson

Classroom Adviser Brewer Kunnemann, aka, Blindspot Anna Morrell, aka, Shuffle Girl Krista Bowen Staff Writer Scoop Editor Editorial policy The Greyhound Tracks is printed throughout the academic year except during school holidays “No evil shall escape my shining “I will make you sashay away in or unless circumstances beyond the control of the Greyhound Tracks staff prevent publication. scalp!” any dance battle. Come at me!” The Tracks is located in room 319 of Pope High School. The Greyhound Tracks is produced by the students of Pope High School, Marietta, Ga. The statements and opinions expressed here in are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial staff, or of Pope High School, its faculty, staff, or administration.

Letter Policy The Greyhound Tracks welcomes all members of the Pope community to submit letters to the editor. Please place all letters in Ms. Bowen’s faculty mailbox, or send an e-mail to krista. [email protected] or send to room 317 The Greyhound Tracks 3001 Hembree Road Wyatt Bazrod, aka, Espressoman Darby Kunnemann, aka, Rememberall Marietta, GA 30062 attn. Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief Writing Editor The Tracks reserves the right to decide which letters to publish. All letters are subject to edit- “Just giving everyone their daily “The ability to remember every- ing for grammar, punctuation, libelous content dosage of justice, one shot of caffeine thing...because frankly, I could use and length. Please limit letters to 500 words maximum. and a packet of sugar at a time.” that.” NEWS Homecoming Photo Story | Hannah Carter...... 06 OPINIONS M2W: DC or Marvel Comics | Brewer Kunnemann and Emily Sermons...... 10 Not So Super Powers| Harper Beckham...... 13 FEATURES Super Fresh: Did’ya know? | Anushka Madwesh...... 04 Downs with Pope spirit | Samantha Piper...... 08 Saddling Up For Service| Darby Thompson...... 09 Xtina Marks the Spot | Cristina Bixby...... 19 SPORTS Girls Can Play Tough Too| Collin Edmonds...... 22 The Flip Side of Gymnastics| Danielle Spelfogel...... 23 Softball gains in 2012 | Heather Giles...... 23 THE SCOOP Falling into October Concerts | Kaegan Stone...... 12 Taboo TV: the Good, the Bad, the Questionable | Samantha Piper...... 14 Is it time to rethink the growing popularity of contreversial television | Kelsey Asher...... 15 Seen on the Street: Fall Fashion | Savannah Cole...... 16 By POPEular Demand | Anna Morrell and Emily Sermons...... 18 GTRACKS

14

16 06 22 04 FEATURES Super Fresh: Did ya know? Now that the freshmen have stopped walking into the wrong classes, it’s time to actually learn about them. by Anushka Madwesh Staff Writer “I came here in November and it was a big cul- “My great uncle was the tural change person who invented [from Chile]. YooHoo drinks. I don’t I was used to the get an unlimited supply streets being…ugly! I mean, of YooHoo drinks, but everybody was nice and every- I do get to tell people one was trustworthy. I found that he invented it, so it funny the first time my dad that’s fun.” took me to the supermarket [in –Emma Peters America] and he didn’t lock the car. When I told him, he said “I Americandon’t South need to lock the car.” Just yoohoo! little things like that.”

From South America From to –Matias Leon

“[My dad’s] name is Judson Hill and he is a senator for Georgia. His district is 32. He has an election every 2 years. I have met the governor of Georgia, lots of senators, many House of Represen- tatives, and legislators. We’ve been to Globe Trotter “I have cousins in many major coun- different places for his work because tries. I’ve been to Italy before, to meet they have a conference one of my cousins. Also, I’ve every year in different been to Australia. My cous- cities. So I’ve been to ins live in places like Aus- Boston, San Francisco tralia, Italy, Canada, and and Chicago.” –Anneliese Hill Britain, to name a few.” The Senator’s Daughter –Kyndra Hunter 05 Did ya know? Flashback: Freshmen Fails Just remember freshmeat: you weren’t the only one that was shoved into a locker or believed Pope had a swimming pool on its roof. We have all had our embarrassing moments... D’oh! “So freshman year, I was “So walking back from getting the first day food from the cafeteria and of school last year, I stepped up onto a chair, I was walking from the stepped over somebody 400 hallway to the 300 hallway and and accidentally jumped I needed to go to the bathroom so I off the chair. I thought walked into the boys bathroom and I was super cool. I slipped and landed there were two guys in there and on Caroline Bush and the whole cafeteria they just looked at me. I got so red laughed at me and started clapping.” and rushed out.” –Eli Gruber, Senior –Haley Roberson, Sophomore Slipping Up Wardrobe “It was at the track banquet last year and Ben Blythe was up there talk- Malfunction ing about some kid who was skinny “So freshman year, I got and was a lady’s man and I assumed switched into a math class it was me. So I got up and then he with people a year older called Dami than me. The next day, I was wearing a skirt Akande’s name and had just gone to the restroom. I was and everyone standing in the front of the room waiting to started laugh- get a seat. My skirt was tucked into itself and ing at me.” the back was revealing everything. A girl that I didn’t know had to come up to tell me that my skirt was tucked up.” –Keegan Phillips, Sophomore –Sydney O’Donnel, Junior Ladies Man? Ladies

THE GREYHOUND TRACKS 06 NEWS

Emcee Eric Hangartner brandishes the Spirit Stick during the pre-game pep rally before seniors, claiming it from the juniors after the first contentious pep rally.

Front-row Seniors continue the tradition of tossing baby powder at home game kickoffs. 2012 Homecoming

photos by Hannah Carter Pope’s bass line jams out to The Cadence, which helps the band m a r c h i n time as they enter the field during the Homecoming game. 07

Left: Senior Nick Sligar takes a bash at the wreck during Wingsbash. Right: Junior Amir Seif digs into some of the 8000 chicken wings and five gallons of blue cheese dressing that NHS provides for this annual feast

Players Murphy Davis, Harry Holmes, and Sean Hatcher contribute to Pope’s 20 - 17 Homecoming win against Etowah.

Left: Senior Katie Bell, Pope’s 2012 Homecoming Queen, is escorted by her father onto the football field. Right: Richard Becker, with backup vocals from fellow Seniors Andrew Mendel, Eli Gruber, and Eric Hangartner, per- form two covers of songs by Mumford and Sons during FLOP’s Homecoming event Musica a la Mode. THE GREYHOUND TRACKS 08 FEATURES Downs with Leaders in the Limelight Two freshmen and two sophomores earned new responsibilities at Pope spirit the first pep rally. Their task? To bring the spirit for the underclassmen the emcee’s flexible spontaneity. One of the most remarkable by Allison Game Staff Writer “We might actually switch it up things that Dr. Robert Downs every pep rally if that’s possible,” has noticed about Pope? Of We Stomp, We Scream, We Clap said Senior Emcee Jerry Nonaka. course it’s our spirit. He com- Our Hands! August’s first pep rally This unpredictably gives the fresh- ments on the exuberance and started the new year with chant- man and sophomores a reason ing fans and the continued rivalry to continue to dress for the spirit sheer volume of our pep rallies of seniors and juniors. Along with days, and a goal of being the spirit by Samantha Piper the regular recipe for greyhound leader for the pep rally. Regardless Senior Staff Writer spirit was a new addition: spirit of the length that the spirit lead- leaders to rally the underclassmen. ers have their current positions, While Dr. Downs has spent the last few months growing accus- tomed to the many school activities and events that define Pope, one event in particular truly showed our new principal what the school was made of: the Pep Rallies. With the first two pep rallies of the year passed, the Greyhound Tracks asked the Doctor what his opinion of what he’d seen so far. When asked what he thought of the first pep rally, Dr. Downs had nothing but congratulations to tell Pope. “It was great! The Emcees were great, it was extremely loud, espe-

cially the ‘I Believe’ chant,” he said. Glover Ryan by Photo But this isn’t Dr. Downs’s first Freshmen spirit leaders Lauren Farrar and Olivia Trankina take a victory lap at the first pep rally; their rodeo, he’s been around the high spirit propelled them from their seats and onto the floor at their first pep rally school pep rally block before. The The Emcees selected freshmen Lau- they clearly have goals in mind. Greyhound Tracks dared to ask ren Farrar and Olivia Trankina as “Our class is going to be so how spirited he thought Pope re- well as sophomores Matt Cone and much better than last year and ally was at the pep rally. Lauren Palace for their intense spirit that will win the spirit stick,” “That pep rally was one of the and for the way that the spirited un- said sophomore Lauren Palace. loudest I’ve ever been in. And the derclassmen stand out in the stands. Freshman Olivia Trankina has the fact that it’s completely student “We just looked for super spirited big picture in mind. “I want for my people that weren’t afraid to be embar- run is spectacular; it gives more class to be very spirited to make rassed, considering one of them made sure that we continue the tradi- ownership to the students,” he a full on white out bottle costume,” said tion as the current sophomores, ju- said. Senior Emcee Madeline Robertson. niors, and seniors move on so that Way to go Pope! Now that we’ve Each spirit leader took a different strat- we are always here to spread spirit set such high expectations for our egy to grab the attention of the Emcees. to the new generations of Pope.” spirit, we really have to maintain While the emcees selected spir- These spirit leaders are taking charge it. Let’s hope those Emcees keep it leaders to represent their grade and ensuring that their grades are ex- up the amazing work and our voic- and encourage spirit from their cited about the year and they hope es recover in time for the next pep peers, the spirit leader positions to ensure that there is Greyhound rally! might not be permanent, as suits pride at Pope for many years to come. 09 Leaders in the Limelight

Bethany Lake

Bethany Lake courtesyPhotos of Bethany Saddling Up For Service

Junior Bethany Lake adds Lake has participated as a volun- gust weekend constantly on her feet. teer, manager, and routine designer Working with intellectually disabled a little meaning to her over the past four years that she has athletes from ages 8 and up, Lake weekend by volunteering been involved in Special Olympics. sums up her responsibilities into the her time to help special For three days in late August, Lake title of Junior Coach. travels with her two horses, MyLO “I actually entirely create the rou- needs equestrian athletes. and Pizzazz, to Perry, Georgia to tines. I place athlete’s with partners, work in Special Olympics. Working choose music, design the routines, by Darby Thompson with the Oak Grove Equestrian team, and practice. I did everything,” Lake Staff Writer which includes volunteers and train- said. ers from four different barns, Lake This year, Oak Grove Equestrian Forty-three year old Julie Nor- balances jobs such as warming-up, entered three different routines, two man is all smiles as she competes in cleaning, and tacking horses. Ad- of which Lake designed. Special Olympics atop paint horse ditionally, she and other volunteers “One [of the routines was] to the MyLO. Norman has ridden MyLO in must learn the patterns of the horse Beach Boys, and one to the song ‘Hey Special Olympics routines for four routines so that they can run along- Princess’ by All Star Weekend. The years, and through the event, she has side the lower division athletes and routines have certain maneuvers that gained confidence and constantly their horses during events for guid- need to be included, but after that, grows her skills. ance. Athletes compete in a variety it’s all creativity,” Lake said. MyLO’s owner and Pope junior of events; Showmanship, Equitation, All three routines Oak Grove Eques- Bethany Lake quotes, “[Julie] told Dressage, and a Trail Class. Lake’s trian entered won gold. me, ‘Every time I see a rainbow, I horses travel along to the event and Through the years that Lake has wish for the time I can ride MyLO are ridden by many athletes. volunteered at Special Olympics, she again.’” “MyLO is ridden by an athlete in has gained priceless experience and The first time Lake volunteered every division. Our barn brings les- watched many athletes return year at Special Olympics, she had only son horses, but one of the athlete’s after year. owned MyLO for one week. has her own horse, so we brought her “These athletes work incredibly “When I got there, Julie asked to horse [too],” Lake said. hard, and this is the highlight of their ride him. I let her, and she’s ridden Lake’s other horse, Pizzazz, was a year. To watch them work so hard [MyLO] every time since!” Lake said. wild mustang that Lake trained her- and connect with the horses is amaz- During the Special Olympics this self. ing,” Lake said. year, Norman cantered for the first “Pizzazz just came to tag along Lake claims that the weekend is time and took home both gold and this year, but my hope is that in two truly summed up by the Special silver medals. As the dust kicks up years, she will be old enough and safe Olympics creed: “Let me win, but if and the music starts at the Special enough to be ridden by an athlete,” I cannot win, let me be brave in the Olympics equestrian routines, the Lake said. attempt.” incredible bravery and passion the While many high school students athletes show astound Lake year af- are attempting to fit in a few more ter year. days by the pool, Lake spends the Au- THE GREYHOUND TRACKS 10 OPINIONS

Marvel vs DC Comics: it’s probably the second most heated debate in history, following close- ly behind, “Which came first: the chicken or the egg?” But we put an end to it all right here and now as two staffers duke it out (non-super hero style) for the two comic universes.

DC Comics: the Original with the responsibility that they bare. the . These malicious individu- “D.C. is more diverse als excel Marvel’s own villains for one American Heroes with their heroes.” Sopho- simple reason: they are characters, By Brewer Kunnemann more Harrison Hamiter said. not people. When Marvel presents a Staff Writer D.C. comics heroes serve as bea- villain, there is usually a sympathetic cons to the racially and sexually op- reason why said villain is doing crim- D.C. trumps Marvel in every way, pressed, with heroes such as Static inal activities, but when D.C. brings ranging from characters to com- Shock, an African American teenager a villain into action, they don’t enter plexity. To put it plainly; D.C. is the struggling with gang influence and through the door, they crash through grandfather of all recognizable super- newfound powers, or , a the window. For instance, Magneto, heroes. They create the most heroic lesbian striving to emulate the famous a prominent Marvel villain, is a ho- and influential characters in comic . D.C. not only creates won- locaust survivor that believes he can book history, laying down a path for stop the ostracization of mutants by the rest of the comic book world to TEACHER’S TAKE overthrowing the current govern- take example from and deviate form “I enjoy DC because it ment. That’s not a villain, that’s a revolutionary. The Joker, however, as they wish. What childhood boy makes me think. My favorite didn’t want, at some point, to be as is an insane amalgamation of crimi- powerful as or as clever as superhero from DC is Won- nal qualities that will murder some- Batman? What little girl didn’t want der Woman, because she’s one in cold blood, and make a joke to be as strong and as free as Wonder strong, powerful, yet femi- about how he did the deed. D.C.’s Woman, defying the men who wished nine.” villains perform such vile, cruel, and to control her? These supermen and insane acts that strike a dark, solemn superwomen serve as idols that peo- – Mrs. Monica Erwin chord in the back of our minds. What ple empower themselves to be like, a D.C. villain does in a D.C. comic standing high as Olympians in their sticks with us throughout the day. strength, intelligence, and wisdom. derful comic book characters, they D.C. comics not only serve as a Marvel’s heroes, however, present serve as catalysts for change in the medium for entertainment, but as themselves in such a way where the public view of the socially estranged. an even playing field, where story, story is no longer about how a person What would Harry Potter be with- characters, and cultural differenc- may overcome insurmountable odds, out Voldemort? Every great story es all meet to create the wonderful but about how a person deals with requires the quintessential of antag- world where these icons live, as op- everyday problems such as jobs, rela- onists to make a lasting impact the posed to Marvel, who are perfectly tionships, and mortgages. This type readers. D.C. excels in this regard, content with their “reality T.V.” of character is more of a reality T.V. creating such horribly wonderful characters and their monotonous star than an actual superhero, con- characters as , Sinestro, cast of heroes and villains alike. cerned with their selfish needs than and perhaps the most famous of all, 11

Marvel: The Power of the summer sandal sale at Old Navy. the Green Goblin. Before this event, And aside from Batman, as general a superhero had never failed so cata- the Relatable Hero rule, DC characters have failed to strophically to save a loved one be- By Emily Sermons win the hearts of its readers because fore, and because of that failure, we nearly ever Superhero in the uni- love the Marvel heroes that bring a re- Managing Editor verse is a one dimensional godlike freshing sense of reality to the stories. Be honest: there was a time this hero with a not relatable personal- I know what you must be thinking: summer that you all wished that you ity (see: Superman, , what about Superman?! While many were swinging across webs with Pe- , etc.) The Marvel Universe, may scoff and say that Superman ter Parker or battling the forces of however, is comprised of superheroes could lay waste to the entire Marvel Loki with the Avengers. Marvel Uni- that have that distinct rugged charm universe with his unparalleled pow- verse had a blockbuster summer this that makes readers able to relate to ers, the Marvel heroes possess a dif- year, with more movies in the works. ferent kind of power that will lead But compared with their main rival, TEACHER’S TAKE them to victory: Brainpower. With the Batman series, the question of- geniuses like Professor X, Tony Stark, ten arises: is Marvel or DC better? “I’m a marvel, mostly be- Reed Richards, and Bruce Banner (to My choice? Marvel all the way. But cause of nostalgia, the X- name only a few), DC has no chance before we get down to the punches men cartoons on Saturday of outwitting them. And while it’s true that not even the strength of the Hulk and POWs, we must first examine morning 4th grade. My fa- why the characters of Marvel Uni- could take down Superman alone, verse have not only won the age vorite superhero would have the Marvel geniuses would have no old battle, but a place in our hearts. to be Wolverine, because he problem of using Superman’s two I will be the first to admit that I just emits awesome.” weaknesses, Kryptonite and his own innate goodness, against him. DC adore Batman. The character of Bruce – Mr. Ryan Neumann Wayne is brilliantly complex, the fran- has their own fair share of super ge- chise is genius, and (from a nerd-girl niuses, but they happen to play for the standpoint) Christian Bale is just real- them. Peter Parker is a nerd; Tony side of the villains, which wouldn’t ly cute. But the first reason that Marvel Stark is self-centered; Bruce Banner be much help to the superheroes. triumphs above the legend of the Dark would probably benefit from some While DC puts up a courageous Knight is that Batman is DC’s only anger management classes. Simply battle, the loveable band of mis- marketable resource. From a filmog- put, the Marvel characters have flaws, fits that is the Marvel universe tri- raphy standpoint, The Dark Knight and we as non-super readers cling to umphs. With likeability, impressive grossed $1 billion and is the only su- that familiarity. Spiderman himself film success, and brain power out the perhero movie to ever win a major brought what some scholars note as wazoo, Marvel takes the cake in all academy award (best supporting ac- an end to the “Silver Age” of comics categories. Except in maybe cheesy tor). But aside from that, the DC fran- in The Amazing Spiderman #121 with catch phrases – both Marvel and chise has had more flips and flops than Gwen Stacy’s death at the hands of DC probably need to work on that. THE GREYHOUND TRACKS 12 THE SCOOP As the season continues to change from bright, summer fun to mellow, Autumn tones, Pope students welcome Fall with popular G into concert demands coming to Atlanta in October. Who? Journey

6% N October What? A classic rock band

When? October 6, 2012 at 7:00 pm 29% Concerts 23% Where? Aarons Amphitheater at Lakewood I by Kaegan Stone Staff Writer How? Tickets are on sale now and

cost anywhere from 39 dollars to L Who? Miranda Lambart 237 dollars for an individual ticket 14% depending on the row. 28% What? Popular country music star Who? Gotye

L When? October 5, 2012 at 7:30 The Greyhound Tracks interviewed 100 pm What? Australian alternative artist students at Pope to see which artist they would rather see this coming October. Where? Aarons Amphitheater at When? October 5, 2012 at 7:30 pm Lakewood Miranda Lambert A Where? Chastain Park Amphithe- How? Tickets are on sale now ater Gotye and cost anywhere from 35 dol-

lars to 402 dollars for an indi- How? Tickets are on sale now and Journey F vidual ticket depending on the they cost anywhere from 30 dollars row. Packages will include tickets to 900 dollars for an individual ticket Rascal Flatts to Rascal Flatts on October 20th depending on the row. as well. Gov’t Mule

Visit DriversEd.com & enter discount* code GAKR DDS during the online DriversEd.com approved makes earning your license easy. course payment process.

ONLINE DRIVERS ED DRIVING LESSONS IN YOUR AREA • Fun, flexible lessons so you pass your permit test • Practice driving in brand-new BMW MINI Coopers! • Georgia DDS-licensed • Free driving lesson pick-up and drop-off • 50 free online permit practice tests • Professional instructors teach you to drive • Save $99 on Driving Lessons

QUESTIONS? Call us at 770-225-0044.

DriversEd.com

*D*Discountnt for onlnline drivers ed clalass only.ly. H_C_9x6_X9 © 2011 DriversEd.com

WANT A FAST, EASY WAY TO FUNDRAISE FOR YOUR SCHOOL? Earn a 25% commision and save your friends 15% off drivers ed. Visit DriversEd.com/Associate-Programs. OPINIONS 13 Not So Super Powers For every beloved hero comic book writers bring to life, there are hundreds of failures; heroes with powers that just leave us wanting more. Here are the top 5 not-so-super heroes and how they would make it through a day in the halls of Pope High School. by Harper Beckham Staff Writer

The last things you expect to see in a comic are “niceness vibes”, but the one and only Goldstar just wants us all to get along. His vibes make villains want a hug instead of wanting to cause havoc. Someone must have used niceness vibes on whoever put this comic to print. Niceness vibes are just so unbeliev- ably out of place in the action-packed world of superhero comics. As lame as he 5 sounds, Goldstar would be really useful at Pope. Imagine being able to control Goldstar your teachers with kindness. Shoot them one wink, and no homework ever DC Comics

Bouncing Boy has the ability to inflate himself into a giant round ball and bounce. How does this come in handy? I’m not really sure. Being able to jump out of the way of a villain’s death might be an asset, but Bouncing Boy has no power to actually stop his enemies. Basically he just bounces away from the fight and is nothing more than a giant target. The hallways around here are crowded enough without this guy. The soccer team could kick him around a little, but there is more than enough “PS4L” without Bouncing Boy. 4 Bouncing Boy DC Comics

You guessed it; Matter Eater Lad… eats matter. He can eat his way through anything, which is neither a pretty nor power. When it comes to battle he is nothing more than a last minute escape route for the real he- roes. Chewing your enemies to death isn’t too glamorous and prob- ably doesn’t work too well. Matter Eater Lad chomping through the walls in math class wouldn’t earn you many bonus points, but he would 3 Matter Eater Lad at least pretend to enjoy what you burned in culinary arts that day. DC Comics

Red Bee is a superhero that lacks any powers at all. He has a pretty cool stinger gun, but he gets his name from his trained bee sidekick named Michael, who he keeps in his belt buckle. It’s weird. I guess they hang out on weekends, but when it comes to fighting crime any 5th grad- er could take down Michael. and Michael would be complete- ly useless in the school building; no one likes a bee. They could prob- 2 ably hang out in the green house since nothing is really going on in there... Red Bee

Color Kid has the most useless super power of all time: the ability to change the color of things. No really, that’s it…. He’s more of a super redecorator than a superhero. Changing your arch nemesis’ cape from black to pink is just go- ing to make him red with anger. Color kid is completely useless in a fight, and 1 not much cooler at Pope. He would be impressive for the first 5 minutes, but Color Kid having the room change color gets old fast. He might do well in art class, but DC Comics

Savannah Cole Savannah by Photos Color Kid would be as useless in high school as he is in the superhero world. THE GREYHOUND TRACKS 14 OPINIONS TABOOTV

THE GOOD

THE BAD

THE QUESTIONABLE Samantha Piper Illustration by Photo

Students begin to question how risky can their favorite shows get before they have to re- frain from watching them in mixed company. A step by step analysis of how today’s most controversial programs stack up in that equation might prove helpful.

By Samantha Piper the youth’s deteriorating sexual mo- case you also risk the awkward situ- Senior Staff Writer rality. ations you’ll always remember with a Throughout your adolescent career, sticky guilt. But despite their explicit We’ve all been there, that moment your teen friends are sure to discover content, some shows are worth the when your mom strolls into the room TV shows that cross certain bound- barriers. There are subjects that can’t and suddenly that show you were aries, whether it’s their own, or their be discussed without awkwardness completely fine with watching be- parents. But some of these programs but sometimes that’s just what you comes the elephant in the room. But are meant to be seen, they’re meant need. she’s already in the room, and you to open your mind and discuss topics And even if the subject is not too can’t just change the channel, it’s too with you that maybe no one ever has. scandalous, some shows are even late for that. You’ve really screwed up They’re social enrichment, and while too awkwardly difficult to watch with this time. So you sit as calmly as you yes, some of them are exaggerated for close friends. can and pray to the TV gods that noth- entertainment purposes, the underly- “Game of Thrones is ridiculous. Even ing inappropriate happens. ing meaning reading the books was awkward,” Ju- In an effort to prevent such situa- “[I] definitely [can’t watch] Degras- nior Sam Marticke commented. tions from ever getting you, The Grey- si [around my parents]. And I can’t Wouldn’t the world be much simpler hound Tracks would like to provide watch Glee when my dad’s home, he’s if such shows came with a warning you with a guide to what’s safe and too conservative,” said Junior Shan- label? Well hopefully this adds up to what’s idiotic to watch in plain sight non Duffy. something quite like that. of your parental units. Unless you As a rule of thumb, be cautious. You want “the talk” again, or a lecture on can risk it all you want, but in that 15 Your “TV Guide” Basic Plot? Taboos? Parental Concerns? Redeeming Qualities?

The story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who This show concerns suddenly gets diagnosed parents because of the ex- Witty dialogue, heavy with advanced lung can- cessive violence, extreme suspense and intriguing Some cussing, TONS of cer. He’s already strug- drug use, and the corrupt characters who straddle drug talk, but little to no Breaking Bad gling to get by as it is, moral message it sends to the thin line between sexual content so to ensure his family’s their kids. hero and villain solid economic future, he begins making crystal meth with his former student Jesse Pinkman.

The program contains blatant sexuality, exces- Based on A Song of Ice While Game of Thrones sive violence, heavy use of and Fire, George R. R. is highly compelling and alcohol, vulgar language, Martin’s series of fantasy impeccably witty, there is Ridiculous amounts of blood and gore, moral novels. The series follows an overwhelming amount drama, crazy plot twists, Game of ambiguity, incest, rape, the struggles of noble of nudity and sexual situ- and characters that force homosexuality, and grim families in the Seven ations that would force your emotional invest- Thrones atmosphere that causes Kingdoms of Westeros your parents to lock you ment in the series even the most open- over the “Iron Throne” to in a bell tower for the rest minded parents to cringe. control all the kingdoms. of your life.

While the parties are entertaining and some A wild turbulent show of the shenanigans are that follows a group of unbelievably hilarious, teenagers in Bristol, Most definitely. It’s not Skins finds a level of South West England extremely graphic, but Parents cringe at the sophistication in the way Skins (UK) as they deal with every many conversations bring melodramatic portrayal it deals with controversial problem imaginable to up subjects never found of teenage partying and topics. It really hits taboo the teen mind. Think in Disney Channel movies overt sexual content. subjects well, such as Degrassi, but minus substance abuse, mental the Canada and terrible illness, eating disorders, acting. fractured families, and death.

Is it time to rethink the growing popularity of controversial television? By Kelsey Asher priate programs will not change a so it is bound to come out in our Opinions Editor person’s mind set demonstrates actions and words,” senior Abbey some severely flawed logic; Opti- Stokes said. Every teenager at some point has mistic thinking in this area mirrors People should not simply watch heard the cliché phrase, “Should that of a wayward adolescent who whatever they want to, because you really be watching that?” assumes if they eat a dozen jelly- they need to evaluate if the series Groans and skepticism prove the filled donuts, they cannot possibly might have a negative effect on the common response to a parent or gain weight. Truly the potential principles that they hold dear. Be- teacher’s concern, but frankly, the exist for someone to grow desen- fore viewing any taboo television, question may have some merit be- sitized to situations that perhaps students should figure out if some hind it. disregard certain morals. unsavory aspects can be over- “I think social media in general “I think the more we see on TV looked if the merits of the show is changing the way kids think… the more it is ingrained into our outweigh the harmful traits. A it’s sad but true,” senior Jordan language and our way of think- little moderation could not hurt in Milam said. ing. [Questionable ideals are] con- the lives of balanced individuals. To claim that watching inappro- stantly pounded into our brains, THE GREYHOUND TRACKS 16 THE SCOOP Seen on the Street: Pope’s most fashionable take on the season’s biggest trends

“I would describe my style as “My style is a mix of whatever’s “My style is creative, I would reasonably conservative” trendy and the classics” say bohemian too” – junior Chris Horacek – sophmore Erin Ward – junior Molly O’Shaughnessy

What is Pope’s verdict Thumbs up or down* on fall’s hottest trends? Handsome Hobo Heels Denim Tops YES: 68% NO: 55% YES: 75% NO: 32% YES: 45% NO: 25%

* Note: The Greyhound Tracks polled students on Fall’s hottest trends in general not on the fashion mavens pictured above 15 NEWS 17

by Savannah Cole Pope responds to Trashy Photo Editor or the new focus on Classy? dress code

by Heather Giles and Alison Game Staff Writers

With the arrival of a new principal this year, Pope has un- dergone some changes, both minor and major. One of the most controversial has been the new strict enforcement of the dress code. Pope students no longer have the reputation of being such sloppy dressers without class, but how do the students feel about the changes?

FOR AGAINST

“The new dress code is good “The dress code is awful. to an extent, they need to Girls should be allowed to address the people who look wear what they want” like trollops, but wearing - junior Becca Carp Nike shorts should be al- lowed” “It’s unacceptable. This is -- sophomore Bethany Watkins high school. It’s not like guys have never seen that “It is less distracting. You before” won’t have to worry about -freshman Nicole Barluv “I dress according to my mood, I what you are wearing, you “I’m against it because the guess you could say eclectic” can focus on academics” -senior Luther Virgil shorts rule is unfair for people with short arms “I don’t agree with all of to be able to wear shorter What is Pope’s verdict the changes, but it is good shorts, than people with * they’re enforcing some- longer arms” Thumbs up or down on fall’s hottest trends? -sophmore Laural Baxley thing” -sophmore Charlotte Hinton Lace YES: 76% NO: 24%

THE GREYHOUND TRACKS 18 THE SCOOP #bypopEularDemand

Movies Music Hashtags Apps

The Perks of Being “Gangnam Style” #forealdoe SnapChat a Wallflower Psy Social Media

“It’s TIme” #falconswinthanks- The Possession Spotify 2 2 Imagine Dragons 2 coachdas 2 Music “One More Night” Where’s My Water? The Campaign #fallishere 3 3 Maroon 5 3 3 Games House at the End of “Don’t Wake Me Up” Waze #iOS6update 4 the Street 4 Chris Brown 4 4 GPS/Utilities “Good Time” Finding Nemo 3-D PicStitch 5 5 City and Carly #SeniorProbs 5 Photography Rae Jepsen 5

Going West means having plenty of room for your mind Greyhounds to roam. Whether you’re an artist in need of a canvas or an up-and-coming entrepreneur Go West. with a revolutionary business idea, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to change the world as you know it at the University of West Georgia. With 106 mind-opening majors, more than 150 student organizations, and countless research and internship opportunities, you’ll create your own path to success. Ready to explore West? gowestgeorgia.com

UWGadPopeHSGreyhounds8x5.indd 1 9/13/12 4:11 PM FEATURES 19

Apps

Honey Boo Boo You better redneckognize who this is!

Study Seshes at Panera

Sperry’s

Nothing quite like a bread bowl to eat away your stresses of Calculus. They’ve been in since the seventh grade and as long as I’m in a hurry to rush to school they will be in. iPhone 5 Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latté Klondike bars? No. What I can honestly say that there’s would you do for a some Steve Jobs-ness being pumpkin spice lattè! missed right about now, though I give them props for the double sided charger. New Emojis T. Swift Who cares about any other updates of the iOs6? I have so many more emojis. I don’t know what to do with myself.

Miley Cyrus Hair Drama Alright it’s just hair, people. She’s Time marrying Liam Hemsworth. She WE ARE NEVER EVER EVER-- “There’ll be plenty of time wins. to get my college apps playing this song again. done.” Oh look, it’s almost October!

THE GREYHOUND TRACKS 20 SPORTS

girl power It’s been thirtly years since Title IX guaranteed equal opportunity and access to female athletes. Major wins in softball, volleyball, water polo, and gymnastics proves a new era of girl power prevails at Pope. 21

Photo By Samantha Piper 22 SPORTS FANtastic Girls Can Play Tough Too Even though it’s their first year, the girl’s water polo team works hard the first season. Freshmen Despite being new to the game, the girls are determined to make a statement. by Colin Edmonds juniors Danielle Allers, and Ciarra by Anushka Madwesh & Danielle Staff Writer Smith. Even though the odds are Spelfogel stacked against them, they meet their “Water Polo is really fun, but it can Staff Writers opponents with a steel wall of deter- get really violent at times, especial- mination. The girls work together as a ly at girls games,” sophomore Erin Vollyball stars Morgan Dees and close-knit team of friends with a com- Broderson said. Even though it’s a Sara Esposito are the only two mon goal: winning. “girl sport,” girl’s water polo is any- freshman on a team dominated “I’ve developed closer bond with ev- thing but a game of freeze tag. Despite by seniors, juniors, and sopho- eryone on the team,” Broderson said. it being a sport for only girls, they get mores. We got in touch with “We work together for about an hour no exception to rules except for get- these fantastic freshmen about and a half and it really brings us to- ting a smaller ball. life on the varsity team. gether as a unit.” Even though this The girls may not play as aggres- is Pope’s first year with a girl’s wa- sive as the boys play, but that doesn’t Q- How is Pope Volleyball ter polo team, many girls know each mean that things can’t get ugly during different from other vol- other. Besides the fact that they all go games. leyball? to Pope, most of the girls also swim “Boys are certainly more aggressive for the pope swim team. Through of than girls, but in girls matches, other M.D- It is more competitive, all this, the girls have become closer girls [are] all over you and very physi- practice more often, and more friends than before. cal,” Captain Danielle Allers said. Wa- involved. I feel like we are a This year is Pope’s first year with a ter polo isn’t just violence, however. better family. girl’s water polo team. With an 0-2 “I don’t enjoy the hitting, it’s just record, and with only enough players something that has to get done.” S.E-It is so much more fun for everyone to start, there’s not much sophomore Melanie Hammond said. and you get to show every- room for substitutions. Despite a los- Just because there is hitting doesn’t thing you’ve learned in club ing record and fresh faces, the girls automatically make every girl a crazy season. It’s where all of that are still holding up well, and there’s monster that’s looking forward to her hard work pays off to support enough time in the season left for next fight; instead, the girls take it on your school. them to pull it around and prove to as a job, tackling it head on, some- the other teams that the Pope Grey- times literally. Q- How are the crowds’ hounds Girl’s Water Polo team is here “I mean, if a girl hits you, your obvi- reactions? to stay. ously gonna hit her back,” Allers said, M.D-They are excited and taking on a more enthusiastic ap- cheer us on and support us a proach to the hitting. The girls have a young class lot. to take on the season with. They only S.E- They rock! They are so have seven players in all, with five of them being sophomores. The two loud and just pump us up and other girls are the team captains, show us what we’re working for.

Q- What is your best mo- ment in Volleyball at Pope?

M.D- It was when I first heard them cheer my name.

S.E- When I got to play in my first varsity match as a fresh- man, it felt so amazing and I was excited. Photo By Lifetouch Photo By Darby Thomspon Photo By Eli Gruber Sophomore Rebecca Feld- The water polo team prac- Jenna Reilly takes the plate mon practices the beam. tices for upcoming games. at a home softball game. 23 The Flip Side of Gymnastics Gymnastics, which occurs in the spring, has gymnasts who train for the Pope Gymnastics team year round to help them learn new skills and prep their skills for the upcoming season. by Danielle Spelfogel time commitment. All of the gymnast have their own stories Staff Writer “I have done gymnastics since I was about what made them want to commit three and I have been training my whole to gymnastics. Haag said that when she “I do gymnastics for 22 ½ hours a week,” life,” sophomore, Sydney Haag said. was young, she danced and hated it; she junior Dani Climmons said. The Pope Haag’s skills will be used on the Pope wanted to try something else that seemed Gymnastics team trains all year to keep team for the second year in a row. When enjoyable, so she became dedicated to up their skills and practice. Even though practicing, the team not only focuses on gymnastics. gymnastics occurs in the spring, the Pope its gymnastics skills, but trains by condi- “I just liked the idea of it and how you gymnasts work hard year round. tioning and stretching. can do all the events and I love to jump “We are a spring sport, so we don’t start “We train for all four events, and it is just around and stay active,” Claxton said. to work out until mid January and it usu- a lot of repetition or stretching and condi- Despite all the time and commitment ally ends in late April or early May,” the tioning,” team captain and senior, Aubrey the team puts in, they have come a long gymnastics Coach Bruce said when asked Claxton said when asked about what type way. With their years of experience, they about the training times. of exercises and practices the team par- perform a variety of advanced gymnastics On the off season, the gymnasts ticipates in. Besides stretching and condi- skills. Coach Bruce’s gymnasts have a lot take on hours at their own gyms to prac- tioning, running appears on their workout of different levels of aptitude in gymnas- tice their skills and to prepare for the win- schedule. They have meets once a week tics. Each gymnast excels in a different ter season. When January rolls around, during the season and to prepare for the ability, allowing a wide selection of exper- the gymnasts practice twice a week for meets, with their practices progressively tise on the team. about two hours, although the practices gets harder. Partaking in team bonding “Practice makes perfect,” Climmons for the girls’ personal gyms require ad- activities acts as an important aspect to said, and it clearly reflects in the gymnas- ditional practice hours. Climmons, who the team also, even on the off season. tics team at Pope High School. works on her skills at Georgia All Stars, “We go to an UGA Gym Dogs meet and trains for 22 ½ hours each week. The go out to breakfast, or even bowling… the gymnasts have participated in gymnastics girls feel like bonding is really important for years, which makes the sport a strict for the team,” Bruce said. Softball Gains in 2012 Pope’s softball team made history this season, reaching the state championship game, through the efforts of its ambitious offensive team and capable pitching staff. Rachel Dennis slides past an aggressive baseman, and Boyette winds up for sizzling fast ball. by Heather Giles that throws off opposing teams. A power it be by the simple joy of playing the game, Staff Writer pitch links lower body strength with the or getting the ball every play (which is Kel- pitch to put more concentrated power be- ly’s favorite part), there is something that Softball lovers have had a lot to cheer for hind a pitch and propel it forward. Mixed drives athletes everywhere. Kelly’s long- with the start of Pope’s fastpitch season. with the spin pitch of fellow varsity pitch- time inspiration is national softball team This year’s team is full of depth and strong er Lindsey Walsh, the opposing team is member Jenny Finch. Finch, described key players. One new addition this year left with no idea of what hit them. as “the most famous softball player in is sophomore pitcher Kelly Barnhill, who “Instead of one good pitcher we now history,” by Time Magazine, lead the US courtesyphotos of Lifetouch has managed to pitch four no hitters since have two with completely different tech- team to a gold medal in the 2004 Olympic the start of the season. niques that throws other teams off,” team games in Athens. Her strength and suc- Pope’s pitchers are legend. Varsity pitch- mate Laura Beall said. cess as a pitcher give Kelly something to ers Lindsey Walsh, and Marisa Boyett This “power pitch” works well for Kelly, look forward to if she decides to further gave the program strong pitching depth in as she often strikes out most of the players her softball career after high school. 2011. Boyett graduated last year, leaving to whom she pitches. Tuesday the 21st of Barnhill’s most imminent thoughts are a large opening for Kelly to fill when she August, the girls won their second game concentrated on the GHSA fast pitch soft- moved to Pope this year from North Cobb. of the season against North Springs. Lead- ball game in October. The team has high “Pope has always had good pitching, and ing the way was Kelly, aka “K- Train,” who hopes for placing at the state finals in Co- Kelly keeps that legacy going,” softball threw a perfect game. lumbus, and with the solid team Pope has coach Chris Turco said. “That’s always a good feeling, sending this year, there is nothing to stand in their Already this year, Kelly has made a name everyone back to the bench,” Barnhill way. for herself because of her skills on the said. This good feeling is shared by team field. With her softball background start- mates and coaches alike, as it means their ing at age five, she brings both experience chances of winning have just dramatically and skill to the team. Unlike other pitch- escalated. ers, Kelly utilizes a power pitch, something Every great athlete is inspired. Whether THE GREYHOUND TRACKS One-Disaster to bask in the historic event that was Three hours later, the Doctors A teenage girl’s night unexpectedly goes the first released song off of their cam Hannah’s parents with the from spectacular to disastrous. second ne lbum, “Take Me ne their daughter was going to at unti they Immediately, Hannah’s Just as Hannah was getting re as she ran home to get her phone rang violently on Meanwhile, her dad nightstand as her friend Patty e went to Walgreen’s babbled words of admiration. Wor as Hannah woke Hannah pacified Patty, tryin the anesthesia to figure out why she was until she realized anxious. Patty barely managed to s had cut off her legs. the words “One Direction” and “N Direction had heard when Hannah squealed. She jum and decided they of bed and reached for her laptop Appearing with and frantically logged on to he they approached -nt to search for the newly l ? rang the doorbell. music video. Clicking the lin opened the door, she Hannah found the video ? gave each a hug. she began to eagerly ro Want to find out more? ? they serenaded back and forth, in the feta Want to find ?out the stories that we couldn’t They even , as she waited for her future publish in time? favorite song husband, Harry Styles, to Visit greyhoundtracks.org to get , but before le- pop up. The second the vi Harry proposed. began to the very end, Ha the latest scoop on what’s happening at Pope. they proposed she was mesmorized by her computer and come visit them in screen until the moment Liam E . When she heard all of the and Niall toppeled Zayn over, at w new annah actually started crying. point, she completely lost control of when s arrive the ho al, Wh t went from being a horrible her emotions. Eyes crying, hands the nurses and doctors icly took night turned into the best thing that flailing, Hannah eagerly called Patty her from the car and put her on a had ever happened to her.

Give us your thoughts! Take the following survey, cut it out, and return it to room 260

Circle your choices or insert your If you could be any superhero, Also, it’s never a bad idea to get out own! who would it be? your frustrations--submit us your a) Superman vents (PG please!). First things first: b) Batman c) Spiderman DC or Marvel? ______d) Ironman ______Which of the following super e) f)______powers would you want? ______a) the ability to fly If you could be any villain, who ______b) super strength would it be? c) lightning speed a) The Joker ______d) the ability to read minds b)Lex Luthor ______e)______c) The Green Goblin d) Venom ______The Dark Knight Rises or e) ______The Avengers? Capes or No Capes?