WESTERN HILLS HIGH S CHOOL February 2017 CINCINNATI, OHIO “HOME OF THE MUSTANGS” Issue 3 The Western Breeze A Tribute to Black History Month

Na’Saijah Still, ‘17 In February, along with Lin- oath into office. What is the meaning of Black coln and Douglass, many other history month? Negro History significant people and events —On February 12, 1909, The Black history month is known Week was envisioned as a tool happened for the African Amer- National Association for the as the February Holiday along- Colored People (NAACP) was to the de- ican population side with Valentine’s Day. velop and that influenced founded by a group of con- “National African American cerned black and white citizens cultivate the world. in New York City. History” is also new the shortest month of the year. aware- —On February —On February 1, 1960, In Why was Black History month ness and 23, 1868, W.E.B. what became a civil-rights created? It’s precursor, “Negro new cri- DuBois was History Week,” was created by tiques. born. He was an movement milestone, a Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926. This was important civil group of black Greensbo- While later in time a committed suppose rights leader and ro, N.C., college students Republican wanted to honor the to be co-founder of began a sit-in at a segre- birthdays of Frederick Douglass about NAACP. gated Woolworth’s lunch and Abraham Lincoln. unity. counter. —On February Most people don’t know that February 3, 1870, the 15th —On February 21, 1965, black history had barely begun (www.Central University.com) was sup- amendment was Malcolm X, the militants to be studied or even document- pose to dedicated to all the passed, granting blacks the leader who promoted ed when the tradition originated. black achievements throughout right to vote. Although, it wasn't until the Black Nationalism, was the time of history. To show that shot to death by three 20th century that they gained a all races can do excellent things —On February 25, 1870, the Black Muslims. respectable presence in the his- to better the word. first black U.S. senator, Hiram tory books. R. Revels (1822-1901), took Valentine’s Day is On the Way! DeAyra Lewis ‘17 “Valentine's Day is a festival of romance that celebrates love and Such as going out dancing with “Hearts of Valentine” February 14th Valentine’s Day a relationships. Celebrated on Febru- your partner for this special day. special a day for couples and it’s to ary 14th, it is often marked by giv- Another idea is home cooked meal By Jordan Reed, ‘17 treat your boyfriend or girlfriend ing gifts to and spending time with for significant other to show them like the king or queen they are. how much you truly care for Can you say what you feel Also it’s a time where couples them. Third idea is like game Can this feeling be real spend with each to appreciate night at your significant other. Nervous, uncertain, unpre- each other. What’s the most pared important part about Valen- These ideas will be put into place with one of our very own Giving to someone can tine’s Day? Is it the love cou- make you scared ples have for one another? Is it couples at West High. the way significant other’s Will they accept it? I talked with one senior couple treat their partner? Or will they deny it? about their relationship, and I

asked them a series of questions Hearts of Valentine According to the article like: How did y'all meet? Do ya’ll So pure and full “Valentine’s Day History” by have a song for ya’ll relationship? Only for love will they rule Borgan Brunner, “The holi- What do ya’ll like for fun? I day's roots are in the ancient Couple from all around asked Ciara Blevins and Joseph Love everywhere could be Roman festival of Lupercalia, Janson both seniors. I spoke with a fertility celebration com- Ciara Blevins first she said, “We found memorated annually on Febru- met during 7th bell, and I didn’t Sweet chocolate, gifts, and ary 15. Pope Gelasius I recast notice him at first, but he was more this pagan festival as a Chris- cute or whatever.” Blevins went The love of Valentine, I tian feast day circa 496, declar- (Photo courtesy of ww.365twincities .com) on saying, “we [was] trying it out ing February 14 to be St. Val- a few times but it didn’t work.” adore entine's Day.” loved ones. Valentine's Day tradi- Yoyo said, “I love her personality Hearts of Valentine tions include exchanging gifts, and my baby smile.” When the day ends Other the hand there’s a lot of such as chocolates or roses, and a A new love can begin traditions for this special holiday romantic night out on the town.” The couple plans to spend the day For someone will be yours together that starts out by going to or mine According to the article “The There’s soooooo many date ideas breakfast, then to the movies, and Celebrations of Valentine’s Day,” for this special day then out dinner. Hearts of Valentine

The Western Breeze Issue 3 Page 2 February, 2017

OPINION School + Job = Headache Mark Jeffers, ‘17 The American Council for Edu- had before college. While going to school and working cation (ACE) found that the main full-time reason for If you have a job now in high students to Many students will return to col- school, you already know how dif- will leave lege after gaining work experience you with work is to ficult it can be to balance work and pay for col- and skills. school without leaving one or the little to no social life, lege fees and other on the back-burner. It’s ei- tuition. ther your grades start slipping or family Working can improve your your paychecks get smaller – you time, per- school performance. sonal time, just can’t win. “How does anyone Working etc., it’s do this?” you might ask. Well, in a field Work gives you real life experi- here’s some information that might one of the related to ence dealing with issues that could be new to you. most your major help you with class assignments. “realistic” is better ways of than the al- Most students work. paying for ternative. college All in all, working while you at-

without tend school simply isn’t for every- The U.S. Department of Educa- going into If you tion states that over 78% of under- one. You have to be ready to give over- (Photo courtesy of www.odyssey.com) work at a job up some of the social aspects of graduates work while they attend whelming that is at your life in order to get prioritize school. This statistic has changed debt. least partially like your major, then very little since the 1990s, with career and education goals. How- you should be guaranteed to learn most students averaging 30 hours something that can help you meet ever, it could also be beneficial. It per week. Two thirds of working students your career goals. prepares you for working long hours to support a family or it could even are doing it to pay for their schooling. give you experience that might get 25% of full-time students also you hired. One third of working students work full-time. still work at the same jobs they

Let us hear YOUR OPINION! Praise for Octavia E. Butler

Submit letters to be printed in The Breeze. Jordan Reed, ‘17

Letters can be sent to room 1236, or placed in Lilith’s Brood is the women that to meet other human and awake Ms. Silbernagel’s mailbox wrote multiple award winning like them to teach them all she knows. Kindred and Fledgling, but this Soon the humans that she awak- (Letters may be edited for clarity, taste, and length.) book that I am reading it called Oc- en are confused and some are tavia E. Butler. This book is about very angry. the profoundly sensual and disturb- Lilith has an encounter with a hu- ing journey of human transfor- man male name Titus that aggres- mation. At first this book has made sively beats her until the Oankalis me very confused about what the put him to sleep saying they didn't The Breeze Staff purpose of the human saviors, this know he would reacted in that way. Ooloi or Oankalis. These alien-like So in order the keep Lilith safe Ni- creatures that help the main char- kanji gives her the power of inhu- Reporters acter find her own way to help man strength. DeAyra Lewis, Jalyne Locke, Robert Speaks ,Jordan Reed, many more human find a way to During this book the humans Darrell Janson, Shylo Brunner ,King Diarra ,Tosha Cephas live on earth. get a taste of Earth but Lilith new ,Na’Saijah Still ,Jaylin Jamson, Robert Henderson, Zion Lilith Lyapo is in the alien world found mate Joseph get killed by Webber, Alaizion Mayfield, Mikayla Hayes, Makala Wil- called Andes, mourning the loss of the enraged human Curt that wants liams, Karima Scott, Dominique McCord, Mark Jeffers , her family, killed by a war that de- nothing more than to get away Jaline Wilson, Dy’lan Shavers, Eric Gilchrest, Jermacio stroyed Earth. She is confused on from the Oankalis. With the lose of Booker, Perrish Thomas, Keyonne Mann, & James Colbert how she is alive, and she is trying another person she care deeply to find answer when suddenly her about Lilith finds herself all alone Advisor caretaker the Oankalis called Ni- until Nikanj tells her that he gave Ms. Shannon Silbernagel kanj come in her containment ex- her Joseph child to sooth her pain. ————————————————————————————— plaining the she has been awaken. The child is named Akin and he is — Then she is frighten but then driv- care for by not only his mother but The Western Breeze is an open forum for student expression produced and en by the need to get answers she all the other Oankalis. for students of Western Hills High School, 2144 Ferguson Road, Cincin- allow him to take care of her. Being I think this book so far is very ad- nati, OH 45238. in Andes take its toll on Lilith be- venturous and it makes me want to Editorials appearing in The Breeze reflect the opinion of the editorial cause she soon realize that Andes read more of Lilith’s Book. All and board, not the administration or staff of Western Hills High School. Read- is a live ship the is based on all I like the book Octavia E.Butler ers of the Breeze may express their views by submitting letters to editor in sound and touch . because it a great non-fiction book room 1236. Letters must be signed and The Breeze reserves the right to Now that Lilith is able to under- and I hope one day I could write a edit for clarity, taste, and length. stand the Oankalis they allow her book like Lilith's Brood. The Western Breeze Issue 3 Page 3 February, 2017

OPINIONS Why Teens shouldn’t Have Jobs

Robert Henderson ‘17 senior. With a job you may learn great people and real life skills. Having a job in Foster Kids are the Same high school you could help you budget High School alone is already enough your money. If you include jobs on your as Regular Kids stress as is; a job is just another stressor. resumes for college it might help you get There is certain things you need as a high in easier because jobs helps build work school student work- environment person- Perrish Thomas, ’17 felt different until I found the ing you might not be alities and attitudes. able to reach that right family at the age of 10, and However, the Foster kids are just the same as every time it is need- benefits of the job I'm still there till this day on the ed. do not outweigh the regular kids just different life verge of graduating. But when i Students should success in your fu- styles. Some were raised differ- was younger I used to feel so dif- not have jobs while ture life. Although ent like me. I have been in 16 ferent I was seeing other kids they are in high you have money foster homes I have been in foster school. Jobs are now if you don’t get with their parents hugging kiss- stressors. High the grades in school care since 1999 it's been a hard ing their kids. I'm just there school and all of the you will continue to 17 years growing up, being hit walking with the same old white work that follows make the same and abused and switching home man that I'm still working with are stressors. Ex- amount later, that to home just because my parents perts found that stu- you are making still to this day, still funny and dents who work now. Think about it weren't ready for me. nice but he is getting older now. more than 15 to 20 if you don’t get the I could never settle for just one He introduced me to a wonder- hours per week de- grades in high home. I was always on the move, ful woman the lady I call grand- crease in academic school you won’t get and I could never call anyone performance. Taking accepted into col- ma. I never really had a grand- more hours at work lege to make your mommy or daddy or even a mother so I call her that but her decreases your stud- money expand. brother because I was always real name is Barbra Moore. She ying time which also (Photo courtesy of finddream- To sum up, hav- moving. I have been all over. I took me in from a group home decreases your jobs.com) ing a job during high have lived in West Virginia, At- sleeping time which school it’s not worth when she didn't have to. She is not good at all. Statistics show that 69% the loss of grades. You don’t want to be lanta, Kentucky, and also Tennes- pulled me from a police car be- of high school students with jobs start the should of could of would’ve of guy see. But they stopped that be- cause I was angry at her daughter messing up in school. 13% of those stu- because you had a job got bad grades and cause they didn't want casework- and she decided to keep me and dents don’t catch up to where they were end up not going to college. Jobs are for ers, or the Guardian ad Litems, to once before. 6% of those students end up grown people; students should be spoiled from there my life changed. So not graduating on time or period. until they graduate from high school. keep having to travel so far be- yeah foster kids are the same as Some may say that having a job could Don’t get a job until you graduate from cause it was only one kid once I regular kids because we all have also be beneficial for you. One example school it will make you the most success- moved from Atlanta. feelings and problems. you might need a job for is student fees. ful. They stopped doing it but I still There are a lot of funds required to be a “Bye, Bye Man”: Don’t think it; don’t watch it

Jaylin Jameson, ‘18 but here’s the problem: the acting through the story Bye Bye Man, it's so bad it makes me want to gouge is trash. my eyes out. The Bye Bye Man--it used to be a good book, We (the people who watched it and thinks that the Whomever allowed some of these edits to make it which we (the people who read the book), all know movie is horrible) don’t know why it’s terrible; it’s to the big screen should never be allowed to work in about a psychic serial killer who travels day and just to us like the first ever heard the title of it the industry again, and neither should the young lead night, coming ever closer until the shrill sound of a which this was out of a book, everyone likes the actress. She probably meant well, but she apparently steady whistle announces his arrival. He might turn book, but not the title because to our opinion like, is incapable of expressing any emotion with her entire up outside your bedroom door, speaking in the “What is “The Bye Bye Man” it sound one of the face. It's almost as if someone repeatedly beat her in voice of a trusted friend, someone who would never most dumbest names killer names I’ve ever heard. the head with a brick until she literally turned into hurt you. And why rate it PG-13? they should’ve rate it R. one. Some of the shameless attempts to hide the gore They say it was a true story recounted by a histori- It's obvious that the studio had no faith in the team and blood, to allow for a PG-13 rating, are so bad that an name Robert Damon Schneck in a chapter of his producing this and wanted to hedge its bet by mak- it would have been better if they had simply edited in stock footage of animals hurling themselves off a cliff classic underground collection of weird Americana. ing it a PG-13 title instead of giving it a chance to their death. A better title for this "movie" would It was a good and scary book, but when the com- with an R. I'm sure we've all seen movies that are have been "Shameful Money Grab Man." munity started making a movie out of it; it is scary, "so bad they're good," but in the instance of The The Western Breeze Issue 3 Page 4 February , 2017 FEATURES DancingTeen Pregnancy is On the Rise

Karima Scott, ‘20 panics currently have the highest have organs that are not fully de- health risks to both the mother and teen birth rates, they have also had veloped. Teen birth rates differ baby . According to Centers for Disease a dramatic recent decline in rates. substantially by age, racial and If you’re a pregnant teen, you can Control and Prevention, in 2014 a Since 2007, the teen birth rate has ethnic group, and region of the help yourself and your baby by total of 249,078 babies were born declined by 45% for Hispanics, country. doing the following: to women aged 15–19 years, for a compared with declines of 37% for In 2010 New Mexico had the --Taking your prenatal vitamins birth rate of 24.2 per 1,000 women blacks and 32% for whites. highest teenage pregnancy rate 80 for your health and to prevent in this age group. Lots of teens get 8 out of 10 teen dads don’t marry pregnancies per 1,000 women . some birth defects pregnant at a young age, and some the mother of their child. The lowest rates were in New --DON’T SMOKE , DRINK OR are unplanned. Out of all teen Parenthood is one of the reasons Hampshire 28, Vermont 32 , Min- DO DRUGS pregnancies, 60% end in birth, and that teen girls drop out of school. nesota 36, Massachusetts 37 and --Getting regular prenatal care another 15% end in miscarriage. More than 50% of teen mothers Maine 37. Some teens think they --Using a condom if you are hav- Hispanic teens have the highest never graduate from high school. shouldn’t use protection but they ing sex to prevent sexually trans- teen birth rate. In 2013 Hispanic 9% of teen girls have low-birth- should; without protection, there is mitted diseases that could hurt adolescent females ages 15-19 had weight babies (under 5.5 pounds). a higher rate of getting pregnant. your baby the highest birth rate .While His- Low birth-weight babies may Teen pregnancies carry extra JCG: Jobs For Cincinnati Graduates

Makala Williams, ‘17 why she’s been around for so long dents for other schools that are in when I go to my interview, they J.C.G as well schools like Aiken can read over it. It makes me Victoria Perkins is the career spe- I am actually in J.C.G. Nine oth- and Shroder was there. We got to more professional and prepared. cialist for J.C.G and she has been er seniors and I are J.C.G officers. compare and talk before J.C.G. around for 20 years and loving I am the Community Service Of- In class we have speakers, like every minute of her job. ficer with Michael J.C.G Officers include: Ciera Hill. He She also stated how Western hills Blevins. comes to Co Presidents----Monica Barnes and was the first high school to have We had to talk to us Jamar Saunders J.C.G. get sworn in about our a special cer- career VP of Leadership----Venise Williams She came here eager to teach. emony and choices, VP of Social Awareness---- Heaven Perkins said, “I want to help we also get and how we young people find their passion to plan Wise should con- and help them with interview events with duct our- skills and get any jobs they want.” VP of Civic Awareness----DeAyra Ms. Perkins. selves in Lewis interviews. That has always been her passion VP of Career Preparation--- since day one as she would say In January I never re- Ti'Osaherai Hopkins she has always been the one to 15th, Ms. ally thought “keep it real,” which is another Perkins and I about prac- Co-VPs of Community Service--- one of her famous quotes. were at the ticing how Ciara Blevins and Makala Williams Hope Lodge to act dur- Although she has been around which is for ing an inter- VP of Communications----Shania for a long time, she still hasn’t had the cancer patients that already view. J.C.G really got me ready Toy one favorite memory; each year is have beat cancer; they have to for my interview for UDF. Ms. a “trip” for her as she would also Historian----Ra'Neice Taylor Benton come and finish their treatment. perkins taught me to be myself ask say. And we took down their Christ- question and take a breath. Treasurer----Jaida Hatton Ms. Perkins is known for a her mas decorations and stuff. quotes and goofiness but she is Another thing we do is make a also about her business--that’s The best part was meeting stu- resume; this will help us because The Western Breeze Issue 3 Page 5 February, 2017 FEATURES On the Road to Success Jontae Alexander, ‘17 them into a song. The first time I actually thought Who’s Your Favorite Rapper? Growing up I would have never about going to an actual studio is thought I was going to be into mu- when I was 9. My cousin asked Keyonne Mann, ‘17 sic like I am today. I never me did I want to come and try out the studio. The first time i was at showed any interest in music. I the mic I was a bit nervous at first was more focused on other things but after getting the feeling of ac- I was more likely to be into foot- ball or basketball tually recording a

if I haven't been song a got used introduced to rap. to it and I became Music gave me more interested the chance to put in making music. all of the pain I became more and experiences advanced the throughout my more I started to go the studio. life onto a beat. I (Photo courtesy of I began to write (Photo courtesy of have been www.metrolyrics.com) www.billboard.com) through a lot of and create songs but I always kept stuff throughout meaning behind Deyjanera Mann’s favorite rapper my childhood so I Donte English’s favorite rapper my song. I feel is Kodak Black; he is 19 years old. felt like I had a lot is Gherbo, also known as Herbert like a song with- Mann likes this rapper because she to rap about al- Wright; he raps about coming from out a reason be- thinks he makes good love songs. ready plus I have the struggling streets of Chicago. (Jontae Alexander) hind making the Kodak Black is a rapper from the a whole life Lil Herb is 21 years old. He thinks song is pointless. projects of Pompano Beach, FL. Koda- ahead of me so there was a lot of Gherbo is the best rapper be- That's the reason for were I am k’s real name is Dieuson Octave. He more things I could learn such as cause he can relate to his music today I am very versatile in every was born on June 11, 1997, and he raps punchlines, similes and meta- and because the rapper speaks single song I make. I have got about growing up in the projects. Black phors. I didn't rap because every- the truth in his music. The Rapper nothing but positive feed back on also makes love songs his music genres one else did it rapping help me Lil Herb motivates him to become my music. are Hip Hop and Trap music. clear my mind instead of crying You can find my latest single on successful. about my problems I put turned YouTube called “Chugg—All I Want”

Athletes of the Month

the win,” says Marsh; as you can see, sity team working her way up to var- Gregory Marsh he has a leader’s mentality. Growing Joanna Wills sity! We have seen growth in her up Gb’s family inspired him to join a since the her first time stepping on the Jalyne Locke, ‘18 basketball team. Jalyne Locke, ‘18 court up to now, keep working Jo’. “This is the sport I enjoy the most I In the game Jo’ doesn’t have a cer- Congratulations feel like I can one Congratulations Jo- tain place where she Gregory Marsh, also day be successful anna Wills! Western always is on the court. known as GB, you and maybe even help Hills High School is Wills said, “I am a have been recognized my family,” said GB. proud to recognize versatile player, wher- as not only an out- Gregory plays on you as a great student ever my coach needs standing athlete but the Varsity basket- and athlete! Joanna me to go is where I’ll an all around stu- ball team at West has been playing bas- be.” dent! Western Hills High. He plays point ketball for about 3 That's very different; High School is made guard. “Never let years; this is her first most players have a up of many different good enough be good year joining West set position they play, students and we are enough” is the motto High’s junior varsity but Jo’ goes all over positive that many of Gb follows in his team and we are so the court! Currently them look up to you! game and in his eve- honored to have her! the JV’s team record is This year you have ryday life. Hard work and dedi- 3-4 keep working la- came along way! This years the bas- cation is what she dies! Congratulations You have been apart ketball team's record believes in. It’s not Jo’ and good luck on of West High’s ath- so far is 4-7. Gb easy being an ath- the rest of the season! letics for approxi- (“We don’t take losses; we take les- said “We have im- lete, but she handles (“Work Hard, Play Hard”— Being a student and a Joanna Wills ) mately 5 years sons”—Gregory Marsh) proved that's all it really well. In the athlete at the same time is hard work es- now, we have that matters. We game Jo’ is averag- pecially in high school. Sometimes watched you grow from 7th grade to are getting better as a team working ing approximately 7 points a game! the work load can become very heavy know which is your junior year way hard to become a unit. Getting better Way to go! Joanna was inspired to play basket- or over whelming but you still have to to go GB! each game!”. ball because growing up she always get it done and Joanna handles this GB has played basketball for about We all wanted to know how Gb felt loved the sport, basketball. She knew very well. Everyone does not have eight years now; he’s played on mul- about their record and his response she just had to play! Jo’ fell in love what it takes to be a student and a ath- tiple teams and been successful! Usu- was, “We don’t take losses; we take ally in the game he is averaging eight with the game a long time ago. She lete! Keep doing what your doing Jo- lessons because we learn from our anna keep up the good work, don’t let points and six assists. just had to wait until high school to mistakes and make them better.” anything or anyone hold you back “I really try my best to get my team shine! Never say never says Jo’. This Great Job Gregory and Congratula- year Jo’ is playing on the junior var- from doing what you do best. involved, so we can come out with tions! Issue 3 The Western Breeze Page 6 February, 2017 FEATURES Merrily Davis: Go Army!

Mark Jeffers, ‘17 “I’m just glad I’ve “I don’t regret joining at all – “I joined because I finally found a path but the preparation for it while I’m still There are many benefits to enlisting always looked up to that I know I can in school is putting a lot on my plate. I immediately out of high school. Great my dad,” she ex- walk well. I want to wish I had been a little more prepared,” insurance plans, free food, free hous- plained. “As a kid, he be active – both phys- replied Davis ing, and even generous retirement told me stories of ically and mentally – Finally, I wanted to know options. However, it’s not meant for experiences he has in so the military is a what Davis had to say to those who everyone. They also have strict rules, his platoon. He told perfect fit.” were considering enlisting themselves. you won’t be able to see your friends me he was one of the “I would just tell them that or family as often as you used to, and best and that ever Davis knows that if you don’t see yourself going to col- there’s no backing out once you’re in. since then, he’s been everything isn’t going lege, then the military might be the getting serious bene- to be fun and games next best option for you because of I interviewed Western Hills High fits.” after she graduates, the benefits and opportunities provid- School senior, Merrily Davis, asking so I figured I’d ask (Merrily Davis) ed for you. However, if you are inter- her about her choice to enlist. I per- I proceeded to ask what she regrets ested, be prepared for the physical sonally wouldn’t join, so I asked her her what she was the most about training.” why she made the decision. most excited about. signing that contract.

Graduation Is Here; Are You Ready?

DeAyra Lewis, ‘17 And also says, “ I feel like I would let a lot of people down, everyone always Graduation is a goal almost everyone had hoped for me.” has to show off their accomplishment Another thing Harper tells me is what they made by completing high school was the most stressful part about her after four years. I spoke with one partic- senior year. Harper states, “I would say ular high school student. Her name is the most stressful part was enlisting in Carrington Harper; she’s a 18 year old the Marines; all the paperwork, taking high school student at Oak Hill High the ASVAB, and going to MEPS.” School. Harper enlightens me with advice she Harper is a very quite person if you has for future seniors Harper; she says seen her, but she will be joining the Ma- “GET THE WORK DONE, enjoy your rines after graduation in the spring of last year, and graduate.” this year. Harper tells me why she is I also asked Harper if she got the joining the Marines. Harper says, “It chance to redo her senior year, would will give me a challenge that I'm look- she? Harper said “yes she would if she ing for, to help me overcome a lot of had the chance”. daily life challenges.” I also asked her why would she redo She also states that her biggest fear af- her senior year Harper responses, “for ter graduation is “ Not being able to suc- (Carrington Harper, senior at Oak the simple face I could've tried harder.” ceed.” Hills, looks picture perfect.) Issue 3 The Western Breeze Page 7 February, 2017 FEATURES The Struggle of a Young Family

Zion Webber, ‘18 34,32,23,17,15 years old. My mom is divorced, but my Being the child of a strug- mom and dad were together gling affects me because for 15 years. The Life of Kenyon Thomas sometimes you can't have all My dad only pays child sup- Alaizion Mayfield, ‘18 of the things you see most port when he feels like it. It's people with. Another effect is really tough for my mom to not being able to have extra stay on top of bills. money and seeing your My mom's mother try- advice to

ing to pay “Learn how struggling the bills. mom’s are And not to learn everyone to love your how to knows how budget your money. My it feels to children as have a mom’s oth- deadbeat much as you er advice is father. It “learn how to love your really Kenyon Thomas is a high school football player. He plays for Western Hills University. doesn't can.” children as What made him want to play football was because Thomas thought that it was very fun to much as feel good play. Thomas like football because he likes tackling people and running the ball. Odell knowing you can.” Beckem, the New York Giant’s wide receiver, inspires Thomas to play football.

he won't pay child support. My mom and her children Thomas says that they play alike and they play the same position. Thomas, best moment And sometimes I just wonder are ok, and she said she has faith in God that things we will on the football field is when he made his first touch down in high school. Thomas has been like why doesn't he want me. always be ok. My mom said playing basketball since he was three years old. Sometimes I just cry be- she prays to get through the Thomas says that his teammates are like family to him but he feel like they can work a cause it hurts seeing my struggle. mom struggle and there's no little harder. Thomas states that “I play football to stay out of trouble and to make it out the My mom also said that she hood.” Thomas wears the jersey number nine because he was nine years old when he start- one here to help. doesn't feel comfortable to ed to take football seriously. My Mom’s name is Filson bring another man around Kay Webber, and she is a At the age three to seven Thomas began to play flag football and won his first champion- because she wants to just ship. At the age eight and twelve he played contact football. Thomas states that “I have a struggling mom. My mom work on raising us. has five kids and they are lot of people depending on me and that support they give me inspires me to keep going.”

Issue 3 The Western Breeze Page 8 February 2017 FEATURES The Fear of Child Abduction

Diamond Kelly, ’18 kidnapping involves a compara- Seventy-four percent of abduct- to be. Most abducted kids are tively high percent of juvenile ed children who are ultimately in their teens. Child abductions within the perpetrators, which is more as- murdered are more than likely to There are ways and procedures United States has significantly of how to prevent child abductions increased over the years. Seventy-four per- to keep children and also teenag- Nearly eight hundred-thousand One of the chal- ers safe from this horrifying event. kids are reported missing each cent of abducted lenges of being a Many cases can be solved easily if year, approximately two- children, who are ul- parent is teach- the parents can provide a few key thousand children are abduct- timately murdered, information about the child that ed a day. One-hundred and ing your child to has been abducted, like; height, weight, eye color, hair color, ect. fifteen are the result of are more than likely be cautious with- Set boundaries on where your “stereotypical kidnapping”. to be dead within 3 child can go, and who you child There are three distinct types hours of the time of out filling them can be around with for their safety. of kidnapping. Family kidnap- with fear. One of the challenges of being a ping, Acquaintance kidnapping, abduction. parent is teaching your child to be and also Stranger kidnapping. cautious without filling them with Family kidnapping is commit- sociated with other crimes fear. If your child is abducted, noti- ted primarily by parents or other (sexual and physical assault). be dead within 3 hours of the time fy local law enforcement immedi- relatives regarding of the child. Stranger kidnapping victimizes of abduction. Also, these children ately. After notifying the authori- This approximately involves a more females than males, are prime targets for human traf- ties, try to stay calm, you will be fickers. Although, most kids who larger percentage of female which occurs primarily at out- able to remember details about perpetrators (forty-three per- are reported missing have run your child’s disappearance door locations. This type of kid- away or there has been a misun- cent) than other types of abduc- more easily if you remain ra- napping involve the use of an derstanding with their parents tions offenses. Acquaintance tional and logical. firearm. about where they were suppose What Students Need King Diarra, ‘20 dent but the teacher doesn’t dent mostly the ones they dent just like every other notice them or forget they try to avoid or never pay at- student sometimes eat To know what students even asked a question be- tention to and actually help. some weird funky food that need you need to know cause one of the talkative made they breath stank or what type of student he or students are talking or dis- No student likes a teacher this student has their mouth she is. You need to know rupting who only closed just about all day this because different stu- so they help or and they breath start to dents need different things. forget To know what talk to a stink. that the students need, certain There is the “supplies stu- good amount of Most students will confront dent.” This student is that student you need to students, the teacher like “ you got one student who never has even the more some gum or mint or some- paper or a pencil, in some asked a know what type you en- thin’ because I'm hungry.” cases a planner. The teach- ques- gage with This is a lie because who er is going to have to have tion. of student he or every in- eats mints when they are at least a stack of paper and dividual hungry? I sure don’t be- some pencils because this If this she is. You need student in cause gum and mints way the teacher no longer con- class makes you even more hun- have to hear the sob story stantly to know this be- you're gry. The teacher is going to on why they don’t have pa- hap- gonna have to have some gum like per and pencil. This also pens cause different notice packs and packs of it and or takes off a lot of stress from then it's how mints. There is a lot of the student like failing a going to students need they're stores that sells bags of class because they don’t be a going to mints. have a pencil or paper. routine different things. respect and you and Students like me are needy Then there’s the those you so all ya’ll teachers must “unanswered student.” This students will fail or get a would have more students support us when we need it student is most likely the bad grade on whatever they trying to volunteer in class and when we don't if not student that either is so bad was doing for class work. and less kids sleeping in you're going to have “The that the teacher just doesn’t The teacher is going to your class. Supply Students,” “The Un- even want to answer their have to “roll with the punch- answered Students,” and question, or this student es” and change it up start Last there's the “stank “The Stank Breath Students.” could be a very good stu- going around to every stu- breath students.” This stu- So please help us in these unpredictable problems.