EARTHQUAKE OLD VS. NEW IS CHEERLEADING SURVIVOR WORKS HIP HOP: WHAT A SPORT? 2 TO ACHIEVE GOALS 3 DOES PIKE THINK? 4

PIke High School 5401 W. 71st St. Indianapolis, IN 46268 ike Hi-Life December 2016 Vol. 75 Issue 3 Is the dress code fair? Many believe it disproportionately targets girls, while others think it’s OK Haleigh Stiner guys, it should be stricter for things like sagging, what kind Editor-in-chief of logos and symbols and The dress code policies words are written on them,” at many schools around the science teacher Ms. Danielle country have caused a lot of Lord said. controversy. Pike also has a Brown, who personally has dress code that some people been called out for wearing disagree with. Many people leggings with a jacket, agrees find the dress code sexist. with Ms. Lord. “(The dress code) is mostly “I feel like it should be less focused on (girls),” junior Dar- focused on females,” Brown ling Brown said. said. “In general, it’s just kind For example, Brown said, of unnecessary.” the rules about showing Certain students feel it shoulders and wearing leg- Sarah Medrano / Hi-Life should just be enforced dif- Juniors Michael Condon, Kiran Patel, Monica Pineda and gings target females more ferently. Anisha Mahenthiran wear hooded sweatshirts without the than males. “I don’t really think the hoods up, abiding by the school dress code. Junior Elizabeth Bowers dress code specifically should said, in reference to the dress as girls cannot wear leggings like junior Natalie Benedict, be changed. I just think the code, “The sexualization of without proper coverage. the rules over skirt and short way we enforce it should teenage girls needs to cease.” “For women and young lengths can be overly confin- be changed,” junior Aiden The dress code includes ladies particularly, we have to ing. Werner said. He said a copy rules about wearing leggings, be very careful with how we “If I were to wear the things of the dress code should be skirt and short lengths, and present ourselves,” she said. short or average height girls posted in every classroom, showing shoulders. Many “You want to make sure you’re wear to school, I would have so students are always aware people feel that these rules covered.” ISS because I’m tall and things of what the administration target female students more. Science teacher Ms. fit me differently,” she said. expects. Assistant Principal Ms. Deborah Calhoun believes the Some people believe Ms. Lord still feels that it is DeDee Nathan disagrees with dress code is fair. She said that the dress code needs to be a necessary rule to have. this. She believes the rules she loves having a dress code. changed. “I think [the dress code] is Pike has in place are equal for “Having a dress code helps “I do think the dress code there for a reason,” said Ms. both genders. For example, students feel included,” she should be more geared Lord. “If we didn’t have it, boys cannot wear leggings said. toward males as well because students would push things without proper coverage, just For girls who are taller, they do break some rules. For to unreasonable extremes.” News 2 december 2016 Overcoming the odds Senior who survived an earthquake in her native Haiti finds success here

By Janay Watson “Everything I do now is for Reporter her,” Douge said of her mother. While her mother is still in “It was literally the most Haiti, Douge works hard in scariest moment of my entire school so that she can give life. In that split moment, it back to her for all of the hard was complete chaos.” work and love that her mother Senior Kernisha Douge en- gave to her. dured great tribulation while “She stays focused,” study in Haiti, the most traumatic hall instructor Mr. Erik Daven- being the earthquake that port said. “I don’t have to ask ripped through the entire is- her to get busy. She’s a hard land and killed approximately worker.” 220,000 people and injured Douge works an after- 300,000 more, according to school job in an effort to save Oxfam.org. money to buy her mother’s Douge, who was born in plane ticket. On gradua- and grew up in Haiti, said tion day, Douge anticipates that many of the Haitians had anxiously to share the great never learned about earth- accomplishment with her quakes and had never seen Sarah Medrano / Hi-Life mother, which they both have one. This humanitarian crisis- Kernisha Douge, left, talks in the hallway with a friend. worked so hard for. She is causing event left more than dedicated to seeing it through 1.5 million people homeless. As a young lady with such “He didn’t come soon to the finish. Douge said that the after- faith, Douge did not lose enough,” Douge said. “There are times I want to math involved many “white hope, but rather learned from Though, after he did, give up,” Douge said. people coming to help.” the experience. things began to get better for For English teacher Mr. Rod- Everyone was grateful for the “It humbled me,” she said. their family financially. Still, ney Smith, three things that assistance. Growing up in Haiti was there were struggles, but they set Douge apart from other “We had food and water never too blissful for Douge. overcame them together. students are her “drive, ambi- from officials, but it was first Where Douge comes from, Her family worked hard to tion, and goals.” come, first served,” she said. people had no choice but to ensure that Kernisha could Mr. Smith said that her Many people endured hunger work for what they needed. get an education, which was connection to her roots and and lack of resources because Here in the United States, not a privilege many children her desire to give back to her “it was never enough,” Douge those things tend to be taken in Haiti had. community is something that said. for granted, she said. “We had to use our re- a lot of Americans lack. Although she and her “Money was not some- sources. My mother’s main “But she didn’t grow up in family suffered greatly from thing that came easy,” Douge priority was school,” she said. that society,” Smith said. “She this natural disaster, which said. Many children in Haiti were taught me that people need took place on Jan. 12, 2010, She was raised by her not able to attend school. to be proud of their culture. If Douge and her family were mother for a great part of her Douge’s mom wanted more you want to improve yourself, still thankful that things were life. It was not until she was for her daughter, her only that has to be connected and not worse. 8 years old that her father child. This is the reason she engaged in your family roots “We were blessed nobody showed up in her life and is able to go to school in the in our house was hurt,” she began to help support the United States and live with said. family. her extended family. SEE KERNISHA ON PAGE 6 News december 2016 3 A musical debate: Old or new rap? Students give their opinions about which one they like better and why By Jada Owens is so terrible. He says three notes in different patterns, Reporter ‘Old rap has meaning ‘This generation is like (in) ‘My Way.’” to it, but new rap has stuck on choruses New artists are losing the In the 1800s, people meaning of what music was from Western Africa began nice beats.’ that make them feel supposed to be, Offut said. rhythmically telling stories “The beats are just made and beating on a drum for good and turn up.’ (by) computers. There’s no accompaniment. Caribbean -Junior Calib Overton real instruments. There’s no folk singers were also telling -Senior David Offut band playing right there. It’s stories using rhyme. These po- just pointless. All the people ets started the foundation of are just doing it for money. I rap, which today is a popular people don’t care about the rap better. can’t really take them serious,” music genre. lyrics in music anymore.” “I like both. It depends on he said. Rap was meant to tell He feels that this genera- the mood,” he said. “At parties, Offut thinks that some stories and create lyrics using tion’s rappers have respect for I like new hip-hop.” rappers respect the past and poetry. Did rap lose its pur- those that have come before He feels like this genera- some don’t. pose? Has the new generation them. tion’s hip-hop is the same. “Some people do, but of rap dismembered what was “It’s not that they respect “The new rappers in XXL some people don’t, just be- created before it? Students them. It’s just they don’t disre- magazine are hype right now, cause they weren’t in that era at Pike High School revealed spect them,” he said. but next year no one’s going of time,” he said. their opinions on new versus He can’t decide if he likes to listen to them,” he said. “Lil Junior Machai Robertson old rap and which they prefer. new or old rap better. Uzi is one person that will still believes this generation just Junior Calib Overton said “Old rap has lyrics and be hype next year. Everyone wants to listen to what’s hot, that although this genera- meaning to it, but new rap else just has meaningless like catchy songs. tion’s rap doesn’t really have has nice beats,” he said. “It lyrics.” “People don’t listen to the meaningful lyrics, the music depends on the mood. It’s just Senior David Offut said story behind the music and itself is still exciting. two different types, and old that new rap could be a lot the quality of the music. Ev- “They don’t talk about rap is more about the lyrics better, especially when it’s eryone just wants to dance to anything. It’s just the beats, and actually rapping.” compared to the old school. the music,” he said. “All of Rae the words. It’s whack, but the “‘Dear Mama’ by Tupac is a “This generation is stuck Sremmurd’s songs are catchy songs go hard,” he said. “The meaningful song,” he added. on choruses that just make but not good quality.” reason you don’t have to have Junior Isaiah Hunter can’t them feel good and turn up,” meaningful lyrics is because decide if he likes new or old he said. “Fetty Wap is one that Do you prefer old or new rap?

‘Old because they ‘Old because the ‘Old because they ‘Old because there was ‘New because old ‘Old because their beat ‘Old because it has ‘Old because they put actually talk about love artists are better.’ actually talked about more musical talent. ‘ music is boring.’ is better.’ meaning. New is just more time and craft and not just sex.’ -Amanda Hart things.’ -Donte Marcheggiani -Gregory Taylor -Kali Warren about playing girls and into (their) work.’ -Alexis Bonner Junior -Diamond Robinson Junior Junior Junior getting money.’ -Joe Lewis Junior Junior -Tiana Williams Senior Junior Sports 4 December 2016 Is cheerleading a sport? Some question its physical demands, others say it requires athletic ability by Abriana Herron Reporter

For junior Angelique Woods, the physical challeng- es have always been the best part of being a cheerleader. “Tumbling is my favorite thing,” she said. “I used to do gymnastics.” Woods has been a cheer- leader since she was in fourth grade, and she also started gymnastics when she was in third grade. She believes that cheerleading is just like any other sport, maybe even a little harder. “Football players throw balls,” Woods said. “We throw people.” Photos courtesy of Pike’s Peek Whether it’s football or basketball season, cheerlead- Red Devil cheerleaders prepare to pump up the crowd for a football game. ers dominate the sidelines, dancing, performing stunts freshman in high school. After cally dancing,” Betances said. and keeping the fans en- that, she was a member of the “And is dancing considered a gaged. Nobody questions dance team for the rest of her sport?” whether football or bas- high school career. Cheerleader Kya Jackson, ketball players are athletes, Mrs. Edwards said some a senior, said some people but many people wonder people think cheerleading is see the cheerleaders as extra whether cheerleaders are. not a sport because cheer- people at games. Sophomore Varesha Dur- leading competitions do not “They feel like we are there rani said she respects cheer- happen regularly. Instead, just to be there,” Jackson said. leadering. cheerleaders spend most of Senior cheerleader Aubriel “It still gets a lot of exer- their time supporting the Davis said many people doubt cise in,” she said, noting that players on the field or court. that cheerleading is physically cheerleaders have to run and Junior Tim Adie says that demanding. be in shape just like athletes because of that, cheerleading “They think it is not a con- in any other sport. is not a sport. tact sport,” Davis said. “It is a “It takes a lot of athleticism “Cheerleading is pointless,” contact sport, though.” Pike cheerleaders smile at a to stunt, tumble and cheer for Adie said. “It’s advanced yoga.” Jackson pointed out that football game. Junior cheer- two hours without a break,” The hardest thing they can cheerleaders also have to be leader Angelique Woods Cheerleading Coach Mrs. do is the splits, he added. mentally tough. said they work just as hard Shellie Edwards said. Junior Rohanny Betances “When our team is losing, as other athletes. “Football Mrs. Edwards started agreed. staying positive is really hard,” players throw balls. We cheerleading when she was a “Cheerleading is basi- she said. throw people,” she said. SPORTS DECEMBER 2016 5 Versatile player helps lead Red Devils Senior forward Isiah James ‘works hard in practice’ and is ‘very unselfish’ by Charlie Nichols Reporter

Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds, senior forward Isiah James has four words to de- scribe his lifestyle: Eat, sleep, basketball, repeat. James looks forward to returning to the hardwood this season for the Red Devils. “Isiah brings a lot of experi- ence, and he is just a very intelligent basketball player,” said Assistant Coach Isaiah Mylin. “Isiah is very natural in the paint and has a very good awareness around the basket.” Coach Mylin said he loves how much of a team player James is on the court. Photos by Sarah Medrano / Hi-Life “He is a very good team Senior Justin Williams, junior Steve Miller, senior Isiah James and sophomore Caleb Red- player, very unselfish,” said man warm up during practice. James, a forward who averages 6 points per game, said he Coach Mylin. “James works helps the team by being a good defender and being a versatile player. He’s played basket- hard in practice and pushes ball since sixth grade and said he gets “this rush” whenever he plays. his teammates.” James has been shoot- down in the paint,” said Val- during the off-season he plays ing hoops since he found his entine. “James is a player with AAU basketball. passion for the game six years raw talent who still has a lot “AAU shaped me as a ago in sixth grade. Playing of potential to be way better basketball player by help- rounds and rounds of basket- than he already is.” ing improve my game,” said ball with his friends as a child Averaging 6 points per James. “AAU allows you to gave James all the practice he game and 6.9 rebounds per play against some of the needed to develop his skills game, James feels that he greatest basketball players in and intelligence for the game plays a huge part in the suc- the world.” of basketball. cess of the Red Devils basket- With his team and family “Basketball was really fun playing a positive, motivation- ball team. James, right, shoots a layup for me. It was really exciting,” al role in his life, James said he “I benefit the basketball during a recent Red Devils said James. “You get this rush aspires to play basketball in team by being able to do a basketball practice. James along with the intensity of the college. little bit of everything,” he has been known as a player game.” With hard work, focus and said. “I can guard the guards who is not afraid to get in Former teammate Je- dedication, the sky is the limit on defense, guard the bigs on the paint. “He is a very good rome Valentine has grown to for him. defense, and I am able to play team player, very unselfish,” admire James’ style of play on every position.” said Assistant Coach Isaiah the court. James attends church at Mylin. “James is not afraid to get New Life Worship Center, and News 6 december 2016 PSAT: It matters Counselor explains why it’s important by alexis fraser Reporter Find your PSAT score The PSAT, or the Prelimi- nary Scholastic Aptitude Test, is a standardized test taken PSAT scores are available nationally by sophomores at collegeboard.com. and juniors. The PSAT is sup- Sarah Medrano / Hi-Life posed to give sophomores Or, you will recieve an Kernisha Douge, left, and her peer walk through M hallway. and juniors a good idea about email if you provided what the test-taking environ- Douge, a native of Haiti, survived an earthquake there one on the PSAT. ment will be like when they in 2010. She now lives with extended family here and is take SAT or ACT their junior working to buy a plane ticket so her mother, who still lives and senior years. study,” Mrs. Wilkerson said. in Haiti, can see her graduate. “She’s a hard worker,” said Though the PSAT does not Your PSAT score is used for Douge’s study hall teacher, Mr. Erik Davenport. directly affect college accep- many things. If your score is tance, it is still important, said high enough your junior year, KERNISHA Continued from page 2 Mrs. Randi Cialdella, a guid- then you become eligible for ance counselor. the National Merit Scholar- and community.” “It’s definitely good ship. Pike also uses your score Douge’s goal after high school is to graduate college with practice for the SAT, and it to determine whether you’re majors in both business and accounting so that she can move can help students qualify not eligible to take dual credit back to Haiti to form her own business. She wants to help only for dual credit credit courses early. improve the Hatians’ economic situations so that they will be classes, but also AP classes,” “The PSAT also gives you a able to better afford school, clothes, food and shelter, and live Mrs. Cialdella said. “In fact, we gauge on, okay, here’s what comfortably in the place that they call home. get a report that’s called AP I’ve done, here’s what I need About two years ago, Douge went back to Haiti to visit and Potential that tells us, based to do,” Mrs. Cialdella said. help her community. She said that she would never forget the on students’ test scores, (that) Taking the PSAT also helps moment that she saw a young man desperate for change. Al- they would possibly do well in students gauge how they though her car was not dirty, he begged her to get it washed so these certain AP classes.” might have scored on the that he could make money to survive. Douge did, in fact, give Even though she agrees SAT. The College Board, which him money. It was from that day forth that she decided that she that the PSAT is in fact im- administers the SAT and PSAT, needed to come back to Haiti to make a difference. portant, English teacher and can connect your score to a department co-chair Mrs. free online SAT preparation Cheryl Wilkerson does not program run by the Khan 2016-2017 Hi-Life Staff think that extra preparation Academy, Mrs. Cialdella said. by the students outside of the The PSAT has many Editor-in-chief Photographer classroom is needed. similarities to the SAT. Like the Haleigh Stiner Sarah Medrano “I think that the advanced SAT, there is no pass/fail score preparation would be the for the PSAT. You get a score Reporters Special thanks to classroom work, not like the ranging from 200 to 600. Alexis Fraser Mrs. April Moss SAT or ACT, where they would The test-taking environ- get a book and practice. I ment is also set up to be Abriana Herron Mrs. Mari Swayne think for the PSAT, the class- similar to that of the environ- Charlie Nichols Adviser room work lets the students ment of the SAT. This is so that Jada Owens Mrs. Carolina Bouza know how well they should the PSAT can prepare you as do on the next test or what much as possible for the real Janay Watson else they should look at and thing. News December 2016 7 Saying goodbye to a friend photos by mrs. april moss On Dec. 2, students gathered outside the school to commemorate the life of Kam’Ron Red- ding, a senior who died in a car accident. The students wrote messages on balloons and then released them into the sky. Redding’s football teammates signed a helmet in his honor.

Sarah Medrano / Hi-Life