RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE in the CLASSROOM

TheA Publication of WashingtonGeneral School • Greenville, Mississippi • March 17, 2014Idea RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE in the CLASSROOM Parents and faculty remind us of our PatMarie King, Sydney McCain, Madeline Nichols, Madalynn Potter, Madison Robertson, Collin Rounsavall, and Samantha original and fundamental purpose Yarbrough. Mrs. Laura Bell is the Mu Alpha Theta sponsor The Washington School chapters of Beta Club and Mu Al- Beta Club Vice President Emma Gober, Secretary Alex Fra- pha Theta sponsored the annual Scholars Banquet on March 3, tesi, and Treasurer Michelle Finn continued the program with 2014. The program began with a welcome from Abigail Jerni- the candlelight tapping ceremony for Beta Club. In order to gan, the Beta Club President, followed by the Mu Alpha Theta be tapped for Beta Club, a student must make the fall semester Treasurer Amira Abbas’s invocation. honor roll and maintain a cumulative average of 90.00 as a se- After the traditional chicken spaghetti dinner, Headmaster nior, 91.50 as a junior, and 93.00 as a sophomore. Rodney Brown called out the names of the students who met The following students were the new initiates of Beta Club: the grade requirements to be named to the Headmaster’s and Meri-Douglas Fleming, Nelson King, Ashley Lewis, Ally Man- Principal’s Lists as Mrs. Crawford and Mrs. Blaine distributed tz, Randa Baioni, Raksha Chatakondi, Ashley Dobbins, Mary certificates of achievement. Ashton Everitt, Mason Francis, Olivia Hairston, Molly Hensley, New Beta Club initiates await the moment to recite the pledge. Mu Alpha Theta President Ashlee Shelley, Vice-President Razeen Karim, Sydney McCain, Madeline Nichols, Allen Nor- Miranda Book, and Secretary Zach Harris, announced and ris, Royce Parkerson, Landon Pieroni, Madalyn Potter, Madison awarded the new members in the math honorary. In order to Robertson, Collin Rounsavall, Blake Tabor, Laci Tubertini, Mary receive an invitation to join Mu Alpha Theta, a student must Kathryn Wicker, and Samantha Yarbrough. Mrs. Jane Crawford have completed five semesters of college preparatory mathe- is the Beta Club sponsor. matics with an average of at least 90.00 and no grade lower Congratulations to the Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta offi- than 86.00. cers, sponsors, members, and initiates on a memorable banquet. The following students were the new initiates of Mu Alpha Casey Park, Class of 2014 Theta: Madison Bruton, Mallory Fontenot, Zach Edwards, THE GENERAL IDEA Lindsey Tubertini, John Wiltcher, Alyssa Johnson, Randa Baioni, Raksha Chatakondi, Krupa Desai, Ashley Dobbins, Mason Francis, Molly Hensley, Razeen Karim, Connor Kelly, Families are encouraged to support their students' academic efforts.

were given. All grandparents tion” finished by speakers Erik “One Nation” was a joy- were our special guests. Park and Hailly Bernard. The ful song led by soloists Nick Americans We After the prizes were award- toe-tapping, foot-stomping Browning, Landre Woods, ed, the musical program start- “We the People” was next on Ella Moss, Mia Morgan, Vic- A celebration of the people, by the people, for the people ed, led by the elementary mu- our patriotic list with speak- toria Mantz, Catherine Co- pell, Alyssa Dang, and Grace This year’s annual Parent filled prayer, the Treasurer’s re- 2014 year were $31,875.00. sic teacher. Sarah Lou Moose. ers Lauren Shelley, Kathryn Ward. The speaker afterwards Teacher Organization and port was given by Mr. Loper. The next order of business This year’s Elementary Spring Sanders, and Ana Leese Mck- was Kathleen Carson. Elementary Spring Concert Harvest Fun stole the show, was the recognition of the Concert’s theme was “Ameri- innon. “American Tears” reminded took place on February 25 at having been budgeted for Harvest Fun Chairman (Mrs. cans We - A Celebration of The Presentation Of the everyone of our great country 6:30 p.m. $55,000.00 but actually com- Kelly Tucker) and Co-Chair- the People, By the People, For Colors was given by Boy we call home, led by soloists A recognition of the Har- ing in at $112,125.80. This is man (Mrs. Sarah Ashley). the People.” Scouts Hardy Cooke, Banks Mollie Warrington, Mecklyn vest Fun Chairman and Co- a welcome boost to our vari- They were gifted with special The concert was started by Dinkins, Mark Hooker, Gus Vaught, Simon Michener, Chairman, election of officers ous needs in academics, tech- remembrances for their dedi- fifth graders Henry Potter and Smith, Leland Selby, and Haylee Trussell, Landon Az- for 2014-2015, and installa- nology, publications, and the cated service. Callie Parker. The first song Nick Smith. lin, Louise Word, and Jennifer tion of these given officers also fine arts. Mr. Loper finalized the elec- of the night was the patriotic The “Allegiance Rap” and Jarrett. occurred. The communications, hos- tion of officers, and the instal- “We Celebrate America”, led classic “The Star Spangled “Thankful For the USA” end- The meeting started off with pitality, postage, staff develop- lation of officers was overseen by soloists Miriam Crouse, Banner” were crowd favor- ed the concert/PTO meeting, a warm welcome from Mr. ment, student scholarships, by Mr. and Mrs. Jay Janous, Peyton Melton, Landon Nev- ites. The speakers during these leaving all those in attendance Robert Loper, the 2013-2014 teacher scholarships, WS pub- incoming PTO presidents. els, Avery Carpenter, Chris- songs were Ella Millwood, remembering how blessed we PTO President. Mr. Robert lications, Harvest Fun appre- Then, the fun-filled grand- tian Martin, and Ella White. Meri Madison George, and are to live in America. Hitt Neill (a WS grandparent ciation, and traffic numbers parents awards were handed The speakers after the song Lane Walker. and noted author and story- for the elementary school out by Neal and Sherry Haley. were Peyton McPherson, Rylee Abby Driggers, Class of 2017 teller) then gave the invoca- all came in at their respected Awards such as who had driv- Levine and Joey Pham. THE GENERAL IDEA tion. budgets. The total operating en the farthest and who had The next song in the concert After Mr. Neill’s laughter- expenditures for the 2013- the most grandchildren at WS was the fun-filled “Declara-

Mr. Loper introduces the 2014-2015 PTO officers: Mr. and Mrs. Haley, Mrs. New, Mrs. Hitt, Mrs. Neill, Mrs. Dean, and Mr. Dean. Mrs. Moose is the best at organizing a large chorale!

First graders are excited to particpate in their first PTO concert! The children raise their flags in a patriotic salute. Fifth graders took a lead role with the solos and speaking parts. 2 The General Idea • A Publication of Washington School • Greenville, Mississippi • March 17, 2014

Care for Cuba so full of excitement and Foreign language students rally to help neighbors great ideas. And in that classroom, "Care for "We vacuumed the house Each worker---no matter Cuba" began. for fun; she said she had what the job---gets paid The first fundraisers never seen anything like it an equivalent of 15 US we put on were "Dress before. And when I washed dollars a month. for Cuba Day," a bake our clothes, she had to take They explained to us sale, and we even cre- pictures so when she went about the many ways ated hearts with the slo- home, everyone would be- they spread the word of gan "Care for Cuba." We lieve her." God, and how they try to worked so hard, and at Just a few simple sen- help the people who live the end the total money tences, and Senior Pepe around them. Angel and we raised was over $850, already had all of us Rita left us completely which is roughly equiva- hooked on their story. in shock about the harsh lent to 20,000 pesos! We Mr Burgos, our Spanish reality that we never no- were all so pumped for teacher, had scheduled tice, and we all started to the lives we were about a day for us labeled as wonder about the pos- to change. "a culture experience" sibilities of helping the One thing we are con- and we all knew the day country in need. tinuously told in Mr. would be different, but For the next follow- Burgos’s class is to "be we had no clue what this ing days, we constantly curious." With the im- day would start. asked Mr. Burgos of ways pact of these simple two Our surprise visitors we could help, and after words, countless families were a couple from Cuba, realizing how serious we have now been provided Angel and Rita. They live were he told us that if we food, clothing, and shel- on Isla de Juventude, or could put on fundrais- ter. Not only have we more commonly known ers and raise money, we saved their lives, but the Above left, Mr. Burgos displays one of the Care for Cuba tags that students sold on the day as the Island of Youth. could donate it to the word of God has been of the bake sale. Above right, Madalynn works diligently on a tag during Spanish class. In Both of the adults were Cuban churches. spread in the process! the photo immediately above, Will ponders his purchase while Carley munches down on a super friendly and An- After setting a sched- Thanks to the curiosity homemade brownie during Break. gel worked as a pastor uled date, we had a com- and warm hearts of stu- In the spotlight for in his town. After they mittee meeting, and dents from Washington excellence under started telling us about more than 40 people school, many lives have pressure! their home, we soon re- showed up! We were all been changed forever. Top Spellers! The following students represented Washington School at the MAIS District alized that where they Abby Miles, Class of 2017 were from wasn't the THE GENERAL IDEA Spelling Bee held at Carroll Academy on February 21st: Rahul Kumar and Anna richest place in Cuba. Grace Ainsworth (Fourth Grade); Ella White and Reed Howe (Fifth Grade); Miriam Cochran and John Franklin Ingram (Sixth Grade); Logan Tarver and Grace Anne Copell (Seventh Grade); and John Fred Nichols and Zach Zepponi (Eighth Grade). The students competed against Spelling Bee champions from twelve other schools. Miriam Cochran placed 2nd in her age category, Rahul Kumar placed 3rd, Ella White placed 4th, and John Fred Nichols placed 4th. Both Miriam and Rahul will represent Washington School in the MAIS State Spelling Bee championship in Jackson on April 15th. WS

Miriam Cochran Rahul Kumar Madeline, Rylie, and Mason prove that a winning smile results in more sales! Third Grade ROCKS! Third grade students have recently displayed their brightly colored and clever "pet rocks" in the elementary hallways, which caught the attention of the General Idea staff. We invited students to tell us about the project, and the follwoing comments are from Morgan Dees in Mrs. Eddleman's class. My pet rock’s name is Archer. Archer is a goldfish. I got the name Archer because I made him at my hunt- ing camp called Archer Island. My class made rock pets because we read a story about rocks called, “Rocks In His Head.” I made a fish because I thought it would be cute. Now you know why I made a fish, why I named my fish Archer, and where I made my fish. That’s all you Gil, Hannah, and Shelby are happy to display their Pet Rocks for our newspaper photographers. The third grade students enjoyed the hands-on learning project. need to know about Archer the goldfish! 3 The General Idea • A Publication of Washington School • Greenville, Mississippi • March 17, 2014

THE GENERAL IDEA OPINION Monday, March 17, 2014 When the television was first introduced to the United States in 1928, the citizens did not know what Editors-at-Large Casey Park they were getting themselves into, as it would come to Nat Phan be one of the most important technological advances in history. As time has progressed, televisions have Contributing Writers Morgan Dees grown to be in 96.7% of American households today. Abby Driggers Growing up in the 21st century, my life has al- Julia Jarrett ways been revolved around television and technol- Sarah Lane Abby Miles ogy. Had it not been for television, we wouldn’t be Mrs. Laura Smith able to find out about any current events going on Brandy Truong around the world. (Events such as 9/11, Hurricane Adviser Katrina, the assassination of Osama Bin Laden, and Mrs. Melanie Tucker even Kim Kardashian’s 72-day marriage.) Adults are always telling their children to not watch as much • • • television, but let’s be real here (haha, get it?). Who Middle School Scholars Headmaster can resist the television nowadays? Mr. Rodney D. Brown On Tuesday, March 4, Washington School's chapter of Junior Beta Club ini- One popular genre today is reality television. The tiated 30 middle school students, who were recognized at a special assembly in Secondary Principal interpretation of “reality television” has changed tre- Sykes Hall. Jr. Beta Officers, led by President Brooks Fleming, greeted the new Mr. Alto Hilliard Ray mendously through the decades. Today, when we initiates by spelling out the word "W-E-L-C-O-M-E" as they listed the char- hear the words “reality television”, we immediately Elementary Principal acteristics of a typical Jr. Beta member. Requirements for membership include Dr. Nan Johnson think of "American Idol" or "The Real Housewives credible achievement, commendable attitude, and worthy character. of Beverly Hills." TV Guide names the first reality Mrs. Susan Blaine is the sponsor of the club, and the group is committed to Academic Dean TV show as "An American Family," a 12-episode Mrs. Kerry Sullivan performing community service during the school year while maintaining their documentary that aired on PBS in 1973. The show good grades. chronicled the everyday lives of the Loud family over New members pictured above are: (bottom row): a seven-month period, showing the tensions that led Will Giachelli, Paul Horn, John Luther Selby, John to the divorce of Pat and Bill Loud, as well as the life of their openly gay son Franklin Ingram, Brit- ton Fratesi, John Bentley Lance. This was groundbreaking television at the time. Before "An American Suares; (middle row) Mi- chael Tucker, Cooper Family," TV "reality" had consisted of game and variety shows. Now, there is Hathaway, Caleb Janous, Kathleen Tucker, Peyton hardly a concept that has not been given the reality-TV treatment. And in Sep- Miller, Walker Brewer, Na- than Bass, Baylee Patrick, tember 2008, the Emmys included their first reality TV-based award. Lee Anne Spencer, Kendall McKinnon, Mikaila Book, Don’t get me wrong. I absolutely LOVE modern reality TV shows, and I Hannah Ashley; (back row) Miriam Cochran, Wesley Elliott, Jordan Hays Mid- am definitely pro-reality TV, but it is often a hot topic as proponents believe dleton, Maddie Hunter, Andrew Thompson, Grace Giovingo, President Brooks it paints an unrealistic and inappropriate portrait and is therefore bad for our Fleming, Abby Miles, J.J. Seid, Hunter Ray, David Barber, John Martin Walker, society and the children that make up the majority of the audience. There are and Malia Nichols. some shows that send a bad message and help to create a cult of instant celeb- rity, for example, MTV’s "Jersey Shore" in which aired its pilot on December 9, 2009 showing to 1.38 million viewers. "Jersey Shore" follows the lives of eight housemates spending their summers at the Jersey Shore in the state of New Jer- sey. According to the New Yorker, Jersey Shore makes us feel as though we were anthropologists secretly observing a new tribe through a break in the trees. Another show exemplifying bad messages is "Teen Mom." It follows the lives of four girls from the first season of 16 and Pregnant as they navigate their first years of motherhood. The series also focuses on the themes of their changing relationships between family, friends, and boys, while highlighting the struggles teenage mothers have to go through to raise their children. Now, THIS, is what Boo Boo" aired on August 8, 2012, I thought the show was going to end right gets me fired up. These shows let teenage girls know that having a child at age 16 at that moment. Surprisingly, it didn’t. is okay. It is not! These girls are pregnant teenagers that are making money off One critic wrote, “I enjoy watching a variety of 'reality' shows because it's of their children. What ever happened to disciplining your children? entertaining and educational to observe the diversity of human behaviors in Recently, a branch of reality TV has become very popular and widely known this day and age. And, I do like to watch "Toddlers & Tiaras." However, "Here in the U.S. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the surfacing of rednecks. "Duck Dynasty Comes Honey Boo Boo" is one show that I cannot bear to watch. The com- "portrays the lives of the Robertson family, who became wealthy from their mercials themselves, which are apparently intended to entice viewers to tune in family-operated business, Duck Commander. The West Monroe, Louisiana, to the show, are nauseating at best. Make a list of behaviors that children are business makes products for duck hunters, primarily a duck call called Duck normally taught not to engage in because such behaviors are disgusting, un- Commander. The Robertson men—brothers Phil and Si, and Phil's sons Jase, necessary in the company of others, and are downright rude. Then, watch any Willie, and Jep—are known for their long beards and their religious views. This episode of "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" and you can check just about every- show has its pros and cons as does every other television show out there today. thing on the list you made and those behaviors will be featured on this repulsive Pros? "Duck Dynasty" displays and emphasizes important family values such as show.” Need I say more? This family is on national television showing that it belonging, respect, honesty, curiosity, communication, and traditions. Cons? is okay to live like a dirty animal. I feel as though this show is a disgrace to the The Robertsons are showing their southern redneck lifestyle to the world. One South and needs to be taken off of TLC immediately. I understand that TLC critic wrote, “All I've got to say is I hope there aren't many Americans who live stands for “The Learning Channel,” but, really? Is this how low Americans have like this. What an embarrassment!” Then again, that could also be a pro. The stooped? Robertsons are letting the world know that it is okay to be on a reality-TV show The United States is better than this, people. We do not need to be going without having the cliché glitz and glam surrounding you. All you need is fam- around creating television shows to make our country look horrid and so unso- ily, and you will live a wonderful life. phisticated. In a famous chapter of his A Study of History entitled “Schism in If you think the "Duck Dynasty" crew is as redneck as you can get, you’ve the Soul,” British historian Arnold Toynbee wrote that it is a sign that a society thought wrong. "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" is an American reality-TV series is disintegrating when it takes its cues for manners and customs from the un- on TLC, featuring the family of child beauty pageant contestant Alana "Honey derclass. Toynbee describes such societies as being “truant” to their own values. Boo Boo" Thompson. Alana and her family originally rose to fame on TLC's Maybe it's time to remember that we are people of quality. Or should at least reality series "Toddlers & Tiaras." The show is primarily filmed in and around aspire to be again. their rural hometown of McIntyre, Georgia. I don’t even know how to elaborate Brandy Truong, Class of 2017 on this show. Um…can you say, “Gross!?” This show has gotten more negative THE GENERAL IDEA views than Sarah Palin’s vice presidential candidacy in Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign in 2008. When the first season of "Here Comes Honey 4 The General Idea • A Publication of Washington School • Greenville, Mississippi • March 17, 2014

How Does Your Garden Groove? The three kindergarten classes took over the stage in Sykes Hall on the morning of March 5 to present a musical performance of "How Does Your Garden Groove?" Between the french fried potatoes with "a-peel," the leafy vegetables who sang "Lettuce Entertain You," and the corn and peas who begged "Please Don't Put Us in a Can-Can," this musical was certainly not your usual garden variety!

Middle School Students Explore PAPER+WOOD+FIBER Middle School art students used their day-before-Spring-Break to get out of the classroom and visit the local art gallery. "Paper+Wood+Fiber" is the current exhibit in the Malkin Gallery at E.E. Bass. Students saw lots of possibilities for making their own art after Spring Break! The exhibit is free and open to the public, and features the quilled art from Greenvillian Marjorie Hargett Jones, wooden art from the Delta Woodturners, and fiber art from artists at Delta State University. Parents and patrons may also view the exhibit through March 28.

Speaking of Artists... Middle school art students have been crazy busy creating six different HUGE works of art that will be permanently installed in the Middle School hall. The first four are already on the walls---come have a look! 5 The General Idea • A Publication of Washington School • Greenville, Mississippi • March 17, 2014 Les Miserables The Results Are In! Comes to the Delta Who's Who elections were held in January, and the results were announced in February. The honorees are: On February 27 Mr. Washington School...... Zach Harris through March 2, Delta Miss Washington School...... Kendall Fiser Center Stage presented Most School Spirit...... Hayes Miller and Lea Merrill Pugh the famous stage event Wittiest...... Will Collum, Ben Tarver, and Amira Abbas Les Misérables with a Most Athletic...... Walker Coleman and Ashlee Shelley cast of over sixty local ac- Most Talented ...... Rob Van Namen and Casey Park tors, to full houses every Most Likely to Succeed...... Zach Harris and Amira Abbas night. Best All-Around...... Bobby Elliott and Brinkley Henry The production of Most Courteous...... Rob Van Namen and Abigail Jernigan Les Misérables, a popu- Senior Class Favorites ...... Walker Coleman and Kendall Fiser lar novel in the 19th cen- Most Sophisticated Seniors...... Ransome Bell, Lawson Smith, Madison Parks tury and first performed Noah Ashley as "Gavroche" Junior Class Favorites ...... Will Eubank and Madison Bruton on stage in 1980, is a Jolliest Juniors...... Ben Angel and Meredith Etheridge timeless production that Wright, along with pre- Sophomore Class Favorites...... Collin Rounsavall and Claire Thomas has finally made its way kindergarten aide Jessica Silliest Sophjomores...... Brandon Mitchell and Callie Shepherd to Greenville. Prevost. Many of the cast Freshman Class Favorites...... Richard Word and Molly Fontenot members were Funniest Freshmen...... Brooks Fleming and Carly Middleton also WS grad- uates and WS Of course, the journalism class had to continue the Ashley Lewis – Most likely to have the most jacked-up parents. annual tradition of embarrassing the graduating truck in the Delta Something class with a mock Who’s Who list. We invited a se- Spencer Lyons – Most likely to marry a Garfield’s about this play lect group of seniors to assist us with this devious waitress that seems to task. It was a milk and cookie party filled with laugh- Parker Manning – Most likely to model for Hollister/ grip people is ter and tears (of joy), not to mention a lot of brain Abercrombie not only the power. However, we were able to stir up a few inside Ally Mantz – Most likely to hit every animal in the range of emotion, but jokes here and there. Hope you enjoy these innocent zoo with her ‘Rolla also the music. As a pro- This opera tells heart- jokes, Class of 2014! Hayes Miller – Most likely to become a human land- breaking tales of revolu- duction that is sung 99% ing head tion, love, and despair of the time, it was more Amira Abbas – Most likely to be MVQP (most valu- Ashton Nichols – Most likely to never own a car all wrapped up into one. important to focus on able quidditch player) FaithEllen Nichols – Most likely to take her mom Les Misérables is now the voices of those cast Ransome Bell – Most likely to have a little more ranch with her to college the world’s longest-run- rather than incorporat- Casey Brozovich – Most likely to get her MRS degree Amos Noyes – Most likely to become communist dic- ning musical, seen by ing looks and acting as Mitchell Coleman – Most likely to come back to the tator of Chad (the country) over 65 million people much as other plays. reunion with a supermodel Rachel Oliver – Most likely to ride bulls in 42 countries. The re- Delta Center Stage Walker Coleman – Most likely to be the next Dale Tyler Owens – Most likely to bench press the Earth telling of the 1832 Paris was very lucky to have Earnhardt and Jupiter Uprising or June Rebel- such talented, veteran Will Collum – Most likely to teach an anger manage- Casey Park – Most likely to become a clarinet-playing lion takes its audience actors to cast such as ment class surgeon in space Madison Parks – Most likely to own every pair of through an emotional Wade Chambers (Jean Kelsey Davis – Most likely to become a professional cowboy boots available in three states tale of passion, politics, Valjean) who recently toe-dancer Mayank Patel – Most likely to become an English ma- and destruction in 19th played the role of the Olivia Dawkins – Most likely to become the world’s jor century France. Beast in "Beauty and top women’s racecar driver Bhumi Desai – Most likely to have the world’s longest Nat Phan – Most likely to be absent from the ten year The success of reunion this play was a re- hair Will Eifling – Most likely to chew a hole in his gradu- Galen Phillips – Most likely to become a professional sult of the group nap-taker effort by the cast, ation gown Bobby Elliott – Most likely to play UNO on his hon- Lea Merrill Pugh – Most likely to turn into a cupcake crew, and direc- eymoon Hayden Roberson – Most likely to be the next Ed- tors (our own Andrew Farmer – Most likely to marry his kindergarten ward Cullen Sonya Bixler sweetheart Austin Rodgers – Most likely to own his own library with her husband Michelle Finn – Most likely to not care about anything Brandon Rutledge – Most likely to never turn down Tim)along with at all Erin Self – Most likely to be the brunt of a blonde joke an enthusiastic and re- the Beast;" Macey Ar- Kendall Fiser – Most likely to become a professional Ashlee Shelley – Most likely to “discolate” all of her ceptive community. rington (Eponine) who bag-sniffer joints by the age of 30 The fact that this play was recently Mrs. Dar- Meri Douglas Fleming – Most likely to become the Lawson Smith – Most likely to come back to reunion is already so well known ling in "Peter Pan" and world’s best storyteller with a ponytail brought new talent out of Little Red Riding Hood Courtney Fontenot – Most likely to be in on-and-off Ben Tarver – Most likely to break his nose (again) the woodwork and onto in "Into the Woods;" relationship with Chad Zepponi Colton Thomas – Most likely to go bald the stage, making this Christie Stone (Cosette) Alex Fratesi – Most likely to stay awkward for the rest Bree Tice – Most likely to get mad at whatever we production a memorable who played the role of of her life put experience for all. Belle in "Beauty and the Davis Harper – Most likely to become a professional DJ Rob Van Namen – Most likely to call in a Squach Washington School Beast," etc. Zach Harris – Most likely to be designated driver for Riggs Ware – Most likely to become a personal student cast members We were also lucky the rest of his life trainer Amee West – Most likely to live in her ‘Stang included Noah Ashley, for the opportunity to Brinkley Henry – Most likely to overdose on Double Tyler Williford – Most likely to lasso a lady Anna Giovingo, Mac welcome new actors that Stuf Oreos Madelyn Womack – Most likely to earn a Lexus Hamilton, Sarah Lane, add new talent to the Hunter Jacobs – Most likely to get lost in the woods from selling Rodan+Fields by age 21 Sarah Wicker, Bar- community theatre expe- Abigail Jernigan – Most likely to become a hipster rie Wright, and Cole rience. Michaela Kelly – Most likely to sign with Young Money Cash Money Records ALL IN FUN! Class of 2014 is awesome! Nelson King – Most likely to gain the freshman fifty Sarah Lane, Class of 2016 Patrick Lane – Most likely to be on Deadliest Catch Nat Phan, Class of 2014 THE GENERAL IDEA THE GENERAL IDEA Charles Lesure – Most likely to host a remake of Soul

Photos by Sarah Ashley Train 6 The General Idea • A Publication of Washington School • Greenville, Mississippi • March 17, 2014

Reporter. Editor. TEACHER! Geezers --- A Teacher's Perspective versus I was finishing my sophomore year of high school when a senior English teacher approached me outside B building at Sikeston High School about joining the staff of the Bulldog Barker, the school newspaper. On Thursday, March 6, the Washington School "Um. I guess," I said, shrugging. Junior ClassWheezers held a fundraiser to raise money for The next fall I became a reporter for the weekly the annual Junior and Senior prom and breakfast. newspaper. We reported the news; we wrote features It's always the Juniors' responsibility to hold the on a student from each class in the student spotlight; fundraiser, though this year, I'm sure no one ex- Seniors carb up before the big game while hungry Juniors look on. we conducted polls; we showed our senses of humor. pected their idea to be so entertaining! We had great fun. The brilliant idea for the fundraiser was finally Sullivan, Mr. Palasini [RINGER!], Mr. Stroup, After typing our stories on MacIntosh computers-- decided by Emma Gober, Katie Bell, Jacob Keller Mr. William Ray, Mrs. Giachelli and Mrs. Bell. It -the ancient kind with a black screen and green type and Mallory Fontenot. The Junior Class sponsors- was honestly quite the game. The two Senior Class ---we saved them on square floppy disks. Once a week, --Mrs. Laura Bell, Mrs. Dorothy Burgos, and Mrs. coaches, Will Eifling and Hayes Miller, cheered we met at Sikeston's daily newspaper---after stopping Jane Stephens--- helped make it all happen. The on the teams along with every single student in at Sonic for slushes---to physically cut out our stories. idea? Geezers vs Wheezers! The students would the gym. The odds were even and it looked like it We fed them through a wax machine and pasted them pay ten dollars to purchase a pizza lunch and ad- could have been anyone's game! All the students on the page and cropped again. mission to the basketball game, where designated were cheering and the rest of the faculty were Our sponsor was Sally M. Lape, known to us just as students would play against the faculty (a.k.a. the clapping and cheering as well. In the very end, it Mustang because at every school dance we pulled her Geezers). was the Seniors who won with the score of 34-31. onto the dance floor with us when the DJ played that The pizza lunch was held in Sykes Hall, then Seeing all the smiles and hearing all the laughter song. She let us have a lot of fun but kept us on track after the students ate they would go and watch of the students made it all the more fun. Katie Bell, and held us accountable as well. We were taught the the game in the WS Gym during the 6th and 7th one of the Juniors who helped put the activities meaning of deadlines, and we learned to meet them. periods. Middle school students were allowed to together, commented, "It would be fun if it hap- The final paper of the school year included senior purchase tickets, although they didn't play. They pened again next year." I'm positive many students wills, which detailed things the seniors leave to lower had their own "put-out" tournament while high and even some of the faculty would agree that they classmen like parking spots or a seat near the principal school students were still in class. The Seniors would like to see a rematch soon. The money that at home games. Our own Who's Who left me with the played Sophmores and the Juniors played Fresh- the Juniors earned rounded up to $6,022! That's dubious titles Worst Driver and Class Clown. men to determine who would have the honor to very impressive, and hopefully we will see more By the time I graduated, we had real computers al- play against the faculty. In the battle of students days to celebrate during our final nine weeks! though they still weren't the sleek models we have to- versus students, the Seniors ultimately won the Julia Jarrett, Class of 2017 day. right to play against their teachers. THE GENERAL IDEA Years later, when I was a little adrift at Ole Miss, a The faculty team included Mrs. Crawford, Mr. counselor in the career center suggested a stint at the Chunn, Mr. White, Mr. and Mrs. Burgos, Mrs. The Daily Mississippian. I wrote only a couple of articles and was hooked. I took a couple of journalism classes and suddenly I was no longer floundering. I declared my major, and after graduation began a career in the journalism business. I've worked at newspapers, magazines, and PR firms in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. I wouldn't trade the sleepless nights covering an election or the days I spent in the courtroom covering crime for anything. I was often at the scene after the police were called and in the courtroom when the verdict was read. In addition to crime, my first beat was education. Looking back, it's fitting now that my first journalism Waaaait!!! Is Coach Eifling bribing a referee? Is that allowed?!! job was covering the 14 public, private and parochial schools in Warren County. Most recently, I worked at the Delta Democrat-Times, and last winter, my husband, Wesley, and I made the difficult decision for me to leave newspapers. I'd been managing editor of the Delta Democrat-Times for a couple of years. With a sec- ond child on the way, I needed to step down; although, Despite his height, Mr. Stroup is no match for CJ in the tip-off. I hated leaving a paper and people I loved so much. Now, I have the chance to share my love of journalism with Washington School's students. With journalism and yearbook teacher Mrs. Tucker retiring, I'll be sponsoring the publications in the coming year. I'm so grateful for the opportunity. We all will miss Mrs. Tucker's expertise and guidance. She's promised not to Coach Miller relates his finely-honed game plan to the team. abandon us completely, and we plan to hold her to it! High school journalism has come a long way from my days of cut-and-paste layout, but we have an in- credibly talented group of students in the journalism class who are as eager as I am to bring the Washington School news to our school family. It is going to be a fun year. Mrs. Laura Hough Smith THE GENERAL IDEA

Mr. Ray determines that levitation might be a useful maneu- ver against Tarver. Next time. Mrs. Bell chats up Ashlee while moving down the court, caus- ing the Senior to giggle and lose the ball. Good strategy!