Photo Credit: 2014 Reflections staff[/caption]34-year-old Edmond Tyrone Curry, a beloved teacher, colleague, and friend, passed away on Friday, October 3.
Native to the Alamance and Orange County area, he was loved and cherished by many. Curry was born on July 4, 1980, at Memorial Hospital in Burlington, NC. After graduating from Hugh M. Cummings High School in 1998, he expanded his schooling at the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill and graduated in 2002 with a bachelors degree in art, majoring in management, society, and sociology.
Although he was an individual with extensive knowledge and a love for various things, the one thing he loved the most was teaching at Orange High School. Assistant Principal Will Okun said, “He really loved the kids he worked with, and the kids he taught always responded well to him and really liked him as well... He truly cared about his students, and that's the most important quality in a great teacher.”
Principal Jason Johnson said, “Edmond was very passionate about his kids, and music. He was one of the nicest and most genuine people you could ever meet... When I attended his funeral service, you really see how great of a person he was and how much everyone liked him and cared for him. This is a very tragic loss for Orange High School.”
The funeral service was held Wednesday, October 8 at the Zion United Church of God, in memorialization of Curry.
Photo Credit: Maddie Norwood[/caption]The first nine weeks are over and, for some people, that means a new start to help build a strong foundation for the rest of the school year. Many students may want to bring up their grades or make new friends. This new nine weeks is a good time for a new start to a new season.
So what should you do if you are having grade problems? Becky Smith, an OHS science teacher, gave her opinion on how this problem should be solved. “They need to see their teacher for help, and they need to make sure they’re doing all the work themselves,” said Smith.
The new lunch gives anyone slipping the perfect chance to bring their grades up. More people can come for tutoring and make up work during this time. Students who aren't using it for work may want to rethink their decisions.
If you feel hesitant to go back for tutoring, just bring a friend that can support you and maybe even help, but not one that can distract you. This will help you get over your fear and learn to build study groups.
Is your focus slipping? Another tip that Smith shared addressed this. “The best thing to do is make sure you aren’t hanging around with people that can distract you from your work, causing you to slip in school.”
If a student finds himself bored or in need of a community to hang out with, Smith recommends that he become more involved in the school, whether it be with clubs or sports. When asked why students should be more involved, she said, “Do things that make you happy and enjoy your life.”
In 1853, North Carolina held it's first State Fair; at a different location as to what is is currently. The event was held by the State Agricultural Society. The attendance was around 4,000 fairgoers. The State Fair has had three different locations and then settling at it's current home in Raleigh, in 1928. It has been celebrated continuously since 1853, with the exceptions of 1861 to 1869 during the Civil War and Reconstruction, 1926 to 1927 when the Agricultural Society disbanded and the state Agriculture Department took over operations, and 1942 to 1945 during World War II.
The attendance of the State Fair has been fluctuating ever since the fair started. In 1986, the total attendance was 638,776. The lowest year that the State Fair was held was in 1997, the attendance was 634,140. In 2010, the attendance broke a record for 1,091,887. Orange High School has had their part in the North Carolina State Fair involving Agriculture, with students in Ag bringing their pigs, goats, etc; to compete at the state fair. We have brought back many awards and numerous first place trophies. The students seem to always enjoy the environment and the fairgoers seem to enjoy our Orange High Students.
This year however, the rules have changed. Any handguns or firearms were prohibited on the State Fairgrounds, which caused a conflict with people. So much, that three people were reportedly robbed at gunpoint Saturday leaving the North Carolina State Fair. A police officer patrolling the state fair stated “ I think the Judge made a mistake, by doing what they wanted, they got what they planned to avoid, violence.”
“The attendance may be lower than the past years, but it doesn't take away the annual fair goers experience.” A vendor employee told WRAL, “The fair will still be held, no matter what. There is people out there that come not just for the food or the rides in particular, but the atmosphere has an amazing feeling.”
Photo Credit: Will Okun[/caption]To someone reading the stats, the Orange Panthers would have seemed to struggle mightily against cross town rival and fellow Big Eight conference member Cedar Ridge on Friday night. The Panthers managed to just get two first downs and run only 13 offensive games before lightning and rain forced the game to be called with 5:20 remaining in the second quarter.
However, it was the exact opposite, as the Panthers' explosive offense raced out to a 35 to 13 lead over the Red Wolves, which is where the score ended.
Orange was led by senior running back Tay Jones, who scored three touchdowns, including two rushing from eight and 73 yards, while also taking a 97-yard kickoff return to the end zone.
Jones would finish the game with 89 yards on just five carries, while the other Orange scores came on runs of 72 and 15 yards from Eryk Brandon-Dean and Mike Bolden respectively.
Jones' kickoff return fired up the Panthers following a Cedar Ridge opening drive that went 73 yards on five plays and was capped by a Peyton Pappas scramper from 12 yards out.
Following a Cedar Ridge three-and-out on the next possession, Jones followed his blocking around the right edge all the way to the end zone on his 73-yard run.
Cedar Ridge would answer on the following possession and again sustain a long drive as they went 77 yards on 10 plays, this time culminating with a five-yard strike from Pappas to a wide open Marquez Hunter.
Those would be the last points put on the board by Cedar Ridge; following a failed extra point, Orange took the first play from scrimmage to the end zone on Brandon-Dean's quick steps and elusive moves. This led to a 72-yard run to put the Panthers up 21 to 13.
After the Bolden touchdown and a fumble on the ensuing kickoff by the Red Wolves at the 24-yard line, the Panthers were looking to again score quickly. However, a pair of sacks, a penalty, and an incomplete pass led to 4th and 25 for the Panthers.
Orange would be able to convert though, as senior quarterback Garrett Cloer found Bryse Wilson across the middle for a 32-yard gain. Jones would take it in for a score on the next play, before the game would be stopped and eventually called.
Photo Credit: Jordan Cox[/caption]Orange High School has many new teachers for the 2014-2015 school year. One addition to the English Department is Meredith Newlin, who teaches English I and II.
Newlin came to teach at Orange after teaching summer school here this past summer. “I love all the other teachers and the overall atmosphere,” says Newlin. She said she loves all of the students here, their ability to work hard, and their willingness to learn. “I’ve missed teaching high school, and I’m glad to be back,” said Newlin.
This year marks Newlin’s 10th year of teaching. She is very fond of writing and reading. She used to work for a magazine before she began teaching. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys participating in activities outdoors. She likes hiking or running, or just any outdoors-related activity. Along with exploring the great outdoors, Newlin loves spending time with her one-year-old daughter, Lola.
What encouraging do students here at OHS need? According to Newlin, they don’t need any encouragement! She believes that all the students here are doing fantastic and don’t need any advice. “Don’t sweat the small stuff and believe in yourself,” is the advice she gives the students if they really needed it.
Newlin decided to be an English teacher because she loves to build the confidence of her students as readers and writers. She is excited to be here for her 10th anniversary of teaching, and we’re lucky to have her!
Photo Credit: Kathryn ObenshainThe new Art Club murals.[/caption]
The art department unveiled eight murals at homecoming. Many groups worked together to make this possible and donated supplies. The PTSO, Student Government Association, and Art Club collaborated on this project. A total of eight panels made of marine plywood were primed by the ag department and given to the Art Club to paint last year.
Elizabeth Dell-Jones, the art teacher here at Orange, said that she agreed when the PTSO asked her if she could do the project, not knowing its size. She was overwhelmed when she learned the size, but, with the creative minds in her classes and Art Club, she was able to go above and beyond.
Patrick Pettiford and Mary Giordano, two seniors last year, had a large part in the painting of these murals. In fact, Pettiford’s original ideas are in every mural. But everyone could add a little bit of themselves to the murals. For example, Haven Roberts painted an armadillo because it is her signature thing.
That being said, the murals vary in theme. One has mice, while others have mermaids and mythical creatures. “[These murals are] random iconic images from the hearts and minds of these very creative people,” says Dell-Jones. Many hours were spent meticulously painting the finest of details.
Photo Credit: Tammy Mack Adalyn Fleming finishes her race at Orange.[/caption]At the Wendy’s Invitational on October 2, the girl’s team got great times. This race is one of the most important ones of the year, and Wendy’s is a highly competitive race in Charlotte where the best battle it out.
On Saturday, September 27, Orange placed third overall at the Greensboro invitational. They were very close to being champions, but still did fantastic. Everyone ran well, and lots of girls got personal records (PR’s) on the course.
Tuesday, September 23, Adalyn Fleming came in third at Orange’s first home cross country meet, with a time of 21 minutes and 7 seconds. She and many other OHS runners made great leaps to make the first meet a great one.
Fleming was followed closely by sophomores Juliana Lester and Claire Barger, and freshmen Isabelle Hartmond and Melia Weeks. Junior Hannah Phillips finished 6th, and Sophomore Kathryn Obenshain finished seventh on the team.
The team’s success was surprising considering the team just acquired a new coach, Hendrik Joubert. Joubert is a highly recognized runner. He has run many marathons, ultra marathons, and 55 mile runs.
Photo credit: Ann Stanmore-ThurstonKatie Baity gets lifted into the air by her bases, Christa Walls, Robyn Woodall and Alexis Prebula.[/caption]
There has always been a debate between athletes on whether cheerleading is actually a sport, but, for junior Katelyn Baity, there is no debate. Cheerleading is life. When asked why cheerleading is her favorite sport, Baity replied, “Cheer helps me stay in shape and it's a lot of fun to be with the team. Everyone is crazy, but we can get stuff done.” This year will be Baity’s third year of OHS varsity cheerleading.
Baity was a dedicated cheerleader even before high school began. She participated in cheer when she attended CW Stanford Middle School, in seventh and eighth grades. Baity has also continued her cheerleading career by participating in OHS cheerleading since her freshman year. Baity made the junior varsity team when she was in ninth grade, but this was not enough for her. She practiced her routines and kicked up her workout schedule to make sure that her form was perfect, and she made the varsity team in sophomore year of high school.
When asked about how she deals with cheering through a bad game, Baity replied, “Even when we're losing a game, we have to keep up the spirit. It is hard trying to stay positive when we get behind, but you kind of have to think optimistic.” Baity also shared that she likes to get pumped up to keep her spirit alive before games. “I listen to a random shuffle of music while I get ready for a game. I usually get ready with Christa Walls, and we kind of help each other get warmed up and pumped up.”
Sports figures normally get recognition for being role models, even when they don’t want to be, but Baity has taken this as a part of the sport. When asked why she thinks she is a good role model for other students, Baity replied, “I'm a good role model for other students because I'm proud of who I am without having to do things I'll regret later in life.” She shared who her role model was when she was growing up: “I had a coach in the past that really pushed me to succeed when I was in gymnastics. Because of what she taught me, I'm able to work through pain in any sport or activity I decide to do and I can keep up my tumbling!”
Even though sports is Baity’s life, she participates in many other things as well. Baity is a dedicated leader at Ebenezer Baptist Church, and she participates in dance to keep up her fitness. “I perform at Dance Expressions and it's so much fun. I used to dance and do gymnastics from when I was four all the way up to seventh grade. It's nice being back onto a team like that! I'm a student leader at the church, so youth group is always fun! I get to talk to the younger girls and lead a small group on Sunday.”
Meet the new counselor, Lynn Douglas! She is the counselor for names M-R. Photo Credit: Kathryn Obenshain[/caption]Orange High has a new counselor named Lynn Douglas. She is the counselor for names M-R. She is a very laid back, relaxed counselor, but if a student needs help, she is ready for action. When Douglas was in high school, she had a poor counselor. Her and her classmates were very under-informed about opportunities they needed to be aware of. Having this experience made Douglas want to become a counselor. She applied and got accepted to North Carolina Central College in Durham. Recently, she completed her masters and bachelors degree in school counseling. Although she is a newer counselor, she isn’t new to the school scene.
While completing her masters at NC Central, Douglas was an intern at Dudley High School in Greensboro. Douglas enjoyed her time there, but she needed a real job now that she had her masters. When looking for jobs, she says that she always looks for opportunities where the population is diverse. She sees Orange High School as a place that is not only diverse, but where she can add diversity. Douglas wants to help the Panthers celebrate world cultures, talk to students to fulfill their needs, and make sure Orange High School is well taken care of.
Although Douglas is a devoted counselor, she doesn’t stay at Orange all the time. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, shopping, cooking, traveling, and pageantry. She has been all over the United States with her college marching band. However, she hopes to go out of the country this upcoming summer. Douglas competes in and organizes pageants in her spare time.
A word of advice for the Panthers: “Always, always, always have a plan, a back-up plan, and a back-up plan for your back-up plan,” said Douglas. She loves talking to, interacting with, and helping students. Her door is always open to help anyone.
Photo Credit: Mitchell Askew[/caption]On September 3, the Orange High cross country team traveled to Jordan High School for the first race of the season. The race consisted of four schools: Orange, Jordan, Research Triangle High School, and Hillside. The girls team did very well, beating all three of the other teams and starting the season 3-0. Orange’s own Adalynn Fleming, Claire Barger, and Julianna Lester were the top three runners in the girls race. The boys team did decently well for the first meet of the season. They were 1-2, winning a close race against Hillside. This was the first race for many of Orange’s runners, and they have been working hard.
The next meet will be on Saturday, September 13 at Hagan Stone Park in Greensboro. They will race at that course twice this year, so it will be a good measure of how fast they have gotten over the course of the year.
Photo Credit: Jonah Neville[/caption]In 1966, Orange High School started building houses for the community. Since then, they have gone on to build 46 houses, and are currently building the fifth Hands for Habitat house. Orange has a partnership with Habitat for Humanity, while Sports Endeavors pays for sponsor costs. “They have been wonderful to work with, and this whole thing probably could not have been done without them,” construction teacher, Mat Hamlett, said.
Hamlett brings 30 years of teaching to his construction class. When asked when they were going to finish the house, Hamlett replied, “We probably would have been finished with it already, but the weather has really been an issue.” The students are usually working on the house for a hour everyday, although the time varies depending on the weather. Jaime Figueroa, a senior who has been in the class for the past three years, said, “It’s been difficult at times to work on the house sometimes because of the weather, but overall during this year it has been really fun to work on and a great experience.” All the students in construction classes talk about how enjoyable it is to work with Hamlett.
Hamlett has seen and helped build many houses throughout his teaching career at OHS. He commented on how things have changed since he first started teaching. “The biggest change, I would say, is that there is less time to build the houses every year because of graduation requirements and classes like this are being shut down everywhere.” Starting his teaching career at Stanford, then moving on to the school where he graduated from, OHS, Hamlett has experienced one fine teaching career and will always be remembered.
Photo Credit: Hannah Phillips/MIa Frenduto. All the seniors line up with their parents before the game starts.[/caption]The Orange High School Panther baseball team earned their twentieth win of the season on Friday, May 10, after defeating cross-town rival Cedar Ridge by a score of 10 to 6. The game was just the Panthers third at home all season due to an ice storm on March 6 that left that field severely damaged. With the victory, Orange improved to an overall record of 20-3 and a perfect conference record of 14-0. Prior to the game the teams ten seniors were honored in front of a near capacity crowd.
The Panthers were lead by a strong offense, which was able to score heavily in both the first and third inning, scoring four and six runs respectively. Sophomore catcher Brad Debo was the catalyst for the offensive attack, hitting a towering two-run homerun to right field to give Orange an early 2 to nothing lead. The Panthers also added two more runs on a Red Wolves error that brought in sophomore Bryse Wilson and a sacrifice fly by junior Josh Kiehle that scored senior Matthew Crabtree.
Orange kept their foot on the gas pedal in the third inning as they brought their run total to 10 due to six hits and another Cedar Ridge error. Despite not scoring for the rest of the game, the Panthers pitching was good enough to secure the win. Junior James Cunningham got the start on the mound, pitching four innings and ushering three runs, as only one was earned, while also striking out three. Senior Jonah Neville acted as the set up man in his final regular season home game, as he pitched two innings, while striking out one and allowing two runs to score. Finishing out the game and moving from behind the plate to the mound was Debo, as he struck out the side to get out of a bases loaded game, while allowing one run.
The Panthers will host round one of the 3A East playoffs against Northern Guilford. Neville’s expectations for the playoffs are to, “Win and advance as deep as possible. It’s a completely new season for us, our accomplishments from the regular season no longer matter.” Orange will face the Nighthawks on Wednesday night at 7 pm.
Photo Credit: jasonandjessiejam.webs.com. A shot of the Big Barn Convention Center prior to the Jason and Jessie Jam VII.[/caption]Two lucky Orange High students will receive academic scholarships courtesy of the Jason and Jessie Jam VIII, an action-packed, music-based fundraising event erected in the memory of two former OHS students who died in a tragic car accident; Jason and Jessie Evans.
July 26, you can come out to the Big Barn Convention Center in downtown Hillsborough to enjoy great food, live music, and a silent auction. Free drawings and door prizes will be given out throughout the night as well, giving great, quality entertainment for the whole family in one of the long, summer nights. With this exciting event being for a good cause too, it really adds to the effect.
Emma Beneville and Desean Motley were the OHS scholarship recipients from last year, while Ryan Robinson and Aubrey Carr were the recipients of the scholarships for the Florida State University Sports Medicine Program, which the Jam also provides. Jason Evans was studying sports medicine at FSU at the time of the accident.
As for some details of the event, “Thrills from the Grill” will be providing the food, while local band “Good Rockin’ Sam” will be “jamming” for the event. The silent auction will include sporting event tickets, local artwork, and some vacation getaways. The Jason and Jessie Jam VII, last year’s event, raised $16,000 from generous donors in addition to the endowments of the two Panther students.
Early tickets for the extravagant event can be purchased for $20 at Dual Supply in Hillsborough, McAdams Farm and McAdams Muffler in Efland, and Devine’s Restaurant in Durham. Tickets will be sold for $25 at the door.
More information about the event, a link to donate online, and pictures of previous Jams can be found by clicking here, the official website of the Jam. Come out and support a great cause in loving memory of two former OHS students, July 26 at the Big Barn Convention Center from 5-9 pm!
Photo Credit: Hannah Phillips. A shot of the 3A Mideast Regional, hosted by Northern Guilford High School.[/caption]The NCHSAA 3A Mideast Regional could have gone better for the Panthers that qualified, as some of the six athletes had remarkable performances, and the others leaving with the desire to have a redo. Two Panther athletes achieved the ultimate goal of the meet: qualification for the NCHSAA 3A State Championship.
Freshman Adalyn Fleming and sophomore Montee Mitchell have qualified in the 800m and the 110m hurdles, respectively. Fleming ran her PR (personal record) by over five seconds, an incredible accomplishment in the 800m. The freshman rising star finished in 2:24.87, taking the bronze medal by finishing third. Fleming missed regional runner-up by less than a second, while also becoming the first freshman to place in the top three in the 800m at this regional since 2003, an unbelievable feat. Adalyn also ran the 1600m, finishing seventh in 5:46.
As for Mitchell, the meet’s Performance of the Day winner, the sophomore was actually entered into the meet due to consideration (the process of selecting additional athletes other than the ones who did not meet the qualification mark). Mitchell, different from the hundreds of athletes, coaches, and spectators watching, had an ambition to not only participate, but to show out and prove that he belonged there. The sophomore was seeded thirteenth out of the fourteen entered athletes. In the prelims of the 110m hurdles, Montee took over a half a second off of is PR, finishing sixth in 16.23. The top eight finishers in the prelims qualify for the finals, meaning Mitchell was only one great race away from state qualification. Later in the day, when it was time for the 110 meter hurdle final, the sophomore was ready. Mitchell took almost another quarter of a second of his PR, finishing in 16.02. In his fourth-place finish in the finals (top four qualify), he officially made the state championship. Mitchell was the only non-senior in the top five, and will be facing his toughest competition at states.
Six other Panther athletes competed at this regional meet. Fleming’s partner-in-crime, fellow freshman Claire Barger, ran the 1600m and the 3200m. Barger just missed state qualification herself, finishing fifth in the 1600m. Her 3200m performance was a minor disappointment, with the freshman running well off her PR. The last student-athlete that rounds out the star freshman milers trio here at Orange is Julianna Lester, who actually ended up running the 1600m, despite her running in a local 5k race earlier in the morning. Lester was the second overall female in the 5k, but it was not her best performance in the 1600m. Lester finished in 6:02, 11 seconds off her PR. It was a pretty solid performance for Lester as a whole on the day.
Two other Orange girls competed, junior Morgan Efland and senior De’ja Johnson. Efland finished fifth in the prelims of the 100m hurdles, and eventually ran a 17.49 en route to a sixth-place regional finish. In what was the last Orange High School athletic competition for Johnson, the senior triple jumped almost a whopping two feet farther than her previous PR, leaping her way to a sixth-place finish at 34’2.5”.
In a very unfortunate sequence of events shortly before this regional championship, the more than likely team MVP, senior Brandon Vanhook, sustained two serious injuries in his knees. His ambition for a regional championship pushed him to participate. Shortly before departing to get to Northern Guilford, the site of regionals, Vanhook’s spikes broke. With the combination of replacement shoes and a somewhat crippling injury, the senior leader could not pull of a miracle. In what was thought to be Orange’s greatest chance for a regional champion, Vanhook in the long jump, was an unfortunate disappointment, but adequate considering the circumstances. The senior jumped just under 20’, almost two feet under his PR, finishing sixth. If Brandon would have jumped his PR, he would have won by over a foot. One great performance emerged from Vanhook, however. He ran his PR in the 100m prelims (11.19), in an eighth-place finish. This, unexpectedly, put Vanhook in the 100m championship. Vanhook ran a 12.01 in the finals in another eighth-place finish.
The last Panther who participated was another underclassman, freshman Joseph Pannachia. Pannachia ran alongside Mitchell in the 110m hurdles, and ran his PR by .7 seconds. Pannachia missed finals qualification by two spots, running a 16.91 in a solid tenth-place finish.
Congratulations to our Panther track team for a very successful regional meet! Adalyn Fleming and Montee Mitchell will advance to the NCHSAA 3A State Championship meet, which will be this Friday, May 16 at NC A&T’s Irwin Belk Track. We wish Fleming and Mitchell best of luck at the highest level of competition in the state!
Photo Credit: Mrs. Joyner.[/caption]Friday, May 2, the Lady Panther soccer teams played the Northwood Chargers at OHS. The JV game kicked off at 5 pm and varsity followed at 6:45 pm. It was a perfect 70 degree night for an intense match against a new conference rival. Despite the ideal conditions and packed stands, the Panthers weren’t able to pull through with a victory.
The JV team was prepared for another close game against Northwood, after coming close to a victory in their previous game. Being evenly matched, the ball was possessed by both teams for most of the half. However, midway through, the Chargers went up by one goal, due to a miscommunication between the goalie and center-mid on the Orange team. Thinking the ball was out of bounds, Aaron Collins passed the ball back to the keeper for a goal kick, who let it slip behind her. Aside from the keeper error, the Panthers had a clean game and finished the half with a score of 1-0. By the start of the second half, the Panthers were determined to come back. Lexi Mignosa, starting center-mid for OHS, controlled the ball and drove it up the field. Despite the tenacity that the Panthers showed, the Northwood forwards were too much for their backline, and the Chargers scored two quick goals, ending the game with a 3-0 victory. Mileah Shriner, one of the goalies for Orange, said, “Everyone played really hard. It was a good game.”
Following the JV game, the varsity team came out seeking revenge for their previous matchup against Northwood where they suffered a defeat 3-0. The game was evenly matched and tied at 0-0 for the majority of the half. But with about 20 minutes left in the half, #13 for Northwood, Haley Piester, received a long ball over the top of the Panther’s backline and scored on a breakaway, making the score 1-0 in favor of the Chargers at halftime. The score, however, did not accurately reflect the first half, with the Panthers keeping the majority of the possession and controlling the ball on the Chargers’ defensive side. At the end of the half, the Panthers had three shots on frame, but were unable to finish any of them. At the start of the second half, the game was evenly matched with both teams possessing it on both halves of the field. However, near the middle of the second half, the Panthers broke down and allowed five more goals to slip through. The Chargers finished with a conference win, 6-0 over the Lady Panthers. The outcome did not match up with the level of play. Until the Panthers broke down in the back, the game was fairly even, with the Panthers having most of the possession.
This game was the last one for senior Tallie Philips, who will be unable to attend senior night. She had a great season as an outside defender, holding the team up and making the defense impenetrable. She was not only a huge asset, but a team captain that led the team as they progressed throughout the season. She plans to take a semester or two off after she graduates high school to travel abroad in Europe with her older sister, Mia Philips. She then hopes to attend Alamance Community College and later transfer to a larger university.
Photo Credit: Greensboro Daily Photos. Northern Guilford High School's track, site of the 2014 NCHSAA 3A Mideast Regional Championships.[/caption]As previously mentioned in the OHS track conference meet/wrap-up article, the instance of adding more athletes to the regional championships has occurred, sending four more Orange athletes to the 3A Mideast Regional Championships. The complete list of Panther athletes that will be competing are as follows:
* Claire Barger - 1600m & 3200m
* Morgan Efland - 110m Hurdles
* Adalyn Fleming - 800m & 1600m
* De’ja Johnson - Triple Jump
* Julianna Lester - 1600m (Will Not Participate)
* Montee Mitchell - 110m Hurdles
* Joseph Pannachia - 100m Hurdles
* Brandon Vanhook - 100m & Long Jump
The NCHSAA 3A Mideast Regional for track and field will be this Saturday, May 10, at Northern Guilford High School. Congratulations to all of the Panthers who will be representing us at regionals!
Photo Credit: Keith Alison. No edits made. The 2014 MLB season will feature challenges and replay.[/caption]The 2013 Major League Baseball season concluded Thursday, October 31, 2013 with the Boston Red Sox earning their third world series championship since 2004, after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals in six games. Since the ending of the season, a few large transactions have occurred leading to revamped squads, plus the addition of replay into the game add up to another exciting season of America’s Pastime.
Below is a prediction of every division. (The Major League Baseball playoffs are separated into two brackets with the American League and National League each having five teams. There are three division winners along with two wild card members who make the playoffs in each League. The Playoffs culminate with the two league winners playing in the World Series.)
American League East-
The American League East has been known as one of, if not the best division in baseball for some time, which was assisted by the Boston Red Sox capturing the 2013 World Series. 2014 should be no different, as all five teams in the division have enough talent and capability to not only make the postseason, but advance deep into it. The Red Sox should again be one of the most talented in baseball as the majority of their squad returns for the 2014 season. Along with a rejuvenated David Ortiz, Boston could again be on of the top offenses in the league. However, Boston could lack offense later in the season, as they have an older ball club, which could lead to more losses with a mediocre pitching staff. The New York Yankees have had a major splash during the off-season after failing to make the playoffs for just the second time since 1994. The ‘Bronx Bombers’ added stars such as former Red Sox Jacoby Ellsbury, plus power hitters Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann, while also winning the bid for Japanese hurler Masahiro Tanaka to improve a pitching staff that was less than stellar last season. The Yankees will also have Derek Jeter back after missing most of last season, and appear to be poised for a postseason run. The Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays all have the ability to win the division, but seem to lack strength in one aspect that will keep them from playing in October.
Prediction: Winner- Rays
Wildcard Team(s)- Yankees
American League Central-
The AL Central will most likely remain the same as it has it recent years as a division with one strong team, and a team that has potential to hang around and possibly sneak into the playoffs. The dominant team for the past few seasons has been the Detroit Tigers, and that appears to be the case once again in 2014. The Tigers lineup contains back-to-back AL MVP and a guy who hit for the triple crown two years ago in Miguel Cabrera. To go along with Cabrera and a powerful lineup, the Tigers have two Cy Young award winners in their pitching rotation in Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, plus up and comer Rick Porcello. Despite losing perennial home run hitter Prince Fielder, Detroit shows no signs of falling off. Two teams in the division that could make a run at the wildcard spot are the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals. The Indians, who made the playoffs last season under new manager Terry Francona, maintain the majority of their team from a season ago. However, it is hard to envision them being able to duplicate their unforeseen success from a year ago. The Royals also had a surprise season last year, and were able to stay in the playoff hunt for the majority of the season. Despite having a good young core of talent, it seems as if Kansas City is still a year or two away from a playoff berth.
Prediction: Winner- Tigers
Wild Card Team(s)- None
American League West-
The AL West is similar to the NL Central as it is a division with three strong teams and another that could make a playoff push. The reigning champion, the Oakland Athletics return a good lineup with power bats Yoenis Cespedes and Josh Reddick, while also having a reliable pitching staff featuring young star Sonny Gray. Oakland enters the season as a favorite for the first time in recent years, after being overlooked the previous two seasons, despite back-to-back playoff appearances. The Texas Rangers enter 2014 after a disappointing season that featured them missing the playoffs for the first time since 2009. To boost an already strong lineup, the Rangers added star home run hitter Prince Fielder, in a trade that sent veteran Ian Kinsler to Detroit. The Rangers have a decent pitching staff which is headlined by Japanese star Yu Darvish. The final strong team would be the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels have probably the most stars in their lineup out of all clubs, featuring Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, David Freese, and MVP favorite Mike Trout. Los Angeles also has a nice pitching rotation with the likes of Jered Weaver and CJ Wilson. The Seattle Mariners made a splash in the offseason, with the signing of all-star second baseman Robinson Cano to a 10 year, 240 million dollar contract, adding him to a team that already has Felix Hernandez. Despite having two of the leagues best, the Mariners seem to be a few additions away from contending for the division crown.
Prediction: Winner- Athletics
Wild Card Team(s)- Angels
National League East-
The NL East enters the 2014 with a two team race for division winner, between the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. The Nationals failed to make the playoffs last season after having major expectations entering the season, and finished with just a 86-76 record. Despite Washington’s disappointment last season, the team has a strong young core, including former number one draft picks and phenoms, Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. Other than Strasburg, the squads pitching rotation also includes talented lefty Gio Gonzalez and a reliable Jordan Zimmerman. The teams lineup is also very strong, making it hard to see any weak spot on this Nationals team. The Braves also disappointed last season, but in an entirely different way than their competitors in the nations capital. The Braves finished one game behind the world series runner-up St. Louis Cardinals, but failed to advance to the NLCS during the playoffs. The Braves maintain their potent lineup from last year, that includes names such as Freddie Freeman, Jason Heyward, Dan Uggla, and the Upton brothers, while also featuring a stable pitching staff. Not to mention that Atlanta is as close to a guarantee to win a game when heading into the ninth inning as any team in the bigs, with shutdown closer Craig Kimbrel. The remaining teams in the division appear to be non factors, which sets up for an exciting race between two of the Major League’s best.
Prediction: Winner- Nationals
Wild Card Team(s)- Braves
National League Central-
The NL Central returns two playoff teams from a year ago, in the Pittsburgh Pirates and World Series runner-up St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals show no signs of declining from their National League pennant success of last season. The squad returns one of the best lineups in the National League which bolsters the like of Matt Holliday and Matt Carpenter, plus arguably the best catcher in the game, Yadier Molina, who hit .319, with 12 home runs and 80 rbi’s, while also finishing third in the NL MVP voting. The pitching staff Molina will be catching will also be strong once again with Cy Young award runner-up Adam Wainwright, and rising star Michael Wacha. The Pirates also return a star of their own in reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen and power threat Pedro Alvarez. Pittsburgh also has a good young pitching staff including former number one pick Gerrit Cole, that could win them low scoring games. The Cincinnati Reds, who also made the playoffs a season ago, also have the ability to win the division due to players such as Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, and Jay Bruce. However, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to beat out the Cardinals in the division.
Prediction: Winner- Cardinals
Wild Card Team(s)- None
National League West-
The NL West shapes up to be much like the NL East, as it seems to be a two team race for the division crown. One of these contenders is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who advanced to the NLCS one season ago, before falling to the Cardinals. The Dodgers return two time and reigning Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw, who finished with a record of just 16-9, but tossed a league leading 1.83 ERA, while throwing the second most innings pitched at 236. Los Angeles also returns a potent lineup that holds Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez, Carl Crawford, and young star Yasiel Puig. The Dodgers rival for the division title, the San Francisco Giants, also bring back a star laden pitching staff and lineup that has contributed to two World Series championships in the past 4 years. The Giants squad includes Buster Posey, Matt Cain, Hunter Pence, Madison Bumgarner, Tim lincecum, and Pablo Sandoval. While Arizona seems to have a promising team, it is doubtful that this will not be another division with two strong teams and a few mediocre squads.
Prediction: Winner- Dodgers
Wild Card Team(s)- Giants
World Series-
The 2014 Major League Baseball World Series will be fought over by the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays. The matchup will be intriguing as it will be the Cardinals potent lineup versus the Rays excellent pitching staff. In the end the Cardinals will be victorious in six games, and will earn their second title in four years.
Awards-
AL MVP- Mike Trout
NL MVP- Yadier Molina
AL CY Young- David Price
NL CY Young- Stephen Strasburg
AL Rookie of the Year- Jose Abreu
NL Rookie of the Year- Kolten Wong
AL Manager of the Year- Joe Girardi
NL Manager of the Year- Mike Matheny
AL Comeback Player of the Year- Derek Jeter
The first contest that students can compete in is called “Guess the Mystery Passage.” A different passage is read each day over the intercom and students can guess what book the passage is from and enter their submission. All the correctly-guessing students have an equal chance to win after being pulled from a hat. The prize is a sweet treat and bragging rights.
The second contest is checking out a book. Each student who does this gets their name put in a hat and a chance to win at the end of the day Thursday.
The third contest is called “Guess How Many Pages!” Students and teachers can guess how many pages are in a specific book in the Learning Commons. The closest number wins and is announced Thursday afternoon.
The fourth contest is creating a bookmark from paper given by Mustian in the Learning Commons. Students design the bookmark however they wish and the three best will win. The winners will also be announced Thursday afternoon. Good luck to everyone entering!
The two women that were in charge of making the quilt were teachers Ann Cole and Pam Schaub. Other ladies from OHS that were involved with the process were Emily Rudy, Lizzie Rudy, Dakota Barrett, Jennifer Dees, Nasyha Parham, and Serrania McGrinnis. They have been working on the quilt since October 2013 after school as a hobby.
They didn’t do it without any help though. There were two companies that donated batting and lining. Batting and lining can end up being quite expensive, especially for such a large quilt, so they contributed a large amount to help them make the final product.
The quilt will fit a king-size bed. It’s known as a “skinny strip” pattern, and it was machine quilted. “The younger girls that were involved cut all the strips and patterns that were needed and put them together,” stated Cole. The quilt has a springtime theme, with bright and vibrant colors and patterns.
When asked about how she first started her long-time hobby of quilting, Cole replied, “My mother was a quilter, and I eventually took it up from her. To me it’s a stress reliever. Some people run or go to the gym, for me it’s quilting.” Cole has had a few of her quilts end up in several shows, and while many people may find quilting to be aggravating and time consuming, she says that “it’s just like putting together geometry pieces.”
Some may recall that C. W. Stanford Middle School has also done similar acts such as quilt making, but unlike C.W.S., they won’t be raffling off the quilt. They will just be handing it directly into the hands of the family they made it for. “We’re trying to take over what Stanford used to do, but we don’t want to raffle or do any type of fundraiser, we just want to give it to the family themselves,” said Schaub.
Jaden Vines, the first seed, and Jabari Hargrove, the second seed, went to the semifinals, losing to Chapel Hill in doubles ending with a tie breaker. Fourth seed Lee Oechsle won his first-round match but lost to the first seed of Chapel Hill. Third seed Corey Johnson also won his first-round match but lost his second-round match. Sixth seed Grayson Caudill and fifth seed Benjamin Pickard both lost in the first round of doubles to JF Webb.
Vines finished fourth in the Big Eight conference tournament. Vines and Hargrove made it to the finals, losing in a third set tiebreaker to Chapel Hill. They competed and represented Orange High School in a excellent manner.
In the end, Johnson and Oechsle made it to quarter finals for singles. Corey upset Northern Vance’s first seed 8-6 in the first round and Oechsle defeated Oxford Webb.
All photos taken by Brianna Hales.
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