Photo Credit: Amanda Tavares[/caption]14-year-old Lucy Taylor is a new addition to the Panther family. “Being new to high school can be a little overwhelming,” said Taylor, “but that’s also the best thing… with all of the new experiences that high school offers.”
In her free time, Taylor likes to read books that have been made into major motion pictures. The Fault In Our Stars is her favorite so far. But when Taylor doesn’t have her nose in a book, she loves shopping and being a fashionista. Some of her favorite stores to shop at are Forever 21, American Eagle, and Belk. Not only does Taylor enjoy reading and shopping, but she adores photography as well. She has a passion for taking pictures of her pets, especially her two cats. Taylor says photography may be a possible career option for her in the future.
With Taylor having high hopes for her high school and future career path, she keeps her options open and tries to have new experiences, like joining the Den Echoes newspaper staff. She hopes that this academic opportunity will help her define what she may want to pursue as a career in the future. Newspaper not only benefits her decision making, but also helps Taylor “express her inner feelings without having to directly voice it to audiences.”
Before Taylor plans to settle for her career, she strives to travel. Taylor says, ”I plan to visit all of the 50 states and then the Seven Wonders of the World.” Though Taylor’s life endeavors may take her to wonderful places and inconvenient places, she will always take her mother’s words of wisdom--“always follow your dreams”--with her.
The session will be taught by Lisa Best. It covers ways to overcome fears students have about the SAT. It also teaches strategies to have a faster and higher SAT score. The highest raises in scores that have come from this have been by 300 points.
There have been two previous sessions on March 12 and March 19.
One of the OHS teachers overseeing the tutoring sessions, Anaysa Turner, stated, “The last two sessions have been great. I think the strategies and tips that Mrs. Best shared with the students will really be helpful when they sit for the exam. Because of the structure of the sessions, I can't judge whether or not there has been a change, but I'm positive that if the students who've attended the sessions apply what Mrs. Best has taught them, they will see an increase in their SAT scores.”
Woodard has built a life for herself here at Orange High School and she has become a highly popular freshman. She has many goals for next year in high school. She is a successful member of Girl Scouts and wants to sell 1,500 boxes of cookies. She has another goal of becoming sophomore editor of the Den Echoes next year. She also would like to become more involved with clubs at Orange High School and join the cheerleading team.
Woodard is a current member of Theatre Club and FCA. She commented about FCA, “I feel like I’ve grown a connection with others and with God.”
She said one of the biggest benefits of high school life is the freedom that you get when you first begin. She said, “In middle school we were told where to be and what to do. When you get to high school, you get to choose.” She also added that the downside to having freedom is, “with more freedom comes more responsibilities. The problem is you have to keep up with the responsibilities.”
Woodard recalled many of her favorite moments that she has experienced at OHS. Her favorite moments include football games, Ag Day, Lee Gordon’s class, and the Homecoming game. She said [about the football games], “You get to meet new people and support your school. And you get to watch them dominate people.” She also said, [about Gordon’s class], “ I liked the funny stories he told us about his life.”
Woodard commented on the way some freshmen get treated, “I have friends who are older. I think the immaturity of some of the freshmen makes people have judgement calls on people they don't know. Not all freshmen act immature.”
Tuesday night, September 17, the ladies at Orange High School got a chance to show their skills on the football field. Every year the game takes place with the Freshman class playing the Sophomores, and the Juniors playing the Seniors.
This year the game was dedicated to the late former Orange High School teacher Sue Liner. In the two games the Freshmen were victorious by a score of 16 to 0 and the Seniors won 14 to 2. Scoring for the class of 2016 were Mia Davidson on a long run, and Kaylen Campbell on a pass from Davidson. Scoring for the Seniors was Mackensie Cates.
Sophomore Emily Cunningham says the game was special, “The powder bowl is great because we get the chance to get down on the field and get dirty, while doing it with style... and sparkles!” Cunningham added that the game could have some minor changes, “I'd love to see the guys take the role of being the cheerleaders next year!” She also said she hopes to see more girls compete next year.
In between the two games the school honored the members of the Panther Court then crowned Senior Joe Piscitelli as Mr. Panther.
Before going to OHS, Woodard went to Orange Charter School. She decided to take journalism her first semester here due to her decision to pursue a news and journalism related career.
Besides her love for English and strong dedication, Woodard has another trick up her sleeve. She’s a long-standing Girl Scout, a title colleges love.
Woodard has been in the Girl Scouts for 5 years. She described the Girl Scouts as a place for “being a sister and finding something in common.” The program has been active since 1912, and its motto is to “be prepared.”
The Girl Scouts do a lot to help young girls. They host an event called “Camping 101” where they teach girls how to survive outside while camping. They also do fundraising through their well-known Girl Scout cookies. Woodard and her fellow Scouts go on field trips. She recently went to Washington D.C. to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the program.
As a Scout, it isn’t hard to see that it has shaped a part of who she really is. Preparation and meeting goals are skills the Scouts strive for and Woodard exemplifies them. Unlike a lot of new freshmen on their first day, Woodard wasn’t afraid. She said, “I’m happy I’m not as nervous as I thought I’d be.”
This can go to show not every new student is the same, and outside of school some programs can really help students achieve goals for the future. It also shows that Woodard is not the average freshman.
Junior Quinlan Blackmon said, “Yeah, [I'm ready for the second semester] because baseball season is about to start!” Austin Goehring said, “Yes! I’m really happy I’m almost done because I’m so ready for this to be an unforgettable summer!”
New semester means new classes, which is a new start and expectations for students. Zach Wagner’s expectations is to make all A’s. Daniel Gallardo said his goal is, “To actually pass, I’m not doing too good right now...” Jake Frederick’s expectations are not for his grades to improve but to get teacher he likes and can get along with.
When freshmen were asked how their first high school semester was, Brooke Chamberlain said, “It’s a lot more freedom than I thought it would be.” Brooke’s experience may have been a bit shocking, but Mylta Medrano’s was not much of a surprise, as she stated, “No, not really. I pretty much already knew everything from hearing it from my sisters.”
For seniors, it’s their last semester of high school, which can be bittersweet.
Brian Hernandez said, “It’s been pretty chill, relaxing, I don’t have to do much besides finish off my last year good. I just can’t wait until I walk across that stage, and know I’ve achieved a lot.”
On the other hand, Seth Watkins said, “I’m ready to get out of school and have fun and enjoy life without the stress.”
Taylor Harris feels both sad and happy, saying, “It feels good, but at the same time, I’m going to miss it, and have to make it last."
Melissa Barragon adds, “It’s exciting but scary because i know I only have one semester left then its off to the real world with more responsibility.