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: 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!
[caption id="attachment_4096" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Click on this image to make it bigger and clearer[/caption]If a student has six or more days throughout this semester then they may pick up an appeal form in the office or they can print off an appeal form that was emailed to their school email. That must be turned in to the office by Friday, January 10.
Exam review periods with NOT count toward attendance appeals, just overall absences if a student chooses to not go.
Exemptions are only available to seniors who have an A average in the class and have missed less than six days. Teachers decide if they are doing exemptions for their class or not. Ask your teacher if you are not sure of your exemption status.
Teachers or staff will be able to answer any questions a student has.
Photo Credit: Maddie Norwood. A student is caught cheating on a test using the ol "write it on your palm" trick.[/caption]Cheating is a huge problem for many schools, and there is no questioning that technology has made it easier. Students are able to look up test answers online, view documents that aid them on quizzes, and share homework with other students. However, does this mean more students are cheating? Phyllis Farlow, a counselor, said that teachers are “not any more worried” about cheating, but “with cellphones and technology, we have to be even more diligent.”
The biggest concern for OHS faculty is the use of technology like cell phones and laptops in class. The laptops have benefited students in many ways, and Mark Greenstreet, an English teacher, said that the “benefits [of technology] do outweigh the costs.” He believes that “some people who normally wouldn’t have cheated cheat.”
A survey of 21 OHS teachers showed that most teachers agree with Greenstreet. Teachers were asked to rank how concerned they are about cheating on a scale of one to five, one being the least concerned and five being the most concerned. The average result was 3.86. Using the same scale, they were also asked to rank how often they see students cheating on tests (with one being not often and five being very often) and how strictly they respond to cheating if they notice it (with one being leniently and five being very strictly). The average results were two and 4.43, respectively. From this data, it is evident that teachers are usually very strict about cheating, even though they rarely notice it.
Students and teachers disagree on how often students cheat. An anonymous OHS student said, “A lot more people cheat than [teachers] realize.” The student explained why he cheats. “I cheat because the teachers of this school are oblivious.”
Some policies teachers have for how they react to cheaters are giving a “zero for the assignment or test,” making “the student admit to me and a parent that he or she cheated,” making “sure that the student receives no more than a high F on the test,” and requiring that students “retake [the test] on a one-on-one setting.” Typically, teachers will call the student’s parent. In the survey, some teachers commented on how technology has affected cheating:
“Cell phones make it harder to catch kids.”
“Students now take pictures of their notes and use it during tests while pretending to listen to music.”
“Kids think they are smarter than they are. It’s humorous to see what students think they can get away with.”
“Students have too much access and little self-restraint. They do not understand that learning is more than grades.”
Many teachers had humorous stories to share of cheating they have seen in their classes. “I once had a kid use a blank sheet of paper to cheat with. It was brilliant. I was so impressed that I gave him a second chance-- the only time I’ve allowed a second chance for cheating,” said a teacher. Another teacher said, “I had a student last semester who would wait to take his quiz until we were going over the answers. He didn’t know that his time stamp was twenty minutes after the other students’ until I confronted him.” One teacher used a creative method to convince a student not to cheat. “Many years ago, I had a student who got all [of the] answers correct for form A of [a] test. Unfortunately, he had form B. He was on the wrestling team, so I informed Coach Shriner. After a week of intense workouts and running, the student apologized profusely and guaranteed me it would never happen again.”
Greenstreet said that he sees cheating about 10 percent of the time on tests. He believes that technology has made cheating easier because students can access the web and share documents with each other. Even with the problems technology creates, “so much good is possible through it,” according to Greenstreet. Before technology, he thinks the most prevalent form of cheating was copying another student’s work. “[Students] still do that,” Greenstreet commented.
He said that students who cheat are “cheating [themselves].” Some students’ “utter denial [of the fact that they were cheating] terrifies me,” said Greenstreet. He sees students cheating once as the “student calling for help.” If a student cheats a second time, then he treats the cheating more seriously.
Greenstreet said that cheating can get progressively worse and can cause a student to believe cheating in relationships and jobs is acceptable. “I can get away with this, look where else I can use it,” he illustrated.
On standardized tests like MSLs, EOGs, and EOCs, there are strict guidelines regarding cheating and what teachers must do if it occurs. If a student is caught cheating, they are removed from the testing room and do not receive their score. Teachers must file a testing irregularity report that is reviewed by Mary Calhoun, the district testing coordinator. Calhoun discusses the issue with the school principal and superintendent, and may have to report the incident to the state. Eventually, a decision will be made as to whether or not the student can retake the test. In some cases, officials will decide that scores of people testing in the same room as the cheater must be thrown out.
However, cheating on standardized tests is rare because there are many measures put in place to keep tests secure. For example, tests have different form numbers and colors, and teachers try to keep students with the same test from sitting near each other. Two other measures are that tests are locked up securely before they are administered and teachers have scripts telling them what to say when they administer a test. “That’s why we sound weird,” said Farlow. She said that there were no testing irregularities last year and that OHS students “do a really good job” at not cheating on tests.
ASVAB testing took place on November 5 at 8:45 in the media center. The OHS career coordinator, Evelyn DeLoatch, was responsible for scheduling the test.The ASVAB is a multiple aptitude test that helps students identify, understand, and organize information about their interests, skills, and work-related values. The test lasts about three hours. The ASVAB is also the test used to assess students interested in joining the military. Students should attempt to score a minimum of 32 to meet the army requirement. The test is based on eight test areas: general science, arithmetic reading, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, mathematical knowledge, electronic information, auto and shop information, and mechanical comprehension. Results are based on a number of different test item questions. The test helps students figure out what they would like to pursue after high school.
Sixty-three percent of the students who took the ASVAB in the past said this program helped them connect their skills and interests with appropriate career choices. It is a voluntary assessment, and 15 students took the test this year. Students who missed testing for the ASVAB should contact their counselor immediately.
One of the students who took the test was Argie Burnette. He took the test to get into the Marines to become a sniper. He thought the test wasn't challenging and he felt very confident about it. Burnette found out about the ASVAB test from military recruiters. Benjamin Baptist also took the ASVAB test because he is thinking about pursuing a military career. He felt that some sections were harder than other but he was also confident about taking the test. Baptist found out about the test from an email received by one of the counselors here at Orange. Baptist is interested in being a security officer on an air base. Those who took the test will receive their grades for the ASVAB test from OHS counselors. Those who took the test will receive their grades for the ASVAB test from our counselors here at Orange.
The first part of the induction ceremony had two speakers, Kentellia Wingate and Evelyn Deloatch, that introduced the ceremony and talked about the history of the club. The past members of the club were able to speak about what one has to do to be a nice student and be a part of the club. Then, students received certificates from the teachers that inducted them. The new members took an oath to do the best they could in their classes. The principal, Jason Johnson, spoke about the club and ended the ceremony.
The new students that were inducted this year were: Summer Anderson, Bradley Barbee, Kyle Bryant, Chania Caldwell, Ashlynn Church, Collin Cockerham, Stephani Cruz-Vazquez, James Cunningham, Morgan Efland, Sam Ferry, Adam Hackett, Xandria Hughes, De’ja Johnson, Georgia McRae, Mitchell Pittman, Joseph Poole, Lauren Riley, Ethan Roberts, Kentice Robbins, Braden Weber, and Jakayla Wilkins. Caldwell, a new member, said, “I feel it is an accomplishment for you to be qualified. It looks better on your college application and gives you other advantages.”
The students had to be chosen to get into the club. They had to have a 3.0 GPA in their technical classes and they had to be a nice student. To be in the club, members have to keep their 3.0 GPA in the class. National Technical Honor Society can be for anyone who is in a technical class.
The concert began with the concert choir singing “Jubilate Deo,” an Irish folk song, “Cliffs of Doneen,” a spiritual song, “Wade In The Water,” and “Peter Piper.” “Peter Piper” featured a colorful light show that gave the crowd a good laugh. The women from that class then sang “Candle on the Water” from Pete’s Dragon. Each song went without a hitch, and were all fun treats for the whole audience.
Next up came the vocal ensemble singing the spiritual song “My Lord, What A Morning.” The song was filled with great emotion and praise. Next they sang “Ave Maria,” a song composed by Giulio Caccini. Lastly came “Dreams of Thee” from a poem called “Lines to an Indian Air.” The crowd gave a huge round of applause before the ensemble exited.
Madrigal singers entered dressed in the traditional black gowns for women, and the all-black suits for men. They began with a Cuban folk song, “Son de Camaguey,” then went on to sing “Flower of Beauty,” which was definitely a crowd favorite. Before exiting they all sang “Elijah Rock,” putting emphasis on the spiritual essence of the song. The madrigal men left, leaving the women to perform “Beauty and the Beast.” Savannah Kimbrough flawlessly executed the solo, getting a huge round of applause.
The group of men from the concert choir then came up to sing “Calendar Girl,” which was meant to woo all the ladies in the crowd. They had a short dance to go with it, each member performing a solo. The crowd responded greatly, and the choir exited, taking their seats.
Next up was “Runaround Sue” performed by the vocal ensemble men, and a solo by Andrew Carey. It was done without error, and was a great performance. The song quickly ended before the women came up to perform “Grumble Too Much,” a Caribbean folk song.
All the females were dressed up in aprons and bandannas, wearing a mean face as they came out. The song was a fun experience, and the crowd got into it, hooting and hollering with the girls. The song was popular among the younger audience too, who, after the show, were still loving the act.
Madrigal men then followed with “Little Darlin.’” The song was a hit with many females in the audience, and was a great transition song for the next ensemble that sang “Everybody Talks” by the group, Neon Trees. The ensemble includes singers Erin Burgner, Hannah Cozart, Khadijah Johnson, Sankwon Reams, Andrew Willamson, and the lead Caleb Tolin. The ensemble received a huge applause, many getting out of their seats.
Another ensemble followed with Chase Austin, Aly Hardigan, Travis Holt, Marquise Morrow, Sankwon Reams, Jessica Scott, and Andrew Williamson. They performed “Wonderwall” by Oasis with Holt taking lead. The song was well received by the crowd.
Lastly, the whole choral program came together to sing “We’re The Choir,” a warm-up song used featuring a selected part for the different vocal ranges alto, soprano, tenor, and bass. The song is quirky and showcases each section’s strengths. That concluded the concert and all the singers took a bow before everyone headed out to the lobby to discuss the show. Great job to Orange High’s chorus!
Maria "Africa" Martinez traveled a long way to be a student at Orange High School this year. She originally hails from Spain, but will be spending her junior year as a foreign exchange student living with a host family in Efland, NC. During her time at OHS, Martinez is making the most of the experience by making new friends, adjusting to class changes, and participating in school activities.
Martinez shared her feelings on being a foreign exchange student at Orange. “It’s not the worst,” she replied with a smile and joking tone. “It’s very nice, with nice people who come and talk to me, especially when they find out that I’m from another country… It’s very different from my old school in Spain. We are in the same class from 9 am to 5 pm with the same people. [At OHS] I change a class every hour and a half.”
Martinez states, “Lifetime Sports is my favorite class because it’s more of a social class... where I can talk more with friends.” Martinez has gotten used to her new schedule. She says, “My classes are going surprisingly well. Everyone is very nice and makes sure I understand almost everything. The teachers even stop during class, to make sure that I just understood what they just said. Orange High School is a very nice school to be at!”
Martinez played on the Junior Class Team at the Liner Powder Bowl on Sept. 17, where she had the opportunity to play flag football against the Senior Class Team.
For the 2013-2014 school year, OHS is also hosting three more foreign exchange students: Cami Urrutia from Chile, Ines Soffer from France, and Chin-Yi Lin, who most call “Joyce,” from Taiwan. OHS has a rich history of welcoming foreign exchange students into the Panther family. In previous years, students from Thailand, Norway, Mexico, Germany, Japan, China, Sweden, Finland, and Yugoslavia, have graced the halls of Orange.
Exactly three weeks separate our Panthers and some of our staff from their beloved summer break. Almost nine months of school are finally in our rearview mirrors, and it is almost time for summer. Instead of just thinking about ourselves, Den Echoes has decided to go out and talk to some of our fellow Panther students and staff to see what they’re doing for their hard-earned summer vacation.
One of our very own drama players at Orange High School who played Tranio in the drama department’s production of Taming of the Shrew, freshman Robert Piscitelli, will be participating in a Duke Hospital volunteer program as he was accepted in an exclusive interview with Duke for his application. About this upcoming experience, Piscitelli said, “I am really excited about the student program, it’ll be a great opportunity to learn more about the medical field.” Piscitelli will also be traveling to Chicago to attend his cousin’s graduation, and be in another community play, Cinderella.
Another freshman here at Orange, Davis Scott, is traveling to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, with his family. Other than that, Scott says he will spend his summer just hanging out with friends.
When asked about his summer plans, Department Chair of Social Studies here at OHS, Mr. Lee Gordon first said, unfortunately, work. After about two or three tries of the same question, Gordon managed to tell us some pretty cool information. Mr. Gordon will actually be traveling to Pennsylvania to participate in the 150th annual Gettysburg Reenactment. When asked about his plan there, Gordon replied with, “I’ll be killing Yankees.” Clearly, Gordon will be on the Confederates.
Clearly, there are a wide variety of summer plans by our Panther students and staff, whether it’s visiting a graduation or participating in the 150th annual Gettysburg Reenactment.The OHS Angel Tree, located in the main office, lists the names of kids that attend OHS that are unable to have everything they need this Christmas. On the tree there are and their needs and wants for Christmas. These kids are not as fortunate as others, and the Angel Tree is a way of providing for these kids and families for Christmas.
Any student, staff member, or local citizen can choose an angel off of the tree and shop for the items listed on the card. The gifts are
then given to the school where they are delivered to students before Christmas break. The gifts should be returned to the main office Friday December 14, no later than 12:00 p.m. Monday December 17. The gifts should be returned wrapped with the angel tree card attached to the top of the package.
The PTSA, OHS clubs, local churches, staff members, and families in Orange County have been supporting the Angel Tree. Not only are
people shopping for gifts, there is also a food drive. The PTSA is collecting food from classes and other areas around the community to
give students and families who, without school lunches and meals, would go hungry over the break. Sign Up Genius has a list of the
non-perishable food items. Some food items needed include: 50 boxes of crackers, 50 boxes of granola bars, 50 bottles of jam, 50 cans of ravioli, canned Spaghettios, canned vegetables, 30 cans of chicken, canned fruit, and 25 bottles of peanut butter. There are a total of
61 students on the Angel Tree that need to be provided for, so any help with food or presents is welcome. Monday December 17 from 3-6 p.m at Orange, food will be boxed, any presents not wrapped will be wrapped, and the lists will be checked to make sure that all students are accounted for. Help is needed with this event so bring friends and come lend a helping hand.
Questions can be sent to Sue Cunningham who is in charge of the Angel Tree. She also helps with the Angel Trees at A.L. Stanback, C.W. Stanford, Central, Cameron Park, Efland Cheeks, and Cedar Ridge.