Aliyah Walthall: First Miss Garinger in nearly 10 years

Aliyah Walthall (center) is the first Miss Garinger to be crowned since 2004. Marie Manansala (left) was named second attendant to Miss Garinger; Alicia Robinson (right) was chosen Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. The pageant was Oct. 17 in the Garinger auditorium. – Photo by Ms. Keisha Bailey

By  Hydeia Wilfong

Thursday evening was definitely a “Night to Remember” at Garinger High School, which hosted its first Miss Garinger Pageant since 2004.

The winner of the pageant, Aliyah Walthall, will have the opportunity to represent Garinger at several community events, including Homecoming on Oct. 25. Marie Manansala won the title of second attendant to Miss Garinger and Alicia Robinson won Miss Congeniality. Special guest Ana Hernandez, a former Miss Garinger winner, presented the flowers and crown.

The contestants were judged in relevance to their talent, formal dress, answer to an extemporaneous question and an interview before the judges that was held prior to the Oct. 17 pageant.

The event was also a time to showcase a few more talented Garinger students, like Joshua Gainous who played a piece on the piano; Breille Whittman, who performed a song on the guitar; and Eric Williams, who recited an original poem.

Ms. Aisha Lide, a visual arts teacher at Garinger, directed the pageant. The master and mistress of ceremonies were CMS Teacher of the Year James Ford, of Garinger, and  Ms. Dinco Seakamela of Johnson C. Smith University.  Judges included staff members Ms. Rachel Lloyd, Ms. Ann Kelly, Mr. Nemal Patel, Mr. Chimzam Awute, Ms. Tamara Thompson, Mr. Brian Berlin, Ms. Kaitlyn Hollister, and Ms. Rhonda  Wright.  The auditors included Ms. Tomeka Barbour, Mr. Andrew Pinckney, and Ms. Carrissa  Johnson-Scott.

The Miss Garinger Pageant was very successful and many people came out to support the school and the contestants.

Homecoming Junior: Kali Coxe

Kali Coxe

Q:  Have you ever been in homecoming court before? If so, when?

No, This is my first experience in homecoming court.

Q: Why should we choose you?

I am a very confident person and I also strive to be the best I can be. The best of Garinger High School (GO! WILDCATS!). I aim to prove that Garinger is more than a “hood school”, we aren’t that at all.  I want to provide a positive impact and look upon my class (2015) as well as the school.

Q: Why do you want to be Homecoming Queen?

I would like to become homecoming queen to help change to public outlook on the school. The choice of my running also involves showing school spirit and being proud to be called a Wildcat.

Q: How do you plan on campaigning for homecoming?

To campaign I am using only my word and the hopes of others,  my flyers and friends. Then on the last day of campaigning I plan to have a special treat for my committed voters and for others as well….so long as they vote.

Q: What makes you different than the other contestants for homecoming?

I’m a completely different person than my lovely components. I try my hardest to run an honest campaign and leave out bribery. If it is meant for me to win, then I will.

Q: What would you say to people who think that the homecoming court is only for popular people?

They are completely wrong. I’m nowhere close to popular and I’m not widely known around school. But, I will say I have made it this far and I don’t plan on stopping now.

Q: How will you represent Garinger in a positive way?

Garinger already has a unattractive reputation. I’m smart and I have a positive outlook on others. The encouragement of my peers to show Garinger’s true colors of intelligence, honesty and school spirit, will most definitely represent Garinger in a positive way. I can’t do it alone.

Q: What does being nominated mean to you?

It means beating a standard. Not a lot of people believe I can do this. Also, it is giving me an opportunity to prove that you don’t have to be popular to be a contestant. This homecoming will most definitely open the doors for others as well

Q: What is your favorite thing about Garinger?

I love Garinger as a whole. The campus is beautiful and a lot of positive things are happening here at Garinger High School. However, my favorite is honestly the band, the incredible amounts of school spirit and fun shown through their energy. GO WILDCATS!!!!

 

Homecoming senior: Kimberly Monge

Q: Have you ever been in homecoming court before? If so, when?

A: No, I have not ever been in Homecoming Court before. This is my first time entering.

Q: Why should we choose you?

A: I think that Garinger should choose me to be the next Senior Homecoming Queen 2013. I am patient and understanding and know the meaning of leadership and sacrifice, showing integrity, determination and passion for what I am going to be able to do if chosen.

Q: Why do you want to be Homecoming Queen?

A: Running for Senior Homecoming Queen 2013 is helping me to communicate with new people and build my self-esteem. The role has enabled me to become more confident in who I am, while also allowing me to meet and build relationships with so many of my peers.

Q: How do you plan on campaigning for homecoming?

A: My idea for campaigning for homecoming is by showing my love of baking by making cookies and sharing them. I also will give away Snickers, hang posters in each building and post on social networks.

Q: What makes you different than the other contestants for homecoming?

A: Something that makes me different than the other contestants for homecoming is that this is my first year coming to GHS, yet my last year of high school. I am proud of myself to be here and build my confidence because this is my first time entering. I am a respectful and dependable young lady.

Q: What would you say to people who think that the homecoming court is only for popular people?

A: I think that Homecoming Court is not only for popular people. In my opinion, homecoming is where every girl can participate. Your race and popularity does not matter; it is for everyone to join in. I think that everyone deserve a chance, his or her voice needs to be heard. People may think that the homecoming queens are people who are popular, meaning they are liked or admired by many people. I know that I am not popular or well recognized. I am a shy, timid girl, but I want to break out of my shell and meet new people.

Q: How will you represent Garinger in a positive way?

A: I would like to represent Garinger in a positive way by being a positive role model at school by putting and end to littering, vandalism and bullying. I love giving advice to people about daily life.

Q: What does being nominated mean to you?

A: I’m honored to be nominated for Senior Homecoming Queen because I know it will help me build my confidence 🙂

Q: What is your favorite thing about Garinger?

A: My favorite thing about Garinger High School is it is an historic school with a valuable and interesting past. This is my last year, and I want to cherish enjoyable memories.

An exciting, spirit filled week!

              Friday the 25th (Tomorrow) is when all the fun starts! Remember to represent your grade level by wearing the assigned color. Seniors wear blue, juniors wear black, sophomores wear white and freshmen wear grey.

The pep rally, during 4th block, is now free to students, but if you have had disciplinary problems you may not participate.  If you have purchased your $10 ticket, remember the tailgate will be between 2:30-4:30, which will include free food, the parade will be between 4:30-5:30 and the homecoming game will start at 7, where we will be facing East Meck, here at Garinger.

The process of entering college

By Emnit Dejene

College, College, College, how exciting yet so nerve wracking!

As the senior year slowly passes by, the stress, anxiousness and excitement gets extremely high. College applications and the immense amount of decisions that are waiting to be made only add on to the adrenaline.

Oh and don’t forget the incurable senioritis that we seniors have to deal with, not wanting to even look at your textbooks, yes, it’s all happening; but in a couple of months all of the things we have been waiting for since our freshman year will be coming to reality.

Donquarious Howie, a previous student at Garinger who is now attending UNC Charlotte, had plenty of tips for seniors.

During a recent visit, Howie spoke about how his college experience, by far, has been a total 180 from high school.

“College is very different from high school,” he states. “It’s not as hard as people make it seem but it’s a rough start until you adjust. Time management is probably the most important thing; you have to realize what’s important and what’s not.”

One huge piece of advice he would give to high school seniors right now is to take advantage of your counselors and make sure to apply for many many scholarships –  at least four.

How to deal with all the stress? Well, in order to cope with the million things going on, I am offering some tips on how to organize yourself, as well as steps to finding your compatible college.

Planning and organizing

• Make a road map with things you would like to accomplish.
  • What are your senior year goals?
  • What are your long-term goals?
  • Think about majors that you might want to go in.
  • Consider possible careers.

College planning

• Make a list of colleges you would like to apply to. Consider:
  • 2 year, 4 year or trade school?
  • Small or large school?
  • What are the average GPA and SAT/ACT scores of the school you are applying to?
  • Admission requirements?
  • What are the majors or programs they offer?
  • Tuition cost?
• Check application deadlines for the schools you are thinking about applying to.
• Talk to your teachers about getting a letter of recommendation.
• TAKE THE SAT AND/OR THE ACT!!
  • Dates for SAT testing – www.collegeboard.org
  • Dates for ACT testing – www.actstudent.org
• There are many scholarships available at online. Apply for as many as you can.
• Visit Garinger’s career center at http://garingercareercenter.cmswiki.wikispaces.net/ for useful information and opportunities.
• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will be available January 1^st http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

For even more information, please contact our college adviser, Ms. Blackmon, in the main office or via email at rfblack@live.unc.edu

Yanick comes back

Photo by Ms.Barbour
Yanick Gomez is a 2013 Garinger High School graduate and Gates Millennium Scholar who visited Ms.Barbour’s first block class on Oct.7th to encourage students to apply for college.

Student government election results

These are the results from Friday’s student government election. A meeting for all candidates, including newly-elected officers, will begin at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday in room 215. Class committees will plan events for homecoming next week.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTION RESULTS

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL:

PRESIDENT: Tiara Lowery

VICE PRESIDENT: Hamish Toe

SECRETARY: Candice Johnson

12^th GRADE

PRESIDENT: Dre’Quan Gibson

VICE PRESIDENT: Xavier Brown

SECRETARY: Alicia Robinson

11^th GRADE

PRESIDENT: Tatiana Kankrenza

VICE PRESIDENT: Brianna Geddis

SECRETARY: Christeen Simon

10^th GRADE

PRESIDENT: Bri’Elle Whitman

VICE PRESIDENT: Selah Grant

SECRETARY:

9^th GRADE

PRESIDENT: Trayvone Glover-Hull

VICE PRESIDENT: Baldomero Chavez

SECRETARY: Claudia Martinez

Soccer streak still in effect

First row, from left: Coach Kyle Hunt,  6. Christian Ortiz, 11. Hussein Arsene , 00. Francisco Gonzales, 20. Jesus Ramos, 1. Erick Ortiz, 10. Tresor Mbuyu, Coach David Garrett. Second row, from left: 12. Juan David Vanegas, 5. Sergio Alvarado-Garcia, 3. Juan Carlos Ramirez, 9. Ruben Patino, 7. Jose Vanegas Cruz, 15. Eduardo Morales, 13. Shalom Dutey 4. Oscar Castro

The Garinger Wildcats soccer team won Wednesday’s (Oct. 9)away conference game against Porter Ridge by a score of 3-2.

The Wildcats were losing during the first half 2-0.

Their comeback began in the second half in the last 10 minutes.

Shalom Dutey   scored the  first goal,  Jose Vanegas  score the second, and Tresor Mbuyu scored the winning goal in the last minute of the game, giving the Wildcats another victory to take home.

Overall, he Garinger Wildcats men’s soccer team has had an amazing season so far. The  team has won every match that they have played.

Goalkeeper Francisco Gonzalez has shut out all but 11 balls. The offense has scored a total of  110 goals.

the last game wildcats played at East Meck the score was 6-3. Wildcats was winning first half of the game 4-1 and second half East Meck score two goals. but the game wwasn’t over Tresor he come in and he score two amazing goals and garinger take the victor home.

The Wildcats also are ranked 13th nationally, eighth in state rankings 3 and first in NC Class 4A, according to maxpreps.com

The Wildcats’ next game is 6 p.m.   (Oct. 21) at Myers Park.

Schedule

Date Result Opponent Time 08/19 W 5 – 0 Hopewell (Huntersville, NC) 5:30pm 08/22 W 5 – 0 @ Hickory (Hickory, NC) 6:00pm 08/24 W 7 – 0 Hickory Ridge (Harrisburg, NC) 4:00pm 08/26 W 4 – 0 West Mecklenburg (Charlotte, NC) 5:30pm 08/28 W 6 – 0 @ Vance (Charlotte, NC) 5:30pm 09/03 W 9 – 0 Sun Valley (Monroe, NC) 5:30pm 09/04 W 9 – 0 Harding University (Charlotte, NC) 5:30pm 09/09  W 4-0 @ Butler (Matthews, NC) 6:00pm 09/10  W 9-0 @ North Mecklenburg (Huntersville, NC) 6:30 pm 9/11 W 10-1 Rocky River (Mint Hill) 6:30 p.m 9/16 w 6-1 @Porter Ridge 6:00 p.m 9/18 W 2-1 @Independence 6:00pm 9/23  w 3-1 @East Mack 6:00pm 9/25  w 4-1 @Myers park 6:00pm 10/02  w 4-2 Butler (Matthews, NC) 6:00pm 10/04  w 4-2 @ Central Academy (Monroe, NC) 6:30pm 10/7  w 8-0 Rocky River 6 p.m. 10/9  W 3-2 @ Porter 6 p.m. 10/14  w 2-1 @ Independence 6 p.m. 10/16  W 6-3 @ East Mecklenburg 6 p.m. 10/21 @ Myers Park (Charlotte, NC) 6:00pm

Roster

Coaches:  David Garrett, Kyle Hunt

#	Name	Position	Grade
1	Francisco Gonzalez	GoalKeeper	Jr.
4	Oscar Castro	Defender	So.
5	Sergio Alvarado Garcia	Defender	Sr.
6	Christian Ortiz	Midfielder	So.
7	Jose Vanegas	Forward	Sr.
8	Juan Ramirez	Midfield, Forward	Sr.
9	Ruben Patino	Midfielder	So.
10	Tresor Mbuyu (C)	Forward	Jr.
11	Hussein Arsene	Forward	Sr.
13	Juan David Vanegas	Midfielder	Jr.
14	Eduardo Morales	Defender	Sr.
15	Juan Carlos Ramirez	Defender	So.
17	Shalom Dutey	Midfielder	So.
19	Erick Ortiz	Midfielder	Fr.
20	Jesus Ramos Beltran	GoalKeeper	Fr.

 

Don’t forget to vote!

Today is voting day.

Students will vote in the upstairs media center during lunch. You must have your student ID in order to cast your vote.

All students will vote for one Executive Council President, Vice President and Secretary as well as one president, vice president and secretary for their class.

Here is the ballot:

Executive Council

President

• Hakeem Dykes
• Tiara Lowery
• Gemille Sleweon
• Daria Smith

Executive Council Vice-President

• Danielle Polston
• Hamish Toe
• Tyri Rutland-Wilson
• Ladeja Woodley

Executive Council Secretary

• Candice Johnson

Senior Class

 President

• Dre’Quan Gibson
• Drew Hill
• Shontell Mitchell
• Zenobia Nichols
• Robert Stevenson

Vice-President

• Laquarra Audrey
• Jesus Bermudez
• Xavier Brown
• Jerry Hunt
• Manuel Lopez
• Erick Rosales

Secretary

• Brian Almendarez
• Alicia Robinson

Junior Class

President

• Le’Taystia Moore
• Tatiana Kankrenza

Vice-President

• Brianna Geddis

Secretary

• Christeen Simon

 

Sophomore Class

President

• Bri’Elle Whitman

Vice-President

• Selah Grant

Freshman Class

President

• Adior Barac
• Ryan Batten
• Juandrique Antonio-Chambers
• Trayvone Glover-Hull
• Nubia Jackson
• Arcadia Peralta

Vice-President

• Baldomero Chavez
• Laniya Owens
• Nadazia Price
• Brecia Sinclair

Secretary

• Parris Frederick
• Jewel Holloman
• Claudia Martinez
• Hayley Sprinkles

Nadazia Price: Freshman Vice President

Q: What position do you want?

A: I want to be vice president.

Q: Have you been in Student Council before?

A: No, I have not been in council before.

Q: Why do you want to be in Student Council?

A: I want to be in student government because I believe I can help make a difference.

Q: What inspired you to do this?

A: My family and school inspired me to do this.

Q: What is the advantage of electing you?

A: The advantage of electing me is that ninth grade will have a smart and great leader.

Q: What are your goals as a council member?

A:  My goals for student council are to make education and helping others fun and to encourage other people to do the right thing.

Q: How do you think you can help the students academically?

A: I think I could help students academically by having tutorials or study hall to help students get help they need.

Q: What changes would you like to make?

A: I would like to have field trips and  a concession stand, and raise money to donate to a breast cancer foundation. Have more pep rallies and help the poor.

Q: How would you go about making those changes?

A: I will make more changes by having fundraisers to raise money and raffles.

Q: How will you get people to elect you? (How would you campaign?)

A: I will get people to elect me by hanging up posters, giving out candy, telling people my ideas and plans.

Tyri Rutland-Wilson: Executive Council Vice President

Q: What position do you want?

A: Executive council vice president.

Q: Have you been in Student Council before?

A: I have participated in student council for all three previous years of high school.

Q: Why do you want to be in Student Council?

A: I am a very innovative person and I always find it that my ideas are a great contribution when in student council.

Q: What inspired you to do this?

A:  The idea of being able to put my ideas together with other students’ to make something great!

Q: What is the advantage of electing you?

A: As the executive council vice president, I can assure the student body that I will work diligently to execute all reasonable wants and needs.

Q: What are your goals as a council member?

A: Generally, to serve as a liaison between students and officials as well as leading the student body while providing numerous opportunities.

Q: How do you think you can help the students academically?

A: Students deserve that one-on-one connection with their teachers; therefore I would try to implement extra tutoring sessions as well as more involvement with social networks for out-of-school communication.

Q: What changes would you like to make?

A: I would like to mend the communication bridge between students and officials, and provide more opportunities for students to offer up their ideas for future decisions. I would also like to plan a senior class trip!

Q: How would you go about making those changes?

A: First, I would hold meetings with the necessary officials to discuss what actions should be taken, then I would devote my time to take those actions and turn our wants into reality!

Q: How will you get people to elect you? (How would you campaign?)

A: Social network, posters, and simply letting the students know why I am the perfect candidate for the job!

Dre’Quan Gibson: Senior Class President

Gibson

Q: What position do you want?
A:  Senior class president.
Q: Have you been in Student Council before?
A: No, I have not, but in the 8th grade, I was the class leader at Marie G. Davis.
Q: Why do you want to be in Student Council?
A: I want to be in student council because it will help me increase my leadership skills and help me get more involved with my peers thoughts, wants and issues here around Garinger High School.
Q: What inspired you to do this?
A: My peers.  Peers need people’s voices and that is why I am running.
Q: What is the advantage of electing you?
A: An advantage of electing me is making the students feel comfortable around Garinger –  letting them know we are one big family here at this school and that their issues matter to me.
Q: What are your goals as a council member?
A: My goal as a council member is to work hard with other council members to make sure 2013-2014 is a great school year, to make sure it is successful in academics and more.
Q: How do you think you can help the students academically?
A: By pushing students to take control of their learning. Make it to the point where it is the best for you. I would love to see a very high passing rate for Garinger High School and a higher graduation rate.
Q: What changes would you like to make?
A:  As of right now, there is not so much I would change. I will try to fight for a change with the morning process, because the quad area is cool and all but there are students who have to ask teachers questions in the morning or something. In my opinion that is too strict for high school students, making us sit in that one area.
Q: How would you go about making those changes?
A: Start a petition, have meetings with administrators about the situation, anything that I feel is useful to help.
Q: How will you get people to elect you? (How will you campaign?)
A: Promotion, Promotion, Promotion! It is all about socializing with EVERYONE. Letting people know that I am a good fit for the job and I will fight for any troubles they are having.

Claudia Martinez: Freshman Class Secretary

Martinez

Q: What position do you want?

A: Secretary.

Q: Have you been in Student Council before?

A: No.

Q: Why do you want to be in Student Council?

A: I feel like I have a place in student council. I want to make good changes to the school, and I just want to be involved with the school.

Q: What inspired you to do this?

A: My friend is in it and I thought it would look good in a college application. It would also be fun.

Q: What is the advantage of electing you?

A: I am really neat, I take good notes I am very friendly and I will always get the job done no matter how hard it is. I am also bilingual. 🙂

Q: What are your goals as a council member?

A: I have school spirit, leadership and I have respect for all the people in school. I will respect and view their values.

Q: How do you think you can help the students academically?

A: Have celebrations or encourage students to do well on tests and if they do, we can have dances or parties.

Q: What changes would you like to make?

A: Lunch times, make school more organized more involved, change Garinger’s image.

Q: How would you go about making those changes?

A: More fund raisers. School involvement in the community. If I am elected, I will listen to everyone’s ideas and concerns.

Q: How will you get people to elect you? (How would you campaign?)

A: Not answered.

Christeen Simon: Junior Class Secretary

Q: What position do you want?

A:  Junior secretary.

Q: Have you been in Student Council before?

A: No.

Q: Why do you want to be in Student Council?

A: I am very responsible and want to make a difference in my school community.

Q: What inspired you to do this?

A: What inspired me to do student council was my love for making a change and the government shutdown.

Q: What is the advantage of electing you?

A: The advantage of electing me is being your voice heard and your opinions taken into action.

Q: What are your goals as a council member?

A: To better myself with my peers and make Garinger a better school as well as getting this reputation we have to change because I know we are a great school.

Q: How do you think you can help the students academically?

A: Giving them a better way to learn and even personally helping best ways I can.

Q: What changes would you like to make?

A: What changes I would like to make is in the classrooms, making them more focused on the students to help them learn better.

Q: How would you go about making those changes?

A: Surveying students on what makes them learn better and how teachers can interact with them to help as well as what extent teachers are willing to go to help students.

Q: How will you get people to elect you? (How would you campaign?)

A:  Using my outgoing personality and convincing catch phrases as well as honesty.

Danielle Polston: Executive Council Vice-President

Q: What position do you want?

A: Executive council vice president.

Q: Have you been in Student Council before?

A: No

Q: Why do you want to be in Student Council?

A. To help all students and help the seniors have an awesome last year.

Q: What inspired you to do this?

A: My friends. They said I would be great for it.

Q: What is the advantage of electing you?

A: I can speak for the students.

Q: What are your goals as a council member?

A: Help make the school better and more enjoyable.  Also help seniors have an amazing final year.

Q: How do you think you can help the students academically?

A: I can help tutor or direct them to great tutors.

Q: What changes would you like to make?

A: More pep rallies and school spirit.

Q: How would you go about making those changes?

A: Planning school spirit events and getting them approved.

Q: How will you get people to elect you? (How would you campaign?)

A: Posters and lollipops, also having my friends help me spread the word.