Club Feature: The Cheese Club

‘’Its Goooood To Be Chheeessyy’’

Sponsor: Mr. Evans

President: Olivia Pierce

Important Dates:   Meeting 9/30/2015

                               Cheesy Conference 10/2/2015

Who can join? Any HHS students

What is it About? Cheese of course!

Where? Rm 211

BOOK REVIEW with Ellis

The Picture Of Dorian Grey

Oscar Wilde

    Oscar Wilde is talented like no other Victorian writer, unlike the cumbersome prose of Dickens and Thomas Hardy, Wilde spins words into fantastic shapes that illuminate his singular novel in silver and sunlight, then turn shadowy and corrupt as Dorian Grey does.

Dorian, a young English aristocrat of exceptional beauty, as well as miraculous virtue, is introduced to Lord Henry by the painter Basil, for whom Dorian had been posing as a painting model. Henry immediately assured Dorian that all his morality was inhibiting him from truly living his life, and in a fit of passion, Dorian accidentally sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty, and for the rather gorgeous painting done by Basil to age for him. As the story progresses, Dorian grows more and more hedonistic and villainous, all the while his painting grows more and more hideous. By the end of the novel you will be demanding Dorian’s punishment, and believe me when I say that his end is a fitting one.

For those worried that the language will be too difficult, it is an easier read than you would assume. It will engross you in ways that the best psychological thrillers will. You will begin to hate Dorian, but you never really lose sight of the innocent young boy from the beginning. Not until the very final pages does Dorian lose his humanity entirely. An excellent read, however, not for those easily bothered by morally compromised heroes. I would recommend it to any fan of classic literature, and even if that is not your thing, give it a shot. I promise it is worth your time.

2015 Homecoming Week   

The gym decorated for the pep rally.

    Last week, Homewood High School had a very successful Homecoming Week. On Monday, everybody showed their American spirit and dressed up for patriotic day. On Tuesday, everybody suited up for work as career day. There were many students in scrubs and professionally dressed. Wednesday, the capes were flying everywhere when people came to school dressed up as their favorite superheros. There were also a few villains scattered throughout the school. Thursday, the students dressed according to their class themes. For Freshmen, it  was classy day and everybody was looking nice in their tuxedos and dresses. Juniors chose a 70’s theme, Sophomores chose a jungle theme, and the Seniors went for a “Jingle John Carroll” theme to win pod decorations. It was Christmas in September in the English Pod. For the last day of Homecoming, people came to school in overalls to continue the tradition of “Overall Victory.” This was a huge hit. On Friday, we ended the day with a pep rally. As the band played and the senior moms danced, everybody had a great time. That night, the football squad had a victory over John Carroll in a blowout game. Finally, the homecoming dance finished off Saturday night. Everybody had a great time with Coach Sills as the DJ. In the end, Homecoming Week was very successful. Go Patriots!

Story Contributed by: E. Schablow, H. Wales, G. Holmes, P. Jackins

Senior Pod
The Seniors took first place for pod decorations.

Lady Patriots Repeat as State Champions;

Boys Take Second

Story Courtesy of Homewoodathletics.com

Homewood’s girls track and field team won the 6A AHSAA State Championship in Gulf Shores, and it is the second outdoor championship in a row for the girls. That is the 7th state championship for the track and field program and the 10th for the T&F/Cross Country program. Kiara Williams, an Alabama signee, led the team by winning all four of her events (triple jump, long jump, 100m hurdles, and 300m hurdles). Kiara broke the state record in long jump by jumping 20 ft. 5 in., and she is currently ranked #2 in the U.S.

Sarah Blake, a Kentucky signee, won the javelin and was only four feet away from breaking the state record. The girls 4x400m relay team of Elysa Griffin, Ann Mosely Whitsett, Joy Korley, and Hunter Midgett got a win to close out the meet. Ann Mosely Whitsett had great performances by placing 2nd in the 800m and 3rd in the 400m. Elysa Griffin placed 3rd in the 200m and ran an outstanding time against excellent competition, and she placed in both the long jump and the 100m. Caroline Lawrence had her best meet of the year and earned All-State honors by clearing 5-2 and placing 3rd in high jump. Many athletes contributed to the win by placing in the top 8 and scoring valuable points. Those who placed are listed below.

The boys team lost to an excellent and well-rounded Opelika team. Alazae Hester-Taylor led Homewood by winning the 300m hurdles and placing 3rd in both the triple jump and 110m Hurdles. Andy Smith won a tremendous 1600m and ran a 4:17. Andy also placed 3rd in the 3200m and 4th in the 800m. The boys 4x800m relay team of Logan Sadler, Sean Conboy, Pierce Jackson, and Hunter Poole won with an impressive performance. Logan Sadler earned All-State honors in both the 800m and 1600m by placing in the top three. Dominique Linson got 2nd in the high jump by clearing 6 ft. 4 in. The boys 4x100m of Tommy Donaldson, Lawton Dorough, Dominque Linson, and Teverius Lindsey earned All-State honors by placing 2nd.

Homewood is coached by Tom Esslinger, Lars Porter, Josh Donaldson, Deanna Swope, Brittany Steele, Thomas Fowlkes, and Kenneth Hollis.

Individual State Champions
Sarah Blake – Javelin
Alazae Hester-Taylor – 300m Hurdles
Andy Smith – 1600m
Kiara Williams – Long Jump, Triple Jump, 100m Hurdles, 300m Hurdles


State Champion Relay Teams
Boys 4x800m – Logan Sadler, Sean Conboy, Pierce Jackson, and Hunter Poole
Girls 4x400m – Elysa Griffin, Ann Mosely Whitsett, Joy Korley, and Hunter Midgett


All-State (Top 3)
Elysa Griffin – 200m
Ann Mosely Whitsett – 400m, 800m
Caroline Lawrence – High Jump
Logan Sadler – 800m, 1600m
Andy Smith – 3200m
Alazae Hester-Taylor – 110m Hurdles, Triple Jump
Dominique Linson – High Jump
4x100m – Tommy Donaldson, Lawton Dorough, Dominique Linson, & Teverius Lindsey


Athletes who scored points (Top 8):
Elysa Griffin – 6th 100m, 6th in Long Jump
Hunter Midgett – 4th 400m
Lainey Phelps – 5th 3200m, 5th Pole Vault, 6th 1600m
Madison Kirkwood – 8th 100m Hurdles
Christian Hill – 7th in Triple Jump, 8th in High Jump
Sarah Blake – 7th in Discus
Sarah Crocker – 5th in Javelin
4x800m 5th – Edie Smith, Ann Mosely Whitsett, Virginia Givhan, Mary V. Spencer
Andy Smith – 4th 800m
Hunter Poole – 6th 1600m
Alex Ngei – 6th 3200m
Alazae Hester-Taylor – 7th High Jump
Jackson White – 5th Pole Vault
Jake Vella – 6th Pole Vault
Lawton Dorough – 8th Long Jump
Patrick Domingo – 6th Javelin

Author to Speak at HHS

Author of Hyde, Daniel Levine, will visit

Homewood High School on Wednesday,

April 15, 2015.

Meet him in the Writing Center

5th period during B/D/E.

Purchase his book at Little Professor and

have him sign it while you chat.

DANIEL LEVINE studied English Literature and Creative Writing at Brown

University and received his MFA in Fiction Writing from the University of

Florida. He has taught composition and creative writing at high schools and

universities, including the University of Florida, Montclair State University,

and Metropolitan State College of Denver. Originally from New Jersey,

he now lives in Colorado.

Club Corner...
K-Pop! Club (Korean Pop)

This week, we are taking a look at one of the newer clubs at HHS. Join the K-Pop Club at their next meeting on Tuesday, February 10th, in Ms. Kreider’s room (rm. 241) right after school! The K-Pop Club will be getting together to listen to and talk about some of the clubs favorite k-pop bands and the latest k-pop news. We will be listening to bands such as Exo, Big Bang, Shinee, Girls Generation, and much more! There will also be yummy Korean snacks, so stop by and spend some time with your friends with the K-Pop Club!

Submitted by Jorge Aguilar

Anthony and Rachel Waller Featured in Potential Magazine

This month, Homewood High School Seniors Rachel Waller and her brother Anthony Waller were featured in the 2015 January edition of  Potential (Parenting Teens to Achieve) Magazine. They were both featured in  the magazine for their unique leadership abilities and caring qualities. The article also expresses the goals and plans both Anthony and Rachel have after they finish their last year of high school. Anthony states that he wants to own and operate his own restaurant with his sister and mom. Rachel has an interest in using her art skills and becoming an architect. Both Rachel and Anthony seem to challenge themselves with different tasks and show a lot of determination in the things they set their minds to both in school and outside of school.Their mother, Regina Waller, saw the importance to “ work to nurture their talents and make sure they know how important and valued they are.” Mrs.Waller worked hard to help both Anthony and Rachel to develop their own individual identity, and we can see how much  they took that to heart by their actions. 

Way to go, Rachel and Anthony!

Submitted by Nathaniel White

In Our Opinion...
In our opinion is a space for students to give their take on life, school, and the world around them. 

In our opinion, being a Senior is so much better than being a Freshman, or any other underclassman. You have more freedoms, and you are not on the Freshman hall anymore. You can use the excuse, “ Bro, I’m a Senior.”

So what are some things we hear Seniors say?

1. Go home Freshmen.

2. When’s Graduation?

3. Are the answers on Schoology?

4. Bow Down

5. Chillllll…

6. You wish you were a Senior

7. I’ll get it done before its due!

8. What are you doing next year?

9. Is it crispito day yet?

10. 2015!!!!!

11. I’m just trying to graduate…

So Seniors... only 68 school days until graduation! Finish strong! Leave a legacy you can be proud of!

Submitted by: Maggie Tapscott, Alex Ngei, & Russell Brasseale

Week at a Glance... 1/26/2015- 1/30/2015

Monday 26th:

-HHS Golf boys first day of practice

-HHS Star Tutoring parent meeting @ room 130

-HHS Network Rehearsal @ Auditorium

Tuesday 27th:

-HHS Wrestling @ Minor Tri Match  

-HHS Basketball boys @ Leeds

-HHS Drama production @ Bailey Theatre

Wednesday 28th:

-HHS Drama production @ Bailey Theatre

Thursday 29th: -HHS Basketball boys/girls @ Ramsay

-HHS Legacy/Associate rehearsal @ Auditorium  

-HHS Drama production @ Bailey Theatre

Friday 30th:

-HHS Indoor Track Last Chance Invitational @ Crossplex  

-HHS Field Trip-Ap Physics @ University of Alabama  

-HHS Basketball Senior Night boys/girls vs Vestavia

Saturday 31st:

-HHS Show Choir @ Montgomery Performing Arts Center

-HHS Math team @ Briarwood Math Tournament @ Briarwood High School


Week at a Glance Submitted by Sydney Scott

Teacher Spotlight with Jami Wilson

Q:What was your journey to Homewood High School?

A: I grew up just outside Jasper, AL, in a small community called Lupton. I graduated from Walker High School and went to the University of North Alabama in Florence to get my undergraduate degree. I then moved to Marrietta, GA, and taught at Lassiter High School for two years. I came to Homewood the fall of 2002 and have been here ever since!

Q: Whom do you look up to?

A: My mom. She’s such a strong woman of God. She’s truly the rock of our family and is ALWAYS there for me when I need her. (And, yes, you still need your mommy sometimes at 38.)

Q: If you could teach anything at Homewood, what would it be?

a:”That’s easy…. Creative writing. Actually, I’d love to create a super nerdy/geeky class like “The Science of Science Fiction”. Yeah. That's good.”

Q: What did you do before becoming a teacher?

A: I spent 3 years, during my senior year in high school and then in college, working in a bank. I started out as a bank teller and then began working in collections department. I had the privilege of telling people to grab their kids and dogs because we were coming to repossess their trailer. I actually had one person threaten my life when I called to remind him that his loan payment was past due. It really was NOT a job that I enjoyed.

Q: What is something that most people don’t know about you?

A:”I guess I can spill the beans here. Between the ages of 13 and 15, I was a clogger. Big hair, big skirts, and big kicks. It was fun.”   


Teacher Spotlight Submitted by Lester Hood, Mason McDonald, & David Luker

This Month In History

This month in history, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day to honor Dr. King’s contributions towards racial equality. Dr. King is most well known for his “I Have a Dream” speech, which caught the nation's attention with his powerful words about the nonviolence opportunity to create racial equality. Dr. King handled all of the obstacles in the fight for racial equality with nonviolent marches and gatherings as a strong leader. We remember Dr. king for having such bravery to speak out about all races uniting to be one. Dr. King’s dream was for his children to grow up in a world where people judged each other by their character rather than their skin color. America has come so far since the 1960’s, and we continue to fight the some of the same battles today. As we take a look back into history this month, try to remember Dr. King and what he did for everyone in our great Country.

Submitted by: Maggie Tapscott, Alex Ngei, Russell Brasseal



Cross Country Teams Finish Strong

Story Courtesy of Coach Lars Porter



It was a great year for the Homewood High School Boys and Girls Cross Country teams.  The boys team finished the season bringing home their third-straight State Championship trophy.  The girls team outplaced all early season rankings by finishing as the 6A State Runner-up.  Both races were close and required official results to confirm the placing.

 

      The girls team raced first on November 8th, and five seventh-grade girls joined five high school girls in what we knew was going to be a tight race. John Carroll had been ranked first all season, but Scottsboro had come on strong towards the end of the year. The Lady Patriots were led by Lainey Phelps who placed 2nd individually.  Edie Smith followed her in fifteenth place, earning All-State honors.  With just a minute and twenty seconds separating Homewood’s first and fifth runners, the girls secured the runner-up team score only 11 points behind John Carroll.  Scottsboro’s girls finished only three points behind the Patriots.

 

    The boys team raced later in the morning, and the seasoned team appeared focused and ready to win their third straight title.  Opelika’s boys cross country team has been formidable all season, however, so everyone knew that it was going to take an honest effort to win.  As the boys came through the 1-mile marker under 5:00, Homewood’s boys were in charge.  As the boys came through two miles, Alex Ngei, Logan Sadler, and Andy Smith were in the top five, but Opelika’s #3, #4, and #5 runners had moved up significantly.  Alex finished the race in 2nd place behind Opelika’s Ben Bryant.  Logan Sadler placed 4th with Andy Smith placing 5th.  Fulton Williams battled to secure All-State honors with a 12th place finish.  As the coaches tallied the unofficial score, it appeared that Opelika’s late move in the race placed the two teams tied through five runners.  Scoring defaults to the sixth runner’s place, which would have given Opelika the win.  As official results were released and indepently qualifying athletes were removed from team scoring, Homewood landed one point below Opelika making the results official.

Needless to say, it was an extremely exciting day that put well-deserved closure to a season of dedicated work.  With some rest over Thanksgiving break, the boys and girls will enter Indoor Track with high expectations.

 

 

Homewood Football Team Advances to 2nd Round of the Playoffs

 

The Homewood High School football team beat Hartselle in an intense battle this past Friday night. The Patriots trailed late in the 4th quarter and came back to win the game 25-21, sending Hartsville home. The Patriots secured a spot for themselves in the second round of the 6A playoffs. The Patriots will play at Gardendale this Friday, November 14th, at 7:00 p.m. Students can purchase an "I Believe" t-shirt in the school store to wear to the game. Good Luck, Patriots!

 

 

Catherine Pittman Crowned Miss Heritage

Sophomore Catherine Pittman was crowned as Miss Heritage 2014-2015. Pittman was crowned by Sarah Hale, last year's winner. Over 50 students competed in the Miss Heritage pageant. In addition to winning the crown, Catherine also received a $1500 scholarship. Way to go Catherine!

HHS Peer Helpers Reach Out to Elementary  Schools During Red Ribbon Week

The week of October 27th-October 31st, the HHS Peer Helpers spoke to 4th and 5th graders at the Homewood elementary schools about living a drug, alcohol, and
tobacco-free life.  After Introductions, the Peer Helpers described
their Homewood High School activities and why they pledge to live a drug,
alcohol, and tobacco free life. They performed a Frozen themed skit
that taught the kids in a fun way about the dangers of alcohol. The students and peer
helpers celebrated by dancing to the Ice Cream and Cake song-- that's how
they party! Elementary students then asked the peer helpers questions about high school
and were given a Red Ribbon Week tattoo to represent the good choices they can make
to live a healthy lifestyle. Each elementary school has celebrated Red Ribbon
Week with dress up days such as "Shade out drugs- wear sunglasses" or "Protect
your future- where something that represents what you want to be when you grow up." Another group of Peer Helpers traveled to the Middle School on Oct. 31st to teach
individual classes about making good choices and the consequences of drugs,
alcohol, and tobacco use.

 

Story Contributed by Jana Watts

Posted by HHS Openline Blog Staff Member Qamya Richardson



Miss Heritage Pageant 2014

The Miss Heritage Pageant will be Saturday, November 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the HHS Auditorium. There will be 55 girls competing for the title. The winner will be awarded  a $1,500 college scholarship. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased at the door. Come and support these young ladies as they compete for the title of Miss Heritage!

Homewood Teacher Receives Award from ABC 33/40

Homewood High School teacher, Ms. Kathy Smith, was honored as the ABC 33/40 Benchmark Teacher of the Week on October 22, 2014.  Homewood Principal, Dr. Zack Barnes, presented the award during Ms. Smith's 6th period class to loud applause from her students. Ms. Smith is in her 41st year as an English teacher at Homewood High School and was truly moved by the award. A cameraman from ABC 33/40 videotaped the event, which will appear on the ABC 33/40 website through the end of the year. Ms. Smith will also attend a luncheon at the at the ABC 33/40 station where she will formally receive this award. HHS administrators Amanda Esslinger, Dr. Tony Lott and Latta Johnston were also on hand for the presentation, as well as her longtime colleagues Nancy High, Pamela Houston and Rhonda Moss.

 

Dr. Barnes and Ms. Smith

Dr. Lott, Dr. Johnston, Dr. Barnes, Ms. Kathi Smith, and Mrs. Esslinger

 

Patriot Homecoming Parade 2014

Samantha Nichols

 

 

Jameeria Huntley

 

 

Emi Ferderber

 

 

 

Hunter Midgett

 

 

Rachel Dantzler

 

 

Tacallya Bush

 

Abby Bals

 

Dixon Simmons and Joy Korley

 

 

Miss Heritage Sarah Hale

 

 

Miss Fire Prevention Lily Dendy

Mr. and Miss Aerospace Juan Sanchez and Makayla Harris

Homewood Band Shows Support for Former Student Ameer Abdullah

 

Homewood High School Band showed support for Ameer Abdullah by spelling out "Fear Ameer" during the 2014 homecoming pregame show. Ameer Abdullah, former HHS student and current standout  running back for Nebraska University, was a preseason Heisman Trophy hopeful and is currently in the Heisman Trophy watch.  Off of the field, Abdullah is a standout in the classroom and a role model for young adults. The ROTC program, under the direction of  Colonel Paul and Sergeant Simmons, used their drone to capture images of the band spelling out "Fear Ameer," which is part of a nation-wide campaign to show support for the running back. The Patriots are proud to have Ameer representing our school. #FearAmeer!!

 

Image courtesy of HHS ROTC program

  

HHS Student Meets the President

 

Jessica Tolbert and Girls Nation meeting with President Barack Obama.

 Jessica is on the fourth row, seventh from the left.

 

Homewood High School senior, Jessica Tolbert, attended Girls State from June 8-13. The 2014 session of American Legion Auxiliary Alabama Girls State was held on the campus of the University of Alabama. For one week, Jessica was a citizen of an imaginary state, took part in the political life of her community, primarily through campaigning for and electing city, county, and state offices. Later on in the week, she was elected Girls State Attorney General. She was also awarded a $12,000 scholarship from University of Alabama, a $6,000 scholarship from Auburn University, and a $1,000 scholarship from Troy University and Huntingdon College. At the closing ceremony of Girls State, Ms. Lee Sellers, Alabama Girls State Chairperson, announced that Jessica Tolbert was one of 98 girls selected from across the nation who will be attending Girls Nation. Girls Nation took place from July 19-26 in Washington D.C.. Girls Nation teaches rising high school senior girls about the United States federal government. She was very excited to represent Alabama Girls State 2014 at Girls Nation. While there she visited several national monuments including WWll memorial and Vietnam memorial. When she and her fellow Girls Nation Senators visited the National Cemetery, Jessica participated in the patriotic ceremony there. She read an emotionally moving poem called "No, Freedom Isn't Free". While at Girls Nation she was appointed to serve as Chief of Staff of the Girls Nation government. She also attended daily senate session as a Girls Nation Senator. On the last day of Girls Nation, Jessica and her Girls Nation comrades met President Barack Obama. He greeted them with a Hello Everybody! He took pictures with Boys Nation and Girls Nation. He then commended the Senators for their achievements and encouraged them to continue doing the right things to impact the world.