Volume 59, Issue 3 2151 Fews Chapel Road, Greer, SC 29651 Dec. 17, 2013

by Jordan MitchelDesk eDitor

Future Business Leaders of America are going on their fifth year and have been to nationals three years in a row. “I enjoy getting to see shy freshman come in and by the end of their high school career, they have become confident leaders through joining FBLA,” says FBLA Advisor Ms. Casey. FBLA is going to this year’s district competition on February 1 at Pickens to compete in various topics against many different schools. The top five in the district will go to the state competition in Charleston March 27-30. This year during the month of December, FBLA is holding many charities and fundraiser. The toy drive was held from Dec. 3 to Dec. 13. “Last year we got 100 toys and we want to get even more this year,” says Ms.Casey. FBLA is selling cookbooks called Tastes & Traditions from the Tiger Den. Cookbooks are $15 and contain recipes from members of the BRHS family. In the Month of November, FBLA started a program called Adopt a Family. “We are helping under privileged families have meals to eat and gifts to open at Christmas” says Karlee Gibson, FBLA Vice President. FBLA is making a difference this holiday season, and perhaps their example will inspire others as well.

FBLA helps out during the holidays

by Haley Horne

Manging editor

What is Ridge Relief? Ridge Relief is a food pantry for students at BRHS. Students who need assistance feeding themselves and their fami-lies over the weekends can receive food on Fridays to take home with them. This is just one example of a practical way that BRHS gives back to its students and community. This is BRHS’s first year doing a food pantry. Pam Fowler, director of the children’s department at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church approached Principal Reena Watson about starting a food pantry. Fowler felt like there was a need at our school for kids that were hungry on the weekends, and she felt that should be met. After realizing that Mountain View Elementary School had a food pantry, but Blue Ridge Middle and High School did not, Fowler won-dered, what happens to kids who go to the middle school and high school and no longer get any food for themselves on the weekends? Watson approached the Kimberly Wood’s Service Learning class at BRHS to make the need known. Wood’s class worked with Fowler to create the food pantry. Service Learning class held a food drive during the week of October 28, the winner of the food drive receiving a breakfast that was donated by Mt. Lebanon. Mt. Lebanon has been generous to the food pantry, both in donating items and stocking it. Still, the food pantry is always in need of more food items, such as cereal, breakfast bars, peanut butter, and draw string bags.

Service Learning gives back to the community

Alyson Craig, FBLA President, shows off toys collected for charity

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by CHristian tesnerCopy eDitor

8-time champs: Corps of Cadets take state Blue Ridge High School’s Marching Band has won another state championship! This eighth state championship was not easy to earn. The preparation is intense; a total of 220 hours is put into prac-tice, not including time students spend on their own. Marching Band and Corps of Cadets has a total of 130 members, making it the biggest organization at BRHS. Each year brings new memories, and this year the seniors have something they can always reflect back on wherever their future takes them. When asked how it feels to be a champion, Chris Center, senior who plays saxophone, says, “It is a relief. All the hard work put in has finally paid off.” Center is going to con-

tinue marching band at the University of Alabama. Every member of Marching Band and Corps of Cadets puts in the hard work and dedication that is required to excel. Ricky Kemp, senior who plays baritone, says about winning state, “It felt incredible. It was every-thing I had hoped for after 5 years of hard work and dedication.” Kemp is planning to continue band in college. Marching Band has influenced its members greatly. Between long prac-tices and time spent together in class, everyone becomes closer to each other. Jessica Smith, senior who plays flute, says, “Our band is like a fam-ily. I will never forget these people.” Smith is planning to continue band by joining an independent community ensemble after high school. .

Corps of Cadets are ecstatic to learn they have won state.

On Wednesday, December 4, 2013 the class of 1972 presented a monetary donation to Blue Ridge High School. Four repre-sentatives from the class of 1972 came to the school on Wednesday to present the money to Principal Reena Watson. The follow-ing students from Blue Ridge’s class of 1972 were there proudly representing their class: Jud Blackwell, the class’s best school spirited; Sharon King Maheu, their senior treasurer, and Ms. Senior; Steve Johnson, class president; and Rita Owens, the school’s head majorette. The group unanimously voted on donating 50% of the money to the athletic department and 50% to the band program. The group all agreed that most students at Blue Ridge in 1972 were either a part of the band or the athletic programs and they wanted the money to go to an area they were all once connected to. Maheu said “We love our high school, the community and all the people.” Steve Johnson said he wanted to help his high school because “high school prepares you for the future and Blue Ridge has done that for me personally.” They made the decision to help out with a donation from their whole class during their last class reunion. Owens said that what she hoped for future generations that come through Blue Ridge is that they will develop “good relationships to last a life time.” She also said, “Students need to remember that teachers are always right, when we were in high school we listened to our teachers and when a problem occurred we handle it ma-turely without having to have our parents do it for us.” Maheu added, “You need to be positive about your school.” Blackwell said “I hope for continuation of love for your school and people.” Johnson’s advice was “Don’t take for granted face-to-face conversation. Enjoy each others company and don’t depend too much on technol-ogy, such as texting.” Everyone in this group has a great passion for Blue Ridge High School and all its students. When asked to describe how they feel about Blue Ridge in one statement, they all quickly agreed on the words, “Blue Ridge is home.” They all love their high school and community so much. The group hopes to continually be able to donate to the school and make a difference. Blackwell said, “You don’t see it now, but forty years from now you will look back on your days in high school and truly miss it.” As Johnson describes it “these truly are the good old days.” While finishing up the first part of their Blue Ridge visit, the group broke out into the Blue Ridge Alma Mater. As they passionately sang, each person was looking back at old memories and new ones to come. Current BRHS faculty, staff, and students say thank you to the class of 1972 for their generous donation.

Class of ’72 gives back to alma materby Karlee gibson

News aND Feature eDitor

Class of ’72 representatives pose with Mr. Grant, Ms. Watson, and Coach Cren-

shaw.

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Many people are already aware of the trips Jason Rainey takes to Nicaragua each year. Going into his thirteenth year of trav-eling to Nicaragua, this trip has been proven through many testimonies to be fascinating to all who experience it. This upcoming year, Rainey and some students will be traveling to Nicaragua from June 14 to June 21. During this adventure, the team normally travels to the city Jui-galpa, where they work in an orphanage and a neighboring church. First-timer to the trip Asheton Casey says, “I can’t wait to see how people in another country worship the same God as I do.” Stephanie Viewig, who is coming up on her second trip to Nicaragua, says that her favorite part of the trip is getting to experi-ence universal love. Last year was Viewig’s first experience of traveling to another country where a language barrier exists. According to Viewig, something everyone should get out of this trip is “that the world isn’t just what we see but it is so much bigger than what we see in our high school days. You learn to not make everything about you.” Hope Fitch, who also went on the trip last year, says, “You learn how truly fortu-nate we all are and how all the kids down

by Karlee gibsonNews aND Feature eDitor there just want love and someone to spend time

with them. Being at the orphanage with the kids was my favorite part.” On the Nicaragua trip in the past, volunteers have worked with Chosen Children Ministries, and this year they will have the privilege to be working with the Pearl Foundation. This trip has truly inspired many, such as Viewig, to aspire to become a Spanish professor. On this trip she found her love for Spanish and is going into Span-ish education in college. Rainey says, “Other than the spiritual benefits, everyone who travels to Nicaragua on a mission trip should have a renewed appreciation for US Citizenship upon returning to the USA. I had always known in my head that the United States was an awesome country; however, after travel-ing to other countries, I knew in my HEART that I was indeed blessed to be an American.” Rainey says that his favorite part of any mission trip that he has gone on “is to have the opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ by giving food to the hungry, clothes to the needy, and singing and teaching classes in church.” The trip is open to everyone and Rainey wel-comes all support. After many years of working at the orphanage in Nicaragua, Rainey and his wife can happily say that they are adopting two chil-dren from that exact orphanage. This trip is a great way to see how other people around the world live life and, in the words of Viewig, “speak the universal language of love.”

Experiencing culture while touching lives

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Profe and his soon-to-be son

The National Honor Society is a club opened to the high achievers at the Ridge. NHS is a club that honors student leaders and is here to give back to the community since it has donated so much to othe BRHS chapter of NHS. The advisors of our chap-ter of the NHS are Mr. Perkin and Mrs. Wood. As of the 2013-2014 school year, there are 22 registered members, and 38 people have been invited to join. Before a student is considered, he or she has to be a junior or senior and must have a GPA of 4.25 or higher. The fee for membership is $20 for a full year. The 2013-2014 list of NHS officers is as fol-lows: President Alyson Craig, Vice Presi-dent Catherine Harvey, Secretary Karlee Gibson, and Treasurer Sullivan Skinner.

NHS challenges students to achieveCody derosierLayout eDitor

Officers are chosen by a vote casted by the members at the first full meeting of the year. NHS hosts numerous events throughout the year; such as Relay for Life, selling candy in the spring, and helping sponsor the teacher ap-preciation week. NHS has chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Joining NHS is an amazing privilege and opportunity. NHS is involved in a variety of service projects throughout the year. Mr. Perkin says, “The big projects that NHS takes on every year are writing letters from Santa for the students at the local elementary schools, rewarding teach-ers during Teacher Appreciation Week in May, and raising money for and working the Relay for Life in Greer.” He also says members are encouraged to bring in proposals for chapter projects. This year, the members chose to col-lect teddy bears for the local fire department to give to kids who have lost their homes.

From left: Advisor Joel Perkin, President Alyson Craig, and Advisor Kim Wood

by Karlee gibsonNews aND Feature eDitor

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by Jenna MCCoMbseDitor-iN-ChieF

The holidays are approaching and everyone knows what that means: presents. It doesn’t matter who it’s for—it is always hard to decide what to choose. Before you go shopping, you need to have an idea about the other person’s interests. If you are buying for a guy, be sure to keep it simple. They will love almost anything. Simple is always the better choice. If you buy them something huge and amazing, they will feel as if their gift isn’t good enough for you and that you outdid them. A good idea would be to get him cologne, or something to do with his favorite sports team. If you are buying for a girl, be sure to make it thoughtful. Girls don’t want to think that

Christmas gift ideas

According to Urban Dic-tionary, the definition of se-nioritis is a crippling disease that strikes high school se-niors. The symptoms include laziness and an over-excessive wearing of sweat pants, big t-shirts, yoga pants, athletic shorts, and sweatshirts. Also, it causes a lack of studying, repeated absences, and a gen-erally bad attitude. The only known cure is this thing called Graduation. This year, I am sure many seniors are suffering from the dreaded senioritis. Some get to leave in January when they finish classes; others are here until May. I am sure many wake up thinking, “Why am I still going? I am eighteen and I do not even have to be here.” Although that is in their head, I believe the only motivation left is knowing that in a cou-ple of months they will get to walk across the stage and say they did it. Some seniors around Blue Ridge High School have said they have senioritis and others said they did not. When asked what is it about senior year that makes you ready to leave, senior Allison Bennett said, “It is knowing that I will get

Meagan CarltonopiNioNs eDitior

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away from the immaturity that surrounds high school.” Senior Wyatt Pratt, on the other hand, said, “No, I do my work and I am straight to the point.” Senior Jessica Cromer said, “Yes, I have it. It is not that I have not enjoyed my time here; I am just ready to start up the next chapter in my life.” When asking the teach-ers if the Class of 2014 had senioritis their response was not yet. Mrs. Wood said about teaching seniors, “The best part is you get to expe-rience plans for the future of students. The worst is sometimes not knowing what became of them, so many do not keep in touch.” Mr. Pruitt said on the same topic, “It’s watching them slowly make their way to being successful in col-lege.” Many of the seniors are looking forward to gradu-ation, prom, and the many activities of senior year. This year is bittersweet for so many. It is the last year many of us will walk the halls. It is coming to the time where we spread our wings and fly.

it was a last-minute thing and you just ran to the store. They will feel as if you don’t really care about them. A good idea is flowers, or a couple of her favorite things. If you are buying for your parents, they just want something from you. Making something like a craft or picture frame with a memorable photo inside will mean the most. It is always hard to figure out what to get people for the holidays, but if you just think about it for a little while, the perfect idea will come into your head. Presents are always a great way to show someone you love them. You don’t have to spend a lot of money: just go for something from the heart and they will love it. Good luck to everyone this holiday season!

Senioritis

The Tiger staff thanks our patrons for their support.

Tiger Tippers

byKarlee gibsonDesk eDitor

In the fi rst movie, we left Katniss in the end winning the Hunger Games alongside Peeta, although they broke the rules in order to do so. The act of the berries in the end of the games grabbed the attention of the whole world. The Capitol saw it as her dying love for Peeta, while all the districts and President Snow know the truth. Katniss did it to prove something to the Capitol. She wanted to show them she’s “not a piece in their games.” Now that Katniss has returned to district 12, she learns that the games don’t end after the sound of the gong, but she continues the everyday life as a victor. With all of Panem’s eyes on her, Katniss must keep her family safe from many threats, handle a love triangle, and be ready to

Catching Fire Frozen

Hall TalkHave a question you’d like an-swered? Need advice but don’t know where to turn? Write The Tiger’s own advice colum-nist Kayla Rhoney for solutions to your dilemmas. Drop off questions in Ms. Reynolds’s room (B116) and see your problems solved in next month’s paper.

1. I am going to wink at her next period.2. How could your butt get that big?3. Hey, goofy, you better get out from behind me.4. They like, why you in school? You’re 17.5. I couldn’t go to sleep last night. I was scared.6. Love is in the air!!!7. Give it back or I will punch you.8. I got a unibrow and it’s growing huge.9. See, he is embarrassed to play with his brother.

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Ruby Goldsmith Maxine HorneGenell Horne

Buddy DuncanDon & Donna Tesner

Rusty & Donna ReynoldsRoy Cox

Cynthia Staton

by Karlee gibsonDesk eDitor

People around the world have always praised Disney for their enchanting stories of love and adventure. Dis-ney’s newest animated fi lm, Frozen was no different. The movie told the story of two estranged sisters, Anna and Elsa, and their journey to fi nd true love. Frozen dis-plays a heart-warming story that shows true love can be found not only in your “Prince Charming” but in the family you hold dearest. Anna must team up with her “ragtag” team of new friends: Kristoff, Sven, and the newest sidekick to the big screen, Olaf the snow-man. They must all work together to help FREE the kingdom of Arendelle from a frozen lifestyle cursed by Elsa. Trapped in a world that is always cold, this team must overcome great

return to the arena. In this sequel, Katniss has to show her true strength to help not only herself, but possibly all of Panem. “Breathtaking” is just one word fans are using to describe the newest sequel Hunger Games: Catching Fire. Being a new director to the Catching Fire set, Francis Lawrence truly made the book come to life. Though it did leave out some scenes from the book, the overall movie did not suffer from it. It truly was spectacular. 5 paws out of 5!

defeats to reach their fi nal goal. Filled with song, great characters, and a hilarious snowman, the Frozen cre-ators, also of Tangled and Wreck-it-Ralph, have a new Disney hit on their hands. 5 paws out of 5.

by abby rothstaFF writer

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Tigers take the court

“Ball is life” is the talk of Blue Ridge High School right now. Re-turning players such as Wesley Hatchette, Clay Arnold, Jordan Mitch-ell, and others are planning to work hard, and the team’s goal is to make it to playoffs. The team plans on achieving this goal by playing hard, practicing hard, and working well as a team. The new team has a lot of hopes and dreams for this upcoming season. Wesley Hatchette, a senior, said, “I love Riley and his enthu-siasm.” Jordan, also a senior, said, “Coach Riley is an awesome coach and he is a great motivator.” Another senior, Clay Arnold, said, “Coach Riley is the best the thing to happen to Blue Ridge Basketball ever.” Junior Tyshaun Benson said, “I think Coach Riley is a very enthusias-tic coach and I love how he takes no pity.” The team seems satisfied with Riley as coach. Coach Riley is the new head coach for the Blue Ridge Varsity Boys this year. But this is not his first time being the head coach for the basketball team. He also held the position in 1994. Coach Riley said, “I feel very fortunate now and I was very fortunate in ’94 and it’s a great honor now. This is something I’ve always wanted.” The basketball season is here and the team has been working hard to prepare for it. Most of the players have set some personal goals and team goals for this season. Wesley Hatchette said, “I think this season will turn out well. We have a lot of promising things a head of us.” Jordan Mitchell added, “We have a chance to be a great team, and I think when it is all said and done, we will be in the playoffs.” Clay Arnold agreed,” I think we will be able to achieve most, if not all, of the goals we’ve set for ourselves.” The team is excited about this season. They hope their hard work will pay off. The Tigers would be appreciative of the support of the student body this season.

by christain tesnarcopy editor

With a new year come new opportunities. Before the games begin, the seniors are expected to lead the team. Responsibil-ity and dedication are the two most important qualities these girls need in basketball. Maddy English, Eden Holumbo, Cierra Houghlum, Ross Mathis, and Caroline Newkirk are the 2013-2014 Lady Tiger seniors on the girl’s basketball team at Blue Ridge High School. Although tryouts for basketball are already over, the hard work is not. The girls practice two hours a day, five days a week. Bas-ketball is not the only thing these girls focus on; they also put a lot of focus on their school work. After spending all day at school and practice, homework can seem like something one would want to overlook. “I start working on it [homework] as soon as I get home, so I won’t forget,” says Houghlum. Good-quality coaching is needed for the girls to build on their strengths in basketball. The coach needs not only to help when someone does something wrong, but also to encourage them during hard parts of the game. A girls’ basketball coach six years now, Coach Hardy is also preparing for this year’s basketball sea-son. The best way to keep the girls focused when the score is not in their favor, Coach Hardy says, is to “focus on each possession. You have to have a good shot every time until you are back in the game. Also, you have to be even more effective on defense to get the ball back.” Everyone at BRHS wishes both coach and the girls the best of luck for their basketball season.

Seniors ready for ’13-’14 season

Vonta Jenkins

BRHS Tigers Boy’s Basketball team

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Getting to know your teacher...Mrs. Faulkby Karlee Gibson

News aND Features Desk eDitor

13Q- Mrs. Faulk

Q: Where did you go to school?A: USC Colombia for 4 years and Clemson for 2 years.

Q: If you could be an animal, what would you be?A: Pug (dog) - fun, loving dogs that make you laugh!

Q: What do you drive?A: BMW 5 series

Q: Who would play you in a movie?A: The movie Clue – Mrs. Peacock

Q: What’s your favorite song?A: I have several! One of my favorites is “Loving You” by Minnie Ripperton. (1979)

Q: Who’s your favorite sports team?A: I really don’t have one…but if I had to pick, USC- college football! My blood runs garnet……sorry Clemson.

Q: What do you like best about working at Blue Ridge? A: Always and forever the students.

Q: Where did you grow up?A: Greenville, graduated from Eastside High School

Q: If you could be one character from a TV show/movie, who would you be? A: TV- NCIS, Abby Sciuto

Q: What do you do in your free time? A: I enjoy my family; I have 2 sons- 16 and 18 years old. I like to decorate, paint, listen to jazz and rat pack music, play with my pug- Pebbler, go out to dinner (I hate cooking) with my husband, read a book, and garden flowers!

Q: What is your college degree in?A: Psychology and then later a secondary in Social Studies Educa-tion.

Q: One interesting fact about yourself?A: I love to paint pictures on canvas. I have several on the walls of my house. I was also an art major before changing to Psychology.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from a class you’ve had in the past?A: I’ve been at BRHS for 20 years and have had many wonderful memories – One of my favorites is watching one of my students graduate who had a difficult time throughout her 4 years.

Christmas traditions

Thanksgiving traditions

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Holidays at the Ridge

“I go to my grandma’s house and eat with the family. I eat a lot of fried foods because I’m fat, then I end the day with a nice bench-press.” -Sullivan Skinner

“My wife picks up my mother and father and they come to my house and my whole family gets together to eat. Then, on Friday, we go get a Christmas tree.” -Coach Riley

“Go with my aunt and eat at my grandma’s house.” -Alex Williams

“Eat with my mom’s side of the family at either my grandma’s or aunt’s house.” -Samantha Lipscomb

“On Christmas Eve, we go to my grandma’s and we all get together and eat. That night, we go to my church until Christmas Day. Christ-mas Day, we all get together with my mom’s side of the family and exchange gifts.“ -Alex Williams

“We eat at our grandma’s or aunt’s house on my mom’s side of the family.” -Samantha Lipscomb

“Christmas Eve, we eat at my wife’s parents’. Our kids and grandkids bake cookies all day with my wife. Then, on Christmas Day, all 43 kids and grand-kids go to my in-laws’ house to exchange gifts. “ -Coach Riley

“I celebrate the birth of Jesus and spend time with my family because ball is life.”

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ADVISERHannah Reynolds

PRINCIPALReena Watson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFJenna McCombs MANAGING EDITORHaley HorneCOPY EDITORChristian TesnerLAYOUT EDITORCody DerosierSTAFF ARTISTUriel Aguirre

2013-2014Newspaper staffDESK EDITORSMegan CarltonKarlee GibsonMichael GilbertJordan MitchellSTAFF WRITERSTyshaun BensonGavin LawlessKayla RhoneyAbby Roth

by Uriel agUirrestaFF artist