November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month...How Much Do You Know About Lung Cancer?
By: Shannya Smith
Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of both women and men in the U.S. Every five minutes a woman in this country learns she has lung cancer.
Here at Broad Ripple, students can make a difference for lung cancer patients. To participate in Lung Cancer Awareness Month, students can wear clear or pearl-colored ribbons, or participate in one of Indianapolis' many awareness events. The "Free to Breath" event had 280 participants last year and has raised over $29,000 so far this year. Another major event is to not shave your beard in November, otherwise known as, "No Shave November."
Broad Ripple High School history teacher, Bruce MacAllister, grows his beard out every November. MacAllister says, "I've been doing this for the last five years to support men's health and raise awareness [for diseases such as lung cancer]."
Indianapolis dance and track coach Micheal Booker Jones says, “Its important to know about lung cancer because its a result of smoking cigarettes and alot of people smoke without knowing the risk.” As an athletic coach, he knows how important healthy lungs are to a healthy life.
Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells do not develop into healthy lung tissues. Medical News Today says, “they divide rapidly and form tumors." The American Cancer Society estimates that there were about 221.200 new cases of lung cancer in 2015 (115,610 in men and 105,590 in women). Also, there were an estimated 158,040 deaths from lung cancer (86,380 in men and 71,660 in women) over the last few years.
Participating in Lung Cancer Awareness Month creates a connection with patients, caregivers and survivors of this disease, and provides a sense of productivity toward finding a cure. By joining the bearded revolution, you can help to double lung cancer survival by 2022.
The United States held our 58th presidential election on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. The Republican Party nominee, Donald Trump, and his running mate, Governor of Indiana Mike Pence, defeated the Democratic Party nominee, former Secretary of State and former Senator Hillary Clinton, and her running mate, Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia. Donald Trump won the election 290 electoral votes and 59,937,338 popular vote as Hillary Clinton had fallen short with 228 electoral votes. However, Clinton had 60,274,974 popular votes. Trump will be sworn in January 20, 2017 at the Inauguration.
Broad Ripple Magnet High School Psychology Teacher, Mr. Schreiber voted for Trump. He says, “I wasn’t voting for Hillary for several reasons. She was corruptive and was for anti-abortion, especially late-terms. She didn’t perform well as secretary of state. She’s one of the reasons why we're doing bad now ”
Broad Ripple Magnet High School English Teacher, Mrs. Huckleberry, was unhappy with either candidates. She wanted her vote to remain anonymous. She says, “I voted for the less evil one, who I thought would do less damage to our country.”
Broad Ripple Magnet High School Student, Senior, Tyla Smith, says she voted for Hillary Clinton for several reason. She says, “I supported her stance and economic issues, such as fighting racism in the education and employment system that she talked about during the debates. Also the support of pro choice movement and wanting to create more jobs for those who need them.”
Broad Ripple Magnet High School Math Teacher, Mr. Adams voted for Trump as well as Mr. Schreiber. He says, “ I voted against Hillary, when it came down to crunch time, I went with my party, Republican.
For a country that is so divided, more than half of the americans that voted were shocked at the result of the election. According to CNBC, they say the Democrats were blindsided. “While it’s probably not fair to say that Hillary lost because she’s a woman, it’d be equally unfair to say it didn’t play a role.” BBC says “Donald Trump has defied all expectations from the very start of his presidential campaign more than a year ago.”
CBS states, “Trump did best among white voters without a college degree, beating Clinton by the enormous margin of 72 percent to 23 percent. Trump also won among white, non-college women 62 to 34 percent and white college-educated men,54 to 39 percent. Among white voters, Clinton only won among women with a college degree by 51 to 45 percent margin. Interestingly, among white voters there is no evidence in the exit poll that income affected the likelihood that they supported Trump.”
For more information on our newly elected President, Donald Trump, visit his webpage www.donaldjtrump.com.
The 2016 Election
By: Chelena Meadows
Broad Ripple Students Perform Scenes from The Nutcracker
By: Chelena Meadows
The Nutcracker is originally created by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann and was later set to music by Tchaikovsky and originally choreographed by Marius Petipa. It was first performed at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, on 18 December 1892. The short story is about a favorite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker, comes alive and, after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, whisks her away to a magical kingdom populated by dolls.
Broad Ripple Magnet High School’s Ballet performed their annual Nutcracker for the students and parents during the month of December. On Wednesday, December 7, 2016 and Thursday, December 8, 2016 for their last time. One of the dance teachers, Mrs. Schatlang is retiring. She’s been at Ripple for multiple years.
Senior, Rayln Griffin, “I love when it's over and everybody gets turnt when the curtains closes. I’m happy that I got to perform my last year. It’s been fun but I’m ready to explore the world.”
Senior, Yuliza Elliott has been performing in the Nutcracker for 3 years now. She says,”I’ll miss it for sure! This year I thought it was really short but a lot of people came out and it came out better than I thought personally. Plus, a couple people said they thought it was before than the ones in previous years.”
Senior, Alexis Griffin has been in ballet since 6th grade and has loved everything about her experience. She says,”I like the Nutcracker because I get to utilize my dancing skills, I’ve developed over the years. I was happy to perform these lasts two nights but sad at the same time because this is my last year but I made the best of it.”
The performance is more than an event for the public, it's also a way of life for a couple of these ballet dancers.
President Barack Obama became president during majority of the senior class’ 4th grade. He’s been through most of our education and to see him give his last farewell speech last tuesday was heartbreaking. Many students at Broad Ripple are mournful to say goodbye, along with the rest of our country. Amongst the students, three seniors decided to speak out on his farewell address .
Senior, Jessica Halsmer says,” I'm deeply sad that one of our GREATEST presidents are leaving. The government shouldn’t have the rule where the president can’t be in terms longer than two years. I literally cried after the Address.”
Senior, Tyla Smith says,” It really got emotional when Obama began talking about his wife. It’s sad to see a beautiful couple leave office.”
Senior, Christopher Flores says,” Obama has done a miracle to America after Bush nearly destroyed it. But, let's remain positive and look forward to something new, which would be Donald Trump.”
For more information on President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address, go to www.thewhitehouse.gov/farewell.
President Obama's Farewell Address
By: Chelena Meadows
Broad Ripple Seniors to Attend Young Men's Field Trip
By: Kenyon Tobin
Starting the new year off right! Sponsors for the Class of 2017 have kicked off the year with events to make Seniors' last semester at Ripple less stressful and more rememberable.
Last week, Senior Ladies had a Girl's Day, renting out the movie theater to watch the inspirational film Hidden Figures and enjoy a surprise that was waiting for them on their return to school. Now it's time for the young men to get their trip together.
Broad Ripple Senior J’mon Slaughter said, “I think having a field trip to see the Pacers play, or a close college team play a game, would be different. March Madness is around the corner and pretty much all of us like basketball. I think it will be a great idea to go see a college basketball game and maybe go out to eat afterwards.”
The Riparian is still waiting on confirmation from the administration if seeing a Pacer's or March Madness basketball game might be in the works for these young men.
Check back soon for updates to this story.
Senior Ladies Take Inspiring Field Trip
By: Tra'Chelle McKinney
On Thursday, January 19th some of the senior faculty members at Broad Ripple High School took the Senior girls to Traders point AMC movie theater. Many of the girls enjoyed themselves because they were able to get out of school and they wear also able to see a good movie. Alicia Diaz and Meredith Resener were interviewed about the experience on the field trip and their views on the movie.
Both Resner and Diaz were asked, “How did you feel about the movie and why?” Resner answered, “ I loved the movie , it showed how colored women and women in general defy stereotypes and can make change in the world.” Diaz responded, “I loved the movie. It was intriguing and it just showed how women especially color can have power and the confidence to do what they love even if they are segregated.”
This was a great experience because students rarely get to go on field trips to the movies. The senior girls were able to bond and just have fun with each other.
Resner said, “The whole experience was very connecting, I felt empowered with my fellow female classmates.”
Diaz said, “I kinda felt like the girls connected, but not like, face-to-face. [After the movie] We all felt like we can do whatever we put our minds to.”
Hidden figures was one of the best movies released in the beginning of the year. Hidden figures has became a dynamic topic so far this year, and many people had positive views about it.
Resner said, “I loved the movie and would like to see it again,” and Diaz said, “I freaking loved the movie! It was just so good and I wanted to watch the movie again.”
New Music Business Magnet at Broad Ripple
By: Tonisha Washington-Wilburn
Mr. Terrance Dennie is a new teacher at Broad Ripple High School this year and he is starting a new magnet program. The magnet program is Music Business. One student of his said, "Music Business is going to help us understand that its more than what people think it is. Its a new experience."
Regarding the new program, Dennie said, "Next school year you will have to audition to get in the class."
Dennie has never taught a high school class until he came to Broad Ripple, so this is a new experience for him also. He loves his kids and can not wait until the equimpment comes in because he knows his kids are ready to work.
Dennie said, "We will not just be making music, we will be working with sound and many other things. This program is very serious, but will be very fun if you do everything that you're supposed to do."
Dennie will try to take his classes on field trips and take them to actual studios so they can see how Music Business works in the real world.
Production equipment will be installed sometime this semester, but Dennie said, "In order for students to work on the equipment they have to know and understand everything that we have covered in class."
For more information about the new Music Business Magnet, visit http://www.myips.org/domain/8626.
Sister Act Musical To Be Performed By Broad Ripple Students
By: Shannya Smith | Photo By: Destini Pollard & Iyana Johnson
Broad Ripple Magnet High School's very own Rockets are performing a musical play inspired by the movie "Sister Act" (1992) written by Joseph Howard. The Riparian had a chance to talk to the lead actress, N'Deya Fuqua, "I think the show will be amazing! Everyone has been working so hard."
Fuqua said, "I have a passion for music and theater, and I knew I had to audition for the lead."
Sister Act's choreographer, Greg Manning says, "I was asked to help on the play by the director. I think the girls will do amazing with a mixture of my choreography and Mrs. Johnson's acting techniques."
The date of the of the play will be March 10th-11th at 7pm. Tickets are $8 for adults & $5 for students. A matinee will be held for students at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 9th for $3.
Find out more about the show, or purchase tickets, at myips.org/brmhs.
Ty Brown Receives Full Scholarship to Butler
By: Ebony Whiteside | Photo By: Michelle Schantz
By now most students and staff at Broad Ripple Magnet High School know about Broad Ripple student athlete, Ty Brown, and his full scholarship to Butler University. On Thursday, February 16th, Fox 59 News came up to BRHS to surprise Ty with a mini celebration. They also surprised him with Butler’s mascot, "Blue" the bulldog.
Brown says he is really excited about getting the full ride scholarship. He explains how Butler has been watching him since a freshman and have always been interested in him. Besides getting an education, Ty plans on doing intramural sports and a fraternity called “Rush”, when he goes to Butler in the fall.
Brown explains how he was very shocked and scared when Fox 59 News surprised him, "It was a relief that when I found out they came for a scholarship.” He says he was even more surprised when they brought the bulldog mascot.
Brown says, “I love dogs, so seeing the dog was awesome."
Nonetheless, he had a good time hanging with the news crew, bulldog and their mini parade.
Brown says that after four years at Butler, in the future he will maybe go to law school or work with the FBI. But for right now, Brown says he’s just going to celebrate this great time in his life with his girlfriend. During his time of celebrating, Ty got an acceptance letter from Indiana University. Indiana University didn't accept him at the beginning of the school year. Brown believes IU accepted him because they saw that Butler University gave him a full ride scholarship on live on TV.
Nonetheless, Ty made it clear that even though he has a full scholarship to BU, he’s not going to slack for the rest of his senior year and he’s going to finish strong, exactly how he started.
President Trump's Inauguration
By: Layla Chavez
On January 20th, 2017, the United States of America received its 45th president, Donald John Trump.
The inauguration was held in the nation’s capitol of Washington D.C. at 12 p.m. following three days of concerts, inaugural balls and parades.
Along with the celebrations came worldwide protesting. The Women's March on Washington exhibited women's desires for gender and racial equality. Another protest group, DisruptJ20, was present during the inauguration.
Broad Ripple AP US history teacher, Jamie Rickard, shared his thoughts on President Trump’s inauguration speech. Rickard said, “It was short, sweet, and somewhat to the point. And what I mean by ‘somewhat’,” he continues, “is that he didn't really say much of anything. Just a bunch of ‘we’ll make America great again’ this and ‘I’m promising’ that. It seemed empty.”
To Rickard's counter, Broad Ripple economics teacher, Jason Broadstreet, gave his two cents on the matter; all while trying to stay bipartisan. Broadstreet said, “He did a good job. He spoke to his voters and tried his best to address the American people.”
When asked about the inauguration’s crowd’s size, Broadstreet shrugged, “Maybe they were all at work.”
Almost Maine is Almost Here
By: Chloee Roberts
A woman carries her heart, broken into nineteen pieces, in a small paper bag. A man shrinks to half his former size, after losing hope in love. A couple keep the love they have given each other in large red bags, or compress the mass into the size of a diamond. The Broad Ripple Theatre Department is performing their version of Almost Maine.
“The stories in this play are magical, unique, and very relatable. We have an amazing cast and we think everyone should have the chance to see it,” says cast member Oshyn Cannon.
This performance is very special because it will be Broad Ripple’s final-ever fall show.
“Since the late 1800’s Broad Ripple has had amazing fall shows, this will be the last one. Hope to see you there,” says Almost Maine performer, Jonathan Gonez.
The show will be held on November 16th and 17th. Showtimes are during the school day on Thursday and at 3 p.m. on Friday. Almost Maine will also be performed at 7 p.m. on Friday. Tickets will be sold for $3-5 for students and $7 for adults. Concessions will be sold as well.
2016-17 School Year
The College Fair
By: Aaliyah Olvera & Mya Martin
On October 20th juniors and seniors from Broad Ripple High school went to a college fair, held at the convention center in Downtown Indianapolis.
Broad Ripple’s senior counselor, Mrs. Werbil, set up the trip so juniors and seniors could be exposed to a wide variety of options. Some students felt that most high school students were not showed some of the many possibilities that there were.
Delia Raygoza, junior, believes that the college fair was a good way to see their options. Raygoza stated “ Yes, it gives students a chance to get a glimpse of colleges they might want to attend.”
Raygoza also believes that the trip was very informational, they had pamphlets at every booth and the people from the colleges answered all questions the students asked. Several students plan to go to a college that they learned more about due to the College Fair.
The national association for college admission counseling (NACAC) ,was founded in 1937. It is an organization of more than 13,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students transitioning from secondary to postsecondary education. It includes professional school counselors, college access counselors, admission and financial aid officers, and others.
Combining Lunches
By: Aa'Miya Carter
Broad Ripple High School, has started combining lunches for about two weeks now. ‘B’ lunch has been removed from the schedule. The move to eliminate the former ‘B’ lunch has mixed reviews by staff and students.
One of the main reasons that Broad Ripple combined lunches is because according to the principal, Phil Shults, students were not going back to class after the ‘B’ lunch. Students were supposed to leave their classes and return back to class. The problem was that some students weren’t returning back to class, instead they would skip the rest of their class.
The teachers and students have been re-assigned to either ‘A’ lunch or ‘C’ lunch.
Some students do not agree with this because they say no matter what administrators do, students will always find a way to skip class.
Broad Ripple High School 10th grader, Cairon Blackwell, said, “This scheduling and removal of B lunch is really irritating and I’m not understanding why the principal did this.”
“It’s actually kind of overwhelming because of how many students are now in the lunchroom and it takes longer to get lunch,’’ said Jeremiah Hartman, 10th grade student at Broad Ripple.
On the other hand, some students believe that the change of the lunches has benefits to it.
“I think it was a good idea because the hallways are becoming less crowded,” said Ashanti Eckford, 10th grade student at Broad Ripple.
Not only do some students see benefits, the administration also has noticed positive effects coming from the change. Broad Ripple High School Police Officer, who is in charge of keeping students out of the hallways, says, “Yes, there has been good things coming from this change. I don’t know if it’s had a big impact on the students, but it has had a big impact on the school itself.’’
“This has impacted students because they’ve been going to class, the hallways aren’t as full, and overall it’s made things run smoother,’’ said Vice Principal Moses.
Now that B lunch has been removed, A lunch starts at 10:32 a.m. and ends at 11:01 p.m., and C lunch starts at 12:15 p.m. and ends at 12:45 p.m.
Broad Ripple Students gather in the cafeteria after Broad Ripple High School Principal, Phil Shults, makes the decision to eliminate the former ‘B’ lunch due to behavior concerns.
Broad Ripple Night LIVE!
By: Thomas Elder & Precious Myers
On Thursday January 25, 2018 Broad Ripple High School’s 4B senior class put on their first production of “Broad Ripple Night Live,” a spin off of “Saturday Night Live.”
The idea came from theatre teacher, Mr. Jellison, after “Almost Maine” was cancelled.
Jellison said, “I conceptualized it in early September,” but they began producing the show in November, though they took a break in December for winter break.
Jellison came up with some general ideas and the students took the ideas and created something original. Some segments that were cast favorites were “7 Wives for Jasmine,” “The Weekend Update,” “Customer Service” and “Law and GLC.”
Some skits were even inspired by real-life experiences of the students. Emma Fisher wrote the script for “Law and GLC” taking from an actual experience “like when I fell down the stairs once [I was told] I was being too loud and [was] sent to GLC.”
Although not every student wrote a skit, most of them had input in what would go into the show. None of the students had prior experience in this kind of performance but most said they would do it again.
Peyton Hunnicutt, a junior who performed in the show, said that what could have made it more successful was, “more rehearsal time.”
Many of the cast members stated how they enjoyed coming together and working with people they wouldn’t normally work with throughout this process.
Both Trent Riggins and Thomas Myers said they enjoyed making people laugh in the show.
Riggins said, “I enjoyed making people laugh because that is my specialty.”
Jellison explained how he hopes to start an after school club that can produce shows like this monthly or bi-monthly, one where all grade levels would be allowed to participate.
Broad Ripple Night Live performers and faculty sponsor, Elijah Jellison, after the show on Thursday, January 25, 2018 in the Broad Ripple Magnet High School Poston Auditorium. Photo By: Precious Myers
Snow Days Over Spring Break
By: Montajah Carter
To begin the spring semester of the 2017-2018 school year, students were given a snow day on the very first day back to school because of the harsh weather. Less than two weeks later, another snow day was called.
As we all know, snow days have to be made up. But what happens when students are told that these snow days have to be made up during spring break? Jaws drop.
“We have to makeup days when?” says Broad Ripple senior Chrishawn Applewhite.
Broad Ripple Vice Principal, Robert Moses, provides some insight on how snow days are determined. He says, “Snow days are determined the day of or the day before. The amount of snowfall of the day and temperatures are also a part of deciding whether or not there will be a snow day.”
Understanding why snow days are necessary, Applewhite later admits, “I think that it is important to make-up these days because we will have the time to do work we have missed and the standards won’t be moved around.”
Even though it is one day out of spring break, so far, that will be used for makeup, there are students who are upset that their plans have to be delayed.
“I feel like we should not have to make up these snow days because that’s just taking out our time to relax from school,” says Broad Ripple junior Tonisha Ladd. “Ask yourself, who would want to go to school during spring break? [...] I would like to enjoy my entire spring break.” However, not every students’ plans are affected, so some don’t mind the makeup day.
Broad Ripple senior Mila Crenshaw’ says, “The only plans I have for spring break is to celebrate my birthday, and that isn’t until the second week of break, so the make up days are not really interrupting my plans.”
On a more serious note, some students are wondering if the make up days are going to affect midterm exams and grades.
Moses, explains, “there are days built into the calendar that are made for snow days. Because of that, everything that involves grades are already taken care of. Teachers will proceed normally.”
Make up days are March 19 and May 25, 2018. Be wise and plan around those days so that you don’t miss school. And for the rest of break, be safe and have fun.
Mark your calendars now for a March 19th make-up snow day...
Combining Lunches
Take a look at each picture and its caption below to learn more about Broad Ripple’s AP Biology Class Field Trip on Thursday, January 25th and Friday, January 26th.
By: Tonisha Washington-WIlburn
Photos By: Tonisha Washington-Wilburn & Martin Barker
Isidore Julien, the Outreach Coordinator for the Department of Biology at Purdue, teaches students how to work with DNA samples. Junior Kaycee Allison, pictured far right, says, “It was fun doing the lab learning about how the DNA is cut and where it’s cut and just going to Purdue using college materials. I really enjoyed it.”
The field trip gave Broad Ripple students access to materials they do not otherwise have at school. Junior Travis Stumpf said, “It was a fun experience working in a college and working with data that pertains to the real world.“
Students pursuing college degrees in the sciences now “have an advantage over their peers,” says Barker. Junior Sofia Zapata said, “It was fun working with the gels and finding out which child had cystic fibrosis and it has inspired me to become a forensic scientist.”
After a successful trip in which the studnets learned a lot, Broad Ripple AP Biology teacher, Martin Barker, said, “The field trip to Purdue was a great experience for the students to get real lab experience as well as experience a college lab class.”
Working with the Purdue lab equipment was a new experience for studnets. Senior Dramia Williamson said, “I was frightened by the electricity inside of the boxes we were using and also the cancer uses in the gel during the experiment, but overall it was fun.”