Author: Catie Byrne, senior editor, 2013-14
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Solar Roadways? Yes, it can happen
Solar Roadways, what is that, how is it possible, and could it sustainably replace concrete and tar paved roads across the country? The answers, courtesy of co-creators Julie and Scott Brusaw. Solar Roadways are…
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Conchita Wurst wins Eurovision, inspires acceptance
Conchita Wurst was certainly not the worst contestant at Eurovision and won the song competition representing Austria with 290 points. The talented vocalist Thomas Neuwirth adopted the persona of Conchita, a bearded drag queen…
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Pro-prom tips
As a three-time prom veteran, with three very distinct prom experiences, I feel as though it is important to share tips for prospective prom-goers next year. The number one tip I can share from…
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I forgot my motivation
This is an article about procrastination: I currently cannot think of anything to contribute, so I shall wait until the creative juices churn into something brilliant and thought provoking. Shortly after, I realize that…
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Effects of silence
Friday, April 11, the Gay-Straight-Alliance club as well as LGBTQ Leesville students and allies participated in a day of silence. Their silence serving as a symbol for the struggles LGBTQ youth endure in expressing…
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Ending bully-victim relationships
What exactly causes bullies to prey on their victims and victims to allow the abuse to occur? According to “Big Bad Bully”, an article by Psychologytoday.com, the answer lies between the scientific and psychological…
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Veronica Mars stays the same
One year ago since St. Patrick’s Day, I discovered Veronica Mars and became an instant fan of the tough as nails, soft as a marshmallow teen detective. After learning about show creator Rob Thomas’…
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What will Ghost Stories reveal about Coldplay?
As an unapologetically critical fan of Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay’s pop inspired fifth studio album, the impending release of Ghost Stories, their sixth album, inspired hope that Coldplay would return to its alternative roots. “Midnight”…
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Why Weir and Lipinski win
Unknown, incredibly talented skaters from around the world train and compete vigorously for Olympic gold, silver or bronze medal of honor. How does one judge the fierce and competitive mood associated with Olympic skating?…
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Why Weir and Lipinski win
Unknown, incredibly talented skaters from around the world train and compete vigorously for Olympic gold, silver or bronze medal of honor. How does one judge the fierce and competitive mood associated with Olympic skating?…
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Why Ellen Page rocks
How many out and influential celebrity lesbian role models do young LGBTQ people have? Anyone come to mind other than Ellen DeGeneres, Queen Latifah or Jodie Foster? By coming out at 26, Ellen Page…
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Does TV brainwash kids?
Puppets, a notepad, blood cake and organs; otherwise known as key components of the viral video “Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared”. The number two Google result when looking up “Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared”…
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Williamson wins the world
“I am the most talented American in America; it’s a verifiable fact, people,” Williamson said at the opening of his 6:00 p.m. New Years Eve comedy show at Goodnight’s Comedy Bar. As a longtime…
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Saving Mary Poppins
Upon walking into the movie theater for Saving Mr. Banks, I groaned, assuming it was another cheesy Disney movie. As reluctant as I was, Saving Mr. Banks shattered every notion of a fairytale cliche…
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The Tenacity of Ronan Tynan
The Irish Tenors Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan were the headline act at the Carolina Theater Wednesday, Dec. 18. Dancing and joking with the audience, one would not have guessed that Tynan…
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Red for Ed. Festivus
Wednesday, Nov. 13 marked another week to admire the color red for students and staff in celebration of Red for Ed. A founder of the North Carolina Red for Ed. movement for teacher’s rights…
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Harker’s Shakespearean journey
“I love being a student. In fact, if I could be a student for the rest of my life, I would,” said Karen Harker, Leesville English teacher, of her decision to study Shakespearean literature…
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Diving into teenage depression
How many high school teens today have had a bad day and just wanted to sleep for the whole day? I’m assuming most would answer yes. Now, imagine how it would feel to have…
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Millennial teen depression
How many high school teens today have had a bad day and just wanted to sleep for the whole day? I’m assuming most would answer yes. Now, imagine how it would feel to have…
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Why my sister is my hero
Caroline Byrne, otherwise known as Bou, Leesville junior, my little sister, my best friend and my inspiration. Bou suffered a traumatic brain injury from medical complications after corrective scoliosis surgery. The injury affected her…
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Leesville club carnival
Leesville hosted its annual community night Wednesday, Oct. 9. Festivities included a club carnival, a student-teacher basketball game and food trucks. Students and teachers participated in various activities and games available at the club…
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#NotBuyingit: commercial sexism
There is a growing, disturbing trend of sexist commercials marketed towards women. Using Twitter, Missrepresentation.org is spreading the hashtag #NotBuyingIt “to challenge the misrepresentation of women and girls”. Brands can use social media to…
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Orange is the New Black is outstanding
Orange is the New Black is a dramatic comedy series on Netflix following the prison life of Piper Chapman, a woman arrested for a ten-year-old drug charge. Piper’s story is a compelling, honest and…
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Leesville leads school rank
The annual U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Leesville sixteenth compared to all other North Carolina high schools. Among other school rankings, Leesville placed 1,313th nationally, third in the Wake County Public School…
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Covington retires from Leesville chorus
Diane Covington, Leesville choral director since 1994, has announced her retirement for the upcoming year. In addition to humbly leading the choral department, Covington plays an integral part in the success of Leesville musical…
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Leesville chorus collects trophies
As Intermediate Leesville students left the school at 6:45 a.m., the group of 80 plus were unaware that they would return with two trophies and nearly perfect scores. Elementary, middle and high school performers…
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Religion regresses society
The Crusades, the Spanish inquisition, the British and American era of imperialism; all historical time periods illustrating the prolific spread of religion through means of violence or greed. Have generations of violence, hatred and…
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Experiences of Leesville student teachers
Imagine life four years after graduating Leesville: as a college student, one is older and wiser, ready to take on the world and ready to re-enter the classroom as a student teacher. Leading a…
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Veronica Mars is out of this world
Veronica Mars is a show about the intelligent and defiant 17-year-old investigator, Veronica Mars. Beginning the show as a fiercely independent social reject; Veronica seeks justice for the murder of her best friend, Lilly…
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Sugar ban is seriously stupid
The School Health Advisory Council, a Wake school system group, aims to ban the sale of sweets in fundraising and athletic concession stands. More than one third of American children and teenagers are overweight…
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Justice for Justice
The conversion of teen clothing store Limited Too into Justice happened about four years ago. Tween Brands, the company owning Limited Too and Justice, most likely initiated the change in response to the economic…
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PA cafe: an evening under the stars
The Performing Arts cafe was an exciting night of food and musical performances by 24 of Leesville’s choral students. Hosted by Kordell Draper and Monet Miller, the cafe is an opportunity for musical students…
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Successmaker creates personalized learning
Leesville is adopting a revolutionary new online educational software– Successmaker. Successmaker focuses improving math and literacy skills for elementary, middle and high schools students. The program strives to create personalized learning. Successmaker correlates to…
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Safe Haven disappoints
The twisted, dark romantic novel Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks is a stark contrast against the cheesy movie adaptation. As an avid Nicholas Sparks reader, I was sorely disappointed with the movie Safe Haven…
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Students feel loss of band director
Mr. Serina, Leesville’s band director, is no longer be teaching at Leesville. A permanent replacement will fill Serina’s position as soon as possible. For the time being, Dave Albert, former Leesville band director, will…
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Gangster Squad is a must-see
Those buying a ticket to Gangster Squad get exactly what they pay for — a goosebump inducing account of one of the biggest police mob stings in history. Gangster Squad is a thrilling action…
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Workshops set Hairspray expectations
Musical workshops for LRHS students interested in the school musical, Hairspray took place Monday Jan. 7 and Wednesday Jan. 9. The song, monologue and dance workshops provide students valuable perspective for what is expected…
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The demise of NC Wise effects schedules
Losing the school database NCWise is buzzing around North Carolina about its replacement and effect on student schedules. The new database, PowerSchool, intends to simplify the way student information and study resources are found.…
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End the woRd
Dictionary.com defines the word retarded as “a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in some way.” It is an archaic term created in the late 1400’s to classify someone with a mental…
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Examining student leadership
According to Answers.com, a leader is a person who leads or commands a group or organization. High school students show leadership in clubs, academia and social groups. LRHS clubs and sports teams offer leadership…
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Chorus winter concert preview
Leesville’s winter chorus concert will take place in the auditorium on Dec. 7. The concert rehearsal was held in the auditorium Dec. 5. Rehearsal is an intense and organized two and a half hour…
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Chorus, a community
As a junior at Leesville, I have finally gained the knowledge and confidence to feel comfortable in high school. Everyone wants to thrive and feel like they belong to a group of people they…
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Pitch Perfect is the perfect comedy
Pitch Perfect is a genuinely funny movie that breaks the mold of melodramatic teen singing competitions. Directed by Jason Moore, the hilarious a capella movie premiered Oct. 5. Pitch Perfect is a comedy and…
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Should LRHS ban nuts?
A school nut ban creates controversy after a student’s peanut butter and jelly sandwich was confiscated in a Viola County, Arkansas elementary school. Issues stem from parents’ reactions to Viola’s allergy conscious policies, which…
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Tata out as superintendent
Tony Tata’s 20-month long leadership over the Wake County schools systems ended due to his controversial firing, on Sept. 25. As superintendent, Tata’s job was to preside over the school board as an adviser…
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Shop of Horrors: A must see
North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors, a story of Seymour, a man tempted by an evil plant in exchange for human blood. NRACT’s diverse group of talent produced…
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Homecoming float prep underway
Leesville honor clubs and student council are gearing up for the Homecoming float parade on Friday, Oct. 12. This year, participating LRHS clubs must create floats with an Olympic Games theme. The unique challenge…
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FTA needs members
Future Teachers of America is a long established club at Leesville created for students who have a passion for education or wish to become a teacher. FTA offers a variety of projects to benefit…
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What matters to young voters when choosing a presidential candidate?
What matters to young voters when choosing a presidential candidate? No one’s political beliefs fit into a neat little bill or policy. To advocate support for someone running for office, people must educate themselves…
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Make A Wish Spotlight
While most teenagers complain to their parents about a new phone or the latest fashions, Daria takes each day at a time, as a blind, hearing impaired, cancer survivor. Daria is a wish child…