RRHS Softball: On to Next Year

The Lady Indians Softball team completed their season this Monday with a close loss to Fort Chiswell.  The Indians' finishing record was 8-11, making it their best season yet.   The Lady Indians will continue to work through the off-season to prepare for next year as rising 9th graders come into the high school picture.   Team members were sad to see the season end, but ready to begin preparing for a new, better, season next year.

-Allie Pertee

Volleyball 2016!

Please come out and join, new coach, Miranda Hilton, and your peers at volleyball open gyms in Monday and Thursday @5:30 pm in the high school gym.   Our school is excited to be making steps in the right direction with our volleyball program, and would love for you to come be a part of it.

-Allie Pertee

Review: Elder Scrolls Patch

In this update for ESO or Elder Scrolls Online they did the usual and fixed a few bugs, but Bethesda Game Company also did something different this time. Before the patch notes, there was a leveling system in which players started at one and progressed to fifty. After the generated player hit level fifty, players then started a different leveling system and progressed in veteran levels starting at one and going through 16. With the new update, they made characters' skill levels based on your champion points system. For people who already had Vet 16 characters, this really doesn't mean anything to them or to people who knew how to use their champion points the right way. But the players that didn't know these things basically have to start over. 

As a player that wasn't really affected by the patch, I still see that these changes are unfair to the people who didn't really take the game seriously and just played for fun. Bethesda took the fun out of the game for them. I think that they should change it so that the leveling system matters in PvE, which is a player versus a computerized player, and the new champion point system should matter in PvP, which is player versus player.

-Justice Williams

Advice to Upcoming Juniors

The school year is almost over and everyone is moving up into bigger and better things. I will be a senior this upcoming year. However, I must say that my junior year was the most crucial year in paving the way for my future. So for all of you upcoming juniors, next year will be the most important year of your entire school career. The choices you make as a junior will affect your life in so many different ways-- some will take effect at that moment and some will affect you later in life. Just make sure that you think long and hard about the choices you make in your junior year. You don't want to end up making the wrong choices. 

-Collin Aker

Thunder vs. Warriors Game 3

Last night was game three of the seven-game series between the Thunder and the Warriors. The game took place in The Thunder's arena. The Thunder shocked the Warriors by coming out and dominating the whole first half, leading by more than 15 at halftime. The second half wasn't much different, with Westbrook and Durant making it look easy against the Warriors' poor defense. In the end, the score 133 was to 105 with a blowout win for the Thunder. Game four takes place on Tuesday at the Thunder. Can they do it again?

-Collin Aker 

SOHO: Lake Paradise

     My summers are often spent at my lake house on South Holston Lake.  It is a beautiful lake with beautiful scenery and people.   Here are some pictures of the lake and some of the things that I do at the lake.
This is a picture of people jumping of the cliffs.  This activity is popular for kids and families at the lake.  It is right in the middle of the lake and is easy to get to.

These kids are partaking in a fun activity called tubing.  It is really fun for young kids and families who don't know how to do other, more complicated, water sports.
The 421 Bridge crosses over SOHO and is a common marker for lakers.  There is a rope swing on one end and if you climb on the ledge, you can jump off!  This makes the 421 Bridge a common hangout for teenagers.
The dam, along with the rest of the lake, is a common fishing place.  People come from all over the country to participate in fishing tournaments at SOHO.  Popular game fish at the lake range from native Lake Trout to Tiger Muskies the length of your leg.

Chicago Cubs Batting Leaders

Stats according to ESPN:

Chicago Cubs

BATTING LEADERS	STATS
Anthony Rizzo #44	Games Played: 37 At Bats: 136 Runs: 29 Hits: 36 Doubles: 9 Triples: 1 Home Runs: 11 Runs Batted In: 34 Total Bases: 80 Walks: 26
Ben Zobrist #18	Games Played: 35 At Bats: 123 Runs: 28 Hits: 39 Doubles: 7 Triples: 0 Home Runs: 5 Runs Batted In: 28 Total Bases: 61 Walks: 28
Dexter Fowler #24	Games Played: 36 At Bats: 131 Runs: 27 Hits: 42 Doubles: 14 Triples: 2 Home Runs: 3 Runs Batted In: 19 Total Bases: 69 Walks: 24

-Destinee Testerman

Missing 64-year old hiker found tied to tree

An hour after a friend reported a 64-year-old hiker missing on Thursday, rescuers found her barely alive on a trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Buncombe County, North Carolina. The woman's name hasn't been released yet. A representative for the National Park Service says that they are looking for a white man who is about 50 as a suspect, according to USA Today.

-Trinity Akers

Review: Benefit They're Real Push-up Liner

This eyeliner is $24 and can be found anywhere Benefit is sold. This eyeliner is very black and thick. I find that it is a little clumpy. It can be hard to work with but also has the ability to make very sharp wings. It will transfer and flake off; it does not have very good staying power. I do not think this eyeliner is worth the money and would not recommend this product. 

Honda recalls millions of cars due to airbag malfunction

Japanese car manufacturer Honda has recalled millions of cars using Takata airbag inflaters. Phone calls and letters have been sent to Honda owners, including owners of the CR-V, Accord, Civic, and Pilot. The airbags have been found to rupture, or cause shrapnel to fly towards the driver in the event of a collision, says Consumer Reports. Honda isn't the first auto maker to recall cars because of airbag issues, as Ford and Nissan have recently announced a recall as well. If the car is under warranty, it will be fixed for free at your local dealership. If you aren't sure if your model has been recalled, you can find the complete list on Honda's website.

-Cade Tickle

My Digital Escape breaks up

My Digital Escape is a great YouTube group made up of seven amazing people: Bryan Stars, Johnnie Guilbert, Alex Dorame, Kyle David Hall, Jeydon Wale, Jordan Sweeto, and Shannon Taylor. MDE was created in November 2015, and ever since then they have become the best of friends. But now they have become depressed and they say they don’t feel like themselves anymore, so they have unanimously decided to break up the collaborative channel. This tragedy has made the "Escapers," their fans, very sad and some extremely mad. They are still doing YouTube videos on their personal channels, but no longer as a group.

-Anna Wright

Poem: I'm Sorry

I’m Sorry

I know I cry a lot, 

And for many things. 

Like sad movies or failing grades, 

Abandoned dreams and,

Songs that remind me of the past. 

Stupid things too, 

Like you and all of the problems that I’ve created myself in my head.

But lately, 

What I’ve been crying about most is myself, 

The person I used to be and lost, 

The person in the present, 

With no clue about her future.

-Anna Wright

RRHS teacher Debra Wilkerson retiring

This year RRHS is losing many wonderful teachers and staff. I had the opportunity to interview retiring social studies teacher Mrs. Debra Wilkerson about her plans, her career, and what she will miss most about RRHS. 

Question 1:   What are your plans after retiring?

Mrs. Wilkerson: Spend time with family, make wedding plans, do updates on my house, and do a lot of traveling

Question 2:   What will you miss the most at RRHS?

Mrs.Wilkerson:  The students and seeing my friends everyday 

Question 3:    What changes have you seen in education during your career?

Mrs. Wilkerson:  Technology. Most of the changes have been associated with technology, some minor changes with policies, but mostly technology. 

-Laura Midkiff

FFA rolls out new shirt design

The FFA's annual t-shirt was introduced in 2015 with the "Forever Blue" tee. These shirts are designed to tell the organization's history and the countdown to the organization's 100th anniversary in 2028. The 2016 tee also helps tell our story and promote our history. The National FFA Organization is helping to promote diversity in many ways, through finding commonalities rather than finding differences among others. Get one of your own and represent FFA.

-Laura Midkiff

Maybelline Pure BB Review

Over the weekend, I bought a new BB cream by Maybelline. The "Pure BB" by Maybelline is a light coverage foundation that works to combat imperfections and redness. My opinion is that it covers skin evenly and gives a nice finish, working to make an even skin tone and give the illusion that the face is "flawless." The foundation goes for $8.99, and to me, it's worth the money. 

-Lyndsay Wright

Could Cleveland do it?

According to CNN, this year the Cleveland Cavaliers are the first team since the 2007 San Antonio Spurs to start the NBA playoffs 8-0. They have swept the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks and it looked easy for them. The Cleveland Cavs know the 2007 Spurs too well, more than what they would want to because in that season the San Antonio Spurs swept both first-round teams. They beat the Cleveland Cavs in their first finals appearance in Game 4, completing a sweep. Right now Cleveland has the best chance of winning the NBA finals.

-Justice Williams

Burger King opens new nude restaurant-spa combo

According to CNN, on May 13th a Finland Burger King opened the world's first in-restaurant spa.  It is also the first nude Burger King restaurant ever. The new nude restaurant trend isn't taking long to take off the Burger King now has a waiting list of 37,000 people. This new restaurant has a 15-person sauna, shower room, locker room, and a media room equipped with gaming systems and TV's. Employees of the restaurant will often go back to the sauna and take orders, so patrons can eat while they relax. 

-Justice Williams

Love is like a Casino

"Some say life is a gamble, which means love is a casino. Everybody is just playing to win." -Kevin Gates

Love really is a casino and there are so many people in it. First of all, you've got the ones who are only there to cheat people out of their feelings, time, and money. Next, you've got the ones standing outside warning people not to go in because they have seen what gambling on love can do, so they try and show people what it's really like. Then you have the ones who are broken because they have spent all their time and money on love and still came up empty in the end; now they don't know what to do because they have nothing left. Lastly, you have the ones who see the good in all of the others and try and help them find love. They will help the bad people change and give the broken ones the will to keep going. So when you sit down and think about it, which one are you in this casino?

Collin Aker

Laura Geller Baked Color and Contour Palette

Laura Geller recently came out with a Baked Color and Contour Palette. It comes with a beautiful bronzer, highlighter, and blush. Baked formulas make contouring easy and stays on all day. They are very pigmented and smooth so they glide on easy.  Baked together, this highlighter, blush and bronzer are all the ingredients you need to create a luminous sculpted look.This palette is 45 dollars plus shipping and handling, but it is worth it to me because of the pigment. 

-Anna Wright

Interview with Dawn Burkentine, RRHS Cheerleading Coach, about Tryouts

I did an interview with Family and Consumer Science teacher Dawn Burkentine, who is also the cheerleading coach at our school. The following questions pertain to cheer tryouts.

Question 1: How did you become interested in being the cheer coach?

Mrs. Burkentine:  When I was interviewed for the Family & Consumer Science position for RRHS, I was asked if I would be interested in the position.

Question 2: What factors affect the scoring of possible upcoming cheerleaders?

Mrs. Burkentine: Some factors include: motions, spirit, smile, eye contact, and confidence in material that is presented to the judges.

Question 3: How do you pick captains for your squad?

Mrs. Burkentine:  Captain selection is based on teacher evaluations, a personal interest sheet, tryout score, squad votes and coach/principal input.

Question 4: How do you determine how many girls you want on one team?

Mrs. Burkentine: 12 is a common number so you can have at least 3 stunt groups.

Question 5:  How do you pick the dates for cheer camp with it being in the summer and working with everyone's vacation times?

Mrs. Burkentine:  We have tried to always make it the final week in July for consistency and since VHSL practices can begin on Aug. 1st.

Question 6:  How do you choose what you want to do at each pep rally?

Mrs. Burkentine:  The varsity captains create the agenda for the pep rally. Then it must be approved by the coaches and principal.

Question 7:  How do you keep every cheerleader in line and out of trouble?

Mrs. Burkentine:  A cheerleading constitution is given out at the beginning of the season outlining appropriate behaviour for an RRHS cheerleader. An agreement is signed by the cheerleader and parent stating they understand and agree to follow the guidelines.

thunder shocks warriors and steal game one

According to CNN, the OKC Thunder shocked the defending NBA champions the Golden State Warriors by stealing game one in a 108-102 victory. At the end of all first three quarters the Warriors had the lead, but the same thunder team that has been criticized all year and told that they wouldn't make it far in the playoffs because of their fourth quarter performances won the fourth quarter 23-14 and stole the W. Even though most still don't see the Thunder winning the series, with the game one win they sure have opened a lot of eyes and swayed a few opinions and showed people that they have a chance.

-Justice Williams

OPI Retro Summer

OPI returns with a Retro Summer, four piece set of nail polish. OPI rolls on sweet and smooth and the nail color stays on for a good time. The shades are: SPF XXX, Towel Me About It, Sailing and Nail-ing, and Flip Flops and Crop Tops. This set is perfect for luxuriating on the French Riviera, vintage-style. This cute little set call for 14.50 dollars plus shipping and handling. It's worth it though because the colors are absolutely gorgeous.  

Review: Nars Radient Concealer

   

 Nars Radiant Creamy concealer is my favorite Nars product. It costs $29 and can be found in Sephora and online.  It does not feel cakey, but has good coverage. They have a good shade range, making it easy for everyone to find a color. The product stays in place and does not crease as long as you set it. This product is on the expensive side of concealers, but is well worth the money.

-Allie Pertee

Josh Wynn: The Road to Nationals

                Over the weekend Joshua Wynn competed in another State level tournament.   In an email chain with Josh, I asked the following questions about this weekend’s tournament.

Q:  Josh, what competitions did you compete in this weekend?

A:  Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling.

Q:  What was your favorite part of the tournament?

A:  Wrestling hard and winning matches.  I liked the Greco part because it is just so different.

Q:  How did you place in the events you competed in?

A:  I got second in Greco, and third in Freestyle.

Q:  Did you know many wrestlers at the tournament?

A:  I knew a few guys here and there, but I was the only single A kid there.

Q:  Were you pleased with the way you wrestled this weekend?

A:  I feel that I wrestled well, but I feel like I could have executed my footwork better.

Q:  Was the level of competition substantially higher than the competition at your last state level appearance?

A:  Yes.   It was all divisions, crowning one champion. 

Q:  Do you plan to attend this tournament again in the future?

A:  Yeah, I want to improve and go back next year and win. 

Q:  What do you plan on changing about your attitude going into the tournament next year?

A:  I think, next year I need to open up more.  I want to make sure I hold nothing back when I wrestle.

Q:  Does this tournament lead you to anything else in your wrestling career?

A:  I get to go to Fargo, North Dakota to compete in the biggest tournament in the nation.  It is a great opportunity for me.

- Allie Pertee

Buxom Pout of Paradise

Buxom recently came out with a set of beautiful lipsticks called Pout of Paradise. This set comes with six different shades: Katie (pink lemonade), Kelly (flashy neon pink), Tonya (Malibu pink), Julie (juicy watermelon), Jennifer (flirty fuchsia) and Jane (huckleberry jam). This shades glide on smoothly and they moisturize your lips. The sad thing about these lipsticks is that they aren’t matte but other than that they are amazing. This adorable set costs 32 dollars plus shipping and handling. I would definitely suggest you buy this because they would make your lips look fuller and the shades will look good on anyone.

Bombings in Baghdad

The destruction in the Middle East continues as explosions ripped through Baghdad neighborhoods on Tuesday. According to CNN, at least 46 people are dead. ISIS is claiming responsibility for one of the attacks.

In the city of Sadr, the deadliest incident occurred when a car bomb exploded, killing at least 24 people and leaving 71 others wounded. CNN also says that a bomb squad was sent and deactivated another bomb in a car around the same area.

Two more bombs went off in the al-Shaab neighborhood in northern Baghdad, killing at least 19 and wounding 44. The Interior Ministry stated that a suicide bomber could be the cause of one of the explosions.  ISIS claimed to be responsible for the al-Shaab attack, which was told in a statement on its news agency, SITE intelligence group said on Twitter.

Another explosion took place in the popular market in the Nahiyet al-Rashid neighborhood of south Baghdad, when a suicide bomber detonated another explosion. At least three people died in that incident.

The attackers have not yet been identified for the other two incidents, but the attacks came at a time in which ISIS is believed to be behind them. Known ISIS attacks have claimed more than 100 lives in the past week.

-Josh Wynn

Final Softball Game of the Regular Season: RR Vs. GALAX

     The RR Lady Indians ended up hosting Galax at home on May 17, instead of playing them in Galax.   Poor field conditions and extreme fatigue presented a rough game for the Lady Indians.  Galax seemed more relaxed and prepared for the game than your Lady Indians.  After several errors and poor batting efforts, the Indians were defeated in seven innings.  The Indians will host either Fort Chiswell or Bland County on Monday, May 23rd for playoffs.

Ariats: Not Worth The Money

          Ariat boots are uncomfortable, cheaply made, and cost as much as boot brands that are better made.  They are too tight on the arch of my foot and don't fit my calf.  I feel like Ariats are over-produced and are sold as expensive boots in common places like Walmart and Tractor supply.   The boots sold at common stores are not as high-quality as the boots sold in western stores or boot warehouses.  Ariats are not cheaply priced, but they are cheaply made and do not fit well.  There are many other brands of better quality boots sold for a more reasonable price.  

-Allie Pertee

10 Fun Drinks to Try This Summer

Looking for something fresh to quench your thirst during those long, hot days of summer?  Try these recipes for fun, non-alcoholic options.

1. Watermelon Lemonade with Kiwi Splash 
2. Strawberry-Citrus Slush
3. Arnold Palmer
4. Family-Friendly Sangria 
5. Sparkling Raspberry Tea
6. Virgin Peach Daiquiri Punch
7. Ultimate Summer Picnic Punch
8. American-Style Italian Soda
9. Raspberry Frost Soda
10. Quick Cranberry Punch

-Destinee Testerman

Kesha cancels Billboard Music Awards performance

In light of recent events involving troubled pop star Kesha, many were glad to see her on the performance roster for the 2016 BBMAs. However, a spokesperson close to the singer has stated that she will be canceling her performance of her new collaboration with Zedd at the ceremony. In 2015, the singer came forward and alleged that her producer, Dr. Luke, had sexually and verbally assaulted her on multiple occasions. The allegations were followed by a widely publicized court-trial, in which Dr. Luke was found not guilty. In an attempt to release herself from her contract (ending in 2019) with the producer, Kesha gained a massive amount of support from fans, and is expected to return to court to dispute the contract later this year. In a report by USA Today, it is stated that the reason for her performance being canceled is that Dr. Luke refused to grant her permission, due to the fact that she is still signed to his label, Kemosabe Records.

-Cade Tickle

Review: Maybelline Fit Me Powder

This powder is around $7 and is a great drug store buy. It has little coverage but is perfect to mattify any foundation or BB Cream. It is very smooth and does not emphasize lines. It can also be used to mattify your skin with no other products on it. I would recommend this to anyone look for a nice, well-priced powder. 

-Allie Pertee

Why I Want To Go To Fiji

Interview with RRHS Math Teacher Mrs. Melissa Dalton

Mrs. Dalton is a math teacher here at RRHS. She is currently teaching Algebra II, calculus,  and Algebra parts A & B. She has had a 100% pass rate in all her SOL's. Mrs. Dalton is one of Rural Retreat's most dedicated teachers, and students love her. 

Q: What are you plans after this school year ends?

A: My plans are to continue to teach math until I finish my Master’s degree in school counseling.

2. Q: Do you have different plans for the next five years?

A: I truly want to be a school counselor, but I have two years of study and courses left, including over 750 internship hours.

3. Q: If so, what do you hope to do?

A: I hope to be a school counselor.

4. Q: What is your dream job?

A: My dream job is teaching and education as well as promoting academic achievement with the students God places me with. So whether it be in math or in counseling I will live my dream.

5. Q:What schooling have you finished?

A: I have a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Emory & Henry College, a Master’s degree in mathematics with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction, and I am halfway to a Master’s degree in school counseling from Liberty University.

6. Q:What got you interested in teaching math?

A:The love of math and the careers it supplements.

8. Q:Would you ever completely stop teaching math?

A:Probably not because math is everywhere.

9.Q: How many hours do you spend teaching math each week? 

A: 60 +

10. Q:How do you manage all your math? 

A:With a lot of hard work!

Ten Things To Do In Public

According to LoveThisPic.com, these are ten things everyone should do in public at some point in there life:

1. Scream at someone, "You're one of them!" Back away slowly. 
2. Look at someone through glass and say, "Wow, I'm hideous!"
3. Find a child, tell them you're him/her from the future. 
4. Go to Petsmart and buy birdseed; ask how long it will take for the birds to grow.
5. Throw a small plastic ball at someone and yell, "Get in your ball, you Pokemon!"
6. When the money comes out of the ATM, scream, "I won! I won! I won!"
7. Bring a desk in an elevator, and ask people if they have an appointment.
8. Fill empty bottle of Windex with blue Gatorade, drink, then double over in pain. 
9. Walk into Sea World with a fishing pole. 
10. Go up to random people, hold up your ID, and yell, "Have you seen this man?!?"

-Makayla Kowalski

Rural vs. Urban Living

          According to The World Bank, 81% of the United States' population lives in urban areas, meaning the other 19% live in a rural areas "defined by national statistic offices." In comparison, approximately 60 million people live in rural areas, while about 260 million people live in urban. That's quite a difference. However, these statistics do not mean living in an urban area is any better than living in a rural area just because there are more people. People live in different areas for many different reasons. One might live in an urban area for more or better jobs, better living standards, social and financial centres, or better education according to English Online. People who are used to more populated areas may be more used to the chaotic life of the city, and being in a smaller town can make them feel uncomfortable and out of place. Though, the same can be said for people who are used to the serenity of small towns. Being in a place where things are loud and always moving, when you're used to peace and quiet, can make one feel just as uncomfortable and out of place. People may prefer to live in rural areas due to agricultural, financial, or personal reasons. Whether you like to live around thousands of people or hundreds, everyone is more comfortable in one place more than the other. 

         So where would I prefer to live? I have lived in both a rural and urban area. Both have qualities I love. Being in a more urban area, there are a lot more indoor activities to try. The schools are also much bigger and the streets are busier. Living in a rural area has its pros and cons as well. Being in a smaller school means more one-on-one time with teachers and more opportunities available. There are a lot more outdoor activities to do in rural areas that can be hard to find in urban areas. As far as where I would prefer to live, I could not say. Whether I end up in a big city or a small town, it will be fine with me as long as I'm comfortable and happy.

-Makayla Kowalski

Universal Studios meets The Walking Dead

Universal Studios Hollywood is said to open a new The Walking Dead themed attraction on July 4th of this year. The following quote was found in a Facebook article, and reads: "It's very exciting to be able to make the attraction as 100% authentic as possible," special effects supervisor Greg Nicotero said. The attraction will feature animatronic zombies and live actors. An informational video on this can be found linked below. All amusement park and The Walking Dead fans are ecstatic about the release of the attraction, and many are awaiting the opening.

-Lyndsay Wright

Interview with Ms. McGhee, 2015-6 Yearbook Teacher

1. Describe your experience working with the students and editors on the yearbook.

It is a great experience working with many students on the yearbook. The more students you have to work on the yearbook, the easier it is to cover events, know about upcoming events, label pictures correctly with student names, and have more creative ideas to put in the yearbook.
2. What differentiates this year's yearbook from past years'?

This yearbook has dedication pages for teachers that are leaving the school. There will always be differences in the senior dedication pages and ads for the yearbook. We have more sports this year as well.

3. What sets our yearbook apart from other schools'?

I think the creativity of the cover and how we have such an involved set of dress-up . . . days and events for homecoming. Our school also has a fall delivery, which means we include spring sports, prom, graduation, and awards.

4. How can RRHS students buy their own yearbook?

They can purchase a yearbook from me or one of the yearbook staff. Yearbooks are $45.00 for a plain yearbook and $50.00 for a name stamped yearbook. Students and parents may also order online at jostens.com with a debit or credit card. The last day to order is May 26th!

-Lyndsay Wright

Feature: Soccer Coach's First and Last Season

Adam McCracken is the soccer coach for RRHS. This is McCracken's first soccer season, and sadly his last. The soccer team has grown so much under his leadership, and has won their first game in three years."I have truly enjoyed coaching this team this year. Though wins have been scarce, the heart that this team has shown is tremendous. From the hustle, to the playing through injuries, and to the dedication, I am proud to be head coach of this team." The team loves Coach McCracken, and are sad to see him leave. He has inspired these players to be the best they can be and never give up. When he was asked about leaving, he responded with, "Unfortunately, I will be leaving RRHS at the end of the school year for another job, but I look forward to helping pave the way for this team in the future. With their heart, they go anywhere if they put their minds to it!" Coach McCracken will not only be missed as the head coach of the soccer team, but also as the chorus teacher.

-Hannah Addair

Feature: The heartbreaking, yet inspirational story of Roxxxy Andrews

In 2013, Drag Race viewers were introduced to the "Big-Girl Queen" of Season 5, Roxxxy Andrews. Hailing from Florida, Roxxxy quickly emerged as a front-runner in the competition, winning the first challenge, in which the queens were instructed to make a couture ensemble out of trash materials and scraps. Within a few episodes, Roxxxy had become one of the members of "Rolaskatox," a group of the self-proclaimed elite queens consisting of Roxxxy, Alaska, and Detox. The clique received some fire for allegedly bullying future winner of season 5 and social outcast, Jinkx Monsoon. Roxxxy soon became the mean girl of sorts, making many enemies among the other queens, despite doing amazingly in group challenges. It was, however, when the comedy challenge arrived on the sixth episode, that we began to see the more personal side of her . . . 
      The queens were asked to perform an act as part of the "RuPaul Roast," in which they would crack jokes at Ru and the other judges. Because of her limited experience in the comedy scene, Roxxxy ended up in the bottom two against Alyssa Edwards. The pair were told to lip sync for their lives to Willow Smith's hit song, "Whip My Hair," and that the queen who lost would be sent home. After one of the most memorable lip-syncs to date, Roxxxy and Alyssa prepared for Ru's decision. Suddenly, Roxxxy burst into tears, and told Ru not to worry about it and to "go ahead" with her judgement. Being the mother-figure that she is, Ru urged Roxxxy to tell her about it. In a heartbreaking monologue, she informed Ru and the other queens that she was left at a bus stop by her mother when she was just three years old, and that she hadn't seen her in over 20 years. She stated that her experience in the bottom reminded her what it feels like to "not be good enough, and to not feel wanted." After an inspirational speech by RuPaul, in which she stated that they were all a family, she allowed them both to remain in the competition, making it the third "Shantay you both stay" in the show's history. After her near elimination, Roxxxy continued in the competition, making it into the top 3 and finishing in third place. Today she owns her own drag club in Florida, and says that she is forever grateful to Ru for giving her a second chance on Drag Race.

-Cade Tickle

Jordan Burroughs at Beat the Streets

     Yesterday, the annual "Beat the Streets" wrestling tournament was held in Times Square in New York City. According to Team USA, five wrestlers who will be representing the United States in Rio this summer, faced of against competitors from Iran, Canada, and South Korea. This event helps to sharpen the wrestler's skills, try new moves, and raise money for Beat the Streets, a non-profit that aims to improve the potential of New York City student athletes participation through wrestling.

     Jordan Burroughs has never been beaten at Beat the Streets, and continued that streak yesterday.he defeated 2105 Asian Games champion Peyman Yarahmadi of Iran 11-2. Burroughs has worked his whole life towards the sport of wrestling and continues to do so. He won the Olympic games in 2012, and has won many world titles as well. 

     In college, Burroughs was a two-time NCAA D1 national champion for the Nebraska Huskers. While wrestling in college, he continued to train at the international level. All of his hard work is starting to pay off as he is the top pick for winning the gold medal this summer in Rio. 

     Last night was the first time Burroughs has competed for a while and he stated that "Right now is a rough period of time because you start to deal with that complacency, you think 'Man I'm training, I'm grinding myself down but I haven't seen the fruits of my Labor because I haven't competed in a while'. You just want to get your hands on someone else besides the training partners your wrestling." He has been training all his life for one goal. Burroughs is hoping to become another Olympic champion, and become one of the greatest of all time.

-Josh Wynn

13 year old girl found locked in Ohio basement

According to NBC, a father and son from Ohio was arrested Wednesday night for shackling a 13-year-old girl to their Toledo basement for more than a year. The girl stated that she was kept in the dark, handcuffed to a beam by her ankles, given scraps of food, and forced to use a bucket filled with ammonia as her bathroom.

The stepfather and stepbrother of the girl are being held on a $500,000 bond each in the case; however, the girl was never identified. NBC also says, it was unclear how long the girl had been held in the basement, but is believed to be after her mom left the house. Toledo Lt. said that the girl escaped after managing to get the key to the handcuffs, which she kept hidden until both the suspects went out for a jog. A Good Samaritan spotted the girl outside and called the police. "She is saying... her dad had chained her down in the basement with cuffs" the caller said. "She was telling me she had been abused. He also added that she "wanted something to eat", and grabbed some spare clothes before escaping.

When the police arrived, the stepfather and stepbrother were loading into a van which they had packed with possessions, and were carrying a lockbox with a gun, said authorities. The bucket of ammonia and handcuffs were found in the basement. The girl is very traumatized, and is being taken into foster care.

-Josh Wynn

Police officer saves civilians from fire

     In Boston on April 30th, a police officer saved three people from a raging house fire just outside his precinct. According to CNN, Luis Lopez had not received fire training in over 20 years. Lopez saw the black smoke, and quickly drove his police car over to help. He ended up on Montello Street, and saw a group of people gathered around No.8. The fire department had not yet arrived, and Lopez was the only officer on scene. As his fellow police officers were on their way, Lopez decided to take charge. "As I am yelling at people to get back, now people are yelling back at me that people are inside the house," Lopez recalled. CNN also said that he did not know how many people were inside the house, but he ran and burst through the door anyway. Lopez encountered three people inside the house and helped them get to safety. Although he saved the civilians, Lopez did not have time to check the second floor. " We had to leave the house. It was fully engulfed. There was nothing else we could do at that point." Lopez later learned there was no one else upstairs, and he had led everyone to safety.

-Josh Wynn

Disney World: The Happiest Place On Earth

Disney World is considered one of the happiest places on the Earth, and it really is. In March, I visited Walt Disney World for the first time in my life, and I loved it. As a child I had always dreamed of going and at 16 I did. It was an amazing experience of walking through Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studio's. Seeing so many of the iconic characters and riding the rides was a dream come true. Riding so many of the rides with my classmates was very fun, especially Splash Mountain, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and the Expedition To Mount Everest. Seeing the fireworks over Cinderella's castle and just taking in the view of the entire park was something I will never forget. You can never be told old for Disney and Disney World shows it with honeymooners, teenagers, and of course little ones. It truly is the happiest place on Earth.

-Laura Midkiff

Justin Timberlake debuts new single at number one

Justin Timberlake recently released his first single since late 2012, entitled "Can't Stop the Feeling." Despite having little airplay thus far, the song has received massive social and critical success following its release. After just one week the song has become the 26th song to debut at the number one spot since the chart's inception over 50 years ago. "Can't Stop the Felling" is also the second song this year to debut at the top, after Zayn's debut single, "Pillowtalk", was released in January. Timberlake now joins the ranks of such legends as Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston, who have also achieved the accolade of a number one debut. Julia Brucculieri, a journalist for The Huffington Post writes that the song will "make you want to dance," and many expect it to be the song of the summer for 2016.

-Cade Tickle

Drag queens take a stand against trans discrimination

A clan of drag queens has taken a stand against transgender bathroom discrimination in North Carolina. The group, consisting of big names Violet Chachki, Sharon Needles, Pearl Liaison, Courtney Act, Alaska 5000, Adore Delano, Miss Fame, Phi Phi O'Hara, and Michelle Visage posted photos on their Instagram accounts from a club in Charlotte, NC. They are pictured posing in front of a female bathroom, with Alaska holding up a handmade sign reading "GENDER NEUTRAL BATHROOM." The photo was posted just a day after the RuPaul's Drag Race Grand Finale, during which Ru herself made an announcement that any queen or trans individual was "free to use any bathroom they please . . . except [hers]." Despite controversy caused by trans bathroom equality laws, Courtney Act and Violet Chachki also posted videos of themselves in the women's bathroom on their Snapchat stories.

-Cade Tickle

40 Summer Activities For Teens

With only 3 1/2 days of school left, we're heading into ten glorious weeks of summer vacation! Don't get bored; use that time to have some fun and accomplish some goals-- here are some ideas!

1.   Create a photo book.
2.   Watch a sunset. 
3.   Read a really good book.
4.   Have a movie marathon outside. 
5.   Go stargazing. 
6.   Swim at a local lake or pool.
7.   Go to an amusement park. 
8.   Try new foods. 
9.   Sleep until the late afternoon. 
10.   Make a lemonade stand. 
11.   Make homemade ice cream. 
12.   Go on a road trip. 
13.   Hang out with friends. 
14.   Go mini-golfing. 
15.   Go bowling. 
16.   Make DIY t-shirts. 
17.   Reminisce about old memories. 
18.   Go boating. 
19.   Go fishing. 
20.   Picnic at a park. 
21.   Play on a playground. 
22.   Go on vacation. 
23.   Have a hula-hoop competition.
24.   Visit a college or two. 
25.   Collect souvenirs from places that you visit. 
26.   Play paint-twister. 
27.   Have a water-balloon fight. 
28.   Check out a local farmers market. 
29.   Invent a new dance move with your friends. 
30.   Make homemade pizza. 
31.   Have a cookout. 
32.   Check out local festivals. 
33.   Go shopping. 
34.   Get a pedicure or manicure. 
35.   Make s'mores around a campfire. 
36.   Go camping. 
37.   Go bicycling.
38.   Take a hike. 
39.   Have your own photo shoot.
40.   Make a lot of fun memories!   

-Laura Midkiff

Five Daily Tongue Twisters: May 20th

According to Today, these are a few of the hardest sentences to say:

1. "Pad kid poured curd pulled cod."
2. "Red lorry, yellow lorry."
3. "I wish to wash my Irish wristwatch."
4. "You know New York, you need New York, you know you need unique New York."
5. "Sixth sick sheikh's sixth sheep sick"

-Makayla Kowalski

Interview with Kelly Quinley: Getting a Job

I sat down with Kelly Quinley to ask her about her past experience with working, either on a farm or just for her parents. I got the details on what job she would want to start working once she turns sixteen, and about what she looks in for it. 

Me: " You turn sixteen in August. what type of job would prefer?"

Kelly: " Easy job like a cashier, nothing too complicated since I'm still learning."

Me: "Do you think you could handle a job and juggle school work?" 

Kelly: "Yes, I work very hard in school, and if I couldn't I would quit because an education is more important than a job."

Me: "In certain jobs, you have to be able to lift heavy objects and be on your feet for a long period of time, usually around 8 hours for a minor. Would this be a challenge for you?" 

Kelly: "Most likely not, I'm always lifting heavy things around the house and yard whenever I help my dad, and standing up might be difficult at first but I'll get used to it." 

Me: "What do you see in yourself that would make you a good applicant for a job?" 

Kelly: "I think I'm hardworking, polite to people, a perfectionist . . .  just things like that." 

I wish Kelly the best of luck in getting a job within the next few months!

-Aeriel Corvin

Crash debris from EgyptAir flight found, ISIS suspected

Debris from the missing EgyptAir flight MS804 has reportedly been found in the Mediterranean Sea. An article by BBC News has stated that luggage, body parts, and wreckage from the plane has been recovered about 180 miles from Alexandria in Greece. The flight had disappeared from radar yesterday shortly after departing from Paris, and was carrying 66 passengers and crew. Egyptian officials suspect that terror activity by extremist group, ISIS, is involved. The investigation is still underway, and search crews are now looking for the plane's recording devices.

-Cade Tickle

All About Jeffree Star's Beauty Killer Palette

Jeffree Star is releasing his first eye shadow palette. The palette is named after one of his songs. Each shade has its own story and meaning behind the color and its name. He created each color keeping in mind what his favorite shades are to wear. Each shade name comes with a story all about what happened and why each shade got its name. He did a YouTube video (Beauty Killer Eye Shadow Palette Reveal) all about the palette in which he tells you everything you could ever want to know.  The palette releases Wednesday and will sell for $45 on his site.


You can read Jeffree's story and find his products at Jeffree Star Cosmetics.

-Haley Vannatter 

Feature: Dog Reunited With His Best Friend

José Andaverde of Columbus, Wisconsin was going through a rough time around two years ago, says the Huffington Post. He lost his house and became homeless, got a divorce, and he had nowhere to turn; he felt like giving up on life. He found a dog, named him Chaos, and soon enough that was the only friend he had. Andaverde claimed that "Chaos helped me with so much through my life, I took him everywhere with me!" When Jose finally had things straightened out and was living a good life, things took a turn for the worse again. Someone stole his beloved companion. This left poor Jose lost and heartbroken once again. "I didn't think I would ever see my dog again," he said. But things would soon turn around again: a Winnebago County Services staff member spotted a dog in her driveway. She took it to the local animal shelter and the dog appeared to have a 2014 National Identification Number on its tag. That same day, Andaverde was looking through old pictures of himself and his old friend, when suddenly his phone rang. It was the animal shelter telling him his dog had been found and was in their custody. He was astonished by the news and immediately got in his car and prepared for the half-hour drive. After two long years, dog and man were finally reunited.  Watch the touching reunion here.

-Aeriel Corvin

Beautiful Beaches Across the U.S.

Miami Beach, Florida

Venice Beach Los Angeles. California 

Clearwater Beach, Florida 

Pensacola Beach, Florida 

La Jolla Beach, California 

Newport Beach, California

Race Point Beach Provincetown, Massachusetts 

- Aeriel Corvin

Feature: Hospital Wedding

A beautiful young couple were excited for their wedding, but as they started planning, it took a turn for the worst. Twenty-four year old Destani Shafer started having unbearable stomach pains and when she went to the doctor to find out the problem, it was worse than what she had imagined. They diagnosed her with stage 4 stomach cancer, and she was weakened by the terrible news. Shafer is a mother of four children, so it would have been very challenging to care for her kids and do chemotherapy, but they declared she was too weak anyway. The couple's wedding was supposed to take place in Jamaica, but they didn't have the time or money to have it after the diagnosis. As soon as her nurse, Ashley-Shipley Lovekamp, heard the news, she decided to take action and help. She planned the whole wedding in the hospital herself and surprised them. Destani did pick out her dress and rings, but didn't pay a penny; they were donated from local department stores.  According to ABC News, Shafer's new husband Brandon said of the nurse that she was "an amazing person, like a guardian angel." They wanted to let Destani focus on something other than her diagnosis; she had an awesome wedding and it was a heartwarming moment for everyone.

 -Aeriel Corvin

Nyx Plush Gel Lipsticks

Nyx came out with some beautiful Plush Gel Lipsticks. These lovely lipsticks come in 12 different shades: Nude Beach, Dime Piece, Air Blossom, Azalea, Fizzy Berries, Karma Kiss, Sharp Femme, Sacred Mix, Pastel Dust, Foxy Love, Coral Mist, and Breakup. These amazing lipsticks are $7, plus shipping and handling.

-Anna Wright

India records highest temperature in national history

The effects of mass global warming have certainly been felt in India, as a record high for the country was recorded yesterday at 123.8 degrees Fahrenheit. The record was set in the western state of Rajasthan, but other locations around the country have experienced record highs as well. A massive drought has also plagued India, and certainly doesn't help with the sweltering temperatures. According to CNN, the record highs have prompted warnings across lower elevations, as they can cause dehydration and other medical issues. The annual monsoon season is expected to bring relief to the dry country when it brings its rain.

-Cade Tickle

My advice to freshmen

Freshmen,
The end of the year is coming soon, and before you know it, you'll be sophomores. In your sophomore year, you'll make new friends, new enemies, and possibly have a new "significant other." You're halfway through your high school experience. In this time, you'll be asked to start looking at colleges, filling out job applications, deciding what careers you want in the future, and picking out what the rest of your life will hold. With all this being said, never forget this is still your childhood. This time of your life is something that you'll never forget. Don't be stressed about growing up and enjoy high school while you can. Love the sports you play, your friends, and the teachers that you grow close to. So my advice to you is to love your sophomore year. You only get one, and you should live it to its full potential. Good luck.

-An Upcoming Junior.

The day I almost lost my best friend

      My best friend Brooke, (a.k.a. B) was in a horrible car accident earlier this week. Earlier that day before heading to Narrows to see a friend, she drove me to work, and she was torn about whether she should go to Narrows or to a rodeo with another friend. She told me before I got out of the car that she had a bad feeling about going to Narrows, for some reason, and said she felt like something bad was going to happen. She went to Narrows anyway.

       Later that night, at 9:30, her bag fell from her passenger seat as she went back home. She leaned down to get the bag and the console compartment came open. That's when she flipped her car, coming out with a bad concussion; she hit her head and the car was on its side. She passed out and doesn't remember hitting her head, or flipping it, glass flying. I guess it's a blessing that she doesn't remember.
     
       I am always with B.  We do everything together in her 4-Runner: we cried together, we laughed together, we sang to the top of our lungs together, we talked about all our dreams and how obnoxious boys could be, together. The night of the crash we weren't together, and I regret that.

-Cassie Crisp

Five Daily Brain Teasers: May 19th

1. A man went into a party and drank some of the punch. He then left early. Everyone at the party who drunk the punch subsequently died of poisoning. Why did the man not die?         Answer: The poison from the punch came from the ice cubes. When the man drank the punch, the ice was fully frozen. Gradually, as the ice cubes melted the poison was released into the punch. 
2. A man is found dead one Saturday morning. He was killed while his wife was sleeping. The wife tells the police all that she knows. She tells them that the cook was cooking breakfast, the maid was cleaning and the butler was getting the mail. The police immediately arrest the person who is responsible. Who is responsible and why?                                                  Answer: The wife because she was sleeping, how could she know that all of that happened?! 
3. Paul's height is six feet, he's an assistant at a butcher's shop, and wears size 9 shoes. What does he weigh?                              Answer: Meat
4. What is as light as a feather, but even the world's strongest man couldn't hold it for more than a minute?                                     Answer: His breath.
5. What word describes a woman who does not have all her fingers on one hand?                                                       Answer: Normal- I wouldn't be happy if I had all ten fingers on one hand. 

For more brain teasers you can go to: BrainDen.com or Squigly's Brain Teasers. 

-Makayla Kowalski