The Perks of Being a Wallflower

By Jenna Lee Stevens

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, rated PG-13, is based on the best-selling novel by Stephen Chbosky, hits select movie theatres on September 21st. Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a must-see film.

The plot involves a teenager under the alias of “Charlie,” who narrates his coming-of-age experiences through a series of letters to an anonymous person. This personal touch effectively captures the inevitable highs and lows of growing up.
Therefore, the obstacles he faces and awkward adolescent moments he endures in high school relate to teenagers everywhere.
The critically acclaimed novel often generates controversy because of its explicit content. In fact, the American Library Association’s list of the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2009 placed The Perks of Being a Wallflower third.
Many school systems banned the book for its subject matter, including drug use, sexual content, homosexuality, and suicide. However, supporters of the novel would argue that such references make the story more genuine. Despite this criticism, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is an exceptional novel and a highly anticipated movie.

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Student Spotlight: The Crum Triplets

By Beth Kelly

As you may know, there are many different kinds of people in this world whether it be your average Joe or even a set of twins or triplets. At Cookeville High School there are three boys, Seth, Noah, and Zack Crum, who are triplets! Seth, Noah, and Zack were born on July 11 1996, in Lafayette, Indiana. They shortly after moved to Cookeville. This past July, they turned the sweet 16, and are now eligible to drive! Every year on their birthday, they usually just spend time with their family and have a relaxing day. Even though they are identical triplets, they each have their own unique style and personality. All three boys are active on the lacrosse team and very studious in school. Some studies show that there is a 1:200 million likelihood of having triplets. Other fun facts about triplets or multiples are that worldwide there are at least 125 million living multiples, and there is even a study that showed multiples have been known to develop their own “language” that only they understand. This is known as, cryptophasia or idioglossia. Overall Seth, Noah, and Zack Crum, enjoy being a set of 3 because it allows them to always have a friend wherever they may go.

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Teacher Spotlight: Kim Pack

By Aaron Phillips

In the spotlight this issue is that of Mrs. Kim Pack, a favorite of students in the science department we have here at CHS and winner of teacher of the year for 2010. I sat down to interview Mrs. Pack on her career in education and her opinions on famous science educators.

Q: When did you know that you wanted to go into the field of education?
A: In my sophomore year of college; I was a biochemistry major and my biology teacher
convinced me to tutor other biology students. I would’ve been going into research.

Q: Were there any other careers you had considered aside from biochemistry?
A: Yes, I had considered becoming a physician’s assistant.

Q: How long have you been teaching?
A: Nine years, all of which here at CHS.

Q: Why did you choose to go into teaching the subject of science?
A: I just liked it. I had enjoyed it throughout high-school. I had thought about doing pure math,
but I preferred the combination of math to science that comes with chemistry.

Q: Any hobbies in your spare time?
A: Does taking care of kids count!? No, I like to read, and to play video-games when I have the
time. Lego video games, they aren’t violent, it’s just blocks.

Q:What was your favorite high-school course?
A: I would have to say anatomy and physiology.

Q: Thoughts on Bill Nye.
A: Love him.

Q: Carl Sagan?
A: Strange, kind of creepy.

Q: Steven Hawking
A: Fascinating.

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Parent Teachers

By Alex Camuti

There are many Cavaliers whose parents also spend their days at CHS.
I discussed with Bethany Bray, junior, what she thought about having parents that work in the same school she attends. She told me that it is pretty convienent because she can always find them when she needs help on something or wants to ask them a question. Bethany also told me that she might have mixed feelings towards having parents who work at the school if students did not like having them as teachers.

I asked her what her parents thought about having a child in the school, and she told me this. "They think it's very nice because if they need to talk to me about something they always know where I am and can come see me in a matter of minutes." She also said that it is nice because if her grades ever start slipping or a class isn't going too well, her parents can always come and talk to the teacher about what's going on and usually get it straightened out in a short period of time. 
When I talked to Mr. Teeters about what his thoughts regarding having a child in the same school that he works in, he said,"It's a lot less of a hassle than when Cameron used to go to a different school. I can always find him if I need to talk to him and it's nice to not have to drive to another school after work and pick my son up. But I doubt he would say the same thing." So overall, the students who have parents that work at Cookeville High School like it because it makes certain things a lot easier. The kids enjoy being able to eat in their parents rooms and talk to them whenever they want to.

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The Movers and Shakers: The Global Soap Project

By Sarah Foy

Every year an estimated 2.4 million children die from hygiene and sanitation related issues. Yes, you read correctly. Millions of children around the world are dying because of issues that can be prevented by a bar of soap.

Now, letʼs go to America. 2.9 million bars of soap are discarded from hotel rooms in the U.S. everyday, many of which have been used only once or twice. Derek Kayongo, a CNN Hero, found a way to connect the lack and the waste to derive a solution. He calls it the Global Soap Project. He and several different volunteers collect the soap, shave off the grimy, used layer of the soap, and purify and melt it down to form fresh bars of soap. Because of the soap collected for over 900 hotels in North America, the Global Soap Project sends bars to twenty-three countries around the world.
What can you do to help? Itʼs as simple as telling the hotel your family stays in on vacations about Derek Kayongo and his mission. You can also donate or organize a fundraiser. One of the best ways to help, though, is to visit their warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia and scrape the soap yourself! To find out more details or contact Derek Kayongo about helping, visit www.globalsoap.com.

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Where Are They Now? Aaron Carter

By Rachel Fox

“I want candy!” A song line no 90’s child will ever forget. Aaron Carter sang this nostalgic song. But where is he now? His career started at age 7 as the lead singer of Dead End. Two years later, he made his first solo appearance, opening for The Backstreet Boys. In 1997, his first single, “Crush On You” was released. In 2000, his album, Aaron’s Party was released. In 2001, he appeared on Lizzy McGuire singing “I Want Candy”.

Where is he now? In 2008, Aaron got into some legal trouble. On February 21, Carter was pulled over in Texas for speeding. Authorities found less than two ounces of marijuana in his car. In 2009, Carter joined reality series Dancing With the Stars. He was eliminated on November 10, 2009 along with his dance partner, Caring Smirnoff, finishing in fifth place. At this time, he teamed up with Flo Rida to kick off his singing career again. August 22, 2010, Carter made an appearance in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, performing at a benefit concert for Audrianna Bartol, a 3-year-old girl with Stage 4 neuroblastoma cancer.
In 2011, Carter’s manager announced that he had entered rehab, “to heal some emotional and spiritual issues he was dealing with”. After entering rehab, Carter’s first statement to his fans was, “the main thing in his life is not to be afraid of being human”. In November of 2011, Carter starred in the off- Broadway production of The Fantasticks in New York City. He was cast as the role of Matt. In 2012, Carter was one of eight celebrities on the Food Network show Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off. He was eliminated on the first episode. Throughout 2012, Carter has made many single appearances. At age 24, Aaron Carter experienced a lot. That’s where he is today.

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Homecoming Week: Countries of the World or Superhero

Pictures courtesy of Blake Gentry

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Homecoming 2012

By Rebecca Kane and Kayla Hardin

Homecoming: An instance of returning home. When you think of homecoming, the first thing that comes to mind is probably "the big game" or hair and dressing up. Homecoming originated in the 1870s during the annual Harvard-Yale games. The schools invited many alumni to return 'home' for the big game. They didn't have "dress up week" or anything like that; they had activities like: rallies, parades, speeches and dances. Over the decades, homecoming has adopted more activities, culminating in our modern-day homecoming.

This year's homecoming theme is "Cavalier Olympics". The homecoming parade will be on Thursday, September 13th. Our opponent this year will be Warren County, who we will be playing on Friday, September 14th. Activities will include: Monday- doubles corn hole, Tuesday- egg balancing race, Wednesday- three legged race, Thursday- basketball shot from farthest distance, and last but not least, Friday- Pep Rally!
Our dress up days this year consist of: Monday- Superhero / Countries of the world, Tuesday- Hipster, Wednesday- Wacky Tacky / Twin Day, Thursday- Jersey Day, and Friday show your SPIRIT! - American Day.
Homecoming Representatives include Freshmen: Girls- Grace Cole and Andrea Ramrez, Boys- Nicolas Cruz and Taylor Hall, Sophomores: Girls- Sarah Sheets and Courtney Peirce, Boys- Jacob Hunt and Garrett Hawkins Junior: Girls- Emmie Acuff and Brandy McHenry, Boys- Seth Anderson and Gray Forrester and Seniors: Girls- Bailey Rose, Mariah Vinson, and Varsha Srinivasan; Boys: John Gleason, Coleman Hawkins, and Josh Craig.

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Sparta vs. Cookeville

By Stone Fagan

The Sparta against Cookeville rivalry has always been one of intense spirit, and usually domination by the latter. With new coach, Scott Cook leading the team this year, sights are high and intentions focused on success. The matchup was especially close this year, with Sparta sporting some impressive prospects, including quarterback Jake Young, along with Tommy Odom, Kayne Tollison, and River Boruff. However, Cookeville had Ryan Eberle leading the team as QB, making some key plays in passing yardage. “We always pride ourself in never giving up, and when it came down to crunch time we fought hard persevered, and were able to show Sparta who is still the best team around.”
Other players who made monumental contributions to the victory were Alex Sklavenitis, Chase Mabey, Cameron Germenis, Desmond Pincheon, and Jeff Riedel. The game was close, and Cookeville only pulled ahead in the last few minutes, beating the worthy opponent of Sparta.
Prior to the game was the first annual Cav Walk, a big hit, attracting many from the school, as well as representing many groups of the community. “It was pretty awesome. I got candy,” says Cookeville High Student Nathan Hammontree. Some clubs present were the Cookeville High swim team, Avery Trace football team, and most importantly, the Charger booth. Overall the night was a success, attracting much of the town, and achieving Cookeville’s 17th consecutive win against the Warriors

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Fall Funfest 2012

By Josh Huddleston

It’s about that time again, Cavaliers. The 17th annual Fall Funfest is coming to Cookeville September 7th and 8th. Presented by Operation CityScape, a state and nationally certified Main Street Program dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Cookeville’s downtown.

The festival offers food, music, arts and crafts, and events for kids and teens. It starts on Friday night, September 7th at 5:30 P.M and ends at 9:30 P.M, opening again at 9:30 A.M and ending at 9:30 P.M on Saturday. One major part of Fall Funfest is the Cookeville Cook-Off, put on by Kansas City Barbecue Society. Over 30 teams from Tennessee and other states will be competing for $1,000 in prize money and a place in the KCBS National Invitation.
If you’re a music lover there will be an assortment of live bands performing from a wide range of genres. Grammy-nominated Bluegrass band The Grascals will headline the event taking the stage at 8:00 P.M on Saturday. Local artisans will be set up selling jewelry, pottery, hand- blown glass, and woodworking. Over 80 different food items will be available ranging from churros to Greek food. For teens, the Skatepark is recently improved with a variety of new ramps.
For those who love to run, the Fun Fest 5K/10K FunRun begins at 7:00 A.M on Saturday morning with last-minute registration from 6:15 to 6:45 A.M. Awards will be given to the top male and female in each age group in addition to the top team. There will be $50 cash prizes for overall winners also. Several school organizations will be participating in Fall Funfest including the CHS Interact Club and Dance Team. Interact club will be picking up trash on Saturday. “ This is the biggest service project we do,” says Colleen Ryan, Interact Club President. “And our members highly anticipate it each year.”
Overall Fall Funfest will be an exciting weekend.

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