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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Lane Ward Successfully Takes Position as Principal of CHS

By Erica Dial

In a recent interview, Mr. Ward discussed his feelings towards the new position he had taken as principal at Cookeville High School. After serving at Cookeville High School for over a decade, Mr. Ward was able to take the position effortlessly. When asked about the transition, Mr. Ward spoke eagerly. “I was in an extraordinary position last year, in that I was able to serve as interim principal. I got a pretty good taste of what it was like to serve as a principal. I was able to learn and understand the demands of the job; something that most do not have the opportunity to do before actually taking the position of principal. I really know the school, our faculty and staff, and our student body. I couldn't walk away from the opportunity. I think so highly of our community and our school.”

As should be expected with a new job, difficulties have arisen with the start of the new school year. Mr. Ward enlightened me on the most difficult aspect of his job, which is the deluge of information he receives in each day. “The biggest problem for any administrator,” Mr. Ward reveals, “is the communication. Finding clean, consistent ways to communicate with faculty and staff has been the biggest challenge."

Unsurprisingly, as should be expected with a transition in administration, a few modifications in policy may take place this year. “The most notable change,” Mr. Ward explains, “that students will see early on, is the morning tardy policy. There are warnings for the first and second tardies, but an administrator must be involved after the third.” Most of the other policies are county-wide and will not require any immediate attention. Another change has occurred with cellphones. “The first offense, the student under question will receive a warning and a meeting with Mrs. Fillers, explaining the policy.” It is hoped that these changes will simplify and dilute the number of punishments. In order to prevent further wrongdoings, the administration aims to ensure that students understand that what they are doing is wrong and how to avoid the issue occurring multiple times.

When asked if he had any advice for the current students of Cookeville High School, Mr. Ward responded, “I believe in keeping things very simple. Students are in a school that provides the very best opportunities available. The secret in education lies in respecting and understanding the student. I would tell my students to work hard and do right, and things will take care of themselves.”

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Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Choate

By Aaron Phillips

This year in Charger we would like to introduce the Teacher Spotlight in order to individually recognize the admirable teachers we have here at Cookeville High School that go above and beyond for their students. This issue, I would like to put the spotlight on Mr. Michael Choate, Choir Director and well-respected teacher here at CHS. I sat down to talk with Mr. Choate on his reasoning behind going into teaching and his thoughts on this 2012-2013 school year.

By Blake Gentry

Q: When did you know that you wanted to go into teaching?

A: I never thought about doing anything else. My first-grade teacher inspired me to teach. Actually, she and I still stay in contact to this day.

Q: Were there any other careers you considered going into?

A:  A little before college, I considered going into musical performance, but I knew my heart was in teaching, or, the classroom.

Q: How long have you been teaching here at CHS?

A: I’ve been teaching full-time at CHS since 2005, with years part-time beforehand. I’ve taught eighteen years in total, at every grade level.

Q: As a teacher, what are your thoughts on this new schedule we have?

A: Any time there is a schedule change there are certain difficulties. This year’s downside is not having a full year of instruction with my freshmen. However, I have a full year with my performing students.

Q: What are your thoughts on this year’s choirs?

A: I’m very impressed with all of the classes so far, the numbers were high as far as students, but we’ve made great strides to become the best we can be.

Q: What all, instrument-wise, can you play?

A: Piano, I play organ for my church, St. Michaels, I was an all-state brass player in high school, and I have decent skills on the violin. I’ve never been able to get a grip on guitar though.

Q: What are some of your favorite modern artists?

A: I really like Coldplay, Michael Bublé, and Bonnie Raitt. Mostly easy listening stuff, especially after a long day at work.

Q: Thank you for all the efforts you put into our school’s fine arts, and for taking on the enormous classes you have at hand.

A: I know that I, like all of the teachers here feel like I have the best job in the world. The kids always give the energy you pour into them back; it’s a nice positive atmosphere.

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Cross Country Season Prospects

By Stone Fagan

Cookeville Cross Country is a sport full of hard work, tradition, and most of all, excellence.  With the team having won the region title three years straight, Coach Bill Wrasman doesn’t intend on giving it up this year.  Although the loss of seniors Justin Morgan and Chase Mussard was a minor setback, the team doesn’t plan on letting this affect their performance in the least.  Seniors Nathan Nelms and Courtney Thompson intend to go out with a bang this year, with a very enthusiastic look on how they intend to leave their mark on the sport.  Nelms, who started Cross Country in middle school, says, “I expect a great year, the camaraderie is high and I feel that will be to our favor.”  Thompson, who also ran alongside Nelms in middle school at Avery Trace, exclaims, “Our team has been working very hard over the summer and I believe this will be the best year yet.”

Other seniors this year are Ben Dean on the men’s team, and Haley Jackson on the women’s. The team will attend twelve meets this year, with regions at Bluff Fort in Dayton and state at Steeplechase in Nashville. New coach Leah Burnett, who joined the squad last year, has been a great addition to the team, and has enhanced the overall fluidity and spirit of the group.  With around forty overall runners, numbers are low this year, especially on the men’s team.  The lack of runners isn’t dampening anyone’s morale and their sights are high and futures bright.  The annual Ryan Burnett 5K is taking place again this year, with community involvement highly encouraged.  A large turnout is expected this year, so come out and support the Cookeville High School cross country team! Along with winning regions for the fourth straight year, the team plans on placing at least top ten in state.  The Cavs intend on winning meets and taking names this 2012 cross country season.

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Global Society of CHS

By Abdulwahab Alsager

As a student of CHS, I feel that I speak on behalf of everyone that we need to learn more about the world around us. What is going on in Burma? Is China really still communist? Just how much do we know about everything that is going on in the U.S and outside the U.S, and how can we, as free citizens of the world, help? This year, Mrs. Hawkins has decided to sponsor a new club. The Global Society is one which aims to raise awareness on both local and global issues, to promote the general welfare of the world community, and to inform students on topics which often garner little coverage by the American media. Wouldn’t it be amazing if a small family in Haiti were better able to survive the harsh conditions of its recovering nation, and had the Global Society of Cookeville High School to thank for that?

We intend to perform fundraisers to help others in poorer parts of the world, have speakers from organizations including Rotary International and the Tennessee World Affairs Council to CHS to address the students on international topics, inform the community of occurrences in neighboring counties and cities, and perform various community service projects, such as helping at the homeless shelter, planting trees, etc. Our goal is to be a moving force in Cookeville and the surrounding community, which has grown at a remarkable pace since the 1980’s. Many people from different parts of the world attend Tennessee Tech, which has increased our rate of diversity, and created a sizable foreign population in our small town. We hope that all of our efforts, alongside the help of our community and our teachers, will make Cookeville High School a more open place for students who are new to our school and our community. There are no dues. This is a great experiment CHS. Let’s make it last!

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