MEET A TIGER
ANNA LIPPY
"Kicking it Off with Anna Fernandez"
Welcome back to another year’s issue of Meet a Tiger! This is a series that highlights some of the unique qualities that make the athletes of Tucker so exceptional. Our school is heavily dedicated to sports, but there is way more to these student-athletes than their batting averages and weekly statistics or how far they can throw a football.
This month I interviewed a good friend of mine; a dedicated student, and one of the bravest people I know, Anna Fernandez. Over the last 2 years, I have made so many memories with her on the soccer field and at Younglife camps that have have been amazing. There are lots of stories I could share about Anna, but one of the first ones that come to mind is from our Younglife trip this summer. We spent a week at a camp called Windy Gap just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. We didn’t have our phones for the whole week, but we didn’t mind; we were too busy driving go-karts, zip-lining into the lake, and playing Octo-ball to notice. When it was our cabin’s turn to go on the ropes course, most of the girls were quick to get in line for the first level - but not Anna. She put her harness on and went straight to the third, most challenging level of the course! From where I was on the first level, the third level looked like it had some military-boot-camp obstacles. That didn’t stop her though, in fact, she finished before some of us that only did the first and second level. She is definitely one of the bravest people I know.
She also exceeds expectations in sports. On the soccer field, she was known for accidentally kicking more field goals than soccer goals, and I guess Coach Lamar took notice of that. This year she is the newest addition to the Tucker High School Football team, as a kicker! She is also in the IB program and participates in a number of school clubs, such as Habitat For Humanity. She is a very well-rounded individual and I have really enjoyed getting to know her better over the last three years. She is determined to succeed in everything she does, and I can’t wait to see where this new experience will lead her.
This month I interviewed a good friend of mine; a dedicated student, and one of the bravest people I know, Anna Fernandez. Over the last 2 years, I have made so many memories with her on the soccer field and at Younglife camps that have have been amazing. There are lots of stories I could share about Anna, but one of the first ones that come to mind is from our Younglife trip this summer. We spent a week at a camp called Windy Gap just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. We didn’t have our phones for the whole week, but we didn’t mind; we were too busy driving go-karts, zip-lining into the lake, and playing Octo-ball to notice. When it was our cabin’s turn to go on the ropes course, most of the girls were quick to get in line for the first level - but not Anna. She put her harness on and went straight to the third, most challenging level of the course! From where I was on the first level, the third level looked like it had some military-boot-camp obstacles. That didn’t stop her though, in fact, she finished before some of us that only did the first and second level. She is definitely one of the bravest people I know.
She also exceeds expectations in sports. On the soccer field, she was known for accidentally kicking more field goals than soccer goals, and I guess Coach Lamar took notice of that. This year she is the newest addition to the Tucker High School Football team, as a kicker! She is also in the IB program and participates in a number of school clubs, such as Habitat For Humanity. She is a very well-rounded individual and I have really enjoyed getting to know her better over the last three years. She is determined to succeed in everything she does, and I can’t wait to see where this new experience will lead her.
INTERVIEW:
- When you were a freshman or even a sophomore, did you see yourself kicking for the football team?
“Ever since I was little, I thought it would be super cool to be on a football team, but I never saw it as anything other than a dream. I never could have imagined being on a football team, until it actually happened. If someone told me this past summer that I would've been on a football team by the end of August, I would have laughed. It wasn’t until after I started kicking for football when I realized that I was actually on a football team.”
- How has the adjustment to a new sport been so far?
“Becoming a female football player has definitely been interesting and I’ve never experienced anything similar to this before. To begin, it took a lot of courage from me, that I honestly didn’t even know I had, to join the team. However, even after I was on the team, the whole situation still felt unreal. Joining the team after the season started also put me at a disadvantage because I didn’t have the summer to train with the team and get to know the players and the coaches. Looking back though, the Bufford game I went to as a fan, sitting in the stands and cheering for the team, feels so long ago because of this drastic change of becoming a football player.”
- How did you get involved with the football team?
“One of my friends recommended me to a coach so he told me to come to the kicker’s practice on a Sunday and then the Monday’s practice the next day. Thus, I show up to the kicker’s practice on Sunday, and I did absolutely terrible. It could be because I was out of town that whole weekend and I was exhausted or because that was my very first time kicking a football, ever. After that, I decided to not do football, but when I went to tell the coach after school on Monday, he told me to go home to get my cleats and clothes, come back, and kick. Turns out, I was better than the day before and I have been kicking ever since.”
- What other sports do you play?
- What are your techniques for balancing school, sports, and a social life? Especially since you are in the IB program
“I’ve always had a busy schedule, but doing football along with school, soccer, Young Life, Habitat for Humanity, and balancing my social life; certainly tested my time management skills. I had to take a step back from my life to look at my main priorities and what I not only wanted to focus on but what I needed to focus on. In doing so, I've realized that school is my first priority and then football and soccer and everything else to follow. I try to keep up with my schedule by using a planner and a calendar I keep at home.”
- What has been the best part about this experience? The worst?
“My favorite part about football is being able to experience something completely new and different than anything else I’ve done in the past. Football has also challenged me; mentally, physically, and tested my personal limits. Even though football allows me to experience ‘Friday Night Lights’ in a completely different way, I really miss cheering on the team by screaming at the top of my lungs from the stands, surrounded by friends.”
- Are you an NFL/ College football fan? If so, which teams do you root for?
“I love to follow college football (SEC). I consider myself to be a Dawg.”
- What do you intend to do after high school?
“I’m planning on attending college, but I don’t know if I am going to continue any sports, which scares me because I ’ve always been involved in sports. Honestly, I have ideas and fields I would like to study, but I don’t know what I want to major in. After college, is an even bigger question mark, but I would love to take time off to travel the world with friends and then go into a job. It’s all up in the air right now.”
- What do you like to do for fun, outside of school?
- Is there any advice you’d give to the next girl that joins the football team?
- Where is your favorite place to travel to? Why? Tell us about your last or most memorable trip there
- 5 fun facts about yourself:
I love to travel.
If you give me Chick-fil-A and/or coffee, I will love you forever.
I am obsessed with Christmas.
I spend a lot of my time at the beach in California.”
- Anything else you’d like people to know:
END OF INTERVIEW
Anna is such a great person who jumps at any opportunity for adventure. When you see her in the halls, make sure to congratulate her on all that she has accomplished and all that is to come. Plus, look for her on the field! She is number 81.
TSA
AKBAR KHAN
"C.O.R.E"
The Technology Student Association is a national student organization created to develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics as well as business education. At Tucker High School there are approximately 60 members within the 2018-2019 chapter. In order to develop said skills and education, there are multiple conferences and events scheduled throughout the year, which span from 1-3 days depending on the conference. The Tucker TSA officer team has recently come back from the first trip of the year called the Chapter Officer Retreat for Excellence, or C.O.R.E. This program is designed to provide Georgia TSA local chapter officers with an opportunity to develop interpersonal and leadership skills, gain necessary knowledge and abilities to carry out the duties of their individual offices, prepare a Chapter Program of Work for the upcoming year, and bond with their fellow officers. It is an annual event on September 14th-16th and takes place at The Kaplan Mitchell Retreat and Conference Center.
Tucker TSA officers had a great time at this retreat as they met many new members, alumni, and even the Georgia TSA State officers. We had the opportunity of presenting a powerpoint covering the topic of creating a template of a Plan Of Work (P.O.W.) to a plethora of TSA members from around the state. Prior to presenting said powerpoint, the officers decided to implement an “icebreaker” activity called Scatter to allow for a more comfortable environment, which enables the viewers to be relaxed in asking any questions or making any comments. Although the trip may seem work-induced, it is actually the most informal trip out of all five. In our spare time, they enjoyed playing ultimate frisbee with other members, participating in the C.O.R.E. olympics, and other activities. On their second day at the event, they received the TSA-famous “Spirit Stick”, which is given to schools who engage in helping out and making sure things run smoothly during the time of the trip. Overall, our officer team had a productive, fun, and ‘drating experience.
Follow Tucker High School TSA on Instagram @tucker_tsa to keep up with our progress
Follow Tucker High School TSA on Instagram @tucker_tsa to keep up with our progress
TAKE A BITE OUT OF THIS
HENRY DOMBROWSKI
"TUCKER MEAT MARKET"
Tucked away in an obscure corner of Tucker, nestled in between a quaint antique shop and an old rickety truck repair shop, lies a nearly hidden restaurant. The worn metal sign overhanging the white brick facade is lettered with jagged wooden letters spelling out Tucker Meat Market. The glass windows that line the storefront are plastered with images of assorted cuts of meats. The unassuming appearance of the place would hardly suggest to anyone that a culinary treasure could be hiding inside.
The interior is plainly decorated with nothing but an assortment of sticky notes, a single tv, and a miscellany of clutter that would not grace the walls of any high dining establishment. The single room is mostly occupied by a large glass display packed with enormous cuts of meat that spans the length of the back wall. The chairs and tables that are spread about the room verge on a line between aged and antique. The employees are genuinely warm and friendly, but hardly enthused to be there. Despite the unkempt appearance of the place, the restaurant radiates an unmistakably authentic rustic charm.
The interior is plainly decorated with nothing but an assortment of sticky notes, a single tv, and a miscellany of clutter that would not grace the walls of any high dining establishment. The single room is mostly occupied by a large glass display packed with enormous cuts of meat that spans the length of the back wall. The chairs and tables that are spread about the room verge on a line between aged and antique. The employees are genuinely warm and friendly, but hardly enthused to be there. Despite the unkempt appearance of the place, the restaurant radiates an unmistakably authentic rustic charm.
The menu primarily consists of burgers and ribs as one might expect from a “Meat Market”, but it includes exotic choices such as a bison burger. Perhaps the crowning glory of the menu however, is a burger deemed “the Mammoth.” It is a burger so glorious in its sheer size that it does not fail to satisfy its lofty name. It comes our served piping hot and buried in a thick wrap of aluminum foil. After the foil is peeled away it reveals the marvelous sight of thick layer of tenderly cooked brisket topping a juicy well cooked beef patty, all squished in between two white bread buns which seem dwarfed by the immense mound of meat in between them. It is served with a topping of sweet onions which blends perfectly with the strong savory flavor of the meet.
This delectable dish has been unarguably my favorite in the long line of burgers which I have eaten in my entire life. The Tucker Meat Market exceeded my wildest expectations, and delivered a sense of authentic adventure eating. Although it provides a culinary experience that is far from elegant, it is truly an undiscovered gem of Tucker.
This delectable dish has been unarguably my favorite in the long line of burgers which I have eaten in my entire life. The Tucker Meat Market exceeded my wildest expectations, and delivered a sense of authentic adventure eating. Although it provides a culinary experience that is far from elegant, it is truly an undiscovered gem of Tucker.
Robotalk
chistopher maclin
"vex"
VEX is a robotics competition where students must build a robot to complete multiple tasks on a game field. During the process of creating a robot, they must document their progress in a professional journal and a Binder that must show accurate brainstorming. They are judged on their use of the engineering design process, and how they perform as a team throughout the year. VEX competitors include students from middle school, high school, and college. The challenge or game changes every year, and the games are extremely strategy based, and teams must come up with an idea and create a robot that completes the tasks. This year’s challenge is called Turning Point. There are three different tasks to complete on the field; it contains game pieces like balls, flags, caps, and parking platforms. Balls are used to shoot at high flags that are on the side of the field. Caps are flipped to the team’s color and then placed on post around the field. And at the end of the game robots can park on platforms for extra points. The team at the end of the match with the most points wins the match.
Tucker currently has five different teams that include all grade levels. Throughout the year they will compete in multiple tournaments that can qualify the teams for state. And while at state teams can compete to qualify for Worlds. Worlds contains the best teams from all numerous countries from around the world to compete in Louisville, Kentucky to find out who is the best in the World. The first tournament that four of Tucker teams will compete and hopefully bring back some trophies, is at South Forsyth High School on October 6th, 2018.
DEAF CULTURE
lejla alijevic
"the Difference Between Hearing Loss and Deafness"
Deafness and hearing loss have many causes and can happen at any age. People can go deaf from a virus, or lose their hearing over time because of disease, nerve damage, or injury caused by noise. Babies can get born to be deaf, because of genetic factors. The term “hearing impaired” is used to describe people with any degree of hearing loss, from mild to profound, including those who are deaf and those who are hard of hearing. “Deaf” usually refers to a hearing loss so severe that there is very little or no functional hearing.
When a person cannot understand speech through hearing, even when sound is louder. Profound deafness refers to a total lack of hearing. An individual with profound deafness is unable to detect sound at all. A hearing loss of up to 20 decibels below the hearing is still considered to be normal hearing. More severe hearing loss can be described according to severity, as follows:
Mild hearing loss: Hearing loss of 20 to 40 decibels.
Moderate hearing loss: Hearing loss of 41 to 60 decibels.
When a person cannot understand speech through hearing, even when sound is louder. Profound deafness refers to a total lack of hearing. An individual with profound deafness is unable to detect sound at all. A hearing loss of up to 20 decibels below the hearing is still considered to be normal hearing. More severe hearing loss can be described according to severity, as follows:
Mild hearing loss: Hearing loss of 20 to 40 decibels.
Moderate hearing loss: Hearing loss of 41 to 60 decibels.
SURVIVING SENIOR YEAR
NOOR UL HOODA
"GET ORGANIZED"
Senior in High School is the busiest yet the most exciting phase in the life of every young student. A teenager's future may be determined on the way he/she performs in the last stage of his/her high school life. Pressures to have the friends, join the school clubs and get high grades can be an overwhelming experience. But, there are several ways for Senior high students to properly manage time, balance school, social activities and manage family time. In this paper, I would elaborate some tips that can help us, Senior High School students to be handle stressors in school and achieve a balanced student life.
First among the list would be Planning. Planning is the essential step in proper time management. We can use a school planner to help us keep track of assignments, deadlines, and future activities. These can be organized by making a daily checklist of things that must be completed.
Prioritizing the checklist from most to the least important will let us know how much time to allot for each task. It would be a good idea to prioritize tasks that are most difficult to be completed because finishing a difficult task first would lighten our load early on. With this, we would be left with the easier task that requires less time and effort. Moreover, planning to use our vacant time for other task during the school day is another way to micro-manage. Successful student use vacants to complete tasks on their daily checklist.
Another way to reduce stress and manage time is to make sure that our personal space is organized. Lockers, bedrooms, and study areas can cause distractions if they are unorganized. It is important to create good organizational skills to ensure that we are not wasting time and energy searching in piles of paper to find an assignment. Moreover, planning on the night before school day will help us minimize stress during the morning. It is advised to plan outfits the night before to avoid rushing around in the morning. Prepare school supplies, assignment, and have them placed inside our backpack the night before are great ways we can plan ahead.
Another way to achieve balance in our student lives would be to set realistic goals. Goal setting can help us manage our time by enabling us to follow a series of action to achieve those goals. It is important for us to set realistic goals. If our goals are impossible to achieve, we will be setting ourselves up for failure. It is a must for us to understand the difference between setting goals that are challenging and difficult versus unattainable and unrealistic.
First among the list would be Planning. Planning is the essential step in proper time management. We can use a school planner to help us keep track of assignments, deadlines, and future activities. These can be organized by making a daily checklist of things that must be completed.
Prioritizing the checklist from most to the least important will let us know how much time to allot for each task. It would be a good idea to prioritize tasks that are most difficult to be completed because finishing a difficult task first would lighten our load early on. With this, we would be left with the easier task that requires less time and effort. Moreover, planning to use our vacant time for other task during the school day is another way to micro-manage. Successful student use vacants to complete tasks on their daily checklist.
Another way to reduce stress and manage time is to make sure that our personal space is organized. Lockers, bedrooms, and study areas can cause distractions if they are unorganized. It is important to create good organizational skills to ensure that we are not wasting time and energy searching in piles of paper to find an assignment. Moreover, planning on the night before school day will help us minimize stress during the morning. It is advised to plan outfits the night before to avoid rushing around in the morning. Prepare school supplies, assignment, and have them placed inside our backpack the night before are great ways we can plan ahead.
Another way to achieve balance in our student lives would be to set realistic goals. Goal setting can help us manage our time by enabling us to follow a series of action to achieve those goals. It is important for us to set realistic goals. If our goals are impossible to achieve, we will be setting ourselves up for failure. It is a must for us to understand the difference between setting goals that are challenging and difficult versus unattainable and unrealistic.
Also as Seniors, we must observe good study habits. It is best to establish a regular study routine. Cramming before a big day is an ineffective way to maximize learning potential. Time is better utilized by studying in smaller parts until the day of exam rather than cramming it all in with a long, late night
review session. Taking pauses are important for the student to be able to recharge and better retain the information. By following a study routine that takes place during a regular time, the student can plan tasks around this time, and ensure proper study time is followed.
Moreover, an effective study habit can be attained by reinforcing the day's learning by reviewing the class notes for the day. By recalling the information while it is still fresh in the mind, students will find it easier to retain the information the next day. This mind exercise will make studying easier as exams draw closer.
It sure is hard for us to balance academics, extracurricular activities, as well as a family and social life, as these areas are important in our life. But with proper organization and time management, we can surely alot time for each.
Lastly, In order for us to maintain balance, manage our time and complete the demands of our senior year life, it is important to take care of our physical and mental health. As the saying goes, "The mind and body are not separate. What affects one affects the other." So we have to keep them both healthy and strong.
So we should not just be concerned with getting things done, but we should also take good care of ourselves. We should make sure that we get a proper amount of sleep at night. This is one of the most basic way to properly participate in an effective time management. A decent amount of sleep keep us sharp and focus for the day. Also lastly, feed the body with good food and the mind with good thoughts.
review session. Taking pauses are important for the student to be able to recharge and better retain the information. By following a study routine that takes place during a regular time, the student can plan tasks around this time, and ensure proper study time is followed.
Moreover, an effective study habit can be attained by reinforcing the day's learning by reviewing the class notes for the day. By recalling the information while it is still fresh in the mind, students will find it easier to retain the information the next day. This mind exercise will make studying easier as exams draw closer.
It sure is hard for us to balance academics, extracurricular activities, as well as a family and social life, as these areas are important in our life. But with proper organization and time management, we can surely alot time for each.
Lastly, In order for us to maintain balance, manage our time and complete the demands of our senior year life, it is important to take care of our physical and mental health. As the saying goes, "The mind and body are not separate. What affects one affects the other." So we have to keep them both healthy and strong.
So we should not just be concerned with getting things done, but we should also take good care of ourselves. We should make sure that we get a proper amount of sleep at night. This is one of the most basic way to properly participate in an effective time management. A decent amount of sleep keep us sharp and focus for the day. Also lastly, feed the body with good food and the mind with good thoughts.
✨HOCO 2018✨
just my opinion
JALEN FREEMAN
"WHAT HAPPENED TO HOMECOMING?"
Homecoming is a massive American tradition that celebrates the returning of former students and alumni back to their former schools and organizations that is held annually usually around the beginning of football season. Homecoming has long been celebrated by everyone, Tucker not excluded; when Tucker had Homecoming, you could tell because maroon and gold was plastered on the streets, thunderous applause could be heard from the gym from our excitement, and the football games could be confused for the Super Bowl. However, compared to previous years when Tucker was known for its enduring spirit of community, Homecoming at Tucker is not what it used to be. In recent years, there has been a lack of school spirit that makes many students unenthusiastic about the year's festivities and lack of pride in being a part of the Tucker community. Students no longer want to fully participate like the generations before us due to the lack of pride compared to what it used to be. Homecoming used to be a grand celebration that the students and teachers would go out in full droves, willing to see the pep rally and parade. That is not the case anymore as now students have to be forced to go see the pep rally and parade. Homecoming at Tucker in 2018 is only the most bare bones of previous years and Tucker may be in on its last legs to save this once sacred tradition.
Homecoming week always starts with Spirit Week; a time where each day we can look forward to having a little bit of fun that builds the anticipation for the big game on Friday night. I personally love this week because it gives every student a chance to wear something unorthodox and provide a much-needed injection of school vitality through the halls. It’s a breath of fresh air from the usual dress code for that we are compelled to follow every day for the four years we’re here. However, when it comes to the themes, we have been recycling the same ones over and over again. Ask any person who’s been at Tucker for longer than two years and they can tell you that we do tend to keep the same categories on rotation. This year we had character, twin, tacky, blackout, and spirit day which is not that different from what we had two years ago. Another fiasco was the do-rag incident, where a group of like-minded individuals wanted to start something new for the sake of adding on to the controlled form of spirit week, yet they were shot down by administrators thus making the do-rags a fun gimmick for a day a statement against the oppressiveness of trying something new. In this way a week dedicated to inflating the school’s spirit deflated our spirits more like balloons instead. Just to be reiterate, spirit weeks are great but if the point of the week is to be exciting and unexpected to see what people are going to do we should have a greater diversity for what should be allowed and would actually be beneficial to amass the school’s spirit even more.
The most important part of any tradition to me is the pregaming, to get people hyped for the Homecoming dance and the game. I do mildly enjoy the pep rallies for what they are, a way to show off the new school year’s football team, cheerleading squad, band, etc. Despite that, the pep rallies and parades of recent years have been dull. The students are forced and crammed into the gym’s bleachers and have to endure almost an hour of the same meticulously programmed pep rally. They announce the band, the cheerleaders shake their pom-poms, the dancers do the same routine from last year, etc etc. By the end of all of those, we clap because we’re meant to clap not because it’s super interesting. However, this year was something different; something unique and exciting crept into the usual pep rally program. We had a special performance from the JROTC’s step team, which was well executed, new, and exciting; we applauded in the middle of it because we were excited about their dance. We applauded during the singing of the National Anthem because they performed fantastically; students and teachers enjoy seeing the unexpected from Tucker, holding onto traditions does not mean always having to do the same things.
Still, a part of the pregame is the parade; part two of the prelude to the Homecoming game and dance. The parade is another way to show off the clubs and activities the school offers with banners and floats. However, only a few clubs these days actually participate in the homecoming parade. Few clubs spend the time and energy to create a banner or great float. Many do so at the last minute, with amateur, if not disastrous results. My club, Collage Magazine, only got asked to on the Wednesday before the parade, we optioned out knowing we didn’t have enough time to represent the way we wanted to. The damp air and oppressive heat did not quell the enthusiasm from participants, but the audience suffered terribly as we stood in the muggy air watching the clubs go past. This is always the case when there's nothing exciting except for seeing the Homecoming court, the band/cheerleaders/dancers, or seeing someone you know.
As for the Homecoming game, school-spirit and participation were at an all-time high. Teachers, students, and administrators showed in mass attendance flaunting Tucker colors and displayed their ecstatic mood about the game. Seniors painted themselves in support of Tucker, chants echoed across Adams stadium and erupted in surplus all over the place. The football game held a demeanor shared by everyone there when Tucker scored flags were waved and cheers were shouted. At the games, I feel the school spirit truly shines through as we see a massive wave of support from everyone in the school. Halftime brought more nostalgia and heartfelt moments as we combined the Homecoming King and Queen. This kind of excitement and spectacle is what Tucker needs more of to unite and receive school spirit. Finally when Tucker won, 34-18, we celebrated by taking a victory lap with the Tucker flags out of spirit and pride which was at an all-time high. This was a completely different picture than our parade or pep rally this was pure joy at being a Tucker Tiger.
Then finally was the Homecoming dance, the apex of Homecoming week. When I arrived at the dance at 7:15 hardly anyone was there and there were only six tables in total in the gym, so I already expected the worse. I was, however, proven, wrong because after sitting on the bleachers for around 30 minutes droves of people started poured in; everyone I saw was incredibly well dressed. It was only at that point where the mood of the room shifted from an awkward get together to an actual dance and people started to congregate on the dance floor and participate. The DJ played popular songs to get the crowd moving and eventually, dance circles started springing up one after the other so that students could show off their dance skills.
Soon afterward they told everyone to leave the dance floor to present the Homecoming court, and though I’m happy for the kings and queens, their celebration at the dance was pretty underwhelming because all they got was their name mentioned and some cheers from the audience, and then the dance continued as if nothing had happened. Another issue was that due to a lack of air-conditioning, the gym quickly turned into a sauna and because they would not let anyone leave the gym and comeback we were stuck in the musty gym until you or your party decided to leave of your own accord thus making many people upset and having the feeling of being trapped. However, overall it was a great night full of great moments of laughter, enjoyment, and dancing which I honestly thought would not be present from all that I heard of the Homecoming dance.
There was once immense pride around Homecoming felt by teachers and students alike that inexplicably faded. However, I’m optimistic of Tucker’s future regarding school spirit because it is not completely gone, just worn out, and from what I’ve experienced this week it can be easily reinvigorated for future generations of Tucker students. I not only believe Homecoming can make a comeback but many other of Tucker’s former traditions which have been overshadowed can comeback and show the true spirit of what Tucker once was.
The most important part of any tradition to me is the pregaming, to get people hyped for the Homecoming dance and the game. I do mildly enjoy the pep rallies for what they are, a way to show off the new school year’s football team, cheerleading squad, band, etc. Despite that, the pep rallies and parades of recent years have been dull. The students are forced and crammed into the gym’s bleachers and have to endure almost an hour of the same meticulously programmed pep rally. They announce the band, the cheerleaders shake their pom-poms, the dancers do the same routine from last year, etc etc. By the end of all of those, we clap because we’re meant to clap not because it’s super interesting. However, this year was something different; something unique and exciting crept into the usual pep rally program. We had a special performance from the JROTC’s step team, which was well executed, new, and exciting; we applauded in the middle of it because we were excited about their dance. We applauded during the singing of the National Anthem because they performed fantastically; students and teachers enjoy seeing the unexpected from Tucker, holding onto traditions does not mean always having to do the same things.
Still, a part of the pregame is the parade; part two of the prelude to the Homecoming game and dance. The parade is another way to show off the clubs and activities the school offers with banners and floats. However, only a few clubs these days actually participate in the homecoming parade. Few clubs spend the time and energy to create a banner or great float. Many do so at the last minute, with amateur, if not disastrous results. My club, Collage Magazine, only got asked to on the Wednesday before the parade, we optioned out knowing we didn’t have enough time to represent the way we wanted to. The damp air and oppressive heat did not quell the enthusiasm from participants, but the audience suffered terribly as we stood in the muggy air watching the clubs go past. This is always the case when there's nothing exciting except for seeing the Homecoming court, the band/cheerleaders/dancers, or seeing someone you know.
As for the Homecoming game, school-spirit and participation were at an all-time high. Teachers, students, and administrators showed in mass attendance flaunting Tucker colors and displayed their ecstatic mood about the game. Seniors painted themselves in support of Tucker, chants echoed across Adams stadium and erupted in surplus all over the place. The football game held a demeanor shared by everyone there when Tucker scored flags were waved and cheers were shouted. At the games, I feel the school spirit truly shines through as we see a massive wave of support from everyone in the school. Halftime brought more nostalgia and heartfelt moments as we combined the Homecoming King and Queen. This kind of excitement and spectacle is what Tucker needs more of to unite and receive school spirit. Finally when Tucker won, 34-18, we celebrated by taking a victory lap with the Tucker flags out of spirit and pride which was at an all-time high. This was a completely different picture than our parade or pep rally this was pure joy at being a Tucker Tiger.
Then finally was the Homecoming dance, the apex of Homecoming week. When I arrived at the dance at 7:15 hardly anyone was there and there were only six tables in total in the gym, so I already expected the worse. I was, however, proven, wrong because after sitting on the bleachers for around 30 minutes droves of people started poured in; everyone I saw was incredibly well dressed. It was only at that point where the mood of the room shifted from an awkward get together to an actual dance and people started to congregate on the dance floor and participate. The DJ played popular songs to get the crowd moving and eventually, dance circles started springing up one after the other so that students could show off their dance skills.
Soon afterward they told everyone to leave the dance floor to present the Homecoming court, and though I’m happy for the kings and queens, their celebration at the dance was pretty underwhelming because all they got was their name mentioned and some cheers from the audience, and then the dance continued as if nothing had happened. Another issue was that due to a lack of air-conditioning, the gym quickly turned into a sauna and because they would not let anyone leave the gym and comeback we were stuck in the musty gym until you or your party decided to leave of your own accord thus making many people upset and having the feeling of being trapped. However, overall it was a great night full of great moments of laughter, enjoyment, and dancing which I honestly thought would not be present from all that I heard of the Homecoming dance.
There was once immense pride around Homecoming felt by teachers and students alike that inexplicably faded. However, I’m optimistic of Tucker’s future regarding school spirit because it is not completely gone, just worn out, and from what I’ve experienced this week it can be easily reinvigorated for future generations of Tucker students. I not only believe Homecoming can make a comeback but many other of Tucker’s former traditions which have been overshadowed can comeback and show the true spirit of what Tucker once was.
Class of ‘09 vs Class of ‘19
[Millennials vs Post-Millenials]
[Millennials vs Post-Millenials]
High school graduation is widely regarded as a pivotal point in one’s life. While a high school diploma holds significant value for those seeking higher education, graduation itself marks a grander, all-encompassing, milestone: the commencement of our adult lives.
Tucker High School, founded in 1916, has now seen 100 graduating classes--the Class of 2019 coming in 101st, missing the centennial mark by just a single year! Upon reaching alumni status, graduates are welcomed back for an annual celebration each fall consisting of a football home-game, a school dance, and other spirit themed events which together we know as Homecoming week. Homecoming has become a popular tradition in most schools and colleges, typically well received by the student-bodies as a way to show pride in the establishment and existence of their schools.
This past September, we celebrated our Homecoming here at Tucker, welcoming back alumni from various years. As a member of Tucker’s Class of 2019 myself, a class I find noteworthy is that of 10 years ago: Tucker’s Class of 2009.
Tucker High School, founded in 1916, has now seen 100 graduating classes--the Class of 2019 coming in 101st, missing the centennial mark by just a single year! Upon reaching alumni status, graduates are welcomed back for an annual celebration each fall consisting of a football home-game, a school dance, and other spirit themed events which together we know as Homecoming week. Homecoming has become a popular tradition in most schools and colleges, typically well received by the student-bodies as a way to show pride in the establishment and existence of their schools.
This past September, we celebrated our Homecoming here at Tucker, welcoming back alumni from various years. As a member of Tucker’s Class of 2019 myself, a class I find noteworthy is that of 10 years ago: Tucker’s Class of 2009.
CLASS OF 2008-2009
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CLASS OF 2018-2019
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Today, Class of 2009 graduates are around age 27/28, leading adult lives that might look quite different had they graduated this year. The decade which falls between us has altered our high school experiences-- for better and for worse. Just as we have navigated through our elementary, middle and high schools as members of a graduating class, we will find ourselves navigating through the real world and the milestones ahead, together, almost as members of a larger cohort, our world views shaped by the events we grew up with.
Marketers and trend forecasters mark these so called “cohorts” as generations. The Class of 2009 belongs to Generation Y (born between 1980 and 1995)-- also known as Millennials-- while the Class of 2019, belongs to the following generation, beginning in 1996 known as Generation Z.
“Its 5th grade. Obama was elected President a few weeks ago. Twilight just hit theaters. Live Your Life by T.I. is the number one song. Everyone is wearing plaid shorts. Phones are sliding and revealing
Marketers and trend forecasters mark these so called “cohorts” as generations. The Class of 2009 belongs to Generation Y (born between 1980 and 1995)-- also known as Millennials-- while the Class of 2019, belongs to the following generation, beginning in 1996 known as Generation Z.
“Its 5th grade. Obama was elected President a few weeks ago. Twilight just hit theaters. Live Your Life by T.I. is the number one song. Everyone is wearing plaid shorts. Phones are sliding and revealing
This is how most of us in Generation Z recall the years 2008-2009, gems of our elementary days. A Millennial, however, would likely describe a more nuanced recollection, as these were their adolescent years, graduating high school amidst a starkly different climate in pop culture, politics, and the economy to name a few. I sat down with Rodney Reeves, a graduate of Tucker’s Class of 2009, to discuss experiences he felt defined his generation through high school and beyond.
Interviewer: Nafekot Tadesse, Senior, Tucker Class of 2019
Interviewee: Rodney Reeves, Alumnus, Tucker Class of 2009
Interviewer: Nafekot Tadesse, Senior, Tucker Class of 2019
Interviewee: Rodney Reeves, Alumnus, Tucker Class of 2009
- Share a bit about yourself: (Name, age, where you’re from, where you currently reside...)
- My name is Rodney Reeves, I am 27, and am from the great city of Tucker! We moved around a little bit when I was younger but Tucker is where I spent the majority of my adolescent years. I currently live in Mableton, GA, on the complete opposite side of I-285 in Cobb County.
- My name is Rodney Reeves, I am 27, and am from the great city of Tucker! We moved around a little bit when I was younger but Tucker is where I spent the majority of my adolescent years. I currently live in Mableton, GA, on the complete opposite side of I-285 in Cobb County.
- What was unique about your experience at Tucker? What did you enjoy most/least? (Sports, academic programs teachers/administration, old campus/building, anything else unique to your time here...)
- When I was there, Tucker was a unique collection of different cultures, races, and backgrounds. From what I could remember, mostly everyone got along pretty well with one another, despite the differences. There were the occasional fights but that’s to be expected with teenage hormones.
- I enjoyed the most the sense of pride that students and faculty had for Tucker, as it had a great offering of academic excellence and athletic achievement (we won the state title in football for the first time my senior year). I still remember vividly seeing teachers and students interacting and cheering on the Tigers at sporting events.
- I didn’t enjoy the trailers we were forced to use my senior year. That year, Tucker was going through the last year in its original building and had just begun constructing the new building that stands there today. I remember having to not wear white sneakers when it rained because when you had a class in a trailer (not if, because everyone had at least one class in a trailer), your sneakers would be destroyed trudging through dirt and mud.
- When I was there, Tucker was a unique collection of different cultures, races, and backgrounds. From what I could remember, mostly everyone got along pretty well with one another, despite the differences. There were the occasional fights but that’s to be expected with teenage hormones.
- How would you characterize Tucker’s class of 2009, and/or millennials in general in comparison to Gen Z? Can you identify any common traits shared between members of our generations?
- In my opinion, the class of 2009 still had a connection to more traditional ways of communicating and expressing ourselves. Back then, only Facebook was around and it was still growing as far as its impact goes. Social media was just becoming a thing. We also grew up with dial-up internet, VHS, and even CD players. Nowadays, everything is on demand and usually available on your phone. I feel for some in Generation Z, this can lead to a sense of feeling disconnected or lacking in being able to communicate effectively outside of the different social media platforms they use.
- Some common traits between our generations is that we are both creative, taking on challenges previous generations dismissed, we are both inherently good at technology since we have had it available at our fingertips for a while, entrepreneurial in that we both are looking to break out of traditional job expectations and looking to build our own businesses/brands.
- In my opinion, the class of 2009 still had a connection to more traditional ways of communicating and expressing ourselves. Back then, only Facebook was around and it was still growing as far as its impact goes. Social media was just becoming a thing. We also grew up with dial-up internet, VHS, and even CD players. Nowadays, everything is on demand and usually available on your phone. I feel for some in Generation Z, this can lead to a sense of feeling disconnected or lacking in being able to communicate effectively outside of the different social media platforms they use.
- Do you recall any ways millennials had advantages in high school in comparison to Gen Z? How about the disadvantages?
- I can’t really think of any distinct advantages we had back then versus the class of 2019. As far as disadvantages, I think the one I can pinpoint is that social media plays a much bigger role in how you view yourself. This can work well for some but in a lot of cases, it can have you viewing yourself in comparison to others constantly.
- I can’t really think of any distinct advantages we had back then versus the class of 2019. As far as disadvantages, I think the one I can pinpoint is that social media plays a much bigger role in how you view yourself. This can work well for some but in a lot of cases, it can have you viewing yourself in comparison to others constantly.
- Describe specific forms and mediums of technology that were popular amongst your senior class. How did this shape your social lives? How did it shape your interactions with music/movies/other pop culture?
- Youtube and Facebook were two of the big mediums of technology I remember. Both had been around for a little while but were starting to make a big impact on culture. iPods were still big back then (I had 2 iPods at one point. Good times). Flip phones like the Motorola Razor were big as well.
- Socially, it made entertainment more portable than it had previously been so whatever was hot at the time would spread much quicker than before. It shaped my interactions with pop culture by making it seem like we were closer to favorite celebrities and people of influence than ever before.
- Youtube and Facebook were two of the big mediums of technology I remember. Both had been around for a little while but were starting to make a big impact on culture. iPods were still big back then (I had 2 iPods at one point. Good times). Flip phones like the Motorola Razor were big as well.
- Looking back, which trends do you laugh at the most (fashion, celebrities, slang, etc.)? Are there any you have found aged well?
- This was the toughest question to answer. As far as fashion or slang goes, I don’t think there was anything out of the ordinary I can remember that swept over the school. As far as celebrities/music goes, I remember Swag Surfin’ and You’re a Jerk being big songs that had dances that everyone would do. You can guess how well those aged...
- This was the toughest question to answer. As far as fashion or slang goes, I don’t think there was anything out of the ordinary I can remember that swept over the school. As far as celebrities/music goes, I remember Swag Surfin’ and You’re a Jerk being big songs that had dances that everyone would do. You can guess how well those aged...
- The financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent election of the nation’s first Black president, Barack Obama, went down as some of the decade’s most defining events, can you describe the impact these events had on your generation?
- I did not really feel a big impact from the financial crisis that I can recall. I was entering college at the time, not working and not really fully aware of the ramifications of this type of event. I did see my parents experience some after-effects from the financial crisis but I avoided going home as much as possible so I didn’t really take account of it as I would now.
- President Obama’s election was transformational. I remember feeling down a little bit because I was unable to actually vote in the 2008 election since my 18th birthday was almost exactly a month away from the election date. But the entire atmosphere after his election was electric.
- I did not really feel a big impact from the financial crisis that I can recall. I was entering college at the time, not working and not really fully aware of the ramifications of this type of event. I did see my parents experience some after-effects from the financial crisis but I avoided going home as much as possible so I didn’t really take account of it as I would now.
You saw people everywhere with Obama shirts on, that Young Jeezy song ‘My President is Black’ was playing every day at one point and just a general uplifting spirit for a while. We watched the inauguration in class, something that had never happened before. I remember specifically at one point growing up thinking
that we would get a black president probably when I was in my 50s so to see it happen when it did was incredible.
- Can you share your educational background with us? Can you describe how the general attitude towards higher education and its alternatives in 2009 compares to that of now?
- After graduating from Tucker, I enrolled at The University of Georgia and received my bachelor’s degree from there in 2014. I feel like the attitude towards higher education when I was entering college was more positive and traditional versus now. I think entering college, it was still widely viewed as a necessity to achieve anything. As I went on in school, I feel like that perception started to disappear as more people in my generation were graduating and not finding jobs.
- As of now, I can’t say for sure since I don’t talk to too many people in generation Z, but I believe higher education is being seen more as optional and potentially helpful to achieving success compared to being viewed as mandatory.
- After graduating from Tucker, I enrolled at The University of Georgia and received my bachelor’s degree from there in 2014. I feel like the attitude towards higher education when I was entering college was more positive and traditional versus now. I think entering college, it was still widely viewed as a necessity to achieve anything. As I went on in school, I feel like that perception started to disappear as more people in my generation were graduating and not finding jobs.
- Millennials are frequently criticized for their “extended adolescence”--taking too long to settle down in comparison to their “Baby Boomer” parents--do you agree? If yes, why do you think this is so? Have you seen it in your own life/friends’ lives?
- I think the premise of this is false. Any extended adolescence we may have is a direct result of the heavy burden that student loans have created on our financial well-being. It may also result from the after-effects of the recession many of us graduated in the midst of. It’s tough to even think about settling down when you are strapped with debt that you can’t write off.
- I have seen this play out with friends and myself to a certain extent. I have a few friends that are living at home with their parents in order to get rid of their debts before starting their own family. I was also in a situation where I had to stay at home longer than I wanted to so that I could catch up with student loan payments before moving out.
- I think the premise of this is false. Any extended adolescence we may have is a direct result of the heavy burden that student loans have created on our financial well-being. It may also result from the after-effects of the recession many of us graduated in the midst of. It’s tough to even think about settling down when you are strapped with debt that you can’t write off.
- Do you feel as though ten years have passed since you graduated? Have you maintained any friendships over the years?
- Do you have any advice/final remarks you’d like to share with this year’s seniors, as it pertains to life after high school?
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