Tag Archives: Sara Sanner

April 1, 2011 · 12:52 pm

Administration gambles with ‘Vegas’ prom

By: Sara Sanner

Despite information given on recently issued prom invitations, changes have been made for the “Evening in Vegas” prom. Also, due to issues that took place at last year’s “Parisian Promenade” prom, several changes will be implemented for the upcoming annual dance.
The Thad Cochran Center just recently pulled their partnership with the juniors for prom due to awareness dealing with last year’s complications regarding alcohol consumption and minor violence that led the center’s managers to ban the school from using the facility again. Although this was an initial issue, this year’s junior class officers found the OGHS gymnasium to be a sufficient facility that will be perfect to host the dance. An additional change includes the time the dance will take place.
School administrators, along with members of security, are enforcing a time of 5:00-8:00 p.m. for the dance and 8:00-10:00 p.m. for the breakfast to ensure that all students are home by 10:30 p.m. “Proms that take place at earlier times have shown to be exceedingly safer than those who start late [past OGHS proms]. We made this decision with the absolute best interest of our students in mind,” Assistant Principal Sheila Kribbs said.
Last year’s complaints of revealing, distasteful clothing have led to a minor dress code check that will be performed on each student at the door, more specifically, the girls. Slits in dresses can be no higher than the lower knee and strapless dresses are prohibited. Also, to eliminate vulgar dancing, the lights of the gym will remain on throughout the entire dance. Principal Wayne Folkes said, “Students will actually be able to see their dates’ faces now. Imagine that!”
The juniors also wanted to spice up the musical aspect of the dance, as well as appeal to all musical tastes, and decided to go “unplugged.” The traditional DJ will be replaced by local bands including the Sweet Southern Comfort Trio and Hammer Smash Face who will play throughout the night, providing an array of exciting, versatile music. “Students complained that the DJ last year only played a certain genre of music, so this year we want to make the majority of students happy with the music on their special night,” junior class secretery Taylor Nace said.
Because the dance is now in the gymnasium, the breakfast will  be held in the school cafeteria for convenience. This will not only help the juniors with their limited budget, but also with prom attendees’ budgets. The new breakfast facility will eliminate the need for expensive prom busses and limos, leaving students with more money to spend elsewhere. The school district officials also decided to help out by providing the school kitchen staff and their famous “brunch.”
Junior Class President Mallory Maples wants to assure all prom-attendees that this will still be one of the best proms to date. “Despite the numerous changes and complications, we have faith that the student body can make it a night to remember.”

APRIL FOOLS

The real story…

Dry those eyes, all is well with this year’s prom! The “Evening in Vegas” will not be in the school gym, but at the Thad Cochran Center on the University of Southern Mississippi campus from 8 p.m. -12 a.m. with pictures starting at 5 p.m.  Prom busses and limos will have a designated area to drop off prom-goers at the back of the facility where cars can also be parked. Students will then enter and have their name checked off a list by an adult volunteer. The list of names will include all seniors, juniors who have paid their dues, and students from other schools who were signed up by their Oak Grove dates. A DJ will play top dance hits and will be glad to take requests for your favorite songs.
And don’t worry ladies! There is no enforced dress code as the dance is not school-affiliated, although tasteful formal dresses are asked to be worn.  Each attendee will receive a gift that will remain to be a surprise until the end of the night, as tradition.
A semi-formal breakfast will follow the dance at the Canebrake Clubhouse at 12:00 a.m. with live music from Mr. Brandon Webb. A wide variety of delicious food will be served thanks to volunteer parents who will bring homemade breakfast items along with doughnuts, pastries, biscuits, etc.
“We have been working hard all year planning it, trying to make it the best we can for the seniors. I think it’s going to be a great time for everyone,” Junior Class President Mallory Maples said.

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March 4, 2011 · 12:11 pm

2011 Academy Awards: And the winners are…

By: Sara Sanner

The 83rd Annual Academy Awards was held on February 27th at the Kodak Theatre in the heart of Hollywood. Hours before the actual event commenced, nominees, friends, family, and other stars walked the infamous red carpet showcasing the wide variety of elegant gowns and evening wear.
The Oscars started by inserting James Franco and Anne Hathaway, who co-hosted the event, into scenes from Best Picture nominees, as was once done by eight-time host Billy Crystal. This fun introduction was a nice start to this year’s “young and hip” Academy Awards. Actor Tom Hanks presented the night’s first awards to Alice in Wonderland for Best Art Direction and Inception for Cinematography. Actors and Actresses continued to grace the stage to present their fellow cinematic screen sensations with the award that makes a definite mark on one’s career and in some cases, represents the beginning to an undeniably successful career.
Melissa Leo, being a first-time Oscar winner, accepted her award for Supporting Actress in The Fighter in complete shock knowing it would forever change he future of her career. In this excitement, Leo also snagged the title of the first person to drop the “f-bomb” at the Academy Awards in Oscar history. Hathaway gave her all to try and push the show along with an attempted comedic rendition of the classic song from Les Miserables, “On My Own.” However, Franco and his dazed and confused swagger seemed to slow down the pacing of Hathaway’s high energy, go-getter stage presence. His appearance in a Marilyn Monroe get-up had some viewers thinking producers were scraping the bottom of the barrel with the lack of quality jokes and spontaneity.
The awards given were fairly consistent with the majority’s expected results, causing viewers to stir and beg for some type of upset toward the end of the show. As it had won Best Actor and Director, The King’s Speech expectingly snagged the Oscar for Best Picture.
To end the evening continuing with Hathaway’s before mentioned “young” theme, the 5th grade PS22 Choir warmed the hearts of viewers and attendees with a performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Despite the ill-excitement of the hosting material, the night embodied the tradition and class the Academy Awards never fails to present.

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February 4, 2011 · 11:42 am

Most Beautful, beauties crowned at OGHS Beauty Review

By: Sara Sanner

The 2011 Oak Grove High School Beauty Reviews were held on January 15th for freshman and sophomore girls and January 22nd for junior and senior girls. With host Mr. Tony Keeler, both nights were filled with elegance as each contestant took a walk around the stage in their exquisite gowns. The night of freshmen and sophomore beauties was accompanied by special performances by Olivia Sanguinetti who sang “For Good” and Anna McCardle who performed a dance to “My Sharona” as well as another dance for the night of junior and senior beauties.
The end of each Review was concluded with the crowning of the 2011 Beauties. Alex Brown and Presley Stiglets were awarded senior beauties and Shelby Carney was crowned Most Beautiful. The Most Beautiful crown was also given to junior Stephanie Weiss, sophomore Chloe Sanders, and freshman Jacqueline Creel. Girls awarded as Beauties were juniors Taylor Nace and Caitlyn Osborne, sophomores Alexa Martin and Emily Rhodes, and freshmen Delaney Kent and Jatera Black.

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December 15, 2010 · 2:03 pm

Forensics members receive high honors

By: Sara Sanner

The Oak Grove High School Forensics (speech and debate) team’s achievements speak for themselves.  The program has been up and running for a number of years but recently turned into a power house contender at in-state Forensic tournaments. Under the direction of Coach Shane Cole, the team has won the past five consecutive MHSAA State Championships in speech and debate.  This feat becomes even more impressive when one realizes that the State Championship includes competitors from an average of 20 schools and has only been offered for the past five years, making Oak Grove the only recipient of the award.
So far this season Oak Grove has won three tournaments, held at the University of Mississippi, Petal High School, and Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School.  The team’s main competition is Hattiesburg High School, who has won tournaments at Saint Andrew’s Catholic School and Gulfport High School.  This friendly rivalry has been on going for a number of years. Last year, the same back and forth struggle between each team for superiority was prevalent. Every single tournament was won by one of the two schools.  Finally, Oak Grove claimed victory at the end of the season’s State Championship and hopes to do the same this year. Cole commented on the rivalry saying: “Both teams are extremely competitive.  This rivalry reaches epic proportions that equals the amount of energy of any of our high school football games.  Each and every one of our students cares a great deal about representing Oak Grove as the best team in the state, and it is that drive that has pushed them to win five State Championships so far. Our school should be extremely proud to have produced such outstanding students.” The team’s success is not a surprise, however, since they hold ten students who rank in the top 25 competitors in Mississippi.  The schools closest to having such a wealth of strong competitors are Hattiesburg High School and Laurel Christian School which both have three students in the top 25.
Oak Grove’s Forensics members have always been leaders in school as well as on the tournament circuit and this year is no exception.  The current team has four National Forensic League Academic All-Americans: Steven Wild, Will Bedwell, William Ross, and Daniel Rigel.  In order to gain the title of All-American, “Forensicators” (as they are referred to in the speech and debate world) must obtain a 27 on the ACT, a 3.75 GPA, and 750 Forensics competition points.  Senior William Ross said, “The award is one of the highest honors that any team member can receive. Being an Academic All-American is what every student strives for.  Before you finish your career in high school in speech and debate, that is what you want to be named.” Mr. Cole expects to have four more of his students named Academic All-Americans by the end of this school year alone.
The team’s achievements do not stop in state.  Multiple students have competed on the National Forensics circuit with much success.  The Senior Public Forum Debate duo comprised of Will Bedwell and Steven Wild recently won first place at the National Circuit’s Grapevine High School Tournament outside of Dallas, Texas.  Last year the duo received fifth place at Princeton University’s tournament and were named the 31st ranked public forum team in the nation at the National Forensic League’s Tournament of Champions. Steven Wild also made finals at this past year’s National Competition in Congressional Debate.  Now both team members have placed their goals for this year’s season even higher with hopes of being named first place at the National Tournament this upcoming summer.
Even with such strong competitors, Oak Grove still faces a tough year defending their State Championship title. And just several weeks ago, the team attended Petal High School’s tournament where they stepped ahead of Hattiesburg High School by winning and holding a 3-2 tournament lead.  The Oak Grove team will continue to strive for a sixth consecutive State Championship title as they finish their way through their season.
The Forensics team will be displaying their talent in their Winter Debate Showcase on December 16 and 20 at 6:00 p.m. at OGHS.

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November 12, 2010 · 2:43 pm

OG Basketball warms up for season

By: Sara Sanner

Both the Warrior and Lady Warrior basketball teams are in full swing in preparation for their upcoming seasons. Edmund Bradley, head coach of the boy’s team, and Mark Swindle, Lady Warrior head coach, have high expectations for the new teams including winning the district championships and proceeding to compete for the state championship title.

With four players in each class, the Lady Warriors are considered a relatively young team for the varsity division. Despite the age difference, talent is not lacking. “We have very good players in every position,” Swindle said. “However, we have to develop chemistry amongst the players.”

Conversely, the varsity boy’s team is an “old” team due to the fact that it consists of seven seniors and eight juniors, although for some of the players, it will be their first time to step out on the court. “We have several new players  to join  the team and our chemistry is getting better with each practice,” senior Jodie Dixon said. Also, with the additions to the team came a need for new game and practice uniforms, which the varsity now dons for all practices and will in future games. The obtaining of the new uniforms was made possible through the support of several local businesses as well as the help of the school administration.

With eagerness to have a winning season, Coach Bradley has developed a new game plan that he hopes to have success with. “We will use a variety of set plays to get key players the ball,” Bradley said. “We will also use a five out motion. This offense will create back cut opportunities and driving lanes, as well as allow us to have longer possessions of the ball to control the tempo of the game.” And as for defense, they plan to play a full court man-to-man defense, use a match up zone, and be very aggressive in the half court.

If the Warriors can follow through with their goal of being the best defensive and rebounding team in the state, they will without a doubt be a hard team to beat. Bradley agrees saying, “We have 15 guys that we feel could play in a game and do something that would give us a chance to win the game. This type of depth will make it difficult for other teams to play a 32 minute game against us. As a team, I think this year we will be able to shoot the ball better, as well as play faster.”

The Warriors opened their season in the Pass Christian High School Tournament held Wednesday, November 10.

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October 1, 2010 · 1:33 pm

Entertainment scene comes alive in Hub City

By: Sara Sanner, Staff Reporter

Guitars Under the Stars @ Old Athens Grill
If you are bored and looking to listen to quality music while enjoying a satisfying Grecian meal, Guitars Under the Stars at Old Athens Grill would be well worth your time. Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday local classic rock bands who audition for management previous to the gig perform at the restaurant from 9:00-10:00 p.m. These nights at the restaurant provide a relaxed atmosphere that is most popular among teens and adults, but it is a children friendly environment as well.

Karaoke @ Oscar’s Mexican Grill
For a more family oriented experience, stop by Oscar’s Mexican Grill for karaoke. The microphones are pulled out every Thursday and even though there are regular attendees, newcomers are warmly welcomed. As everyone signs up to sing songs, they are also invited to dig-in to the fresh and delicious Mexican food that Oscar’s is widely known for. The night of karaoke is an enjoyable way to spend the evening whether you’re the one belting out popular tunes or watching friends, family, and strangers do the same.

Live at 5 @ Town Square Park / Fall Art Walk
Starting October 1, downtown Hattiesburg will host an outdoor mini-music festival every Friday called Live at Five. Local musicians perform on a stage located in the Town Square Park starting at 5:00 p.m. and playing until 9:00 p.m., making for a perfect night for a picnic. The Historic Downtown Art Walk will take place the following Saturday on October 9 starting out with the USM homecoming parade. Downtown restaurants will open early for parade-goers to enjoy breakfast before taking part in the day’s festivities. Following the parade, artists will exhibit their works as live entertainment fills the streets, creating an exciting experience for the entire family.

Open-Mic Night @ The Thirsty Hippo
As the restoration of historic downtown Hattiesburg is becoming more and more active, so is the nightlife. The Thirsty Hippo, located downtown on North Main Street, is now growing in popularity thanks to their newly added ‘Open-Mic Night’ every Wednesday. Although the mic is open to musicians and the like, this night usually attracts stand-up comedians and their interesting, but nevertheless, laughable sketches. Contrary to popular belief, the Hippo’s Open-Mic Night  has no entry cover and is open to all ages. Seeing as parents still might think this to be a questionable event, the establishment has a strict no tolerance of underage attendees and alcohol. This night will undoubtedly have anyone laughing, whether it’s due to creative and witty comic sketches, or some that are so bad they’ll have you crying.

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May 11, 2010 · 1:12 pm

Dr. Disco dances, Baby delivers

By: Sara Sanner

The Oak Grove Theatre Department has stayed hard at work to put on two fantastic shows this spring. The junior class performed “Baby,” a show that follows a baby’s journey from birth throughout her first year of life, on April 22 and 23, delivering hysterical performances that had the crowd roaring with laughter. Actor Brian Bullard who played the “Daddy” character said, “Putting on the show was a great experience. It not only helped us progress in developing our theatrical talent, but it also allowed everyone in the Junior class, Advanced Theatre, to bond and become more of a family.”

The senior drama class definitely did not disappoint with their dinner theatre performance of “The Last Dance of Dr. Disco” held on April 16 at the Oak Grove Primary auditorium. The cast of the show mingled with audience members before the show, as the crowd consumed their three course meals catered by Flathau’s Fine Foods, to let the audience get to know the vibrant and comedic characters. Soon after the show began, several characters dropped dead from mysterious causes. As clues were subtly given to the members of the audience, the crowd pondered over the identity of the murderer, making all of the characters suspects. Throughout intermission, the characters from “The Last Dance of Dr. Disco” went into the audience, letting the audience question the suspects “Law and Order” style. The members of the audience were also given a letter from one of the deceased characters and a cardano grille to decode it, revealing a secret message. After much deliberation, the showgoers casted their votes of whom the evil murderer was. Once the villian was unveiled at the end of the show, prizes were awarded to the people who voted for the actual murderer. The audience members weren’t the only ones enjoying the experience.“‘Last Dance’ was a wonderful way to display the seniors’ talent. I wanted them to have a fun time with their last show, and I think we definitely accomplished that,” Director Suzanne Allmon said. Senior Katie Forsmark agreed, saying “I’m glad we had so much fun in our last show. It was a great experience.”

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· 1:05 pm

Senior Feature: Logan Little

By: Sara Sanner

Being a warrior for his entire education, Senior Class Vice-President Logan Little has Oak Grove mastered. “I love Oak Grove because this place allows you to discover who you are and surrounds you with people who will support you no matter who you are or what you do,” Little said of the support he’s received from the school. Outside of school activities like leading the student section in cheers to encourage Warrior teams, Little demonstrates his versatility as he enjoys music, sports, and underwater bb stacking.

Although while growing up Logan had always aspired to be a prominent scientist, he is now graduating and determined to pursue his dream of becoming a professional actor/director.
William Carey University, along with numerous distinguished colleges, including New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, American Musical and Dramatic Academy, New York Film Academy, The University of Mississippi, and Bradley University, offered Little impressive scholarships to encourage the development of this dream. “I feel honored to have received all of these scholarships and to have all of these colleges be interested in me,” Little said.

The Mississippi Theatre Association also gave Little one of two scholarships given to all senior actors in the state for his exceptional performance at the MTA High School Festival.  Little concluded that he will attend William Carey University where he will receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre. After embracing Crusader life for four years, he will be a part the Southeastern Theatre Conference’s Summer Stock.

The Summer Stock program helps young actors to build up their resumes by giving them jobs in off-Broadway shows in places such as Austin, Texas, as well as in North and South Carolina. Little then hopes to get jobs in on-screen motion pictures and stage productions in aspiration of becoming like the great Johnny Depp or Heath Ledger, although fame isn’t a main focus of his ambition. After all, he’s not in the pursuit of fame, but the pursuit of a lifetime of happiness. “I just want to do something that I love and makes me happy. Everything else will fall into place.” Little’s dedication and passion to the acting/directing profession will drive him to overcome the uncertainty of the art, allowing for only eminent success in the talented student’s future. Break a leg, Logan!

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March 4, 2010 · 3:12 pm

School recycling program promotes environmental responsibility

By: Sara Sanner

This semester Oak Grove schools will have a recycling system that will be executed at all five schools. Sumrall Recycling will administer the recycling program, which consists of a detailed and efficient process.

The company will provide enough recycling bins for each classroom to have their own, as well as additional bins that will be placed in other areas around the school. Students and faculty are asked to place all of their trash in these bins with the exception of any food or drink, although drink bottles and food wrappers are perfectly acceptable. Sumrall Recycling will then collect the disposal in the bins and sort the trash into four categories: paper, plastic, aluminum, and cardboard. This is called “single stream” recycling. Each item will proceed to go through an intricate specialized cycle to create more of that item for us to buy.

This new system will drastically reduce the school’s waste which fills a four-yard and eight-yard garbage bin every day as well an 18’x7’ bin for cardboard. This change won’t only be beneficial to the environment, but also to the school. The high school itself will be saving more than $9,750 next year. The school currently pays Waste Management to acquire the school’s waste three times a week, whereas when the recycling system takes effect, the collection of garbage will be cut back extensively. Sumrall Recycling is providing this beneficial program  for no cost at all. “We provide the bins and pick up for free. We just ask the school to take part in the responsibility of recycling,” Sumrall Recycling associate Cathy Dore said. The company will pick up the school’s waste every Friday.

With the reduction of trash, the custodial staff will get to focus more intently on the cleaning aspect of their job. Nancy Gholar, OGHS custodian, said “It will give us a chance to spend more time on the classrooms [cleaning].”

The impact of recycling is greater than the general public may think. The school’s most used resource is paper and recycling paper instead of making it from new material generates 74% less air pollution and uses 50% less water.

Administrators believe that the  helpful global program is of necessity. “It is the responsible thing to do both in our school and our community as citizens. We want to promote the whole person educationally and environmentally,” Vice Principal for Academics, Helen Price, said.
Students are also awaiting the  arrival of the recycling system with great enthusiasm. Freshman Nathan Maxwell said, “I think the program is such a good idea. Helping the environment by recycling is a great and easy way to make a difference as a school.”

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· 3:02 pm

Don’t be afraid to jump on the bandwagon

By: Sara Sanner

Anytime someone or some group does well at a sport or competition, an interesting phenomenon is presented for everyday people.  This phenomenon is known simply as the “Bandwagon.”
The bandwagon effect, also known as “cromo effect” and closely related to opportunism, is a phenomenon that people often do and believe things merely because many other people do and believe the same things. The phrase “jump on the bandwagon” first appeared in American politics in 1848 when Dan Rice, a famous and popular circus clown of the time, used his bandwagon and its music to gain attention for campaign appearances. As campaigns became more successful, more politicians strove for a seat on the bandwagon, hoping to be associated with the success. Later, during the time of William Jennings Bryan’s 1900 presidential campaign, bandwagons had become standard in campaigns, and “jump on the bandwagon” was used as a derogatory term, implying that people were associating themselves with the success without considering what they associated themselves with.

Today, the bandwagon effect is most noticeably present in sports.  When a team does well, more and more fans join the cause.  The largest and latest example is with the New Orleans Saints football team.  Often called the “Aints,” they have never been to a Superbowl. That is they have never been until this past season.  As the Saints went on a long winning streak with a record of 13-3, things looked promising for a Superbowl run.  Many people came to this assumption and then the bandwagon grew. When a bandwagon grows too large, the hating begins.  Those who were fans of a team before they began winning usually despise bandwagon fans.  This causes three interesting effects.

First, many original fans try to single out bandwagon fans.  This often leads them to accosting anyone they did not already know was a fan, which causes trillions of pointless arguments.
Secondly, bandwagon fans try to hide their identity out of fear of being found unauthentic. In order for their fan status to remain hidden, they learn statistics and unique stories of their new favorite team to commit to memory.  So when an original fan tries to sniff out bandwagon fans, a bandwagon has the chance to prove they’re an original fan.

The third effect of a large bandwagon is the honesty it can create.  Once there are enough bandwagon fans, many decide to admit they are one.  They simply claim they like this team because they win, and that people should be okay with this.

These effects can be noticed on social networking sites like Facebook.  After any large game or election, people change their statuses appropriately. Writing about the Saints for example, people put famous slogans such as “who dat” and post-game scores.  Others write comments such as “I’m so tired of bandwagon fans,” and the like.

After the New Orleans Saints concluded their season with a Superbowl win, the following day Saints “fans” donned their only team t-shirt to show their pride for the team’s success.  Authentic fans didn’t even bother to criticize the bandwagons then due to the overwhelming number of bandwagon fans gained by the Superbowl victory and also by the commotion and feelings of excitement from the win. Now that the thrill of the Saints’ victory is old news, the followers known as “bandwagon fans” have silenced their once fervent voices and I’m curious to see how their participation will continue next season if the team is not as successful.

I, personally, do not think anyone should look down on bandwagon fans–that is, as long as those fans are honest about their affiliations.  Everyone should encourage more people to be fans of their team, not encourage more liars.

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