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, No
.4 Viking Voice
By: Jacey Cartwright & Zachary Lohn
The Need to Read
December is Read a New Book
Month, and that means that eve-
ryone is encouraged to pick up
something new. However, over
the past several years, young
adults have devel-
oped a lesser apti-
tude for reading.
Whether engaging
in it academically or
recreationally, read-
ing is important in
the development of
literacy in all young
adults. Lynn Neary,
author for National
Public Radio, sug-
gests that not only
are students losing
the urge to read, but
they are also reading
at a lower level. In the
past 100 years, the
reading levels of young adults has
decreased dramatically. Instead of
reading at a high school level, stu-
dents are now reading at a sixth
grade level.
In order to preserve the
amount of reading in the lives of
young adults, the state of Tennes-
see adopted the Tennessee Stand-
ards in 2010. New tactics and les-
son plans were enforced with
these standards to ensure that
students were not only reaching
their full reading potential in high
school but after high school and
into work forces as well.
Other high-performing coun-
tries across the globe have expec-
tations of young adults that, in
some cases, far exceed expecta-
tions in the United States. By en-
forcing the Tennessee Standards,
students are
offered the
same quality
and scale of
education as
others
around the
world, espe-
cially in the
areas of read-
ing and writ-
ing.
Each year,
the percent-
age of young
adults who
read steadily
declines. Ac-
cording to a 2014 report from
Common Sense Media, the per-
centage of young
adults who read for
fun every day was at
31% in 1984; howev-
er, that percentage has
dropped to only 19%
as of 2012. The im-
portance of reading is
now emphasized more
than ever because of
the lethargicness of young adults
and their unwillingness to read in
and outside of school. With the
Tennessee Standards, students are
urged to read high-level texts. For
the past few years, students have
been reading books intended for a
much younger audience. National Am-
bassador of Young People’s Literature
Walter Dean Myers has received fan
mail that has somewhat come as a
shock. He admits that many juniors
and seniors are reading his books. Un-
fortunately, he wrote the books for a
fifth and sixth grade audience.
Although the Tennessee Standards
puts an emphasis on non-fiction texts,
most of the young adults who read pre-
fer fiction. The same principles of the
Tennessee Standards can be enforced
in fictional reading just as it can in non
-fictional reading. This not only gets
students to read but to enjoy reading
and fully understand and analyze the
text. If the book interests them, they
are more likely to read independently
without force. More popular books
might speak more directly to a teen
thus causing him or her to gain an in-
valuable reading practice.
With December
being Read a New
Book Month, the
importance of read-
ing is stressed more
than ever. The prac-
tice of reading was
once both continu-
ous and widespread,
and that practice
must be retained,
especially for young adults. The im-
portance of reading begins with a sin-
gle sentence, so sit down with your
favorite beverage (like a cup of coffee
from the Buzz *wink *wink), and read a
new book!
For Read a New Book Month, Mag-
gie Bowen picks up a new hard-
back.
“The percentage of
young adults who read
for fun every day was at
31% in 1984; however,
that percentage has
dropped to only 19% as
of 2012.”
Lunch By: Sarah Pierce
Monday Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday Friday
2
Officer Harvey was re-
cently awarded the Ten-
nessee School Counseling
Association (TSCA)
School
Counselor
Advocate of
the Year
award. This
award
recogniz-
es Officer Harvey’s com-
mitment to the students
at Community and the
school counseling profes-
sion. When asked how she
felt about receiving the
award, she commented, “I
didn’t feel like I deserved
to be honored with the
award, but I was happy. I
just do my job.” Congratu-
lations to Officer Harvey
on her achievement!
Officer Harvey takes a moment
from a busy day to share her
award story with us.
Our MVP By: Grayson Garrette and Breanna Meyers
Officer Harvey displays
her shiny, new plaque.
Favorite Christmas Gift By: Sydney Segroves
3
Children all around the world awaken on the morning of December 25 to open presents. The
children always have one special gift they love the most! The Viking Voice discovered what the
students and faculty consider their favorite Christmas gift. Junior Meghan Messick declares her
favorite gift was a ticket to go to Texas to see her brother for a whole week. Freshman Brooke
Addison loved her Kindle; she has a few songs on it that she has written and performed in pag-
eants. Many of the teachers have a favorite gift. Mrs. Lawell states that hers is a box of books
that her mom would collect all year. She explains that she would stay up all night reading them.
Mr. Brown’s favorite gift is a book that his dad gives him every Christmas with a message writ-
ten on the inner cover related to what has happened during that particular year. Unfortunately,
not everyone has a favorite Christmas gift; in fact, Xavier Von Dran confesses, “I despise Christ-
mas.”
Power Of God’s Gifts By: Joel Powell
On November 12 FCA/FCS held
their 18th annual Power of God’s
Gifts. This program gives students
and faculty a chance to express their
gifts for God. The performers defi-
nitely did have gifts.
Some beautiful
songs were sung,
such as “Holy
Spirit,”
“Hallelujah,” and
“Give Me Jesus.”
But singing
wasn’t the only
gift shown; there was dancing as
well. Elijah Manning did a dance
to a dubstep song. Singing and
playing guitar together is a beau-
tiful thing, especially when Jon
Quick, Mason Andrews, Mickey
Lopez, Savanna Williams, and
Michaela Stone play together.
Three of our very own staff
members sang: Ms. Rivalto, Mrs.
Beech, and Mrs. Bowen, where
Mrs. Bowen dedicated her song to
her late father. Mrs. Beech sang
with her children, Isaiah and
James. These songs were beautiful,
just like Ryliegh Lepley’s songs
were.
Austin Derryberry gave a mag-
nificent performance on his
guitar, as did Maggie Bowen
singing “Amazing Grace.”
This year’s
Power of God’s
Gifts was, no
doubt, a good
one. Students
will be able to
participate in
the 19th annu-
al program
next year. Austin Derryberry sings “Give
Me Jesus.”
Mason Andrews, Jon Quick, and
Mickey Lopez perform praise
and worship.
The Beech family perform
“Lord I Need You.”
12 Days of Christmas By: Sydney Gregory
4
On the 12th day of Christmas, high
school gave to me…
12 squares of shading,
11 actors crying,
10 log bases,
9 unfinished vocabs
8 outer electrons,
7 vocab tests,
6 repeated notes
5 SPANISH BIOMES,
4 stressful weeks,
3 crazy deadlines,
2 texts to compare,
And a giant project due in two weeks!
MATCH EACH TEACHER TO THEIR
NUMBER
Mrs. Beech
Mrs. Frost
Mr. Davis
Mrs. Gregory
Mr. Gregory
Mrs. Struk
Mrs. Lemmons
Mr. Brown
Mrs. Garrette
Mrs. Lawell
Mrs. Leverette
Mr. Bratcher
I Spy By: Jacey Cartwright and Sydney Segroves
4
Try to find these unique ornaments
on the Christmas tree!
Dog Treat
Piece of Candy
Mouse
Reindeer
Picture Frame
Snow Flake
Angel
Cupcake
Guitar
Letter To Santa
5
Dear Santa,
This Christmas I have a very long list of requests. First, I would greatly appreciate it if you could get the teachers to stop giving us so much work. Another thing that I would love is for you to make kids realize that it’s not okay to stand in the middle of the hallway and have a conversation and make me late to class! I would also like to recommend that you give coal to students who still think it is okay to put a comma before because!!!
One thing I know all kids might be asking for is a higher ACT score. I know this is a long shot, but if you could give me a 30, that would be wonderful. I’m also running short on NHS points and only need eight more, so if could get those, that would be awesome because be-tween all my schoolwork, clubs, and basketball, I barely have time to sleep much less get NHS points.
Being as busy as I am, I have absolutely no time for a job, but I really need some money. It would be awesome if you could leave me your credit card. My final two requests are probably impossible, but it’s worth a shot. I would like some friends or even a friend at the least. Last-ly, I would like nothing more than to be Sadie Robertson because her life is perfect, and she’s got it all figured out. If you can’t give me any of this stuff, then I guess I’ll settle for a Taylor Swift poster. I hope you have a Merry Christmas, and sorry if my dogs attack you when you come to my house.
Love,
Sarah
Dear Sarah,
Sorry, I don't control how much work teachers give; you can thank the government for that. My advice on the kids in the middle of the hallway would be to just push through them. I will also consider your idea on the "giving coal to kids who put a comma before because" because that gets on my nerves, too, when I'm reading letters. And about the NHS points -don't worry. You only need eight more while the majority of the other kids barely have like one point. And be proud of your 25 because I took the ACT and got a three (I forgot to put my name on it).
I would like to apologize in advance because I don't have a credit card. Mrs. Clause al-ready maxed it out, and now we are in debt like the rest of the world. Also, I am sorry, but I cannot give you friends because the only friends I have are imaginary. I know you would love
it, but I cannot make you Sadie Robertson. Don't feel bad, though, because we'd all like to be her, too! I will consider bringing you a Taylor Swift post-er, but no promises because my elves are mainly Katy Perry fans. Merry Christmas!
Love,
Santa
By: Sarah Pierce
EAT
MORE
CHICKEN
6
Class Points
Artist of the Month
By: Breanna Parker
By: Breanna Meyers
Viking Voice Staff
Jacey Cartwright– Co–Editor
Grayson Garrette
Sydney Gregory
Jessica Hesson
Zachary Lohn
Breanna Meyers
Breanna Parker– Co-Editor
Sarah Pierce
Joel Powell
Sydney Segroves
Carol Garrette– Advisor
By: Kendall Purdom
By. Adriane Dickson
Freshmen 255
Sophomores 410
Juniors 285
Seniors 315
The first drawing is by Kendall Purdom. His drawing is
a pencil grid drawing that he drew from a photograph.
This drawing was done in pencil. His drawing is of a
video game control system and video games. The sec-
ond drawing was created by Adriane Dickson. This
artwork was created using watercolor paint and a pen.
Her drawing is about fall. She drew leaves, a lake, and
acorns falling in the lake. This painting is about creat-
ing visual rhythm in art.
7
Helping Hands By: Breanna Parker
Senior Photo of the Month By: Sydney Gregory
In preparation for Veteran’s Day, Community High’s Student
Council sponsored “Love For a Soldier.” Students brought in specific
items each day of the week, and the items were collected to be given
to homeless veterans and soldiers overseas. Other schools partici-
pated as well, and the school with the most donations will receive
$1,500.
FCA/FCS also sponsored a food drive. This drive went on for
two weeks and worked similarly to “Love For a Soldier.” Items
were collected in the mornings by grade. The items ranged
from oatmeal to flour to spaghetti and much more. FCA/FCS
President Lacey Reed commented, “I am happy with the out-
come of the food drive. We had a lot of participation, and I am
generally pleased with our effort. It is a satisfying feeling to
know that we are helping many families during this holiday
season.”
Love For a Soldier
FCA/FCS FOOD DRIVE
These are December’s senior
photos of the month. To have
yours pictured, email your fa-
vorite to Sydney Gregory at
Christian Dodson and Danielle Doyle assist
Joel Powell as he loses control of his box of
cans.
Student Council members pose with the signs
they made for “Love For a Solider.”
Rebecca Bobo Chris Joslyn
8
Chart of Bestselling Toys By: Sarah Pierce
1965 Operation
1970 Lite-Brite
1975 Pet Rock
1980 Rubik’s Cube
1985 Nintendo
1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles
1995 Beanie Babies
2000 Razor Scooter
2005 Xbox 360
2010 Ipad
2015 ????????
RANT on Dresscode: The Good, The Bad, and The Muddy By: Guest Writer Colton Hargrove
“What is so wrong about people looking normal? I mean, as long as you’re being decent,
covering everything up that’s necessary, and your pants aren’t halfway around your ankles,
you’re good! Right now I’ve got a white shirt on and a button up, and that’s fine. If I want to
leave my buttons undone, and show my shirt that’s under it, what’s wrong with that? Why
do I have to button up all the way just because it’s not a “school shirt,” or doesn’t have a club
or something on it? What’s the matter with a plain, white shirt? I’m a big Superman fan, so I
wear a lot of Superman shirts. I match most of the time, so that’s good. Why can’t I just leave
the button ups open? And holes [in pants], I understand holes. You get too many, and that’s
a problem. If you have little holes at the knees or below the knees, you should be fine. I feel
like you’re good! It does get to the point where it’s at the upper thighs, and it gets weird. An-
yways, how about these collars? I mean it’s “nice,” and it’s good to look nice, but
what good are collars doing? If you have a nice, decent shirt...just wear it. Just
look nice. Just show up to school respectable. I agree, I don’t want to see these
girls in leggings running around everywhere. I don’t want to see these guys with
their hinies showing, but if you look good, then what’s the matter? I mean, wear some khakis or some blue jeans.
Look good. I’d rather you not be covered in mud. If you’re covered in mud, I’d like somebody to say something. Just
try to look nice. If you can’t look nice, then at least try decent. If you are covered up (not with mud), then what is
the problem? There should not be a problem. That’s about all I’ve got for that.” - Colton Hargrove
Check out next months’ issue to read part II
of Colton’s rant featuring Batman and Super-
man!
Dear Cleatus,
How do you tell your best friend
that he/she dates too many people?
-Concerned Colleague
Dear Concerned Colleague,
Perhaps try gently suggesting that
your friend should take a break from
dating. (Or start a rumor that makes
people not want to date this person,
but you didn’t hear that from me.)
-
Cleatus
9
Ask Cleatus
Dear Cleatus,
Is Santa real?
-Sarah Pierce
Dear Sarah,
Despite popular belief amongst people your age, Santa is
in fact real. We vacation together in the summer; great guy.
-Cleatus
One night a Viking
named Rudolph the Red
was looking out the win-
dow when he said, “It’s
going to rain.”
His wife asked, “How do
you know?”
“Because Rudolph the
Red knows rain, dear.”
Riddles/Jokes By: Joel Powell
What did Adam
say on the day be-
fore Christmas?
It's Christmas, Eve!
Dear Cleatus,
Should CHS have a bowling team?
-Ms. Bowling
Dear Ms. Bowling,
Why, yes! We’ve had bowling teams in the past, so
why not now? I have heard a rumor that Mr. Cam
Pruitt was a star bowler when he was in high school
and would be up for coaching the team! See him
ASAP for tryout information. When is bowling’s sea-
son, anyway?
-Cleatus
10
Notable Athletes By: Sydney Segroves and Grayson Garrette
Basketball season is here! The teams are preparing, and they are ready to play the games!
Even though they are athletes, they still need to maintain their grades. Girls Basketball
Coach Allison Martin has chosen Dora Ramos. “Dora has a great attitude; she is always will-
ing to help. She does anything that she is asked without complaining. You will never have
to ask her twice. She goes above and beyond what has been asked of her, and she gives
110% effort.” The boys basketball team has voted on whom they
wanted their notable athlete to be. They have
voted Nathan Smith and Tyler Bushnell. An
anonymous teammate reveals, “Tyler has a great
work ethic. He is also intelligent.” Another
anonymous voter explains that Nathan Smith is
a nice person and an encouraging teammate.
He also performs well on and off the court. Dora Ramos shows
her basketball
spirit.
Nathan Smith and
Tyler Bushnell palm
the ball.
Jingle Banners By: Breanna Parker
Freshmen Juniors
Sophomores Seniors
4th Place 3rd Place
1st Place 2nd Place
Tracy Comes to Town By: Grayson Garrette
11
NHS:
101: Number of students in the club
31: Number of students at the last meeting
FCA/FCS:
1>36
NOTHING FUNNY HAPPENS! THIS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS, PEOPLE!!!
Pep Club:
932: Number of locker signs put up
10: Number of students Mrs.Frost kicked out on picture day
Math and Science:
1654: Number of candy bars sold to rasie money for this brand new club
4: Average number of questions they get right in a 15 question quiz bowl practice round
5ch001 C1ub5 1n Numb3r5 By: Sydney Gregory
ing bill.
When asked how he felt about
standardized testing, a big contro-
versy in edu-
cation today,
he replied, “I
think that
there needs
to be testing,
but I think
we do too
much. I am a firm believer in pre
and post testing. Plus, there are
changes coming to Common Core.”
Also, when asked about reading
(see page 1), he told us, “Reading is
one of the most important things
you can do. You use reading in
every aspect of life.”
Huge thanks to Jim Tracy
for coming to speak to our stu-
dents, and we hope he is able
to visit
again.
On November 12 Community
High School
had a special
visitor. Ten-
nessee State
Senator Jim
Tracy came
to visit and talk to Coach Edwards’
and Mrs. Lawell’s classes. He in-
formed the students about the jobs
and responsibilities of a state sena-
tor. Tracy also spoke about the pro-
cess of passing a bill. Additionally,
he revealed that he was formerly a
basketball referee, and he recently
passed the No Texting While Driv-
“I think that
there needs to be
testing, but I
think we do too
much.”
Read a New Book Month By: Zachary Lohn and Jacey Cartwright
12
Pick of the Month:
Coach Chris Grooms: Swing Your
Sword by Michael Lewis
Mrs. Kathy Gregory: Raising Money-
Smart Kids by Ron and Judy Blue
Mrs. Rhonda Leverette is
currently reading Fer-
vent: A Woman’s Battle
Plan to Serious, Specific,
and Strategic Prayer by
Priscilla Shires
Dr. Robert Ralston is
currently reading the
Harry Potter series by
J. K. Rowling
Mr. Mark Neill is currently
reading Scorch Trials from
The Maze Runner series by
James Dashner
Mrs. Megan Lawell
is currently reading
Vanishing Girls by
Lauren Oliver
Favorite Beverage While
Reading:
1. Mrs. Holly King: Iced
Coffee
2. Mr. Tony Davis: Coke
Zero
3. Mrs. Cindy Friedman:
Hot Chocolate or Coffee
November Young Adult
Best Sellers
1. The Amazing Book is
Not on Fire, by Dan
Howell and Phil Lester
2. Carry On, by Rainbow
Rowell
3. Illuminae, by Amie
Kaufman
Fun Facts (‘bout Christmas) By: Sarah Pierce
13
President Teddy Roosevelt banned Christmas trees from the White House in
1901.
In 1836 Alabama became the first state in the U.S. to declare Christmas a le-
gal holiday.
If you received all the gifts from the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,”
you would have 364 presents.
The song “Jingle Bells” was originally called “One Horse Open Sleigh” and
was made for Thanksgiving.
The tallest Christmas tree ever displayed was 221 feet tall!
It is said that candy canes were invented by a candy maker in Indiana, who
wanted to use them to spread the name Jesus around the world.
Dear Viking Voice,
I'm so proud of you guys. I love that you have the
time to do mid-month updates. Keep up the good
work!
-Mekayla Trout
Letters to the Editors By: Breanna Meyers
Dear Viking Voice staff,
I love reading Community’s newsletter! I may have
graduated and moved on, but that doesn't change my
pride for this school or how great the Viking Voice is. Year
after year, we have one of the best small high school
newsletters in the country (I’ve googled some others
across the United States, and yikes!). Working on the staff
is one of the things I miss the most about high school, but
I can’t wait to see the new stories that come out every
month. It makes me proud to see something that I was a
part of continue to grow, and, in my opinion, the issues
this year are even better than last year’s. I love how well-
rounded the articles are.
Keep up the fantastic work!
-Jake Garrette
Hipster Corner By: Jessica Hesson
14
FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK:
The VikingVoice
TWITTER:
@VikingVoice
INSTAGRAM:
@viking_voice
Hipster Corner: A Quick Guide to New Music By: Jessica Hesson
1. Dallas Green (City and Colour) is an incredible talent. He has recorded with many different artists
(including P!NK) and has released several albums of his own. He has several different sounds in his music.
He ranges from slow acoustic to a heavier rock sound. Lovers of any genre will find something of his to
adore.
2. Glossary is a local band! They come from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Glossary has the sound of classic rock
& roll. Their indie folk style band will make you want to get up and dance or make you want to change the
world.
3. Neutral Milk Hotel is another indie band, this one came out in the late ‘80s. In my opinion, their best al-
bum is In The Aeroplane Over the Sea. It’s an entire album dedicated to WWII. Their sound is very odd. They
have even been described as “neo-psychedelic.” They are definitely a band you have to look up and listen to
for yourself.
4. Sturgill Simpson is a country artist like no other. I’m not big into modern country, but I couldn't turn
away from the crazy lyrics and soulful sound of Simpson. He recently played at the Ryman and gives listen-
ers a new take on modern country.
5. Houndmouth. You may have heard their single “Sedona” on the radio, but there is so much more to this
band. They have a bluegrass-indie style that will make you want to go on a road trip or dance. Little Neon
Limelight is the perfect album for whatever your mood.
15
Coloring Page Newsletter had a drawing con-
test. Students were asked to
draw a Christmas picture so
people could print out their pic-
ture and color it. Here are the
winners!
Austin Mills
16 Ryliegh Lepley
17
Tori Simmons