Low Turnout at Recent Meet is Upsetting
On Monday evening from 5 until 6 pm, an “open forum discussion about desirable director attributes” was held in the MLWGS auditorium.
Unfortunately, only a small handful of parents and students showed up to provide input and share what the qualities that they would like to see in the next Mr. Hunt.
For one hour, the MLWGS community had a rare opportunity – to speak directly with the six Regional Board members who will ultimately choose our school’s next director.
Yet most of us let this opportunity slip by without giving it a single thought.For weeks this meeting was well-publicized through morning announcements, e-mails, and even with a message on the school homepage.
It is truly embarrassing that only a dozen or so parents and students made the sacrifice of one hour to attend this vitally important forum.
According to one student in attendance, “they didn’t even fill the first row of seats.”
How can the MLWGS Regional Board select a candidate who meets the diverse range of qualities that parents, teachers, and students all hope to see in next year’s director if we fail to raise our voice?
If more parents and students had taken advantage of Monday night’s opportunity, then the Regional Board might have come away with a better understanding of what we want in the next MLWGS top gun.
Although it is slightly reassuring to learn that nearly 400 online questionnaires have been submitted, the lack of face-to-face involvement is disappointing to say the least.
But, the MLWGS community has one last chance. On November 13 at 9 am, parents and students can tell the Regional Board what sorts of qualities they would like our new director to possess.
Each speaker is allotted three minutes, so make some notes, come out, and let your voice be heard!
Just drop by the main office and sign up to speak at the public comment section of the next board meeting.
Or, if you are unable to make this meeting, do the next best thing. Take five minutes and go ahead and complete the online “Official Director’s Search Survey ”on the MLWGS website.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Student Election
by Charles Condro, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
After months of campaigning both in Virginia and across the nation, the results are in for the MLWGS student election, that is.
With 59% of the vote, Democratic candidate Barack Obama won the Presidential race. Republican candidate John McCain was second with 35% of the vote, and Libertarian Bob Barr received 2%.
In the Senate race, Democrat Mark Warner won handily over Jim Gilmore with 72% of the vote to Gilmore’s 20%.
For the House of Representatives, the elections were very close. While Democrat Robert Scott won running unopposed in the third district,
Republican Eric Cantor won the seventh district by only two percent over the Democratic candidate, Anita Hartke. In the fourth district,
Republican Randy Forbes won with 57% of the vote.
Over the two election days, only 60% of the students voted.
“I think that is a disappointing number,” said Mr. John Wilkes, social studies teacher. “This school is themed about government.”
“I knew that Obama would win,” said Colleen Leffler (‘10), about why she did not vote. “There was no contest, so my vote would not make a difference.”
After months of campaigning both in Virginia and across the nation, the results are in for the MLWGS student election, that is.
With 59% of the vote, Democratic candidate Barack Obama won the Presidential race. Republican candidate John McCain was second with 35% of the vote, and Libertarian Bob Barr received 2%.
In the Senate race, Democrat Mark Warner won handily over Jim Gilmore with 72% of the vote to Gilmore’s 20%.
For the House of Representatives, the elections were very close. While Democrat Robert Scott won running unopposed in the third district,
Republican Eric Cantor won the seventh district by only two percent over the Democratic candidate, Anita Hartke. In the fourth district,
Republican Randy Forbes won with 57% of the vote.
Over the two election days, only 60% of the students voted.
“I think that is a disappointing number,” said Mr. John Wilkes, social studies teacher. “This school is themed about government.”
“I knew that Obama would win,” said Colleen Leffler (‘10), about why she did not vote. “There was no contest, so my vote would not make a difference.”
Director's Search Under Way
by Charles Condro, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
Over the past few weeks, the committee to select the next director has given several chances for members of the MLWGS community to share input in the search for a director.
On Wednesday, October 27, the committee held two separate meetings where people could ask questions and inform the committee as to what qualities they wanted in the next director. The committee first met with the faculty and staff of MLWGS in a closed meeting at 3:30 pm. Then at 5:00 pm, the committee met with the MLWGS community at large in an open forum held in the MLWGS auditorium.
Members of the Regional School Board and Superintendents Board were present to answer questions and address the concerns of the community. The members included: Mr. Ivan Mattox, Regional School Board Chairman from Goochland County, Ms. Dianne Pettitt, Regional School Board Vice-Chair from Chesterfield County, Dr. Janet Crawley of Charles City County, Mr. John Axselle, head of the selection committee from Hanover County, Dr. Stewart Roberson, Hanover County and Ms. Barbara Crawley of Charles City County.
Around two dozen parents, students and teachers attended the open forum, which lasted a half hour. Several booster clubs and other support systems had representatives at the meeting to voice the concerns of the group.
The meeting began with Mr. Axselle giving an overview of the Director search and introducing the panel. Mr. Axselle said that the board plans to release the announcement some time in November. He said that they will begin receiving applications in December and hope to begin interviewing in January so that the new Director will be able to start as scheduled on July 1.
The first speaker was Mr. Alan Sader, MLWGS parent and representative of the Visual Arts Booster Club.
“The arts are still alive at Maggie Walker, and we hope to see that continue,” said Mr. Sader.
Other sections of the arts were also represented, as the President of the Drama Boosters; Mr. Michael Sawchak was also one of the speakers.
Other groups that were represented at the meeting were the Board of the Governor’s School Foundation and the Friends of Virginia Governor’s Schools.
The representatives of both of these groups talked about the community image that the director must work with.
“I think that it is extremely important that we keep Maggie Walker in everybody’s minds,” said Ms. Sarah Hillgrove, Chairman of the Friends of Virginia Governor’s Schools. “We need a director who has experience in communication.”
One question that was brought up was how the responses from the forum and from the approximately 370 surveys the board received will be reflected into the process of selecting the new director.
“This stage of the process is so critical, because the questions [in the interviews] will be based on the input we receive,” said Mr. Axselle. “I envision it as being that the committee will get together, after reviewing the data, and we will decide on the questions.”
Mr. Axselle and Mr. Mattox said that the questions will be based off of the trends that the committee sees in the surveys as well as several other factors.
“Our responsibility too, is to all the children,” said Mr. Axselle. He said that the committee will have to make sure that all of the interests of the students are accounted for.
The committee members also said that some of the questions would be drawn from their experience.
“There are certain things that the director is going to have to be able to implement,” said Mr. Mattox.
The final speaker of the day, Mr. Timothy Reed, a parent from Chesterfield County, said that the new director needs to have “vision.”
“Whoever comes into this school does not have to see the school as it is today,” said Mr. Reed, “But how it will be ten or twenty years from now.”
Over the past few weeks, the committee to select the next director has given several chances for members of the MLWGS community to share input in the search for a director.
On Wednesday, October 27, the committee held two separate meetings where people could ask questions and inform the committee as to what qualities they wanted in the next director. The committee first met with the faculty and staff of MLWGS in a closed meeting at 3:30 pm. Then at 5:00 pm, the committee met with the MLWGS community at large in an open forum held in the MLWGS auditorium.
Members of the Regional School Board and Superintendents Board were present to answer questions and address the concerns of the community. The members included: Mr. Ivan Mattox, Regional School Board Chairman from Goochland County, Ms. Dianne Pettitt, Regional School Board Vice-Chair from Chesterfield County, Dr. Janet Crawley of Charles City County, Mr. John Axselle, head of the selection committee from Hanover County, Dr. Stewart Roberson, Hanover County and Ms. Barbara Crawley of Charles City County.
Around two dozen parents, students and teachers attended the open forum, which lasted a half hour. Several booster clubs and other support systems had representatives at the meeting to voice the concerns of the group.
The meeting began with Mr. Axselle giving an overview of the Director search and introducing the panel. Mr. Axselle said that the board plans to release the announcement some time in November. He said that they will begin receiving applications in December and hope to begin interviewing in January so that the new Director will be able to start as scheduled on July 1.
The first speaker was Mr. Alan Sader, MLWGS parent and representative of the Visual Arts Booster Club.
“The arts are still alive at Maggie Walker, and we hope to see that continue,” said Mr. Sader.
Other sections of the arts were also represented, as the President of the Drama Boosters; Mr. Michael Sawchak was also one of the speakers.
Other groups that were represented at the meeting were the Board of the Governor’s School Foundation and the Friends of Virginia Governor’s Schools.
The representatives of both of these groups talked about the community image that the director must work with.
“I think that it is extremely important that we keep Maggie Walker in everybody’s minds,” said Ms. Sarah Hillgrove, Chairman of the Friends of Virginia Governor’s Schools. “We need a director who has experience in communication.”
One question that was brought up was how the responses from the forum and from the approximately 370 surveys the board received will be reflected into the process of selecting the new director.
“This stage of the process is so critical, because the questions [in the interviews] will be based on the input we receive,” said Mr. Axselle. “I envision it as being that the committee will get together, after reviewing the data, and we will decide on the questions.”
Mr. Axselle and Mr. Mattox said that the questions will be based off of the trends that the committee sees in the surveys as well as several other factors.
“Our responsibility too, is to all the children,” said Mr. Axselle. He said that the committee will have to make sure that all of the interests of the students are accounted for.
The committee members also said that some of the questions would be drawn from their experience.
“There are certain things that the director is going to have to be able to implement,” said Mr. Mattox.
The final speaker of the day, Mr. Timothy Reed, a parent from Chesterfield County, said that the new director needs to have “vision.”
“Whoever comes into this school does not have to see the school as it is today,” said Mr. Reed, “But how it will be ten or twenty years from now.”
Diversity Group Disappears
Quick question: has anyone seen any of the four U.Va. “Diversity Consultants” at MLWGS in recent weeks?
As of October, 16, the Regional Board had paid $70,000 for this study which is supposed to be completed by springtime.
Yesterday was the last of thirty middle school recruiting visits for the year. But none of the consultants have ever observed these visits.
As of now, no surveys have been administered and no students or parents have been interviewed. How can our school’s admissions process be analyzed and changed if the consultants fail to do some basic research?
As of October, 16, the Regional Board had paid $70,000 for this study which is supposed to be completed by springtime.
Yesterday was the last of thirty middle school recruiting visits for the year. But none of the consultants have ever observed these visits.
As of now, no surveys have been administered and no students or parents have been interviewed. How can our school’s admissions process be analyzed and changed if the consultants fail to do some basic research?
Election Day
November 4 is just around the corner. Enjoy the day off, and if you are old enough to vote, arrive early to the polls!
Second District Candidates Speak up
by Danny Yates, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
What do the three candidates vying to represent the residents of Richmond City Council’s Second District have in common?
All three are young males. All three are political first-timers.
And all three visited MLWGS one evening last week to speak with a dozen members of the Newtowne Neighborhood Association.
Speaking to a small audience in MLWGS adjunct room 153 on Monday evening, October 20, candidates Tyron Bey, Patrick Kjellberg, and Charles Samuels discussed everything from education to public safety to utility bills.
TYRON BEY
Bey, a recent Virginia State University political science graduate, and even more recently a U.S. Air Force veteran, is a Richmond native and resident of the Carver neighborhood.
The young African American man described himself as a “proud product of Richmond Public Schools,” and in his opening remarks he emphasized the positive aspects of RPS.
“The school system is way better than it was 11 years ago when I was at Tee Jay,” said Bey.
Bey, who currently works at the Suntrust Mortgage Center where he deals with home foreclosures, outlined his three part campaign platform.
“This should be a city where we can all live comfortably,” said Bey. “I will push strongly for affordable housing, regional transit, and support of our schools.”
CHARLES R. SAMUELS
Driving through Richmond’s Second District, the region that stretches from the Fan to Northside to Jackson Ward, it is hard not to notice the many blue and yellow election signs for Charles R. Samuels.
Samuels is a local attorney who represents veterans and indigent clients in the metro area.
As a Virginia Legal Aid Hotline volunteer and a legal guardian for at-risk youth, Samuels says “he’s forged ties to the community.”
He also leads the other two candidates in campaign funds, with more than $15,000 collected as of October 22.
In his self-introduction, Samuels said he entered politics out of an inner “hunger to help people.”
PATRICK KJELLBERG
Patrick D. Kjellberg is a former talk show radio host from Minnesota who graduated from college with a degree in economics and now works in the home realty business.
In November 2006, Kjellberg was unsuccessful in challenging current City Council Chairman Bill Pantele in the second district race.
In next Tuesday’s special election, Kjellberg hopes to surpass the 30% vote he received two years ago.
Although Richmond city council candidates are elected to serve a four year term, this year Pantele, one of four mayoral candidates, is vacating his seat in hope of becoming Richmond’s next chief executive.
Meanwhile, Kjellberg is competing against Samuels who bears Pantele’s endorsement.
With his campaign message of “finding ways to repopulate our city,” Kjellberg says he is focusing on bringing new development to the area.
Kjellberg, who at age 42 is the oldest of the three candidates, spoke of how local politics directly affect international affairs.
“Having pedestrian communities in Richmond will reduce our demand on foreign oil,” said Kjellberg.
POLITICAL DECORUM
While the candidates disagreed on several issues such as plans for a Richmond baseball stadium and regional transportation solutions, the three men shared similar views on nearly every other topic discussed in the two hour meeting.
And, in a moment of political rarity, each candidate spoke highly of his opponents during closing remarks.
Kjellberg, Bey, and Samuels complimented each other’s strengths as they smiled and shook hands.
“All three of us are great people and no matter who wins, we will work for the people of this district,” said Bey.
Richmond City Council’s three candidates seeking to represent the Second District attended a forum on Monday October 20 at MLWGS. Mr. Irvin Charles attended the meeting and queried the candidates.
Mr. Charles: “What are your personal goals that will help you lead and work for this community?”
Patrick D. Kjellberg, endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Richmond Times Dispatch
“Our vacant lots must be developed; we lose five million each year from them. We need
something to attract new tenants and families like a biotechnical magnet high school,” said Kjellberg.
Tyron Bey, endorsed by the REA (Richmond Education Association)
“First and foremost, I would build a community center for this area. I grew up in the Boys and Girls Club and I know how well these programs work,” said Bey. “We also have to cut down on the open air drug markets through continued sector policing.”
Charles R. Samuels, endorsed by the Richmond Firefighter’s Association, Crusade for Voters
“As a former neighborhood president in the Fan, I know we need to fix the non-violent crime problem. I will use the three P’s, personnel, policy, and planning, to do this,” said Samuels.
What do the three candidates vying to represent the residents of Richmond City Council’s Second District have in common?
All three are young males. All three are political first-timers.
And all three visited MLWGS one evening last week to speak with a dozen members of the Newtowne Neighborhood Association.
Speaking to a small audience in MLWGS adjunct room 153 on Monday evening, October 20, candidates Tyron Bey, Patrick Kjellberg, and Charles Samuels discussed everything from education to public safety to utility bills.
TYRON BEY
Bey, a recent Virginia State University political science graduate, and even more recently a U.S. Air Force veteran, is a Richmond native and resident of the Carver neighborhood.
The young African American man described himself as a “proud product of Richmond Public Schools,” and in his opening remarks he emphasized the positive aspects of RPS.
“The school system is way better than it was 11 years ago when I was at Tee Jay,” said Bey.
Bey, who currently works at the Suntrust Mortgage Center where he deals with home foreclosures, outlined his three part campaign platform.
“This should be a city where we can all live comfortably,” said Bey. “I will push strongly for affordable housing, regional transit, and support of our schools.”
CHARLES R. SAMUELS
Driving through Richmond’s Second District, the region that stretches from the Fan to Northside to Jackson Ward, it is hard not to notice the many blue and yellow election signs for Charles R. Samuels.
Samuels is a local attorney who represents veterans and indigent clients in the metro area.
As a Virginia Legal Aid Hotline volunteer and a legal guardian for at-risk youth, Samuels says “he’s forged ties to the community.”
He also leads the other two candidates in campaign funds, with more than $15,000 collected as of October 22.
In his self-introduction, Samuels said he entered politics out of an inner “hunger to help people.”
PATRICK KJELLBERG
Patrick D. Kjellberg is a former talk show radio host from Minnesota who graduated from college with a degree in economics and now works in the home realty business.
In November 2006, Kjellberg was unsuccessful in challenging current City Council Chairman Bill Pantele in the second district race.
In next Tuesday’s special election, Kjellberg hopes to surpass the 30% vote he received two years ago.
Although Richmond city council candidates are elected to serve a four year term, this year Pantele, one of four mayoral candidates, is vacating his seat in hope of becoming Richmond’s next chief executive.
Meanwhile, Kjellberg is competing against Samuels who bears Pantele’s endorsement.
With his campaign message of “finding ways to repopulate our city,” Kjellberg says he is focusing on bringing new development to the area.
Kjellberg, who at age 42 is the oldest of the three candidates, spoke of how local politics directly affect international affairs.
“Having pedestrian communities in Richmond will reduce our demand on foreign oil,” said Kjellberg.
POLITICAL DECORUM
While the candidates disagreed on several issues such as plans for a Richmond baseball stadium and regional transportation solutions, the three men shared similar views on nearly every other topic discussed in the two hour meeting.
And, in a moment of political rarity, each candidate spoke highly of his opponents during closing remarks.
Kjellberg, Bey, and Samuels complimented each other’s strengths as they smiled and shook hands.
“All three of us are great people and no matter who wins, we will work for the people of this district,” said Bey.
Richmond City Council’s three candidates seeking to represent the Second District attended a forum on Monday October 20 at MLWGS. Mr. Irvin Charles attended the meeting and queried the candidates.
Mr. Charles: “What are your personal goals that will help you lead and work for this community?”
Patrick D. Kjellberg, endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Richmond Times Dispatch
“Our vacant lots must be developed; we lose five million each year from them. We need
something to attract new tenants and families like a biotechnical magnet high school,” said Kjellberg.
Tyron Bey, endorsed by the REA (Richmond Education Association)
“First and foremost, I would build a community center for this area. I grew up in the Boys and Girls Club and I know how well these programs work,” said Bey. “We also have to cut down on the open air drug markets through continued sector policing.”
Charles R. Samuels, endorsed by the Richmond Firefighter’s Association, Crusade for Voters
“As a former neighborhood president in the Fan, I know we need to fix the non-violent crime problem. I will use the three P’s, personnel, policy, and planning, to do this,” said Samuels.
A Conversation with MLWGS’ Own Mr. Irvin Charles*
Maggie Walker Alumnus and MLWGS Head of Security shares his thoughts
What are your plans for Halloween, are you doing anything with your daughter?
We’ll probably go out and do a little trick or treating, but Halloween is always interesting for me because it is my anniversary. This will be year 21.
How about election day?
All that I hope to do is to get in and out as soon as I can. Teachers still have to work that day, and everyone is talking about how long the lines will be. And talking about the election, I think it is going to be a very close one this year.
As basketball season approaches what are your goals for the team?
Really, I’m looking forward to this season. I think Girl’s Varsity have the capability to upset some other teams. With their experienced sophomores, Chetta, Cassie, and Lindsay, I think they’ll do well.
How about your JV Girls?
As far as my team, I will try to give them the basic fundamentals. Last year we had three wins and we hope to continue that success. I have some good players returning, like Cathy, Jordan, Laura, and Mackenzie.
The middle school visits are wrapping up, any thoughts?
I have really enjoyed doing these visits. And from what I can see, the Governor’s School has made additional efforts to get our name out there. But let me say one thing. We are always going to be dealing with the same recruitment problems until we form a committee and start talking to the parents and kids at the fifth and sixth grade levels. We want qualified students, but we need to start earlier on so that they’re prepared for Maggie Walker when eighth grade comes.
Tell me about the recent street cleaning/parking incident that occurred last week?
Some of the kids who park in the street didn’t see the street cleaning signs and the city towed a couple of their cars. Students need to be careful of where they park and they should look for those signs.
*Q&A by Danny Yates on October 30, 2008.
What are your plans for Halloween, are you doing anything with your daughter?
We’ll probably go out and do a little trick or treating, but Halloween is always interesting for me because it is my anniversary. This will be year 21.
How about election day?
All that I hope to do is to get in and out as soon as I can. Teachers still have to work that day, and everyone is talking about how long the lines will be. And talking about the election, I think it is going to be a very close one this year.
As basketball season approaches what are your goals for the team?
Really, I’m looking forward to this season. I think Girl’s Varsity have the capability to upset some other teams. With their experienced sophomores, Chetta, Cassie, and Lindsay, I think they’ll do well.
How about your JV Girls?
As far as my team, I will try to give them the basic fundamentals. Last year we had three wins and we hope to continue that success. I have some good players returning, like Cathy, Jordan, Laura, and Mackenzie.
The middle school visits are wrapping up, any thoughts?
I have really enjoyed doing these visits. And from what I can see, the Governor’s School has made additional efforts to get our name out there. But let me say one thing. We are always going to be dealing with the same recruitment problems until we form a committee and start talking to the parents and kids at the fifth and sixth grade levels. We want qualified students, but we need to start earlier on so that they’re prepared for Maggie Walker when eighth grade comes.
Tell me about the recent street cleaning/parking incident that occurred last week?
Some of the kids who park in the street didn’t see the street cleaning signs and the city towed a couple of their cars. Students need to be careful of where they park and they should look for those signs.
*Q&A by Danny Yates on October 30, 2008.
McCain = Bush
by Elaine Hillgrove ('10)
The war in Iraq goes on. The economy is in shambles. The earth is running out of renewable resources. And the scary thing is? Citizens of the USA are actually considering electing a man who supported this.
For the past eight years, President Bush has been running our country into the ground. Not every decision he’s made has been bad. He had the highest approval rating ever of a president (90%, in the two days following 9/11). However, most of the major decisions he has made have been bad. He provided tax rollbacks for the top 3% of our country, and limited the amount of regulation on bank loans, both contributing to the economic failure.
Bush also ordered for the military to invade Iraq. The point was to find the WMDs that Iraq was supposedly harboring. However, once it became clear that there were no WMDs anywhere, he didn’t end the war. He kept on sending in more and more troops to fight a war that started with a lie. As a result, over 4,000 Americans have died and over 30,000 have been injured.
As the economy crashes and the war goes on, the earth is failing. We are running out of oil. Rather than figuring out a renewable energy source, Bush has been pushing Congress to reverse the ban on off-shore drilling in ANWAR Oil extraction is an expensive task, and it takes a long time to refine. By the time this is done, solar panel farms could be set up for the same cost. These solar power farms could power over half of the country.
Obama is not the best candidate for president we’ve ever had. He probably isn’t even in the top ten. Obama is very young and inexperienced, and some of his new ideas are a little idealistic. The point is, however, that he has new ideas. John McCain is simply Bush all over again. It’s a number that’s been repeated over and over, but still: 90%. That’s how much of the time McCain voted with Bush. Can America afford another four years of Bush?
McCain wants to continue what Bush has started. He wants tax breaks for everyone, even though the United States is $10.3 trillion in debt. He wants off-shore drilling, even though it will take a while to actually see the oil in the country. McCain wants to continue the war in Iraq, until we “cross the finish line.” The problem with that is that there is no finish line. It isn’t two countries fighting against each other, so there can’t be a clear victory.
McCain, for the most part, is Bush. Americans need to come together and elect someone who isn’t – someone like Barack Obama. In four years, if he’s doing a bad job, then someone else can be elected. But it’s better to elect someone on the chance that they’ll make things better than it is to elect someone knowing they’ll keep things the same.
The war in Iraq goes on. The economy is in shambles. The earth is running out of renewable resources. And the scary thing is? Citizens of the USA are actually considering electing a man who supported this.
For the past eight years, President Bush has been running our country into the ground. Not every decision he’s made has been bad. He had the highest approval rating ever of a president (90%, in the two days following 9/11). However, most of the major decisions he has made have been bad. He provided tax rollbacks for the top 3% of our country, and limited the amount of regulation on bank loans, both contributing to the economic failure.
Bush also ordered for the military to invade Iraq. The point was to find the WMDs that Iraq was supposedly harboring. However, once it became clear that there were no WMDs anywhere, he didn’t end the war. He kept on sending in more and more troops to fight a war that started with a lie. As a result, over 4,000 Americans have died and over 30,000 have been injured.
As the economy crashes and the war goes on, the earth is failing. We are running out of oil. Rather than figuring out a renewable energy source, Bush has been pushing Congress to reverse the ban on off-shore drilling in ANWAR Oil extraction is an expensive task, and it takes a long time to refine. By the time this is done, solar panel farms could be set up for the same cost. These solar power farms could power over half of the country.
Obama is not the best candidate for president we’ve ever had. He probably isn’t even in the top ten. Obama is very young and inexperienced, and some of his new ideas are a little idealistic. The point is, however, that he has new ideas. John McCain is simply Bush all over again. It’s a number that’s been repeated over and over, but still: 90%. That’s how much of the time McCain voted with Bush. Can America afford another four years of Bush?
McCain wants to continue what Bush has started. He wants tax breaks for everyone, even though the United States is $10.3 trillion in debt. He wants off-shore drilling, even though it will take a while to actually see the oil in the country. McCain wants to continue the war in Iraq, until we “cross the finish line.” The problem with that is that there is no finish line. It isn’t two countries fighting against each other, so there can’t be a clear victory.
McCain, for the most part, is Bush. Americans need to come together and elect someone who isn’t – someone like Barack Obama. In four years, if he’s doing a bad job, then someone else can be elected. But it’s better to elect someone on the chance that they’ll make things better than it is to elect someone knowing they’ll keep things the same.
A Man of His Own
by Logan Ferrell ('10)
Just before the culmination of the presidential campaign, it is easy to forget the true principles behind either candidate. Two years of tough campaigning have swallowed any substance behind the arguments that fill both airwaves and hallway conversation within MLWGS. Looking at the views of the candidates, before the onslaught of pandering and aggressive slogans; one begins to question the growing acceptance of an Obama presidency. That same questioning, has led me to the same conclusions about John McCain that I first had; he is a us
Let us first consider that slogan which seems to most permeate the current electoral conversation; John McCain is equivalent to George W. Bush, and has consistently voted with his White House. The part of this argument that people seem to forget, is that George Bush and John McCain are indeed of the same political party. Political parties, intended as group consisting of people with similar philosophies and beliefs, would therefore logically contain members (i.e. a president and a senator) who agree on and reaffirm each other’s policy decisions. However, to say that this similarity of legislative philosophies makes John McCain equally responsible for the obvious mistakes of President Bush, ignores the fact that John McCain has often publicly opposed the president. While the media may have forgotten, they at one time ran against each other.
On key issues, John McCain has spoken out against his party, while maintaining a record of logical decisions. Many of these decisions actually reflect views Obama now claims as his own. In 2003, McCain voted against the GOP in sponsoring a bill devoted to curbing Greenhouse gas emissions; then by supporting a bill for stem cell research, and more recently for increasing access to healthcare for underprivileged children. All these decisions reflect John McCain’s willingness to oppose George Bush, in fighting for decisions that are better for the country, if not the party. Sadly, this fact has been obscured by the both campaigns; McCain’s in an attempt to appease hard-core conservatives, and by Obama to appeal for “change”.
This change, he says would reach across the aisle for progress, ignoring party lines (as he accuses McCain as firmly following) to decide a common American policy. The Washington Post said John McCain voted with his party 88% of the time during the current congress, Obama voted with his party 96% of the time: how is that for change.
Just before the culmination of the presidential campaign, it is easy to forget the true principles behind either candidate. Two years of tough campaigning have swallowed any substance behind the arguments that fill both airwaves and hallway conversation within MLWGS. Looking at the views of the candidates, before the onslaught of pandering and aggressive slogans; one begins to question the growing acceptance of an Obama presidency. That same questioning, has led me to the same conclusions about John McCain that I first had; he is a us
Let us first consider that slogan which seems to most permeate the current electoral conversation; John McCain is equivalent to George W. Bush, and has consistently voted with his White House. The part of this argument that people seem to forget, is that George Bush and John McCain are indeed of the same political party. Political parties, intended as group consisting of people with similar philosophies and beliefs, would therefore logically contain members (i.e. a president and a senator) who agree on and reaffirm each other’s policy decisions. However, to say that this similarity of legislative philosophies makes John McCain equally responsible for the obvious mistakes of President Bush, ignores the fact that John McCain has often publicly opposed the president. While the media may have forgotten, they at one time ran against each other.
On key issues, John McCain has spoken out against his party, while maintaining a record of logical decisions. Many of these decisions actually reflect views Obama now claims as his own. In 2003, McCain voted against the GOP in sponsoring a bill devoted to curbing Greenhouse gas emissions; then by supporting a bill for stem cell research, and more recently for increasing access to healthcare for underprivileged children. All these decisions reflect John McCain’s willingness to oppose George Bush, in fighting for decisions that are better for the country, if not the party. Sadly, this fact has been obscured by the both campaigns; McCain’s in an attempt to appease hard-core conservatives, and by Obama to appeal for “change”.
This change, he says would reach across the aisle for progress, ignoring party lines (as he accuses McCain as firmly following) to decide a common American policy. The Washington Post said John McCain voted with his party 88% of the time during the current congress, Obama voted with his party 96% of the time: how is that for change.
All-School Read
The nominees for this year’s All-School Read are Seeing by: Jose Saramago, All the Names also by: Jose Saramago, and Till we have Faces by: C.S. Lewis.
“The All-School Read exposes the entire school population to new genres of reading they might not have read normally,” said Colin Greatwood (’10).
The MLWGS All-School Read is a school wide reading of a single book selected by the students. The books are selected by a small committee of students and teachers.
The six students pick two books each, and in the next week they vote on the top six. Over the summer each member of the committee reads the selected books. Once school starts again, the selections are reduced to three. From there, they vote again for the top three, which are then introduced to the entire student population for a school-wide vote
“The All-School Read exposes the entire school population to new genres of reading they might not have read normally,” said Colin Greatwood (’10).
The MLWGS All-School Read is a school wide reading of a single book selected by the students. The books are selected by a small committee of students and teachers.
The six students pick two books each, and in the next week they vote on the top six. Over the summer each member of the committee reads the selected books. Once school starts again, the selections are reduced to three. From there, they vote again for the top three, which are then introduced to the entire student population for a school-wide vote
Internet Safety Assembly
A presentation full of important information regarding internet safety was given to MLWGS students on Thursday, October 23rd, during 6th period block. The presentation contained tips on how to be a smart and spam-free internet user.
"It was very informative," said Galen Kellner ('12)
The presentation focused on giving students advice for avoiding spam, viruses, trojans, and other online dangers. It described several actions students could take to protect themselves, such as installing antivirus software or setting up spam filters for their e-mails.
"It was very informative," said Galen Kellner ('12)
The presentation focused on giving students advice for avoiding spam, viruses, trojans, and other online dangers. It described several actions students could take to protect themselves, such as installing antivirus software or setting up spam filters for their e-mails.
Homecoming
The junior class sold 581 tickets for Homecoming and made over 4000 dollars, according to Ms. Sharon Parker, Senior Seminar/Mentorship Coordinator.
"Given that people were on the dance floor the entire night, it seemed like everyone was having a great time." said Ms. Parker.
Of the 581 tickets sold, about 10% were sold to guests. The other 90% were sold to MLWGS students. Also, the number of tickets sold flew from about 530 two years ago to 581 this year, a 10% increase
"Given that people were on the dance floor the entire night, it seemed like everyone was having a great time." said Ms. Parker.
Of the 581 tickets sold, about 10% were sold to guests. The other 90% were sold to MLWGS students. Also, the number of tickets sold flew from about 530 two years ago to 581 this year, a 10% increase
Suggestions Needed
The freshmen S.C.A. is looking for suggestions for the winter dance and freshmen lock-in, both of which are taking place on December 17. Suggestions may be placed in the suggestion box in the freshmen commons, and will be considered when planning for the events.
The winter dance and freshmen lock-in are traditionally sponsored and organized by the freshmen student council. "The freshmen are counting on us to make the dance fun, so we are working really hard," said Catherine Miller, a freshmen co-president.
Suggestions may be submitted in writing and dropped it in the suggestion box in freshmen commons. "The only thing in there right now is a gummy bear, so we really need you guys' suggestions," said Ross Anderson, freshmen Co-Historian
The winter dance and freshmen lock-in are traditionally sponsored and organized by the freshmen student council. "The freshmen are counting on us to make the dance fun, so we are working really hard," said Catherine Miller, a freshmen co-president.
Suggestions may be submitted in writing and dropped it in the suggestion box in freshmen commons. "The only thing in there right now is a gummy bear, so we really need you guys' suggestions," said Ross Anderson, freshmen Co-Historian
ASL Students Attend Deaf Lecture
A deaf lecture focusing on the role of deaf people in the Holocaust was held at UVA last Thursday, October 23rd. It was attended by a group of MLWGS ASL students.
The main reasons for the trip were to “introduce students to deaf culture, be part of a deaf audience, [and] learn about deaf people in the Holocaust,” said Ms. Brenda Thornton, ASL teacher.
ASL student, Kathleen Webb (’10), said “Most people don’t think about deaf people and the Holocaust, [but] it was cool. The signer presented really well.” According to Ms. Thornton, similar trips are planned for the future.
The main reasons for the trip were to “introduce students to deaf culture, be part of a deaf audience, [and] learn about deaf people in the Holocaust,” said Ms. Brenda Thornton, ASL teacher.
ASL student, Kathleen Webb (’10), said “Most people don’t think about deaf people and the Holocaust, [but] it was cool. The signer presented really well.” According to Ms. Thornton, similar trips are planned for the future.
Free Lunch Now Available
MLWGS has begun taking steps to make its services more accessible to those students with financial difficulties. Following an October 17 decision by the regional school board, the school has officially started its own its own program to provide lunch vouchers.
“It’s in place, it’s been aproved, and it’s working.” said Mr. Phil Tharp, Coordinator of Administration.
The program, modeled on one used by Hanover County schools, provides a $4.50 credit every day, for students to use towards a full meal. These credits are placed on lunch line cards, identical to regular cards in both use and appearance. A To qualify for a credit, students must be part of a household receiving food stamps or Temporary Aid from the Department of Social Services; foster children are also subject to the criteria.
Students interested in credit for the 2008-2009 school year, can apply at any time during the year. Applications can be found either in the attendance office or in Ms. Williams office
“It’s in place, it’s been aproved, and it’s working.” said Mr. Phil Tharp, Coordinator of Administration.
The program, modeled on one used by Hanover County schools, provides a $4.50 credit every day, for students to use towards a full meal. These credits are placed on lunch line cards, identical to regular cards in both use and appearance. A To qualify for a credit, students must be part of a household receiving food stamps or Temporary Aid from the Department of Social Services; foster children are also subject to the criteria.
Students interested in credit for the 2008-2009 school year, can apply at any time during the year. Applications can be found either in the attendance office or in Ms. Williams office
Obama Stumps in Richmond
On an early Wednesday morning last week, MLWGS students signed out in droves to attend an Obama rally held at the Richmond Coliseum. The rally gave students who support Obama an opportunity to see the candidate in person, but it also gave those who work with the campaign an increased drive to volunteer in the final week before the election.
I saw Obama for the first time, and it was amazing,” said Nik Philipsen (’10). “I’m an intern with the Obama campaign, which means I volunteer about 15 hours a week. At the rally, I got to see the result of all this work we’re doing.”
According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, about 13,000 people attended the rally, and an additional 7,000 people were even turned away at the door.
Although 74 students signed out for the rally, not everyone made it in time to get into the Coliseum. Although Obama greeted supporters who were turned away, the MLWGS students left outside were discouraged they didn’t get to go to the rally.
“I stood in line for two hours with some other Maggie Walker people, but only one of us got through security,” said Jonathan Crawford (’09). “I was really disappointed I didn’t get in because I was so excited about the rally. It still was really good to be there, though, and see everyone so unified for Obama.”
Most of the students who attended the rally were ardent supporters before the rally, but for one student, the rally dramatically changed her opinion of Obama.
“Before the rally, I thought that it would be a good opportunity to see someone who might be the future president,” said Mackenzie Tucker (’10).“I didn’t have a strong opinion about either of the candidates, but I went to hear what Obama had to say.”
“When I saw all the supporters, I felt the energy of everyone who believed in him,” she continued. “I know he must be a pretty inspirational person to get a crowd like that.”
Many of the students who went to the rally have volunteered in the past at local Obama offices, but some even considered the going rally another way to help out the campaign.
“Because we can’t vote, going to the rally and showing our support is the next best thing we can do,” said Callie Guy (’10), an Obama volunteer. “I hope that all the other people at the rally saw our spirit and enthusiasm and felt more excited about the Obama campaign.
I saw Obama for the first time, and it was amazing,” said Nik Philipsen (’10). “I’m an intern with the Obama campaign, which means I volunteer about 15 hours a week. At the rally, I got to see the result of all this work we’re doing.”
According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, about 13,000 people attended the rally, and an additional 7,000 people were even turned away at the door.
Although 74 students signed out for the rally, not everyone made it in time to get into the Coliseum. Although Obama greeted supporters who were turned away, the MLWGS students left outside were discouraged they didn’t get to go to the rally.
“I stood in line for two hours with some other Maggie Walker people, but only one of us got through security,” said Jonathan Crawford (’09). “I was really disappointed I didn’t get in because I was so excited about the rally. It still was really good to be there, though, and see everyone so unified for Obama.”
Most of the students who attended the rally were ardent supporters before the rally, but for one student, the rally dramatically changed her opinion of Obama.
“Before the rally, I thought that it would be a good opportunity to see someone who might be the future president,” said Mackenzie Tucker (’10).“I didn’t have a strong opinion about either of the candidates, but I went to hear what Obama had to say.”
“When I saw all the supporters, I felt the energy of everyone who believed in him,” she continued. “I know he must be a pretty inspirational person to get a crowd like that.”
Many of the students who went to the rally have volunteered in the past at local Obama offices, but some even considered the going rally another way to help out the campaign.
“Because we can’t vote, going to the rally and showing our support is the next best thing we can do,” said Callie Guy (’10), an Obama volunteer. “I hope that all the other people at the rally saw our spirit and enthusiasm and felt more excited about the Obama campaign.
Fall Sports Wrap Up
by Karthik Illakuvan, Jabberwock Staff Reporter
Golf
With regionals over three weeks ago, the golf season has long been over, and its successes (and failures) can be described by one overlying theme: one stroke.
Coming in third at the mini-district tournament at the beginning of the season, the Maggie Walker Golf team was looking forward to a great season – and they delivered.
Two historic wins defined their great season – the Green Dragons beat the Godwin Eagles for the first time in school history, and they came up big against Douglas Freeman, winning for the first time since Coach Brown took over the team.
Travis McCall (’10) led the group, qualifying for regionals, missing All-District by one stroke. Corbin Bagenstose (’10) also had a great season, missing regionals by one stroke.
When playing against Godwin for the second time, it looked as if the Green Dragons were going to make school history again, becoming the first golf team to beat Godwin twice in one season.
Yet, it was not to be – two double pars, and the Green Dragons found themselves looking at a two stroke loss.
Regardless of these disappointments, the golf season was a success.
As Scotty Clark (’09) put it, “We did our best, we played hard, and I think we really established Maggie Walker as a dominant power in the golf world (Colonial District).”
Charles Hearn (’09) had another reason for their great season.
“Our awesome success can be attributed to the shine on Travis and Corbin’s hair interfering with the other teams’ concentration,” Hearn said. “They were really an inspiration to me during the season. “
Field Hockey
First in the district (again) comes as no surprise to the Maggie Walker Girls Field Hockey team. With an impressive 12-3 regular season record, the Dragons have already won their first district game and played in the district finals against Deep Run (11-4) on Thursday night.
“We’ve worked really hard and overcome some defeats this year,” Ellen Graham (’09) said. “We’re going to make it to states this year.
We’ve already qualified for regionals, and the top two teams from regionals advance to states, so we have a really good chance.”
If the Green Dragons do qualify for states this year, it will be the first time since 2003.
Green Machine has relentlessly supported the Field Hockey team, even showing up during their suspension.
“It’s really nice to have better fans that a normal school might have.”
Boys Volleyball
The most improved team this fall season, the Maggie Walker Boys Volleyball team went 12-8, and came one win short of qualifying for regionals.
At Mills Godwin High School, the Green Dragons took on J.R. Tucker to see who would play in the district final versus Deep Run.
The first set was a nailbiter, with the lead switching back and forth, but Tucker came up big at the end, winning 25-22.
Although the Dragons ended up losing in three, this season was its most successful by far.
“Our success was not owed to a single player, but to every single player, as every win was a team effort,” Ramin Haidari (’09) said.
“But if I had to point out one player, it would have to be the Keith [Keith Webb (’09)]. He is my, and everybody else’s, inspiration.”
This showed in the All-District selections – Matt Wilkinson (’10) was placed on first team All-District, Parker Kirwan (’10) and David Wagner (’10) were placed on the second team All-District, and Webb received an honorable mention.
Also new to this season was the presence of Green Machine, who showed up in force to many home volleyball games throughout the season, with the volleyball team winning all of those games convincingly. There were some really intense games, especially near the end of the season.
“The last set in the last game of the regular season against Tucker was really emotional,” Webb said. “It just kept going back and forth, and we didn’t know who would win.”
Webb also left some advice for fans next year.
“Most of our team played off-season volleyball last year, and they will continue to play off-season this year - look for an even better season next year.”
Girls Volleyball
A winning record says a lot, especially at Maggie Walker. The Maggie Walker Girls Volleyball team went 11-10 this season, impressing critics and fans alike.
“There was a lot of improvement overall in everyone, especially in the team as a whole,” Nora Linkous (’09) said. “There was a lot more cohesiveness this year. We played really well at the playoff game at Patrick Henry.”
Since Patrick Henry and Maggie Walker were tied in the district standings at the end of the season, a playoff match was held to see who would qualify for districts. The Patrick Henry game was intense, full of emotions, and the Green Dragons came out on top. With Linkous leading the way with 17 kills, the Dragons never looked back. This was the also first year the Green Dragons beat Hermitage and Patrick Henry.
The success wasn’t limited to the Patrick Henry game, though. Meredith Bearden (’10) and Linkous were placed on second team All-District, and Meredith Nuttycombe received an honorable mention.
At districts, the Green Dragons went up against Douglas Freeman.
“Even though Freeman didn’t go our way, I still feel it was a good effort. It may not have ended the way we wanted it to, but we fulfilled our goals as a team for the season,” Linkous said.
Boys Cross Country
The MLWGS Boys Cross Country season is winding down, and regionals are right around the corner. Districts were last weekend, and the Green Dragons placed third, with the top four teams qualifying for districts. It was a tight race between Deep Run and Maggie Walker for third place, but the Dragons pulled it out.
“Boris a rock-awesome running God,” Kris Kusnerik (’09) said. “We ended up tying with Deep Run for third, but we had Boris. He was our sixth runner, and he edged out Deep Run’s sixth runner.”
In addition to their running success, the runners have had some off-the-track success. During the pep rally, they went up against the Girls Field Hockey team, winning 2-0.
“It finally proves that runners are the most athletic people – it was a much needed win for our organization,” Peter Askin (’09) said.
Girls Cross Country
The MLWGS Girls Cross Country team has the best record of any of the fall sports, and the title is well-deserved: undefeated, 13-0, #1 in the district.
Qualifying for regionals with ease, the team will probably be ranked second, behind Midlothian.
“Our goal is to place in the top five at states, but first, we have to qualify. The top four in regionals qualify, and I think we have a good chance,” Susannah Piersol (’09) said. “We have a tight pack of runners this year, and it looks promising. One meet in Albemarle, our team got second, but it was to the #2 team in the state, so were really happy.”
“The last set in the last game of the regular season against Tucker was really emotional,” Webb said. “It just kept going back and forth, and we didn’t know who would win.”
Webb also left some advice for fans next year.
“Most of our team played off-season volleyball last year, and they will continue to play off-season this year - look for an even better season next year.”
Girls Volleyball
A winning record says a lot, especially at Maggie Walker. The Maggie Walker Girls Volleyball team went 11-10 this season, impressing critics and fans alike.
“There was a lot of improvement overall in everyone, especially in the team as a whole,” Nora Linkous (’09) said. “There was a lot more cohesiveness this year. We played really well at the playoff game at Patrick Henry.”
Since Patrick Henry and Maggie Walker were tied in the district standings at the end of the season, a playoff match was held to see who would qualify for districts.
The Patrick Henry game was intense, full of emotions, and the Green Dragons came out on top. With Linkous leading the way with 17 kills, the Dragons never looked back. This was the also first year the Green Dragons beat Hermitage and Patrick Henry.
The success wasn’t limited to the Patrick Henry game, though. Meredith Bearden (’10) and Linkous were placed on second team All-District, and Meredith Nuttycombe received an honorable mention.
At districts, the Green Dragons went up against Douglas Freeman.
“Even though Freeman didn’t go our way, I still feel it was a good effort. It may not have ended the way we wanted it to, but we fulfilled our goals as a team for the season,” Linkous said.
Boys Cross Country
The MLWGS Boys Cross Country season is winding down, and regionals are right around the corner. Districts were last weekend, and the Green Dragons placed third, with the top four teams qualifying for districts.
It was a tight race between Deep Run and Maggie Walker for third place, but the Dragons pulled it out.
“Boris (Cameron Napps) a rock-awesome running God,” Kris Kusnerik (’09) said. “We ended up tying with Deep Run for third, but we had Boris. He was our sixth runner, and he edged out Deep Run’s sixth runner.”
In addition to their running success, the runners have had some off-the-track success. During the pep rally, they went up against the Girls Field Hockey team, winning 2-0.
“It finally proves that runners are the most athletic people – it was a much needed win for our organization,” Peter Askin (’09) said.
Girls Cross Country
The MLWGS Girls Cross Country team has the best record of any of the fall sports, and the title is well-deserved: undefeated, 13-0, #1 in the district. Qualifying for regionals with ease, the team will probably be ranked second, behind Midlothian.
After regionals, the girls team will most likely advance to the November 8 state tournament, held in Northern Virginia.
“Our goal is to place in the top five at states, but first, we have to qualify. The top four in regionals qualify, and I think we have a good chance,” Susannah Piersol (’09) said.
“We have a tight pack of runners this year, and it looks promising. One meet in Albemarle, our team got second, but it was to the #2 team in the state, so were really happy.”
So Bad It's Good
A Saturday night showing of W proved that the slogan “based on a true story” was not meant as a joke. Who knew? Ten minutes into the movie, ten minutes without one single spoof on the president. As it turned out, a viewing of High School Musical 3 was scheduled at the same time.
I figured that it would inevitably be horrible, but at least more entertaining than a documentary on cough-worst president ever-cough-cough. For the record, HSM 3 was hilarious… correction: HSM 3 was hilariously terrible. It is one of those movies that’s so bad it’s funny.
The senior group is back for yet another year of spontaneous singing in HSM 3. In their final year before college, the group is planning one last spring musical.
All the while, they are busy with plans for college and organizing prom. Sharpay, Ryan, and Kelsi are counting on scholarships to Julliard, while Troy and Chad are balancing multiple basketball scholarships.
When Gabriella receives an honors scholarship to Stanford, she must leave early, leaving her friends, the musical, and Troy behind. As they all begin to adapt to the change that is coming, they begin to prioritize their lives, and realize what is most important to them.
It was not my intent to see HSM 3, and I definitely could not be considered a fan of the previous two films. The concept of the former films are inane, and I did not expect this one to be any better. Within the first few minutes I predicted the end of the movie. Surprise, surprise: my predictions were frighteningly accurate.
The plot was as mundane as it has always been: change coming, strife between friends, and reconciliation in the end. There were no unexpected twists and of course, a happy ending.
The introduction of younger students, all looking to be trained as the new sports captains and drama leads added additional humor to the film. From Sharpay’s British secretary, Tiara Gold to Troy-wannabe Jimmie Zara, it almost seemed as though this younger generation of students was preparing to take over for (yikes!) the rumors of a High School Musical 4.
In a movie with “musical” in the title, good singing should be a guarantee. Yet, it appears as if the same songs have been used movie after movie.
Lovers of Gabriella and Troy duets were not disappointed, nor were fans of Wildcat basketball songs. Troy had his usual one scene solo, and Sharpay and Ryan contributed to the film with a Broadway performance. While I am not fond of Gabriella’s solos, basketball songs, or cheesy Broadway routines, I did enjoy Zac Efron’s “Scream”, as well as several other group songs, particularly Troy and Chad’s duet.
While it would be wrong to say the overall singing was good, it was definitely entertaining. It was amusing how sometimes the singers appeared were wary of their performance, while others looked as if they were just carrying on a conversation from before.
The title implies a high school atmosphere, yet it is made for fifth-graders. Every time something romantic is about to happen, they all just break into song.
The dancing , which was far from stellar, also provided for a good laugh. In one memorable Chad and Troy duet entitled “The Boys are Back”, viewers got a glimpse of the two as friends when they were younger.
Granted, the mere presence of Efron, added to the “integrity” of the film.
All in all, the quality of the movie was as low as expected. Despite the terrible singing, acting, and dancing, not-to-mention the awkward transitions, it was sure to have you laughing, making the film almost worth seeing. However, this is not to insinuate the movie should have come out in theaters.
Any future HSM films should resort back to being a Disney Channel Original Movie, but the overwhelming funds HSM 3 brought in during its first week may tell the producers otherwise.
I figured that it would inevitably be horrible, but at least more entertaining than a documentary on cough-worst president ever-cough-cough. For the record, HSM 3 was hilarious… correction: HSM 3 was hilariously terrible. It is one of those movies that’s so bad it’s funny.
The senior group is back for yet another year of spontaneous singing in HSM 3. In their final year before college, the group is planning one last spring musical.
All the while, they are busy with plans for college and organizing prom. Sharpay, Ryan, and Kelsi are counting on scholarships to Julliard, while Troy and Chad are balancing multiple basketball scholarships.
When Gabriella receives an honors scholarship to Stanford, she must leave early, leaving her friends, the musical, and Troy behind. As they all begin to adapt to the change that is coming, they begin to prioritize their lives, and realize what is most important to them.
It was not my intent to see HSM 3, and I definitely could not be considered a fan of the previous two films. The concept of the former films are inane, and I did not expect this one to be any better. Within the first few minutes I predicted the end of the movie. Surprise, surprise: my predictions were frighteningly accurate.
The plot was as mundane as it has always been: change coming, strife between friends, and reconciliation in the end. There were no unexpected twists and of course, a happy ending.
The introduction of younger students, all looking to be trained as the new sports captains and drama leads added additional humor to the film. From Sharpay’s British secretary, Tiara Gold to Troy-wannabe Jimmie Zara, it almost seemed as though this younger generation of students was preparing to take over for (yikes!) the rumors of a High School Musical 4.
In a movie with “musical” in the title, good singing should be a guarantee. Yet, it appears as if the same songs have been used movie after movie.
Lovers of Gabriella and Troy duets were not disappointed, nor were fans of Wildcat basketball songs. Troy had his usual one scene solo, and Sharpay and Ryan contributed to the film with a Broadway performance. While I am not fond of Gabriella’s solos, basketball songs, or cheesy Broadway routines, I did enjoy Zac Efron’s “Scream”, as well as several other group songs, particularly Troy and Chad’s duet.
While it would be wrong to say the overall singing was good, it was definitely entertaining. It was amusing how sometimes the singers appeared were wary of their performance, while others looked as if they were just carrying on a conversation from before.
The title implies a high school atmosphere, yet it is made for fifth-graders. Every time something romantic is about to happen, they all just break into song.
The dancing , which was far from stellar, also provided for a good laugh. In one memorable Chad and Troy duet entitled “The Boys are Back”, viewers got a glimpse of the two as friends when they were younger.
Granted, the mere presence of Efron, added to the “integrity” of the film.
All in all, the quality of the movie was as low as expected. Despite the terrible singing, acting, and dancing, not-to-mention the awkward transitions, it was sure to have you laughing, making the film almost worth seeing. However, this is not to insinuate the movie should have come out in theaters.
Any future HSM films should resort back to being a Disney Channel Original Movie, but the overwhelming funds HSM 3 brought in during its first week may tell the producers otherwise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)