THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 16, 1994 TAG: 9412150086
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E11 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: NOTEBOOK
SOURCE: BY ALICIA LUMA, HIGH SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
THIS IS A roundup of news from local high school newspapers:
Sound to Sea, the newspaper at Manteo High School, reports that students last year scored 47 points higher than the state average on SAT tests. Miles Daniels, the paper's news and features editor, found that Manteo High scores were 10 points above the state average on the verbal section and 37 points higher in math.
Titan Times, Lake Taylor High School's newspaper, ran a story on students' reactions to new graduation rules. In the past, graduation-day antics caused some embarrassment to the school, so Norfolk Schools Superintendent Roy D. Nichols Jr. decided that diplomas will be retained if the students do not behave in a dignified manner.
Reporter Aisha Durham found a mixed reaction among seniors.
``I feel that seniors should be able to express and show how they feel during graduation, whether it be running, jumping or just holding their hand up in excitement,'' said Lakiesha Miller.
``Since graduating is a serious achievement, graduation should be treated with respect in order to show respect for the achievement,'' said Jon Handy.
Eclipse, Salem High School's newspaper, ran an article on stuff you only read about in books: a girl trying out for the football team.
Tupita Kurkcubasi, a 5-foot, 4-inch junior whose indoor soccer team was the league champion, went out for place-kicker. She said that the idea started when she played in the Powder Puff football game as the place-kicker and her performance drew compliments from JV players.
Staff writer Heather Anderson reported that on the third day of tryouts, Tupita dropped out, but only because of all the time she would have to spend practicing with the team.
But hey, you can't blame a girl for trying.
Falcon Press at Cox High School reported on the disparity among Virginia Beach schools when it comes to computers. Editor-in-chief John Craven found that Ocean Lakes has 414 computers but Cox only has 144. All the computers at Ocean Lakes are new 486s, but Cox uses the old 286s. According to this article, Kellam and Princess Anne are having the same problems.
The reason for this disparity, John reports, is funding. Virginia Beach sets aside money to construct and equip new schools in the capital improvement budget. Once a school is built, they may not use money from this fund.
But there is hope. Mordecai L. Smith, director of budget development for Virginia Beach schools, said there has been talk of an estimated $140 million bond referendum. The money would be used to update computer technology in older schools. Voters would need to approve the measure.
Bronco Bulletin at Franklin High School reported that a new class has been added this year: photojournalism. A more common name is ``yearbook.''
``It's a wonderful idea,'' said student Joanna Wiggins.
Reporter Jenny Summerell found that the two-hour block class is filled with new and old members. The instructor said she is a little nervous about teaching the new class and has not worked on a yearbook since high school.
Seniors at Granby High School told members of The Spectator staff what senior privileges they wanted. The list included nap time, off-campus lunch privileges, front hall lockers, special parking places and free passes to football games. ILLUSTRATION: Alicia Luma is a home-schooled student.
by CNB