Study halls gone as fall sees changes

Rainey Astin
staff writer

Students returning to Rocky Mount Senior High are encountering several unexpected changes. Affecting most senior high students is the reorganization of study hall.

Previously, study hall students reported to either a regular classroom or the room on the 000 hall, commonly referred to as "The Big Study Hall." This year, however, study hall students choose the teacher's room they wish to be placed in for their study hall period.

English teacher Faith Lehman likes the new system. "It keeps the class loads small and the students (study hall) are quiet and cooperative," Lehman said English and Latin teacher Nancy Jones praises the new system because "It frees teachers from having to keep the Big Study Hall."

Other senior high teachers state that it is advantageous to the student who chooses a teacher he already has. In this way he gets added reinforcement by listening to a class twice.

Junior Alicia Johnson stated, "I get distracted very easily from my studies."  Junior Carmen Coley has had no trouble adjusting to the new system. "I don't get distracted because I just block out the teacher," Coley said.

Changes made in the President's cabinet include the addition of two new committees. SRA President George King appointed juniors Daniel Jobe, Pam Sewell and seniors Frank Whitehead and Sharon Armstrong to a flag committee. This committee raises a flag, presented by Congressman Tim Valentine to last year's senior class, each school morning.

The scrapbook committee was also added over the summer. Juniors Lynn Butler, Wanda Alston and senior Zena Howard are responsible for collecting momentos will go into the scrapbook which will be judged at the leadership convention held at Mars Hill, N. C., later this year.

Changes in the Athletic Department were made over the summer. Resignations were accepted from Coach Walt Wiggins and Coach Reggie Henderson.

Filling the head football coaching position is Coach George Kelley. Kelley is looking forward to the football season. "The guys have a lot of spirit and want to win and with the right direction, they will win," Kelley said.

Magazine sales begin as students attempt
to fund functions

Elizabeth Cooper
staff writer

"Attention all students: Get psyched to sell magazines. Everyone wants to have good trips, a great Twirp Dance, and a fantastic prom, as well as other school-oriented activities. Functions such as the ones mentioned are not possible unless we do sell magazines. This project is the major fund raising project for the school as a whole. In other words, for this year to be successful and enjoyable, each student must participate in this campaign." These were the inspirational words of SRA adviser Mrs. Catherine Tedder.

Thursday, September 8, marked the beginning of the magazine sales. On that day, an assembly was held to "kick-off" the project, A representative from QSP promoted the sales.

Prizes can be bought with tickets, A series of five turn-in dates will accompany the sales. On each of these turn-in dates, one Safari game card will be issued to students for each magazine they sell. If the student wins the game on the card, he/she will be given a ticket. The number of tickets required to buy a prize depends on the value of the prize. Unlike last year, the prizes available this year are geared more toward the tastes of high school students. Among the many prizes include painter's caps, jewelry, velcro wallets, and of course, stuffed animals.

Teachers are optimistic about the magazine sales. Student Representative Assembly adviser, Catherine Tedder, radiated much enthusiasm over the sales. "I believe we have the type of student body who is willing to work on a successful school campaign," Tedder said. Sophomore class adviser, Charlotte Holloway, expressed the general positive feeling of the sophomore class with the following proposal: "The sophomore class challenges the junior and senior classes jointly in obtaining the greatest total of funds by the end of the sales."

Briefly

Medical Explorers to hold first-nighter
The Medical Explorers Post will hold their meeting for new members who are interested in a medical career on October 4. Please call Ben Blackburn at 443-8133 for details.

Eight new advisers arrive
Every year students have teachers who donate their time to advise different groups or clubs. This year we have eight new advisors. They are: Phalanx Club, Mrs. Kim Flora; Science/English teacher, Good Sports Club, Mrs. Jane Parvin; Spanish teacher and Mrs. Tammy Wallace, science teacher, American Field Service (AFS); Mrs. Nancy Jones, Latin/English teacher, HI-NOC-Ar; Mrs. Debbie Kincheloe, English teacher, Gryphon; Mrs. JoAnne Trevathan, English teacher, senior class; Mrs. Debbie Webb, English teacher, junior class; Mrs. Martha Lewis, geometry teacher, and sophomore class; Mrs. Charlotte Holloway, business teacher, and Mrs. Barbara Tyler, English teacher.

Students explore engineering at SITE
This summer three students from Rocky Mount Senior High attended the "Student Introduction to Engineering" at North Carolina State University for one week.

The three students were David Wynne, Jewel Sharpe and Burt Irvin.
"It was great fun down there," said David Wynne. "We studied sound waves, heat displacement and industrial engineering, among other things. We also visited a nuclear reactor."

David was chosen to go because he was the State Champion in the mousetrap competition. Jewel and Hurt went via application.

New Teachers

Jack Young
Mr. Jack Young has joined the staff to teach sophomore English. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1971.
Mr. Young previously taught for eight and a half years at Nash Central Junior High School. In his spare time, Mr. Young enjoys reading, sports and running.
"So far I am impressed with the students' behavior. The students and faculty are really trying to get along. I am looking forward to a good year," Mr. Young said.

Timmy Tucker
"Overall it really has not changed that much since I was here," says Mr. Timmy Tucker, an alumni of Rocky Mount Senior High. Mr. Tucker teaches Algebra II and applied math.
Mr. Tucker has a Bachelor of science degree in math and education from North Carolina State University. Last year, Mr. Tucker taught Algebra III, trigonometry, consumer math and geometry at Cary Senior High.

Christie Wiggs
Christie Wiggs, a new English teacher, has both sophomores and juniors in her classes. She formerly taught at Northern Nash and Nash Central, but will transfer her loyalties to the Gryphons.
Mrs. Wiggs attended Peace College, N. C. State and N. C. Wesleyan. She intends to work on her Masters and hopes to teach at the college level.

Curtis Rushing
Mr. Curtis Rushing, new to the faculty, teaches world studies. He is the assistant football coach and junior varsity basket- ball coach.
Mr. Rushing previously taught for six years at Sun Valley High School in Union County, North Carolina. He is a graduate of Winston Salem State. Mr. Rushing says the administration is good and the students are friendly.

Charlotte Holloway
Mrs. Charlotte Holloway, who teaches Business Education, came to Rocky Mount Senior High from Nash Central.
She attended Winston-Salem State and did graduate work at North Carolina Central. Her education continued with classes at East Carolina. Mrs. Holloway plans to make a career of teaching.

Rowena Johnson
Mrs. Rowena Johnson, a graduate of Penn State, teaches record keeping and first year typing.  She formerly taught at the high school level in Richmond, Virginia.

Linda Taylor
Mrs. Linda Taylor has become the new sophomore guidance counselor. She was a guidance counselor for one year at Nash Tech.
Mrs. Taylor moved here from South Carolina where she previously taught school. She taught fifth and sixth grades at Westview School.

Melissa Drake
Melissa Drake, a new teacher in the Science Department, is not new to this area. She is a graduate of area schools and U.N.C.-Chapel Hill.
Mrs. Drake has taken Mrs. Fulghum's place and teaches both Biology and Chemistry. Also, she teaches tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade classes.

Barbara Pierce
Mrs. Barbara Pierce has joined the faculty to teach consumer math and computer courses.
Mrs. Pierce previously taught at Bassett Elementary School. She taught math for three and a half years. Mrs. Pierce is a graduate of East Tennessee State University.

People same world over

Kathy Mosley
copy editor

"Good memories enrich the present and give hope for the future," Senior Counselor Phyllis Jacobs stated, recalling her experiences on her trip to France and England this summer. Jacobs had vividly remembered her journey after reading a letter she received from a friend she encountered on the Delta flight. "The letter proves it to be a really neat experience," Jacobs said. "I sat between two ladies on the flight. One of them was Spanish while the other was French. It was great to be able to communicate with them when our ages ranged so drastically and none of us spoke one another's language fluently," Jacobs said.

"I believe this has a great deal to say for world peace," Jacobs said in a serious voice. "We wouldn't have tension and wars if we got to know each other as ordinary people like our experience (the ladies) of sitting together on the plane with nothing in common and being able to communicate so freely."

Jacobs left on August 3 travelling alone until she returned on August 12. Jacobs stated that the boat ride down the Seine River in Paris was her most enjoyable event.

Seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre was also one of Jacobs' most memorable experiences. "I didn't have any disappointments. yet I was a little surprised at the Louvre. I had expected more correct lighting on the masterpieces," Jacobs recalled.

"Out of the two countries (France and England) Jacobs visited, she said that she did not have a preference, yet she admitted the French food was "out of this world and the service was excellent.

Another great interest of Jacobs concerned the people she acknowledged. "The punks, I found rather shocking. Their hair was mohawked in yellow, green, red and purple," Jacobs said laughingly. "They were the only hostile people. Otherwise I felt perfectly safe from crime."

Jacobs also found the pubs fascinating. "The conversation was politics to parties," Jacobs said. "All ages were there, from young people to little old ladies."

Obtaining theatre tickets in London was not a problem for Jacobs. "Tickets could be gotten in the last minute, while tickets for Broadway shows are sold out months ahead," Jacobs stated. "The dollar was valued highly, yet I enjoyed 'the buying' better than 'the paying,'" Jacobs said. "I wish I hadn't bought so many chocolates," Jacobs said recalling her only regret. "Now I have to pay. This won't stop me from returning," Jacobs said with a large smile addressed all over her face. "I would go back to either."

Wattsline introduced to inform teachers

Elizabeth Smith
managing editor

A new feature has been added to our school this year for the administration and faculty members ... a newsletter known as Wattsline. English teacher Linda Tharin is the editor.

Spanish teacher Jane Parvin came up with the name "Wattsline."

"This letter is a vehicle for conveying items of interest and concern keeping us (teachers) in touch as we naturally gravitate to our own areas of work," Tharin said.

The Wattsline letter is interested in person and professional information. The letter will publish poems one has written, list teachers who have passed a course, and even tell if one has encountered a wreck.

The first edition, consisting of four pages, came out on September 2. The first page explained the concept of Wattsline. The second page had club sponsors and new staff members. Each new staff member was named and had background information concerning them. Page three summarized two puzzles for entertainment. Page four was a This'n That page consisting of teacher's summer workshops, vacations, deaths, sicknesses and pregnancies.

Throughout the newsletter there is art work beginning with the letterhead which art teacher Karen Thompson created.

Watsline will be printed on the second Friday of each month.

"I would love the students to relay any information on the faculty that's printable," Tharin said. (Turn in any information to room 010.)

ViewPoint

Study hall changed

Upon entering school this year, many students who were expecting to have a study hall were greeted with a new development toward which they were less than optimistic. Instead of being assigned to the large study hall, in which they could finish, prepare or study assignments, the students were told that they would be placed in the rear of classes that were being taught. Initial consideration of this development promotes criticism, however, upon further consideration, this could prove to be a revolutionarily beneficial development.

The need for new study hall procedure was created by a shortage of available teachers. According to Mrs. Reba Bone, assistant principal here, it took 17 teaching periods per day to head study halls last year. With a loss of three academic teachers and only a gain of one part-time home education teacher which makes a net loss of two and one half teachers from first year, 17 spare teaching periods were unavailable.

The greatest argument against this experimental process is that students situated in classes with lecturing teachers would have trouble studying, thus defeating the purpose of a study period. The obvious many benefits outweigh this argument, however.

First of all, by placing students in subject classes, you give students a chance to learn things outside of what they are required without the threat of having to regurgitate their new knowledge in the form of written tests. Also, by giving students the chance to choose their study hall teachers, many students are given a chance to reinforce classes with which they may have trouble.

Secondly, this process does not allow the lack of discipline and lack of purpose sometimes present in a large study hall. Under this new procedure, students are subject to the same class rules of the room in which they are located. Teachers will no longer be faced with the task of keeping a room full of restless teenagers quiet. As with most new procedures this system could be abused, rendering it ineffective, but with the right student attitude, this system could be made successful.

School year begins in chaos

Jeff Vaughan
editor

Many weird happenings have greeted the faculty and students during the first three weeks of school.

The office computer caused total chaos before the fall semester even got under way. It seems that our reliable computer decided to break down a number of times during the making out of schedules. This caused the guidance counselors to formulate the schedules themselves. A larger number of schedule changes had to be made and many are probably still being processed.

An obstacle which then had to be eluded was the extreme heat. Though no one in Rocky Mount controls a thermostat over the entire city, that I am aware of, we do have a school calendar which in coming years should be adjusted to suit Mother Nature.

The journalism classes were also hit with a big surprise. Mrs. Henrietta Bar-bour, HI-NOC-AR and Gryphon adviser, resigned a week before school started. Mrs. Barbour turned the HI-NOC-AR over to Mrs. Debbie Kincheloe and the Gryphon over to Mrs. Jo Anne Trevathan. These changes left the members of each staff asking each other if there were going to be any publications this year. As you can see, we managed to gather ourselves and produce a newspaper.

With such a shaky beginning, things can only get better.

Raves and Rejects

Kinks provide awesome music

Andrew C, Brown
staff photographer

It is a pity that most of today's rock and top 40 music is becoming a cliche. Too many current bands are setting a trend of blending a beat with a few chords on a guitar or synthesizer. It is a shame that one must rely on names of the 70's, such as Fleetwood Mac, Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, several others, and The Kinks to provide our real listening enjoyment.

Most of The Kinks popularity stems from the single, "Lola," released in the early 70's. State of Confusion should easily erase that attitude. The album has already spurned one smashing hit, "Come Dancing," and promises one or two more.

State of Confusion primarily exhibits their expertise with vocals, drums and guitar work to appeal to many different tastes. By listening to the entire album, one can notice a unique and distinct sound. One reason is that the artists have blended hard driving rock with softer touches on other songs.

The album begins with the title track, which is probably the worst song on the album; it gives a hint to a lingering 70's style. The lyrics are the only bright spot as it reminds one of Dire Strait's "Industrial Disease." A good fast-paced song follows, "Definite Maybe," and achieves in making one forget the previous song.

Finally, the album gets into gear with "Labour of Love" and is in 5th overdrive after the end track, "Bernadette." In between, the cultural sound of "Come Dancing" appears, and then "Property" makes its debut with Mick Avory slowly and methodically thumping his drums. It is definitely the song for getting close and slow dancing in the moonlight. It may also be the best song on the album. Turning over, "Don't Forget" to dance finishes the slow dancing for State of Confusion.

"Young Conservatives," a satirical piece about the 80's rebirth of conservative personalities, follows leaving a trace of nostalgia among the band. The lyrics are excellent, and the music leaves nothing to be desired. Three more good songs follow ending with the rockingest song on the album, "Bernadette." It jams.

Risky Business:  A new approach

Jeff C. Gowin
business manager

Finally, a film about high schoolers growing up has been made that is above and beyond all the others. Risky Business. Risky Business is quite a relief from recent forgettable movies like Getting It On and Porky's II, which seem to have no script.

Risky Business flashes unknowns Tom Cruise and Rebecca DeMornay into stardom as Joel, a young man in high school who can't seem to do anything right, and Lana a high priced prostitute.

Joel's troubles begin when his parents leave town. His friends try to straighten him out by setting him up with a prostitute. Then Joel's problems really begin. Lana and her girlfriends get rid of their manager and move in with Joel. So Joel winds up with a house full of prostitutes and a killer pimp that is after him.

The script and the plot of Risky Business set it above all the other movies in its category. The story of this movie is definitely moving toward a meaning, not like the absurd episode after episode in Porky's II. Joel and Lana actually have some meaningful dialogue throughout the movie.

Risky Business is not an altogether serious film. It does have its hilarious moments, such as when Joel lets his dad's Porsche roll into Lake Michigan and when a man from Princeton comes to interview Joel while there is a party going on.

Risky Business is one of the best because it accomplishes two things at the same time. Risky Business shows a humorous look at growing up, but it also has something to say to the movie goer which is rare for a movie now days.

Mauldin spends summer in Spain

Jake Parrott
staff writer

"I was excited and apprehensive because I had never experienced a live bullfight before. The excitement of the crowd created a burst of energy even though I don't like the slaughter of animals." A bullfight was just one of the exciting occurrences experienced by senior Beth Mauldin during her recent trip to Santander, Spain. The trip was sponsored by the American Field Service.

To participate as a foreign exchange student, Mauldin, an active member of the AFS Club, went through a series of interviews before her final acceptance as a visitor to Spain.

Mauldin arrived in Santander June 21 and met her new family. After an enjoyable and exciting stay, she returned home August 24. Santander is in a mountainous region and is a major tourist attraction on the northern coast near the Basque Country.

The main reason Mauldin had such an enjoyable trip was the warm hearted family with whom she resided in Santander. Her adopted family included the father, Pedro Motorras, a medical doctor, and Blanca Motorras, a physics teacher. Mauldin also had new siblings, a 15-year-old brother, Juan, 13-year-old twin sisters, Ana and Blanca, and an eight-year-old sister, Cova.

Mauldin was surprised by some of the Spanish regulations she was exposed to. The drinking age, for instance, was recently established at the age of 16. Before this law went into effect, anybody could legally consume alcoholic beverages. Marijuana is also legal in small quantities in Spain. One must be 18 years old to drive and the speed limit is 120 kilometers (75 m.p.h.) in most places. Most of her friends were like those in the United States with similar tastes in clothes, cars and entertainment.

Mauldin visited several ancient towns like Santiana and participated in many fiestas, but the fondest memory of her trip to Spain was her family. "My family was so great. That was the main reason I enjoyed my stay so much."

Sports

Winning attitude keys Gryph success

Rod Batts
sports editor

The varsity Gryphons, now one and one on the season, will face arch-rival Goldsboro tonight in their home debut at the Municipal Stadium.

The Gryphs entered the season with a slightly new look under new head coach George Kelley. Former head coach Walt Wiggins who throughout his coaching career had compiled a record of 103-38-2 retired his coaching position at the end of last season.

"We have made a few slight changes such as a few defensive arrangements . . ." said Kelley. Basically, however, the Gryphon attack is still the same.

The Gryphs lost their season opener to Eastern Wayne 17-0 on a night where the Gryphs together had a -36 yard rushing performance. The Gryphons picked up win number one for Kelley in a 9-7 victory over Tarboro.

The first touchdown for Rocky Mount came in the first half on a 25-yard touchdown run by senior Nolan Corpen-ing. The extra point attempt failed. The Gryphons won on a 34-yard field goal by senior Reggie Pryor with less than a minute in the game.

The key for the Gryphs seemed to be the establishment of a rushing game. The Gryphs gained 232 yards on the ground. Sophomore fullback Cedric Mercer led the way with 122 yards on 14 carries and Corpening added 115 on 12 carries.

"We must maintain a 50-50 percentage on passing and rushing to continue our success," said Kelley. "Our major strength at this point is the attitude of the team and their desire to win. Our major weakness is still inexperience," Kelley added.

"Now that we have won, I think that we'll realize that we're a good team and that we can play with anyone. I think we'll surprise a lot of people this year," said senior Reginald "Spanky" Harper.

"Our goal is to get better game by game, step by step," Kelley said.

Booters hope for sucessful season

Richard Verrone
staff writer

"This year's soccer team looks much better than last year's squad and I expect a better season because of our experience and incoming players." Those are the words of soccer coach Ed Moore on the 1983-1984 Gryphon soccer team. "Our goal is having a .500 year." That is a big statement considering last year's team. The Gryphon booters have only one senior but many returning players.

The team worked extremely hard during August before the season began.  Their practices averaged three hours a day and having three days of two-a-days during the first week. Coach Moore says the team ran a couple of miles each practice, along with sprints and other conditioning exercises. "We mainly worked on ball work and not running the guys to death." The team practices after school from four to seven.

Coach Moore says the team has a lot of strong points. "On defense the standouts are Brent Kirkam and Ricky Parks, if we can keep him healthy." Parks, a junior, has been plauged by a nagging knee injury. "At midfield, Sean Braley and Tom Shannon look good. We ought to have scoring power from Joel Kirkham. He is good and quick and can handle the ball well. Kevin Cox and Johnny Merit look good also," Coach Ed Moore said.

The Gryphons lost their opening game on September 13 against Wilson Bed-dingfield 3-0. "We blew a lot of scoring opportunities. Our defense played well enough, though. We had a couple of goaltending mistakes early and fell behind 2-0 during the first 15 minutes." Moore said that scoring was definitely the team's weakness.

The lone senior is Suvir Melaney, a high school star from India. The captains are juniors Brent Kirkham, Sean Braley and Ricky Parks. Next year Moore thinks his team will be a major conference contender. "When I first got this job, I set my goal for winning the conference title in my third year. We will have almost everybody back next year and will have a lot of experience. If we work on the tactics of the game more and get them down and understand the game better, we will do real well," Moore said.

Gryph Tradition faces new mentors

Rod A. Batts
sports editor

It's that time of year again. That time of year again when coaches are laying out their game plans, formulating strategies, placing the most capable players in their most effective positions or just looking for prospective participants for their respective sports.

It's again that time of year when avid fans begin to get anxious. They begin to restlessly anticipate the rivalries, the hotly contested battles of competition. It's that time when many fans anxiously wait to either praise or condemn the actions of a coach whatever the case may be.

Here, however, the many fans who for many of the past seasons have been able to predict the actions of our many coaches may no longer have that opportunity. The many coaching decisions may seem strange and unfamiliar, that is for a while at least.

I'd like to take this time not only to rally for support of the new coaches, but to express appreciation to the retired coaches. I'd like to say thanks to Coach Walt Wiggins and Coach Reggie Hender-son. Thanks for the guidance that has helped make the Gryphon one of the most feared animals in North Carolina. Thanks Coach Wiggins for leading the Gryphons to over 100 victories during your coaching reign, thanks for all of the conference championships and all of the playoff victories.

Thanks Coach Henderson for the two state championship titles, thanks for all of the other playoff and regular season victories, and thanks for the guidance you have given players like Buck Williams and George McClain, players who will always glorify the name of Rocky Mount Senior High.

Coach Kelley and Coach Costen, the shoes into which you have fallen will be very hard to fill. Their achievements will always stand as yardsticks by which your accomplishments will be measured. This, however, is no reason for apprehension but means for the continuation of the glorified Gryphon tradition.

Increased numbers raise runners hopes

Coming off a mediocre 6-4 season last year, the boys cross country team is looking forward to a much better year according to Coach Stan Bastian.

"We appear to be much better," said Coach Bastian, "even though we lost some good runners. I think Coach Costen helped out a lot by insisting that potential basketball players run on the team, because it will add an estimated 25 runners."

In girls' cross country they are coming off a good 8-2 record but the names like Lois Baker, Sandy Ess and Shadia Wadhan are not there any more and the number one spot will be inherited by senior Pam Ess.

"My goal is to at least have a better year than last year and to make all conference," said Ess.

"This year our conference will be strong," said Bastian. The biggest obstacle will be Wilson Fike. Greenville Rose, last year's conference champs, will also be tought.

Coach Bastian is particularly worried about the first few weeks of practice because most of the runners have not gotten their physicals yet.

The Gryphons opened their season yesterday against Greenville Rose at Wesleyan College.

Tennis team faces rebuilding year

Amy Ruggerio
staff writer

The Rocky Mount Senior High girls" tennis team has undergone some changes since 1982. Five out of the six top players from last year have graduated and the new players are now being introduced to Senior High tennis competition.

"This year is a rebuilding year for us, With only two returning players, we are inexperienced. Because the team is young, we should show improvement over the next few years," stated junior-player Carmen Coley.

Greenville Rose and Wilson Fike are two of this year's toughest competition. Rocky Mount has lost their first two matches with Kinston and Wilson Fike with scores of 9-0 in both matches.

"Because Kinston was our first match, we didn't know what to expect from the other team. We need to be more competitive on the court," said sophomore player Fran Worsley.

Among the top six players this year are Carmen Coley, Fran Worsley, Dawn Turnley, Joilette Whitaker, Susan Slock and Sharon Allen.

"We have determined players. If we continue to practice hard like we're doing, we will improve," sophomore Sharon Alien said.

Stated junior player Cecily Watson, "Once we get our attitude right, we should really be a good team."