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| Opinion-Editorial May/June 2003, Volume 6, No. 6 |
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By Laura B., Columnist
It is incredibly ironic Peacock has been teaching us about the cruelties of war and about death and all the horrible things going on in this crazy world, but not once do they mention sharks. No, not the "safe strong and free" sharks we only read about, but the ones who grow up on a farm with nothing to live for except for the day that they die. You know, "the prime of their life" as some so heartlessly say about when we dissect them. As every student at Peacock knows by the awful stench of death roaming the halls of Peacock for days, the whole eighth grade class is expected to dissect a shark. But what do we learn from dissecting the murdered sharks? How to breathe through our mouths as not to smell death? Not only is it wasteful, but it is completely ignorant to support the murder of the sharks.
Once in a great while, you see an article in the newspaper about how a shark killed a person out of self-defense or fear, but not ONCE do you see an article about the millions of sharks raised to die by inhumane "humans." Teachers are constantly trying to "reassure" us that dissecting a shark is not a big deal because they were at the prime of their lives anyway. Humans can be at the "prime of their years," but we don't raise them on a farm and dissect them in an inexperienced eighth grade classroom by the hundreds. Dissecting both sharks and humans is wrong on so many levels, and offensive.
People might find my comparison offensive, but I am using it to express my sense of outrage at the pointless murder of sharks. This slaughter is going on in schools throughout the country. Now really, how many students who dissect a shark in eighth grade grow up and use their knowledge to do something good for sharks a minuscule percentage at best!
To think of all the evils that humans are capable of is revolting. To think of all the evils that a close-minded human is capable of is scary. For those of us who think animals are the lower beings, we need to open our eyes.
"We" as the future, are being asked to carry on so many things. We are learning about how to speak out against drugs and make a difference. We are told that it [the dissection of sharks] doesn't even affect us, so why bother trying to change it!? The majority of us don't do drugs but we are being taught to speak against that! Someday, I hope that we, the so-called "bright" future, can put a stop to the mass murder of sharks. Dissecting sharks is like stepping on an anthill. It's wrong, but it is easy to stop. Yet most of us "high-class" humans could care less.
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History is being made
So why aren't we learning about it?
By Trisha H., Advertisement editor
Why is it that history is being made, but students aren't learning about it in school?
We heard about the war in Iraq and now the occupation everyday on the television, in the newspapers, and on the radio, but we aren't discussing it.
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Does it make any sense that our country has just been at war and students don’t have a clue? |
But current events are also important.
Why should we have to wait twenty years for "The War in Iraq" events to be printed in text books if we could learn important details now by just opening a newspaper and discussing it with our peers?
If we would learn about it now, we could grow up and say that we lived through the "War in Iraq" and saw it on TV and know the facts about it. Instead, we're learning about stuff that happened centuries ago.
Don't get me wrong, history is very important, but so are current events.
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Why can't I wash my hands?
By Eric A., Assistant Finishing editor
Do you know what kind of problems there are in the bathroom? Well there are toilets and sinks, but what goes good with the sinks...Paper Towels!
Every time I go into any bathroom of the school I have a very good chance of seeing no paper towels. I am tired of walking around with wet hands.
I also don't want to go walking around wiggling my wet hands looking like a fool.
I am also tired of interrupting Mr. Koenig's class to ask for a paper towel. Many other teachers and students have been complaining too.
Sure this isn't the worst possible problem in our school, but if this is not fixed soon people will start wiping their hands on the walls.
I know the school is short on janitorial services, but at least have the faculty take turns fixing what can't be done. I mean it isn't that hard to take turns every week going around to replace paper towels in the restrooms.
Come on, you can easily fix this. Can't you?
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Guys and Dolls
A cast member reflects
By Michelle S.
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| Joanna M., seventh grade, plays bass drum in the “Save a Soul” Mission Band in Guys and Dolls. | |
Most people don't give a thought about all of the hard work that went into it. The actors had to work hard to learn the lines and dances, not to mention finding fedoras (hats) and police costumes that fit.
The stage crew worked hard to set everything up; the make-up crew made sure everyone looked their part; and the set and props people made sure that the right background was set up at the right time with the right accessories in the right places.
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| Eighth graders, Mark G., Kaitlyn L. and Mariana D. perform Fugue for Tinhorns in the opening scene from Guys and Dolls. | |
I'm not saying that after every movie, show, or book people should ponder on what it took to make it. I'm just saying that I think most entertainment is under-appreciated.
Before someone comments on a movie, saying something like "that was awww-ful," they should think of how they would have done it.
Mrs. Carmona was a patient, understanding coordinator. She helped us work out conflicting schedules; she was flexible about scenery production; she was always enthusiastic and excited.
The whole show was a success because of her dedication, knowledge and resourcefulness. It was one of the most fun experiences I've had at Peacock so far!
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TESTING
By Callie S.
T esting
E ating away my brain
S o long
T iresome
I gnorant
N ever ending
G ood riddance
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Advisor thanks students and staff for another great year
I would like to thank all the students who contributed to The Charger this year and helped to make it a success. I would also like to thank the editorial staff for all their work and creativity.
I was particularly impressed with the increased responsibility the editors took for getting The Charger to print, from new ideas to layout. Their individual efforts as well as their ability to work together set a new standard for our editorial board.
I was also very happy with the quality and variety of stories produced by the whole staff.
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I was particularly impressed with the increased responsibility the editors took for getting The Charger to print, from new ideas to layout. |
As an entertainment editor, Jackie S. really helped set the new tone for the editorial staff this year, working hard at her editorial duties as well as taking on any job she was asked to do.
Alexandra B. and Acaisha B. have been our awesome art editors, whose work in every issue has helped give The Charger its characteristic bite and great look.
Amy E. was a great addition to our news staff. Her polished articles, from interviews to original ideas for stories, really improved our news section.
Finally, our advertising editor, Trisha H. kept our ad and revenue department thriving through another successful year. She was responsible for the purchase of a large glass-enclosed display case for The Charger and its advertisers. It will be installed in the cafeteria next year.
The editors will receive a CD-ROM version of The Charger as a token of appreciation. Any student who contributed to two issues of The Charger will receive a certificate of merit.
I wish the eighth graders luck in their high school careers and hope to see the rest of you again next year.
I would be remiss if I did not thank the administration and teachers for their support, and Mrs. Denise Doyle and Mrs. Linda Purtell for all their help and patience in copying The Charger each month.
Charger staff
| Eric A. Alexandra B. Daniel B. Laura B. Acaisha B. Sarah B. Caitlyn C. Mariana D. Laura D. Nicole D. Cassandra D. Amy E. Stephen G. Steven G. Tricia H. Trisha H. Andrew K. Valarie K. Eddie K. |
Jessica L. Carly L. Kaitlyn L. Jessica L. Briana L. Megan L. Nicole M. Veronica M. Michelle M. Urszula M. Monica M. Joanna M. Samantha M. Amanda M. Brittany O. Amanda P. Paul P. Kyle P. Shannon P. |
Pamela R. Christopher R. Evin S. Susan S. Alexander S. Michelle S. Jaclyn S. Kenny T. Shannon T. Rena W. Christopher W. William W. Emily W. Carmen Z. Megan Zaubi Sarah Zaubi Agnes Z. Kristyna Z. |
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