Its great to be a bear!

Burke County High School

The Beat
1057 Veterans Parkway, Waynesboro Georgia 30830 706-554-6691
With this school year already underway, seniors are one day closer to walking across the J.D. Smith stage in May. At Burke County High School, there are approximately one thousand two hundred and fifty students in ninth through twelfth grade. Burk County High School seniors have moved through the grades continuously in the past few years. In fact, Burke County High School has the highest graduation rate in the CSRA. Burke Countys school systems mission is to ensure that all students will graduate with the necessary skills to function successfully in a global society. Principal Sam Adkins strives to support each and every student to have a memorable and successful freshman, sophomore, junior and senior year at BCHS. Our projected graduation rate is eighty point seven percent, thats a six point one increase. It exceeds state level by eight point seven percent. We are already three years ahead of the graduation rate scheduled. Which means the State and School Board of Education can already predict how the rate will increase or decrease, by the statistics already developed. The Georgia Department of Education uses a new cohort system which measures students who are on track in high school over a four year period. The States Department of Education and the Board of Education agree the school system for 2013-2014 will increase by three points, leading number one still with seventyeight percent. More than two hundred and fifty students graduated in May of 2013; that was more than twenty students in the year 2012. The Department of show students getting Educations statistics diplomas or graduating has increased eleven percent since 2009. Although 2013s graduation rate will not be online until December, there are websites that allow students and parents to review graduation rates of other schools. The Department of Educations website has statistics for every school in the state of Georgia. Principal Adkins would like to thank each student, staff member, and volunteer for supporting the students at BCHS. We attribute this success to the teachers and the learning that takes place each day. Also to the continual graduation rate to interventions such as credit recovery, grade replacement, test prep, and also the success occurring at the Life Center. Over twenty students have earned a diploma while being assigned to the Life Center. Lastly, to our students who have believed in accurate success, support here, and are willing to put forth the effort to achieve, says Adkins. Graduating high school is just a stepping stone for most students. When a student graduates high school he or she is increasing their acceptance to colleges, increasing the availability to have a good paying job, the longer a student is in college increases money distribution, and increasing their standard of living, so he or she will be able to afford things such as cars, homes, and investments. Guidance counselors are also there to help and keep students on tracks. Graduating High school is the start of a successful career. Morgan Yearty On a sweltering Tuesday afternoon, I took off on an adventure to find out more about the newest addition to the BCHS campus. I walked down the steps, near the greenhouse, across the parking lot, up the road, across the practice field, and finally I was at the top of the hill overlooking goats, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, and sheep. While I was on the hunt for hard hitting news, I found farm animals instead. I was not anxious to proceed. However, the thought of returning to my journalism adviser empty handed, gave me the motivation to continue in search of a story. As I neared the bottom of the hill, I grew more and more anxious about interacting with these fuzzy little creatures. But for the sake of good journalism, I jumped right into the pin with them. Before I knew it, I was petting sheep, feeding goats, and trying to catch a chicken. Why were these animals still in pins? Why was the barn halfway built? What was going on? I needed these questions answered and I needed the answers fast. So I went straight to the man with all the answers. Andrew TenHuisen, FFA Adviser. As he began to talk and answer my questions, I became very eager to hear what he had to say about his students and his. My students are very easy to motivate, they get super excited and are ready to do something. Mr. Johnsons construction class and my Ag class are responsible for everything going on out there. The barn in not yet finished but it wont be long. FFA is still taking donations for gates, fences, pins, and items for the cow show if anyone is interested.

Chatter that Graduation Rate Increases Once Again matters

Bears may hibernate during the winter but when fall comes, the Bear Den bustles with activity. FCCLA kicked off the year by traveling to the FFA-FCCLA camp in Covington, Georgia, for the fall leadership rally, Teresa Ellison, the groups sponsor says its a struggle to get through the grind of fundrasing but its worth it and the students benefit from the effort it takes to attend the conference. Julissa Sanchez, Rebecca Strange, Samantha Russell, LaSahe Wells and Elena Findley attended this year. FCCLA also joined the Technology Student Association and traveled to Perry for the Perry Fair Competitions. School personnel have already signed up to get flu shots again this year. Ellen Hargrovfe administered the shots in the nurses offive with the help from the health department. If you havent already done so, stop by the new animal compound next to the old football practice field. Say hello to the goats, chickens, lambs, and duck. Quack! According to Felipe Pedraza, the cows will be back in their stalls when the barn construction is finished. Students traveled to Coble Dairy Farms on Highway 80 to select show cows for competition. Congratulations again to this years Homecoming Queen, Brionna Lewis. Lewis rallied the most votes and was crowned at this years homecoming game against the Crosscreek Razorbacks. There is no business like show business and the BCHS Thespians give it their all each time they take to the stage. The most recent production; Fall Follies, a showcase of three amusing one act plays, pulled in spectators to the JD Smith Auditorium. If you saw Bears in Appling recently, its because the Cross Country girls and boys teams were there for their seventh meet of the year. BCHS Bears sure do get around!

Where the Bears, Goats, and Cows Roam ____

The mission of Burke County High School is to challenge students academically, promote opportunities for the effective communication, provide a safe learning environment, and instill self-worth through curricular and extracurricular achievement.

Mission Statement

Business Beat
Jasmine Carpenter About ve years ago an enterprising group of students enrolled in Patricia Johnsons Entrepreneurship class decided they wanted to tackle the challenge of operating a business and the BCHS school store was born. The school store operates under the umbrella of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Lindsey Elliot and Deja Harris apply skills learned in the class on jobs that each has after school. Johnson readily acknowledges, Putting a school store together is not easy; it takes alot of planning, hard work and dedication. Every year the Entrepreneurship class starts fresh with new ideas. Those new ideas are what keeps the students excited about the venture. The students decide what items will be sold. They also make invetory sheets and restock supplies. The school does not give the school store a budget; therefore the students raise money by having fundraisers. The revenue collected depends on whether the store is opened during lunch and in the morning. Operating the school store requires to be responsible and honest. Money the school store raises, helps those in need. The money also allows students to attend FBLA conferences, workshops, and obtain scholarships. Being able to give back to those in need and helping students acheive useful business skills gives Johnson the most satisfaction. Although Johnson has never owned a business, if she was not teaching at BCHS, she would love to start her own bridal shop. She says, Weddings are acts of love. Johnson loves to see two people come together and be happy. Johnson welcomes suggestions for the school store. In the future, Johnson would like the youth group of entrepreneurs to have their own location on campus where invetory can be displayed.

This store is all business

Lauren Conner Running a business involves many challenges. You have to make a very dedicated commitment to your business, which can cost you time that could be spent with your family and friends. You work long hours, which includes evenings, weekends, and vacation time. From the time you start your business to the time you stop, every decision effects someone or something, whether you put thousands of dollars at risk, or have to lay someone off.

Do you have what it takes to be the boss?

Do you have what it takes to run a business?

Steps to starting a business:
1. Youd better have a plan and you should write every detail down. 2. Contact experts who can give you some counseling. 3. Find a great location to start your business. 4. Youll need money, so line up some loans. 5. Are you going to be a corportation, a non-prot organization, or a cooperative? Youve got to make some decisions. 6. Register your business name. 7. Contact the IRS and get a tax identication number. 8. Register for state and local taxes. 9. Get a license or permit that is required to begin business. 10. Learn the legal requirements for hiring employees.

What kind of business is right for you? If sweets are your thing, Pineland Bakery is the place to be!
Lauren Conner It all started in 1978 when husband and wife Lewis and Elaine Martin moved from Heggerstown, Maryland. They settled in Waynesboro and with the help of a friend, James Landis, the Martins opened a small bakery. Pineland Bakery, located at 721 West 6th Street, has established a reputation for quality and outstanding customer service. The owners and employees are proud that they have a relationship with many of their customers and they are committed to, ...going the second mile. Just ask Michael Sims. The tenth grader says, I can always count on good, friendly service and tasty gingerbread men. The Martins not only strive to deliver delicious baked treats but to be as they say, ...living witnesses for Jesus. The original plan was to provide a market where farmers could sell their products and in turn, purchase baked goods from the Martin family. Over the years, the original vision the couple had for their business has expanded with the support of the community. Pineland employs 16 people, including Jamir Calloway, a junior at BCHS. It is an awesome experience to work there, its always traditional. I enjoy frying donuts the most and interacting with the customers. The hometown favorite serves approximately 500 customers weekly. Their busiest days are Friday and Saturday, so if you want to buy donuts, get there early. This type of customer volume requires the bakery to purchase approximately 100 bags of our each year and a whopping 100 dozen eggs a month. Their customer base is loyal, returning often for the made from scratch items Pineland is known for. Predictably, the busiest season for the bakery includes Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. The all time crowd pleaser according to general manager, Curtis Martin, is the Pineland glazed doughnut. Martin and his dad, along with the head chef, Paul Gates, develop many of the bakerys recipes. Pineland Bakery has certain aspects that make them special. They are a family business that prefers to have relationships with their customers, rather than having a number of customers. They offer special services such as specially ordered cookies, birthday cakes, and wedding cakes. Pineland was built on love for one another. The bakery became successful because of good work ethics, which was drilled into Curtis when he was younger by his father. Also, unlike a lot of other locally owned businesses, Pineland Bakery does charities, such as supplying food for Relay for Life. Home based Online Self employeement Environmentally friendly green business

Student
Basic Training : There And Back Again
Shelton Carver
While most Burke County High students listened to the newest hit songs, hung out in the Bi-Lo parking lot or enjoyed the beach during the summer, I explored a different kind of lifestyle; one that had nothing to do with relaxation. Front leaning rest position. MOVE! Drill Sergeants Sivak and Cantu would yell. Relaxation was not part of what would be a very long nine weeks of US Army basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. Basic Combat Training, commonly referred to as BCT or Basic, is the beginning of the soldierization process for new recruits. I would be tranformed from a cililian to a soldier in the worlds most elite ghting force; the United States Army. During BCT, approximately 250 newbies like me endured nine long weeks of Red, White, and Blue Phase. In Red phase, we were subjected to total submission. We werent allowed to do anything on our own or without the permission of a drill sergeant. Frequently, we were given corrective training, which involved push-ups. Week one of this phase began with the notorious shark attack. This is where we met our designated drill sergeants in the manner of screaming, cursing, and insulting. Many times, multiple drill sergeants attacked us at the same time. We also learned the basic marching techniques and facing movements. This part of training was extremely easy for me because of my three years of JROTC at BCHS. Furthermore, we were issued a fully functional M4 Carbine and learned the Armys seven core values; loyalty, duty, respect, seless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Week two and the fun stuff began. We began to learn Modern Army Combatives. We learned how to effectively perform an arm bar, a rear naked choke, a collar choke, a body scissor, etc. This eventually led up to a competition in pugils. For those of you that dont know, a pugil stick is a heavily padded, cotton swab shaped, plastic pole. During the competition, some associates fell victim to concussions, scrapes, bruises, and dislocated joints. My platoon, basically a small team, won the overall competition. That major win over the other two platoons set the tempo for us to garner more wins in competitions, unfortunately this was our only major win. During week three of Red Phase, recruits had to perform gas chamber training. The gas chamber is a room where riot control gas is activated. Although we had our protective masks on, we had to take them off before being allowed to leave. While the masks were off, we had to announce our name, social security number and our hometown. Many of us, including myself, could only say it one of the required three times. Although it wasnt fun coughing constantly and having a major runny nose, many people wanted to walk through the gas chamber another time. Additionally, we recieved classes on how to properly read a map and a compass. We also had to learn what various lines, shapes, and colors meant on a military map. Eventually, we had to show what we had learned in those various classes. We had to navigate from muliple points in the wilderness with a small map and a compass in groups of three or four. Since the points were just orange or white triangles on wooden posts, many of our fellow soldiers got lost a few times. When we nished, we were informed that we still had to participate in the night land navigation course. Before we could do that, we had to do something much more important. After a short push-ups workout, the drill sergeants took our Red Phase ag off our wooden pole to reveal a white ag. We all knew that at this point we had ofcally reached White Phase. Hours later, we started on our night land navigation course. This one was much smaller, so we combined every fourth group to form one big group. That one big group worked to navigate to a certain point in the wilderness. Once we entered White Phase, the company particpated in an abundant amount of classes and training to prepare us for the next major test of BCT, qualifying with our designated M4 Carbine rie. Basic Rie Marksmanship or BRM, requires lots of training. We were at the shooting range every day and eventually got bored with all the rounds we were ring. In the midst of the overwhelming boredom, we had to complete teambuilding condence courses. The teambuilding course was a set of six obstacles that tested and rened the teamwork within each platoon. Our drill sergeants told us, they would split each platoon into two teams that would compete against each other. In my platoon, the team I was on was down three to zero. Thats when something sparked. We fought back to tie the competition at three. After begging our drill sergeants to allow us to re-do the rst obstacle, my team won the competition four to three. I was disappointed when the condence course got cancelled for the day due to negligent planning. After we could no longer do the obstacle courses, we resumed the tedious training of BRM. For the remainder of the phase, we continually shot from our weapons. Eventually, we were allowed to qualify with our weapons. To qualify, we went to a shooting range with green plastic pop-up targets at assorted distances, The distances were fty to three hundred meters. Out of all two hundred teenagers, only one did not qualify. Blue Phase was all about graduation practice. Every day, we practiced graduation at the location where we would graduate. Three weeks later, we walked across the stage as soldiers in the United States Army.

Life
We all have ideas of what gorgeous is. In Paul Grifns mystery novel Burning Blue, the author writes about gorgeous looks and what happens when beauty is cruelly taken away. Award-winning author, Griffen has a serious purpose in mind for his novel. The author makes his readers empathize for someone who has their beauty stolen in just seconds. That main character, Nicole Castro, who is known for her beauty has a life altering catastrophe happen while on her to AP Chemistry class. Nicoles life changes when acid is sprayed in her face. Not knowing who did it, Jay Nazarro, a self-taught hacker, seeks to uncover the identity of Nicoles cruel attacker. While unraveling the mystery, Jay starts to fall in love with Nicole. The cover might make you think that this novel is only about a beautiful teenager. There is a picture of a beautiful girl with blue eyes, but Paul Grifn has written Burning Blue to show the enigma of love and beauty and how it is taken for granted.

Burning Blue

Georgia College & State University

Average SAT Scores SAT Verbal : 571 SAT Math : 571 SAT Combined : 1155 Cost (Per Year) Tuiton and Fees : $6,634 Books : $1,350 Room and Board : $9,268 Contact Information : 1-800342-0471 ; 478-445-5004 Location : Georgia Colleges main campus is located in Milledgeville, Georgia. Additionally, there are satelite campuses located in Macon and Warner Robbins Georgia.

Books with a Local Focus

Lacie Majors Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews An antiques picker known as Weezie, starts to scour the alleys of Savannah looking for treasures, but when an unauthorized sneak preview tranpires, Weezie is caught up in a murder and mayhem, as dirty deals are made all around her. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt Based on real-life events that happened during the 1980s in Savannah, Georgia, the novel describes four murder trials to determine who killed Danny Hansford. What Looks Like Crazy by Charlotte Hughes Kate Holly, an Atlanta Clinical psychologist, tries to balance her life, priorities, job, family, friends, and a divorce she is going through The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Oliver Riley Blackthorne, daughter of legendary Demon Trapper Paul Blackthorne, has wanted to always follow in her fathers footsteps. She goes out into major cities helping Atlantas local Trappers Guild saving distressed citizens from little devils.

Dont Judge a Book by Its Cover

Students consider assistant principals as the adults who supervise and discipline. I had the chance to get on a personal level with assistant principal Tim Montgomery; who is more than just an administrator. Montgomery told me a heartwarming tale about how he came to be an educator. At rst he wanted to be businessman, husband, and father. Before working in education, he owned Prodek Concrete Coatings and Montgomery Services. Montgomery has two children. Zach is twenty-four and Macy is twenty-one. His wife, of twenty-six years, Cheree Montgomery works as a coordinator and an occupational health nurse, at Shoot for the stars, if Plant Vogtle; but the miles were too much for you land on the moon, at the Montgomery family. One day least your feet got off the while sitting on a beach in Panama, met an elderly ground. man who had a beach house and surfed all day. Montgomery asked the man how he afforded everything and the elderly man simply said teaching. Montgomery wanted to do something that he loved and could make a great career out of. Montgomery taught math for six years at Wilkinson High School. He became an assistant principle in Washington County. Shortly after, Assistant Principal Montgomery applied at Sardis Girard Alexander Elementary (SGA) and stayed two years. Then, Burke CountySuperintendent Rudy Falana needed him to transfer to Burke County High School. One thing I have a problem with is a student not listening when I am speaking. Ive always listened and will continue to listen to students, so when its my turn to talk, take it to heart. I respect what you say and I ask for the same in return, Montgomery says. He also has two rules, one is respect; treat other the way you would like to be treated - regardless of age. The second one is attitude; it brings nothing and conquers nothing. Montgomery is the assistant principal of operations at BCHS. Administration is a team, like teachers are a team; what do you bring to your team, Montgomery answers the question. Backround, experience, and maintenance; Ive owned my own business, I know how to treat my fellow partners and staff. Dakota Watts

Turtles in the Soup

Uplifting
Destiny Brown your life. You can shine bright like the sun in the sky. And always do your best until the day you die.

Do people know how you feel? Cause deep inside its like an orange peel. Things are yet inside of you, waiting to be revealed All the pain youve ever experienced will be healed. Never be offended by what others say. Just brush it aside and live your life day by day. You should value your life, it is something from Christ. But dont do bad or he can take

Vibe

Morgan Yearty As I walked down the steps towards the gym, for my interview with Jermaine Jay Baxley, I was less than thrilled. I figured Jermaine was just some football player, who was easy on the eyes and knew nothing more than how to tackle and throw a ball. As I approached Jay and started talking to him, my mind was changed instantly. My impression of Jay went from being a football meat head to a nice, well-spoken, young man, the moment he started to talk. Jay is not the average football player; he is not cocky, or boastful, and he is passionate about the game he plays. On any given Friday night, you can find Jay, headphones on, goodluck charm around his neck, dancing around the locker room, jammin to his game time playlist, and getting pumped up for the big game. When 7:30 comes, its all jokes aside and time for Baxley to have a talk with his defensive guys and get them hyped up, ready to tackle anything that threatens their team. Before kick-off hes thinking about the years after highschool. While Jay is excited about being a senior this year, he is also sad that this will be his last year as a Burke County Bear. Jays advice to underclassmen and future football players is Live your life to the fullest, with no regrets and enjoy highschool while you are in it. It will not last forever and once highschool is over, you are going to miss it. Dont you ever let anyone tell you that you cant do something. If you can dream it, then you can do it! After highschool, Jay plans to attend The University of Alabama, where he will major in Business and Management, and he hopes to play football for The Crimson Tide. Someday Baxley would like to play for the Atlanta Falcons. As Jay went to walk away from me that day, He turned around with a smile, and said No matter where I go, I will never forget where I came from or the people who have helped me get there. Burke County High School will always be close to my heart, GO BEARS!!!

BCHS Bear Combines Two Passions

Real Bears Wear Pink

Shelton Carver The month of October brings cool weather, harvest festivals, Halloween, and the annual county fair. October is also breast cancer awareness month. For some, wearing pink for this special month is out of respect, honor for those breast cancer survivors, and those who have had their lives taken away due to this disease. During October football games, the BCHS Bears add pink to their silver, black, and blue. But is it done out of respect and honor, or is there something more to the pink? Team member wear pink shoelaces, athletic tape, gloves, and socks to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The organization has raised money for breast cancer research since 1982, investing over $2 billion to find a cure for breast cancer. The tradition began when a Burke County Bears teams member lost his mother to breast cancer. For almost six years, players like Bobby Burum have worn pink during the games. Bobby and countless other Bears have also carried on the tradition while playing college ball. When senior linemen Kaleb Tobat and Winston Rouse were asked why they wear pink during October match-ups, Kaleb says I wear pink because my grandma had breast cancer and she beat it. So I wear pink to spread awareness and for her. Winstons tells a similar story saying, Ive had family members beat breast cancer. I dont wear it just because its pink.

Q: Who are the five people that you can rely on? A: My fellow captain Kandi Jackson because she stand by my side as my equal. My team-mate Morgan Yearty because we have come a long way over the past 4 years, on and off the court. Randi Summerlin and Cheyenne Westerman because they are good players and will always have my back. Last but not least, Sara Frye, she is such a sweet girl and gives the best advice. Q: Besides BCHS, What else are you representing on the court? A: I am representing female athletes that dont get enought recognition and my SENIORS, class of 2014!!! Q: Have any of your friends or family ever embarrased you at a game? A: Oh my yes, It is so embarrasing when I am playing and my team-mates yell from the side-lines, GOO BAMBI!! Q: What postion do you play? A: Setter

Ask a bear

Sports

Shelton Carver The Blue Zone drum line, is a group of thirteen drummers who tried out to be on our respected drum line. After obtaining these names and their last period classes, I endeavored on my way, to find out what brings the blue to the Blue Zone Drum line. I interviewed Carmen OBryant and learned that she is seventeen years old and lives in Augusta. She comes from a musical family. Her brother, and inspiration, played trumpet and the drums. Cameron Rhodes began drumming three years ago. The senior drummer says he is constantly in trouble with teachers because he is a drum fanatic and drums on his desk everyday. Tyrell D. Jones, a senior, says that he felt really accomplished when he made drum line. I couldnt stop smiling when I made it as a freshamn. He also says that being on the drum line never interferes with academics because school and academics come before all other things. Tyrell L. Jones, a freshman, says he began drumming in the eighth grade. He says there are always competitions between drum line members to see who the best and cleanest drummer is. So who is Blue Zone? They are a group of musically talented teenagers that work together to enhance their musical talents.

Blue Zone Drum Line

Health and Lifestyles Acid Reflux

Jasmine Carpenter Acid Reflux is a common health problem that affects more than 100 million Americans. The burning chest pain of acid reflux can cause a warning sign to visit the doctor or seek medical attention. Authors of recent studies estimated that 25% of Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a week. Acid Reflux referred to as GERD (gastric esophagus reflux disease). GERD is a major health problem and experts estimate that one third to one half of all asthma cases are caused or worsened by GERD. Acid Reflux occurs when your stomach contents or stomach acid comes back up and into your esophagus (throat). Pregnant women, the overweight and those over 40 often experience the problem. Conditions which put pressure on the stomach such as pregnancy and even overeating will cause food to come back up into the esophagus. People who eat large meals or a lot of fatty foods and lie down soon after eating can increase their chance of acid reflux or heartburn. If you lose the gravity, youre more prone to reflux says Dr. Coyle who is a spokesman for the American College of Gastroenterology. Research has shown that smokers are at greater risk of acid reflux because the saliva of smokers contains lower levels of bicarbonates or salt, which neutralize acids. Cigarette smoking also reduces the production of saliva. Smoking also causes the production of stomach acid. In addition, experts have argued whether asthma caused acid reflux, or whether acid reflux caused asthma. However, coughing and sneezing brought on by asthma attacks can cause changes in your chest and trigger the acid. If you lose the gravity, youre more prone to reflux says Dr. Coyle who is a spokesman for the American College of Gastroenterology. Causes of acid reflux include: Asthma, dental loss or erosion, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and regurgitation. The majority of people with acid reflux would get better by making changes to their diet. For example, black pepper, chili, pineapples, sodas, coffee, garlic, spicy foods, tea, tomatoes and even vinegar cause irritation and/or heartburn. Medications can help. Doctors prescribe Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, Zegerid or Kapidex and these have been shown to help prevent acids from staying in the stomach too long and reducing reflux into the esophagus. Lifestyle changes are other effective ways to reduce painful symptoms or the diseases of acid reflux. Once someone has it, they may have acid reflux for life. However if you think you have acid reflux or already been diagnosed with GERD, you should check with your doctor and see what works best for you.

Tis the Season to be Coughing

Star Scritchfield Winter us just around the corner, bringing with it a spike in colds and allergies. Young people in particular are more susceptible to contagious illnesses. Colds, Strep Throat, and other infections occur with more frequency when kids are back in school. Colds are caused by hundreds of different viruses. Colds and allergies have lots of overlapping symptoms, such as headaches, coughs, and runny nose. A doctor will tell you to wash your hands frequently and keep your hands out of reach of your face because anything you touch, most of the time has germs on it. Bacteria causes Strep Throat and is trasmitted the same way as a virus. Strep Throat causes fevers, sore throats, swollen glands, and nausea. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the bronchi, the airway that often brings up mucus. Bronchitis causes shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. Acute Bronchitis is a shorter illness that commonly follows a cold or viral infection such as the flu. It generally consists of a cough, chest discomfort or soreness, and usually lasts a fews days or weeks on the other hand Chronic Bronchitis is characterized by persistent, mucus producing a cough, usucally bothers you once in a while. Students like Christa Crawford are familair with this condition. The Junior says she gets Bronchitis each year and the symptoms last two to four weeks. Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very ill. You may cough, run a fever, and have a hard time breathing. Pneumonia can hit you during the winter, usually after you have just gotten over a cold or the flu, but it can be triggered in the summer as well because of all the pollution. It usually starts when you breathe in all the germs into your lungs. Pneumonia causes chills with fever and chest pains. People with Asthma, Heart Disease, Cancer, or Diabetes are quicker to get Pneumonia than most people. With Cold and Flu season in full swing, we wonder how top doctors personally battle nasty bugs each winter, Here are their expert tips for keeping the pains, aches and sniffles, away. Wash your hands to keep the germs away. Warm water and soap will kill the germs, but be sure you dont rush. Try to wash for 20 seconds. Sing Happy Birthday to yourself twice.

Dakota Watts Many Teens increasingly rely on energy drinks for a quick boost, but do you reall know whats happening in your body as you enjoy these concoctions? in pursuit of profits, which the industry expects to rise to twenty billion dollars, companies design the containers for these products and use advertising to promote caffiene-fueled drinks without mentioning the short and long term effects the drinks have on the body. The rush caused by the caffeine in energy drinks, is really the result of an increased heart rate. Caffeine is the most common ingredient in energy drinks and its safety in large quanties, especially for those with undaignosed heart problems, has been questioned by medical experts. The consumption of more than two to three hundred miligrams of caffeine a day can cause restlessness, increased heart rate, and insomnia. Higher dosages if caffeine can increase blood pressure, diarrhea, excessive urination, and nervousness. Caffeine may also cause allergic reactions reactions such as rashes, hives, itching, and breathing problems. Vitamins and corn sugar are often found in large quantities in energy drinks as well. The company might say the contains natural cane juice or gluscose but its still sugar. If a company has a fancy name for an ingredient that is uncommon or unknown, its important to do research. Too much sugar causes tooth decay and increases the chance of having type two daibetes. The B-vitamin is found in energy drinks as well. Vitamins are healthy for the body, but too much can be a bad thing. The Bvitamin can cause liver toxicity, nerve problems or damage and skin irritations. Energy drinks have the potential to harm the body. When buying energy drinks make sure the read the label and research anything unknown to prevent these harmful effects. If problems occur after consuming these products, consult a doctor and avoid intake.

Is that buzz really worth it?

Church & Community

Take your taste buds around the world without leaving home. The Bees Knees restaurant located at 211 10th Street in Augusta specializes in avors from around the world from Thai to Spanish, Cajun to Mediterranean, and Japanese to French. There is something to please everyone. The name, The Bees Knees, itself has its own curious meaning. Taken from the 1920s jazz inuenced slang, it refers to the hip or the cool thing such as The Cats Meow. See you cool cats when you get there!

Bears at Recess

Jekyll Island - New Years Bluegrass Festival Atlanta - Bead and Jewelry Craft Show Roswell - Jewelry and Bead Show, Gift and Fashion Access Show Atlanta - Log and Timber Home Show Columbus - Greater Columbus Home and Garden Show Savannah - Country Living Home and Garden Show Cartersville - Depression Era Glass Shows Augusta - Augusta Futurity Cairo - Rattlesnake Round-Up Atlanta - Intergalactic Bead and Jewelry Shows

Start planning now for January festivals and craft shows.

Georgia is the Place for Outdoor Fun

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes program meets every Friday morning 7:30- 8:00 in room 511 FCCLA will be holding a gospel extravaganza called Tis the Season, on December Sixth in the BCHS Auditorium. Churches from all around the CSRA will perform. First Baptist Church is sponsoring the Burke County Public Schools Thanksgiving Luncheon on Tuesday, November nineteenth. Every rst Tuesday, Mount Olive A.M.E. Church opens the doors starting at 6 P.M. for a Christian Education Session and at 7 P.M. a Love Feast. Wednesday nights, Rosemont Heights Baptist Church, Youth learn about Christ while eating chicken nuggets. Nugget Wednesday First Baptist Church of Augusta is having a Bread of Life Luncheon, if interested for reservations please contact Susan Jones (706) 733-2236. RSVP by Friday November fteenth.

Church Activities

Where will your dreams take you after high school? Some choose the military, others attend college or enter the job market. Burke County High School gets high marks for diversity. A diversied curriculum helps each student take the next step beyond high school. Academic programs include everything from the schools JROTC program to the award winning Agricultural department. The following programs are just a handful of those offered at Burke County High School. The drama trains aspiring actors, directors, and sound technicians for future careers. The students perform plays and they are responsible for all aspects of production; scenery construction, painting, lighting, sound, makeup, and creating costumes. Opportunities are provided for the students to complete special projects of their choice which might include directing and playwriting. Future artists can nd a place on the ne arts hallway, Students have the opportunity to enhance their creativity by exploring a variety of drawing, painting, and sculpting techniques. The JROTC program at Burke County High teaches cadets discipline, Students learn carpentry skills in a workshop setting. leadership qualities, citizenship, and time management skills that they can carry corps management, military customs with them through all stages of life. This program is set up to emphasize and courtesies, and to also emphasize on survival skills. Students in the program learn what to do during a natural a week, when cadets must comply with disaster. All JROTC students are required to wear their uniform one day military grooming standards. Students with interests in agricultural careers are helped to identify career pathways with an emphasis leadership development. Classroom on forestry, animal science, horticulture, agricultural mechanics, and Ms. Christina Zdroba is a native ot Romanina. She instruction, laboratory activities, and FFA activities are a part of the busy curriculum which many who enroll teaches Spanish at BCHS in the program, consider not just educational but fun. Students also receive instruction in three components of Ag Mechanics Welding, Electrical Wiring, and Basic Woodworking, as well as Tractor Driving and Engine Repair. We provide multiple oppurtunities for students to display their talents, learn leadership skills, great travel oppurtunities, competition oppurturnities, for cash, trophies, and scholarships. If you plan to own your own business, or run a large corporation in the future, there is no better program offered at BCHS than the Future Business Leaders Association (FBLA). Students enrolled in business courses gain knowledge and skills which prepare them for employment in ofces, banks and small businesses. Students entering the eld of construction after high school are encouraged to take the construction courses that are offered at County High School. These courses introduce students to four construction craft areas, including Plumbing, Masonry, Carpentry, and Electrical through hands on activities. Each student is given the opportunity to visit each trade area and study the history of the trade, tools of the trade, and how to use the tools involved in the trade. Students can use their foreign language credit in college ny taking an assessment known as the College Level Examination (CLEP) Exam. This test allows students to earn college credit for various courses such as French Sargent Simpson inspects his JROTC students every Thursday, to make sure they meet military grooming and Spanish. If students post a passing score on the assessment, then they can recieve college credit.
standards.

Diversity is our Strength

Opinions
From the Editors Desk...
Jasmine Carpenter I believe that rules for teenagers should really be strict. School events like prom, games, homcoming, and pep rallies should be banned for those students who constantly disrespect authority. If teenagers really want their privileges; in school or at home, then they will do whatever it takes to behave and respect authority. Teenagers take advantage when adults are lenient. I believe teenagers with constant authority problems will eventually end up incarcerated. Some teenagers are defiant toward authority figures as an cry out for help. Problems at home are common when students act out. Driving fast, breaking curfew, arguing, and even shoplifting are the beginning problems for some teens who act defiantly to test authority. All teens go through similar phases, mainly because they want independence and a separate identity. Its part of growing up. Social pressures also impact teen behavior. A recent article in Psychology Today states, common types of rebellion occur when teens dont fit in socially or when they harbor resentment against authority figures. Anthony Chiles, Cohort 2015 Assistant Principal at BCHS says, Consequences for student rebellion depend on the infraction. I follow the Student Code of Conduct. I also look at what the student did and then I follow a series of steps to remedy the situation. Gregory Sanders; Cohort 2017 Counselor deals with teen rebellion with compassion. ...I have a series of steps I follow. I figure out the inital problem. Sanders focuses on strategies which also call for evaluating the problem and working on a plan with the student to solve issues that are contributing to rebellion. I believe rebellion occurs when young people pull away from the normalities of life; refusing to obey the rules of society. I believe teens rebel when their lives lack consistency and security. I agree with Sanders. Teens rebel until they get the attention or independence they want. Authority figures actually play a productive part in our lives. The more we respect authority, the more we will learn that some of our happiness and fulfilment is directly related to how we interect with those in charge. When we begin to respect authority we can then exercise authority over ourselves and lead healthy, productive lives.
Approximately 216 students were interviewed for this survey.

The Beat is a forum for student expression and is subject to prior review. Advisor _____ B. Stone Principal _____ Sam Adkins Page Editor _____ Lauren Conner News/Copy Editor Photography _____ Dakota Watts Reporters _____ Shelton Carver Jasmine Carpenter Lacie Majors Star Scritchfield Morgan Yearty Contributors _____ Janell Williams Destiny Brown

Staff

Problems with Authority

Tell us Whats on Your Mind. Bring letters to the editor to Room 114.

Student credits Color Guard for being a positive experience

I am beginning my third year on The BCHS outstanding color guard squad. In case, you dont know who we are, Ill tell you. We are a very hardworking and dedicated group of girls who all put forth our best efforts to achieve the most admirable goal, a superior rating at our statewide competitions and to please the crowd during every one of our performances at Bears football games. Every day we practice after school and rehearse our routines for hours until they are all perfect. We practice moving while twirling and tossing our flags, dancing, and working with different props on the field, such as rings, ribbons, and pompoms. We even have our dance class and room for perfecting our show. In the afternoons we go out onto the practice field with the marching band and put on sets for each song in our show. This means we move to our many different spots on the field to make formations throughout the show and heighten the enjoyment of the songs. Overall we have more than eighty different spots to move for this show. This year the theme of our show is Earth, their many amazing hits, including Wind, and Fire. We will perform four Its more than just a of In The Stone, After the Love Has Gone, September, and Get Away. We sport, its a way to make Monday through Thrusday and on practice after school until six oclock Fridays we perform at halftime at our new life-long friends and schools football games. When we are not performing on the field, we are performing in the stands. We dance to overcome obstacles in tunes the band plays in the stands during the game. We all come up with most of the dances we do in the stands. Each dance has a piece of our own individual your life. touches in them. During October and some of Septembe, we have competitions every Saturday. During this time, we think of football games as an extra practice for competitions the next day. Competitions can sometimes be really do or die so we all have to be ready to see what other guards have to offer. There may be a guard that does something better than we do, so we just have to recognize it and work on prefecting it at practice. Color Gaurd is a really fun and interesting activity. Its more than just a sport, its a way to gain new life long friends and overcome obstacles in your life. If it hadnt been for color guard, I would never have met some of the most amazing people in the world, or conquered my shyness. It is one of the greatest things to ever happen to me in my life.

Guest Column

The Beat Wants To Know

Is it important to you that a teacher makes the class fun? Whats your idea of a interesting class?

Yeah, it gets us interested in the class and learn more if the teavher had creative lessons or games. - Jacob Griffin, Cohort 2014 Not really, you cant get a good education if people are playing. - Tiara Sanders, Cohort 2017 Yeah, if its boring I go to sleep. If it isnt fun I wont get involved. - Lewis Singleton, Cohort 2014 Yes, it makes the students active and alert... It helps to have grows working together. - Edward Cunningham, Cohort 2016