sharkattack03-13

The Magazine of St. James High School Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

newsFischer Tackles TreatmentCatch up with coach Mark Fischer as he undergoes a series of cancer treatments at Duke University in Durham, NC.

sportsSharks Spring Action

As the weather turns warm, the Sharks athletic teams traditionally get stronger.

Read previews of this spring’s squads.

Band of BrothersSeniors Justin Matthews & Robert Shepley raise the St. James music program to a new octave.

opinionHall Pass SWAT TeamHall monitors roaming the halls like members of the SWAT team causes concern for some students.

shark attack

sharkattackonline.com St. James High School

entertainmentSpring Break Fever

As a week away from school approaches, students are more anxious than ever to

reach that time of fun and relaxation.

March 2013

Shark AttackThe Student Magazine

of St. James High School

10800 Highway 707Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

843-650-5600

Volume IX, Issue VMarch 2013

Gage Daviseditor in chief

Tanner Haleprint editor

Mckayla Mondayonline editor

Stephanie PanosSavannah Phillipsbroadcast editors

Kathleen SchipanoCopy Editor

Aspen BoydAudrey Dame

Ethan JohnsonAnastasia KaskoRyan Kohlmann

Elizabeth MazzatentaHaley Olds

Caustin SuttonStaff Reporters

Jerry Moorefaculty sponsor

The Shark Attack staff attempts to inform and entertain the student body of St. James High School. All opinion columns reflect the opinion of the individual columnist. Letters to the editor, story ideas and advertising inquiries may be e-mailed to [email protected]. Letters must be signed to be considered for publication. The Shark Attack has the right to refuse advertising that is deemed inappropriate; advertisements do not necessarily reflect opinion of the staff, adviser, or school administration.

news

opinion

entertainment

sports

Fischer tackles treatments at Dukeby Mckayla Monday 3

FBLA forges path to state conferenceby Kathleen Schipano 4

Musicians play their way to the futureby Ethan Johnson 5

School hires ‘Hall Pass Swat Team’by Caustin Sutton 6

Lets kiss PDA goodbye for goodby Lizz Mazzatenta 6

What impact will ‘Myrtle Manor’ have?by Haley Olds (Positive) 7

What impact will ‘Myrtle Manor’ have?by Anastasia Kasko (Negative) 7

Gimme a ‘spring’ breakby Audrey Dame 8

Varsity baseball swings for the fencesby Gage Davis 9

Golfers tee off on successful seasonby Ryan Kohlmann 10

Soccer players search for title ringby Tanner Hale 11

Sharks’ sports ‘spring’ into actionby Aspen Boyd 12

Page 2 Contents Shark Attack

sharkattackonline.com St. James High SchoolMarch 2013

They make band sound like funJustin Matthews marches to the beat of his own drum while Robert Shepley toots his own horn as both seniors have a good time being interviewed and photographed for the story on page 5. Photos by Ethan Johnson

McKayla Monday Online EditorClass of 2013

Sept. 21 was a tough Friday night for the St. James family. Head football coach Mark Fischer had just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer, and he shared the difficult news with his players and fans immediately after the Homecoming game.

Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that affects white blood cells that are produced from stem cells in bone marrow (the spongy tissue inside of bones). In people with myeloma, plasma cells grow at an abnormal rate and are called myeloma cells. Myeloma cells impair the production of healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. The disease is called multiple myeloma because the cancer occurs at more than one site in the bones.

Since the diagnosis, the St. James community has been right by Fischer’s side, conducting special events and fundraisers such as the Breakfast for Coach Fischer at The Beaver Bar in Murrells Inlet and another event held at Creek Ratz. Students and staff continue to wear t-shirts and ribbons in support.

The benefits for Fischer brought in thousands of dollars to put toward his medical bills and his trips to Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. Duke is one of the the best hospitals in the world for cancer treatments.

In January, Fischer had a Hickman catheter put into his chest. This is a port for the doctors to do all the chemotherapy treatments. He had to give himself two shots each morning in the stomach that helped make his white blood cells grow faster.

Then Fischer traveled to Duke for stem cell harvesting, which was a four-day process in which he was hooked up to a machine for six hours a day. The machine basically performed a blood transfusion each day, pulling good stem cells from his body. Once they had enough, the doctors froze them for later.

Fischer underwent several rounds of

chemotheraphy, most recently between Feb. 14-19. Then, on Feb. 21, he received a reinfusion of healthy stem cells that had been harvested from his body earlier.

These procedures take a toll, but those who know Fischer know how tough and determined he is to overcome the physical challenges. It is difficult for Fischer and his family, and he appreciates all of the prayers and support of the Shark community.

“I think the toughest part of having to go back and forth to Duke is being away from my kids,” coach Fischer said. “You never know how it affects them. They have to stay with people while we are gone, which is always tough. We are lucky that Mrs. Guthrie has taken Troy in and treated him like her own. She has been awesome to us. Mackenzie stays with friends, but as a dad it stinks because I’m not here with them like I should be. I just don’t want to hurt my kids.”

Fischer’s trademark humor remains intact. “Another real tough part is I’m a Tar Heel fan, and being surrounded by all that Duke stuff is creepy,” he said.

“Being a part of the St. James family is a blast, so not being there every day stinks. You feel like everything is passing you by,” Fischer said. “I love getting up and going to work every day. I really can wait to get back in the halls and being a part of everything again.”

As a dedicated coach, his football team is always on his mind. “I have total confidence in the coaches on our staff running the off season program while I’m out. I also believe in my players,” he said. “They are going to put in the nessesary work to be ready for next year. I really miss being in the weight room with the guys and just hanging out with them and being able to talk to them on a regular basis.”

“I can’t put into words what the St. James family has meant to me and my family,” Fischer said. “The kindness we have been shown proves to me that this is the greatest place to be. Getting this disease has been a blessing. It has shown me just how great the people of St. James and Murrells Inlet really are.”

Fischer tackles treatments at Duke


Shark Attack News Page 3

Photos courtesy of the Fischer family

Kathleen SchipanoCopy EditorClass of 2013

St. James is always proud of student achievement and winning teams, and this year FBLA has been a huge success.

At the State Leadership Conferences, students competed in events testing their business knowledge and skills. Top state winners are then eligible to compete for national awards at the National Leadership Conference each summer. This year, the St. James FBLA team has advanced to the state level of competition.

Thirty teams participated in the District Leadership conference, and 27 members of the St. James team came home with

trophies, qualifying for state competition. The purpose of FBLA is to promote

an environment where students who want to pursue a future in business gain the skills and knowledge they need to be effective business leaders. FBLA helps develop vocational and career supportive competencies and promotes civic and personal responsibility.

“The most important thing students gain from FBLA is a sense of belonging,” said Mrs. Burdick, FBLA staff advisor. “It is a student-run organization where students are the leaders. Taking leadership positions leads to other opportunities and by senior year, it can lead to scholarships.”

There are 55 events for competition, including Cyber Security, Introduction to

Business, Web Design and Business ethics. “Our team participated in the Business

Ethics portion of the competition, and we won second place. We spoke about a scenario and then analyzed the ethics involved,” said senior Kate Golden.

“I helped make a video promoting FBLA week, a week used for recruitment and publicity for the club, and we won first place,” said senior Paige Underwood. “I like FBLA because you get to meet new people, you learn a lot, and you do a lot of community service.”

FBLA participates in many community service project throughout the year, such as The March of Dimes trick or treat boxes, the Breast Cancer walk, the food drive, and the Myrtle Beach Marathon.

FBLA forges path to state conference


Page 4 News Shark Attack

Junior Sarah Quinn, senior Sean Vanderhyde, and sophomore Jordan Walker get down to business. Photos by Stephanie Panos

Shark Attack News Page 5


Musicians play their way to the futureEthan JohnsonStaff ReporterClass of 2014

Justin Matthews, Justin Trout, and Robert Shepley are three prominent names in the world of the St. James band. They share a tremendous talent in music while each displaying a unique personality.

Senior Justin Matthews plays percussion. He got his start in music in the 2nd grade when he started playing piano. He started playing percussion in the 4th grade. He made the All State Band in 8th grade, an amazing feat, and things just took off from there in Justin’s music career.

Justin has been accepted in to the Honor Band of America, marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, and has already performed at world-famous Carnegie hall two times.

To Justin, music is “the deepest form of human interaction and [is] the most insight into one’s emotions. Music is a very important part of my life, and something I could no live without. Music is a way to express a range of emotions otherwise impossible to show with words.”

Justin plans to attend the University of North Texas. He wants to become a professional percussionist and play in groups much like “The Blue Man Group,” “BLAST!” and “Stomp.”

Senior Robert Shepley plays euphonium. He got his start playing trumpet in 6th grade. Robert says he didn’t start taking band seriously until he came to St. James his freshman year. He fell in love with euphonium his sophomore year, which was the first year he made All State band. That was when he realized that he may have a talent.

Since then, Robert has been accepted in the South Carolina Master Recital. Robert also won first chair in All State Band. He is also in the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.

“Music to me is simply another language,” said Rober. “It’s a way to express oneself without being restricted by words and syntax.”

Robert is attending University of Huston to study music composition. He hopes to become a full time music composer.

Sophmore Justin Trout is a rising star here at St. James as a talented saxophone player. Justin got his start in the 6th grade. Justin also plays percussion instruments and piano. Justin made first chair saxophone in the All State Band. He is also in the St. James Symphonic band.

Justin hopes to attend Berkley for film composition, he hopes to write and compose music for films.

Seniors Justin Matthews and Robert Shepley, along with sophomore Justin Trout, are some of the most accomplished musicians St. James has ever had. Photos by Ethan Johnson

Lizz MazzatentaStaff ReporterClass of 2016

It’s the “forever alone” kids’ biggest phobia, the bane of administrators’ existence, and students’ largest annoyance. It’s something you can never avoid in the hallways of high school. It’s those couples who just won’t take their hands off of each other. You know who I’m talking about.

PDA is something very common in high school students and young adults everywhere. There are also different levels of PDA, some tolerated and some looked down upon.

“As long as they aren’t straight up pushed against the wall making out, I don’t care,” said junior Tyler Harris.

I don’t know about you, I’m grossed out by the couple playing tonsil hockey as the one-minute bell rings in between

classes.Some of the most dreaded couples of

high school by far are the ones who decide to stop right in the middle of the hallway to say their goodbyes. Nobody likes to stumble over two people embracing each other just to meet again in the next hour and a half. Seriously, you’ll see each other in 90 minutes from now.

But is it honestly that repelling to see

two happy people enjoying each others’ company throughout the day, or are some St. James students just a bit jealous?

“I think that it’s rather disgusting to see a couple kissing in the hallway,” said freshman Taylor Ballard. “The hallways aren’t your bedrooms; people can actually see you shoving your tongue down each others’ throats.”

PDA is usually only looked down upon if it goes any further than a peck on the lips. I’m sure that most students can agree that the stronger an embrace gets, the more they get grossed out.

As sophomore Kane Claybrook said, “If a couple is kissing and holding hands, I can tolerate it, but not if it gets really intense.”

Some wise words to the love birds of St. James: keep the touching to a minimum and the tongues where they should be ... before the loners with their 30 cats have had enough and decide to attack.

Let’s kiss PDA goodbye for good

Page 6 Opinion Shark Attack


School hires ‘Hall Pass SWAT team’Caustin SuttonStaff ReporterClass of 2013

It seems like St. James is always trying their best to help improve the lives of students at school. From the cafeteria changes in food choice to the new and improved tardy policy, it seems like things are always changing.

Everyone has noticed the most recent addition to the St. James staff: the hall monitors.

What most students don’t know is the hall monitors are actually a Hall Pass SWAT Team. If you’re out and about roaming the halls freely without a pass, you better keep your eyes peeled.

“I feel like if we didn’t have the hall monitors, the kids at our school wouldn’t be hassled as much, but there would be a lot more kids skipping class,” said junior Chris McDonald.

The Hall Pass SWAT Team is designed to make sure that students aren’t roaming the halls without a pass, to secure the

area and to make sure no radicals pass through undetected.

I don’t necessarily agree with their views but some of their mission objectives make sense. To me, it seems that students should be allowed the freedom to skedaddle to the restroom and/or water fountain without having to be on their tiptoes without having to worry about the Hall Pass SWAT Team stopping you at border patrol and asking for your I.D, Social Security Card, and passport.

In some special circumstances, free roaming St. James radicals can sneak by the special ops group while they are on their handy dandy walkie talkies communicating with “Houston” at headquarters.

Since the Hall Pass SWAT Team has infiltrated our school, they have even found special, undetectable ways to brainwash some students.

For instance, senior Laurel McCall said, “I actually think most of them are very nice and are always friendly.”

If you’re a free roaming radical at St.

James and you’re unfortunate enough to get swept up by the giant brooms powered by the Hall Pass SWAT Team, you better watch out. If you’re caught, you will be taken down to headquarters to get your paperwork arranged.

First, you input your information (ID, social security card, passport) into a gigantic, highly technical machine that will spit out a big ol’ tardy slip. After a 30 minute process with this machine, radicals are swept back up into the giant dustpan known as class.

Sophomore Callie Walton gets busted by a member of the ‘Hall Pass SWAT team.’ Photo by Caustin Sutton

Shianne Wilson and Jose Luciano get a little too close in the hallway between classes. Photo by Lizz Mazzatenta

Haley OldsStaff ReporterClass of 2014

If you haven’t already heard, Myrtle Beach will be the setting

for the new reality TV show “Myrtle Manor” on TLC. It follows a group of people living in a trailer park aspiring to

be a 5-star resort, complete with security, a hair salon and an above-ground pool.

Its residents vary from the lively landlord to the drag-queen hairstylist to even the two owners of “Darlin’ Dogs,” a hotdog cart business that frequents the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. This eccentric group of people is filmed off Highway 15 in Patrick’s Mobile Home Park.

Before you pass judgment thinking it might end up like “Jersey Shore” or “Buck Wild,” remember this will be airing on TLC, a more family-oriented network.

Instead of thinking of all the ways it could turn out badly, what are the potential positives for our community?

This TV show may bring fame to the area, boosting our economy and making us grow as a city. People might come just to check out what the area is really like.

Junior Avery Greeson said, “I don’t think [it will change the area] that much, but I feel like we’ll get a lot more attention, maybe more tourism. It depends on how popular the show is.”

Whether you think the show will cast a bad light on us or not, you have to admit it’s got an intriguing premise featuring places and possibly people you may know. Many St. James students think this show will be pretty neat.

When asked her opinion on if this TV show will make us look trashy or not, junior Samantha Whaley said, “I think it depends; I think we’ll see when it comes out.”

So there you have it St. James, before you jump the gun and make predictions, tune in yourself to see the approach the TV show takes on March 3 at 10 p.m. on TLC.

What impact will ‘Myrtle Manor’ have?

Shark Attack Opinion Page 7


Anastasia KaskoStaff ReporterClass of 2016

Television is a part of almost everyone’s life; it not only

informs you about the world, it also makes you feel a wide range of emotions, from laughter all the way down to sadness.

Myrtle Beach is known for sunny beaches, bikini bodies, and tourist attractions. So what exactly happens when you mix Myrtle Beach with TV? It’s the reality show “Myrtle Manor.”

“Myrtle Manor” is a new TLC show that takes place right here in Myrtle Beach. However, it will likely portray the worst parts of Myrtle Beach. Taking place in a dilapidated trailer park, the show will not help Myrtle Beach in any way.

In fact, “Myrtle Manor” is a terrible idea. So maybe you get a laugh out of it, between the above ground pool and uncanny characters, but think about it. You are laughing at yourself; you are allowing this ridiculous show the satisfaction of making fun of you as a Grand Strand resident.

To record the lives of those less fortunate or slightly deranged and call it entertainment isn’t even close to being morally right. The publicity Myrtle Beach will get is unthinkably horrible.

Maybe if the show was recorded elsewhere or maybe if they hadn’t trashed the trailer park willingly for the show, it might be acceptable to some.In addition to bad publicity

and poor choice of location, why would someone want to watch this? I mean this is just another “Jersey Shore,” only in our city. We are going to waste valuable time watching these people attempt to turn a tacky trailer park into a five-star resort.

Overall, this show is one of the worst ideas I’ve ever heard of, but go ahead and watch it. Surely there is nothing else in the world you could be doing but watching the show that mocks you by showing a bunch of rednecks and their ludicrous drama in your very own city.

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

Drama students demonstrate how they think TLC’s new show “Myrtle Manor” will portray the city. Photo by Haley Olds

Audrey DameStaff ReporterClass of 2015

At 3:15 p.m. on that last Friday in March, St. James students are going to rush outside and inhale the fresh spring air into their noses, knowing that for the next week, they’re free from school and all stress that comes with it.

Some families might plan a vacation, and others might have a nice “staycation” here in good ol’ Myrtle Beach.

Some teachers will assign homework, though a lot of kids won’t do it because they will either forget, or they will be too busy, or they will just be having too much fun.

If you’re planning on staying here, I’m going to give you a couple ideas to do

with your friends or family, so you don’t waste your entire break sitting around drinking copious amounts of Arizona tea and watching marathons of crappy shows, which is what I will probably be doing.

On April 7 at the House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand’s Best “Battle Of the Bands” will be performing at 6:30 p.m. The show is free, and the doors open at 6 p.m.

If you haven’t been already, the 1.2 mile boardwalk in Myrtle Beach is open to the public all day and night and includes restaurants and shops that almost anyone can enjoy.

“I personally just use that time as a break from school to catch up on some sleep and hang out with friends,” sophomore Mark Coyner said. “I think

we’re allowed to do whatever we want with it; it’s spring break. It’s a break from anything related to education.”

If you aren’t pumped up for spring break, that’s a sad factor. It’s time off from school that you get to spend by yourself or with whomever you enjoy being around.

“Spring break is a time for fun and relaxation from school and stress. If I don’t have a job over spring break, I plan on hanging out with friends and family,” said sophomore Jett Paradis. “I think kids spend their spring break like an extended version of their weekend with their friends and family. Kids should have their freedom change about break because they have put a lot of time and effort into school, and we deserve a vacation for ourselves for once.”

Gimme a ‘spring’ break


Page 8 Entertainment Shark Attack

Gage DavisEditor in ChiefClass of 2013

Two years ago, no one around the St. James baseball team knew the importance of the number 30. But thanks to coach Robbie Centracchio, now everyone knows. He has preached that to win a state championship, it takes 30 wins.

In 2011, he and the Sharks accomplished this amazing feat. Now, two years later, Centracchio has the opportunity to become a two-time state champion.

Six of the team’s seniors, led by Carter Brakefield and Kasey Crooks, look for their second ring, too. The Sharks will benefit from the addition of two more players, seniors Caleb Duggan and Anders DeShields, who committed to the College of Charleston.

Last year, the Sharks went 23-7, winning 13 games at home with only one loss. The Sharks feed off the ferocious home crowd.

They went into the playoffs and won their first game against Chapin high in a landslide. They then lost their next two games against A.C. Flora and Chapin to be eliminated from the playoffs.

The Sharks won their sixth region title last year, and while they are looking for their seventh one, they want to go even farther and win another state title.

“We have ring envy,” said Duggan.The goals for the Sharks this year are to

win the region, win the lower state, and then take it to the state championship, and finally to get that ring.

“We had a young team last year, so we really think that we have a chance at a state championship,” said Brakefield.

One team the Sharks will have to look out for is their rival Socastee. The Braves are ranked 10th in the preseason poll, and they are looking for revenge from the past two years of Sharks’ victories. The Sharks have dominated the Braves in the last two years, which led to a good end of the year for the Sharks.

“I feel like our expectations are set high. We are headed to the championship,” said Duggan.

The Sharks first game this year is on March 15 when they will take on the Georgetown Bulldogs.


Shark Attack Sports Page 9

Sharks varsity baseball swings for the fences

Ryan KohlmannStaff ReporterClass of 2015

As spring comes around, many successful athletes crawl out the shadows of St. James and start up their seasons. The smell of warm weather and competition is in the air as everyone is getting a whiff.

St. James is located in the golf capital of the country, so the passion for golf around the school makes sense. The Sharks’ golf team has been one of the most sucessful programs at the school, consistently appearing near the top of the state rankings.

Devotion is a key factor in becoming a good golfer; players cannot just play during the season and take a break the rest of the year.

“Golf is not a seasonal sport. It is year round, so you need to keep trying to get better to be on this team. You have to live at the course,” said coach Michael Riley.

The team has a great shot to win the region and will hold up as a tough competitor at the lower state and state championships.

Golf can be a relaxing sport at times, but at other times it is very exciting and stressful. A lot of people say that golf is boring, but once they try it they become addicted. Although golf isn’t for everyone, it seems to be for a lot of students at St. James

When players aren’t playing golf they must be conditioning; they walk about seven miles with a heavy golf bag on thier backs every round. Staying in shape is a priority in every sport, and golf is no exception.

“This is a serious team, and if you aren’t going to be serious about golf then do not try out,” said sophomore Alan Crum.

Living near the 115 golf courses in the beautiful Grand Strand area gives just about anyone motivation to start golfing. Trying out for the Sharks’ golf team is a great way to get involved with the school.

Tryouts for this year have already passed, but if students would like to try next year they are advised to keep practicing at the local golf courses. If students are planning to try out for the team, they must be prepared for fierce competition, which makes the Sharks’ program so successful.

Golfers tee off on successful season


Page 10 Entertainment Shark Attack

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p.s. warbens.

Luff,Hans Johnson

Authentic Salvadorian CuisineMarisol

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SPECIALIZING IN NEW TEEN DRIVERSOpening on March 4, 2013!

Senior Lyle Emerson will be a leader on this year’s golf team. Staff file photo



Soccer players search for title ringTanner HalePrint EditorClass of 2014

As the spring season approaches, the St. James boys’ soccer team begins its journey in search for a region title and a serious run through the playoffs.

The Sharks open this year with 10 returning starters. And the team will feature some bright young stars, including freshmen Cole Gulledge and Conor Sloan, who got the call to varsity in their first year here at St. James.

“With only losing one starter on last year’s team, this team is now much more experienced,” said head coach Monty Carr.

The players on the team are really excited about the opportunity and the success this team can bring to the table this season.

Sophomore player Keaton Zimmer said, “I have high expectations for our team this year; I believe we can make a deep run in the playoffs and possibly a state title.”

Sophomore Quadarius Grate added, “I am a very humble person, but we will be state champions.”

The players have a high sense of urgency to perform at the level they are certainly capable of to win the first state

soccer title in school history.Last season, the team finished 3rd in

the region and went on to the playoffs, but its season ended with a “heartbreaking” loss to Hilton Head in a 3-2 game that went into overtime.

It is going to be very interesting to see

how the season plays out, and Sharks’ fans can certainly look forward to seeing the team play hard this year.

The team as a whole has learned from last season and is more prepared than ever to take on every opponent in the way to capture the region and state titles.

Sharks’ sports ‘spring’ into actionAspen BoydStaff ReporterClass of 2014

The spring season has traditionally been a great time for Shark sports. And it’s that time of year again, when the smell of flowers blooming fill the air, along with the smell of sweaty jerseys and cleats.

The Lady Sharks soccer players have been training since January to earn their spot on the girls’ varsity team. With a mixture of sweat, blood, and sheer determination, these girls are ready to kick tail in the upcoming season. Their first game in March will be March 5 against Carolina Forest.

“I personally am so excited to get back into the soccer season,” said junior Jasmine Fitcher. “I love the companionship and the competition.”

Another sport to keep an eye on is Sharks boys golf, which has been one of the top programs in the state in recent years. Fresh cut grass smell in the air, warm spring breeze, and these boys are ready to tackle yet another killer season out on the green.

Only the best golfers in our school can place a spot in this group of elite young men.

The Sharks track team is ready to hit the ground running. This season is packed full of an all new and improved team of practiced runners. However, there are also the discus throwers, the pole vaulters, and jumpers, sprinters, hurdlers, and distance runners.

“Ayyee batter batter batter swing!” These words can be heard out on the

diamonds as baseball and softball rolls into town. In previous years, these sports have been a real hit. The boys baseball team has won the region for four years in a row and even won the state championship only a couple years ago.

As you can see, this spring is going to be action packed with wonderful athletes. Be sure to head out to see them show off their mad skills this season and support the Sharks.



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