Volume 82 No. 4
Grimsley High School
801 Westover Terrace
Greensboro, NC 27408
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
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'nternet phofc
AboM', ii father enil>racc> his son: both \scar protective face masks to prevent the infectious bird flu from
spreading hetsseen humans and animals, vshich is now classified as an cpiedemie worldwide.
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As the' IMO forms of bird tin spread across
Asia, people panic worldwide. The
disea'ic affccis multiple organs and has
caused death in birds and humans. .'Is
Asia scrambles to contain ihi-! fatal
disease, other nations, including the
United States, take preventative measures.
Avian iiil'kivn/.a, rnorv vumnionly known as
"fhn bird ilu." VLiiTonlK calls for nuidi alarm
aenj-'s the* world.
Bird fin is a tontd^ion.s disease caused by
viruses lhat normally infovt onl\ birds and,
le.ss commonly, pi'^s. I’hesc! viru.ses are hii;lily
species-specitic, however, they sometimes cro.s.s
the barrier and infect luimans.
Ihis discMsi; comes in two different forms: a
IvV pathonogenic form, v\>^hich causes only mild
symptoms in birds and often gf)es cornpleteh
'"unnoticed; and a high pathonogenic form, which
JrayelPP^pidiy|i|rdigliiii||df|il®lliiffi^^
causes disease, infecting multiple internal organs.
It can reach a mortality' rate of 100% within 48
hours.
Because of the effects of this disease in Chinai
the government is taking quick action. On Wed.
Nov. 16, the first two cases of bird flu were
identified in China. The cases were seen in a
nine-year-^ld boy and a 24-year-old w'oman.
The boy w'as discharged from the hospital after
recovery, but the w'oman died on Nov. 10. the boy's
sister died on Octl 12, after expefiehcirig s|inil^|
symptoms to,hi|, although her; death1tgS:hdt:®lr
been blamed on bird flu.
China immediately re.sponded to the siiuatic.'ii
after seeing 11 outbreaks. 1 hey cut ta\e-> on
any organization selling or raising poultry in an
eftort to pievent the situation from hecoming a
widespread epidemic. In addition, China has
shut down all marked selling poiiltin within a
10-mile radius of the attei ted areas.
"1 believe we can contain the outbreak at its
beginning...and avert a flu pandemic," said the
Rumnuan Ungcliusak, the director of the bureau
of epidemiology at the Thai Ministry of Health.
Indonesia has al.so iaiien \ ictim to bird flu. On
Wed. .\'>.>\. 16, two moie tleaths were contirmed.
A20-\ear-old womananda 16-vear-old girl both
became ill after coming in contact with chickens
that died from bird flu. The deatli toll is now up to
se\ en m Indonesia, with four additional surviving
patients. I’ighting the \ irus is a top priority for
(’resident Siisilo Bambang \udho\ ono.
Mao Qun'an, lire health ministry -pokesman
for llie World Health Organi/ation in China said
that China is making "timely report.s'' and has
"immediately reh-a.sed information to the public"
so that every one is aware of tlie situation.
'I'wo main risks aie associated w itlr bird flu.
One is receiving the virus via poultry, while the
more serious concern is that if given enough
opportunities, the virus is capable of changing
iinlbiiifiMjiilliaglipflid:;tem;faman!d:hlttf^
Such a possibility has the potential of starting a
global outbreak.
Either way, this vims is serious and has little
if any likeness to the flu with which Americans
are familiar. Its most common course consists
ipTprimii^i|:i!||||nedffi®a;:|;)lIpjy^;:'by^
Jifd:fedliblldli^Sh’ra|ii4couTil^thaii
results in quick deterioration and high fatality'.
Internationally recognized
artist shares experience, art
Sculptor Billy Lee shared his experiences with students after
traveling around the world making artwork and exploring cultures.
BY EMILY HARDEN
Staff Writer
World-renowned sculptor Billy
Lee provided a slideshow and
lecture showcasing his work and
offered advice to young artists
on Nov. 14 in the auditorium.
His presentation was open
to any interested students and
teachers who were curious about
the life of a sculptor. Lee, who was
born in South Africa and grew
up in London, England, spoke
of his experiences representing
the United States in multiple art
contests and showcases around
the globe, particularly in China.
Lee's presentation featured
many interesting facts about
sculpting, including an insight
into the mind of a sculptor.
"It's what I do everyday;
it's what I think," said Lee. He
stated that he loves his family,
having a wife and a daughter.
Internet photo
Sculptor Billy Lee visited Grimsley
on Nov. 14 to present his artwork.
but his job entails many months
spent away from home. While
this time distanced from family
can be mentally enduring, Lee
stressed that it was worth it; he has
seen the world many times over.
"The sculptor seemed to have
accomplished a lot at a young age,"
said Photo Design student and
sophomore Katie Barnes. "I would
love to be able to travel around the
world with my job like he.does."
During his stay in China, Lee
participated in the building of a
sculpture garden that included
pieces sculptors from over 37
countries created. While Lee's
artwork may seem simple at
first glance, they take many
days to complete, and he uses
multiple devices and a variety of
substances to finish his artwork.
"His work used many
enduring and skilled tactics to
put together a variety of great
art pieces," said sophomore
Charles Behrhorst. "He is a skilled
artist and has created things I
would never think.possible."
Lee uses substances to create
his sculptures, ranging from
wood to bronze; his most
common medium is silver.
"When I make my pieces, I
see Page 2
Fiery Franks addresses PTSA
Twenty-three^ years ago,
Coach Joe Franks returned
to his alma mater to teach
social studies. After the
many years of service, the
PTSA honored him.
BY DANIEL ARONSON
Reporter
Billed as "An Evening with
JoeJEranks," the General PTSA
meeting on Monday, Nov. 14,
housed a larger than usual
number in attendance because of
the popularity of the speaker as
both a teacher and coach. Franks
addressed the crowd about his
love for Grimsley and his passion
for teaching.
"This is a special place and
there is no other place like it," said
Franks, who not only attended
the school as a student, but
has taught at the school for 23
years, beginning in 1983. After
graduating high school in 1978,
Franks earned his college degree
from Clemson University in
South Carolina.
"I have a special bond with
Grimsley. I went here as a student,
and teaching here is the only job
I've ever had," said Franks.
Coaching the men's golf team
for the past ten years and the
ladies' team for the past three,
he knows his way around greens
covering the state. He also served
as an assistant football coach for
six years and took interest in
sports medicine for 13 years.
Other highlights are his
traditional roles as emcee for the
Mr. Whirlie Contest, leader of pep
rallies and the annual bonfire, and
host of several PTSA events. Frank
received the PTA's Educator of the
Year Award and the Whirligig
Yearbook Dedication in 1997.
"Initially I became a teacher
to work with young people in
athletics. Over the years, my
work in the classroom became
as rewarding as athletics,"
said Franks.
During his years as both student
and teacher at Grimsley, Franks
has observed the school as it grew
and changed. Rob Gasparello is
the sixth principal for whom he
has worked on staff. During this
time, Franks has witnessed an
increase in student population
and teacher turnover.
"Grimsley students have
changed. They do not enjoy
themselves as much as in earlier
days because of the stress and
pressure. Also, teaching has
changed because of schools
becoming more test-driven,"
said Franks.
Franks likes to be dynamic in
his actions. He even proposed
to his wife Tiffany in front of
65,000 fans at a Clemson-Georgia
Tech football game. He cares
deeply about his students and
always makes sure that each one
feels appreciated.
"I love teaching. I have
no kids of my own, so there's
nothing better than seeing a class
full of smiling faces everyday,"
said Franks.
Teachers who know Franks show
him respect and appreciation for
his commitment to education.
"Coach Franks is the most
dedicated and enthusiastic
teacher at Grimsley. He strongly
believes in his students and strives
to help them succeed," said
Athletic Director Neal Hatcher,
who has been at Grimsley for
thirteen years.
Especially close to his students,
Franks forms lasting relationships
with them. He hopes to help
them prepare for their next step
in education.
"I treat my students as young
adults by being honest with
them and not treating them as
children," said Franks.
Senior class advisor Catherine
Earnhardt knows Franks quite
well, especially since they both
teach numerous seniors.
"Coach Franks loves his job, and
it shows in everything he does.
He takes great pride in the school
and its traditions and wishes
always to be a part of them. Coach
Franks is a great role model in all
respects," said Earnhardt.
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Moore Photo
Above, Coach Franks addresses the PTSA. Franks has received numerous
awards and honors for his accomplishments in education.
liti
Nullify Negativity
Random acts of rudeness leave one
writer disgruntled.
» Opinion: Page 3
Winter Break?
With political correctness at an all time
high, the spirit of Christmas is no more.
» Features: Page 7
News 1
Opinion 3
Features 4
Sports 8