EDITORIAL: Cleveland shows its support

By Jesse Olmstead, Chronicle staff

The only way a box office ticket line was avoidable was to arrive around 6:30p.m. On such a lovely Friday night at Cleveland High School, there was only one reason a line of mass proportion could have evolved; Cleveland was playing Corinth Holders – a game that had been on fans’ minds for weeks. So they came into the stadium – parents, kids, even Cleveland’s own school staff – crammed in between metal detectors, which protected us during the game. The sounds of music and conversation (some related to football some not) filled the air, but when 7:30 hit, “LET’S GO RAMS” was the marvelous battle cry. This battle cry was more pride-filled than anything, and when the clock hit zero, that chant was no different.

Throughout the game, Cleveland’s crowd had its ups and downs. When Corinth scored an early touchdown, it took the cheerleaders, announcer, and most importantly, the lady with the cow bell, to keep the massive crowd’s spirit high. However, when Cleveland started to come out on top, there was nothing that could stop Ram fans. With all the emotions that had been raised by the game, it seemed the parents got the most of it.

Stomping their feet and waving their arms, the parent section was amazing. To see the school’s fellow parents on their feet and into the game was fun for many as they looked on. Impressively, it seemed these parents had a recollection of their high school days; the battle for best support between the parents and students was not even close. As many students chatted or just watched, the parents cheered until their lungs were sore; the parents kept in mind they were cheering for a high school football game as well. This is something that can be appreciated by much of the community, as most of our school faculty looked on with smiles on their faces.

During halftime, some of Cleveland’s amazing students were out and about. Many sat along the fence near the field where they had been watching the entire game, and though they did not get near the parents’ interest, many had a lot on their mind about this game. CHS student Pratik ‘J.J.’ Ambelal said during the game, “It’s great that a lot of people came out.” After a long conversation about the lady with the cow bell, Ambelal also said, “I really wish I would have brought MY cow bell.” A nice fact is that many students showed up, which shows Cleveland High will do just fine when it comes to cheering on their sports. Many students had been excited all week, since talk of the game exploded via Facebook.com.

In the end, not only did Cleveland’s football team and fans defend their house, CHS has discovered an old tradition. This very tradition was started back when the school was a part of 10-10; before many people can even recall. This tradition is that of “Cleveland Pride,” and of being a high school Ram. They are, once again, an honor in our area.

At Thursday night’s game against Southview, will the parents remain the top fans, or will the student section discover their true “in-school” spirit? The Cleveland Chronicle lays down that challenge.

EDITORIAL: Are cellphones really a fatal distraction?

(Photo courtesy John V. Wood)

By Jessica Watkins, Chronicle staff

All across North Carolina, cellphones have become a favorite handheld technology. Most of us who can drive have more than likely been guilty of using a cellphone while driving. But is it really a tragic issue?

Research has shown that people who talk or text while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash and nearly 30 percent of all crashes were caused by a cellphone. Although your eyes may be on the road at all times, if you are talking on a cellphone your mind can only keep track of one task at a time. This is what is called intentional blindness.

Last Mothers Day in Greensboro, a woman was rear-ended by a truck driver who was on a cellphone. Two of her children are now dead. Another incident in Orange County occured last December - three days before Christmas - when a woman was struck by an oncoming train. She and her five-year-old son were killed. A local police officer said that the woman had a cellphone in her hand and went under the crossing gate as the arms came down. Many more incidents have been caused by the use of a cellphone while driving, and there are still more to come. Now, it's your turn to decide. Texting while driving is already illegal, but, all in all, should the use of a cellphone while driving be illegal as well?

Should using a cellphone while driving be illegal?

With a strong defense, CHS gets first football win

Cleveland well out in front (Photo courtesy Patrick Kirk)

By Jade Witmer and Jeremiah David, Chronicle Staff

CLAYTON - An army of Cleveland blue marched onto the freshly cut field with the stadium lights leading the way Friday night, searching for the first football win in the history of Cleveland High School. The original Cleveland School did not have a football team, so there were several alumni in the crowd to witness this spectacle. Their opponent was the other new guy on the block – the Pirates of Corinth Holders High School. End result - a strong Ram defense harried the Pirates and helped set up a 41-20 Cleveland victory.

This was Cleveland High School’s first home game of the season, and everyone had high expectations for the upcoming season. “I feel pretty good about this season,” said Cleveland defensive lineman Thomas Morris, “I feel like this is great opportunity to succeed.”

Michael Wooten, a member of the Johnston County School Board, said, "It is the beginning of a new era in Johnston County and there's nothing like having a county rival." School superintendent Ed Croom shared the sentiment, saying that these two brand new schools was "wonderful and exciting for the county."

Before the game began, head coach Marc Morris was asked about what he was looking forward to seeing most out of his team. "I just want to see them play hard and to compete." These players gave Coach Morris exactly what he wanted and more.

The game didn’t quite start off like Cleveland would have liked when Pirate runningback Tori Carmichael put the first ever points on the Cleveland Stadium scoreboard by scoring a first quarter touchdown and the ensuing two-point conversion. The Rams quickly answered back with a TD run of their own, when Isaac Martin scampered in from nine yards out. The score was set up by a 40-yard pass from quarterback Tre Joyner to receiver Alex Swain. The two point conversion was good and the score was tied at 8 apiece.

Corinth Holders fought back quickly with a second quarter 44-yard rush by Tori Carmichael, who was stopped by defensive back Sam Allen. This led to another touchdown for the Pirates, but the Rams defense stopped the two point conversion. The score was now 14-8 Corinth Holders.

The Rams offense had difficulty responding on the next possession. Joyner was sacked for a loss of 6 yards and was forced to punt. What the offense couldn’t do, the Cleveland defense made up for. During the next Pirate possession, defensive lineman Matthew Ricard intercepted Corinth QB Kenneth Collins and ran the ball down to Corinth 3-yard line – setting up another Martin touchdown, along with a two-point conversion pass from Joyner to Donqua Williams. The Rams took the lead for the first time ever in Cleveland Stadium 16-14. The Pirates were unable to score again before halftime, and this was just the beginning of the excitement yet to come.

The Pirates couldn’t move the chains on their first possession of the second half and had to punt. Cleveland quickly put more points on the board with a touchdown run by Tre Joyner, set up by a Donqua Williams 30-yard carry. Corinth’s defense stepped up and prevented the two point conversion, leaving the score 22-14.

The Pirates stepped back out onto the field, hoping that they could find a way into the Cleveland end zone. They came up short when Collins was sacked and fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Cleveland defensive lineman Brandon Cooley. The Rams used this to their advantage and once again found the back of the end zone, but Joyner’s PAT attempt bounced off of the left upright. Cleveland settled for six more points added to their total, giving them a 28-14 lead. Once again, the Rams defense proved to be unstoppable in the second half by forcing Corinth to a three-and-out. Joyner then found paydirt for a second time, throwing a 27-yard TD reception to Xavier McLamb. With the point after successful, the score was 35-14 Cleveland.

The Pirates continued to fight back. They got a first down on their next possession, with a 14-yard carry by Collin Ray. The Pirates were in the red zone and threatened the Cleveland defense, but not well enough. Corinth fumbled the ball for their third turnover on the night, set up by a vicious hit by linebacker Chanse Wallace. Backed up almost into their own end zone, Joyner found wide receiver Andrew Daughtry for a 99-yd touchdown strike. This was the longest pass play in Cleveland school history, and will probably stand for a very long time. That touchdown made it 41-14 Cleveland. Corinth Holders scored a touchdown with no time remaining on the clock, leaving the final score 41-20.

The Cleveland army won their first battle, but will they continue to win the war?

Cleveland High enjoys first day success

Poster outside Mrs. Frame's science classroom (photo courtesy John V. Wood)

John V. Wood, Chronicle adviser

CLAYTON – The first day of school for Cleveland High is in the books. From beginning to end, from first bell to the last, teachers and students alike felt this day was a success.

Principal Anne Meredith was very pleased with how smoothly this first day went. "The staff was eager and excited to get to work. For the most part, even the students were respectful and appreciative of this new facility. It was very nice."

Diane Clifton, veteran Johnston County math teacher, saw no problems. "This was the best opening day I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot.” Clifton teaches Geometry and Algebra II.

This sentiment was also felt in the English department. "Everyone seemed very enthusiastic to be a part of this school. I encouraged my sophomores to step up and lead this school, and they were very interested in that opportunity," said Melissa Noel, who teaches Essentials of English and English II.

Some students complained about the lunch situation, saying they didn’t have enough time to eat, or that they felt rushed. The CHS staff was more than accommodating to students getting their food late, as well as moving students in and out of the cafeteria. Meredith went around to each lunch table, asking if the food was okay and reminding students not to rush. Administration told the Chronicle that each student did, in fact, have an adequate opportunity to eat lunch.

There were some students who transferred to CHS from other high schools, and had to get acquainted with a second high school in two years. Sophomore Jasmine Richardson attended Clayton High last year, and is a current Cleveland volleyball player. "There were a lot of older students [at Clayton], and I had to learn my way around a lot more. I’m better here, though, because I can get a fresh start at Cleveland."

Even with a few expected burps and glitches, the reincarnation of Cleveland High School’s premier day was one of happiness, high expectations, and tremendous excitement. "All students were receptive and open to meeting their new classmates and teachers, and I’m very happy with what I saw today," said Meredith.

Coming soon!

Outside of CHS (photo courtesy John V. Wood)

Thank you for checking out the Cleveland Chronicle! We are a brand new school with a brand new staff, so make sure to check back often for updates! If there's an envelope, we're going to push it!

Thanks again!

John V. Wood
Adviser