Just Keep Swimming

Hard wood and tile floors lead to a locker room and the sauna of a pool. The floors shine and the water churns in rhythms that soothe. This is where the University of North Carolina Wilmington Swim Club meets. They gather at the end of the Olympic pool where there are benches to set down their swim gear. They laugh and talk amongst themselves, setting out practice equipment, until ready to jump in the pool. They stroke feverishly cupping the water and accelerate only to spin and bounce off the wall numerous times during practice. None of the swimmers are alike. They each wear their own bathing suit: from tie dye, camouflage, speedos, and even one with the word “ass” on the back. Their swim suits do not match but they are a team that comes to the pool every Tuesday and Thursday to train for their meets; they are each other’s coach.

They get in their lanes and jump. President of the swim club, Christopher Lazo, sets out the equipment in each lane and letting them warm up before practice. “Guys, let’s get that work in today.” That’s all he says. They look down at their workout sheets in plastic baggies, and go. Lazo, their student coach, since the university does not provide the club an official coach, motivates the swim team every practice.

Most of the students who come out for swim team have been swimming all their lives. They came to college and didn’t make the team, but loved swimming. Taking money out of their own pockets, they put up the $50 required to attend the 4 meets planned throughout the year, and participate with the team.

Several members of the UNCW swim club prepare to dive in and begin practice with some warm-up laps. The team practices every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-9:00 in the rec center’s lap pool.

They are still a young group compared to other club swim teams from schools on the east coast. This has never held the team back from pursuing their goals. The East Coast Collegiate Swim and Dive Club National Championship is held every year in Atlanta, Georgia. It is an opportunity for university swim clubs located near the east coast to get together and compete agasint 67 other teams (1400  athletes) from other schools. Last year the team did not make it, but this year was different story. At the most recent ECCU tournament last month, two of the teams’ members placed in three hundred person events. One of which is Hollis Villagos, 22 years old. Villagos made it to the finals of the fifty yard breaststroke and ended the tournament placing 20^th. Villagos said, “The best part about the ECCU tournament was going with all of her teammates. Since being here and joining the swim club, the people on this team have turned into some on my closest companions”, she continued “It was a lot of fun to go and swim in an Olympic sized pool; it was crowded, and there were a lot of people.”

Christine Maccia, the secretary of the swim club also referred to her relationsionships with the team fondly. Maccia said, “Holly and I are best friends, the swim club is actually how we met; we have been best friends ever since.” Maccia keeps the financial records together since the club does not have help from the university or from an appointed coach.

The team is small and unlike bigger teams, where due to size most never get the chance to talk, everyone knows everyone. Once practice is done it becomes a usual thing for the team to go out and have dinner together. Their friendship is not limited to the pool, but those bonds transfer to being unity in the pool, helping cheer for one another, and being there for teammates whether they win or lose.

The president elected for the swim team for next year is swimmer Austin Laymen, 21. Eager and open to talk about his experiences on the club swim team, Laymen was more than willing to participate and share his connections with other swimmers on the UNCW swim club team. He is adamant on building team chemistry going forward into next season. Laymen said, “I plan on implementing a series of activities to do at the start of practice,” he continued “to try and close the divide between the swimmers that do 2,000 yard races and 3-4,000 yard races.” Laymen, said, “Although the chemistry of the club is great, there seems to be a divide among the yardage”, he continued “I think I was elected because I am mutually exclusive to both sides.” Although Laymen praised the current president Lazo, he thinks that if he is able to lessen the divide between swimmers of different endurance when he becomes president next semester,  the team will succeed cohesively. When attending the ECCU National Tournament, Laymen said, “The drive is eight hours long, but it really helps the teammates get know each other on a personal and friendly level “,he continued “We really do care about each other.”

 

Man Tries To Steal Drugs With Gun At Walgreens

http://www.wect.com/story/25293677/man-tries-to-steal-drugs-with-gun-at-walgreens

how addicting do you think drugs can be ? is it more of an addiction or mostly for the money?

Script and audio

The sociology department at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington is in the process of conducting research on youth resource programs in the community.  Among these programs is the Hillcrest reading program. 

The Hillcrest reading program began in may 2008, when UNC Wilmington formalized a partnership with the Wilmington housing authority, with hopes of creating a community campus at the low income-housing site, and offer programming to children that lack proficiency in reading.

Sociology professor Kristen DeVall has brought both graduate and undergraduate students into this research, as well as other faculty such as Sociology professor John Rice.

Regarding the effectiveness of the Hillcrest reading program, John Rice had the following to say:

(Rice quote)

Rice made mention that, although the New Hanover target demographic is largely African American, the effectiveness of the program  is not informed by race of any kind.

(Rice quote 2)

The method of teaching Rice speaks of is detailed in the book, “Teach Your Child How to Read in 100 Easy Lessons”, by Siegfried Engelmann, Phyllis Haddox and Elaine Bruner.

By teaching volunteers the methods of this text, Hillcrest has been able to make its effect on New Hanover County youth.

Though only available for email comment, on-site coordinator at Hillcrest, Savannah Rice, had the following to say:

(Savannah quote)

Now, after 7 years of existence, the Hillcrest reading program still continues its research, in hopes that they will continue to change the community for the better.

 

The Sociology Department at UNCW Coducts Community Based Research.

Hillcrest Reading Program

            The Public Sociology department at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is currently conducting research based on community youth resource programs in the area. The Hillcrest Reading Program is one of these four research studies being conducted on campus.

            Under the direction of Dr. Kristen DeVall, a sociology professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, these four research studies have been conducted by graduate and undergraduate students, as well as some of the school’s faculty who specialize in such fields.

             Faculty member and current sociology professor, John Rice, is in charge of directing the Hillcrest Reading Program. The Hillcrest Reading Program is designed to aid children by increasing their reading abilities.

            The Hillcrest community is located near downtown Wilmington. It is riddled with gang activity and violence. Many of the children brought up in this area are at risk of following these trends, and Hillcrest staff hope that education will help steer these youths away from such a life.

The Hillcrest Reading Program began in May 2008, when UNCW formalized a partnership with the Wilmington Housing Authority with the hopes of creating a community campus at the low income-housing site.  The program offers children that lack proficiency in reading to work with tutors one on one to enhance skills in literacy.

            “We found that in New Hanover County, the composite grade 3 through 8 math and reading scores for African Americans was 22% for the boys and 30% for girls,” John Rice said. Rice is a Sociology Professor at UNCW as well one of the main coordinators of the program. “The people that were responsible for creating the partnership arrangement asked me if I would offer some sort of educational component to the program. To which we said absolutely.” Rice and his associate decided on a reading program after the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction published their end of grade scores.

Rice went on to explain “In my time in the school of education I learned that there is in fact a reading curriculum that could teach any kid, red, black, brown, blue or whatever, how to read.” The name of the book is “Teach Your Child How to Read in 100 Easy Lessons” by Siegfried Engelmann, Phyllis Haddox and Elaine Bruner. “We then started recruiting UNCW undergraduates as volunteers.”

Rice explained how they use the book for training the college students into becoming tutors, and how incredibly successful it’s been for both parties involved. “The response has been absolutely amazing and significantly rewarding.”

Savannah Rice is the on-site coordinator at the Hillcrest Reading Program where she facilitates literacy development by providing essential practices. Her main responsibilities center around the overseeing of the relationships between tutors and students as well as training the tutors she recruits for the over all effectiveness of the program.

“It is amazing to see both their literacy and their personalities grow as they interact with their peers and tutors,” Savannah said. Savannah is aware of the success that this particular program has brought about within the small youth community of Hillcrest. “However, if our findings from the program are an indication of its potential in a larger arena,” She continued, “the implementation of the program in other Wilmington communities could result in unlimited success.”

Savannah finds the program to do much more for the children then can be done in a regular classroom setting. “Engaging children in a setting external from school and home, in which they retain a sense of agency but are also learning.”  She said that this mental engagement is one of the best ways to empower and inspire them to continue their success throughout their educational careers and beyond.

“Yes, I think it allows youth to have activities to do, and keeps them away from violence in the community.”  Ryne Bailey said. Bailey is a student at Cape Fear Community College who volunteers for programs that enhance and strengthen communities. “I did participate in in the youth program in the Greenville, NC area.” Bailey said about the program that was extremely helpful in the community, keeping youth occupied and busy.“I would love to participate in the Hillcrest Reading Program in the community; it seems educational and effective.”

According to the student and faculty research among public sociology, four themes have been analyzed throughout this research process. What factors affect low-income youth participation in after-school programs? What barriers impede the most to the access to high education? How do structural factors limit the access to employment in low income neighborhoods? What are the barriers to accessing quality child care?

The Hillcrest Reading Program shows these four themes in each way as John Rice described earlier. The Hillcrest Reading program is still continuing its research, as the program has continued for 7 years under the direction of faculty and volunteers in the community.

Shane Baptista, Assistant Registrar for Catalog and Registration at UNCW, Confirms Class Scheduling Will Remain The Same.

By Carmen Hicks

Faculty and budget cuts at the University of North Carolina Wilmington may contribute to changes in class scheduling for students on campus.

This could potentially void out classes such as Tuesday and Thursday or Monday and Wednesday classes; therefore, only leaving Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes open for student registration.

Shane Baptista, Assistant Registrar for Catalog and Registration at the University of North Carolina Wilmington registers office, confirmed that the faculty and budget are altering at UNCW, but class scheduling will remain the same.

“UNCW does not plan to change any class scheduling in the years to come”, said Baptista. “The class scheduling is based on specific information, and there is no reason to change it.”

If class scheduling does not plan to change at UNCW, what determines the exact reasoning that the class scheduling will remain the same in the years approaching?

When interviewing Baptista, he explained a plethora of exact reasoning that the class scheduling at UNCW is designed the way that it is, and why the class scheduling will remain the same.

Baptista explained three main reasons as to how class scheduling is offered at UNCW.

Firstly, the availability of professors that is available to teach certain classes. Secondly, the number of students that sign up for each class that is potentially offered. Lastly, budget funds that is available at UNCW.

“My job is actually really fun; I get to play on the computer and create programs all day”, said Baptista. The class scheduling is dependent on Baptista, because he is the person that lists the classes available on Sea Net for students to enroll in.

If scheduling at UNCW were to change, it would have to be confirmed through Baptista. He is responsible for the computer databases that create the classes offered at the university.

The two programs that determine that class scheduling are called “Banner” and “Image Now”.

Also, UNCW is considered a credited institution through the Academic program called Specialized Accreditation of Academic Programs (SAC). This is what makes the university credited in the state of North Carolina along with other schools such as East Carolina and UNC at Chapel Hill.

Banner is the computer programming in which all of the catalog class information is stored and kept in records when it comes to making the class scheduling.

Lastly, Image Now is the actual process of making the scheduling. This contains the computer programming of entering in class seating, requisites and pre requirements, grade expectations, time slots, waitlist requirements, classroom availability, professor availability, extension campus opportunities, and a plethora of more programming relating to the classes entered into Image Now.

Baptista’s job revolves around these programs to create the scheduling that students are offered to sign up for during registration at UNCW.

According to the UNCW website, Fall 2013/2014 tuition rates range from this order. 1-5 classes at $503.25, 6-8 classes at $1,006.50, 9-11 classes at 1,509.75, and 12 or classes more hours at $2,013.00. This does not include other fees, and this is also just in state tuition.

If scheduling were to change, these rates could possibly fluctuate with a potentially increase. Students could also be forced to attend school for a longer period of time, which could affect graduation dates.

If scheduling at UNCW were to change, it would also be a state wide decision explained Baptista. UNCW is a credited university through SAC, along with many other schools in North Carolina.

UNCW has to meet certain criteria to accommodate as a credited university; therefore, eliminating classes and changing the schedule could possible effect the criteria of UNCW, and eliminate them as a credited university.

Jonathan Reece, University Registrar, at UNCW has worked in admissions for over twenty years. Reece also confirmed that the scheduling would not be subject to change for enrolled students.

Although Reece confirmed class scheduling will not change, he did answer what it would take to change the class scheduling, and how it would or would not be beneficial for the university.

“If the needs of the faculty and students on campus changed, we’d need to be responsive to that change, within the context of state, national and accreditation regulations; it’s quite a team effort.” said Reece.

Reece explained that in order to change the class scheduling at UNCW, it would be based on students and faculty working together in order to compromise and weigh the future scheduling changes.

Nichole Lee, a transfer Junior at UNCW, also contributes to the conformation of class scheduling not changing.

When asked if she thought class scheduling should change at the university, Lee stated, “If class scheduling were to change at UNCW, and class times were possibly eliminated, that would take away from my time finishing my degree.” “It may decrease tuition, but it could also cause students to attend the university longer in order to finish their degree.”

Aimee Spena, also a transfer junior at UNCW, confirmed she would not want class scheduling to change at UNCW either.

When asked if she would contribute to the student body to enforce class scheduling changes, Spena stated, “I would say class scheduling is fine the way it is set up, and I see no need to change it.”

If class scheduling were to change at the university, it would be determined by the body of students and faculty and eventually approved by the state.

At this current time, the class scheduling at UNCW will remain the same, and there are no future reasoning to push for changes.

James Hall, the building on campus that students may go to for any registration questions such as transcripts, tuition, resgistration and more.

UNCW SeaNet is where students may log into on uncw.edu in order to view their account information. Sea Net allows students to register for classes each semester.

Ice storm damage.

The trees on UNCW’s campus break off and cause damage while the ice storm hits the coast. The damaged was caused all around campus, causing many people to become cautious as classes resumed.

YMCA ABA Basketball

Quandra, Number 20, making a shot for his team “Carolina Destiny” at the YMCA in Wilmington, NC. They played the Lakers Valentines day, and made off with a win.

Harris Teeter

Construction workers lay on the paint as a part of the remodeling at the Harris Teeter off of South College Rd in Wilmington, NC. The construction has gone on for the past few months and will finish up before the summer hits.

Brew Thru

An employee Cameron, at the “Brew Thru” drive thru store at Carolina Beach, stocks out items as the warm weather is slowly approaching the coast. The drive thru store will be open more often as summer approaches, and brings in the tourists.

Classmate Profile;Lindsey Wilcox

 

From Lacrosse Sticks to Dance Shoes; this is the story of Lindsey Wilcox

            As a young girl growing up, Lindsey Wilcox was your average nineteen year old. She was raised in a small town just one hour south of New York in Brewster; eventually, graduating high school and taking a big leap from the apple to the coast of North Carolina. Lindsey began her journey at the University Of North Carolina at Wilmington. She started off as a freshman, and made her way throughout her first year by acting and spending time with children in the Wilmington community. Lindsey has moved many miles across the state, but along, she brought talent that has established herself in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Walking the halls in Brewster High, Lindsey was more diverse than a box of trail mix. She started high school participating in any sports she could get her hands or feet on. From basketball to soccer, eventually landing the spot on the women’s lacrosse team, Lindsey was known for her athletic features. Lindsey became interested in the department of arts at Brewster high after her freshman and sophomore year in high school. What gained her interest, we all wonder? Battling her crazy schedule, Lindsey became not only the captain of her lacrosse team, but the captain of her dance team.  Although, juggling two activities at once began to affect her and her teammates. She ended up quitting all sports after her captain privileges from lacrosse were revoked by her coach. Her coach claimed that she had to make a decision between lacrosse and dance, because she was not allowed to participate in both. “The two departments were a WAR against one another,” Lindsey said. Her lacrosse coach did not appreciate her diverse spirit and her hectic schedule of responsibilities between departments; seems like quitting may have been the right choice though. She gained a major interest in not only dance but theatrical performance. By the end of her senior year, Lindsey had done five high school performances including roles in “Grease” and “How to succeed in Business without Really Trying”. She also continued to captain her dance team and led many routines during their performances.

After graduating high school, she moved to North Carolina to pursue a degree in Criminology. Lindsey’s time in Wilmington also consisted of volunteering at the “Love to Act” program. It is a program devoted too little kids that love to act or dance in the community. “I turned her into one of those theatre kids,” Allie Russo said. Allie is her best friend from back home. “We’ve been best friends since 10^th grade, and we bonded over glee and singing duties together,” Allie said.  Her best friend explained to me that her bond with the arts is undeniable, and that she is truly dedicated to anything she sets her mind too; just like the “Love to Act” program in Wilmington. Whenever Lindsey has free time from her crazy schedule within the department of arts, she enjoys watching movies. Her favorite movies consist of: “The Breakfast Club” and any Disney movies she can get a hold of. She also enjoys reading. ““The Perks of Being a Wildflower,” is my favorite book,” Lindsey said. She even got a tattoo to remind her of the book and what it represents to her.

Besides dedicating her time to arts, Lindsey is family orientated. “I talk to mom at least four times a day,” Lindsey said. Living so far away from home may be an experience for Lindsey, but she makes it work. “I call my mom in between class during the day, we are pretty close,” said Lindsey. Not only is she close with her mom, but she has four other siblings: Aiden, age 10, Emma, age 8, Cassie, age 23 and Kayla, age 19. “Aiden is Lindsey’s favorite sibling,” Allie said. Lastly, her stepdad is also her pride and joy. As Lindsey is so far away for school, her dad always knows how to brighten her day. Throughout the weeks, her dad will send her “cute messages” to remind Lindsey how much he misses her.

Lindsey has accomplished many of her goals, as she moved to North Carolina to pursue school. Not only has she moved many miles away, but along she brought her talent with her. Lindsey’s transition from sports to arts has brought her far when it comes to achieving her goals, and making a name here in Wilmington. She has gone from ending her journey at Brewster High by performing in many shows, to volunteering and expressing dance here on the coast.  From lacrosse sticks to dance shoes; this is the story of Lindsey Wilcox.