Uncategorized – Page 4 – Green and Gold

007 Faces His Greatest Test Yet in New Movie Spectre

Published on December 7, 2015 in Uncategorized by Kyle Rappe

Spectre opened with a $293 million opening weekend, surpassing it’s overall budget.

As the MI6 is being merged, and the 00 program is being shut down, James Bond must face off against his next greatest threat, the mysterious organization Spectre. Spectre sees Daniel Craig return for his fourth performance as the iconic British agent. Spectre picks up where Skyfall left off, as 007 is back in action performing one last mission for the deceased M (Judi Dench).

Spectre begins with Bond tracking down an assassin named Marco Sciarra (Alessandro Cremona) in Mexico City. After a massive explosion and a chase involving a helicopter, the scene in Mexico City becomes worldwide news. The issue arises as to whether or not the 00 program is necessary. This is a continuation of the events of Skyfall.

Bond looks over the damage done after a plane crash in the snow.

While Spectre has its bright moments, it feels somewhat jumbled and rushed. It feels as if it’s trying to balance too many components. Craig’s performance is brilliant again, and the supporting cast consisting of Ralph Fiennes, Rory Kinnear, Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux and Naomie Harris also perform well. The acting is not the issue, it is the crammed script. While 007 being hunted instead of doing the hunting is a creative switch, it seems Spectre attempts to deal with too much. While the movie’s runtime is two and a half hours, it still feels like events are forced. Mostly the relationship between Bond and Madeline Swan (Seydoux) is rushed. This is one of the first Bond movies in which the audience actually needs to have watched the previous three installments to really understand what’s going on.

Spectre also features subplots of the question of universal surveillance. The idea of nations combining intelligence is a major driving force to the plot. The first hour of the film produces heavy intrigue and the possibility of a truly suspenseful thrill ride. However, the last hour and a half fails to live up the hype set up by the beginning of the movie. Spectre tries too hard to tie up its loose ends that it leaves the audience feeling a little underwhelmed by the end. The action sequences were creative. Since it’s a Bond movie, it features a solid car chase scene. It also features fight sequences in a helicopter and train. One of the main issues is that these action sequences are just too brief and feel like they don’t really matter to the grand scheme of the film. The fight scene between Bond, and a Spectre henchman named Hinx (Dave Bautista) is the exception. It’s outstanding choreography and unpredictability allows it to be the standout scene of the movie.

Bond (left), and Hinx (right) have an intense fight while on a train.

One the most disappointing parts of the movie is the villain. The mysterious Franz Oberhauser (Christoph Waltz) falls a little flat. Waltz’s performance isn’t necessarily bad but fails in comparison to his other roles such as in Django Unchained. What has made previous Bond movies successful is the villain. Franz falls flat due to lackluster motivation, a predictable plan, and no physical intimidation. The movie seems to underutilize the organization of Spectre as a whole because it had so much potential to be Bond’s toughest test in years, and yet he almost single-handedly defeats them with ease. Despite its faults, Spectre is a middle of the road Bond film. It’s the third best bond film since Craig took the titular role. Casino Royale and Skyfall were better films, but Spectre isn’t as disappointing as Quantum of Solace. Spectre still provides entertainment from its action sequences, and dry humor that’s always present in a Bond film. The questions raised regarding rights to security and the question of democracy in the film’s subplot are very intriguing and provide a more modern and realistic taste to the movie. Spectre is possibly the last time Craig will play Bond, and its ending will leave you wondering what happens next for 007. Spectre earns a 6/10 in my book.

Wesleyan Theater Gets Runner Up in State

Published on December 7, 2015 in Uncategorized by Ellie Hall

Seniors Emma Anderson, Carter Gravitt, Olivia Larner, Chris Middleton, Rebekah Middlebrooks, and Peyton Price celebrate their performance in the theater state competition.

Wesleyan’s cast of the fall play, The Canterbury Tales, traveled to Milledgeville where they took second place in the Georgia High School State Theater competition. The Green and Gold staff recently sat down in an interview with sophomore Payton Kaloper who played the Armorer, the Ravished Maiden, and Confidant 3 in The Canterbury Tales. Kaloper said her favorite part of being a part of theater at Wesleyan is, “the people (for sure). I love that we can always goof off and be ourselves with each other. We are such a family.” Kaloper then went on to talk about her and the rest of the cast’s experience in the State theater competition.

The Wesleyan theater team had to compete against seven other schools. Despite the competition, Kaloper said, “We weren’t nervous as a cast because we had ran through it and rehearsed it so many times that we could do it in our sleep. We all felt very confident!”

When asked about what set Wesleyan’s act apart from the other schools competing, Kaloper said, “Wesleyan’s act was more serious than the other acts. Different schools submitted musicals or shows that were more comedic, but, being biased, I feel as if our act was very understandable and it was definitely heart moving.”

After performing their act for the judges, Wesleyan’s The Canterbury Tales got second place in the competition. To describe the cast’s feelings and reaction to the news, Kaloper said, “None of our cast was nervous until the judging panel came back with the results. When they announced our school got second we all jumped out of our seats in excitement! We were all so ecstatic.”

Wesleyan Alumnus Wins $20,000

Published on December 7, 2015 in Uncategorized by Will Harper

Schroer and two fraternity brothers won $20,000 for their invention at a Georgia Tech sponsored competition.

Georgia Tech student and Wesleyan alumnus Scott Schroer recently won the Georgia Tech InVenture competition with a $20,000 prize for his innovative grill alert system. Schroer graduated from Wesleyan in 2010. He played on the state championship football team as a junior in 2008 and was crowned homecoming king in 2009.

Schroer and his fraternity brothers Alex Roe and Will Sweet started a company called FlameTech, and the Grill Defender is their product. The Grill Defender is designed to alert grillers when gas levels around their grill become dangerously high. The device can be easily fitted to any grill.

The three students entered the InVenture competition and came in first place. Schroer and his partners applied their studies at Georgia Tech in a practical way. Their experience has taught these entrepreneurs that resourcefulness and a willingness to learn are vital for success. Schroer’s major is in mechanical engineering, so his studies were very applicable to his invention, but he found that there was still a lot to learn.
“When you start out with an idea, even if you think you know a decent amount about the subject, you will inevitably run into something that is completely out of your wheelhouse,” said Schroer. For these three, the electronics proved to be more complex than they could handle without some help. YouTube videos, articles, talking to friends with more experience in that area and trial and error finally equipped the inventors with what they needed.

Schroer’s high school career at Wesleyan helped prepare him for college and entrepreneurship. “Wesleyan is where I feel my solid foundation in persistent and resourceful problem solving comes from which, I think, is the key to success in any professional field,” said Schroer. Wesleyan helps students develop time management and resourcefulness that are tools for success well beyond high school.

In regards to advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Schroer said, “Just jump in with both feet, be willing to be persistent and acquire subject knowledge however you have to and ask for help.”

Senior Spotlight

Published on October 22, 2015 in Senior Spotlights/Uncategorized by Emma Parrish

Senior Spotlight

Alex Burke:

What colleges are you applying to? UGA, Missouri, Syracuse, GA Southern, North Georgia
What were you involved with in high school? I’m doing Diversity Club and Model Arab League right now. I was a member of the undefeated water polo team this year and I’m looking forward to the swim season!
Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Mackenzie Sullivan.
What is your most embarrassing moment? When Leo Mateu and Drew Aspinwall wrote a fake mission trip letter from Caroline Cusick (to me) and letting me bask in the glory until telling me later on that it was fake.
What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? Introduced myself to Caroline Cusick and Maddie Frye.
What is the theme song to your life? “Back To Back” –Drake.
If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? Probably Coach Hart. He gets to wake up early on Tuesdays and Thursdays and hang out with Jack Greer.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? Good question. I would want to bring a couch, Netflix, and some ice.
What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? I want to be so rich and successful that girls actually start texting me first.
Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? I would thank the Wesleyan faculty and staff for their dedication to their students’ success and their passion for making Wesleyan a safe, fun learning environment where kids can be themselves and grow to their full potential.

Micayla Kane:

1. What colleges are you applying to? UGA, Clemson, Auburn, Berry, Baylor, GA Tech, Cornell, UNC Chapel Hill, Vanderbilt.
2. What were you involved with in high school? YoungLife, SLW, freshman/ senior girls bible study, swim team, the one and only president of the vet club.
3. Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Josh Garrard in 6th grade.
4. What is your most embarrassing moment? When I ran into the Wesleyan gate… oh wait… @carolinebeltrami.
5. What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? Water polo!!
6. What is the theme song to your life? “Fast” – Luke Bryan.
7. If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? I would definitely be Dr. G. He’s probably my favorite person – he’s taught me everything. He’s amazingly selfless and loving. Also, I’ve never met someone who doesn’t love him.
8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? I would bring my horse (shockingly), a lot of food, and Chris Pratt (for Jurassic Park level protection, of course).
9. What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? I hope to be finishing grad school, settling down, and really enjoying wherever life has brought me.
10. Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? I would travel the world, spend time with the people I love, and pray – a lot.

Megan Williams:

1. What colleges are you applying to? UGA
2. What were you involved with in high school? Soccer, XC, Honor Council, Peer Leadership, Hand-in-Hand, Lit Mag
3. Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Cole Mannion in 6th grade
4. What is your most embarrassing moment? I was walking in the Senior Hallway on the first day of my freshman year when I rolled my ankle in my brand-spanking new wallabees. I not only face-planted in front of all of the seniors, but my books flew across the hallway as well.
5. What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? Cheerleading, (I have a stellar toe touch).
6. What is the theme song to your life? “Stressed Out” by 21 Pilots (thanks Wesleyan).
7. If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? Ms. Trotter because she can singlehandedly brighten up anyone’s day, and she always has the cutest clothing.
8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, the 7th Harry Potter book, and Rebekah Middlebrooks to serenade me 24 hours of the day.
9. What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? I would like to be married with a few kids living in either Georgia or Tennessee and working in some type of occupation involving teenagers.
10. Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? Visit as many cool coffee shops as I can and then teleport to New Zealand.

Rebekah Middlebrooks:

1. What colleges are you applying to? Mizzou, UGA, Belmont, NYU, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Auburn and Clemson.
2. What were you involved with in high school? Theater, chapel band, peer leadership, yearbook, mission trips, volleyball, cross country, track, Vet Club.
3. Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Kyle Rappe, freshman year.
4. What is your most embarrassing moment? Sophomore year, Leo Mateu decided to tell a certain faculty fellow that I thought he was “cute” and he should go talk to me. This certain faculty fellow proceeded to introduce himself to me by saying, “Hi, I’m ____ and I was told you think I’m cute?” Leo continues to embarrass me by having this fellow call me every year on my birthday to wish me a happy birthday. The tradition still continues to this day.
5. What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? Green & Gold.
6. What is the theme song to your life? “Edge of Seventeen” Stevie Nicks
7. If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? Mrs. Morris, she’s everything I aspire to be and more.
8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? A plane with a pilot, music, and Ben and Jerry’s (Jimmy Fallon Tonight Dough flavor sure).
9. What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? I’ve always dreamed of living in New York and writing for a magazine like Rolling Stone or Vogue, but I also want to get married and have a family so finding a way to combine the 2 would be nice.
10. Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? I wish I could say something really cool but honestly I’d probably just panic that I only had 24 hours to live.

Chandler Marsh:

1. What colleges are you applying to? University of Florida, UGA, Clemson, Auburn and UNG.
2. What were you involved with in high school? Prom Committee.
3. Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Kylie Reed 7th .
4. What is your most embarrassing moment? One time in middle school, I convinced my friends that I had fought and killed a baby beaver with my bare hands. I then had a birthday party a couple weeks later where my friends asked my brother if this was true, and he couldn’t stop laughing for about 5 minutes. He then continued to embarrass me about it and call me out in front of all my friends and I cried.
5. What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? Theatre.
6. What is the theme song to your life? “Desperado” by the Eagles and “Our Song” by Taylor Swift
7. If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? Kendra Morris. She is the most amazing human that you will ever meet and she is actually my best friend. She is also the most reasonable teacher when it comes to moving assignments if we have other schoolwork. Plus she always gives me food and that’s amazing.
8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? My puppies, Unlimited Panda Express, and Margot Robbie.
9. What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? I hope to have a job and a family. I want to be living in the South and be traveling a lot.
10. Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? I would go to Bones Steakhouse, then go try and rob a huge store like Bass Pro Shop or REI.

Christina Ashley:

1. What colleges are you applying to? Emory University, University of Richmond, Davidson College, Birmingham-Southern College and Furman University.
2. What were you involved with in high school? Team Omicron, softball, SALSA, Peer Leadership, girl’s basketball manager, ambassadors.
3. Who was your first Wesleyan crush? I’ve honestly never had a crush on a Wesleyan student.
4. What is your most embarrassing moment? When I went to Trinity House my freshman year, someone finished their story I yelled out, “Thanks Sharon!” instead of “Thanks for sharing!” and everyone looked at me like I was an idiot.
5. What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? I wish I had played softball freshman year.
6. What is the theme song to your life? “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots.
7. If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? I would be Mrs. Grogan because she gets to blow things up and not get in trouble.
8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? My laptop, my best friend, and a memory foam pillow.
9. What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? I hope to be somewhere making a difference. I want to be happy with whatever I’m doing, but never satisfied.
10. Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? I would just spend that time with my family and eat gumbo.

Bailey Borreson:

1. What colleges are you applying to? UGA, Boston University, Boston College, UNC Wilmington, Northeastern, William and Mary, Davidson, Elon, College of Charleston and Auburn.
2. What were you involved with in high school? JV Golf, Varsity Tennis, Bible Study, Symphonic Band and National Charity League.
3. Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Carter Gravitt, 4th grade.
4. What is your most embarrassing moment? Every time I’ve fallen, especially that time in the Paris airport. Also getting pooped on by a bird at the Vatican.
5. What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? The musical.
6. What is the theme song to your life? “Defying Gravity” from Wicked.
7. If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? I would be Kendra Morris for obvious reasons. She is kind-hearted, hilarious, and smart. Who doesn’t love her?
8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? My mom, a fishing pole, and the cast of Parks and Recreation.
9. What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? I hope to have a job that I love, maybe be married, and just loving life.
10. Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? I would watch Sound of Music with my mom, go deep sea fishing, and then spend the last couple hours eating all my favorite foods with my friends and family.

Drew Aspinwall:

What colleges are you applying to? Georgia, Rhodes, Samford, Davidson, Mercer, Centre, and Ole Miss.
What were you involved with in high school? Football, Baseball, Basketball, YMSL, Peer Leadership, Wolf Ambassador, Young Life, and Model Arab League.
Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Camille High- 8th grade- We dated, and then she respectfully broke up with me over text.
What is your most embarrassing moment? When I cried at Ippolito’s in 3rd or 4th grade because my mom wouldn’t let me eat another roll. I had already eaten.
What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? I wish I had gotten involved in Young Life a lot earlier in High School instead of waiting until my Senior Year.
What is the theme song to your life? “Waves”- Mr. Probz.
If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? Former Faculty member Dave Breslin. He was just the man and such an awesome guy.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? A Boat, a GPS, and enough food for my ride home. I really do not like the idea of being stranded on an island.
What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? Living out my purpose for my life and doing something I enjoy.
Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? I would spend my time with the people I love and do the things I love.

Glenn Hogan:

1. What colleges are you applying to? University of Florida, Florida State University, Clemson University and University of Georgia.
2. What were you involved with in high school? Football, Soccer and Boyscouts.
3. Who was your first Wesleyan crush? I guess it would probably have to be Kylie Reed in Kindergarten she had the most beautiful blue eyes.
4. What is your most embarrassing moment? Probably my 8th grade chorus concert. In the middle of the concert I screamed out “Pave Low Inbound” when everyone was silent. I thought I was going to have tons of others by my side, but either they all chickened out or I was just stupid enough to actually do it. I was definitely not the favorite child for a while.
5. What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? I definitely wish I could’ve kissed Abbey Coppenger, because now I could say that I got a kiss by a Georgia Cheerleader, and that would be legendary.
6. What is the theme song to your life? “If you are going through hell”, by John Michael Montgomery.
7. If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? I would probably be Mr. Cleveland, because he can get away with whatever he wants. I mean no one is going to question him to cut the lunch line multiple times. He’s got a lot of power, and it would be really fun to mess with students when they are scared of you.
8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? Well, I’d probably start off with some duck-tape, you can never go wrong with that stuff. And I have to have good company, so probably some girl, but I haven’t thought that through yet. And finally, a fire starter you gotta be able to set the mood with the “company,” especially without Netflix and chill.
9. What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? Sunny and 75°.
10. Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? I would do whatever took my mind off the time and made me happy with whomever made me happy, “cause hey, if I’m gonna die, might as well not worry about it.”

Kyle Partain:

1. What colleges are you applying to? Georgia College, Sewanee and Clemson.
2. What were you involved with in high school? Cross Country, Tennis, and Mock Trial.
3. Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Mckenzie Waller 9th grade.
4. What is your most embarrassing moment? Not knowing who Jesus’ mother was on the first day of Bible class.
5. What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? Got involved sooner.
6. What is the theme song to your life? “Fear”- Blue October
7. If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? Ms. Lloyd because she is very laid back and understanding.
8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? Computer, hammock, and food/water.
9. What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? I hope I will have a job I love, and just be enjoying life.
10. Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? Spend time with my friends and family.

Leah Davis:

1.What colleges are you applying to? Georgia, Auburn, Florida State and Alabama.
2. What were you involved with in high school? volleyball, diving, track, football managing, hand-in-hand and freshman/Senior bible study.
3. Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Clint Prettyman in 5th grade, he was my boyfriend for 3 weeks.
4.What is your most embarrassing moment? In 7th grade, it was the week before honors day and Mr. Baxley had done a social awareness Wednesday on how to accept an award and emphasized that you should not trip up the stairs. Of course I was the one kid that tripped up the stairs and people started laughing and he just stared me down as I walked to my seat.
5. What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? Nothing. I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to in high school.
6. What is the theme song of your life? “Do My Thang” – Miley Cyrus.
7. If you could be one faculty member, who would you be? Why? Mrs. Morris because she is very smart and funny and no matter how much she has on her plate, she always seems like she has everything together.
8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? My bed, food and sunscreen.
9. What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? I hope to be married enjoying life with a dog.
10. Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? I’d spend it with the people I love, maybe go skydiving or do something crazy depending on how freaked out I am about the whole dying in 24 hours thing.

Grant Sauer:

1. What colleges are you applying to? Georgia, Georgia Tech, and Clemson.
2. What were you involved with in high school? Water Polo, Swimming and Soccer.
3. Who was your first Wesleyan crush? Ali Stall. Freshmen retreat she was still dating Tyler Harper but I didn’t know at the time.
4. What is your most embarrassing moment? Accidently sending a snapchat of me singing to “Same Old Love” by Selena Gomez to Mrs. Kozlova.
5. What is one thing you wish you had done in high school? No regrets.
6. What is the theme song to your life? “Hugs” by Lonely Island.
7. If you could be any faculty member, who would you be? Why? Mr. Kadzis because he gets to coach water polo every year.
8. If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you want to have with you? Nothing. I would like a challenge.
9. What do you hope your life will be like in 10 years? I hope to be a stay at home dad with one kid and another on the way.
10. Assuming you had 24 hours to live, what would you do with your remaining hours? Go crazy.

The Best Monday Nights of the Year Are Back: Young Life

Published on September 28, 2015 in News/Uncategorized by Emma Parrish

Young Life is back in session and it is the the best extracurricular activity of the year due to club on Monday nights, retreats and campaigners. It is known to make a significant impact on all the lives of students involved. Johns Creek Young Life director, Allen Dixon said, “The purpose of Young Life is to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith. It is done in the context of relationship with a Young Life leader. It starts with these adult leaders who are concerned enough about kids to go to them, on their turf and in their culture, building bridges of authentic friendship.” Many leaders go to support students in athletic events and come to picture parties before dances to play a part in milestone in their high school career. “They listen to their stories and learn what’s important to them because we genuinely care about their joys, triumphs, heartaches and setbacks and hope high schoolers will see that their lives have great worth, meaning and purpose.”

Students from all over the Johns Creek area including Johns Creek High School, Northview High School and Wesleyan enter into community; forming new friendships, while growing in their faith. Junior Charis Thompson said, “This year I am really excited to grow closer to my friends I have made at Young Life over the years. I’m close with the girls in my small group, and I’m excited to go through life with them again this year.” Wesleyan senior girls’ leader Katie Bridgers is looking forward to the new and exciting things happening this school year. She said, “We are going to attempt to do things bigger and better all year long. Also, every club is going to be themed which is going to be a great excuse to dress up in crazy outfits every week.”

Young Life encourages students to become involved and there are several ways to do that. Everyone is invited to Club on Monday nights, where many will agree, is the best night of your week. You can take on a leadership role and help in planning and/or leading Club. There are weekly “Campaigners” groups (off-campus Bible Study with your Young Life leader), and fall camp at SharpTop Cove October 9 through 11 which according to Bridgers is, “The Best Weekend of Your Life.” Also, there is a camp trip every summer to Young Life camps that are truly the highlight of everyone’s Young Life experience. Bridgers added, “If you think SharpTop Cove is incredible, a week-long camp truly is the “The Best Week of Your Life.” You don’t want to miss this. Sign up and bring your friends with you.” The first club took place on Monday, September 14th and will take place every Monday at the 201 which is located at 5725 on State Bridge next to Pike Nursery’s parking lot across from the Regal Cinemas. As the Young Life motto says, “You were made for this.”

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