Feature Hulse Grabs Mickey Mouse Ears and a Paintbrush

By Diana Piskor Managing Editor South County Secondary School is known for its creative and impressive students. However, one student stands out from among the rest. Junior Patrick Hulse, already has a remarkable resume when it comes to what he loves doing, art. Hulse has won various Scholastic Awards and has even illustrated a book. I like art. I always have and I always will, said Hulse. Hulse enters competitions each year to display his artwork. He won a gold key for his Mixed Media book in eighth grade, and last year won a gold key for one of his drawings and a silver key for a comic book. He also entered the Washington Post Peeps Contest and won a place of 11 out of 38. Hulse even had the opportunity to illustrate a book. The experience was interesting because it was the first time I had to create art for someone other than myself, said Hulse. Hulse is known throughout the school as a talented artist. He is admired by his friends and family for his impressive skill. As long as Ive known Patrick hes been painting, drawing, or creating something. I still have an octopus he drew me in the 3rd grade. His house is filled with his numerous projects. Whether it is an art class assignment or a note to a friend, Patrick is sure to spend time and energy making it look amazing. His creativity knows no bounds and he always mesmerizes those around him with his numerous creations, said junior Vincent DeLaurentis. Hulse draws his inspiration for his artwork from various things. Ever ything is inspiration. Recently Ive become really interested in the work of Norman Rockwell which has made me realize that I love the idea of painting everyday scenes and capturing the feeling of that moment, said Hulse. Hulses work is also unique. I think that Im pretty good at noticing details that other people consider insignificant, because in the long run its those details that make a piece of art look truly real or interesting. I also dont like making sad or moody art which seems really popular because all artists appear to have this problem with being tortured souls or something. I think when you see the bright and happier things I like to make compared to the more sad things made by others, my work pops more, said Hulse. Hulse plans on making art his career one day as a Disney Imagineer. What exactly is a Disney Imagineer? A Walt Disney Imagineer is the unique, creative force behind Walt Disney Parks and Resorts that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, cruise ships, real estate developments, and regional entertainment venues worldwide. This job has always seemed perfect to me because it would give me a chance to use art to make the impossible possible! Im also a huge fan of Disney and love the magic of what the company does! said Hulse. And for Hulse, art is so much more than just something hes good at. For the most part, the idea of telling a story through art is what interests me most, said Hulse. Photo by Matt Masakayan

October 14, 2011

The Break Down

Lauren Bonner
Feature Columnist
A Day to Remember or Foster the People? Linkin Park or One Republic? We are forever in the battle of genres. Whether were infused with upbeat singer Lady Gagas The Edge of Glory or The Foo Fighters Walk, music is what defines us in the manner of who we look up to or what we are passionate about. Our music inspirations invoke a sense of self, which means they create opinions about us automatically and uncontrollably. If youre the kind who is passionate about an artist/group no matter the direction they seem to flow in, then you are loyal. I salute you. Now, if they completely transcend from one genre to a whole other, then that is an entirely different argument. Some of you like to present a weekly update of your latest top 10 favorite new artists or songs, Last week was Ke$ha, this week is The Swellers! Whatever the outcome, music is always expanding, genres blending in trying to Photo Courtesy of Google Images grasp the attention of fringe listeners. The first few albums ofw any band are always focused on setting in stone the voice that makes up the unique, novelistic artist they are. Not every artist seems to get the chance to reach out as far as a gold or platinum album, but they always manage to reel in the outcasts. Listen up, now here is a pet peeve of mine that seems to be getting worse every year- rock goes pop. Now pop listeners, I respectfully accept your decision to continue break dancing to LMFAOs Party Rock Anthem, but I must make my point. Down to earth rockers must stay true to their sound, even experimental bands. Sadly, some dont. Im sure everyone has noticed that throughout the years bands have had the tendency to draw you in, getting you hooked on their first two albums. Then by the third album, it usually goes either uphill in one direction or downhill in another. Examples are My Chemical Romance, Green Day and Linkin Park. MCR and LP fans- yes the direction of their music has changed. MCR has gone from bombastic punk to polished, pop-punk. With MCRs 2006 Black Parade album being a huge hit, it was a close-call cousin to Green Days album American Idiot. LP and Green Day have also tweaked their music, expanding their spectrum of fans to please even more pop-fanatics. Soon you find yourself contemplating What happened to their sound? Move onto a new addiction or stay loyal? Whatever the decision, everyone has their own personal critical review on a particular musician or artist. Well constantly have to remind ourselves that music is always changing (Eric Turner and Tinie Tempahs Written in the Stars-crazy combination!) so no matter how outrageous or atrocious a new album may sound, it comes from the hearts of the musicians we look up to. They wrote it for themselves and they wrote it for us. It can be natural for us to relate to the song or to criticize, but we should remember it is never easy to let go and pour your heart out into lyrics for the whole world to see. Artists dedicate their music and hard work to us; the least we can do is appreciate it, no matter the continuum.

By Rachel Binzer Sports Editor

ABC Family Lines Up Truly Dramatic Season for the Fall

The ABC Family Original Series Make It or Break It follows the lives of four elite female gymnasts as they struggle to balance gymnastics, family, and social lives. Make It of Break it has become a teen favorite, nominated for two teen choice awards. ABC Family presents some controversial issues in this series such as teen pregnancy, eating disorders, and underage drinking. At the end of each episode, ABC Family puts out a public service announcement encouraging teens to talk with their parents or guardians about the challenges they are facing and possible solutions. In addition, they give a hot line for teenagers who need outside help or guidance. Make It or Break Its third season will show prior to the 2012 Olympics, incorporating the events into plot. All of the main characters are previous members of the national team and have aspirations for Olympic glory. Photos Courtesy of Google Images Stars of Make It or Break It and Pretty Little Liars flaunt emotions of attitude, shock, and confusion. Teens across the country are geared up for the Make It or Break It and Pretty Little Liars premieres for the season.

Make It or Break It

The popular ABC Family television show Pretty Little Liars documents the lives of four girls as they deal with life after the murder of their best friend Alison DiLaurentis. The girls must deal with A, an unidentified character who knows all of their deepest secrets, can control their relationships and reputations, and has no mercy. I really want to know who A is! said senior Angela Banks. The show has captivated high school students across the country. It has been listed as one of the most fashionable TV shows of all time by InStyle Magazine and has been nominated for Most Iconic TV Show by J-14 Magazine. Pretty Little Liars has quickly become one of the most popular shows on ABC Family. Everything is intertwined and you never know what is going to happen next. It is not predictable like most shows these days, said senior Patrice Wolfe. With over 2.7 million followers, it is in the number one program for females ages 12-34 on Tuesday nights.

Pretty Little Liars