Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Are One-Size Stores Body Shaming? by Michelle Ortiz



Recently, a woman by the name of Abby Richmond posted on “Teen Voices” about a clothing store named, “Brandy Melville.” The opinion of this brand was not good. “Brandy's clothes appeal to girls who prefer a simple look. However, there's one important thing that separates Brandy from the other clothing chains--their one-size policy… Melville's clothes aren't just aimed at teenage girls--they're aimed at SKINNY teenage girls,” Abby exclaims.
Abby had actually purchased at that store before, “Confession time: I own several pieces of clothing from Brandy Melville. I love its style, but not its ethics. Brandy Melville's body exclusivity gnaws at my conscience, and it's not just about whether or not I fit into their clothes. My problem with Brandy is that it is absolutely unaccepting of diverse body types,” she tells. She states how Brandy Melville tears away at her self-esteem.
On the bright side, a lingerie store, Aerie, has begun to stop photoshopping their models; they show their freckles, tan lines, tattoos, wrinkles and they send positive messages to girls to “love the real you.” “Luckily for us teenage girls, other clothing chains are rebelling against these tactics. Aerie, a lingerie company owned by the same company that owns American Eagle, announced last year that they will no longer photoshop their models… Their unretouched models present such a positive image for teenage girls. They show that all bodies are beautiful and that there's no need for everyone to conform to the same ideal. They let girls know it's good to be confident in themselves.” Abby states.
Here is what some Port Richmond students thought about Abby’s article. “I agree that some store’s marketing is overdone with their models, I see flawless faces everywhere and I wish I was them, but I’m not, I have a lot of flaws. I disagree with Abby though, because she states the clothes are for skinny 90-pound girls, but I am nowhere near that skinny and I love to buy there. One size clothing is really cool!” Samantha says. Samantha realizes and accepts her flaws, she wishes the fashion industry would too, but she still loves the idea of one-size stores.
On the other hand, Samantha’s friend thought differently. “I’ve been there before and it seems alright, but it’s almost all true. All the girls are skinny without blemishes or marks, and the clothes can be tight or uncomfortable because I’m not that thin. I have curves, my body is proportioned differently, but one size stores are supposed to try their best to fit all bodies, maybe Brandy Melville has to step their game up.” Alyssa says. Alyssa also notices her flaws, but she thinks that one-size stores like Brandy Melville should put more of an effort to fit more body types.
Brandy Melville has lots of work to do, but so does the whole fashion industry. Changes are happening every day and hopefully, one day we can all see models with flaws and express a positive atmosphere towards all body shapes.


Tuesday, March 15, 2016

The N-Word by Nikita Persaud

  On February 26th, 2016, Mr. Gregory Dickerson came to Port Richmond High School and talked about the use of the N- word. His goal is to help influence the students at Port Richmond and members of the community to stop using the N-word. He did so by explaining to students that it is disrespectful to call people a “Nigger/Nigga” and that the word makes a negative impact on society.
    A ‘Nigger’ is a contemptuous term for a black or dark-skinned person. Many people misuse this word because they don’t know the correct meaning and some use the word in the wrong context. Students at Port had altered views about the use of the N-word, “I use the N-word because I hear it around me a lot and it got stuck into my vocabulary,” said Zuzanna Gvzybowska. “I don’t use the N-word because it is offensive,” said Ernest Peiris. “Yes I use the N-word because it is more of a friendly and respectful way of talking to each other,” said Walla Baes.  
    Mr. Dickerson is a West Brighton native. He wrote a book called, “Steven: The education of a Young Black Man's Mind.” This book teaches a young black man, who uses the N-word, the true hate the word actually represents. Dickerson was inspired to write this book one day during his lunch hour while he was standing next to two young black men that were having a conversation and carelessly using the N-word.
    Mr. Dickerson has been visiting Port Richmond and many other high schools hoping to educate them about the power that words can carry.


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                                                Photo by: Skii Magazine (Mr. Gregory Dickerson.)

Friday, March 11, 2016

Attention Juniors!

For many students, junior year of high school is also the most difficult year. Students must prepare for their upcoming ACT or SAT test dates, evaluate potential colleges and function beneath an immense amount of pressure to achieve high grades to impress these colleges.

-POSSE scholarships See Ms. Watkins in the college office, Rm. B233 ASAP

-QuestBridge’s College prep program: Deadline to College office: March 23, 2016.

-Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award:  Recognizes young women age 14-17 who have accomplished

something noteworthy as volunteers. See Ms. Watkins to be nominated by March 10, 2016

-Syracuse University Summer College NYC Scholarship Program. See Ms. Watkins ASAP on B233.

                                  TEST DATE              REGULAR DEADLINE        LATE FEE APPLIES

SAT I/SAT II            MAY 7, 2016               APRIL 8, 2016                 APRIL 22, 2016

                                 JUNE 4, 2016               MAY 20, 2016                MAY 20, 2016

                                  TEST DATE              REGULAR DEADLINE         LATE FEE APPLIES

ACT                          APRIL 9, 2016             MARCH 4, 2016             MARCH 5-8, 2016

                                 JUNE 11, 2016             MAY 6, 2016                  MAY 7-20, 2016

-Register For Naviance                                                                                                                                                                        

Username and password for registration on the Welcome page are Students Osis Number.

-Fee Waivers: if you qualify for free or reduced lunch, yoy will be eligible for fee waivers. Contact your

-Juniors start registering for SAT’s.

-Social Security Card/Number: Its important to start applying for a social security number if you haven’t

already as you will need it to apply for colleges.

Port Richmond High School & Career Fair – March 22,2016

NACAC’S NATIONAL College Fair – April 24,2016

Riverbank State Park College Fair – March 12,2016

Hispanic College Career Fair  - March 23, & March 24

Friday, March 4, 2016

Nowoola Gets Full Scholarship to Villanova by Josh Stamer



Port Richmond football player Nowoola Awopetu is on his way to Villanova college. In January, Nowoola received a full scholarship from Villanova. He made it official February 3, 2016, on national signing day when he signed and committed to the Wildcats football program. Nowoola had a few other offers, but in the end he chose to attend Villanova for the next four years. “ It just felt right, Villanova felt like it was the right fit for me,” Nowoola said. This scholarship was received with not only his gifted athletic ability, but his hard work and dedication as well. Nowoola’s work in the classroom is also a big component that led to him getting this scholarship. Nowoola earned a 88.52 grade point average as well as a 1400 SAT score.
Although Nowoola played Wide Receiver and Cornerback in high school, a position change is in store for him at the next level. Villanova coaches are going to play Nowoola at the safety position,  This position could be a great fit for Nowoola, since it fits his fast, aggressive, downhill style of play. “ This wasn’t an unexpected change for me, I knew that my position could have possibly changed, and hopefully it's the best position for me, which I think it will be”, Nowoola stated.  Nowoola’s skill at the safety position was evident in the annual Fred Fugazzi game that saw Nowoola receive a defensive MVP award.
Nowoola had a decorated career at Port Richmond. Even though Nowoola was never featured as a running back, he managed to gain 340 rushing yards along with three rushing touchdowns in his career. Nowoola played the wide receiver position for two years and piled up 55 receptions for 829 yards, averaging 15.14 yards per catch. He also had 14 receiving touchdowns all while being a standout player at the corner position on defense. Nowoola will be seeing more time on the defensive side of the ball at the college level. This is where he excelled in high school, making 78 tackles and 5 interceptions in his three year varsity career. One of the things that is not seen on the stat sheet is his ability to lock down receivers, and take them out of the game with his coverage skills. Nowoola had a great experience playing the game of football at Port Richmond High School. “ It was great, I had a blast taking the field with my teammates and i’ll always remember playing football for Port Richmond.”   
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Nowoola commits to Villanova college as his parents look on. (photo courtesy of Port Richmond High School)