I’ll just watch the movie “Prom” on prom night

by Luckie Lovette

Prom is a few weeks away, and everyone is getting ready for it.  Except for me.

Prom is one of those school events that everyone says they don’t care about but secretly do.  For me, even if I wanted to, I can’t go.  Tickets, transportation and tuxedos exceed far more than the $100 advised to spend in the once in a lifetime night.

On top of that, being a guy, I’m supposed buy my prom date’s ticket and pay for dinner.  Realistically, we would ride AC Transit to a Denny’s and split an order of nachos, but that doesn’t sound as luxurious as the movies make it seem.

I’ll just stay at home and watch the movie “Prom” on prom night.

Mack’s first male cheerleader: jumps higher, does the splits

Davonte Braud, a McClymonds cheerleader, poses one of his favorite cheer positions

Story and photo by Anthony Beron

McClymonds’ secret weapon jumps high and moves fast on the football field. But it’s during halftime as part of the cheerleading squad’s festive halftime routine.

Davonte Braud, a junior at Mack, is the first male cheerleader in the school’s recent history. And the only one in the Oakland Athletic League.

Braud does not mind the effeminate connotation allegedly brought with the sport.

“I’ve been cheering since Pop Warner at age 3,” said Braud, who challenges the female cheerleaders with his athleticism, energy and dance moves. “I’ve modeled too.”

The junior has also played football himself. “They urged me to join the team, but I joined the cheerleading squad instead,” he said. He then leaps and does a mid-air split.

Braud was recently threatened expulsion from Mack’s cheerleading team by Humphrey Garrett, a McClymonds School Security Officer, for being obstreperous during a geometry class lecture.

Many feel Braud is a valuable asset to the team. “He’s an athlete like everyone else,” said Darlisha McGlothen, a senior. “He just jumps higher than anyone else.”

However, not everyone agrees. Some of the alumni and fathers tease the players, calling out to them,”He has your jersey number,” said Nakaya LaForte, a freshman who frequently attends Mack sports games. “It’s good natured, but they are kind’ve also insensitive.”

“We just like the cheering,” said Jacquari Warfield, a sophomore wide receiver. As for it coming from a male cheerleader? “I don’t think much about it.”

They Played Their Hearts Out, But Post-Season Ends for Lady Warriors and Warriors

by Khristan Antoine

For the Lady Warriors, it was the end of a Cinderella season.

It was the little engine that could, a team that seemed unfocused in the first few weeks of its pre-season, at a school that takes tremendous pride in the basketball success….of its boys’ team.

It was the girls’ team that made school history. The Lady Warriors won its first Oakland Athletic League Title in 38 years and then pressed its way through the first round of the CIF Regionals (with a great fourth quarter against Armijo) only to fall to Berkeley High School 54-44 in the quarterfinals on Saturday night.

“We played our hearts out,” said sophomore Marcedes Latu. “We shouldn’t forget that we made school history and that we’re champions.”

It was quite a battle. For the Lady Warriors, it was a close first half, with the score tied at 34-34 in the third quarter. “Then suddenly Berkeley scored more points and we forced plays, that didn’t work,” says coach Dennis Flannery.

Da Ja Nay Powell led the Lady Warriors with 16 points and nine rebounds. Breannie Robinson had eight points and 10 rebounds.

Meanwhile, in San Jose, the Warriors lost to Bellarmine College Prep 64-46. The Bells made nine 3-pointers in the game from four different players.

Eric Jones led the Warriors with 13 points.

I’m Not Marching Anymore

by Bonita Tindle

Drills, precision, pomp, marching. Juan Rios quickly grew tired of it all at Oakland Military Institute.

“I thought I’d  find discipline,” says Rios, who transferred this year to McClymonds. “Instead, the experience was dull, dry, isolating.”

Green plastic strips added to the fence separated the school from the outside, making it impossible to see out or peek in. Rios’ jet black jackets with epaulettes, white button-up shirts and black dress pants had to be ironed perfectly.

“I hated wearing the uniform. They didn’t make the uniform in my size; it was tight fitting,” he says.

Unlike students at Mack, who have a choice in staying after-school,  OMI students were forced to participate in after-school programs –mainly tutoring, leaders of character and sports.

At Mack, Rios, 16 and a sophomore,  has more choices, participating in debate and journalism. He also can wear whatever clothes he wants.