Becca's Closet

In August 2003, 16-year-old Rebecca Kirtman – cheerleader, honor student, and well-loved friend and daughter – was killed in a tragic automobile accident just days before the start of her junior year. But what could have been merely a number added to the countless teen deaths each year became an opportunity to change the lives of countless high school girls across the country by providing them with dresses for prom and other formal occasions.

Before her death, Kirtman single-handedly collected more than 250 prom dresses to give to needy girls across South Florida. Later, in her memory, Kirtman’s friends and family carried on her vision in her memory, collecting more than 3,000 gowns in her home town of Pompano Beach, Florida.

“It was just very clear to me that I needed to do something to show how good Becca was,” said her father, Jay Kirtman.

The small school organization Kirtman started nearly a decade ago is now a federally certified charity – called Becca’s Closet in Kirtman’s honor – with a board of directors, student board, scholarship fund and web site. Additionally, the dress bank has expanded beyond Florida with active chapters in 32 states, including 4 Georgia locations.

In 2010, for her senior project, Creekview student Courtney N started her own local chapter with the help of Canton First United Methodist Church where the church’s youth room doubled as a storage room for the dresses.

Courtney was inspired to take on the project due to her own personal experience. While shopping for prom dresses with her friends, she fell in love with a purple Cinderella-style ball gown. Although the dress was not expensive, she felt guilty asking for the money as her mother had recently been laid off from work and the family had cut back on spending.

Overhearing her dilemma, another woman in the dressing room whom Courtney had never met provided the money to buy the dress.

“Prom is really important,” said Courtney, “And a lot of people don’t get to go.”
The generosity of a stranger to allow one girl to experience a rite of passage had a bigger impact than the woman likely ever intended.

The idea caught on quickly at Creekview, and when Courtney graduated last spring, senior Taylor S. quickly took over the project. The continued efforts of Creekview students have increasingly impacted the community in positive ways and Rebecca Kirtman’s dream continues to reach farther than she ever could have predicted.

For those interested in donating, Becca’s Closet accepts all clean dresses sizes 0-30 in good condition and current style (less than 5 years old). They also accept coordinating shoes, handbags, and accessories. Dresses can be dropped off at a local chapter or mailed to Becca’s Closet, Inc. at 151 North Nob Hill Road in Plantation, Florida. All donations are tax deductable.

written by: Emily Smoke

You can find the dress or let the dress find you…

All eyes are on you when you walk into the room wearing the dress of your dreams. Yes, prom season is here once again and tons of high school girls are rushing to dress shops to find the best dress for their special night. Sometimes it can be hard to find a quality store that takes care of their gowns and also has great customer service; however, there are several genuinely nice stores within the area that are sure to have the dress that will make March 26th the most glamorous night for you!

Cinderella’s Closet:
Cinderella’s Gowns, also known as Cinderella’s Closet, takes some time to get to, but it is worth the drive. The store has a very impressive selection of dresses that are kept in excellent shape by the staff. When first arriving at the store, you are checked in by giving your first name and a personal assistant is assigned to you so that you can be guided through the store. If you have never been to Cinderella’s Closet, their staff kindly explains the layout and then helps you begin the journey of finding the dress that is perfect for you. Your assistant will help you find your gown based on your price range, color and style preferences. She will also carry the gowns that you choose and assist you in the dressing room. Once you have a dress on, you are taken out to the platform stage in the center of the store so that you can view the dress in a large mirror. While on stage, a seamstress will check the dress for any alterations that may need to be made. If you select a dress at their store, the gown will be registered. All of the staff is very professional and ensures that your experience at the store is pleasant.

Bravura:
Bravura, located in the Avenue, Forsyth County, is a well known shop that carries several of the hottest brands in dresses in a variety of colors and sizes. All of Bravura’s dresses are well taken care of and are cased in a plastic covering to keep them from being damaged in any way. If you do not see the dress you like at the store, but saw it on their website bravuraprom.com, then the company encourages you to send them an email with the style number and designer and Bravura will order the dress for you. All of their dresses are sent from the original dress manufacturer with all of the tags. The store also courageously registers every gown that is purchased for a high school prom to ensure that there is no duplication.

Girlie Girl:
A little boutique named “Girli Girl” located in Buford is another must visit if you are still in search of a dress. The shop may look small on the outside, but it is stocked full of beautiful, affordable gowns just for you! Customers say, “This shop has the best selection and they will remain faithful buyers to the store.” Their company registers every gown and will also customize to your standards. The staff is very easy to locate throughout the store in their bright pink tees and are ready to assist you in locating a dress and setting up a dressing room for you. At the store, you have the freedom to try on any dress you like without assistance unless you need help with a zipper. There is a small stage in the privacy of the dressing room with two mirrors for you to see how the gown fits.

CC’s of Rome (Kennesaw):
CC’s of Rome, Georgia’s leading formal dress store since 1969, is a great place to look at prom dresses. They carry a large selection of the hottest formal dresses in their mega store which come from the industry’s leading styles to ensure that the store is always on the latest trends. The store’s website also provides you with the opportunity to print 20-30% off your purchase coupons. You can even shop online with free shipping; or simply browse the store’s website to check out the store’s selection.

If you are searching for stores within a closer vicinity to where you live, check your nearest mall. Most department stores such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, and JC Penny carry many of the name brands that dress shops would have. A plus of shopping at the mall is that the stores there usually have more choices of sizes and colors in a dress that you may like.

Cinderella’s Closet - 700-C Beaver Ruin Rd, Lilburn, Georgia 30047
Girli Girl - Girli Girl Boutique 74 E. Main Street Buford, Ga 30518
Bravura - AVENUES FORSYTH, 410 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, GA 30041
CC’sof Rome- 2710 Town Center Drive, Kennesaw, Ga. 30144
Written by: Katelyn Presnell

The Zodiac changes

Many people believe that the Zodiac sign changes are confusing, and they do not understand the concept of the changes that were made. But, the changes that were made are not as bad as they seem. Now that the signs are changed, people have new signs that might not necessarily fit their personality anymore. They believe the old signs but their personality better, but it is important to remember the signs only affect those who believe in the Zodiac. Some people believe that the meaning for their signs do not fit their personality. Before, the Zodiac signs were changed the meaning for their old sign, meaning had fit their personality better, but “once a virgo, always a virgo,” Taylor R.

The Zodiac was created over 4,000 years ago and since then has started to become less and less accurate. Remember, gravity from the moon pulls on the earth which over time changes the earth's tilt. Although this has a very small affect, after 4,000 years the tilt of the earth is altered enough to make the Zodiac signs slightly off their original dates. The earth is constantly wobbling on its axis and about every 26,000 years the earth's axis flips. This changes the way we see the constellations from Earth.

“The astrological chart has shifted, changing many people’s signs, has caused panic. But calm down! “Everything stays the same, “says astrologist. Susan M.

With that being said, here are the new Zodiac changes.
Jan. 20 - Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16 - March 11
Pisces: March 11- April 18
Aries: April 18 - May 13
Taurus: May 13 - June 21
Gemini: June 21 - July 20
Cancer: July 20 - Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10 - Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16 - Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30 - Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23 - Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 - Dec. 1
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 - Jan. 20
Written by: Nicolas Charles

Tackling Testing

Standardized testing is possibly every student’s nightmare. Everywhere, students cram enough knowledge as they can into their minds in the hopes of reaching a high score on the tests that will determine their future. Standardized tests, such as the SAT’s and ACT’s, are the all-important test scores colleges look at when they are determining one’s college acceptance. Tensions are high for most high school students when the time comes to tackle these standardized tests.

At rare occasions, the grade you are in sometimes defines your feelings about standardized testing. “The ACT was more difficult than the SAT because of the science reasoning,” stated Rachel H, (junior). For juniors, studying and stressing is still part of their daily routine. They are still in the process of working their way up to their desired score on the standardized tests.

Another strategy that can assist students in relieving some of the stress they may be feeling is talking to people they trust. These people could be family members, close friends, beneficial teachers, or the guidance counselors waiting to help you in student services. By getting ideas and opinions from trustworthy people around them, students acquire more wisdom and advice on how they can approach obstacles during the test.

No matter how students feel about these standardized tests, it is true that a majority of students need some guidance when it comes to this bump in life. Creekview’s students are lucky to attend a school where an SAT prep course is given for a small price. For students who missed the SAT prep course in the fall, there will also be an opportunity to take it in the spring (February/March).

“The SAT determines your future. Actually, the test is not that bad, but the pressure is really intense. I’m so happy I’m done with all that; the entire process was extremely frustrating and strenuous,” stated Jill T, (senior). Most seniors have thrown away all that stress. Most seniors, not all, have finished their process of cramming and studying for the standardized tests and are now stress-free!

Even though standardized testing may not be the easiest thing to overcome with flying colors, with the right attitude and correct guidance, each and every student can score the grade they feel they deserve.

Written by: Maida Ahmad

Are you Goo-goo for Gaga?

“I never thought I’d be asking Cher to hold my meat purse,” stated singer Lady Gaga while accepting the “Video of the Year” Award from Cher at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. The purse completed a surprising outfit of meaty high heels and a dress made entirely of slabs of raw meat.

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as the catchier name Lady Gaga, is known for hit singles such as “Poker Face” and “Just Dance” which both topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Lady Gaga has changed her style much throughout her career including changing her hair color from brown to blonde after being constantly mistaken for Amy Winehouse. Her early style was described as “a refugee from Jersey Shore” with “big black hair, heavy eye makeup and tight, revealing clothes.”

She finally settled on being as over-the-top and off-the-wall as possible. In fact, the singer/songwriter might be known more for her “notice-me” outfits than her music. Jared F., a Creekview junior, commented, “She does whatever she wants and doesn’t care what people think. I respect that.”

It was hard to ignore Gaga onstage live at the VMA’s in her outfit of meat, but this was not her only exposure of her unconventional fashion sense. She has also been seen in a red lace dress and face mask combination after an onstage performance in which Gaga was covered in fake blood. Other outfits include a dress of strategically placed bubbles and a dress of many Kermit the Frog puppets. The artist explains that she tries to blend pop music, performance art, and fashion, saying, “When I’m writing music, I’m thinking about the clothes I want to wear on stage. It’s all about everything altogether…”

Influenced by legends such as Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and David Bowie, Gaga’s music reflects 80’s pop style with her own flair. Gaga has been compared to artists like Madonna, Gwen Stefani, and Christina Aguilera but is looking to create her own musical revolution.
Lady Gaga is all about catchy dance tunes with provocative lyrics and despite her controversial style, America seems to be on her side. Her first album, The Fame, reached number two on the Billboard 200 Chart in the US, earning Gaga six Grammy nominations and winning two awards: Best Electronic/Dance Album and Best Dance Recording. In June 2010, Forbes magazine listed Gaga fourth of 100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the World, second Most Powerful Musician in the World, and she was ranked number seven on Forbes’ annual list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

Gaga is no stranger to the stage. After learning piano by ear at age four, she was writing songs and performing at open mic nights by 14. The teenager’s talent even earned her early entrance to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts at 17. Later on, she climbed to the top of the charts the old-fashioned way by gaining admirers playing in New York City’s Lower East Side rock music scene.

Gaga now has a large fan base, having sold over 15 million albums and 51 million singles. Gaga endearingly calls her fans “Little Monsters” and even showed her appreciation by getting a tattoo of these words. Claiming she wanted to write a pop song that rockers could also enjoy, she even brings a little rock flavor in her song “Boys Boys Boys”, a female version of Mötley Crüe’s “Girls Girls Girls” mashed with AC/DC’s “T.N.T.”

Lady Gaga is everywhere. Her style is controversial and keeps everyone wondering what she will do next. So, are you goo-goo for Gaga?

Written by: Gwen Kirby

The Final Opinion

It is almost the holidays, and that means two weeks of no school! Two weeks of hanging out with friends and family, shopping, and having a good time. Unfortunately, that also means a week of trying to raise a few grades up and studying for the dreaded final exams. These exams, which are worth about 15 percent or more of our final grade, can either make or break us. So why is there this need to put pressure on students before the holiday break? Is it necessary?

“I don’t like finals because I have to study nonstop for just six classes. I feel like I’m on lockdown,” Emily W., junior.

I personally believe that finals are a waste of time. How can one test determine such a major part of our grade? It is not fair. A semester is 18 weeks long; how in the world are we supposed to remember everything that we learned about in the first month of school? Yes, in some classes we do get study guides, but for most classes we do not. For those classes, it is all about rereading the textbooks and looking back at notes, and trying to do this while gathering up more information is time consuming and difficult.

Instead of putting all this unneeded stress on students before the holidays, why don’t teachers make finals something different and not just a major test? For a few of my classes this year, we are doing projects in place of the finals. I really enjoy projects because I can decorate and put my own twist on them. For me, I know that I can make it my own, and that makes it more interesting than a test. I also like the fact that with projects, I have time to make them perfect, unlike the final which I only have an hour and a half to take. The whole idea about trying to rush through major tests that can possible damage my grade is nerve racking. I would rather just do something fun and interesting for the last week of school that can raise my grade.

I am sure many students do not like finals week, but unfortunately it is something that we all must do. We might as well try our best to get that good grade and feel accomplished. After all, once those six finals are over with, we get to enjoy two weeks of no school!

Written by: Paige Amoss

Giving for a Cause

With the holiday season coming into full swing, children seem to keep adding just one more item before sending off last minute letters to good ol' Saint Nick. Mothers are worriedly rummaging through stores with the long wish lists in hand and everyone seems to have one task in mind – shopping. What really should come to mind on this holiday season is family, warm fires, bright lights, Christmas cookies and togetherness.

It seems to be that as time has progressed, the entire thought of holiday cheer and the true essence of each celebratory day, has been twisted and blown out of proportion. Be it giving or receiving, most recent generations only focus on the gift element of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, etc.

A reality check and a bit of a historical background review may be the ticket to an amazing surprise. There are so many people around the world whose main worry is not giving or receiving gifts, while in the reality, some people do not have a warm meal or even somewhere to sleep this season. While the holidays should not be the only time to help those less fortunate, it does become a time when many need to reach out and help.

There are many little ways to make a big difference. Simply by taking an hour or so to just go through your cabinets and closets, and put together a bag of food and clothing to donate would help. It really is as simple as it sounds, and the difference it will make could make one person’s life that much easier.

For the children who do not dream of receiving even one single present on Christmas morning, there are organizations like Toys for Tots where you can buy a simple toy in any price range and donate it to the labeled boxes at stores like CVS. Having just one toy play with and call their own could really make a child’s whole outlook different on the holiday.

When you are comfortable financially and stable, your next step could be to help someone else along in the same direction. Whether you donate your belongings, food, money or time, any donation is a great donation this holiday season, and all year round, as well.

Written by: Tenniea Martin