Student Life

A Starry Night to Remember

Samantha Paige

The 2015 Chiles Homecoming celebration was destined to be one of the best ever in the history of the Timberwolves. Everyone was hyped to support our school and participate in all the fun activities planned by SGA. It was no surprise that a big win over Lincoln High School and an overall winning football record did a lot to get students riled up for the homecoming dance. From beginning to end, the atmosphere of the dance was at an all time high. This year’s theme was Starry Night, adopted from the famous Vincent Van Gogh painting, which proved to be an appropriate theme because everyone seemed to be a star. Many students shared their love and appreciation for the dance this year. Sophomore Tellicia Mitchell said, “The dance was great. The music was amazing it and definitely fit my expectations.” Thanks to local celebrity, DJ Lil Boy, who has worked with many artists like Drake and T-pain, kept the dance going with fist-pumping and hip-shaking hits.

Near the middle of the dance we were presented with our homecoming King and Queen, Joe Lavoie and Charlotte Wollermann. They thanked the student body for voting for them and the party continued. Junior Aliyah Tillman said, “The dance was really fun. I enjoyed my time and we had the best DJ. I can honestly say for my first time going to homecoming and I've been at Chiles for three years; it was well-spent and fun.” Without a doubt, for Aliyah this was a night to remember. Junior Kennedy Williams summed it all up when she said, “It was pretty amazing. The best homecoming or dance I've ever been to. Better than any of the years previously and there was barely any dull moments.” Based on the positive feedback and the good time that we had this year we can definitely look forward to next year’s homecoming celebration.

Parents, Students and Staff Gather to Remember Those Lost to Suicide

Townsend Porcher

On September 30, 2015 hundreds of bubbles drifted through the air at the Chiles Football

Stadium to mark the end of Chiles suicide awareness month. It is hard to find a community that hasn't experienced the effects of suicide. This is especially true for Chiles High School, who has lost one of our very own, Gregory David Woeckener on July 23, 2014. It only takes one look at Greg's obituary page to see how much he is missed Many of Greg's friends came to the stadium in honor of his life. One friend of his hoped that this event would open people's

eyes to the reality of suicide and its far-reaching effects.

As students came onto the football field, many wrote confidential notes on slips of paper

that they placed into a box. They then each grabbed a bottle of bubbles and formed a giant circle.

At the gathering, Greg's mother, Donna Woeckener, spoke about Greg's death, saying

that "it left a hole in [her] heart that would probably never be filled. "Her message to everybody at the event was that there should be no shame in suicide –that depression should be treated like any other disease. Donna concluded her speech with the request

that any student feeling depressed or suicidal talk to a friend, family member, or adult

they trust.

When asked what she wanted to achieve through this event, Donna said that she would

like to do anything she can to prevent any other unneeded deaths,and part of that is speaking

about suicide. It's important for everyone to understand the signals of suicidal behavior.

According to WebMD, these are some of the common signs

-Excessive sadness or moodiness

-Hopelessness

-Sudden calmness

-Sleep problems

-Changes in appearance or behavior

If you suspect one of your peers is contemplating suicide, don't be afraid to talk to them

about it. Encourage them to seek professional help if you can

This event was organized by Timberwolves United and the Chiles

Student Government.