Continued from
here.
CHAPTER ONE
"Prom Jitters"
Sarah Eve, The Midwich Press
A terrible collision occurred on East Midwich street last week between two vehicles. One, containing Mariah Cantelli and her son, Francis Cantelli, collided head on with another vehicle. The second vehicle, containing two brothers, Richard and Forrest Evans, was pushed off the side of the road and collided with a street lamp. A third vehicle swerved to avoid the collision and ended up crashing into a store front. The driver sustained only minor injuries.
Both mother and son were rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but Miss Cantelli died later from her sustained injuries. Both brothers were also rushed to the hospital, although neither have been in a condition stable enough to allow them to comment on the accident. It has been determined that substance abuse did not lead to the cause of the accident.
Witnesses present at the time of the accident state that the mother and son swerved as if to avoid something on the road. No one seems quite sure what she attempted to avoid, though some say they saw a teenage boy running from the scene. Efforts are being made to find this boy, but police have so far been unsuccessful. They have released a sketch of what they believe the boy looks like, which can be viewed on their website.
Troubling School Developments
Kyle Connor, The Midwich Press
The Midwich Cuckoos found themselves lacking during their latest game, in which the team lost to our rival school, the Sunset Hills Angels. One of its star players, Thomas Lovely, was banned from playing in the latest game after a debacle concerning both the team and the student, James Lancaster. Having received the ire of many students in the past week, Lancaster was almost beat up once again for the allegations placed against him. Accused of attempting to sexually assault another student, both the student body and faculty seem torn on the accusation.
"I just don't believe it," stated Mister Kingswell, our Geography teacher, "I don't believe a student within our school would do such a thing. This is nothing more than slander. [Students] making stuff up."
On the other hand, another teacher (who has asked to remain anonymous), says that, "The boy in question has been a problem for this school since he got here. Numerous members of staff have asked him to be removed from this school, but nothing ever comes of it."
As for Lovely, he was reprimanded for allegedly attempting to beat up Lancaster. It's unknown who exactly participated in the fighting, but the team was unanimous in stating that Lovely was the mastermind behind the attack. For all the people who seem intent on having Lancaster pay for his perceived crimes, more and more seem to believe that he is innocent in the face of the abuse he's received. A group on Facebook started by an unknown user has heaped abuse upon the student, and the group has even started to be used to make fun of more than just Lancaster, bringing the school under fire for allegations of cyberbullying.
Whatever the truth of the matter, it seems clear our school isn't dealing too well with the situation.
Teachers Accused of Biased Behavior
Sarah Eve and Kyle Connor, The Midwich Press
In the wake of the latest surge of bullying and fighting on school grounds, both students and their guardians have looked to the Midwich faculty to clear up this mess. We've relied on these pillars of the community for years, but in recent months, some students have accused some of the faculty of something worrying: favoritism. It's not a new concept by any means. Our teachers are only human, after all. However, these latest accusations contain with them a number of unfortunate implications.
Our male physical education teacher, Mister Wilson, has been accused of a number of head-turning allegations. Some say he often employs the football team to intimidate students he doesn't approve of. While these rumors were unfounded for some time, Mister Wilson has been said by a number of reliable witnesses to have attacked James Lancaster. With the recent incident in which a football player attacked Lancaster, these rumours have only gained more traction.
Even worse are the allegations of teachers maintaining relations with students! Mister Wilson again has come under fire for his closeness with some of the female students. He was seen escorting Michelle Kile to his home one day... during school hours! Combined with what has said to be his "strange closeness" with Viviette Stark, people are speaking out. Mister Taniyama has also come under fire for apparently inviting Minori Chihara alone to his classroom. While Mister Taniyama has a wife we are all familiar with, his friendship with Mister Wilson has got people talking about him as well.
All faculty asked for an interview declined to comment.
Clementine Ty, The Midwich Press
The Prom committee seems to be working extra hard this year! Having the school council raise enough money from a fundraiser, it's fortunate that the fundraiser known as 'A Night on the Bottom of The Sea' received enough money for this years Prom to be the best in Midwich's history. The theme for the prom was announced to be a underwater theme last week, and was said to cost the most money for the supplies so it could come to life.
The head of the student council, Bailey Morrison, had made her opinion known publicly that she is the solo reason that the fundraiser had made the large sum of money it had. Many disagree with her, but all had declined interviews to make this public. The head of the Prom committee, known as Bryan Stark had accepted our invitation for a interview. We only had short time frame, so we managed to ask him the most important question.
Why exactly did the school council decide to help out the Prom committee this year, when they never had before?
"Well, I don't exactly know. All I'm able to conform is that people spread the news that I was the head of the committee, and shortly after the council told us of the fundraiser."
Did you or any of the Prom committee help with the fundraiser?
"Well, I know I certainly did. I was with my twin most of the time, we posted flayers in the school halls, and around the neighbourhoods that surrounded the school. Every chance I had I asked, or suggested someone go look at the fundraiser."
How much did the fundraiser actually make?
"I know we have the funding of 2,500 since the fundraiser."
Did Bailey take part in the fundraiser?
"I'm unsure. Like I previously mentioned, I was with my twin most of the time...
... I'm really looking forward to this years prom!"
"I'll be going alone," boasted Kristoff Dawson. "I could have a date if I wanted, but, you know, why should I attach myself to just one girl? I'm more desirable this way, just so you know."
Deanna Dean couldn't be more excited. "I'm so stoked. Damien and I are shoe-ins for Prom King and Queen this year. My dress cost about $300 just so you know. It will just be magical."
Opinions seem clear on one thing: Prom this year will certainly be exciting!
Horatio stood with his arms crossed, glaring at the two people standing before him.
Umeko and
Aaron were his two potential recruits, and Horatio needed to determine if they were up for this arduous job. "It's war out there." the hall monitor stated. "If you want the sash, you both must prove yourself. I need to see you stand up in the name of justice... Last week, binders were being stolen, but today... there are bullies amongst us! If I see you both stand up to a bully today..."
Horatio pulled out two orange sashes, already with the names Umeko and Aaron printed on them. "... You will receive your very own sash. I'm counting on you guys!"
***
"I need you to understand the situation you're in," said Mr. Delta, sitting across from
James. He'd pulled the boy into the office to give him a lecture after his in-school suspension had ended. "You're so close to graduating, James. You just need to keep your head down for a few more weeks." Sighing, Mr. Delta absent-mindedly adjusted at the items on his desk. "I've told you this enough times, but please stay away from that Viviette girl and please stay away from the football team."
He then stood up and gestured for James to go. "Just a few more days until prom. Please try and focus on that."
***
Later, vice-principal Troy Delta was furious as he entered
Kisho Taniyama's office. Scowling, Troy slammed the school's newspaper down on his desk. "Cyberbullying," Troy stated, his voice dripping with incredulously. "The principal has received a number of complaints from parents about this apparent hate group that started on Facebook. Students from our school are telling other students to commit suicide. Shouldn't you be on top of this?" James had been the initial target of the bullying, but it seemed the group had been used to also place blame on Viviette. Students were equally telling both James and Viviette to kill themselves, and Troy wanted to throttle the internet for its bullshit.
Troy crossed his arms. "A computer connected to the wi-fi of this school created the group. You know we have strict regulations when it comes to online conduct." There was a pause as Troy hoped Kisho clued into what he was implying. After a moment, he said it anyway. "... I believe it was someone from your class, Kisho."
OOC NOTE: It's not prom quite yet, but it's incoming in just a few days! It's been a week or so since the Prologue IC, and this round will basically be everyone getting ready for prom. Prom will be occurring at the mid-round update, so make sure you get all your preparations in!
Remember, the chosen saviors and the saboteur all have their memories now!
Continued here.
