Myers Park Hoofprint

The Myers Park High School Newspaper

Ellie Atkins

Coffee Shops Around Charlotte

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Everyone needs a change of location every once in a while, especially while studying or locking in to do some homework. Charlotte may not seem like somewhere to branch out and try new places, but you may just not know of where to look. Some may be right down the street, or in a cozy corner uptown. You never know until you try. If you need some help, or don’t know where to start, here are some ideas.

Close to school, a fan favorite: is Amelie’s French Bakery. First thing about Amelie’s that will stand out is the atmosphere. No other place can compare to the mix and match of chandeliers, couches, chairs, art, you name it. With so many different vibes, there is always something new to see! No matter where you decide to set up shop, and no matter what you might grab to eat, you must pair it with one of their delicious coffees or teas. Lattes to English breakfast teas here never disappoint and never will. Forgot your headphones? Not worry! Amelie’s background music is surprisingly very good- and not always in French. Although this is a great and close spot, it can be a little distracting especially when going for the first time. Once you get past seeing all the exciting things it has to offer, Amelie’s is a wonderful, cozy warm place to lock in for a couple of hours without needing to leave for food or beverages!

Traveling a little further from school is Summit Coffee on Providence Road. This one is closer to uptown. There is a second location in Piedmont Town Centre, however with only three booths and very quickly filling tables, making the drive is worth it. Summit Coffee has many booths, and tables with outlets everywhere! The coffee is amazing and so worth trying. Summit is a staple and the atmosphere is much calmer than Amelie’s, having more wood and blue tones, it is much easier to stay focused and have no distractions. One negative thing about Summit is the parking. Since it is such a great spot, the parking lot does get filled very quickly. If you don’t mind parking down the street- then this is the perfect place for you! 

Another much-used location is the two-story Starbucks on Sharon Road. This is a staple and you can never go wrong with the drinks. Starbucks is always busy, but has enough seating where finding a table shouldn’t be a problem! One negative thing about Starbucks is that since it is always busy, without headphones it can be hard to focus. People coming in and out constantly with a lot of chattering may be distracting for some, but if looking for a place to study with friends this is a perfect option! The seating here is not the most comfortable, but it does the job and they have many outlets for anything you may need to charge. 

If you are looking to check out a super cool spot, a little farther uptown than Summit you must try Coco and The Director. The atmosphere inside of this coffee shop is one of a kind. Seating is not a problem with an entire upstairs of tables and chairs. They have super cool stair seating with pillows if you are looking to switch it up from the regular table. The only negative to this new place is the location. It is farther from Myers Park and is just a block from the Belk Theater. Nevertheless, if you don’t mind uptown or a little drive, Coco and The Director is a must-try. If you need to get away for the day to focus on some homework or studying, this is the place for you!

Coffee shops can be intimidating to try, not knowing what to expect the first time going. Hopefully, this article helps broaden your horizons and lets you try new things! A new location can change your mindset and let you get so much done. Next time, use some of these awesome spots to grab a cup of joe and lock in.

Love Reality TV Shows

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Can people actually fall in love on live television? Is it all just for entertainment or are the contestants really looking for a life-long partner? Both of these questions have been floating around love reality television shows since 2002, when the very first Bachelor season premiered. Since this premier, The Bachelor franchise has sparked numerous reality-love shows, so many that Netflix made a row on the homepage dedicated to them. Many of the new and upcoming shows include, Love is Blind, Love on the Spectrum, and Perfect Match. Love is Blind has gained an enormous amount of attention over the past two years as well as Love on the Spectrum. Both are more light hearted and people choose their match based on personality and their values. 

On the other hand, Love Island, Too Hot to Handle, and Bachelor in Paradise are mostly based on what they film for their audience. For example, a UK GLAMOUR article in 2023 by Bianca London found that many of the Love Island contestants are discovered through social media, specifically Instagram. Then they would be asked to make a small video about themselves (including their love life), and if they pass the test, then they are asked to come on the show. From London’s interview with former Love Island contestant, Kem Cetinay, “They get one day off a week,” he said. “What happens is it gives them a day to clean the villa and you take your mics off and normally we go to the beach and we just chill out. Not a lot of people know this. What happens is when you take your mics off, you’re not allowed to talk about anything to do with the show.” Although Love Island is surprisingly not scripted, the 80 cameras spread throughout the villa never want to miss any moment of drama. 

The marketing and franchise behind these top shows is what puts them on a different level. “Bachelor Nation” goes crazy every Monday to watch the show. Viewers plan extravagant watch parties, sorority houses set up projectors, and families around the world tune in to watch the drama unfold. Superfans can even buy tickets to get front row seats to the live shows including Women Tell All, Men Tell All, and the two night finale. A new up and coming show, Love is Blind, focuses on contestants finding their partner without seeing them. They are set up in “pods” with a hall between them and are allotted a certain amount of time to get to know each other, ask questions, and figure out if they are a match. Love is Blind was the most watched reality TV show on Netflix in 2023. Reality TV, especially dating shows, have taken over streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu and will continue to do so. So the next time you are scrolling through trying to find something interesting to watch- tune into one of these shows and decide for yourself if Love is (really) Blind.

The Spice of The Carolinas

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Its hard to think of the Carolina Panthers without thinking of Julius Peppers, the defensive lineman made a mark on the football field and on all fans’ hearts over his time with Carolina’s NFL team. From his days as the second overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft to his recent induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Peppers’ journey showcases his skill and dedication to the sport. The UNC Chapel Hill graduate and North Carolina native entered the NFL with high expectations to live up to, and he didn’t disappoint. He was drafted by the Panthers in 2002, instantly making an impact on the team and earning him the Defensive Rookie of the Year. His agility and speed made him a tough opponent for any team and set him up for a successful future in the league.

Even before beginning his 17-year NFL career, Peppers was a vital player for the Tarheels and made such an impact that his jersey number, 49, was retired. Following suit, he became a significant part of the Panthers’ defense. He played a significant role in the team’s journey to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004. Even now, Peppers still holds the record of 97 sacks which is the most in Panther history. Despite standing out on the stats sheet, he showed leadership while serving as captain for the Panthers. Throughout his career Peppers always showed dedication to the teams he played for on the field, but also for the communities around the cities he played for.. On the field Peppers only missed two games due to an injury throughout his entire career, and off the field he earned the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2011 for his community service. From The Observer’s interview with former Panthers teammate of Peppers, Mike Rucker said, “He did so much in the community, but he didn’t hold press conferences to let everybody know he was doing that; he’s also a funny guy. He laughs probably 90% of the day. Believe it or not, he also reads a lot. Very smart. Very educated outside of the football world.”

Pepper’s journey with the Panthers included multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors, proving his skills throughout his years in the league. He left the Panthers and joined the Chicago Bears in 2010 and later the Green Bay Packers in 2014. Yet, he couldn’t stay away from home, and in 2017 Peppers returned to Carolina to play his last two seasons in the league. During these seasons, he was a valuable asset on the defense and became a mentor to younger players. 

After playing his final two seasons with the Panthers, he made the choice to retire in 2018. His retirement sparked the question of if he had earned himself a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This past year that question was answered. He was announced as one of seven players from the Class of 2024 of the Hall of Fame earlier this year. This selection will permanently place Peppers among the best football players of all time.

 His Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a monumental moment for Panther fans. North Carolinians watched him go from a young prospect committed to Chapel Hill to a Hall of Famer who inspires young athletes every day. He has made history by becoming the first member of the Hall of Fame to have played the majority of his career with the Carolina Panthers. Pepper’s story truly shows how great the power of dedication, leadership, and talent is when one wants to achieve their goals. He has left a legacy and an unerasable mark on the Panthers franchise, let alone the sport as a whole. This incredible honor is truly the only way to recognize Julius Peppers remarkable career in the NFL.

A Junior’s View Into Junior Firefighting

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Have you ever wanted to make a bigger impact in your community? Wanted to become a first responder or see if you have what it takes? For young people interested in firefighting—the Junior Firefighters Explorers Program is a perfect fit for you. Designed for youth aged 14 to 20, this program goes beyond what one could learn in a classroom. It offers one-of-a-kind experiences and an opportunity to view the rewarding yet challenging world of firefighting. 

Brevan Outlaw, a junior at Myers Park, said this about what he took away from his time in the program, “I learned that it is never a just “me” at the fire department, it’s always a “us” because it’s a team- a family and something that you’ll never forget.” This program is not only teaching essential skills to continue a career in firefighting, but it also allows for a sense of leadership and service nationally. It was established to educate the next generation of aspiring first responders and show the many aspects of firefighting. This consists of practical training exercises, learning about fire safety protocols, and gaining awareness of the dedication required to be a firefighter. 

Joining this program gives the chance to become a part of a larger community, the National Junior Firefighter Program, which falls under the National Volunteer Fire Council. After being launched in 2007, this program was made to help youth become members of the emergency services. Also, to provide support to fire departments anywhere in the nation. This program is made for youth in search of something new, or to continue their passion for firefighting just like Outlaw who commented, “I joined the fire explorers program because I wanted to be a firefighter since I was a kid; It’s always been my dream to help people,” He also added, “Even if you want to do something else in life, not even be a firefighter, go get a job that makes you feel like it’s not a job. Be happy about being able to go to work!” 

Becoming a part of the National Junior Firefighter Program can help in connecting with a community and appreciate all that firefighters do for us. Even if firefighting may not be for you, the National Volunteer Fire Council offers EMS and rescue branches. To gain knowledge in any of these fields is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that many high schoolers, such as Brevan Outlaw, take advantage of. The Junior Firefighters Explorers Program in Charlotte is more than just a training ground for potential firefighters; it’s an experience that can mold the character and aspirations of young individuals looking to help in their community. Through a combination of education, hands-on training, and mentorship, this program plays a pivotal role in shaping our local future first responders. If you are interested in this program and want to learn more, check out the National Volunteer Fire Council homepage! This is an unmatched opportunity that allows aspiring young firefighters to achieve their dreams of becoming first responders.