On August 3rd, Travis Scott released his third studio album “ASTROWORLD” which shook the entirety of his rap fan base. The modern, hip-hop album includes a cross between retro melodies and trap. As stated in an interview, Scott named his album after a Houston theme park which closed in 2005. The park was torn down to build more apartment space but he claims that with this economically driven decision, Houston took away the prime source of fun for the kids of the city. There is much speculation as to if “ASTROWORLD” could possibly be the reason why he started rapping, as he claimed that he began making music after the park’s closure. Travis Scott’s album shows the emotional connection we develop with where we grow up and how those childhood memories inspire us in the future. The following paragraphs are split up into songs and lyrics of “ASTROWORLD” in relation to Enloe High School’s 2018 Charity Ball.
STARGAZING
“Got new money, got new problems, got new enemies”
As we approach a new Charity Ball season, we have a new goal, a new change to make. The year’s Charity Ball beneficiary is The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) and our goal is to raise $200,000 for their IGNITE program. This program allows for a positive, social environment where members can meet others within the program or connect with volunteers and gain a strong sense of community. The IGNITE program also offers training, activities and workshops that help to foster financial, social, and employment independence for all of its members. They are fighting for the strong support for individuals with autism, equal opportunities for everyone no matter the challenges they face and the end of any negative stigmatism. As I stargaze, I see a world without discrimination but with acceptance and equality for all. I have faith that on December 8th, the night of Charity Ball, the stars will align and change will shine brighter than ever.
CAROUSEL
“This is at home, right down the street, from Alamo”
The brick 1960’s building with yellow and green accents, right down the street from the newly updated Alamo Movie Theater, is what we call home. As students, Enloe High School is where we learn, make friends, discover our passions and prepare ourselves for the future. While we excel in areas of academics (and football this year! sko eags), we also strive to better our community. Throughout my time at Enloe, I couldn’t be more thankful for the people I have met and the opportunities I’ve been exposed to. While I envision a time in the near future when the Charity Ball process occurs at other high schools, Enloe is its birthplace and it couldn’t be a more fitting setting. We celebrate diversity, academics, arts, sports and service. I personally believe my strong love for my home at Enloe is something that motivates me throughout Charity Ball season. The opportunity to give back to a place that has done so much for me, fills me with indescribable joy. Raleigh is also my home, it’s where my family, my friends, and my school are and where my life is. Any chance to give back to the home that has given you so much, any chance to better our community is not an opportunity to let pass.
ASTROTHUNDER
“Hands up, why they tryna reach?”
Everyday, we are continuously asked why we do the things that we do, say the things we say and think the thoughts we have. This question is most often posed by ourselves but in some cases, another individual poses this mind-boggling question and we are forced to take a step back and recognize what we hold important. Due to the extensiveness of this question, we are often caught off guard and sometimes struggle to formulate a response. We begin to question our intentions, motivation and purpose. While I was canvassing my freshman year for Charity Ball, a neighbor asked me why I was out in rainy, 45 degree weather to raise awareness about a fundraiser. He asked me why I felt so passionate about Charity Ball and the beneficiary we were attempting to raise $120K for at the time. I paused to gather my thoughts, why was this so important to me? The words “It’s time for change.” came out of my mouth before I had time to process what he had asked me. To anyone who questions what we as students are trying to reach, anyone at Enloe can tell you that it is simply change. On December 8th, our hands will be in the air as we enjoy our school dance and at 9pm, our hands will once again be in the air as we give The Autism Society of North Carolina a check to benefit their IGNITE program because change, the betterment of our community, inspiration and unification is what it’s all for.
BUTTERFLY EFFECT
“For this life, I cannot change”
Most commonly referred to as the “The Butterfly Effect,” this phenomenon states that a small, localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere. This theory originated from the 1980s discovery that a butterfly flutter in Rio de Janeiro could impact the weather in Chicago, 8,526 kilometers away. The purpose of Charity Ball has always been to work with nonprofits that spend everyday working to positively bring attention to issues in our community, implement service into the hearts of adolescents but most importantly, to insight change. As we grow up in a nation divided amongst a variety of political issues, our job of improving our world as the next generation begins NOW. While we are working to insight change in our backyards, the concept of Charity Ball and serving our community doesn’t solely exist at Enloe. I, along with my council members, envision a philanthropic pandemic, where the changes we so greatly need, are spread throughout our state, nation and world. Change may begin here, but it doesn’t end with us.
Grace Suzik
Clubs and Organizations Officer