The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
The award-winning voice of North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

The Chant
Ren Lloyd

Ren Lloyd

Ren Lloyd, a senior at NC, Opinions editor, and a long time member of The Chant enjoys writing and learning about current events as well as movie binging and music. She hopes to make people think about topics that are rarely addressed in society and talk about the things she enjoys most in life. Her favorite subjects to learn about include Language Arts and History and she runs for the NCHS track team.

Music is a huge part of Lloyd’s life. Her favorite genres include Hip Hop, rap, R&B, indie, and much more. Lloyd loves spending time in her room, at the park, and with her close family. She loves to help the impoverished and strives to inspire people who didn’t grow up in a privileged community. She loves to go to arcades, theme parks, small shops, and Little 5 Points in Atlanta. Lloyd enjoys watching Netflix, playing piano, and exercising as well. Her family supports her in every decision she makes and she loves them dearly.

Lloyd plans on using her Journalism class to attend college and become a writer for a news publication or write stories for a news network. She loves writing and uses The Chant as an outlet to talk about current issues and express her feelings to not only her classmates, but her community as a whole. When she graduates , she hopes to leave a huge mark on her Opinions page, her publication, and NCHS as a whole. 

All content by Ren Lloyd
After over 200 days of residing in Russian detention centers and the IK-2 penal colony, WNBA star Brittney Griner can finally join her family and friends for the holiday season. Because of a prisoner swap involving Griner and former Soviet Union lieutenant Viktor Bout, Griner received her freedom. With help from the Biden administration, Griner can spend the holidays with her family.

Welcome home Brittney Griner

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
December 13, 2022
Since Henry Selick released the renowned “Coraline” movie in 2009, no other stop-motion horror came close to reaching its popularity. However, Selick and director Jordan Peele released a new, similar film called “Wendell and Wild”. Similarities include the topics of family, childhood trauma, symbolism and a multitude of other elements. Perhaps “Coraline” meets its match or maybe “Wendell and Wild” will fail to reach the bar that Coraline set 13 years ago.

“Coraline” vs. “Wendell and Wild”: The battle of the horrors

Ren Lloyd, Opinions Editor
December 9, 2022
The job of a journalist appears easy from the outside in. One may assume that taking names and telling stories does not require a significant amount of skill or patience. However, after truly taking a deep dive into the life of a journalist it involves not only patience and skill but courage, curiosity and determination.

The journey of a journalist

Ren Lloyd, Opinions Editor
December 5, 2022
Although the spooky season has come to an end, people can still enjoy it through horror movies in particular. As psychological horror increasingly gains popularity, they have seemingly taken over streaming platforms and theaters. This list of eight spine-chilling psycho-thrillers can help keep horror fans in the spooky spirit.

Eight chilling, thrilling and popcorn-spilling psycho-horror movies

Ren Lloyd, Opinions editor
November 3, 2022
To the vast majority of people, Halloween holds the title as the spookiest holiday of the year. However, to several, the holiday means something a bit more negative: namely, underground satanic purposes. Due to the history of Halloween and the superstitions that come with it, numerous people have given it the title of the Devil’s Holiday.

Historically horrifying holiday

Ren Lloyd, Opinions Editor
October 31, 2022
This month, a character from one of America’s favorite cartoons joined the LGBTQ+ community. Velma Dinkley, the brains of Scooby Doo’s Mystery Inc. officially announced her sexuality as a lesbian in the new “Trick or Treat Scooby Doo” movie. Scooby Doo fans presumed Velma’s sexuality before, but can now see it for themselves for the first time on film.

Scooby Doo: Velma’s newfound sexuality 

Ren Lloyd, Opinions Editor
October 10, 2022
People have idolized toxic celebrity relationships for years. From Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston’s abusive relationship in the ‘90s to Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s toxic marriage, a majority of supposedly perfect celeb relationships look extremely different behind the scenes. Idolizing these relationships promotes toxicity and damages relationships.

The negative side of idolizing celebrity couples

Ren Lloyd, Opinion Editor
October 6, 2022
Recently, rapper, producer, fashion mogul and entrepreneur Ye West returned to social media for one of his famous internet rants. West posted on Twitter letting the internet know about the status of his current partnerships with the Adidas and Gap companies, accusing them of hindering his brand growth and copying his ideas. As a result, Ye announced his decision to terminate his partnerships with both companies when his contracts end.

Collaborations with Kanye

Ren Lloyd, Opinions editor
October 5, 2022
Millions of people worldwide watch Netflix on a daily basis. Since 2019, Netflix users spend almost 164 million hours per day viewing content. However, Netflix might need to reconsider the content they release, as most new Netflix Originals shows and movies rank low and lack creativity.

Dear Netflix, your shows suck

Ren Lloyd, Opinions Editor
September 19, 2022
As Nick Cannon introduces another expected family member, the public begins to wonder about the morality of his obsession with fathering children. While he describes the beauty of fatherhood as his prerogative, his sentiment raises concerns to child psychologists and parents alike.

Fathering versus fatherhood

Ren Lloyd and Zioni Moore
September 13, 2022
In mid-July renowned director, actor and filmmaker Jordan Peele released his newest movie, “Nope” By combining the classic sci-fi alien concept with his well-known horror movie style, Peele created the million-dollar blockbuster movie. However, viewers constantly express conflicting opinions on whether they actually enjoyed this movie or absolutely regretted buying tickets.

Jordan Peele’s “Nope”: the deeper meaning

Ren Lloyd, Opinions editor
August 23, 2022
Since Marvel released their new movie “Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness”, it reached 703.82 million dollars at the global box office. This past weekend, the film took the place as the number one local movie worldwide. Based on the statistics, Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness did not fail to please critics and viewers across the globe.

Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
May 19, 2022
The U.S House of Representatives finally passed the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching law that deems lynching a hate crime. For years, Black people faced this horrid form of hate and the culprits continued to run freely. This law finally brings justice to the lives lost to this brutal and unjust hate crime.

A new bill for Emmett Till

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
March 9, 2022
After almost a year following her death, the jury finally made a decision regarding the Ma’Khia Bryant trial. The jury decided not to accuse Officer Nick Reardon of murdering the 16 year old girl, regardless of the released bodycamera footage. Bryant sadly became another young black teen who did not receive justice for police brutality.

Lost to the System: Ma’Khia Bryant

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
March 28, 2022
Jamienne Jeune, a junior at South Cobb, constantly expresses her love for hair braiding. In the past few years, she created and grew her hair business, DonebyJami. Since her childhood, Jeune has worked hard to perfect her skill to give her clients the best of the best.

DonebyJami: treat your tresses

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
May 16, 2022
As of April 22, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the anti-critical race theory bill in Florida. Formerly known as the Individual Freedom bill, this legislation prohibits the teaching of critical race theory within Florida schools. The Florida Department of Education took extreme measures to ban math books reportedly containing race-related content.

Concealing CRT: The Individual Freedom Bill

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
May 6, 2022
As diffusion and globalization occur worldwide, cultures continuously spread as well. A piece of clothing that originated in Colombia could easily make its way to the Philippines and vice versa. However, this spread caused controversy on who should and should not participate in another ethnicity’s culture.

Pirating the POCs

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
April 19, 2022
The discussion surrounding the second amendment within America typically comes with heated conversations and conflicting perspectives. Republican governor Brian Kemp added more to the fire by signing Senate Bill 319, which allows most Georgia citizens to legally carry a concealed weapon without a permit or a background check. Similar to most opinions surrounding gun rights, the perception splits between a positive, needed change from most constricting laws to a disastrous idea that could bring fatal results. “I feel like this law will be extremely dangerous for the citizens of Georgia because we’ve already seen shootings and mass violence as well as murders so I think the fact that citizens now have more easy access to weapons and this will definitely be a negative thing,” magnet junior Claire Scafidi said.

New concealed carry without license law results in general criticism

Zioni Moore and Ren Lloyd
April 15, 2022
Examples of popular anime that brought anime to global attention include “Dragon Ball”, “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” and “Steins; Gate”. “Attack on Titan” serves excellently as an entry-level show for aspiring anime fans, especially without the sentiment that stems from childhood shows like “Naruto” and “Bleach”.

Attack on Titan review: Nine years of humans and not-so-humans

Elijah Pacis and Ren Lloyd
April 15, 2022
A truly extravagant event occurred last month for the NC drama club. On the last day of the High School Musical performance, an A-list actor Zac Efron appeared on stage as a character from the show. With sheer shock and excitement from the crowd, this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence put NC on the map.

From Warriors to Wildcats: Zach steals the show

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
March 31, 2022
On January 23, Netflix released Jeen-Yuhs, a documentary trilogy about the one and only Ye West. Jeen-Yuhs gives viewers a first-hand film account from one of Ye’s long-time friends, Coodie. It also shows viewers the ups and downs of Ye’s journey to becoming an A-list celebrity.

Ye west: the making of a Jeen-Yuhs 

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
March 18, 2022
The vast majority of people know of popular Black history pioneers such as Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr. However, people should expand their horizons on the wide variety of Black historical figures. Black people impacted history using skills ranging from music and art to math and science. Schools should also require the teaching of Black history aside from the well-known figures.

Belittling Black history

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
March 8, 2022
This year's Super Bowl will unquestionably make the headlines. Not only will viewers see the Bengals and the Rams fight to bring home the Vince Lombardi Trophy, but viewers can expect to see a quintet of hip hop legends. Eminem, Dr.Dre, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and Snoop Dogg will perform in the Super Bowl halftime show this February.

Stars in the stadium

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
February 8, 2022
“Jasmine Negron is in her second year diving. She qualified for state yesterday and she did very well. She’s only a junior and she’ll probably be back next year. She’s already excited about getting better and getting to the next level,” said Swim and Dive Coach John Huff. This semester Magnet Junior Jazz Negron broke another swim and dive record and continues to make a name for herself around NC for her accomplishments in the sport. NC congratulates her for her hard work regarding the Swim and Dive sport and the NC principal, personally congratulated her over the intercom.

Junior Jasmine Negron breaks swim and dive record

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
February 4, 2022
Now showing in theaters, “Scream” 2022 kicks off this year for the horror movie genre. Viewers can expect to see characters from the original “Scream” as well as new additions to the crew. It might even become fans' favorite scary movie.

Scream 5: the return of Ghostface

Ren Lloyd
January 31, 2022
Recently, America lost famous actors such as Bob Saget and Betty White. Sadly, early this January Sidney Poitier became another lost legend. Poitier influenced the film industry as an actor, director, trailblazer, and activist for Black and Bahamian people.

Sidney Portier, legend lost

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
January 24, 2022
In 2019, actor Jussie Smollett reported that two men attacked him and hurled racist, homophobic slurs at him. This event shocked America and caused rage within the Black and LGBTQ community. However, after almost 3 years of constant police investigations and court hearings, the jury found Smollett guilty of reporting a false hate crime to the Chicago police.

Jussie Smollett Found Guilty

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
December 14, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic caught the entire world in its never ending web, consisting of new waves and variants. Even though new vaccines mitigated the number deaths and slowed the skyrocketing cases, the name “COVID-19” still rings in everyone's ears. Seemingly, it will not end anytime soon.

The COVID-19 disappearing act  

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
December 13, 2021
From gingerbread house making to wrapping presents, the holiday season includes loads of activities. However, Christmas tree shopping and decorating might not happen for thousands of Americans this year. Prices for both artificial and real trees will drastically increase for the 2021 holiday season.

‘Oh Christmas tree, no Christmas tree

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
December 13, 2021
For years women with ethnic hair faced discrimination for their hair type and texture. From relaxers to box braids, the hair standards certainly changed with the times. However the lack of ethnic hair representation remains somewhat unchanged.

Representing the Roots 

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
December 13, 2021
Earlier this year, Kanye West released his album, “Donda”, dedicated to his mom, but this time he took the term “Donda” to a whole new level. In October, the “jack of all trades” announced his new school, Donda Academy. From academics to sports, Donda Academy will offer students a free quality education with a multitude of extra benefits

Donda’s Return 

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
November 15, 2021
As Asia takes over Netflix, film fans patiently await the next Asian film release. This year Netflix plans on spending a large sum of money on these films. From “My Name” to “Squid Game,” Netflix does not disappoint when it comes to Asian films.

Korea’s Netflix Takeover

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
November 11, 2021
The body-shaming double standard: all sizes created equal

The body-shaming double standard: all sizes created equal

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
October 25, 2021
Society should accept all sizes and shapes, but that starts with ending the double standard. No matter what size, people should treat all body shaming the same because, at the end of the day, it affects everyone equally. Society must break its sizeist ideals and learn to accept all body types.

Opposing Viewpoints: Both sides of body shaming

Ren Lloyd and Zioni Moore
October 22, 2021
From the McJordan to the J Balvin Meal, McDonald’s continues to collaborate with various celebrities to increase sales. Statistics prove that this strategy works every time. These collaborations both promote the artist and raise revenue for McDonald’s.

The McDonald’s marketing scheme

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
October 15, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic forced people to stay inside and watch movies from home. However, as vaccines continue to produce positive results, movie theaters open back up. This fall people can expect to see tons of movies to enjoy with family and friends.

Flicks for fall

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
October 15, 2021
20 years ago the world lost one of the most talented artists of its time. The Queen of Urban Pop, formally known as Aaliyah, passed away leaving a huge legacy and record-breaking music behind. However, she finally returned when her label, Blackground Records, decided to release her hit sophomore album, “One in a Million”.

Aaliyah makes a comeback

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
September 11, 2021
America’s children, teens, and young adults all deserve to learn about their country's past. For the sake of America’s future, teachers should educate their students on the issues within America. In turn, the younger generations will work to fix these issues.

Blinding America: race and gender theory 

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
September 8, 2021
During the 2020-2021 school year, most kids participated in virtual classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This gave child predators and pedophiles a perfect opportunity to prey on minors through the internet. On August 5th, Apple decided to tackle this issue. By the end of 2021, Apple plans on launching software that catches predators and protects children.

Apple fights child exploitation with new software update

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
August 20, 2021
This year, Coker University gained a star student and tennis player. NC senior Olivia Drake decided to attend the college where she will play D2 tennis on a women’s tennis scholarship. She also plans on studying physical education.

A new journey: Olivia Drake chooses Coker University

Ren Lloyd
May 14, 2021
The making of the media: Evolution of social media

The making of the media: Evolution of social media

Ren Lloyd
May 14, 2021
Every 20 years fashion trends seem to repeat. Trends from the early 2000s up until 2020 led up to modern fashion in 2021. Each trend brings a little bit of nostalgia to the wearer.

2000s Fashion Making a Comeback

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
May 13, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the lives of millions of people across the globe. It continues to affect the way people live and forces them to make major lifestyle changes. Many people, especially students, saw changes in their sleep schedules as a result of the pandemic.

COVID 19: Sleeping Through the Storm

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
April 27, 2021
Dimmed streetlights, crime on every corner, and a melancholy aura describe the likeness of DC comics’ Gotham City. Fans could only dream of stepping foot in this drama-filled “fictional city.” Little do they know their dream could become reality.

DC Comics: The Reality of Gotham City

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
March 31, 2021
COVID-19 caused major changes in the past few months alone. This year, instead of the normal Mardi Gras parades, parties, and masquerade balls, people celebrated the 164 year old tradition with a COVID friendly twist. Although it did not look the same as previous years it prevented people from possibly contracting COVID-19.

 A Parade and a Pandemic

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
March 24, 2021
Serena Williams influenced athletes throughout the world in her prestigious career. Her elite abilities paved her way into other areas of the world and created a reputable career. Although her recent loss at the Australian open might mean potential retirement, Williams fights until the end in every single match she competes in.

Serena Williams: Saying Goodbye?

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
March 11, 2021
America’s Double Standard: The Capitol Crusaders

America’s Double Standard: The Capitol Crusaders

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
February 14, 2021
The second month of 2021 began last week. With COVID-19 skyrocketing, coming up with goals and new year resolutions may place too much stress on people. Many people put New Year’s resolutions on hold this year.

New Year with a new normal

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
February 12, 2021
This year McDonalds wants to kick off the new year with a bang! McDonald’s plans on releasing a new and improved fried chicken sandwich on February 24th. This sandwich comes in three different savory flavors: Original, Spicy, and Deluxe!

The New McDonald’s Chicken Sandwich

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
January 29, 2021
Courtesy of Fox Some of America’s favorite shows and movies contain way deeper meanings than suspected. These comedy shows and movies can represent things like social or political issues. Satire poses as a more kid friendly way of introducing issues in the world.

Desensitization to satire in films and tv

Ren Lloyd, reporter
December 17, 2020
During every election Americans hear the constant reminder that they should exercise their right to vote. This reminder not only encourages Americans to vot, but reminds them that their right to vote was fought for. No matter what election, local or national, voting should never be a question.

The Importance of Voting in Local Elections

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
December 15, 2020
World of Illumination made its way to Georgia once again this December 2020! This magnificent light show includes anything a viewer may see in a winter wonderland. World of Illumination makes the experience as COVID safe as possible ensuring that all visitors wear masks and social distance. Featuring some of your favorite holiday tunes, this mile long show caught the eyes and ears of many visitors.

The New Six Flags World of Illumination 

Ren Lloyd, reporter
December 15, 2020
Movies always seem to lighten the mood and add an exciting touch, no matter what occasion. During this winter, many things changed, but the magic of the big screen remains true. A list of must-see movies for this December certainly guarantees happy holidays for the whole family.

New Movie Releases to Watch this December 2020

Ren Lloyd, reporter
December 15, 2020
The prevalence of racism and racial division harms the children of America. The school system, instead of encouraging diversity, deliberately separates children into separate social classes. America should work towards this issue and strive for equality in the school system. In doing so, students can receive a better educational experience.

Why do schools classify students by race?

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
December 13, 2020
Quarantined for Halloween?

Quarantined for Halloween?

Ren Lloyd, Rporter
September 28, 2020
“I don’t feel like it is a good idea to send students back to school. First, I don’t see the virus going away anytime soon, and once school starts, social distancing won’t be able to function in a school. Second, we have already started online so we should finish the semester because the classes have already been scheduled,” 9th Grade Magnet Student Morgan Zitsch said. Cobb County students and parents think that it would not be a good idea to send kids back. COVID- 19 still thrives in America, which means students should not go to school regardless of what the school district says. According to a poll of the nation’s parents, 36% agree that their students should remain quarantined until there are no longer health risks.

Face to Face Learning as an Option in Cobb County School District

Ren Lloyd, Reporter
September 13, 2020
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