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
Erinn Gardner

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief

Erinn Gardner, a Magnet senior at NC, joined The Chant due to her overwhelming passion for writing and exhibiting creativity. Inevitably, school is a great stress producer, but the newspaper is her escape. In addition to writing, Gardner thoroughly enjoys painting, creative projects and traveling. She also practically resides at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, where she graciously volunteers every weekend. 

As Gardner concludes her highschool years, she eagerly prepares for adulthood. She wishes to attend Spelman College and eventually pursue screenwriting. Although she genuinely does enjoy journalistic writing, she loves the imaginative aspect of writing scripts for films and commercials. She intends on living life to the fullest and making this a reality with the support of her friends and family.

 

All content by Erinn Gardner
I can't even express how much I will miss you guys! thank you for absolutely everything :)

The end of an era: final article dedicated to my family!

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
May 10, 2023
Major Hollywood screenwriters went on strike for the first time in 15 years after failed negotiations with several prominent studios. Until further notice, writers will not assist in the production of TV shows and films. This strike could potentially put a halt to viewers’ favorite movies and series, along with late-night shows.

Hollywood writers carry out a strike

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
May 5, 2023
May 1 serves as a monumental day for all seniors nationwide, as they make a commitment that affects their futures for the rest of their lives. Not only do students officially enroll in their university of choice on decision day, but they receive the privilege of finding out where their classmates will spend the next four years.

Decision day: class of ‘23 reveals their futures

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
April 30, 2023
Child trafficking. Those two words alone may ring a bell to a bulk of the population, but the severity of those words tends to miss several listeners. The outrageous reality of child trafficking causes millions of adolescents and teenagers to disappear, leaving their loved ones to pick up the pieces.

The trauma behind child trafficking

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
April 26, 2023
Since its creation in 2009, the world recognized “Princess and the Frog” as a quality Disney film with a phenomenal plot and a captivating storyline. Furthermore, the main character, Tiana, stands as the first Black Disney Princess to exist. However, viewers and fans of the film see one issue: Tiana serves as a frog for over half of the movie, posing questions about the proper representation of the Black community.

The misrepresentation exhibited in “Princess and the Frog”

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
April 13, 2023
Before heading to college, high school students heavily consider that which will certainly affect their future: their major. Several students come to college not knowing what to expect, holding no prior knowledge of taking a major. Allowing high school seniors to major in a subject they truly enjoy will not only take them out of their senior blues but will encourage them to start thinking about their career path.

Schools should make the minor change of implementing majors

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
April 3, 2023
NC eagerly sent an email to all students, parents and staff members announcing that THE Oprah Winfrey will grace the stage with her presence May 27, 2023, at senior graduation. With NC’s very own Lauren Lee as her great-niece, Oprah voluntarily decided that she will deliver a quick, intellectual and productive commencement speech as the seniors step into the real world.

Coming soon: Oprah speaks at 2023 NC graduation

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
March 31, 2023
After five months of anxiously awaiting the University of Georgia’s (UGA) acceptance decision, magnet senior Annisha Brown could finally lift a weight off of her shoulder once the distinguished university admitted her. Her outstanding academic achievement and impressive resume grabbed the attention of UGA’s selective admission staff. Not only did this stand as a colossal accomplishment for Brown, but also garnered admiration from her friends and family who held the privilege of standing alongside her through her journey.

Miss North Cobb commits to UGA

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
March 24, 2023
Schools continuously fill their vending machine with a series of unhealthy snacks that unintentionally affect students for the worse. While a sweet or salty snack once every blue moon does not hold long-term effects, the poor dietary choices that the school promotes result in obesity; these unacceptable eating habits can cause inadequate performances in both the school and work environment.

The unhealthy reality of school vending machines

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
March 7, 2023
Accomplished constructionist Gerald Lake desires to inspire students with acquired wisdom, enthusiasm, passion and dedication. Through his eager attitude, Lake instills in his students a sense of excitement that comes with knowing how to utilize tools for a productive cause. He hopes that no matter what students derive from his classroom— skills, life lessons or advice— they walk away with their heads held high and confidence instilled.

Gerald Lake constructs community at NC

Erinn Gardner and Ciara Whimbush
March 6, 2023
Although Black History Month holds noble motives, the month serves as a justification to downplay history and culture into the shortest month of the year while also watering down the material presented. Society acts as if African-Americans should accept the month with a smile on their faces, but the public rarely discusses the fact that once the month ends, the country returns to a state of not acknowledging Black History or the events occurring surrounding it.

Black History Month turns into the bare minimum

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
March 1, 2023
With time dwindling until graduation, seniors tend to suffer from horrendous cases of senioritis. This entails students losing motivation to pay attention, participate in school events and complete basic tasks. However, mechanisms to maintain the minimal amounts of ambition they do possess certainly exist.

Cures to senioritis

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
January 22, 2023
Over the years, companies such as Procter & Gamble have bought Black-owned brands to make a profit off of hair products designed for textured hair. With this deal comes a change in the product formula in an effort to cater to straight hair textures, so that a higher amount of the population buys the product. However, this limits the selection of hair products that the Black community can choose from to feed their hair.

The harm in exploiting Black-owned hair products

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
January 20, 2023
Nationally recognized as a holiday, MLK day serves to honor and respect Martin Luther King as a leader and overall person. While the world receives the day off, they should use it as a day to involve themselves in their community and make it a better place. These acts of service not only aid the community, but they certainly commemorate King and his impact on the world that everyone knows and loves.

MLK Day celebrated worldwide

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
January 16, 2023
Due to its cheery atmosphere, Christmas stands as a joyous holiday that people look forward to every year. Christmas movies contribute significantly to the festive holiday feeling that individuals experience. For several families, nothing beats sitting on the couch in pajamas, while eating sugar cookies and watching seasonal movies on Christmas Eve.

Best Christmas movies: family favorites

Erinn Gardner, Editor-In-Chief
December 9, 2022
Black mothers continue to die at alarmingly high rates after giving birth. A number of factors contribute to this high mortality rate, such as health inequities, experiments on Black women and the lack of respect from medical professionals shown toward Black women. Studies reveal the mortality rates of these women, but the world refuses to acknowledge the problem and address this issue.

Black women bear the brunt of birth

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
December 1, 2022
Countless Americans eagerly anticipate expressing gratitude and indulging in mouthwatering Thanksgiving food each November. However, a substantial amount dreads the holiday. People commonly use it as justification to comment on others' bodies. This can trigger those who suffer from eating disorders or feel self-conscious about their outward appearance.

Thanksgiving’s destructive effect on body dysmorphia

Erinn Gardner, Editor-In-Chief
November 22, 2022
While the general population of Americans utilizes the month of November to give thanks, the Native American community utilizes November to recognize the adversity and atrocities they faced. This month aims to raise awareness and spread the rich history that the undercelebrated culture holds.

November marks Native American Heritage Month

Erinn Gardner, Editor-In-Chief
November 16, 2022
On the spookiest day of the year, kids trick-or-treat while wearing a costume of their choice either created by themselves or purchased. However, the discussion of dressing up as serial killer Jeffery Dahmer remains in the air, as Netflix recently released a show about him. This can trigger emotional harm to victims who survived, families of the deceased and those who felt particularly hurt by the show.

The disrespect associated with Dahmer costumes

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
October 28, 2022
Consistently frowned upon in society, tattoos allow people to express themselves in unimaginable ways. Traditionally, companies do not hire employees with tattoo sleeves, as employees acknowledge them as unprofessional. Fortunately, newer generations continue to loosen this taboo ideology and embrace their style, as well as allow others to.

Tattoos make a mark on employment

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
October 23, 2022
Jack Harlow graced the stage Sunday, October 16 at the State Farm Arena for his album tour “Come Home the Kids Miss You”. With other artists ranging from City Girls to Lil Baby performing their acts, the crowd stayed engaged for the entirety of his show. With Atlanta serving as the last show destination, Harlow poured 100% of his energy into the audience. Die-hard fans, as well as ordinary concert attendees, enjoyed the excitement and passion that Harlow brought to the table.

Jack Harlow: “Come Home the Kids Miss You” tour

Erinn Gardner, Editor In Chief
October 19, 2022
Nationally recognized by the public, Economic Education Month strives to educate the world about a matter continuously affecting them. It aims to teach younger populations about the market, as they will not survive in the real world without a basic foundation. The economy will thrive when citizens study financial literacy because their choices will influence society’s day-to-day life.

The world acknowledges Economic Education Month

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
October 17, 2022
When the world thinks of eating disorders, anorexia and bulimia generally come to mind. However, they rarely discuss the effect of Binge Eating Disorders (BED) because these do not result in the so-called “ideal body” longed for by the average person. Rather than an individual starving themselves or not eating, BED results in uncontrolled overeating. People must educate themselves on BED as much as the others, as it proves to affect more of the population.

Binge eating disorders remain severely under-discussed

Erinn Gardner, Editor In Chief
September 21, 2022
With over 40 chapters nationwide, Becca’s Closet aims to provide underprivileged girls with prom and homecoming dresses donated by the community. Because these school events serve as highly attended ones, girls deserve to feel special and wanted. NC’s Becca’s Closet chapter recently made a comeback after four years of absence and will do so stronger than ever.

Becca’s Closet brings style to NC

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
September 19, 2022
Legendary childhood stars such as the Olsen twins, Lindsay Lohan and Vanessa Hudgens left a lasting impression on viewers’ hearts. However, like any other child, these celebrities grow up and live their own lives. Audiences should not publicly shame them, as they do not hold the opportunity to learn life lessons and come into their own privately.

Childhood stars’ reputations follow into adulthood

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
September 18, 2022
On September 1, the Brain Food club kicked off its first meeting of the 2022-2023 school year. This inclusive club allows NC students to gather once a month to discuss neuroscience and psychology, and to learn about them in a fun and engaging way. As the year progresses, the club hopes to increase its attendance rate and allow it to flourish.

NC’s Brain Food makes a comeback

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
September 2, 2022
NC eagerly welcomes Tonya Polk and Mark Giles as its newest administrators. With years of experience in the field, they can confirm they possess a knack for education. Although they surely bring different qualities to the table, both wish to interact with students, as well as positively impact their lives.

NC welcomes new admin

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
August 24, 2022
A student's time in school persists as a critical period in their lives, in which they spend the majority of their day. Therefore, eliminating homework would provide students with more leisure time, enabling them to rest up and perform at their highest level in class. Additionally, students will not grow overwhelmed due to the immense workload and the stress of doing well.

Why schools should abolish homework

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
August 22, 2022
Student led group, Warriors of the World, promotes diversity and inclusion within the NC student body. Their initiative allows students to share their favorite aspects of their culture with others and further educate students on a plethora of ethnic backgrounds. A member from the group interviews a chosen student, where they will then highlight, and showcase their culture and ethnic background.

“Warriors of the World” take on the world

Erinn Gardner, Editor in Chief
August 14, 2022
As several celebrities age, they wish to live a “normal” life and maintain their privacy. However, this does not seem like a possible reality for stars because the celebrities have already established a name for themselves and numerous people follow their lives as if they personally know the celebrities.

The unfortunate reality of celebrities

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Editor
May 11, 2022
The Supreme Court confirmed the leaked draft opinion regarding overturning Roe v Wade case from 1973. This case protects a woman’s liberty to receive an abortion without intervention. While the final decision of the Supreme Court remains unknown, this controversial case fosters protests among liberal citizens.

Supreme Court: potential overturn of Roe v. Wade

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
May 6, 2022
Senior Gary Kinyanjui jumpstarts his photography career as he captures portraits of several members of his community for reasonable prices. As a self-taught photographer, he continues to perfect his talent, while creating quality content for his clients.

Gary Kinyanjui captures the world

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Editor
April 28, 2022
Colorism continues to overshadow skill and individuality in the film industry, as seen in films ranging from "Blackish" to "The Hate U Give”. When casting black actors and actresses for major roles, Hollywood producers and numerous spectators subconsciously prefer lighter-skinned ones. Despite the fact that representation for these various shades of brown increasingly improves, a bias still lingers in the minds of several.

Hollywood’s hatred of hues

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Editor
April 18, 2022
Technological advancements significantly impact the evolution of younger generations' pastimes and hobbies. While present in previous generations, technology appears to deprive newer youth of their childhood with the numerous apps, programs and games available to them.

Technology vs. toys

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Editor
April 14, 2022
NC made the executive decision to permanently lengthen homeroom on Fridays to allow students mental health breaks and additional time to catch up on school work. Because a handful of students do not ordinarily receive the opportunity to carve out multiple hours of personal time for themselves, this new policy will hopefully serve as the perfect balance of education and free time.

NC decides on three-hour-long homeroom

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Editor
March 31, 2022
Photo Credit: Erinn Gardner With hundreds of hair products available in beauty supply stores for type 4 hair, individuals struggle with seeking the proper hair care to manage their hair. Hair textures ranging from S-shaped curls to tight coils require the same level of care to receive the desired appearance and overall health.

Hair products: honest reviews

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
March 29, 2022
March 11, 2022, marked two years of the pandemic that the world currently lives in. From Zoom calls to Tik Tok trends, COVID-19 affected the world in unimaginable ways. As this disease gradually ends, the public begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Happy Birthday, Covid

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Manager
March 21, 2022
In the present era, any young girl will most certainly acquire or possess items, like crop tops and non-traditional piercings, which society primarily correlates with teenagers. This contentious issue manifests itself in a variety of ways for a number of causes, media trends taking the role as one of them. Known to carry impressionable minds, these children strive to imitate those on social media, as well as older influential figures in their lives. At the end of the day, the ownership of these objects strips away children’s ability to properly enjoy their youth.

The younger the generation, the older they look

Erinn Gardner, Social Media editor
March 7, 2022
Black Student Union and NC’s Fine Arts department held a grand performance in the Performing Arts Center to commemorate Black History Month. Guest speakers made an appearance in addition to NC's chorus and symphony performing notable historical Black songs. This counts as NC's first formal black history event, drawing a considerable audience and remaining in the hearts of those who attended as a success.

NC takes a step in honoring Black History Month

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Manager
February 17, 2022
On the first day of Black History Month, a multitude of Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs) received bomb threats, forcing several students to either evacuate their campuses or take part in a hard lockdown. After further investigation of the matter, the Federal Department of Investigation concluded that these potentially harmful threats count as racially charged.

Bomb threats override HBCUs

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Manager
February 9, 2022
A group of influential individuals recently made a proposition to separate the City of Atlanta and the district of Buckhead. Reasons for this desired secession include rising tax rates, high crime and the lack of power they possess over the community. While a handful of people located in Buckhead favor the controversial idea, a multitude of Atlanta residents heavily opposes it.

Buckhead divorces the city of Atlanta 

Erinn Gardner, Social Media editor
January 24, 2022
As businesses struggle to swiftly supply common necessities such as milk, bread, meat and cleaning supplies, grocery store shelves throughout America remain bare. After two years of pandemic and supply chain related dilemmas, they still face major setbacks, limiting access to goods for a countless number of Americans.

Empty shelves limit household purchases

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Manager
January 20, 2022
On Sunday, January 9, Bob Saget, the stand-up comedian and actor best known for his role as Danny Tanner on the long-running sitcom "Full House," unexpectedly passed away, just hours after performing at a comedy show. The unanticipated loss of this iconic actor devastated a multitude of people of all ages because of the impact he had on the television industry and comedy world.

“America’s Dad” Bob Saget dies at 65

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Manager
January 13, 2022
The Travis Scott Astroworld festival tragedy left at least 10 attendees dead and hundreds suffering severe injuries. The physical and emotional trauma that the festival gave them resulted in several lawsuits against Travis Scott. With multiple companies involved in the organization of the 2 day festival, the brunt of the culpability still remains up for debate.

Who takes the blame for Astroworld?

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
December 9, 2021
Virgil Abloh, most recently the men's artistic director of Louis Vuitton, died Sunday, November 28 after a private battle with cancer. Abloh, who developed the streetwear-focused luxury label Off-White and served as Kanye West's long-term creative director, rose to the prestigious position of artistic director at Louis Vuitton in 2018, making him the brand's first African-American artistic director. His heart-rending death continues to negatively impact those who have had the pleasure of working with him, as well as those who remain inspired by him.

The death of Virgil Abloh takes a toll on the fashion world

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
December 3, 2021
Referred to as her most personal album thus far, “30” unpacks Adele’s emotions following her recent divorce. While her previous albums possess an abundance of sentiments, Adele’s new album leaves fans mesmerized as she graces them with a plethora of music styles, voice notes and raw emotions.

Divorce prompts Adele’s comeback

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
November 30, 2021
Cultural appropriation refers to the act of claiming a cultural element, which does not belong to you. It usually applies when a dominant group takes or borrows something from a minority group that gets exploited or oppressed. Most times, the significance of a cultural element does not get acknowledged or educated upon when appropriated. Not only does this behavior offend specific cultures, but it also develops a societal culture divide due to the lack of respect exhibited.

Cultural Appropriation Vs. Appreciation

Erinn Gardner, Social Media Editor
November 30, 2021
While considered illustrious and holding the nickname of the Black Harvard, Howard University has caught itself within a scandal regarding the living conditions within its dormitories. Howard students showcased video after video of expired air filters, belongings covered in mold, an infestation of cockroaches and deplorable hose showers. Students set up tents outside on campus, arguing that the hefty price tag of 50,000 dollars for tuition and public and private grants to the school should cover their living conditions by tenfold.

Honored Howard University caught in dormitory scandal

Zioni Moore and Erinn Gardner
October 29, 2021
If authorized by the FDA, Molnupiravir could exist as the first oral antiviral treatment for the COVID-19 virus. This drug will likely reduce the risk of hospitalization or death for patients with mild or severe cases of COVID-19. With the new medicine on the way, the world will hopefully make its way back to normality.

COVID-19 treatment pill awaits approval

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
October 20, 2021
Now that a multitude of Americans recognizes the significance of Indigenous peoples’ Day, they utilize this holiday as a reflection of our history in the United States, the role Native people played in it, and the impacts that history had on native people and communities. Citizens should also use this as a day to gain an understanding of the diversity of Indigenous peoples.

The evolution of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
October 18, 2021
The Black Student Union (BSU) meets twice a month in the media center from 3:30-4:15. This inclusive club welcomes all members of NC’s student body regardless of their cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Presidents Ruth Luulay and Abigail Nwachukwu make BSU a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone by putting together a plethora of activities for members to participate in while prompting riveting discussion topics.

Black Excellence and Intelligence at BSU

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
October 4, 2021
Atlanta welcomed numerous high profile musicians to Piedmont Park on Saturday September 18th and Sunday September 19th for the annual Music Midtown festival. 21 Savage made his way to the Version stage at 6:30 on Saturday evening.

Magic at Music Midtown

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
September 23, 2021
Understanding Drake and Kanye West’s feud leads into a complicated hole of rivalry, deception, pettiness and mental illness; all stemming mostly from the latter. However, the recent controversy from West, mainly from him releasing Drake’s address through an instagram post, has heads turning. The leak potentially put Drake and his three-year-old son, Adonis, at risk and in harm's way. Regardless, the question remains of whether this could deter audiences from listening to, let alone enjoying, Kanye’s music. The profitability of his future endeavors remains unknown, and the larger question of where the path of no return for separating the art from the artist begins.

Battle between GOATs

Erinn Gardner and Zioni Moore
September 22, 2021
The 2021 Tokyo Olympics took place this past summer, where Sha'carri Richardson became one of the most contentious topics. Richardson participated in the use of marijuana, after discovering her biological mother’s passing. This resulted in the disqualification of her track performance at the Olympics. Several individuals claim that Richardson deserved the 30-day suspension, while others say that she did not.

Sha’carri Richardson cannabis debate

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
August 20, 2021
The Covid-19 vaccine will supposedly save numerous lives, as the population integrates back into normality. However, people have doubts about receiving the vaccine, considering that it came out less than a year ago. Not only will FDA approval officiate it, but it could possibly encourage people to receive the vaccine.

FDA takes a shot with the vaccine

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
August 20, 2021
The majority of students took part in virtual schooling during the 2020-21 school year, leading to a significant number of cafeteria employees resigning from their jobs. Due to lack of staff, all students dine in the main cafeteria, where overcrowding appears severely present, stressing out multiple NC parents and students alike, from the lack of social distancing to certain students’ testimonies of not finishing lunch.

NC’s cafeteria staff shortage

Erinn Gardner, Reporter
August 17, 2021
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