Page 91 - 2012.Millard.North

by Brent Griffiths

A New England locale, century old buildings and a list
of famous alumni conjure up images of some of the most

prestigious and selective schools. However, 'graduates' of
this school are connected, not by ivy, but by a "Long Gray
Line". This line unites the cadets of West Point, the United

States Military Academy and soon to be cadet MN senior
R.K. Barker.
"To be a part of The Long Gray Line is an honor and
privilege and I feel that I have a responsibility not to fill their
shoes, but to meet expectations of an officer from West

Point," Barker said.
However, before becoming a cadet Barker had to navigate
a rigorous application process that included a nomination

from a congressman and interview process.
"When I interviewed with my congressman and the military
representatives, it struck me that I am going into the Army
while our nation is at war and looking for leaders in com-
bat," Barker said.

A belief in service has guided Barker, along with other
students, on a path through which one can better not only
themselves, but their country in the process.
"I was attracted to the idea of what the military does to pro-

teet the country. [The U.S.] has a type of economy and way
we pick our president that has not been replicated success-
fully throughout the world," Barker said.

Up , Tangled, and Harry Potter. to the casual observer

these movies are source of entertainment and enjoyment
However, to someone such as senior Kennedy Tarrell
they are masterpieces whose visual appeal is rooted in
their complex use of lighting and visual effects.
"I really liked how Pixar captures emotions through light
such as th ou gh the prologue in Up , a nd Tangled where
you can tell so much work went into creating th e lighting,"

Tarrell said.
Tarrell enjoys concept and story board art, and h
land a career in on e of those fie lds .

"Pixar is my first choice, like everyon e else,
look at a place like Blue Sky," Tarrell

something that wasn't. It's
your interests from