CMYK
January 2010
Text to save lives By Phong Duong
In society today, text messaging is often as common as breathing when it comes to using your phone to communicate with others. Almost 85% of Americans have some form of text messaging plan on their phones. Due to recent events, text messaging has transformed into not only a means of communicating, but also a way to save lives. So how exactly does that work? On Tuesday, January 12, a massive earthquake struck the capitol of Haiti, Port-au-Prince. The capitol, along with the rest of the nation, has been completely devastated from the quake and much of its infrastructures are completely demolished. Within hours after the earthquake struck, the American Red Cross was called to the rescue, along with many other relief teams. They immediately set up a plan to pledge money to aid Haiti by using text messaging. Americans were asked to
Other Organizations • "Haiti" to "20222" donates $10 to William J. Clinton Foundation • "Haiti" to "85944" donates $10 to Intl. Medical Corps • "Haiti" to "25383" to donate $5 to Intl. Rescue Committee text HAITI to 90999 or Yele to 501501 to make a donation for the devastating event. By texting these messages, 10 dollars is added to the customer’s cell phone bill. The cell phone company then reimburses the organization that the customer designated the money be sent to. “I think that the idea is awesome. A lot of people don’t know how to help, and this puts the solution right in their hands,” exclaims Kate Van Buer, a junior and supporter of the increasing aid to Haiti. Thousands of people soon heard about the plan, and many decided to instantaneously make this generous donation. Recently, CNN reported that as of January 14th, a mere two days after the earthquake struck Haiti, text messaging has raised over seven million dollars towards the Red Cross foundation. Reportedly, the Red Cross has raked in, at times, about $100,000 an hour.
Queens take to the court for a cause By Alison Sullivan
For the past three years, the River Queen basketball team has dedicated one of their games each season to the fight for breast cancer. On December 22, 2009, over Christmas break, the team stormed the court wearing their pink cancer jerseys, but this game they fought for a different cause: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The event took
on a whole new meaning, for the evening was not just dedicated to fighting this cancer, but a special person’s fight. Molly Enwright, a 2008 graduate from Clinton High, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma disease last year and took the spring semester off to fight it. Her body responded well to the radiation, however, a checkup just last fall revealed
that it had returned twice as strong. Mr. McEwen, science teacher and girl’s basketball head coach, upon hearing of Enwright’s situation, immediately wanted to do something to help a former student and basketball player. Enwright’s battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma affects the immune system. The cells grow abnormally and develop into cancerous cells, which then do not undergo a normal life cycle. The cells, instead of dying, continue to produce more abnormal cells. These cells ultimately compromise the body’s ability to fight infections. There are two types, Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin, which is more common. While the disease was once fatal, it is now highly treatable
due to advanced treatments. The River Queen basketball players teamed up and sold shirts to both the Clinton population as well as their opponents, Camanche, creating a night of unity to “Beat Cancer,” and encouraged all to sport the shirts at the game. The shirts sold were lavender, which is the color that represents cancer survivors. “It was cool to do this… and I feel it was a really good cause. It’s awesome to see two [opposing] teams coming together for one cause,” reflected a basketball player, Katie Schimerowski. In addition to the t-shirts sold, the game held a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and a half-time half court shot fundraiser, all which went towards Enwright’s fight. All together, the Queens were able to raise about $3500 dollars. “Sometimes people are wary of sending money to certain organizations because they aren’t always sure where it goes,” observed Mr. McEwen, “but this is something that
hits home… to have a familiar face. It makes the cause really special.” Currently, Enwright is residing in Iowa City after a stem cell treatment just last week. Doctors performed a stem cell transplant in which they took out her stems cells so they could kill the cancerous cells and then put them back in to hopefully clear any other potentially cancerous ones. The transplant is less risky because it is still her own stem cells and so it is not likely that her body will reject them. Enwright must remain in the hospital for at least a month due to a low immune system. “Her boyfriend and family are with her, so I am sure she is doing great…probably playing a lot of Wii,” comments Mr. McEwen. For more information on Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or how you can continue to help others fighting this disease, visit www.fight2win.org.
From L-R: Hannah Gettes, Ellen Russell, Molly Enwright, Devvin Rolston, and Allison Cruthis
Government teacher keeps watch over Haiti By Alison Sullivan
On January 12, in the late afternoon, the ground began to tremble; the people of Haiti found themselves in the wake of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Soon infrastructures crumbled and became death traps for the unfortunate ensnared within. Shock and fear spread as people struggled to comprehend the devastation inflicted upon this small country, just roughly smaller than the state of Maryland. Almost instantaneously, doctors, media, and all forms of relief organizations rushed to Haiti in a mass global effort to sustain the living, rescue the trapped, recover the dead, and find the missing. Port-Au-Prince, the coun-
try’s capitol, was in close proximity to the earthquake’s epicenter and has suffered intense damage that not only includes the city’s inhabitants but also the rest of the country. Though it was not the only city damaged by the quake, the city serves as the main source of economic activity. It uses the bay to transport food, water, clothing and more from other countries. “This is the life of Haiti,” acknowledged one man on the capitol’s damage to the rest of the country on CNN recently. He continued to note that without it, the country would starve. Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the poorest in
the world, has throughout history fought against
“It’s hard to explain to anybody who hasn’t gone [to Haiti] and seen it first hand,”
Mr. Kline
numerous afflictions. It has survived multiple foreign occupations, virtually no stable government, and 80% of its people survive below the poverty line. Over recent years, the economy began to experience slow growth, but was hin-
dered by the four tropical storms in 2008, coupled with the recent earthquake, will prolong such progress almost indefinitely. One of Clinton High’s government teachers, Mr. Kline, who visited the country a few years ago, was able to give insight into the reality of what the country has faced and what this natural disaster means for its people. Despite his firsthand knowledge, Kline claims, “It’s hard to explain to anybody who hasn’t gone [to Haiti] and seen it firsthand.” Kline took part in a mission trip to Haiti several years ago where he gave aid to “Village of Hope,” a school near the town Croix des Bouquet, a northern
suburb of Port-Au-Prince. Through the organization ‘Food for the Poor,’ Kline and his group were also able to help a nearby girls’ orphanage which was only slightly damaged in the earthquake. Kline has been able to receive personal updates on the situation in Haiti through contacts he has met working at the orphanage. Though most are okay, he has been informed of one death of a sixteen year old translator which accompanied his group. As efforts pour in from all corners of the globe, Kline and his church are organizing ways to help collect donations. Continued on page 2 Photos Kline received of the devastation. L-R: A collapsed shed and damaged buildings. SUBMITTED PHOTOS
'Charlie Brown' warms hearts of all ages By Taylor Mckee
On January 8th and 9th members of Clinton High’s drama troupe were transformed into five year olds as well as a dog in “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown,” a musical collaboration of the Peanuts comic strips and movies created by the beloved cartoonist, Charles Schulz. The musical follows the anxious ‘more than five’year old, Charlie Brown, portrayed by freshman, Will Callan, who is often found down and out of luck. Callan nailed his character perfectly, reenacting the troubles and pitfalls which often bother poor Charlie Brown with a brilliant flair of awkwardness and cyni-
cism. Another leading freshman included Rubina Vidal as the snotty, crabby, and at times just no good Lucy, who despite her character’s crabbiness still was extremely adorable. Other characters from the beloved ‘Peanuts gang’ included Charlie Brown’s little sister Sally, played by sophomore Taylor Weibers, who’s sassy sister attitude and clever coat hanger confrontation left the audience chuckling. Sophomore Ian Black played the young blanket wielding intellectual, Linus, who also serves as Charlie Brown’s most devoted confidant. Senior Alison Sullivan portrayed the famous supper-loving Continued on page 3: Lucy (Vidal) swoons as Shroeder (Owen) plays classical works on his miniature piano
CMYK
January 2010
Students from afar experience american life Interviewed by Phong Duong
Each year CHS plays host to international students from all over. Spending an entire year, or half for some, results in a new view of American culture and definite life changing experiences. The Clintonian's Phong Duong sat down with the following students as they reflected on their experiences so far.
Franzi Lopian Birthday: 9/12/1994 Where are you from?: Augsburg (in the state of) Bavaria, Germany What are your hobbies?: Meeting friends, going to the cinema, having fun and exercising. What do you think of CHS so far?: It is really different from what I am used to but it is fun! What was an average school day for you at home and how does it differ from your American day?: I learn with the same people all day and I have a lot more classes. What is a big culture
difference that you’ve noticed?: People are more friendly and open minded. What are some activities here at CHS that you’re currently a part of?: Cheerleading So far, what’s one thing that you like most about CHS/Clinton?: The people One random fact about yourself?: I like having people around me though it’s hard to speak a lot of English, but I’m getting better!
What do you miss most about home?: That I can walk everywhere and don’t need to have a driver.
Rie (Lijian Qin) Birthday: 7/16/1992
Where are you from?: Tokyo, Japan What are your hobbies?: Taking pictures and playing alto sax. What do you think of CHS so far?: There are a lot of awesome people here and they teach me slang! What was an average school day for you at home and how does it differ from your American day?: It takes one hour by subway. We have school uniforms. We can’t choose most classes. We have ten minute breaks between each class and we stay in our homeroom class and our teachers come to us. What is a big cultural difference that you’ve noticed?: Eat meat a lot! A lot of kids drive (which is cool!) We cannot get a license until we are 18. What are some activities here at CHS that you’re currently a part of?: Marching band, mixed chorus, drama, concert band, running club. So far, what’s one thing that you like MOST about CHS/Clinton? Free pie
Wednesday at Village Inn. One random fact about yourself?: I’ve gained more than ten pounds in half of the year I’ve been here. I also think that my CHS friends and teachers are my favorite. I love them as much as Hello Kitty!
being a student at CHS. What was an average school day for you at home and how does it differ from your American day?: I normally go to school by bike at around 6:45 a.m. Then we usually have 7 class periods which are 45 minutes each. There is a 15 minute break between 3rd and 4th period. Also we usually eat at home. Differences are that in the U.S. we have the same subjects every day. In Germany we have a ‘clan’, which means we are thirty or so students and we will stay together for four years and we will have all the same classes together.
Clemens Rudolph* Birthday: 6/27/993 Where are you from?: Germany What are your hobbies?: Mountain biking, playing the piano, hanging out with friends, and playing golf. What do you think of CHS so far?: I really enjoy
*Rudolph only spent one semester at Clinton High. He is now home in Germany.
Bowlers sporting a good time By Amber Elkins
For some it’s a sport; for others it’s a chance to hang out with friends, or some may even think it can only be done in a darkened setting with 90’s music, disco lights and safety bumpers. If you haven’t caught on yet, in a nutshell, this describes views on bowling, Clinton High School Bowling has been hitting the lanes since the early 1970’s and has experienced its share of strikes and gutter balls. The team bowls against both schools in and outside of the Mississippi Athletic Conference. “Bowling is a chal-
lenge,” Angela Wynkoop, For the longest time, a junior who has been on bowling at CHS was simthe varsity team since her ply limited to a club for freshmen year, both boys says. “It’s also a and girls. great chance to It later "When I started hang out with all became of my friends on coaching there were the state’s only 3 teams...and a idea the team.” to M a r k season only lasted a transform Richardson, the couple [of ] weeks..." b o w l i n g coach for the into a sport Clinton team, for girls, to remembers equalize when he first Coach Richardson the numstarted to coach. ber of girls “When I started and boys coaching there were only sports; now it’s consid3 teams on this side of the ered a sport for boys, too. state that bowled and a “Bowling is complicatseason only lasted a cou- ed,” Steven Davis, a ple weeks, unlike now, sophomore, said. “I love when it’s a complete sea- how one day you can son.” bowl one of the best
Clintonian Staff: In this issue... Editor-in-Chief: Alison Sullivan Layout: Alison Sullivan Advertisement: CHS FBLA
Reporters: Phong Duong Taylor Mckee Kristina Armstrong Amber Elkins Tara Geary
games of your life and the next day you will bowl a 99 or 100.” There seems to be a common team that everyone thinks is hardest to beat “Hardest team to beat I would say is Muscatine,” said RJ Brashaw a senior. “I have to agree with RJ,” said Justin Tegeler, a junior. Overall, bowling is fun and you don’t have to be the greatest at bowling to have a lot of fun in the sport. There are leagues in Clinton, Fulton, and towns surrounding Clinton. Bowling can be very fun or it can be very stressful. There really is
never a dull moment while a meet is going on and it’s always fun just to watch the boys and girls support each other. They always cheer each other on even if they do not do their best at times. For that reason, I encourage everyone in Clinton to try bowling. I’m not saying you have to join the team, but make a team with friends or join a league; I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun and you don’t have to be good. It certainly doesn’t hurt to be good but as long as you are having fun it’s okay. Good luck Clinton boy and girl bowlers.
Children's Christmas party By Alison Sullivan
Christmas time is synonymous with laughter, cheer, good will, and memories, especially when it is celebrated with the spirit of the season. On December 19th the Clinton High student council made sure that elementary children throughout Clinton would be able to enjoy the beauty of the season. The students put together a Christmas party for about fifty elementary students from the surrounding elementary schools. At the party, high school and elementary students mingled together and played games, colored, received holiday tattoos, decorated cookies
and wrote letters to Santa. As the day wore on, the partiers refueled with pizza and soda before playing a few more games. It is safe to say that the best part of the day for everyone was when Santa Clause stopped by and, to the children’s delight, chatted and posed for pictures. The children then received presents and soon the floor became scattered with wrapping paper and children playing with trucks, dolls, stuffed animals, and other games. The student council sponsored Children’s Christmas Party has been going on for a number of years before Mr. Endress became the current advisor. The party never
What is a big culture difference that you’ve noticed?: People in the U.S. have a different mentality. A lot of them are more relaxed than in my country and are more “easy going.” What are some activities here at CHS that you’re currently a part of?: I am on the swim team. So far, what’s one thing that you like MOST about CHS/Clinton?: The teachers are more than teachers. They are more like a good friend. I also like athletics; it’s always fun to be part of a team. One random fact about yourself?: My last name is Rudolph just like the reindeer! What do you miss most about home?: I think my family. It is just different to be away from home. I also miss my friends, but people here have been so nice to me that I didn’t really have time to think about missing something.
fails to be a success for all involved and everyone seems to walk away with a renewed sense of what the holiday season means to them. The group is able to put on the party, supply pizza and games, as well as purchase gifts, through the funds they obtain from the Homecoming dance and Pancake Breakfast the previous fall. Homeroom classes and other teachers throughout the school also lend a hand by purchasing gifts which are handed out at the party. "It makes me feel like we are really helping out the children in our community," reflects Allison Cruthis, a junior on student council. "It's a rewarding feeling knowing that you helped make a child's Christmas a little brighter."
Haiti continued: “One of the things we don’t get [by watching the news] is the smell,” Kline informs me. “Haiti, on a good day, has this horrible smell of garbage because they don’t have a garbage pickup system.” Kline continues to describe that now on top of the rotting garbage is the pungent smell of bodies. Suffering is not a foreign word to the Haitians, who already suffer from widespread malnutrition, with only half of the population having proper access to clean water. That is why many relief efforts are working diligently to bury the dead and provide food and shelter to the living as fast as possible to prevent the spread of disease caused from contamination. These organizations are facing many obstacles in their effort to aid Haiti. Transporting necessities such as food and water prove difficult, as nearly 70% of the roads are unpaved and are now covered with people, fearful of more buildings falling in aftershocks. Kline is very attentive to all reports coming out of the country. For Kline, the Haitian people and their constant strength despite adversity have left their mark on him. “…they are beautiful people…their inner strength and their spirit to survive… most of us would say ‘oh, I give up.’” Impressed with Obama’s immediate pledge of $100 million dollars, Kline stresses how any offering, small or large, will be a huge help to a population who appreciates any blessings they are given. “They just absorb everything…and with a smile,” Kline says of both the people and especially of the young children who travel through harsh conditions to seek education. “ They are so desperate to learn and to me that speaks volumes.”
Like what you see? Let us know! Send all questions, comments, and concerns to chsclintonian@gmail.com
CMYK
January 2010
'Holmes' is an New procedures for airport travel elementary pick By Tara Geary
By Taylor Mckee
Sherlock Holmes, Sir Aruthur Conan Doyle’s incisive detective, has been a classic literary icon for centuries. Over the years, numerous directors have taken a stab at adapting Holmes and his mind-boggling adventures to film, including various TV series. The most recent endeavor, directed by Guy Ritchie, brings a new flair to the nostalgic tale, which will entertain both diehard fans and fresh viewers alike. The movie “Sherlock Holmes” follows the super sleuth Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his dependable, yet always two steps behind sidekick, Dr. Watson (Jude Law), on their never-ending mission to solve Scotland Yard’s unsolvable crimes. Nineteenth century London is but a playground for the two, as they trapeze throughout it in search of clues, encountering adventure Brown cont'd: Charlie Brown’s most devoted confidant. Senior Alison Sullivan portrayed the famous supper-loving Snoopy and had the audience howling with laughter throughout the show. Junior Ben Owen was the musically inclined and Beethoven enthusiast, Schroeder. In addition to the Peanuts gang was a very talented chorus, which added another great dimension, quirkiness, to the show. Accompanying the actors was a meager but nevertheless mighty pit
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and always a few unexpected obstacles along the way. In Ritchie’s adaptation, Holmes and Watson track down the serial killer and occultist Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). They think another case is wrapped up as Blackwood is sentenced to death, however it reopens after Blackwood mysteriously rises from the dead. Together, Holmes and Watson ‘engage in a battle of wits and brawn’ as they seek to stop Blackwood and his plot to threaten all of England. Rachel McAdams also stars in the film as the quick witted and alluring Irene Adler – Holmes’s only weakness. The movie has a fantastic, fast paced plot which sheds light on a brawnier Holmes. The adventure and fun keeps the audience guessing until the very end, despite its slight length. So set aside a day and go solve the mystery of how wonderful Sherlock Holmes really is. I award the film 3 ½ stars. consisting of the show’s two directors, Mr. Hollister and Ms. Ball on bass guitar and piano, along with senior Blake Stearns on drums. This is the first time that the Clinton High Drama Department has performed a winter show in addition to its normal fall and spring shows. The cast and crew had only a few weeks to prepare and put the show together, coming to school throughout Christmas break to rehearse. Though the show had no distinct start-to-finish plot, it depicted various comic strips that all Peanuts enthusiasts could often relate to and remember fondly. In the audience were people of all ages, and several generations were able to embrace together the life lessons learned from ‘the gang’ which still seem to possess lifelong relevancy.
If you have ever flown, then you know how airports can be a labyrinth of obstacles, security, and time checks. Though the excitement to reach your final destination ultimately helps to soften the hectic bluster of airport travel, there is still a refined art to the whole system. On Friday, December 25th, 2009 there was a breach in the normal airport hustle and bustle when a young man from Nigeria attempted to ignite explosives on a Northwest Airlines flight headed to Detroit. Fortunately, the plot was foiled by a combination of both an unsuccessful execution on the young Nigerian’s behalf as well as the instant response of the passengers onboard the air-
plane to thwart the attack. Airport security along with the federal government were quick on their feet in response to the threat, but many argue were ultimately not quick enough, as many feel there was a failure to ‘connect the dots’ well before the event took place. In hopes of refuting any further potential terrorist’s plots, security has maximized even more both across the nation as well as on the global scale. The very first statement released on the new restrictions at many major airlines included a detailed description that prohibits passengers from doing various activities on international flights that are coming to the United States. The restrictions include instructions that passengers must remain in their seats for the final
hour of the international flight and no one is allowed to have any personal items on their laps. In addition, oversea passengers may only bring one carry-on item, meaning their once carry-on luggage must turn into regular luggage, making the lines longer to the in-state fliers. Airline travel had already declined 20 percent before the attempt on the 25th, and industry executives say that the new steps will complicate travel even more, which could cause travelers to cancel flight plans they may have in 2010. Teachers and students at Clinton High School may not see the difference in travel quite yet, unless they have traveled since the disturbances at the airports on the 25th. Sophomore Andrew
Howes traveled by air since the terrorist threat. He states, "Although the security was a little tougher, and the airport seemed more hectic than normal, I'm glad they are doing it." When asked if he thought that the new airport security was really necessary, he replied with, "Of course, I would much rather have to wait longer in security line, than risk the chance of letting people that are dangerous onto the planes." It's good to know the students at Clinton High would rather be safe than sorry. Although there was a fluke with one person at an airport the Sunday after, there is hope that the new security measures will strengthen safety and decrease potential terrorist possibilities.
Have you met...? Horoscopes By Amber Elkins
Being a new teacher in a new school can be scary, but it often can be really fun. Some teachers start in their hometown state, others follow where the work leads them. Some even go all the way out of the country. Ms. Carter, the new foundations of c h e m i s t r y and physics teacher, went to high school in Iowa but ended up teaching in San Antonio, Texas for four years, and Nigeria for one year. Of her abroad teaching experience, Carter comments, “Teaching in Nigeria was an amazing and eye-opening experience. There was no cafeteria to raid for supplies because their ‘cafeteria’ was a kettle and a fire. For the students to do a lab, they had to go fetch water from a well a quarter of a mile away. While there were many differences, the science never changed and really, for the most part, kids are kids!” Carter returned to the states and applied to numerous schools for a science position. She remarks, “Clinton just
seemed to fit. It’s been fun meeting new teachers.” When asked what she liked about teaching foundations of chemistry, Ms. Carter said that she likes doing a lot of hands on activities. “It’s interesting to see the students think about science and what they are doing in my class.” The science department is very happy to have Ms. Carter as a new addition as well. Hobbies Ms. Carter enjoys when she is not preparing her classroom include traveling and being outdoors camping, hiking, running and most recently cross-country skiing. Carter’s future includes developing her teaching practice at Clinton High School. “Yes of course I’m looking forward to teaching here for future years. I think it’s going to be easier after this year, as it’s been a challenge to figure out how everything works,” she reflects. So next time you are in the school walking past Mr. Endress's and Mrs. Lux's room, keep walking just a little farther down the hall and say hello to this wonderful new teacher.
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By Kristina Armstrong
Aries (3/21-4/19) Get rid of all of that clutter in your life. Re-organize literally and metaphorically. Love: Jump out of your skin and hopefully you’ll catch the eye of someone new! Taurus (4/20-5/20) Don’t run to spending money in times of hurt and pain. Look for a different outlet. Love: You know what you want, so what are you waiting for? Go get it! Gemini (5/21-6/21) Pair up with a friend and make a difference! Either a small project for your parents or a large community project! Love: You tend to care about everyone. You really just need to focus on your personal needs this month. Cancer (6/22-7/22) Your energy this month seems to fluctuate a lot. Don’t force it. Love: Find the humor in your significant other’s insanity! Leo (7/23-8/22) Take a look at the unresolved issues in your life. Find the results to end these uncertainties. Love: New people are always good to meet. That doesn’t mean they have to be your new girl/boyfriend. Virgo (8/23-9/22) Your mind is telling you to go for it, while your heart is telling you to wait. So go with your
gut! Love: Keep an open mind. Love takes time. Libra (9/23-10/22) Work this month will be fun and exciting if you have a positive attitude! Love: Differences of opinions is what keeps things fresh! Scorpio (10/23-11/21) Don’t get yourself stuck in positions you can’t get out of. Love: Focus on what you have to say to that special someone instead of just rambling on and on. Sagittarius (11/2212/21) Explore your dreams and they may turn into reality! Love: Your light spirit has those around you in complete shock! Keep up the good work. Capricorn (12/22-1/19) Organize your life! You never know when the impossible may become possible. Love: Your sweetheart can’t read your mind. Figure out what you need and ask for it! Aquarius (1/20-2/18) Deal with your deep and heartfelt emotions. Don’t run away from them. Love: Your love life is about to change in a drastic way. Be ready for it. Pisces (2/19-3/20) Somebody might try to “rain on your parade” today. Go grab your umbrella! Love: Consult your significant other before making lifelong decisions.