CMYK
May 2010
A grim reminder of the dangers of drinking By Tara Geary
The day before prom is always hectic for many but the excitement seems to always outweigh the endless prep work. Last minute details are being set into place and the minds of many young boys and girls are wandering to imagine what the night will be like. Although, one thought that may only linger in the back of these student’s minds are the consequences of their actions before prom, at
prom or thereafter. Students against destructive decisions (S.A.D.D), hosts a day every year that allows students’ minds to start thinking of what their decisions can really do to their life. This day, is known as Grimm reaper day to Clinton High students and staff. Once a year on the Friday before prom, a student dresses up as the Grimm reaper, and walks around the school. Every twenty-two min-
utes a bell goes off throughout the school, representing how often somebody somewhere dies of drunk driving. Particular students are pulled out of class by the Grimm reaper to go get their faces painted white. Students with their faces painted represent the people that have died from drunk driving that day. Any student with their face painted must stay silent the rest of the
day, and their silent presence eerily haunt the classrooms, becoming just another reminder what the effects of drinking could be. Altogether the school painted twenty-two white faces and by the end of the day seeing the Grimm reaper walking around had really gotten to a few kids. Ben Owen, the student who took on the role of the Grimm reaper, did an excellent job and really got
into the character. He scared kids and held a straight face throughout the entire day. He commented that, “It was great helping out S.A.D.D. and getting the message to not drive drunk was also a plus.” For Ben, his day was filled with spreading a grim feeling throughout the school but he also remarked, “…Being the Grimm reaper had its perks though. For example getting out of class and scaring the freshman.” Although Ben found some entertainment in being a dark cloaked figure other students found him to be scary.
Mallory Shockey, the organizer of the Grimm reaper day, finds that Grimm reaper day can get through to a few of the students at Clinton High. She stated that, “..I feel like the message is really received to not drink and drive on prom night.” Students hopefully got the message by the intimidation from the Grimm reaper. Students are asked year after year to make the best decisions possible on prom night, some do while some do not. Hopefully by using Grimm reaper day at least one kid is influenced against drinking and driving.
Seniors partake in yearly beautification day By Alison Sullivan
Sophomore Juliana Rickerl walks silently among the noisy lunchroom crowd as a reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving.
Prom 2010: A Royal Ball By Katherine Van Buer
Twenty years from now when you look back at your high school years you may not remember how to do in-text documentation for a research paper or how to balance a chemical equation, but one thing you will remember is prom. Every year, a group of juniors create fundraisers and help plan the night that lasts only a few hours, but will be remembered for a lifetime. This year, prom was orchestrated a little differently. Normally, there is a large group of kids helping out. The turnout was relatively small with six dedicated junior girls who pitched in a lot of time and effort. So now
instead of having a Royal Court like in past years (with one king, one queen, and a few attendants), we had SIX queens! Sierra Bousman, Catherine Cole, Mallory Shockey, Kate Van Buer (me!), Taihlor Wagner, and Brenda Walker served as the Clinton High prom queens. “It was a really great time and everyone looked so pretty!” said junior Catherine Cole about the evening. Another deviation of the typical Clinton High prom was the location. Instead of having the dance in Yourd Gymnasium as usual, it was held at the Vista Grande. Also, because parents and community
members were unable to stand in the balcony and watch, take pictures, and show off their kids to other parents, a Grand March was held at the start of the event. Each couple that wished to participate walked under a glittering arch as their names were called. “It was really nice to have it at the Vista Grande… it was beautiful and memorable and it makes me kind of sad that it was my last one,” said senior Grace Shemwell. The hosts of prom packed the place. From the table with cupcakes and punch staffed by soph omores to the stage on which the DJ sat, couples and individuals
dressed to the nines stood and danced the night away. It was hot, stuffy, and maybe even a little bit uncomfortable, but it was well worth it for many. After all of the formalities, the real fun began. There wasn’t a moment that the dance floor wasn’t crowded with dancing, chattering, and laughter. It was certainly a night to be remembered.
Left: Students break it down on the dance floor. Right: Prom attendees smile for a quick snapshot. SUBMITTED BY KATHERINE VAN BUER
On any normal day, the grounds of the Clinton High School campus usually lie quite peaceful and tranquil as the changing seasons ripple across the landscape. A few weeks ago on April 28, this was all interrupted by the diligent work of the entire senior class as they teamed up to pull weeds, pick up trash, lay mulch, and complete other various landscaping duties to liven up the area. This year marked the second annual 'Senior Beautification Day,' 2009 being the first year that the work was designated specifically to seniors. It wasn't always a day reserved exclusively for seniors, but up until last
year was for students involved in National Honor Society as well as other school groups looking to partake in some community service. The event has been taking place for six years now and was first introduced when the current principal, Mrs. Tharaldson, was an associate principal at Clinton High. Funds for the project were first obtained through a grant from Lyondell/Equistar. A committee composed of several teachers from Clinton High in addition to Tharaldson oversaw the project. Since then, the committee chair has remained in the hands of the school's associate principal having CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Seniors Dan Fogg and Sydney Mohr get to work on Senior Beautification Day
Building Trades students complete home
Turn to page 3 for a look at the open house and completion of the Clinton High School Building Trades home
CMYK
May 2010
Corrections
Seniors help beautify the school been passed down from Tharaldson, to Mr. Bloom, to Mrs. Toppert. "My original goals for this event were quite simple. To bring the staff together doing something positive and to make CHS as beautiful for the community as possible," explains Tharaldson. Chemistry teacher, Mr. Endress, remains the only founding member remaining on the committee; he took charge over this year’s events and oversaw progress throughout the day. Talking to the students after a full morning of work, some enjoyed the hard labor more than others, but all seemed to appreciate the fresh air, warm sun, and a day off from classes. Seniors Olivia Kraft and Angie Pretz both shared their happiness to indulge in being outside but confessed that yard work really wasn't for them. "Pulling weeds is sort of hard on my hands and sometimes it hurt," mused Pretz rubbing her hands together gently. Tyler Minnick, who worked on the lawn in front of the Yourd
Kings baseball sets bar for state By Anthony Motroni
This year’s baseball team hopes to surpass last year’s end-of-season accomplishments. Last year Clinton was ranked number one in the state with high hopes and a lot of talent. The Kings, however, went on a cold streak and started losing quite a few games. Then when the state tournament came around the Kings were knocked out in the first round, disappointed in themselves. This is a new year, however, with lots of potential in the senior filled roster. There will be no problems with depth at any position. "If anybody gets hurt the person behind them will fit [right] in," Coach Snowden states. The biggest strength of the upcoming season according to Snowden is that they have lots of strength in the pitching
staff. When asked what a weakness might be for the upcoming team he said he didn't see any weaknesses as long as the team does not get too big headed and maintains focus throughout the season. The younger coaches have taught the kids up to this point very well, "They have done all the right stuff and we are very pleased with their coaching." Snowden goes on to say that there are also several possibilities of upcoming underclassmen playing a role on the varsity level. He would not disclose who. For many years now the baseball team has taken hits left and right, being accused of using politics to make their team selections since baseball seems to be the only sport that really cuts (except for basketball some years). Snowden says there is no politics in his picking
of the players; all the coaches get together and argue which players they feel should be kept on the roster and which players are going to have to try again the following year. They look at a list of the names, fill in the obvious starters, and find which players they feel would be the best to fill in behind them or can help the team have the best chance of winning. At the very least this year, the 2010 River King baseball team will be expecting nothing short of a state tournament bid again. Pitching will be the biggest asset to the team this year, losing Secton but gaining another year of experience for many other pitchers. Hopefully this will be the year to bring home the next baseball state championship for the Clinton High School River Kings.
New aquatic center By Sean Goddard
There is going to be a new look in front of the Yourd Gym at Clinton High School. In the course of a few years Clinton High will soon be home to a brand new aquatic center. This center will be funded from the 1% sales tax. For those families that are confused about the budget plan, this has nothing to do with school budget. The money for the Aquatic Center was only put towards school building improvements like the money used for the new Jefferson building a few years back. The new aquatic center will extend from the administration offices to the football field and from the front of Yourd all the way to the edge of the grounds near the street. It will be a two story building and will match up to the current
Yourd building. The aquatic center is going to have a new gym, a wrestling room, new lockers, health and wellness classrooms, trophy cases, training rooms, and a new lobby. The current pool will be filled in and made into a weight room so that the weight room will not risk being flooded like it has been in the past years. Construction will begin near the end of July after the bids go out in June. The girl's locker room will be moved to the aquatic center so that the girls do not have to walk through the school after they have swimming in gym class. The construction for the aquatic center is projected to end in the fall or spring of the 20112012 school year. The expected cost of the project will be around eight or nine million dollars. The
pool area of the aquatic center is going to seat over 500 people. An elevator will also be installed in the center to make it more handicap accessible. There are still a lot of logistics that need to be worked out before the final center is in place. Some of these logistics include the possibility of public access to the aquatic center and possibly teaming up with the YMCA.
Soon to be released is a schedule to determine when it will officially open. Clinton High will be able to host district meets because of how big the projected size of the center will be. The committee consisted of Facilities Task Force 3, which included administrators, teachers, and community members from each of the schools in Clinton.
Gymnasium, said he didn't mind the work that much, "I think it was a great final project to work together on as a senior class...and to show pride in our school." With commencement ceremonies swiftly approaching, many admitted that it would indeed look very nice for the special occasion on May 30th. "It was a lot of fun. It is worth taking care of the lawn to make sure it is as beautiful as it can before commencement," stated Cody Reafsnider, "It was a little agonizing at times, but worth it." The new look has definitely caught the community’s attention since, and the school has received several calls from various members throughout the community commenting on the clean cut look and one even asking where the school purchased the mulch. As for the future of Senior Beautification Day, it seems that it will remain a stable tradition in the events leading up to the graduating seniors’ last days as Tharaldson looks ahead to the day's projects in the future, "In
the future I hope to continue senior beautification day. We will need to do some planting around the new athletic edition when it is complete."
Top left: Mr. Endress delegates the days tasks. Left bottom: Seniors Ashley Haugen, Abby Jergenson, and Sarah Massey pull weeds. Below: Brett Copeland works enthusiastically.
In the April issue the caption in the JV Show article was captioned as singing acappella. The students were actually accompanied by Laura Mataya on guitar. All photos taken of the show were taken by photographer Hannah Gettes.
Clintonian Staff: In this issue... Editor-in-Chief: Alison Sullivan Layout: Alison Sullivan Advertisement: CHS FBLA
Reporters: Phong Duong
Katherine Van Buer Kristina Armstrong
Tara Geary Siera Johnson Sean Goddard Anthony Motroni
Annual health walk By Phong Duong
On May 5th, Clinton High participated in the third annual walk for healthier lifestyles. All the staff and students were encouraged to take a 45 minute walk around the track. It all started three years ago when the Clinton High School staff and students first participated in the walk with one particular goal in mind: to raise the awareness of teen-obesity. In recent studies, about
16-33% of children and adolescents living in the U.S. are overweight. The causes to being overweight are a combination of lack of exercise and poor diets. Obesity may seem non-lifethreatening, but according to the American Academy of Children and Adolescent Psychiatry, obesity is responsible for over 300,000 deaths each year. However, the number one goal of the walk isn’t to push students to lose weight, but to give
them a better idea of how to live a healthier and active lifestyle. At the end of the walk, students and staff were rewarded with bottles of water and bags of fruit snacks. Many students have agreed that the walk was a great way to burn some calories while socializing with friends. Although the walk is only once a year, staff and students are encourage to stay active throughout their lives.
Good fun with Guys in Ties By Alison Sullivan
An assembly on April 29th promoting safe and smart habits for the coming Prom weekend was met with much laughter. Though the message promoted by CHS’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) was no laughing matter, their special guests were. Members of S.A.D.D invited the Quad City comedy troupe Guys in Ties to perform for two separate assemblies of freshman and sophomores and juniors and seniors, which many agree was a great change of pace to studying and classwork. Guys in Ties classify themselves as an ‘elite traveling improv comedy troupe’ consisting of comedians from the Quad Cities Comedy Sportz who formed the troupe outside of the trademarked international organization. The group was formed twelve years ago under the name Off the Cuff but after several other groups began using the same name, it was changed to Guys in Ties about three years ago. The group, since its beginnings, has had much success in its portable presentation and
has had gigs for all kinds of events such as after proms, award assemblies, Share Joy charities, birthdays, anniversaries, and theatre festivals among many others. Though the group is much larger, performers Tim Miller, George Schulz, Jeff De Leon, and Jessica Merritt were the lucky ones to entertain the students at Clinton High. After the show, the group backstage expressed that they are always eager to perform for students at Clinton High and that many fight for the opportunity to come. The group unanimously agreed that it is always a good challenge to perform for high school students and that it pressures them to stay ‘on top of their game’ and be knowledgeable in all areas of pop culture. “It makes our job that much more fun,” commented De Leon. This isn’t the first time Guys in Ties has performed for Clinton High. Over the past several years, the troupe has trekked down to Clinton High for S.A.D.D. and to the delight of the performers, the troupe has begun to be recognized by more and more students each
time. Though they are known as the Guys in Ties, not all are in fact guys, which they say adds to the fun of it all. “Sometimes we even joke about it to our audiences,” says De Leon. Sticking with the theme of why they were there that day, each attested in their own way to the importance of making the right decisions and how it impacts you later on in life. “The decisions you make now really will affect you forever,” said Merritt as the others nodded in agreement. In addition to the praises from the performers, the students at Clinton High gave rave reviews of the group and loved the audience participation. “I thought it was cool that I got to participate in the show,” says sophomore Adam Pladna as his I.D. was used for one of the improv games during the show. “They are masters of a very difficult and largely forgotten art,” states Ben Owen, a junior and member of the drama club. Guys in Ties can be found on Facebook and can be contacted on their website www.guysinties.net.
CMYK
May 2010
A home fit for a king By Alison Sullivan
After two years, two and a half hours every day for two trimesters, the Clinton High Building Trades students can now sit back and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. The students took part in the entire construction of a building, from the blueprint, to the foundation, to the finishing touches of the house. On Thursday and Friday May 13 and 14th, the students held an open house so that the community would get a chance to marvel at the finished product. The Building Trades program is designed to allow students the unique
opportunity to get a handson experience in all aspects of residential construction, which has been a tradition at Clinton High since 1947. Though this is a long standing tradition, this is the first house completed by the most recent Building Trades instructor, Mr. Dave Johnson. The house itself is a ranch style, three bedroom and two bathroom home. The 1650 square foot home has a two car garage, vinyl siding, aluminum soffit, a large seeded lot, a deck with stairs, aluminum down spouts and gutters, Pella windows, and walk in closets in the master bedroom with a full
bathroom. By the way this group of students interacts, it is evident that a home is not all that was built over the course of the class, but friendships as well. "I'm now friends with guys that I probably would never have talked to if not for this class," observed Derek Thorton, one of the students who worked on the house. All nod and in a chorus of agreement admit that it was indeed a great group to work with and that everyone got along very well throughout the construction. As the group milled around the buggy back deck, all recalled at least
Horoscopes
one fond memory or lesson learned from the experience. "My favorite memory is looking back from when we started
It is evident that a home is not all that was built...but friendships as well.
breaking metal pieces for construction to then finally putting on the door handles in the end," reflects Brett Cram. "In the end they did a fine job and created a nice
house," expresses Johnson. "[I'm] proud and they did a really good job." The students showered Johnson equally with praise and the pride they felt for working with him. Are any going on to build their own homes one day? Well, maybe not, as all chuckle at this proposal and Kipp Andreson shares his 'relief' at the completion of the house. "It feels good to say that I built a house," admits Thorton. The house will soon be up for sale in a closed bid process for anyone who is interested in purchasing the house located at 501 River King Road.
Top Clockwise: Building Trades student, Levi Morrow, answers questions from members of the community. A glimpse of the kitchen and the garage through the open door. View of the master bathroom. View of the hallway and steps leading down to the basement. Group of building and trades students along with Mr. Johnson and their bus driver gather on the back deck.
Editor's note Dear Readers, It is with mixed emotions that I put together this, for me, final edition of the Clintonian. At the beginning of my freshman year I immediately jumped on board the staff of this newspaper, my fingers itching to tell the tales of CHS students. It’s amazing how four years really does fly and that the Clintonian has been such a profound part of those four years. I’d first like to thank the many readers who have read the publication over the years. Many late nights and tireless weekends have been spent putting together a publication worthy of your eyes and I thank you again for your support. It is with much gratitude that I thank my advisor Mrs. Lux for all of her help, support, and guidance the three years
she has been my advisor. I’d also like to give a huge thanks to the staff of the Clinton Herald who have been so cooperative these past years and have graciously given me this unique opportunity to explore the art of journalism and newspaper publications. Though it is a sad closing of one chapter, my fingers still contain that itch for the next story out there and I cannot wait to discover my next beat in a new and fresh atmosphere. I truly believe that this experience on the Clintonian has taught me that there is no substitute for hard work and passion and that if you possess both, the world is at your fingertips. Sincerely, Alison Sullivan
Kings focus on teamwork By Siera Johnson
Phil Woosnam, a soccer player and coach, once said, “The rules of soccer are very simple, basically it is this: if it moves, kick it. If it doesn’t move, kick it until it does.” Pat Cullen, along with Greg Obren and Matt Hagge, are the boys varsity soccer coaches this year. Cullen moved up from being a sophomore coach in 2008 and he is very enthusiastic about Clinton High soccer. He is a member of the Clinton Police Department and has served as the School Resource Officer since 1995. Cullen has stated that one of the fundamentals throughout this season is team bonding. One of the fun things the team will do this year to promote such attitude is cookout at the field. Cullen thinks that team bonding will make the guys play better together. Renowned soccer player
Mia Hamm once said, “I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” This is the outlook of the team this sea-
Cullen believes in the team but is still realistic and doesn’t under estimate opposing schools. son; no one player is bigger than the team. They understand that it’s necessary to work together to win. Cullen said that the suspension of Brendan Johnson is hurting the team but you have to follow rules and hopefully this is a life lesson. Cullen believes in the team but is still realistic and doesn’t under estimate opposing schools. So far
this year, Cullen thinks the practices are going great. The guys are doing a lot of ball moving plays. The season started out with a tournament against Central DeWitt, Northeast and Bellevue Marquette. A stand out play so far this season was Jared Voss’s goal scored off of a corner kick in the Marquette game. With only three of the twenty-two players this season being new, hopes are high for a successful season. The new additions are Brett Copeland, Matt Grey, and Justin Porth. Cullen has also maintained high hopes that the team will make it to the middle of the MAC conference. The Clinton High soccer program does not consist of only Clinton High players but includes passionate players from throughout the surrounding schools such as Prince of Peace and Camanche, which prove to be real assets to the team.
By Kristina Armstrong
Aries 3/21-4/19 You are picturing the future, but you’ve got it all wrong. So stop! Love: Your career might be interfering now but it won't be long until your back on the dating scene! Taurus 4/20-5/20 A friend's personality is starting to rub off on you. Embrace it. Love: Keep that smile on your face. You never know who might fall in love with it. Gemini 5/21-6/21 Hold onto your dreams and ideals. It’s the one area where compromise is totally unacceptable. Love: Make sure your opinions are being heard. Chances are your new crush finds it sexy. Cancer 6/22-7/22 Stop sheltering yourself from the possibilities of life! Love: Turn that frown upside down! Sometimes you have to just grin and bear the fact of being single. Leo 7/23-8/22 When you witness a difference in opinions, you’ll get to see your coworkers' true colors. Love: You’re feeling flustered after a certain incident with your crush. Head up, it’ll soon be forgotten! Virgo 8/23-9/22 Your theories may be true. You’ll never know until you try them out. Love: Help others love lives…to an extent. Then focus on yourself! Libra 9/23-10/22 New things are sometimes good but stick to the old for a bit longer. Love: You might not be up for meeting someone new right this moment, but give it a few days! Scorpio 10/23-11/21 All of your genius ideas are putting you into a world of stress. Share them and relax. Love: You’ve spotted your new crush. Don’t let them slip between your fingers. Sagittarius 11/22-12/21 When someone offers you an amazing opportunity, take it! Don’t take time to contemplate it! Love: Financial issues have been on both of your minds. Remember that money isn’t everything. Capricorn 12/22-1/19 Planning for the future is good but have an open mind. Love: Make the first move and see where it gets you! Aquarius 1/20-2/18 Excitement is good! Just don’t get your hopes up too high. Love: Hear your lover out. They have an opinion too. Pisces 2/19-3/20 Your dreams are far out. You must work hard if you wish to fulfill them! Love: Get the nerve to finally set up that date with your crush!
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