A clear call summons all
CLARION
INSIDEFebruary 9, 2015 News
Feature
Opinion
Sports
8 Band dinner dance 12-13 Valentine gift ideas 6 ASL Club invites members 9-11 Books, authors, events 3 CHS Today crucial for news
7 Archers aim for Nationals
Connersville High School 1100 Spartan Drive Connersville, IN 47331 www.chsclarion.com Volume 101 Issue 1
Talent show tryouts Wednesday CASSIE FRYE
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Staff Writer
hink you've got talent? Show it off when the Drama Club hosts their first talent show Feb. 19 in the Robert E. Wise Center from 7-9 p.m. Tickets for the show will cost $3 at the door, and concessions will be available for purchase throughout the show. Try-outs for students interested in participating will be held Feb. 11, from 4-6 p.m. in the Robert E. Wise Center. Those acts chosen for the show will need to pay a $5 entry fee. Acts for the show could range from songs and dance routines, to comedy skits, to magic acts, to playing an instrument while riding a unicycle.
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Cash prizes will be given to the winners. Prizes will also be given to those who are top in each category. Judges for the event include Principal Randy Judd and Terry Hornsby. Drama Club sponsor Suzi Brown said students need to sign up for an audition time slot, but should be flexible in case they are called to audition early. Students should see Brown immediately if they want to audition. Students are encouraged to show off their talents. "I'm most excited to see new faces," Brown said, "especially ones who wouldn't otherwise be seen on stage." She hopes the students get to fully experience what their peers are capable of. "Have fun; the show is a good way for your school to support you," Brown said.
In the spotlight,
I hope a wide variety of students try out for the talent show. I want to see a wide variety of faces and acts on stage.
senior Justus Ware sings at the holiday choir concert. Ware will be back on stage, mic in hand, Feb. 19 when he and junior Rachel Jones serve as the emcees of the student/staff talent show. Sponsored by Drama Club, the talent show will feature a variety of acts. Cassie Frye photo
Suzi Brown, talent show sponsor "As long as you're having fun, what others may think shouldn't matter." Some students have already decided to try out for the show. Encouraged by her friends, sophomore Dakota Lykins will be singing for her audition. "I try to pick songs that sound unique," she said. When struggling with nerves, Lykins advises focusing on having fun. Members of the Drama
Club will help run the show. They will help with auditions, sets and marketing. Club president senior Justus Ware and co-president junior Rachel Jones will be emcees for the event. Despite being anxious
about the show, Brown and members of the club are hoping for positive reactions. "Even though they may not have a part in the show," Brown said, "I hope students still come to have some fun and support those who will be participating."
Snoball set for Valentine's Day ABBIE MOORE & KARA DYE
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Staff Writers
enior Council will host the annual Snoball dance Feb. 14 from 8-11 p.m. in the cafeteria. Tickets are $5 and will go on sale Monday, Feb. 9 in the bookstore. Council members and their sponsors, Amy McMillan and Jamey Rose, will set for the dance after school Friday, Feb. 13. In order to hold the dance, the group needed to
raise $500. They earned the money by doing fund-raisers including selling pies, holding car washes and selling t-shirts. “We began doing the planning for Snoball right after Homecoming,”McMillan said. Despite the dance falling on Valentine's Day, Snoball will still have a winter theme. Decorations will consist of snowflakes and white lights, and the color scheme will be blue and white.
“We chose to go with the winter theme because Snoball is a tradition. We wanted to carry on with the winter semi-formal,” Senior Council president Brayton Johns said. Snoball will be semiformal, which means guys wear suits or dress pants and shirts girls wear semiformal dresses. If someone is wearing something inappropriate, chaperones and administrators will step in. Tony Finnell, a 1982 CHS
graduate, will be the deejay for the dance. He was also the deejay last year. Students voted their peers onto court during SRT Thursday, Feb. 5. Court members were self-nominated, but the deadline had to be extended because, despite repeated announcements, Senior Council had difficulty getting people to apply. Court members will be introduced at the dance and the king and queen will be crowned. Anyone who wants to
We didn't want to hold a Valentine's Dance. This is our 39th annual Snoball, and it has always been a winter-themed dance.
Amy McMillan, Senior Council co-sponsor bring a date who does not attend CHS needs to pick up a guest pass in the office, fill it out and have it approved by Feb. 12. The profits made from the Snoball dance tickets will be put toward the Class of 2015 Prom.
OPINION
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February 9, 2015
Consistency important on dress code Students: be appropriate Staff: be consistent
STAFF EDITORIAL
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s winter weather rolled in, CHS has seen new dress code issues involving revealing, skin-tight clothing. Dean of students Shane Russell said that in the fall the short shorts were the main dress code violation. The cold weather forced students to cover more skin,
but they did so with attire that is skin-tight. Even though the dress code prohibits skin-tight clothing, yoga pants and leggings have quickly become favorite attire for girls. Administrators say the main problem with this is that girls aren’t wearing longer types of shirts, sweaters, dresses to cover their hips and bottoms.
The administrators say that leggings and yoga pants often show too much in the front and back and that this becomes a problem. Revealing pants are considered a distraction punishable by an office referral. However, one might wonder, which is the bigger problem, the pants or the enforcement of the rule? In classes, students notice when eight girls wear leggings yet only one is sent to the office and forced to call home for new pants. They notice when one or two girls are singled out in the hallway, while others seem to get by with wearing what they please. Random enforcement is not fair. If administrators
want to make this a rule to were properly covered, that live by, there needs to be might help reduce some of more consisthe distractency when tion during cracking down Cover your backside, CHS the school on this. day. If the If administrators plan problems were addressed to bust one person, they first hour, then teachers should try to get everyone wouldn’t have to spend who is breaking the rule. time stopping teens in the If the rule cannot be hall to send them to the ofenforced with everyone fice. Morning dress code school-wide, then is it a rule checks would save time and that is necessary? hassle throughout the day. At the beginning of the When it comes down year, Principal Randy Judd to really being a problem, had first period teachers do it either needs to be taken dress code checks periodi- care of accordingly and all cally. Offenders were sent at one time, or it needs to quickly to the office so the be overlooked completely. issue could be dealt with. Consistency is key to taking If everyone were to stand care of a problem. up before first period to But seriously, ladies, try make sure their bottoms to tone it down a bit?
üINCONCLUSION
QUESTION&ANSWER
Should leggings and yoga pants be against the rules? Sarah Repp illustration
“Not necessarily. It depends on how you wear them. Just make sure everything is covered. Be modest. “ Emily Judd, 09
“No, they should not be against the rules. It is not the girls’ fault that boys cannot control themselves. “ Kyra Kelle, 11
Clarion newspaper staff sets yearly editorial policies Clarion seeks to inform, educate and serve as a forum for student expression at CHS. Working as responsible journalists, the Clarion staff strives to print a journalistically sound publication. The following policies express the rights, responsibilities and philosophies of the student staff. The paper is published under the direction of the Editorial Board. The staff will decide by majority vote the opinions expressed in editorials. Opinions expressed
are not necessarily those of the entire Clarion staff, the student body, the faculty or the school board. Signed columns and Letters to the Editor represent the opinions of the writers only. The Editor reserves the right to postpone, edit or withhold from letters and articles submitted for publication. The purpose of the paper is to inform students about activities, events and issues pertaining to teens. Accurate reporting of facts is a primary staff goal.
CLARION A clear call summons all
Opinions will be marked clearly, and news stories will present all sides of the issues. If one side refuses to comment, their refusal will be reported. Corrections will be printed, but errors must be submitted in writing and verified. Clarion will not print or distribute articles which qualify as unprotected speech as defined by the Student Press Law Center. Unprotected speech is that which contains obscenity,
established 1913 Editorial Board Cara French Cassie Frye Abbie Moore
Staff Members Faith Strunk Reili Godar Alexis Grimme Ashlynn Ripberger
or libel, directs readers towards inciting or producing imminent, lawless action, or invades the rights of others as defined by the U.S. Constitution. The newspaper also will not publish material that will cause “a material substantial disruption of school activities.” Staff members will conduct themselves in a professional manner and those not doing so are subject to dismissal from the newspaper staff. Staff behavior and duties are outlined in the staff manual.
Clarion is a student publication serving as open forum for Olivia Ryckman Rebeka Unger Erica Valentine Intern: Kelly Bennett
Principal Randy Judd Adviser Lisa Morris
Connersville High School 1100 Spartan Drive Connersville, IN 47331 www.chsclarion.com
student expression at Connersville High School, where it is distributed to all students, faculty & staff. While the staff aims to provide a balanced account of news, opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of faculty, staff, administration or school board. The Editorial Board is solely responsible for the newspaper's content.
OPINION
February 9, 2015
CLARION PAGE 3
You snooze. You lose news. To not miss info, CHS Today should be mandatory viewing
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STAFF EDITORIAL
Script in hand before the show, senior Emily Stine rehearses on the CHS Today set. Reili Godar photo
tudents suffer from not knowing CHS’s current events because the CHS Today TV announcements are ignored, missed or not played in the SRTs every day. CHS Today is the longest running, daily, live, student news broadcast in the world, and is something our school should take pride in by actually tuning in and watching. CHS Today is a crucial part of being up to date on CHS events. Students miss opportunities, fun activities and club meetings because they don’t hear the announcements. Many students are unaware that we have an Ameri-
can Sign Language club, a book television on; it is hard to watch club, a guitar club and an ad- the announcements when all one diction support group because sees is a black screen. A student they are missing announcements in the class should offer to take about these club meetings. the responsibility of turning on They miss out on school plays the television if the teacher often and the talent show forgets. auditions because A final solution they don’t listen. CHS Today is important; to this problem They miss scholaris to educate listen up ship opportunities students on the and giveaways, too, because they importance of CHS Today anmiss deadlines that were repeat- nouncements and why it should edly announced for weeks at a be respected. The information time on CHS Today. is important, and the CHS To One reason why students miss day students work every day out on important announce- to make the announcements inments is because their SRT class- teresting and entertaining. rooms are too noisy. Students Missing or tuning out the anneed to respect their fellow class- nouncements causes students to mates and quietly listen to the miss opportunities and activities announcements. If they do not that can make school a bit fun do so, teachers need to step in and interesting. and take action. These problems can be solved A second reason CHS Today is by turning on the TV, creating a being ignored is because teach- quiet environment and respecters forget or neglect to turn the ing CHS Today.
üINCONCLUSION
Our legacy: fighting or academics?
STAFF EDITORIAL
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hile the number of fights has seemed to subside lately, last semester the number was abnormally high, according to Assistant Principal Scott West. The fighting is bad for students, for staff and for the school’s reputation. CHS is one of only seven Early College High Schools in Indiana, and as such, it shouldn’t be a hot zone for physical altercations. So, what do we do? For starters, we can all be more pro-active about reporting fights. If one sees or hears a fight, tell an adult; it’s not rocket science. While the reporting aspect may be easy, a more difficult aspect lies in curb-
ing our impulse to proverbi- and journalism and a wide ally stir the pot. Usually, two variety of interesting extrapeople have a chance of rec- curriculars, such as archery, onciling after a conflict, but ASL Club, Writers Club and when groups of people get Hula Hoop Club. involved, it’s not as easy. As if those weren’t One simple solution to enough, we offer more dual this: stay out credits than of it. Whether nearly any it be in per- Fighting: Knock it off other school son, through in the state text messaging, or on social and have Early College media, show a little impulse pathways to choose from. control and maturity. Yes, We’re home of the lonsometimes it’s easier said gest running student-prothan done, but prolonging duced daily news program a conflict and creating more in the world, have the nadrama isn’t helpful. tion’s first marching band In a town that has re- and have a multitude of ceived much negative at- sports achievements. tention lately, CHS could So, do we live up to be a bright-point. We have and build upon our legacy, much to be proud of. We or do we simply throw it have state and nation- aside, continue hitting each ally recognized teachers other for insignificant reaand guidance counselors, sons, and give our school award-winning programs and ourselves a bad image? including band, choir, JAG The choice is yours, CHS.
üINCONCLUSION
Kara Dye photo illustration
NEWS
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February 9, 2015
Two teams prepare for JOI Seven compete in annual Japanese Olympiad
OLIVIA RYCKMAN Staff Writer
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even Japanese students will travel to the Japanese Olympiad competition at Purdue University, Saturday, Feb. 21.
CHS has participated in this competition since 2002. JOI draws students from 15 to 20 Indiana high school Japanese programs Students compete at level II, III or IV. CHS will send two Level
Listening to Japanese teacher Sachiko Kawakubo, sophomores Treasure Isaacs and Alexis Jennings prepare for the upcoming JOI competition. Competitors study once a week after school for an hour. Olivia Ryckman photo
II teams, each made up of two students. Three students will compete on a Level III team. Teams are asked to answer questions from topics such as translations, situational communication, geography, history and vocabulary in Kanji and Katakana. The competition has preliminary and final rounds. The preliminary rounds have two or three teams in a competition room, but these rounds are closed to non- participants. The three highest-scoring teams advance to the final rounds, which are open so non-participants may watch and learn. Instead of competing, non-participants take part in cultural activities such as watching anime, read-
ing manga and watching a Kendo demonstration. They may also watch the final rounds. According to Japanese teacher Sachiko Kawakubo, participants benefit from competing because just participating is a positive detail to add to their recommendation letters. The team that wins the overall competition will be the State champion. Kawakubo said she believes the teams will do very well. She says her favorite part about the competition is “seeing Indiana high school students dedicated to learning the language” and seeing them “making friends with other Japanese students.” This is junior Amelia Amrhein’s second year competing. “I am excited to
The study guide covers more than the regular class materials so they will excel in Japanese mastery.
Sachiko Kawakubo, Japanese teacher compete. I feel I have two great team members, Ashlynn [Ripberger] and Dakota [Firsich], who will work really hard and be prepared to compete,” she said. Sophomore Treasure Isaacs will compete for the first time. “I am very nervous to be competing for the first time, but I’m also very confident in my team and the other Level II team,” Isaacs said.
Weather systems plague academic teams Weather postpones first two meets; next meet slated for Feb. 17 ALEXIS GRIMME
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hinking like the Romans, the five academic teams officially begin their season Feb. 17 at Hagerstown High School. The first two meets were postponed due to wintery weather. Each year the teams focus on a different topic. This year they are studying the Roman Empire. Teams have been practicing and researching since early November. There are five academic teams: Math, coached by Madelynn Kitlinski, Social Studies, coached by Laura Davis, English coached by Kaitlin
Pizzimenti, Science coached by Chris Dalrymple and Fine Arts coached by John Kitlinski. Davis, who is also the Academic Team Coordinator, has high hopes for her team. “I hope they earn as many ribbons as possible and even make it to State,” she said. She has assessed her team’s strengths. “They work very well independently, knowing the chronology and using and applying what they know about social studies,” Davis said. During a usual practice, team members work on research projects, which they share with each other. They watch videos and look at Power Points. Social studies team captain senior Austin Bostwick also researches on his own and shares his work with the team. As the season progresses, Davis hope all the teams learn
from their mistakes during competition and narrow down the areas that need more work. Being on an Academic Team allows students to explore a topic in depth and trace that topic through several fields of knowledge. Team members get to share a love of learning and meet students from other schools. Competitions build leadership skills, communication skills and cooperation skills, according to Davis. “At competitions, I enjoy the food and the singing on the bus,” Math Academic team member sophomore Garet Bailey said. Math Team members spend their practice time working on a mixture of problems from different areas. “I like the extra knowledge you get to take away, and it’s fun to interact with other peo-
ple on the team,” sophomore Kirstin King said. Science team Coach Dalrymple expects his team to have a good experience, to learn how to work in a group
and develop a better understanding of science. Dalrymple looks forward to the first meet and expects his team to grow stronger as the season progresses.
Practicing after school, sophomores Garet Bailey and Kirstin King work with Math Academic Team coach Madelynn Kitlinski. While the teams had been practicing for several months, the season was delayed when two meets were postponed due to weather conditions. Alexis Grimme photo
NEWS
February 9, 2015
CLARION PAGE 5
Hamm honored at White House Counselor recognized as national Counselor of the Year semi-finalist CARA FRENCH
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fter being named as the 2014 Indiana High School Guidance Counselor of the Year, Jaime Hamm advanced to the national level. She was named a semifinalist in the American School Counselor Association’s competition and was honored with other finalists in Washington, D.C. Jan. 30. At the White House ceremony, the counselors were praised by First Lady Michelle Obama who recognized their hard work. “Just to be nominated is in itself a huge honor, especially for doing something I love,” Hamm said. “Counselors don’t get a lot of recognition, so it’s nice to bring recognition to the field because there are so many counselors who are making
a difference every day.” Hamm’s efforts have been noted by students and staff. “I enjoy that whenever I talk to her, she listens and gives me examples of solutions to my problems. She really shows that she cares,” freshman Sadie Canon said. Senior Olivia McMillan praised Hamm as both a counselor and a coach and noted that in either capacity, Hamm always makes time for the students. Counselor Ann Shannon had praise for Hamm, as well. “Ms. Hamm emanates all the wonderful qualities of a counselor. I’m honored to be her co-worker,” counselor Ann Shannon said. “I think it is one of the most awesome things that has ever happened to one of our staff members. It’s nice to see someone recognized for helping out students and the community,” Prin-
As counselors
from across the country, including Jaime Hamm, look on, First Lady Michelle Obama recognizes the National Counselor of the Year, Cory Notestine of Colorado’s Alamosa High School. Four finalists and 40 semi-finalists were recognized Jan. 30 at a White House ceremony. photos taken during live streaming of event.
Our school counselors convince students that they have something special to offer. [Counselors] are so under-appreciated. First Lady Michelle Obama cipal Randy Judd said. While in Washington, Hamm had the chance to do some sight-seeing. In addition to the White House ceremony, she went to the awards gala at the historic Union Station. “I enjoyed getting to meet all of the other counselors from all of the different states and hearing their stories,” Hamm said. Hamm was excited to be in the White House and to be honored by Michelle Obama, but she looked forward to the speech by Con-
nie Britton. Britton played a counselor on the show “Friday Night Lights.” Hamm was allowed to take one guest, and she
chose her sister Julie Bell. “It was an easy choice because we do a lot together. She helped me become the counselor I am today.”
ISTAR award recipients announced Six chosen to represent CHS at ceremony ERICA VALENTINE Staff Writer
Drew Barricklow, 12
Olivia McMillan, 12
Ashley Rader, 12
Mark Beard, social studies
Jaime Hamm, guidance counselor
Sue Conway, St. Gabriel music
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hree seniors and three teachers will be recognized March 5 at the annual Indiana Student Teacher Academic Recognition ceremony held at CHS at 6 p.m. ISTAR recipients are Drew Barricklow who recognized government teacher Mark Beard; Olivia McMillan, who chose guidance counselor Jaime Hamm; and Ashley Rader, who honored St. Gabriel music teacher/choir director Sue Conway. At the ceremony the students will each receive a plaque then present a plaque to their chosen teacher. They will each speak about why they selected their teachers. Seniors in the top 10% of their class were invited to apply for the ISTAR honor. Students filled out applications listing their school activities,
leadership positions, community involvement, work experience and recognitions and awards. At the same time, they each nominated a teacher or administrator from grades K-12 who had had an impact on their lives. A committee then selected the honorees. “Being recognized by a student that you’ve made an academic connection with is always a nice honor,” Beard said. This is Beard’s third ISTAR award. He was pleased to receive the award during his last year before retirement. Hamm, a first- year ISTAR recipient said, “I was overwhelmed with emotion and was literally in tears when Mr. Judd told me who nominated me.” Hamm said she admires McMillan. “Olivia is an outstanding young lady. Even as a freshman, she displayed such exceptional leadership skills that I chose her to represent the softball team in the Student Athletic Council. She is an excellent example of the RICHER principles in action.” “I am honored to be chosen as an ISTAR student, not because I am being recognized, but because Ms. Hamm is. I am so glad to be able to
give back to her, as she has given so much to me,” McMillan said. Beard praised Barricklow for his academic work. “Drew is an excellent student in that he is prepared for class, has a goal in mind and works to achieve it,” Beard said. “I chose Mr. Beard because he is more than a teacher; he is a mentor,” Barricklow said. Rader explained why she chose Conway. “I chose her because she inspired me to work to the best of my abilities. She kindled my love of music and taught me the skills I need to succeed in every endeavor I pursued,” Rader said. Being chosen as an ISTAR teacher surprised Conway. “I feel humbled and honored and excited all at the same time!” she said. “Ashley is an interesting, multi-faceted young lady,” Conway said. “I expect her to be successful in anything she attempts.” Eight area schools participate in the ISTAR program: Lincoln, Rushville, Centerville, Franklin County, Tri, Union County, Hagerstown and Connersville.
NEWS
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February 9, 2015
JAG teams compete at CDC Two CHS teams take part in annual contest
OLIVIA RYCKMAN
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Staff Writer
AG students brought home eight awards from the regional JAG Career Development Conference (CDC) held Feb. 3 at Ball State University. First place winners will advance to State, and winners there will advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C. Senior Charolette Meredith competed in the Critical Thinking category and earned first place. She will compete at State, March 13 in Indianapolis. Specialists John Kitlinski and Chris Bottomley took 14 JAG members to compete at the event. Seven Indiana JAG programs participated, includ-
ing two teams from CHS. The competition allowed students to test their skills. Students competed in seven events: public speaking, creative solution, critical thinking, employability skills, writing skills, financial literacy and career presentation. Each team member participated in one of the seven events. First place winners took home $100, second place earned $50, and third place earned $25. According to Kitlinski, competing helped students improve their employability skills and offers them the opportunity to practice networking. “It was a great field trip,” senior Elijah Williams said. “We had the chance to talk with others about our
Competing increased my stage presence and enhanced my ability to grasp people’s attention.
Jordan Isaacs, senior careers and what we want to do in the future.” Williams competed in the Public Speaking category and earned third place. Senior Jordan Isaacs also competed in Public Speaking. “Competing helped me increase my stage presence and enhanced my ability to grasp peoples’ attention,” Isaacs said. Kitlinski said the JAG teams did really well last year and he was pleased with this year’s results.
In JAG class, senior Elijah Williams takes notes on how to write a job resumé . Williams participated in the CDC competition, where he took third place in public speaking. Olivia Ryckman photo
Students brought home three second places: Elly Boaz placed second in Employability Skills; Samantha Hoeing placed second in Financial Literacy; and Charles Precht placed sec-
ond in Career Presentation. Third place winners were Williams, David Castle in Creative Solutions, Nate Arvin in Career Presentation and Karagan Smith in Writing Skills.
Students encouraged to “sign-up”
American Sign Language Club forms, seeks new members CARA FRENCH
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n addition to French, Spanish and Japanese, students can now learn and practice American Sign Language thanks to the new ASL Club. There are no requirements for joining
the club, and they hope to add new members during second semester. The club meets during SRT on the second and fourth Thursday of each month in sponsor Leah Fishman’s classroom, JA203. So far club members have learned the alphabet, signs to use at home, signs for family members, the structure of the language and how to form thoughts with signs.
Watching closely, ASL Club members senior Casey Fohl and sophomores LaChelle Frazier and Brittany McCreary practice signs with club sponsor Leah Fishman. The club began meeting last semester, but students who want to learn American Sign Language are welcome to join the club now. The club meets during SRT on the second and fourth Thursday of each month in Fishman’s room, JA203. Kendra Caudill photo
In the future Fishman will be teaching signs for sports, games, cultural foods and recipes. While sophomore Alexis Jennings is already taking second year Japanese, she was eager to join the new club. “Learning ASL is learning another language without having to actually speak, which is great,” Jennings said. “During meetings we talk about sign language in comparison to other languages and learn signs that we feel would be most useful in our lives. We will be watching videos on how to use facial expressions and how to have conversations,” Fishman said. Senior Casey Fohl came up with the idea for ASL Club and made it happen with the help of Fishman. “I think sign language is very interesting and I plan on studying it in college. I was so excited when I heard that a teacher at CHS, Ms. Fishman, could sign. Starting a club was a great opportunity to learn more,” Fohl said. “I have learned a lot of basic signs from my pastor’s wife over the past year, but I thought having other people to practice with in the club would be
very helpful,” Fohl said. Fishman has studied ASL for 10 years. She began learning sign language in the sixth grade and continued through college. Fishman took ASL as her foreign language requirement during middle school, high school and college. “When I was in the 6th grade we learned a little bit of five different languages and got to choose the language we wanted to learn. At the time, ASL was a new course. The students with higher GPAs got first choice. I chose to do ASL because I knew that I wanted to work with special ed. students, and ASL would be helpful for me in that career,” Fishman said. Even though the club is new, members have ideas for future events. “The club could potentially take a trip to Indianapolis to the Indiana School for the Deaf to experience ASL firsthand and watch a sporting event or play,” Fohl said. Fohl hopes more students will take advantage of what the club has to offer. “I hope students have fun! I think joining the ASL Club is a great way to try something new,” Fohl said.
NEWS
February 9, 2015
CLARION PAGE 7
Grim Reaper visits classes to illustrate effects of drug use 1
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STAFF REPORT Clarion Staff
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scorted by counselor and SADD sponsor Ann Shannon, the Grim Reaper visited eight classes Jan. 30, “killing” one student in each class. SADD sponsored this event as part of National Drug Facts Week. Each of the students was a member of SADD who wanted to help show the harmful effects of drug use and other destructive decisions, like texting while driving and binge drinking. Each student wore a sign on his or her back explaining how they “died.” They weren’t allowed to talk to their peers for the remainder of the day, but instead handed out pamphlets about the dangers of drug usage.
3 1 In Kerry Brown’s first period US History class, senior Kaitlyn Stewart is vis-
ited by the Grim Reaper and counselor Ann Shannon as juniors Abby Riedman, Sierra Briner, Emily Werner and Dakota Toler look on. Tabby Kelley photo At the computer, freshman Emma Keeler is visited by Death during her Journalism 2 class. Lexi Mullins photo The Grim Reaper targets junior Brooklyn
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4 Sweney in Danie Siereveld’s third period English 11 class, as Devin Hall, Ash Ripberger and Rachel Jones watch. Chloe Doerflein photo In the hall, Ann Shannon leads the Reaper to the next victim. Tabby Kelley photo As a sign is hung on his back, sophomore Josh Lawrence meets the Grim Reaper in Kaitlin Pizzimenti’s third period English 10 class. Kayla Thomas photo
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Addiction support group formed to meet student needs STAFF REPORT
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Clarion Staff
n increase in overdoses and deaths due to substance abuse has put Connersville in the news recently. To help address the problem, last semester Freshman Success Coach Holly Dunn started a high school addiction support group, which meets twice a month during SRT in room J121. “The group is for anyone who has been impacted by addiction,” Dunn said. “Addiction doesn’t just harm the addict; it harms family
members and friends, too.” The meetings provide a safe place where students can openly express feelings, fears and frustrations. Students attend for many reasons. “I’ve had students in my office who, on the surface, seem to be just fine, yet when they go home, they face issues that are unthinkable. Some have parents who have died prematurely due to addiction. Some have siblings or parents who are incarcerated. Others have family members in active addiction who are ‘flopped out’ on a regular basis,”
Dunn said. “I wanted these students to know that they are not alone, and most importantly, that this is not something that defines them. They are capable of more, and there are people in the community who want to help them,” Dunn said. “It is important for the students to know that they matter and that their families matter, regardless of their addiction. We want to see them all healthy and whole,” Dunn said. The group agrees to maintain confidentiality. “If
you talk [outside the group about what others say], then you aren’t going to be allowed to come back for a couple of times,” Dunn said.
Dunn plans to have guest speakers visit the group. Students who want to join the group can attend the next meeting, Feb. 17.
At each addiction support group meeting, students leave their thoughts anonymously on the board. Kara Dye photo
NEWS
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February 9, 2015
Band raises funds with dance Dinner dance tickets on sale until Feb. 16 STAFF REPORT
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At last year’s band dinner dance, senior Mitchell Jordan and sophomore Bailey Wells play percussion. The first and second period band classes switch responsibilities during the evening; while one group serves the attendees, the other group plays for the crowd. Katie Bailey photo
Clarion staff
he band’s sixth annual dinner dance will be held Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Roberts Building. The doors will open at 6 p.m., and dinner will be served by band members at 6:30 p.m. The evening will conclude at 8:30 p.m. First and second hour band students trade off the live music responsibilities, playing selections from the Big Band era. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased from band students as well as at the bookstore. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, Feb. 16. The dance is semi-formal or “dressy casual,” according to Band Booster president Emily Bell. Decorations will reflect the enchanted forest theme.
Those who attend the event can expect an evening of fun, music and food. “You should go to see what the band students can do. Dinner dance lets students know that band is not just about marching and the National Anthem,” junior Alec Bell said. “Besides getting to see what their peers are doing in class, it exposes students to a genre of music that they might not be familiar with,” Emily Bell said. The meal will be catered by Chartwells. It will consist of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, a hot vegetable, biscuit and dessert. Coffee, tea, lemonade and water will be served as drink choices. Band Boosters host this dance as a fund-raiser for the band’s needs. It is the biggest fund-raiser of the year, earning about $2,000. “Dinner dance is a fun way to help increase the band’s funds so we can afford equipment and opportunities, such as travelling,”
Not only do you sit and enjoy a good meal while hearing the band play, but you are also helping the band out a lot.
Jessica Arthur, sophomore sophomore band member Jessica Arthur said. The Band Boosters help manage the dance. Around 10 to 15 Band Boosters help each year. The Boosters will not be holding a silent auction this year. “Not having the auction should give people more time to dance and enjoy the music,” Emily Bell said. The band hopes to have 250 people attend the dinner dance. “The best part of dinner dance is the chance to dress up and play jazz music because it is upbeat and fun to play,” Alec Bell said.
Spartanettes dance at Disney World
E
CARA FRENCH Staff Writer
ighteen Spartanettes performed at Disney World for the Christmas Parade, which premiered on ABC on Christmas morning. They were in Florida to tape the parade Dec. 3-7. The Spartanettes who went on the trip were selected by staff members at the NDA Camp at Ball State over the summer. They participated in a dance-off to determine who would be nominated for the trip. While at camp, the team received NDA awards for showmanship, technique,
and superior showmanship. The two students who were nominated for AllAmerican had to choose between going to London with the cheerleaders or to Disney World with the Spartanettes. They chose to be with their teammates. “The thing I liked most about the trip was meeting people from all over the country, having one thing in common: we all loved to cheer and dance! It was fun coming together, all 839 of us, and knowing the same dance. It was definitely a unique experience,” sophomore Sarah Burk said. “I liked being able to participate in such a fun experi-
Disney bound,
It was fun being together -- all 839 of us --and knowing the same dance.
Sarah Burk, sophomore ence while also having a lot of free time in the parks,” sophomore Kendra Caudill said. “I loved being able to visit the parks and ride all the rides. I also enjoyed making new friends from different states whom I can keep in contact with. Last year only five of us went and this year there were 17 of us. Overall, it was a very fun and successful trip to spend with all my friends, and I would do
it again in a heartbeat!” junior Brittany Novack said. “I liked the trip because the team is like a family so we all got to share a lot of memo-
ries together and grow closer. Every time we performed it looked very good from my point of view,” senior Ashton Fee said.
18 Spartanettes take time out for a photo when they were in Florida to perform in the annual holiday parade. The Spartanettes who danced at Disney were (Front row) Brittany Novack and Sarah Burk; (Row 2) Kira Austerman, Haley Jones, Hannah Combs, Miranda Levi, Alexus Caudill, Haleigh Poe, Taylor Wilcox, Ashton Fee and Brianna Gabriel; (Back row) Kennedy Ferguson, Emelia Nicholson, Alexis Johnson, Brooklyn McQueen, Savannah Weber, Caitlyn Logan, and Kendra Caudill. photo courtesy of Haleigh Poe
NEWS
February 9, 2015
CLARION PAGE 9
Book Club hopes to grow New Book Club plans to offer variety of genres to discuss
ERICA VALENTINE
E
Staff Writer
ven though the new Book Club had a call-out meeting in October and has been meeting regularly ever since, not many students seem to know about it. However, club members are hoping more students will join this semester. Book Club meets every other Friday during SRT. Meeting dates are on the CHS Today announcements and anyone can come. Book Club gives students the opportunity to
come together to discuss books without feeling as if they are being graded for their opinions about books. Instructional assistant Ashley Way and sophomore Alexis Jennings came together to start Book Club for the sole purpose of sharing their love of books. “We started it because we are passionate about books and want to be able to get together and discuss what we love or don’t love about them,” Way said. At club meetings, students alternate between discussing a previously agreed upon book as a group and recommending
QUESTION&ANSWER “I have recently read the book Matched by Ally Condie, and I am addicted. “ Megan McNally, 11
books to each other. After each book, the members of the club discuss what they thought and their likes and dislikes. So far this year, the club has read The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton and Gone with the Wind by Mitchell Margaret. They have also read books on their own in between. Every book read together has been followed by a movie at the public library. Way plans for the club to get together to watch Gone with the Wind within a week or two of finishing and discussing the book. “We do this to show the differences between what
More people should join Book Club. It’s a great way to make friends and discover good books.
Alexis Jennings, sophomore happened within the book and what the movie turned it into and what they left out,” Jennings said. “We also watch movies to enjoy being with friends and have fun movie nights.” “I hope the Book Club will become a meeting place for enthusiastic readers here at CHS where they can
What books have you read and enjoyed recently?
“I really liked reading October Mourning; A Song for Matthew Shepard by Leslea Newman. It’s very good, but very sad. “ Kim Giesting, media specialist
“How to Lead a Life of Crime [by Kristen Miller] is an amazing book so far. “ Devin Towler, 12
“Paper Towns is good because it is written by John Green and he’s the ‘bombdiggity’. “ Caitlin Boggs, 12
Public library plans teen events REBEKA UNGER & STAFF
T
Staff Writer
he Fayette County Public Library has been changing things up to appeal to teens. The staff has planned movie days, book talks, manga and anime talks and classes where teens can learn about apps and computers. “Most students don’t know about all the events that are planned; I think if students knew about the events, student interaction would go up,” FCPL Teen Events Coordinator Ashley Way said. Teen Scene is the part of the library’s website
discuss books comfortably with each other,” Way said. As of now, Book Club has only three members. Way hopes to see more student involvement in the club. “In the future, I would like to see student leadership within the group, such as elected officers,” Way said. Way and members hope the club grows into something everyone who loves to read can participate in and enjoy. “More people should join Book Club. It is a great way to make friends and discover good books. [The club is] just not very wellknown,” Jennings said.
which lists all the links for teens. There, students can find links to online books, scheduled events and even homework help. Access the Teen Scene at fcplibrary.lib.in.us/audiences/ teens1 Students can check out online books on laptops, desktops, iPads, Nooks or any smart device. Students can also use the online programs for academic help. They can access online encyclopedias and information databases. Teen book talks are also on the calendar. So far they have discussed Beautiful Creatures, The Fault in Our
Stars and If I Stay. The next teen book talk will be Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. The mystery book discussion group will meet on Feb. 11 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. FCPL also has an anime and manga discussion group. Its first meeting is Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. At this meeting students can discuss their favorite anime and manga. Students can also bring in original work to show to the group. In addition to book groups, FCPL has teen movie viewings. So far the library has shown Beautiful Creatures, If I Stay and Guardians of the Galaxy. The
next movie will be shown on Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. Popcorn and drinks are provided. FCPL also has a Chess Club that meets once a month. New members are welcome. The next meeting is Feb. 23 from 4-6 p.m. Additionally, students can take computer classes. A Pinterest group for all age levels meets once a month. The next meeting is Feb. 9 from 4-5 p.m. Most of library events are free, but some have a limit on how many people can attend. Students can call the library at 827-0883 to reserve a place for a specific event.
“I just finished Bait by Alex Sanchez. It explained the psychological troubles of young people. “ Braydon Hudson, 11
FAST FACTS Below are a few upcoming events at the Fayette County Public Library. February 9 Pinterest for all age levels, 4-5 p.m. February 12 Anime & Manga Discussion 5 p.m. February 19 Teen Book Talk, 5 p.m. February 21 Teen Movie Viewing, 1-4 p.m. February 23 Chess Club, 4-6 p.m.
PAGE 10 CLARION
FEATURE
February 9, 2015
Inspired and excited, Writers Club members junior Destiny Russell and sophomore Alexis Jennings discuss the 10,000 word challenge that author Tricia Fields suggested for the group. While the group often focused on poetry, this challenge gave them all a chance to try longer-form writing. Writer’s Club meets once or twice a month in English teacher Paula Shouse’s room, W165. Listen to CHS Today for the next meeting date. Erica Valentine photo
Author visits club Mystery series author offers advice to Writers Club members ERICA VALENTINE
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Staff Writer
ublished mystery author and Fayette County School Corporation employee Tricia Fields came to CHS to talk to the Writers Club about how she became a published author and about her writing process. Fields is the author of four books in the Josie Gray mystery series, which is set in the American southwest. The first book in the series, The Territory, was the winner of the Tony Hillerman Award for Best Mystery. At CHS, she challenged the aspiring writers to push themselves by writing 10,000 words in one month. “I would say [the 10,000 word challenge] went well. About a dozen kids made the goal and had the pizza party,” Writers Club sponsor Paula Shouse said. “Even the kids who didn’t
There are times when I think I have a story perfectly plotted out and then I realize I’ve messed up. You have to plot really carefully.
Tricia Fields, author quite meet the goal were inspired to write more.” Shouse plans to set up another visit with Fields in February. Before Fields returns, the club needs to meet to discuss her novel and create questions for her next visit, Shouse said. During the time she was here, she had inspired many of the writers. “She taught me that you don’t have to be big and popular to be published in a book,” sophomore Brianna Baucom said. Freshman Christina Lozano did not have the chance to meet Fields during her first visit, but she looks forward to future discussions. She felt like her peers had
learned a great deal from her. “She is a success story the we can all follow,” Lozano said. Sophomore Michael Steele took Fields’ advice to heart and applied it. “She told us to try our best to not skip a day of writing and to try to keep something nearby to write an idea down,” Steele said. This is just one Writers Club project, but club members hope for more. “I hope Writers Club could expand to an after school activity and possibly have a publisher we can contact in case we want help to publish something,” Steele said. “I would like to see [Tricia Fields] be an occasional guest. I think it is an inspiration to aspiring writers to hear from a published author,” Shouse said. “I think she plans on being an occasional guest. She is a worker here and is a published author so it cant be more than occasional.” “When you have a dream, it’s always nice to speak to a person who had the same dream and made it come true,” Shouse said.
NEWS
February 9, 2015
Conquering the blank page Author Tricia Fields discusses her books, characters, writing process KATIE MOFFITT Staff Writer
Author Tricia Fields visited CHS to talk to students about her writing experience. She is currently working on the fifth book in her Josie Gray mystery series. Her fourth book will be out in March. Why did you become an author? I like that writing allows me to answer questions about things I’m interested in. What’s your writing style? The series is written in third-person with a rotating point of view. It was more interesting to me as a writer to get into other people’s heads. What challenges come with publishing? The hardest challenge was connecting with an agent. You have to send out a query letter that has to sell your book in one page. Often times I would get rejections... It felt like I was surrounded by a big mound of paperwork, and I was never going to connect with anyone. What are your books about? They’re about a small town in west Texas on the border with Mexico. The premise of the series is to explore what it’s like to live in an area with the drug cartels so close... and also what it’s like to be a female chief of police. Mystery writer and school corporation employee Tricia Fields speaks to Writers Club members about her experiences while writing novels and the process of getting published. The club hopes that she will be an occasional guest speaker. Kendra Caudill photo
What drew you to the mystery novel? Part of it was my experience with family mem-
bers in law enforcement. [Another thing] is my interest in Mexico and the cartels. The mess with Mexico gave me a good conflict. What is most rewarding about writing? Writing is such a roller coaster... You’ll write something one day and you’ll think, ‘That is the best thing I’ve ever written in my life,’ and then you’ll go back the next day and think, ‘That is horrible. What was I thinking?’... Pretty soon you’ll get to the end of the story and find that it’s pretty good. What is the hardest part about writing? There are times where I think I have the story perfectly plotted out and I realize I’ve messed up. You have to really plot carefully... planting clues for your readers that aren’t too obvious but are obvious enough. The hardest part is making it all work. Are any of your characters inspired by someone? [When I served on a grand jury] there was a female FBI agent...She was so professional. She never broke down or cried... It was obvious that she had seen so much bad at such an early age in her life. She was in the back of my mind when I developed Josie’s character. How have the characters changed throughout the series? [Josie’s dad] was a police officer who died in the line of duty. She doesn’t know [how he died], though. At some point in the series I want her to find out what happened to her dad.
MYSTERIOUSCIRCUMSTANCES
This book will come out March 3
&The Territory
Josie Gray is the female chief of police in the small town of Artemis, Texas. She is faced with the drug wars the Mexican cartels have stirred up and a town that would rather see her quit.
&Scratchgravel Road
Cassidy Harper can’t explain to Josie how she ended up in the desert or how she came across a man’s dead body. After seeing the ominous wounds, Josie knows she needs to solve the case before her own life is taken.
&Wrecked
Josie confronts another murder, but this time it is the secretary of her long-term boyfriend, Dillon Reese. Josie is forced to do some undercover investigation that could put her oath as an officer on the line.
&Firebreak
As wildfires blaze, Josie is forced to evacuate the town. When she goes back, she finds a body near a syringe of heroin. As she delves deeper into the death, she discovers that this may not have been an overdose.
CLARION PAGE 11
FEATURE
PAGE 12 CLARION
February 9, 2015
Homemade gifts improve Valentines
For many, it’s the thought that counts, not the dollar amount
L
ABBIE MOORE
Staff Writer
ove is in the air -and so is the smell of homemade cookies. While jewelry stores and flower shops try to sell love on Valentine’s Day, homemade gifts can be great and an affordable substitute for high-priced items. It calls for a little less cash and a little more thought. “I think handmade gifts are so much better because they come from the heart, rather than from the store,” art teacher Janet Cain said. “They’re more memorable.” Cain has received many homemade Valentine gifts from her family and husband, and she says she has saved every one of them. Commercials and ads want people to believe that Valentine’s Day is the time to purchase their loved ones something expensive. “I like it better when I get homemade gifts because it shows they put a lot of effort into it and that the idea came from the heart and not from a shelf at the store,” sophomore Gabriella Milano said. Sometimes people think that the more cash they spend, the better the gift. “Kids nowadays get caught up with spending lots of money,” art teacher Lawrie Small said. “They have the mind-set that buying things is what they should do when they have a boyfriend or girlfriend. Anybody can go out and buy a bracelet; making something is truly thoughtful.” According to freshman Jamel Richardson, homemade gifts are more sentimental. “Homemade gifts are better because it means they took time out
Homemade gifts are better because it means they took time out of their day, and I know that they were thinking about me.
Jamel Richardson, freshman
of their day, and I know that they were thinking about me.” Junior Taylor Fudge agrees with him. “Making gifts is better and just really cool. It’s more personal. I made my boyfriend a collage last year of a bunch of pictures of us and he liked it a lot,” Fudge said. Figuring out where to start can be an obstacle when trying to make a gift. Social media sites such as Pinterest, Etsy, Wando and even Google can help people come up with a plan. “Find out what they like and go from there. Make a jar and fill it up with little love notes or decorate something for them. Even drawing a picture of something they like would be thoughtful,” Small said. “If you have more time, make them something like a scarf or a headband.” Not all homemade gifts have to be crafts, though. Family and Consumer Science teacher Joy Davis suggests spending a little time in the kitchen. “You can make your special someone heart-shaped cookies or a little heart-shaped cake.” While food doesn’t last forever, it shows that one cares about the other person enough to spend some time on him or her.
QUESTION&ANSWER
Abbie Moore photo illustration
QUESTION&ANSWER What was the most thoughtful Valentine you ever received? “I received a stuffed teddy bear and an old kind of candy. It was given to me by my girlfriend for our first Valentine’s Day.“ Brice Fansler, 12
“I once received a love note from a girlfriend and it made me happy. “ Chase Keller, 10
“I got a huge card with a purple heart necklace and a balloon. It was special because there was a handwritten note inside. “ Krisynda Jordan, 09
“I received a recycled card from my husband. It was a card I had given him that he liked so much he gave it back to me the next year.“ Tina Jacobik, science teacher
What words would you put on your own candy heart?
I’M CRAZY FOR LOVIN’ YOU
DO YOU GOT A BAE OR NAHH?
LOVE HURTS; LOVE SCARS
U IZ BAE
Bailey Blades, 11 (via Patsy Cline)
Kailey Briar, 10
Nazareth
Cameron James, 11
WHAT IS LOVE? BABY, DON’T HURT ME Devin Hornsby, staff (via Haddaway)
LOVE IS JUST A 4-LETTER WORD
LUV U 4EVER
Bob Dylan
Kaytlyn Whipple, 10
NEWS
February 9, 2015
Movie night?
A stroll through the park?
Bowling for two?
little, an easy thing to do in Connersville is visit Robert’s Park and possibly have a winter picnic. Some other outdoor activities might include going to Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary, hiking at the Whitewater hiking and biking trail in Metamora, walking the Whitewater Gorge trail in Richmond, or even camping. For people who absolutely hate being outside, there are other options. Going to the movies, going bowling, and going out to eat are some indoor activi-
ties that are almost always fun, and relatively inexpensive. It may be fun to start out the day early and go out for coffee or hot chocolate at Starbucks in Richmond and finish your night eating somewhere nice in Connersville. There are also options for people who simply do not want to leave their homes. Cooking an oven pizza and watching an entire season of a favorite show, playing video games or simply watching TV with someone special can always be
CLARION PAGE 13
Local attractions provide cheap dates REILI GODAR
W
Staff Writer
ith Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it may be a good time to be thinking about some fun things to do. Valentine’s Day doesn’t always have to frilly and romantic, so we have come up with some relatively inexpensive ideas for everyone. Sometimes it’s fun to spend time in the outdoors. In February, it’s still pretty cold, but if it warms up a
"CRAFTYCREATIONS
a great way to spend a day and still have a lot of fun. Some Valentine’s Day movies might include The Wedding Singer, (500) Days of Summer, 10 Things I Hate About You, The Fault in Our Stars and If I Stay. Whether students want to spend Valentine’s Day indoors, outdoors or within the comfort of their own homes, there is something to do. Whether one wants to hike in the cold or go bowling with a bunch of friends, Valentine’s Day options are plentiful.
FAST FACTS Students talk about their plans for Valentine’s Day 54.5% of students said they were single, 41% were taken, and 4.5% said their relationship status “was complicated.” 57.8% of students plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day. 10% plan say they will celebrate Single’s Awareness Day instead. 32.2% don’t plan to celebrate Feb. 14 at all.
Quick, affordable, thoughtful gifts to make
30.4% of students said they want candy as a gift. 21.4% said they want stuffed animals. 17.7% said they hoped to receive flowers. 36.8% of students don’t plan
Origami
Lotus: This is a super cute way to show some affection for someone. It’s a folded paper flower called a lotus. The 3D flower can be kept for years and won’t die. Find out how to make one at http://goo.gl/7lLzKs
Year Long Love Jar: This is a great idea for a
Folded Paper Rose: This is a flower that never
Reese’s Love Jar: This is a cute way to tell a Val-
Valentine’s Day gift. It’s a jar filled with little slips of paper. Written on each piece is a reason for loving the other person, a memory or a quote that serves as a reminder for that significant other. Find out how to make one at http://tinyurl.com/ltn2w47
dies. These flowers are classy, yet are very easy to make. They can be made out of cloth or paper. They’re also much cheaper than any other flowers one can buy. Find out how to make them at http:// tinyurl.com/k5fkska
entine that they’re loved. This is a decorated jar with lots of Reese’s pieces filling it up. It not only acts as a sweet treat, but also as a thoughtful gift. Find this an other easy Valentine’s crafts at Pinterest.com or YouTube.com.
QUESTION&ANSWER UR CUTE
WE LOVED WITH A LOVE THAT WAS MORE THAN LOVE
McKenna Fox, 10
Edgar Allan Poe
to spend any money for gifts. 24.1% plan to spend $25-50. 3.4% of students surveyed plan to spend over $100. 90 SRT students surveyed
If you could, what words would you put on your own candy heart?
HI
YOU DON’T SMELL AS BAD AS YOU LOOK
Tanner Evans, 11
Joe Chasteen, 10
I LOVE OPTIC SCUMPII
I SEEM TO HAVE LOST MY NUMBER; MAY I HAVE YOURS?
DANCE IN THE RAIN
Jayde Brock, 10
Jordan Clark, 11
Rachel Jones, 11
PAGE 14 CLARION
SPORTS
February 9, 2015
Swinging into action Gymnasts prepare for Sectional competition ABBIE MOORE
A
Staff Writer
fter winning their Sectional and advancing to State last year, the girls gymnastics team has their game faces on and their expectations high. Coach Joann Borders anticipates returning to compete at State this year. Borders hopes that a lot of practicing and encouragement will help the 14 gymnasts achieve that goal. “The girls are definitely hard workers. They just have to keep practicing and pushing themselves to prepare for competition,” Borders said.
While the team is focused on State, individuals have personal goals, too. “I hope to improve on all my events and continue to get better at my tumbling,” sophomore Kylie Miller said. “I hope to improve my bar routine,” senior Emily Stine said. “I want to be able to do it by myself and eventually add some more difficulty.” Stine suffered from an injury last season and is working hard to get back where she was before. Senior Sydney Huber is a team leader, according to Borders. “My personal goals are to make it back to Sectional and Regional and hopefully to place at State. I also hope the team gets their third Sectional title in a row this year, makes it to Regional
and advances on to State again,” Huber said. Freshman Whitney Owens competes on the beam. “I hope to go to State, win Sectional and advance to the Regional,” Owens said. “I think I can do it because I have really great coaches and they inspire me to do my best.” The girls have been prepping for the Sectional by practicing 8-12 hours a week. Outside of practice they focus on a healthy diet and exercise. “I think this is going to be a successful season,” Borders said. “All of the girls are giving their best effort and are really trying their hardest to improve and encourage one another. One thing that will really be an advantage to us even after losing two seniors will
The girls are definitely hard workers. They just have to keep practicing and pushing themselves to prepare for competition.
Joann Borders Head Coach be the experience that some of the other girls have.” The girls won a meet against New Castle, a tough competitor. Borders says their win is a result of their hard work, perseverance and ability to encourage one another. “It’s definitely tougher without the seniors who graduated, but I know that we can do just as well this year as last year if everyone steps up,” Miller said.
With encouragement and advice from Coach Joann Borders, senior Olivia Fitzgerald practices her bar routine. This is Fitzgerald’s third year on the team, where she competes on the bar and beam. Abbie Moore photo
Archers target national competition ALEXIS GRIMME
W
Attempting to improve their scores, freshman Ryan McIntyre and sophomores Matt Godar and Talon Moore watch as their arrows hit the target during an after-school practice held in the cafeteria. Alexis Grimme photo
Staff Writer
ith about 28 members, including newcomers and veterans, the archery team’s season began Jan. 26 against Union County. Archery Coach Sara Franklin is looking forward to a good season. The team is fit to help each other, make new friends, and learn something new. Every Tuesday and Thursday after school, the archers practice from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. During practice, the team mostly works on shooting skills and trying to improve their scores. The archery team has many strengths and very few weaknesses, according to Franklin.
“They have good attitudes and teamwork skills that will help them get to State and possibly to Nationals,” she said. A first year coach, Franklin joked that her team has only one weakness. “With my inexperience, I would have to say I’m the only weakness,” she said. To fix the problem, Franklin wants to become more experienced by learning more about archery. Franklin has many goals for the team. The biggest one of those is for the team to advance to Nationals. Before the team can get to Nationals, they have to make it to State. There can only be 12 to 24 archers participating at a competition. Four of those competing have to be the
opposite gender. The team isn’t allowed to have only boys or only girls competing. Franklin’s team will start their journey with hard work during practice, and learning from their mistakes during competition. “Kayla Cornthwaite shows leadership by being confident and responsible. She is one of the best shooters on the team,”Franklin said. Members join the team for a variety of reasons. “My favorite part of archery would be the shooting of the bows,”sophomore Harlee Huntsman said. As the season progresses, “I am looking forward to improving my scores, trying to qualify for State and being with my friends,” archery team member sophomore Chloe Doerflein said.
SPORTS
February 9, 2015
Girls shoot for the win Team prepares for tough competition FAITH STRUNK
H
Staff Writer
eading into the middle of their season with a varsity record of 11-11 (Feb. 4) the Lady Spartans basketball team is both a newer and older team in terms of experience, Coach Michael Thompson said. With 10 returning players and 16 new players, the team has put in numerous hours both on and off the court so far this season. Thompson said the team’s strengths include ball handling, ability to score quickly and defense. However, their main ob-
stacle is size. “Compared to most teams, we are smaller size-wise, but we use our size as an advantage and that better helps us compete as a team,” Thompson said. In practices the team works on rebounding and consistency in scoring. To improve in those areas, Thompson said it would take more mental work versus physical work. The team’s toughest competition comes from Greenfield-Central, Mt. Vernon, Rushville, Richmond and Pendleton Heights. In order to prepare for these games, the coach hopes the girls will put in as much time and effort off the court as they have on the court. Team members spend much time together during practices, get-togethers,
during the school day and while working out. In order to encourage team bonding, they also hold team dinners where everyone gets together as a big, extended family. Every girl puts in 1215 hours per week with practice daily from 4:106:30 p.m., and Thompson puts in 40 hours a week on coaching. Every practice starts with the basics: jogging, stretches and plyos. Then they work their way into running plays and working on shooting, defense, etc. Seniors Taylor Stephen and Courtney Phillips are team leaders, according to Thompson. “These students show leadership on and off the court by their work ethic, attendance at all events
CLARION PAGE 15
My biggest challenge this season has been keeping the ball up on the shot.
Courtney Phillips, senior and off-season practice,” Thompson said. Stephen plans to spend the next four years playing basketball at the College of Wisconsin Parkside, while Phillips will attend Earlham College to play for the Quakers. “My biggest challenge this season has been keeping the ball up on the shot,” Phillips said. The teams biggest aspiration would be a Sectional win, and as a coach,
Thompson strives to teach his players the work ethic, dedication and team work to help them get there. Phillips offered this advice to her teammates: “Just work hard, and give it your best shot.”
Bringing the ball down the court, senior Taylor Stephen plays in the Pink Out game against Pendleton Heights Jan. 23. At the Feb. 3 game Stephen scored her 1,000th basket. Faith Strunk photo
Bowling team competes at Sectional CARA FRENCH
W
Staff Writer
hile both the boys and girls bowling teams scored well at the Jan. 30 Sectional, no bowlers advanced to the
Practicing his technique, sophomore Ryan Gough hopes for a strike at an after school practice at Plaza Lanes. Cara French photo
Regional competition. Senior Garrett Beaty and junior Martin Hoffman tied at the Sectional and both missed the cut for the Regional by only 22 pins. “Our goals for the season were to be competitive
in all of our matches and be prepared for the Sectional,” Coach Derek Hornsby said. The team finished with a 500 record. One obstacle that the team had to face was losing senior bowlers from last year. A few bowlers had to step up to be the leaders. According to the coach, the team leader was Beaty because he had the high average and was able to help the younger bowlers stay confident, even after losses. This year the bowling club had a new coaching staff made up of Derek Hornsby from the middle school and Matt VanOver from Plaza Lanes. The girls coach was David Ash. Tom Cooley was the new team sponsor. The new coaches brought
new ideas to the teams. “Having a new coach for the girl’s team this season has been wonderful. He has given us great tips that have helped all of us throughout the season,” junior Emily Werner said. Not only did the new coaching staff teach the players new techniques, they also taught them how to change stance when there was an issue with the one they were in while bowling. The team practiced an average of two to three hours a week at Plaza Lanes. “As a coach, I strived to teach them not only to be good bowlers, but good citizens, as well, and show sportsmanship,” Hornsby said. Bowlers, including Beaty stayed focused on their
I worked hard and tried not to be so hard on myself to achieve those goals.
Martin Hoffman, junior
goals. “To meet my goals I practiced hard and took advice. I achieved that goal because I never missed a single practice and my average increased,” Beaty said. “My goal at the beginning of the season was to show my love for the sport and be successful. I worked hard and tried not to be so hard on myself to achieve those goals,” junior Martin Hoffman said.
THE LAST WORD
PAGE 16 CLARION
February 9, 2015
Books worth binge-reading
Stuck inside on a snow day? Try these books for company CASSIE FRYE Staff Writer
Legend
I Hunt Killers
Love & Other Theories Eleanor and Park by Alexis Bass
by Rainbow Rowell
by Kentaro Yabuki
Legend is a dystopian-type novel that follows two teens who were born into opposite sides of a war in a futuristic version of Los Angeles, known as the “The Republic.” 15-year-old June is a gifted prodigy who is being trained to become a military star. She sets out to find her brother’s killer and discovers that all signs point to Day, an infamous criminal who is already wanted by The Republic. With June’s determination to avenge her sibling’s murder and Day as a prime suspect, two worlds collide when the teens uncover the real reason as to why they met and just how far the government is willing to go in order to keep secrets hidden. Legend is a action-based novel that makes for a quick but intense read. With great chases and thrilling escape scenes, Legend holds its own against other books in the dystopian genre, including Divergent and The Maze Runner.
The mind of a serial killer is a unique place to be, and in I Hunt Killers the reader gets to experience the madness firsthand. This thriller-suspense novel is one that uses humor, gore and a bit of psychological analysis to guide readers in Jazz’s journey. Jasper “Jazz” Dent is a 17-year-old whose father is the country’s most renowned serial killer. Thanks to his dad, Jasper spent his childhood learning how to become an invisible predator, while other children his age spent their days riding bikes and playing. I Hunt Killers shows how an intense sense of willpower might be strong enough to overcome even the worst of upbringings. At least that’s what Jazz keeps telling himself. He joins the police force in hunting down a new serial killer who is at work, and he’s reliving memories that make him a little more than restless. Is Jazz destined to follow in his father’s footsteps?
Love and Other Theories is a young adult romance novel that covers the topic of dating in high school and the heartbreak it may introduce, in the form of Aubrey and her three best friends. Aubrey and her friends have managed to survive high school without any form of heartbreak, thanks to a set of rules they set for themselves, including don’t commit, don’t be needy and never mention the g-word (girlfriend). It’s senior year and their plans are going well, until Nathan Diggs steps into Aubrey’s life and she starts to break her number one rule: Don’t fall in love. Will Aubrey stray from the rules she’s promised to keep, or will love conquer all? Love and Other Theories is a story about friendship, love, heartbreak and moving into the future. This book shows that despite how cruel someone may be, and no matter how hard someone may try to avoid love, sometimes the feelings are inevitable.
For those who enjoy reading John Green, Eleanor and Park is a must-try novel. Set in the 80’s, this heartwarming novel is the story of two outcasts, Eleanor and Park, and how their love story progresses over the course of a year. After a tragic family incident, Eleanor moves to a new school. Everything seems to be going well, until every kid tries to pull a “you can’t sit here” act on the bus. She is forced to take the only empty seat beside Park, who is less than welcoming. It isn’t long until the two go from stealing secret glances to sharing mix tapes and reading comics together. Eleanor and Park is a slow-building romance novel that, unlike John Green novels that make readers ugly-cry for hours, leaves one giggling because of the two’s cuteness. Geekiness and weirdness collide in this young adult book which captures the essence of adolescent love.
Black Cat is an action/adventure manga with a twist of fantasy. The story focuses on care-free Train Heartnet; his eye-patched partner, Sven; and their vibrant band of pals. Train is a former high-level killer, known as Black Cat for his quick reactions and his title as Number XIII in the Chronos Numbers, an elite group of assassins who are ironically bent on the idea of world peace. He left the secret society of cutthroats two years ago so he could live – and kill – by his own rules. Since he left, Train has been bringing criminals to justice as a licensed bounty hunter, called a sweeper. His central mission is to find his best friend’s murderer. Train suspects a past member of the Chronos Numbers is responsible. The manga itself is 20 volumes long, but the series was also made into a 24 episode series, dubbed into English and subtitles, published by Funimation.
by Marie Lu
by Barry Lyga
!WRITERSCORNER Untitled by Kasey Reeves, 12
Envy is as green as the grass you walk on every day.
You can’t see it coming; it sinks inside you, invades you in every way.
It boils and boils, over the top, spilling without warning.
It changes you, you’re transforming.
But this isn’t you, it’s me....
I just want to be free
Black Cat (Manga)
To be eligible to be published in the Writers Corner, students should attend SRT Writers Club meetings in Paula Shouse’s room, W165.
Humanity by Michael Steele, 10
Life is as easy as Death It comes and goes As do the arts of Humanity The irony is reoccurring as history replays
Our punishment for not learning The cycle is broken time to time But our ignorance patches it back up
Humanity is a race of ignorance A race of selfishness Within these great flaws though Humanity’s ignorance makes us strive for knowledge Humanity’s selfishness creates the need to understand Above all, Humanity shouldn’t be underestimated But Humanity shouldn’t be cherished either For “To err is human”