The March EHS Bugle

www.ehs-hub.info

Eureka, MO 63025 ehs_hub@rockwood.k12.mo.us

Issue 5, Volume 78 March 1, 2013 Eureka High School 4525 Highway 109

thebugle

Ideal integration

monika nayak featurewriter

Equity teams strive to create a community out of different individuals “I have no opinion about Black History Month,” Samantha Greaney (11) said. “It doesn’t really have anything to do with me since I’m white; we don’t recognize it at school.”

Greaney is not alone. Whether students realize it or not, Black History Month ended yesterday.

“Black History Month is a big thing that [The Department of Education Diversity and Equity] wants to do because of the historical nature of the month,” Mr. Terry Harris, Rockwood’s coordinator of equity and diversity, said in a phone interview conducted, Feb. 14.

“The key is to incorporate black history in all months.”

White America becomes a minority as 50.4 percent of children are born to other minorities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s website.

This reality is not reflected in RSD’s resident student population, especially in Eureka. So, the district expands its enrollment and its diversity through the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation.

The VICC program allows students who live in St. Louis City to attend school in Rockwood.

Currently, 1,700 city-living students are enrolled in the volunteer transfer program, and about 180 attend EHS, according to Rockwood’s website.

The program facilitates bus transportation as well as taxi services while offering education counseling to students. The student accommodations are funded by the state of Missouri.

While the VICC Program and state funding make diversity a reality in RSD, those factors don’t

automatically make the student body a cohesive community.

“It’s pretty easy to walk down the hallway or in the lunch room and see students selfsegregating,” Dr. Johnathon White, 11th grade principal, said. “There’s always some tension. It’s always underlying.”

To build a stronger community, Mrs. Jennifer Strauser, associate principal, worked with faculty and students and developed two committees.

The Eureka Equity Committee, the student team, started meeting at the beginning of the school year and consists of 19 students—both black and white— who have been working on ideas for next year.

“We do a lot of team bonding in order to show that a group of diverse people can get together and actually have a good time,” Tommy Leonard, E2 member, said. “There aren’t any problems with race or anything like that.”

E2 members hope to build a bridge between students of all colors.

“Most of the black kids here feel like the white kids are racist, so there’s a separation there, but I hang out with everyone,” Cambryce Berry, E2 member, said. “I try to get my friends to talk to more white kids.”

E2 hopes to spread a message that extends past the month of February.

The group sponsored an essay contest asking students to reflect on the benefits of attending school with students who live in both the city and the county. A $250 cash prize was awarded to one county-resident and one cityresident student.

monika nayak

Kayleen Burns (10), Alex Insalaco, Victoria Sommerville and Kate Rinkenberger (11) chat during lunch, Feb. 26. In a normally segregated EHS’ efforts toward diversity awareness don’t stop there.

The staff team focuses on improving the ability of teachers to educate students from all walks of life.

The school is making strides in addressing an achievement gap that plagues the nation where black and Hispanic students perform two grades lower than their white peers on national reading assessments, according to Education Week’s website.

“If you joined the VICC program in 6th or 7th grade and you attended the St. Louis public schools, the course work isn’t as rigorous there, so there’s a gap in your learning,” Mrs. Strauser said. “If you didn’t have the benefit of going to a preschool, depending on your life situation, there’s a gap in your learning.

There’s definitely a gap when

Correction: In the February issue of The Bugle in the story “Benefit or buzzkill,” “Students need to take into account their own ability, the rigor of the course and the number of

lunch room, the equity team strives to establish a community where people are more willing to interact with peers who are different from themselves.

you’re moving from a less rigorous to a more rigorous school. It has nothing to do with ability or your intelligence.”

The gap led to lower minority enrollment in higher-level classes.

“We found out through some data that African American students are poorly represented in higher-level classes in the district,” Mrs. Strauser said.

“People think it is solely because of ability, but sometimes it is due to a gap in their learning. If we can close that gap then their intelligence will allow them to be successful in those classes.”

Faculty have developed strategies to increase minority enrollment in higher-level classes and support student achievement in those classes.

The community continues to address integration on all fronts.

“I see divides,” Olivia Perez,

E2 member, said. “A lot of it is the racial division because a lot of our school is either black or white, and while there are people in between, that’s the biggest divide.”

E2 members envision a different future.

“I’d like for everybody to feel equal in our school,” Vaughn Davis, E2 member, said. “I’ve always felt that if everybody’s included there’ll be fewer cases like the Sandy Hook shooting. If everyone’s united, high school will be a better place for everyone to be, and everyone will enjoy their time in high school.”

E2 members see their efforts rewarded already.

“There is a sense of pride in our African American students that perhaps wasn’t there before, and they value the school because it’s theirs,” Mrs. Strauser said.

activites they are in when selecting courses” was incorrectly attributed to Mrs. Molly Smith, guidance department chair instead of Mrs. Debbie Grimshaw, guidance counselor.

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athletic facilities. On April 2, Proposition S will appear on the ballot for Rockwood voters needing 57.14 percent of the vote

Through proposition 3, Lafayette High School built a new pool building, replacing their old facility in Fall 2009.

Eureka’s current pool facilities were built in 1976. “I think our pool should probably be redone,” Grace Bollinger, diver, said.

Lafayette High School

In past bond issues that passed, EHS built new classrooms to accommodate growth while the other high schools updated

Eureka High School

“Our diving board isn’t as good as other schools. Our pool is smaller, and it is always really hot in there. If the pool was

to pass. This no-tax rate increase bond issue was proposed by the Facilitating Team of Picture Rockwood after they

bigger, we could have more swimmers and room to practice.” With the passage of proposition S, EHS’s pool building

took the feedback of the community into consideration over the course of fall 2012, and it would include necessary

would not be renovated due to the more necessary renovation of the locker room areas.

madeline karas

locker room renovations to accommodate the 1965 students now attending EHS and meet ADA requirements.

maddie sanden

2News

Propping up

Prop S could update locker rooms built in the 70s for 584

in the Fall of 2011. At EHS, proposition 5 included the construction of new classrooms, expansion of the parking lot

With the passage of Propostion 3 on April 8, 2008, Rockwood Summit High School added locker rooms and a weight room,

all completed in fall 2010. Eureka’s current locker rooms cannot sustain the number of students they need

Summit High School

Decided by Proposition 5, the bond issue passed April 6, 2010, Marquette’s weight room was redone and completed

maddie sanden

Marquette High School

to accommodate. “In the gym locker rooms, some of the lockers are too close together,” Drew Albert, gym student,

and the construction of the concession stand and storage area on the front field.

However, EHS’ weight room was built in

said. “We need to spread the lockers out more and make them larger.” However, with Proposition 3, EHS added 14

1996. “We really do have a good weight room,” Alex Alderman, weightlifter, said. “New things that could be in there

classrooms, built a new library, added a two story wing, renovated the music wing and updated the FACS and art classrooms.

maddie sanden

would be bars, new plates, fix-me-ups.

We could use more space with more people taking the class now.”

locker rooms

sweN3

students, catching EHS up to other Rockwood high schools maddie sanden editor-in -chief

4Feature

◘ “You should look good and have good hygiene to impress the other person,” Tyler Allen (9) said. ◘ “When you pick someone up, you should definitely meet the parents,” Jake Debeir (11) said. “That’s always key because it makes the parents feel more comfortable with you.”

◘ “Listen so they know that you care about them,” Sam Peterson (10) said.

◘ “Don’t talk to other girls or guys on a date, because you should want to impress whoever you’re on a date with,” Kasey Fleming (11) said. ◘ “Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Mr. Brad Demattei, technology education teacher, said. ◘ “Don’t talk about yourself the whole time,” Debeir said. “Conversation is good, but don’t be cocky because it’s not attractive.” ◘ “Don’t jump too deeply into serious subjects on a first date,” Knobbe said. ◘ “Don’t try and change your appearance for your date,” Faith Reynolds (10) said.

“It’s more important to be yourself and not try to look like what you think they want.”

A group of friends spend an evening scaling the walls of Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym, Feb 19. Upper Limits, with locations in West County as well as Downtown St. Louis, offers a casual atmosphere that proves fun for novice rock climbers and rock climbing pros alike. A daily pass at Upper Limits only costs $15 plus the cost of renting equipment, and classes for beginners start at $30.

Dating then and now

and do not’s...

mary tomlinson

“I miss the days when you had one phone number, and one answering machine, and that one answering machine had one cassette tape, and that one cassette tape either had a message from the guy or it didn’t.

Now, you have to go around checking all these different portals just to get rejected by seven different technologies. It’s exhausting.” This truth-filled line expresses the frustration of a character from the film “He’s just not that into you.”

The constant connectivity exhausts her and she misses simple face-to-face interactions that have become the exception. Dating didn’t used to be so technologically oriented.

“When I was in high school, people would usually ask you on a date in person or call you on phone,” Ms. Bosomworth, science teacher, said. “You have to have a lot of courage to say, face-to-face, ‘I like you and we should go out on a date.’”

However, only 45 percent of EHS students ask people on dates in person or are asked in person, according to

set the oven too hot or mistook salt for sugar, you can share a laugh, too. And pizza delivery is always a phone call away.

A simple make-at-home meal is Boboli pizza, which gives you the basics of pizza making and allows you to create your own pizza masterpiece. Pick up your Boboli crust and pizza sauce at your local grocery store as well as all of the toppings you both want, and visit www.boboli.com for plenty of ideas on pizza topping combinations – or go off the map and create your own special recipe together.

Local and independent Movies The movie date is an easy ‘go-to’ date to the point of cliché. But if you get tired of seeing the same Hollywood blockbusters at the same old venue and still want to relax with a bucket of buttery popcorn and a date by your side, see a film at Webster University’s Film Series.

Webster University screens showings of American and foreign films, classic movies, and new films from outside mainstream cinema. Tickets cost only $6 for the general public - much cheaper than your average movie. Grab some dinner afterwards or spend the car ride home chatting about your new movie experience. In the next few weeks, “Only The Young,” “The Wise Kids,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums” are a few of the shows that will be screened. To see the full schedule, check out www2.webster.

an EHS-hub survey of 117 students. Though this is the highest percentage, it is by no means the overwhelming majority. The next most popular medium for communication about dates is texting, with 20 percent.

“I would imagine asking someone on a date over text would be easier because you don’t have to worry about getting shot down face-to-face,” Frank Mott (12) said. “There’s less stress and less pressure.”

Despite the decreased pressure and the anonymity of communicating through text messages or social media, flaws still exist.

“There was a movie that a guy and I were going to, and we weren’t sure on the time,” Isabel Lopez (9) said. “I ended up there early and the guy was going to the later movie so I had to wait. This occurred because of the lack of communication.”

Even if using technology to initiate a date seems easier, it doesn’t necessarily make for a better date.

“I just think it’s corny if you send somebody a text saying, ‘Would you go on a date with me?’” Mr. Justin

edu/filmseries/.

Breath new life into the boring routine.

Minor league games Though the excitement of a professional sports stadium draws in couples looking for an evening of competition, food and fun, the price tag can be a bit daunting. Going to minor league sports games instead of dropping at least $40 on a Cardinals ticket can bring all the excitement with about a quarter of the price. Tickets are as cheap as $5 and as high as $11. Plus, a new venue neither has experienced always brings adventure.

The two local minor league baseball teams in St. Louis – The River City Rascals and The Gateway Grizzlies—both have stadiums only a 45 minute to an hour drive away.

Because minor league stadiums usually have lower attendance and the games don’t have as high of stakes, the atmosphere is a little more relaxed, giving you and your date more time for chatting and getting to know each other.

If you want to turn your baseball date into a group date, the GCS Ballpark where the Grizzlies play offers picnic tables that seat six for $6 a person. Go all out and rent a hot-tub for $110.

The Grizzlies’ first game is May 8 and the Rascal’s first game, May 10, but tickets can be purchased now.

Morris, psychology teacher, said. “I just think that lacks romance and shows a lack of social skills.”

The direct approach seems the most preferred.

Eighty percent of students surveyed still believe that asking someone on a date in person or being asked in person is the best way.

“I have been asked on a date through facebook,” Lopez said. “I still went on it, but it made me feel like he wasn’t brave enough to come up and ask me himself.

If he would have asked me in person, I would have felt like he cared about me more and that he really wanted to go on the date with me.”

Communicating in person has advantages that cannot be found within technology.

“I’m old-fashioned so I like the more direct approach,” Mott said. “I still like to do it in person because it’s more meaningful and more intimate.”

Even with endless portals of technology available at students’ fingertips, direct communication is still an option in students’ repertoire for planning dates.

Rachel Combs (10) and Eric Hilker (12), two regular EHS students, showcase the best attire for going on a date and explain their choices “I do use cologne. You have to smell good for the ladies.”

“I always do accessorizing last, I always say ‘less is more’. I think if you have too many accessories it distracts from the whole outfit.”

“I sometimes wear Viva La Juicy.

It’s a good scent for a guy, and you want to smell good.”

“I chose this shirt because it’s comfortable and it’s not too flashy.”

n

◘ “Be as outgoing as possible because you’re not going to get anywhere without being outoing,” Kelsey Knobbe (12) said.

Rock Climbing For those looking for lighthearted competition but are bored with the typical bowling and mini-golf routine, try out something a little more intense and unique: rock climbing.

To enjoy this sport, however, you don’t need to find the steepest cliff around and start showing off to your date: Upper Limits Climbing Gym will provide the venue.

The chill atmosphere is great for couples looking to test their skills in a relaxed environment. Even if you’ve never set foot in a climbing gym before, classes are offered that teach the basics of rock climbing. There are also staff on hand at Upper Limits to help you with all of your rock climbing needs. If you are under 18, make sure to have a safety waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. To plan your next rock climbing trip, visit www. upperlimits.com Make dinner together Sharing a meal and conversation is a simple way to spend time together, whether it is date number one or 20. However, eating out can easily turn pricey.

To save some cash and see each other’s culinary skills at the same time, try spending a night making a meal together.

The food will be more enjoyable knowing you spent the time crafting it yourself, and even if one of you (or both) accidently

What to wear?

mary tomlinso

◘ “It’s important to be conversational because it keeps the flow of the date going,” Karli McIntyre (12) said.

These ideas for dates - though out of the ordinary - offer an evening of fun that goes beyond the simple ‘dinner and a movie” routine

“I chose the top that matched the jeans the best.”

son

Unique date ideas

mary tomlinson feature writer

omlin

Dating do’s...

If you’re looking to improve your dating life, look no further to find all of the elements that build the ideal outing for new and old couples alike

mary t

The perfect date

erutaeF 5

“I chose my jeans first because they’re red and they’re the statement piece. The statement piece puts the whole outfit together and defines the outfit. Then you can match stuff with it.”

“I chose my shoes because they’re nice shoes to wear that are also casual.”

“I usually go for comfort. You never know how much walking you’re going to do. When you go on a date, you don’t want to feel uncomfortable. Even though I’m in heels, these are actually quite comfortable.”

“I chose jeans because on a first date you don’t wear slacks. You’re trying to be yourself on your first date so you wear what you would normally wear but a little dressed up.”

6Entertainment all illustrations by casey walker

Backyard campout

The allure of once again spending time in the outdoors draws many to southern vacation getaways. Instead of travelling to the tropics, pitch a tent in the backyard with a group of friends. While the average temperature in St. Louis in March is 44 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, they have also give St. Louis a 46 percent chance of having average temperatures about 57 degrees. With the prospect of a few warm nights, cuddling up in sleeping bags with a group of friends may help cure the desire to be tanning on the beach. “It’s really cold here so I’d rather go somewhere warmer and I don’t really want to go camping, but I might try backyard camping it if it’s with friends,” Ramya Chengalvala (9) said.

Movie marathon

If the weather doesn’t permit an outdoor excursion, consider a day in with a stack of favorite movies. Watch an entire series, like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, or gather movies with a similar theme, like chick flicks or super hero movies. “I would want to do a movie marathon because I really enjoy watching movies,” Sam McNair (11) said. At the St. Louis County library, anybody with a valid library card can go online and request movies to pick up at the library location they choose, or rent a bunch from a local Redbox or Blockbuster for just $1 each. Don’t forget to pop bags of popcorn and gather favorite candy to satisfy the munchies during the marathon.

Spring Break kickoff party

Some people jump-start spring with furious cleaning, but spring also brings a great opportunity to spend more time in the outdoors. Set up a bonfire or barbecue in the backyard for friends or family remaining in town for break. To help brainstorm ideas, set up a Pinterest account to see what other people have done and organize favorite ideas in a central place. With an iPod or MP3 player, create a playlist with upbeat and summery tunes to welcome the upcoming warm weather. To add a taste of traveling to the gathering, have guests dress up in a theme (Hawaiian luau or Disney World tourist) to help ease the disappointments of staying home for break.

Update the wardrobe

Summer styles are reaching stores and online shopping sites, and free time over spring break gives extra time to add some new items to the closet. “I’ll be shopping for shorts, pants and springy shirts over spring break,” Amie Green (9) said. Spend a day at Chesterfield Mall or West County Mall, both of which are open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Sundays. Each mall website has coupons for some stores; for other discounts, plan which stores to look at in advance and check each individual store’s website for promotions, sales and coupons.

Take up a new hobby

casey walker society editor maddie sanden editor-in -chief

Boredom ensues after being cooped up in the house too long, especially if the weather doesn’t go swimmingly. So try something new. Take up new hobbies like crocheting to make a new scarf or hat to go with your favorite spring colored shirt. Check out “Crocheting for Dummies” and get yourself started.

If you’re not feeling inspired to pick up a crochet hook and thread try something edible. “I would love to learn to cook, and I’d like to do it over spring break,” Brendan Besse (9) said. Cake pop’s are popular, fun to eat and require little cooking skills. Most recipes just include a cake mix and icing and you’re on your way to creating cute, bite-sized treats. Log on to allrecipes.com and search whatever recipe interests you.

Start applying for summer jobs

Even though summer break is full of activities like sleeping in past noon, staying out with friends and buying new bathing suits, there has to be a cash flow somehow. So how about getting a head start on applying for jobs over Spring Break? The sooner employers receive an application, the more likely your chances are to get a job and beat out the college kids coming home for summer also looking for a job. If you’re not sure where to apply check out websites like Monster.com to search for businesses hiring in your area code. If you want to make cash but don’t want to deal with taxes, take the extra time over Spring Break to make fliers for your own baby-sitting or pet-sitting business.

De-stress and relax

Most students are feeling the burn after the work from the winter semester has been stepping on their heels. Spring Break is the perfect time to let go and just…relax. Try some me-time and take a yoga class at the local YMCA or Lifetime Fitness. “I like to do yoga in my free time, and Spring Break is a good time for me to take some classes,” Jill Haake (12) said. Most gyms offer yoga classes twice a week with morning and evening times. If you want the relaxation but not the hard work, stop by a local Lush Cosmetics store and stock up on bath-bombs and face masks for the perfect spa day. And of course, Spring Break is the perfect time to catch up on Z’s.

Take up a volunteer project

Many places need and appreciate volunteers, and with a whole week of free days, Spring Break is a perfect time to start volunteering in the community. Contact local places that share an interest, such as the Humane Society, local parks or a nursery home about working with them to volunteer. Helping the community can be a great way to bring friends together, so consider calling friends to make the volunteer project more profound. Other great ways to serve includes simply helping around the neighborhood. Pick up trash, rake leaves or ask neighbors if they need help around the yard; working around the community will help ease long, boring days sitting around the house.

Come in and open your myDirect Student Checking account

Eureka Banking Center 203 East 5th Street Visit the Commerce Online Student Services Learning Center at: commercebank.com/learn

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2/19/2013 11:05:35 AM

snoinipO7

Good news

Sanden says

Ending the college search

Staff Editorial

maddie sanden editor-in -chief

Walking out of school, a familiar number appeared on my phone, Feb 15. Seeing the number made my stomach drop.

I didn’t want to feel the disappointment that could be waiting on the other end of the line. If my dream college didn’t award me the scholarship I needed, I couldn’t handle rejection.

Pretending everything was normal, I chatted with a few friends before walking to parking spot 183. Finally, I bolstered my courage and pressed the voicemail icon.

It seemed like an eternity for the computerized woman’s voice to tell me how many voicemails I had, but finally, I heard the good news. I was going to be a Kentucky Wildcat.

For me, the college search started sophomore year when I thought I wanted to

go to a small school to play basketball.

By junior year, I shifted focus, deciding I wanted to go to an esteemed academic school.

But then, during the summer between junior and senior year, something clicked. I wanted to go to a school that had the perfect balance between working hard and enjoying myself. I didn’t want to be stressed so much that I spent every waking moment in the library, but I also didn’t want to end up somewhere where there weren’t any challenges.

So, I visited seven schools. I talked to deans and admissions counselors, students and alumni. I took notes and gathered brochures and flyers.

I was taking the most logical approach to the college search I could.

One night last fall, I attended a preview night for

the University of Kentucky. I convinced my mom it was worth the 45 minute drive to Chase Park Plaza. I truly believe it was the most important moment of persuasion in my life.

I met one of the most influential people in my college search and the single most important reason I chose the University of Kentucky.

Mr. Don Witt, associate provost for enrollment management, talked to me for nearly an hour that night about the many great aspects of the university, detailing the ways in which I could successfully jumpstart my future there.

When I decided to visit, he took my parents and me—along with two other students and their families—to the horse races and made sure my admissions counselor Monica and student ambassadors took care of what I needed.

From the moment I stepped on campus, I had an amazing feeling about it.

While the facts are important, how I felt when I walked on campus decided where I would spend the next four years. The people that took care of me, kept in contact and made me feel like they wanted me on campus sold me on UK. Despite the thousands of colleges across the nation, I only wanted one calling me that Friday because I finally let myself fall in love.

Embracing equality

Learning diversity means success in changing workplace With increasing diversity in society, it becomes more and more important that our school community reflects the changes seen in the real world.

In 2012, 81 percent of the labor force was white, blacks made up 12 percent and Asians five percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Since 2003, the proportion of black workers has grown by 2 percent and Asian workers by 1 percent.

This growth represents the integration of different races and cultures into our society, requiring students now to make an effort to understand and associate with people that may look different or uphold different values or beliefs.

The best way to start teaching diversity is in schools, so young kids and high school students have the opportunity to get to know people that they may one day have to work alongside.

The guidance of teachers and administrators allows students to get to know their peers of other races better, finding practical ways to relate to people that may be different than them. When relationships begin early, it could be much easier to develop the skills necessary to adapt to a diversifying workplace and the melting pot that it our nation.

A greater knowledge of people who are different allows people to be receptive

The Bugle newspaper staff

America—a melting pot of cultures. We hear it often, referring to the range of nationalities and ethnicities that shape into our own American culture, according to dictionary.com. In Eureka, we have two Chinese restaurants, two Mexican restaurants, an Irish pub, an Italian restaurant and multiple restaurants serving typical American cuisine.

While these places most likely serve a very Americanized version of their national cuisine, they still bring a bit of their respective country to our town. Venture just a few miles outside of Eureka, and there are any number of places serving food from all over the world.

In the Rockwood School District, a blend of different races and ethnicities comprise our schools. While 80 percent of the 22, 268 students within the district are white, 5.9 percent are Asian, 10.3 percent are black, 2.3 percent are Hispanic and .2 percent are Indian, according to Rockwood’s website.

editor-in-chief maddie sanden online editors abby biggs rachel trujillo society editor casey walker opinions editor paige ondr

photo editor madeline karas feature writers monika nayak taylor balleau mary tomlinson online writers forrest nettles

ads manager michael mclaughlin ads staff connor mondschein online community editor jon hoeflinger adviser elisha strecker

towards others. Instead of gathering in groups of people with all the same characteristics, people may be more willing to leave their comfort zone and create a more equitable society.

The actions of groups, such as the equity team and GSA, help encourage students to break out of their comfort zone and experience differences that develop more well-rounded students and, eventually, workers. These positive impacts on our school community can easily transfer to daily life and into the workplace as students graduate high school and college; there is more tolerance when people have knowledge.

The US continues to grow in its diversity, which means future generations will deal more and more with people that may not be like them.

Learning to cooperate with and befriend different people provides a better chance of adapting to the growing melting pot and succeeding in a diverse culture.

The primary obligation of The Bugle is to create a quality publication to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population.

The Bugle, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment and strives to establish and maintain standards outlined by the Society of Professional Journalists.

The Bugle is a public forum. Student editors apply professional standards and ethics for decision making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper. While the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff.

Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, libel, obscenity, material disruption of the school process, copyright infringement or unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Letters to the editor are encouraged by students, faculty and the community. Letters must be signed but names can be withheld upon request. Letters must not exceed 250 words and The Bugle reserves the right to reject, edit or shorten as necessary. Letters should be submitted to ehs_hub@rockwood.k12.mo.us.

Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school administration. All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Members of the Editorial Board include all staff editors. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons and reviews reflect the views of the author and not those of the editorial board.

The Bugle reserves the right to refuse any business which seeks to advertise any product which is illegal or generally considered unhealthy or undesirable for students as determined by the Editorial Board. The Bugle may choose to publish public service ads at the discretion of the Editorial Board. The Bugle will print political ads which comply with federal, state and local campaign laws.

The Bugle is a member of Sponsors of School Publications of Greater St. Louis, the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association.

8Sports

Running ahead The shaking of muscles, the pounding of a heart, a racing mind and a passion to succeed could describe the girls track team. The Wildcats aren’t just out to win; they are running to land a spot on the top of the podium with a medal on their chests and a state title to their names.

“This year we are all shooting to end up on that podium.” Eilish Overby, varsity sprinter, said. “Our team is going to do really well; we’ve been training in the offseason. I’ve been training a lot, too and taking it seriously. I’m running for revenge.”

Revenge, from what? They are running for the milliseconds that decided a second place ranking instead of first, or a bronze medal in place of the gold medal they craved.

Between spritzing water on the heatstricken girls, blasting pump-up music through their headphones, and the intense focus that strikes the athletes before their race, the 2012 state track championships was one to remember.

“State was really exciting,” Megan Cunningham, varsity sprinter, said. “We could have done better but I am still extremely proud of us.”

The top 15 standings were a popular place for the Wildcats at track championships. The distance events proved to be a strong suit for EHS. In the 5k, Hannah Long, varsity distance runner, placed 1st, Angela Sumner, varsity distance runner, grabbed 9th place and Megan Cunningham, varsity runner, closely followed with 11th place.

“Last year’s state championship was absolutely great,” Darrell Lewis, varsity head coach, said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls.”

Like an addiction, Long seems to always to find her way back to the podium—a weakness and unique craving.

As a freshman, she had placed first in the 1600 and the 5k. She also is the owner of a silver medal from the Great American Cross Country Festival hosted in North Carolina last September.

Sumner was a force to be reckoned with as well; she placed 12th in the grueling 3200m and the demanding 5k.

“As my first year at state, it was really exciting,” Sumner said, “I’m excited to come back even stronger this year. I’m ready.”

With after school hours training in the freezing rain, sleet and snow, Sumner devotes her extra time and energy into becoming the best.

A sprinter and newcomer, Taylyr Jordan (10) made her mark in the taxing short

The girls track team is back, stronger than before and with taylor balleau a hunger for victory feature writer

taylor balleau

Angela Sumner (12) pushes her muslces as she runs the final lap of set during the freezing cold first day of track tryouts, Feb. 25. distance events, as well. She placed 28th overall in the 100m sprint.

EHS’s talent is seen on the track as well as the podium. But solely depending on natural talent may not get them in the top standings. Hard work and dedication help the girls reach their goals.

Others may find the shooting pain in the legs and the lack of oxygen unappealing, but the Wildcats have a hunger for track. With any passion, the underlying burning and motivation is what moves the dedicated group of girls.

“My team is my motivation,” Long said.

“Everyone’s race has an impact on the

outcome, and that really drives me.”

The word team cannot perfectly suit the bonded group of girls. Family is a better expression. Sharing a thirst to cross the finish line first ties the girls together, as does their bubbly personalities and love of Channing Tatum.

“I have such a passion for the sport,” Jordan said. “After all, I’ve been running since kindergarten. It’s just so natural for me, and It’s been a big part of my life for a while.”

This drive not only led the girls to success last year, it inspires them to achieve an even higher form of excellence

for the upcoming season and against their biggest competition—every other school.

“We probably average up to fifteen miles a week,” Katherine Shelton (11) said. “It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.”

But then again, a pure love for a sport does not ensure victory. Training, commitment and a craving to be in the top standings lead the Wildcats to conquer.

Throughout training, dedication and a burning desire to be the best, the Wildcats are ready to win.

“This year we’re going to come back even stronger,” Rachael Yergensen (10), said. “With a lot more confidence and training we’re better than before. We’re ready to win.”

For other athletes, winning may entail studying the sport or choosing whole grain over white bread. For the dedicated girls, running envelops their lives—on and off the track. To reach their goals, commitment and copious sizes of tubes of Icy-Hot is necessary.

“I’m going to give 100% every single day at practice,” Jordan said. “My goal is to win state.”

The idea of being the fastest in the state may seem far-fetched, but for the Wildcats being the best is at their fingertips. With their dedication, triumph is redundant.

“Our team is going to do really well,” Overby said. “We’ve been extremely devoted in the off-season”.

Myriads of interval training, muscle shaking and hunger-causing workouts have prepared the athletes for the upcoming brawls against their competitors.

“Our workouts vary, with different combinations and uses,” Coach Lewis said.

“We do different workouts to help with speed, endurance and technique. I push the girls.”

Running 3-4 miles five days a week be it sunny, raining or snowing may seem tiring and monotonous, but the Wildcats crave it. The girls live for the shot of the gun, and the quiet that settles over a boisterous crowd immediately before the runners explode off the white starting line.

Even if girls track members could place first in the nation, they would still strive to be faster, better and stronger: more superior athletes.

“We will be the best,” Overby said.

The Wildcats are running for revenge— settling of scores for the past years. They are not running from their competitors, their eyes are set on the podium, their fingertips yearning to grasp the first place trophy or a gold medal.

They are giving their all in order to be the best in Missouri track and field.