cub
REPORTER
September 30, 2011
Lawrence Central High School, Indianapolis, Indiana
Volume 63, Issue 3
Modified calendar decision tabled Next year’s calendar similar to this year’s MeredithVarie meredithvariecub@gmail.com
While a final vote was expected by many to either implement a modified calendar or maintain the traditional school year calendar, the school board decided Monday that discussions regarding the 2013-2014 school year would be continued until, at the latest, January,
and that no change would be made for the 2012-2013 school year. “We are more or less waiting to see what our colleagues in neighboring districts decide to do,” school board president Carol Helmus said. The board seeks to align the calendar with bordering districts if possible. The modified calendar proposal includes an earlier start time (most likely early August) that ultimately allows for one week off during the fall, one
week off for Thanksgiving, one parent-teacher conference day each semester, and two weeks off for spring break, with the first week of spring break containing snow make-up days. Summer break will be eight weeks long. The decision that any potential changes would not take effect until the 2013-2014 school year was made in part out of respect for families’ and staff members’ plans already made using the traditional calendar.
“There are too many variables in too short of a time,” school board secretary Jeff McKean said. The calendar change is being considered for several reasons. First, the original proposal sought to provide a two-week break between each of the nineweek marking periods. The modified calendar has resulted in attendance improvements and a reduction in the number of disciplinary referrals in other districts and may also result in
district-wide savings. “When MSD Warren went to the modified calendar they experienced a significant decrease in substitute teacher costs (40 percent, which would mean approximately $400,000 to MSDLT if we realized the same 40 percent savings),” assistant superintendent Jan Combs said. Many neighboring districts are considering a change in calendar. Indianapolis Pu-Please see Calendar on page 6
Mendel district’s only National Merit semifinalist MeredithVarie
meredithvariecub@gmail.com
Senior Calvin Mendel is a semifinalist in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Competition. Of approximately 1.5 million participants, Mendel is one of only 16,000 to qualify as a semifinalist and is the only semifinalist in Lawrence Township this year. “It’s a really good scholarship for prestige,” Mendel said. The annual competition begins with taking the PSAT junior year and continues by awarding 15,000 students with a finalist standing, determined by the students’ “abilities, skills and accomplishments.” Semifinalists make up fewer than 1 percent of high school seniors in the country and are identified by their high PSAT scores. Mendel began working for
academic success by challenging himself through elementary school by skipping grades one and four at Brooke Park Elementary School. He will still be 16 when he graduates in May. “I figured the easiest way to get less homework was to skip two years of it,” Mendel said. His success comes from hard work and studying, often for four hours a night during the week. “I try to front-load my learning so I don’t have to cram,” he said. Mendel plans to study chemistry after high school and hopes to attend a university in California, specifically either University of California at Berkeley or Stanford University. “They’re great schools and they’re in an environment I really enjoy being in,” Mendel said.
Photojournalism finalist Senior Samantha Mueller is a photography finalist in the National Scholastic Press Association’s “Best Picture of the Year” contest. Her photo is a contender in the contest’s “environmental portrait” category. The photo of then-freshman Kenny Thomas was published in the Nov. 12, 2010, edition of the Cub Reporter with an article that showcased Thomas’ capture of a National Silver Gloves boxing title. Mueller’s final contest placement will be announced at the NSPA convention in Minneapolis Nov. 19.
PAGE 2 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 • CUB REPORTER
cub cub
REPORTER ollow our
racks
Contact us.
NEWS
What’s inside
3 opinions 9 features 13 news
Clear, concise reporting on the good, the bad and the ugly. Someone’s got to do it. Students’ perspectives on problems affecting Lawrence Central’s halls and the world beyond 56th Street.
In-depth coverage of students, global issues, rising trends and the not-so-average Bear.
Lawrence Central High School 7300 E. 56th St. Indianapolis, IN 46226 (317) 964-7400
Tell us.
Letters to the editor are welcome, but they are limited to 200 words. The author’s name will be printed with the letter. Letters should not contain obscene or libelous language. Letters may be submitted in Room 132, placed in the mailbox of Cub Reporter adviser Elizabeth Granger or e-mailed to her at elizabethgranger@msdlt.k12.in.us.
Purpose.
To provide news to the Lawrence Central community.
18 sports 23
arts+entertainment
Trends are changing, the popcorn’s popping and yesterday’s in is tomorrow’s out. Don’t worry; we’ll help you keep up.
Scores, matches, games, meets and touchdowns. Lawrence Central Bears are back and with a vengeance.
Advertising.
Businesses may advertise in the Cub Reporter if their ad adheres to guidelines. The advertising policy is available in Room 132 or via email at elizabethgranger@msdlt.k12.in.us.
Staff. Editor-in-Chief
Samantha Strong
Online Editor
Coleman LaBarr
News Editor
Caroline Varie Meredith Varie
Opinions Editors Katie Billman Carley Lanich Meredith Nordmann
Features Editor Sara Heiny
A+E Editor Kevin Kryah
Sports Editor Alex Kryah
Social Media Editor Lane Creech
Reporters
Avarie Bowman Candace Bullock Sally Finkel Esbeida Flores Jacob Helmus Torre Kennedy Glynnis King Molly Liss Kristen Swanson
Adviser
Elizabeth Granger
Principal
Thomas Oestreich
3 13
12
24 14-15
NEWS
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 3
Tardy room: numbers going down CarleyLanich carleylanichcub@gmail.com
Step 1: Get sent to the Tardy Room. Often Det. Wyonne Hale of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Dept., here to keep the school safe and students out of the halls, often does the sending.
The new tardy policy is reaping results. There were 201 tardies on Aug. 24, its first day of operation. On Monday there were only 49. Due to the tardy room, fewer students have been wandering the hallways during class. Academic dean of operations Ryan Banas stressed the importance of students being engaged in class for 90 minutes every block. He reported a steady reduction in the number of tardies since the policy went into effect. “That is a very drastic reduction and all the credit goes to our students for living up to the expectations of simply getting to class on time,” Banas said. Principal Thomas Oestreich implemented the new tardy By the numbers room to maximize instructional time. Number of tardies “Tardies have Aug. 24 - 201 been cut in half, Aug. 29 - 176 essentially,” OesSept. 9 - 82 treich said. “My Sept. 16 - 77 goal was to take Sept. 20 - 62 Sept. 26 - 49 many things off of teachers’ plates this year.” Last year teachers were expected to keep track of student tardies and follow up with calls to parents. Students who are late to class now report to the tardy room, by the dean’s office, instead of entering their class and interrupting teachers’ lessons. A goal of the new tardy policy is to enable teachers to write fewer referrals. “It’s outstanding,” science teacher Jan Weir said. “I used to have tardies all the time, and now it’s zero.” Tardies are accumulative for each semester now, as opposed to last year’s policy. Instead of allowing students to have three tardies in each class without disciplinary measures being put in place, tardies will be collective from every class. After receiving three tardies in any combination of classes, students can expect a phone call home. Sophomore Hannah Coble has been to the tardy room once this year. She was late to school because of bad traffic and waited for 30 to 40 minutes in the tardy room before being sent back to class. She recalled the tardy room being overcrowded on that particular morning. “I get the concept,” Coble said, “but when it comes to the tardy room itself and when there are so many people (in the tardy room), it takes away from those students’ class time.” Despite Coble’s experience, she sees benefits in the new policy. “They aren’t putting it on the teachers to discipline all of the kids that are constantly late. So it’s giving them more time to focus on teaching,” Coble said.
Step 2: Put your I.D. in the basket.
Step 3: Get your attendance record checked.
Step 4: Get sent to class if you have three or fewer tardies. If you have more, stay in the Tardy Room for the remainder of the block. Cub photos/Lane Creech
NEWS
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 4
Siéntanse orgulloso de su herencia hispana Agosto de 1988 con la aprobación de la ley pública 100-402. esbeidaflorescub@gmail.com Sept. 15 es una fecha importante Esta es mi primera publicación en el porque es el aniversario de la indepenCub y me pareció apropiado buscar un dencia de países latino americanos como tema que fuera relevante con la fecha Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, para la cual iba a ser publicado. Decidí Honduras y Nicaragua. Además, que tenía que ser un tema que involucr- México celebra su independencia el ara a nosotros, los de habla español. No 16 de Sept. y Chile el 17 de Sept. Tamhabía mejor tema que Hispanic Heritage bién, el Día de la Raza el cual es celebMonth o en español, Mes de la Herencia rado el 12 de Oct. cae en el período de Hispana. los 30 días. En ocasiones anteriores se daba la Desde hace más de 43 años se celoportunidad de hablar del tema, y era y ebra la herencia hispana. Es algo que se sigue siendo muy decepcionante cuando celebra a nivel nacional. Esta debería de hispanos me pregunser una fecha conocitan “¿Que es eso?” da por todos nosotros o “¿De verdad hay los hispanos. Ten¡Siéntete orgulloso emos la oportunidad algo así?”. A si que para todos aquellos y da a conocer tu her- de compartir nuestra que no lo sabían, el herencia y cultura encia hispana!” mes de la herencia hispana con otras hispana es una celpersonas que talvez ebración del 15 de no saben que esta feSept. al 15 de Oct. En esta celebración cha existe. Hay muchas personas que a los americanos observan el mes de la lo largo del tiempo han echo que nuestra herencia hispana celebrando la historia, cultura sea reconocida no solo por nuesla cultura, y las contribuciones de todos tra propia raza, sino a nivel nacional y aquéllos americanos cuyos ancestros asta mundial. Desde grandes autores son de España, México, El Caribe, Cen- como Miguel Cervantes, Isabel Allende, troamérica, y Sudamérica. y Octavio Paz, a músicos como Carlos Esta celebración empezó en 1968 cu- Santana, Celia Cruz, y Selena. El famoso ando Lyndon Johnson era presidente y actor cubano Desi Arnaz y el revolusolamente duraba una semana. En 1988 cionario Cesar Chávez que por años se la fecha fue expandida para ser un peri- dedico a defender los derechos civiles de odo de 30 días por el presidente Ronald trabajadores inmigrantes. Famosos artisReagan. La ley fue promulgada el 17 de tas como Frida Kahlo que expresaba sus
Argelia Cuahuizo Mexico “I celebrate it by going to festivals.”
Esbeida Flores
“
William Cisneros El Salvador “I don’t celebrate it personally, but my uncle honors his ancestors through Mayan dances, drums and art.”
ideas y sentimientos por medio del arte y Diego Rivera el cual pintaba murales enormes sobre nuestra cultura. Nuestros famosos depor- tistas como Sammy Sosa, y el gran Diego Maradona que durante su carrera profesional jugó con múltiples equipos de fútbol. Estos son solo algunos de los que forman parte de Jordy Parrage nuestro orgullo hispano. Todos Ecuador tienen algo en común, todos hici“My families has get togethers and eron un gran impacto en nuestra parties to celebrate.” cultura hispana y muchos de ellos fueron reconocidos a nivel mundial. Cada uno de ellos hizo la diferencia. El tema del mes de la herencia hispana de este año es “Varios orígenes, muchas historias…pero un solo espíritu americano”. A si que en este mes de la herencia hispana te quisiera invitar a compartir nuestra cultura con otros. Es importante celebrar a los que a lo largo del tiempo han echo la diferencia y han echo reconocible nuestra cultura. ¡Siéntete orgulloso y da a conocer tu herencia hispana!
Be proud of your Hispanic heritage Esbeida Flores esbeidaflorescub@gmail.com
As this is my first column in the Cub Reporter, it seemed to me important to select a topic that was relevant to the time that this would be published. I decided that it would need to be a subject that involved us, those that speak Spanish. There couldn’t be a better subject than Hispanic Heritage Month, or, in Spanish, Mes de la Herencia Hispana. On previous occasions, Hispanic Heritage Month presented the opportunity to discuss the subject, and it has been very disappointing when Hispanics ask me, “What is that?” or “Is there really something like that?” Thus, for those who do not know, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration from Sept. 15 until Oct. 15. In this celebration, Americans observe Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the history, culture, and
contributions of all those Americans Hispanic heritage has been celebratwhose ancestors are from Spain, Mexi- ed on a national level for more that 43 co, the Caribbean, Central America, and years. It is something that should be South America. known by all Hispanics. It provides us This celebration began in 1968 when the opportunity to share our Hispanic Lyndon Johnson was heritage and culture president. At the with other who may time, it only lasted Be proud and share not know these dates one week, but in exist. There are many with others your 1988, President Ronpeople throughout Hispanic heritage!” ald Reagan expandtime that have made our culture recoged it to 30 days. The law was enacted on Aug. 17,1988 with nized not only within our own race but also on national and international levels. the approval of Public Law 100-402. Sept. 15 is an important date because From great authors such as Miguel Cerit is the anniversary of the independence vantes, Isabel Allende, and Octavio Paz of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, to muscisians like Carlos Santana, Celia Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Cruz, and Selena. The famous Cuban Mexico celebrates its independence on actor Desi Arnaz and the revoultionSept 16. Chile celebrates its indepen- ary Cesar Chávez, who, for years, dedidence on Sept. 17. Also within the 30 caded his life to the defense of the civil days is Día de la Raza, which is celebrat- rights of immigrant workers. Famous artists such as Frida Kahlo who exed Oct. 12.
“
pressed her ideas and feelings through art and Diego Rivera who painted enormous murals about the culture. Famous athletes like Sammy Sosa and the great Diego Maradona who during his professional career played with multiple soccer teams. These are only a few of the those who form our Hispanic pride. All have something in common: each made a great impact on the Hispanic culture and many were recognized on a world level. Each one of them made a difference. The theme of Hispanic Heritage Month this year is “Many backgrounds, many stories…one American spirit.” During this Hispanic Heritage Month I would like to invite you to share our culture with others. It is important to celebrate those that have made the difference and have made our culture recognizable. Be proud and share with others your Hispanic heritage!
NEWS
NEWS
BRIEFS
Senior pictures by Oct. 22 Seniors who wish to have their portraits in the senior section of the yearbook are to have their pictures taken at Prestige Studios by Oct. 22. They are to call the studio at 890-2903 to schedule an appointment. There is a $15 sitting fee for each senior. They are reminded that fall break is Oct. 20-21.
Varie ‘outstanding junior’
Last spring senior Meredith Varie was named LC’s Outstanding High School Junior. Earlier this month she was honored at a Phi Beta Kappa reception. Each student was invited to bring an influential teacher or counselor to the reception; Varie chose counselor Kay Pequignot.
Leadership program offered
Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) is accepting applications. Sponsored in part by the United Way, the program trains high school students in nonprofit agencies. Students interested in business or leadership careers are encouraged to check it out at www. uwi.org/yli. The deadline is Nov. 4.
Online tutoring available
FOR
The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library offers free online tutoring to those with library cards. Click on “Homework Help” at www.imcpl. org.
PARENTS
Volunteers needed
The PFO (Parent-Faculty Organization) needs additional volunteers to help with the breakfast program in the Commons which allows students to purchase pre-packaged breakfast items, snacks, juice and water before school begins each day. Parent volunteers are scheduled to work one morning a month, 8-9:15 a.m. The job involves setting up the food items, selling to students 8:30-8:50 a.m., putting unsold items away, counting money and turning the day’s deposit in to the school treasurer. Interested adults may contact Bev Fudge at 823-0203 or bdfudge@msn.com for additional information.
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 5
‘Antiquated’ restrooms to be updated CarolineVarie carolinevariecub@gmail.com
the biggest problem. Hamilton said vandalism is most prevalent in the athletics restrooms, which are kept open during indoor home sporting events, and that the majority of destruction is found in the men’s restrooms. “The vandalism has started out bad this year,” Purpura said. “There’s not a huge amount of vandalism, but sometimes when kids get bored they
Next week the school will get a quote on the cost of new partitions in the men’s and women’s restrooms throughout the school. Many of the doors and partitions in the restrooms are currently missing or broken. “Approximentaly $850,000 is used each year to maintain, fix and repair items in all 25 sites throughout the district,” director of facilities Rodger Smith said. Because this money is used for all buildings in the district, Smith said “we have to prioritize the needs versus the wants”. LC has about $100,000 they can request to use for items that are “wants.” As items wear out, replacements Cutodians work to remove vandalism before students begin addcan be suggested. ing to it. However, they said, it is difficult to remove vandalism when The cost of new stall partitions would students are still in the building. Cub photo/Caroline Varie range from $5,500 to $7,500 per restroom. start writing back Oestreich said he will not close restrooms With more than 20 unless maintenance is needed. and forth.” restrooms in the “If there is an isolated issue, I will adThere are three bulding, this renoWhen I first came to LC, shifts for the custoo- dress it,” he said. “Anyone who vandalizes vation would total dial staff. The first any part of the building will be subject to around $100,000. In some of doors didn’t shift maintains the consequences.” addition to renovaeven lock. Some didn’t Oestreich said that in addition to getting building during the tions like stall partieven have doors. That’s day, including the new bathroom partitions, he’d like to place tions, maintenance cafeteria during and advertisements on the bathroom doors. money is used for unacceptable.” While the restrooms are cleaned each immediately after mechanical and elecThomas Oestreich lunch. The second night by the custoidal staff and remain clean trical repairs such as principal and third shifts clean (when considering the number of students light bulbs, boilers,or the building after who use them) throughout the day, from toilets. “Items are replaced as they wear out or are vandalized beyond repair,” Smith said. the students have left, focusing primarily on time to time there are functional issues that crop up during the day. In some restrooms, In calling the present conditions “unac- classrooms and restrooms. Part of the job is to remove vandalism as the floors may become wet due to toilet or ceptable,” principal Thomas Oestreich said, “When I first came to LC, some of the (rest- soon as possible. If it cannot be removed, it sink malfunctions. “Someone should tell the custodians room) doors didn’t lock. Some (stalls) didn’t is spray painted over. “We can’t use harsh chemicals because when the floor is wet during the day,” Pureven have doors.” He said, “The restrooms need some this is a school, so we use graffiti sprays if pura said. it’s needed,” Hamilton said. work; they seem antiquated.” She said it is often difficult to reOestreich said he wants the same kind of partitions that are in the athletics area to be move vandalism quickly because people are still in the athletics part of the building and put in place schoolwide. Despite the ineffective doors, custodi- are using the restrooms until 8 or 9 at night. Last year it was common to find some ans Dana Purpura and Corina Hamilton said the restrooms are pretty clean; vandalism is restrooms locked during the school day.
“
“Vandalism is easily the biggest problem. The janitors are doing their jobs; it’s the students ruining it.” Christina Rees junior
“There’s never any soap or paper towels.” Makayla Johnson sophomore
“Missing stall doors (are an issue).” Connor Tuthill junior
NEWS
PAGE 6 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 • CUB REPORTER
Bottles not welcome at games Purpose to eliminate alcohol comsumption at sporting events CarolineVarie carolinevariecub@gmail.com Bottles are out. After the first football game of the school year, principal Thomas Oestreich prohibited them at football games. Similar to the procedures followed at the entry gates of Lucas Oil Stadium, officials now check students’ bags at the gate and take away any bottles. If officers find a drink and have reasonable suspicion that the student has been drinking alcohol, a breathalyzer could be the next step. “It (alcohol consumption) is perceived to be an issue, and I don’t want that to even be a perception at LC,” Oestreich said.
He said he plans to continue this policy for basketball games and other sporting events. Lawrence North monitors students’ alcohol consumption by breathalyzing students at the gate. Oestreich says he is not opposed to breathalyzation; however, he wants “to have a well-thought-out plan before implementing something like breathalyzing.” In addition, breathalyzing students at the gate would make the admission process here longer. Students, parents and visiting team spectators all enter through one gate. “I don’t want to make parents stand in line,” Oestreich said. At LN there are different gates for LN’s students and parents. “I think they should start breathalyzing at halftime,” sophomore Bridget Heilman said. “If people are bringing in
Cub photo/Caroline Varie
alcohol and then want to leave toward the end, they would get caught.”
Oestreich said this policy is in place to prevent students from even thinking of bringing
alcohol into sporting events. “Many people will still drink no matter what,” sophomore Will Gordon said. According to the student handbook, school administration “believes that striving to maintain a substance abuse-free environment is an important goal for our school district.” It further states that it prohibits the “possessing, using, transmitting, or being affected by any controlled substance or alcoholic beverage or any paraphernalia used in connection with the substances listed. Also prohibited is the consumption of any of the stated substances immediately before attending school or a school function or event.” Violations of this rule may result in suspension, expulsion and criminal charges. “This policy is for the safety and enjoyment of all,” Oestreich said.
Calendar The board sought commubic Schools, Warren Township and Wayne Township have nity input through forums, and committed to a modified cal- rather than holding such disendar for the 2012-2013 school cussions in May, forums were postponed until Sept. 6 and 8. year. Presentations were given Decatur, Franklin, Perry, at these foCenter Grove, rums, and Avon, Plainthe approxifield, Mill The impact should mately 225 Creek, Northbe lessened if we stakeholders west Henin attendance dricks, Barsplit the fall break were able to t h o l o m e w, between October ask questions Brownsburg, and Beech and Thanksgiving.” or make comand Grove schools Jan Combs ments are likely to s u g g e s t i o ns assistant superintendent change for the about the pro2012-2013 school year. posal. Washington and Speedway Further stakeholder input schools are likely to change for has been achieved through a the 2013-2014 school year. survey. According to the district The responses of parents website, 1,229 parents respondand staff have been considered ed to the survey. throughout the proposal proThe majority of respondents cess, which began with a study were in favor of the calendar, team last spring. The school with 52 percent of the votes in board held discussions in April favor, 17 percent in favor of the 2011. change but with some reserva-
“
tions, and 31 percent opposed to changes in calendar. Staff members were also surveyed. Results show that 70 percent of teachers and administrators are in favor of the calendar, and 68 percent of support staff members are in favor. The longer breaks, especially in the fall, will impact student activities, performing arts and athletics. “MSD Warren experienced a reduction in students attending games during the fall break,” Combs said. “The impact should be lessened if we split the fall break between October and Thanksgiving.” The proposed modified calendar, because of its longer breaks, is expected to improve student achievement. “We believe that the extended breaks are long enough to help improve attitudes and focus but not so long that they result in learning loss,” Combs said.
Source/Lawrence Township
NEWS
MARK
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 7
YOUR
CALENDAR
Oct. 1: ISMAA district marching band competition, all day Oct. 1: SAT, 8 a.m., Student Life Center Oct. 4: Herff Jones graduation cap/ gown/announcement order, infor- mation, noon-2 p.m., Studio Theatre Oct. 11: National College Fair, 9 a.m.-noon, 6-8 p.m., Indiana Convention Center Oct. 11: Dance recital, 7 p.m., auditorium Oct. 12: PSAT for sophomores, juniors Oct. 12: Senior breakfast, picture cap/gown/announcement orders, 8:50-10:21 a.m., performance gym Oct. 12: Fall concert, 7 p.m., auditorium Oct. 15: ISSMA regional marching band competition, Center Grove High School Oct. 18, 19: Picture retakes for grades 9-11 Oct. 20, 21: Fall break, no school Oct. 22: ISSMA semi-state marching band competition, Ben Davis High School
Meetings about IU Groups here next week Seniors who may be interested in attending Indiana University and would like to apply to Groups Student Support — known as IU Groups — and/or to learn more about IU Groups are invited to attend a meeting at 4 p.m. Oct. 4 or 7 a.m. Oct. 5 in Room 411. IU Groups is a federally funded program designed to help specially selected students from the time they complete an application to attend IU until they accept a diploma at graduation. The program was established in 1968 to address low college attendance rates among first-generation minority students at IU. Today, eligible students also include those with limited financial resources and people with disabilities from all racial and economic backgrounds. The deadline to apply for IU Groups is Nov. 1. Additional information is available from counselor Robin Holden.
Above: Spirit of Central marching band debuts their show in the Spirit of Central Invitiational Sept. 17, the first competition this year. Spirit did not compete because LC hosted the competition. Top Right: Snare section leader Cameron Clinton awaits his cue to play the timpani. Bottom Right: The alto saxophone section plays their part in this year’s show, Drumatic. Cub photos/Lane Creech
Band marching toward state Avarie Bowman avariebowmancub@gmail.com
The Spirit of Central Marching Band began their season on Sept. 17 when they hosted the Spirit of Central Invitational. As host, they performed but did not compete. But last weekend, in the Greenwood Invitational, LC captured first place. “As far as our performance went, we did very well,” director Matt James said. The band is scheduled to compete six additional times this season. will have six more competitions this year that they will definitely compete in. If they place well enough they will make it to finals, potentially adding 4 more performances. The upcoming competition, ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) District, will be held Oct. 1 at LC on the football field. Since this competition is being run by ISSMA and is not an invitational, Spirit of Central will compete and be scored. They could perform at Lucas Oil Sta-
dium on Oct. 29 in the State Finals com- were going to have a marching band this petition if Spirit of Central is selected as year they are going to be a little more agone of the top 10 bands at Semi-state. gressive with their show. “The feeling you get when taking the “Hopefully it (the show) will be field at Lucas Oil Stadium to perform for more challenging for them and potenthousands of fans tially be rated is indescribable,” higher,” James trombone and eusaid. phonium section rching The feeling you get when bandM aparticipates leader Clark Hartaking the field at Lucas ris said. in a judged bases The Spirit of competition. Yes, Oil Stadium to perform Central finished there are rules to for thousands of fans is second last year to be followed. HowAvon High School ever, it’s up to indescribable” at ISSMA state fithe judges to deClark Harris nals and eighth termine a band’s junior at the Bands of score and their America Grand National Champion- placement. ship. Marching band isn’t like most other With all of the budget cuts last year sports where you go head to head with the music department was not certain one other team. There are lots of bands there would be a marching band, so competing to get the highest scores. they wanted to plan a more conservative “We are going to do great. We started show. They wanted to know they could off with an amazing show at the Spirit of play it to the best of their ability and per- Central Invitational and we are improvform it at a high level. ing ever single week,” trumpet section Because they were positive they leader Derric Gowan said.
“
PAGE 8 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 • CUB REPORTER
OPINIONS
Just a minute with...
1. Megan Everett freshman
2. Kevin Cox freshman
When you hear the word ‘fall,’ what comes to your mind? 1. Soccer 2. Bon fires 3. Fall sports 4. King of Road 2011 5. Raking leaves
4. Kyle Manley junior
What’s your favorite football team? 1. Patriots 2. Steelers 3. Colts 4. Colts 5. Cowboys
What was the last movie you saw? 1. The Help 2. Captain America 3. Friday After Next 4. Grown Ups 5. Plante of the Apes
3. Phillip Turnley sophmore
Got a minute? Then we’ve got some questions. With 2,600 students it’s tough to know everyone. We’re taking a minute to get to know our student body. Match each student’s number with the numbers on the answers. Watch out, you could be next.
5. Briana Hill senior
Would you rather have an iPhone or a Blackberry? 1. iPhone 2. Probably an Iphone 3. iPhone 4. Skateboard, a Creature 5. Which ever is free
What is your favorite season? 1. Spring, cause travel soccer. 2. Summer, no school or homework. 3. Spring 4. Fall 5. Summer
How many hours a night do you spend on your homework? 1. 1 hour 2. an hour or two 3. 2-3 hours lol 4. Depends on the homework 5. About an hour or so...
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 9
Bring out the welcome mat Many people claim high year, everywhere you look you school was the best time of saw someone flashing back to their life; that is, until they the ‘80s. (Although a dismally graduate. Then high school large portion of the student is a thing in the past, simply body seemed to “flashback” a figment of their college or to the night before, when they career bound imaginations. were dressed for sleeping.) However, as the clock counts While this year’s particidown toward that fateful day pation in Spirit Week proved in May, memories pile up. But commendable, the attention what happens to these memowas aimed solely toward the ries once we leave these halls? current student body, who are What happens as the best time still “home.” We need to turn of our life dissipates into the our focus away from today’s past? Then what? students and back to students Then, we go to homecomof our past. We should weling. come them Here, back home. however, to the ..here, homecoming Back homecomplace that has lost its sacred ing has lost raised them its sacred from awkmeaning.” meaning. ward, scrawny Stereotypiadolescents cally, homecoming is a call to and into young men and alumni to reach out and bring women, the majority of which their memories back to life. matured by senior year. However, rather than make While we should not give this day about the graduates, up on our current homecomwe tend to make it about the ing traditions which create graduates to-be. the memories for our current Here, homecoming is about student body to cherish, we homecoming court, Spirit Week do need to add a few more and Friday night. In years to the list. We need to make past, few students have bled this celebration of memories maroon and gray throughout more accessible for alumni spirit week with only a handby putting forth a greater efful of students showing their fort in informing past Bears of school spirit. However, this homecoming night. In the age year has proved different. This of social networking there is no
“
excuse for keeping our alumni in the dark. We need to take the initiative to bring back the true meaning of homecoming, which is to bring our Bears
30-second editorials • It’s a smart idea for LC to confiscate bottles when students enter the football games. It will prevent students from getting into trouble and keep athletic games safe and under control. Families come to the games and should not be exposed to students’ poor choices. LC does not condone inappropriate behavior and cares about the safety and wellbeing of the public. • The modified schedule Lawrence Township is considering is a breath of fresh air. Unlike a year-round schedule, students will have an eight-week summer while enjoying the perks of longer breaks during the school year. This provides plenty of time to indulge in a relaxing vacation away from the stress of school. Granted, Lawrence Township has been making many changes recently; this is one change that will hopefully
be made. • This spirit week has been a blast. From wearing footie pajamas to dressing up like the Incredible Hulk, students have shown their spirit this year, unlike years before. • Thank you, principal Thomas Oestreich, for not closing any of the restrooms, and for planning on new partitions and doors being put in place. It is important to not only have restrooms open, but also functioning. • Our football team this year has been stellar. Though we lost a game, it was an exciting one. The game against Pike was a fantastic one to see. LC has also blown out teams on multiple occasions. If the Bears keep this up, we should get more student attendance at our football games. It’s not very often we get to see a great team like we are seeing now. It’s something we shouldn’t miss.
back home. Let’s open our doors and get out the welcome mat next September to welcome our alumni.
Hugs
OPINIONS
&
Growls Hugs to the start of the weekend but Growls to the end. Hugs to turning 16 but Growls to waiting six months to get your license. Hugs to fall colors but Growls to cold weather. Hugs to fun classes but Growls to a lot of homework. Hugs to the new actors at LC for a successful Rookie Show but Growls to stage fright. Hugs to Mr. Sivertson for having his class destroy Barbie dolls but Growls to the guys who stole from their sisters. Hugs to sleeping in on the weekends but Growls to waking up early on Monday mornings. Hugs to manners but Growls to people who chew with their mouth open. Hugs to the football team for beating Pike but Growls for making it such a close game. Hugs to using notes on a test but Growls to having three tests on the same day. Hugs to Friday night football games but Growls to them getting too cold. Hugs to Fall Break coming but Growls to report cards.
Letters to the editor The Cub Reporter accepts and encourages public input through letters to the editor. The letters are to voice opinions or concerns to the Cub Reporter’s audience. Letters including libelous or obscene materials will not be printed. Like all materials printed in the publication, letters reflecting criticism should criticize issues, not indiaviduals. No letter will be printed without positive identification. The editor in chief reserves the right to edit the comments for grammatical errors and for length if they exceed the allotted 200-word space as long as it does not alter the meaning of the comments. Letters must be signed and will be printed with the author’s name. All requests for anonymity will be denied. The Cub Reporter may consider guest columns or articles, but it reserves the right to deny printing any material.
Dear Editor, What is this year’s Skip-a-Final policy? I have heard many people say it is no longer in effect, but the administration hasn’t said anything about this. Students should be told directly by the administration if the Skip-a-Final policy is no longer in effect. What confuses me the most is why they would get rid of the policy. It’s an incentive to work hard and stay in school. I have heard many people, especially seniors, say they feel there’s now no reason to try to get an “A” in a class or even go to class if they can’t skip a final at the end of the semester. This would be a big problem, but first we all need to know if the policy is void or not. Sincerely, Sara Young
PAGE 10 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 • CUB REPORTER
peak Your Mind : S Class Sizes
OPINIONS
Bear it all “Fam over all.” Kyra Tucker, 10
1. How do you feel about class sizes this year? 2. What do you think is a good class size? (number of students) 3. Do you prefer bigger or smaller class sizes? 4. Do you think class sizes have an effect on your learning?
“Polyester.” Megan Miller, 10 “Money over everything.” Kyle Crites, 12 “I’m excited to get to go to the Sweet Treat Boutique to work with Kelsey Funk and Kelsey Thornton.” Kaley Gatto, 10 “That’s random.” Kyra Cullison, 10 “Hey Pat!” Michaela Shanahan, 9 “I love playing soccer at LC with my girls.” April Eales, 10 “I absolutely love music.” Derek Muhl, 10 “I wear rainbow undies.” Mikey Evernham, 11 “Jacob knows all of the words to ‘Boyfriend’ by Big Time Rush.” Sydney Norris, 10
Eric Rice Jr.
senior
1. It’s getting big and crowded, especially for study halls. 2. Probably 26. 3. Smaller, because the teacher can get around to more students than if it was a bigger class. 4. Yeah, you can say that.
Audrey Dunkerson
junior
1. I think classes are getting a lot larger. 2. Probably 20. 3. Smaller, because you can learn more, and less people talk. 4.Definitely.
Lauren Hibbler sophomore
1. They’re cool. I like them. Not too big, not too small. 2. About 20 kids. 3. I prefer bigger because it’s more fun, and more people’s opinions in class discussions. 4. Yes.
Tyler Fudge freshman
1. They’re pretty good. They’re not too big. 2. Probably close to 30. Not over that. 3. Bigger. There are more people to talk to. 4. If they get too big, classes can get out of control.
“#stickwithnick” Rachel Mosher, 10 “What if we all had tails, like in Dragon Ball Z?” Ben Reifinger, 12 “Cool beans.” Maddie Korn, 10 “Can anyone give me a hand with geometry?” Kim Andrade, 9 “I love lamp.” Will Gordon, 10
OPINIONS
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 11
2,600 students and silence The ‘Low-down’
Joke’s on you MollyLiss mollylisscub@gmail.com Scientists will have you believe that every year around late September to early October, leaves change color due to a metabolic process in which trees stop producing chlorophyll, a pigment which makes them green, to store energy for the winter. The lack of chlorophyll then allows other pigments in the leaves to show, like the reds, oranges, yellows, and purples we see during fall. Or so Google tells me. I know, you’ve already been to science class today, and you don’t need another lesson, but it’s really not as complicated as you might think. You see, the leaves really have the scientists fooled— all this talk about all this talk energy and chlorophyll about energy and just makes chlorophyll just makes the leaves laugh so the leaves laugh so hard they fall hard they fall right off right off the the trees...” trees—and then you get fooled, too. Out of the goodness of my heart I’ve decided to fill you in, purely for educational purposes, because what I’m about to tell you is 100 percent fact. The real reason leaves change color in the fall is because they’re tired of all looking exactly the same. Unfortunately, grass never gets the memo. After a few, long months of being the same color, leaves break out their own fall wardrobes. Come on, green was so last season. If you search a little deeper into the non-scientific way of looking at nature, you can see why each type of tree changes to the colors it does. Maple leaves turn red because they’re supporting Canada — they are featured on the flag after all, so it’s the least they could do. White ash trees change to purple, which isn’t much of a surprise. Think about it. They’re white ash trees; the last thing they want to be is the color of fire. And birch trees? They turn yellow because they just like the color. However, since trees have kept the real reason they change color under wraps for this long, they probably wouldn’t be too happy if you spilled it on your next science test.
“
There have been changes which have started controversial conversations among our students. We talk with our friends about what we personally want for our schools, but never are our opinions worthy of being heard — of whether a shorter summer and longer spring and fall breaks are truly effective or getting up later in SallyFinkel the morning. sallyfinkelcub@gmail.com Let’s face it; the students here don’t get to vote in any decision. Major changes are in the air. We are the ones directly affected Start times in the mornings, perby every alteration the township haps a modified schedule and posundergoes. It’s ironic that they sible termination of block scheddon’t ask us, the students, about uling are changes how to make which all of us in our school a Lawrence Township more successful Let’s face it; better be prepared one. the students don’t for in the next year We are the get to vote in any or two. ones who spend We must wait seven hours a decision that is a while to hear day, five days made.” the final verdict of a week and 180 the school board days a year here. to know what the Some of us have future of the school district holds. been a part of Lawrence Township However, isn’t it the students who since we were 5 years old and are the future? taking naptime. Who knows our
From the Inside
“
Student Poll LC’sstudents) Students) Student Poll(50 (50 of of LC's Are youin favor in favor of a modified Are you of the modified schedule schedule? for next year?
46% 54%
Yes No
Cub graphic/Sally Finkel
schools better than we do? I understand that administrators and school board members work endless hours to make our schools the best they can be, but we deserve to have our voices heard. Having a student representative on the school board, taking polls on our students, or even all of us pulling together to make this school the place we want it to be are ways the student voice can be heard. Once we are able to contribute in the adjustments at LC, we will finally bond as a strong community.
Life is more than a social network Tiny Tempa’ TorreKennedy torrekennedycub@gmail.com Call it a reality check. Call it what you will, but life is more than a tweet and definitely more than a Facebook page. In fact, in writing this, Microsoft doesn’t even recognize Facebook as a word. As we grow up, things grow older, like myspace. I was just a little jealous when one of my older sisters made a Facebook page and she told me I was not allowed to get one because I was too young. Yes, I was pretty darn upset. But I am really not that interested in Twitter because
most information is given through I find myself doing things more social networks. My guess is that productive than tweeting all day about absolutely nothing. most LC students use some type Now, I really hope no one of social networking site. Teachers, actually gets on their myspace too. any more because it’s old news, If you have absolutely nothing and I think it’s pretty much to do during the day, you might embarrassing to say you’re still consider getting involved in a getting on myspace. Facebook, on school activity or maybe even do the other hand, community I am pretty work. much addicted Facebook, to, if I do say so Twitter and I am not interested in myself. other social Twitter because I find networking I will admit to being on sites are getting myself doing more Facebook about a little to overproductive things.” just 30 minutes crowded, and a day. OK, some things maybe an hour. are meant to I know it’s a little long but I be left off of the internet. When am trying my hardest to get better. you’re on the internet, even if you Being on the computer all the time don’t notice that you’re doing it, is just a little much when you have you tend to put out way too much school work to worry about or information for everyone to see. maybe even a job. Realizing how much you are on the computer can make a I like to know what’s going on difference. but I really don’t like the fact that
“
OPINIONS
PAGE 12 SETPEMBER 30, 2011 • CUB REPORTER
FACE OFF JacobHelmus jacobhelmuscub@gmail.com It’s Aug. 4 and a nice 85 degree summer day. You’re floating on a raft in your neighborhood pool while sipping ice-cold lemonade. Life couldn’t get any better — except for the fact that you’d start school the next day. With the modified school calendar being considered for the 2013-2014 school year, that could happen. Everyone in Lawrence Township would start school much earlier than now, on Aug. 5. This is not a good idea. While there are many reasons why this school calendar would not benefit students, the shortened summer break is the biggest setback of them all. A shortened summer would give us less time to cram in our summer reading (don’t deny it — we all do it) and would also cut two weeks off a summer athlete’s season. And a baseball player who plays in the summer wants all the practice and game experience he can get. As for fall athletes, an Aug. 5 start date would make workouts in the summer start even earlier than they do now. So all the fall athletes would get less time to cherish the summer. If the modified schedule were to happen, we could get a two weeks off in October, but it wouldn’t be much of a break for sophomores and juniors. The PSAT test date is always scheduled in the middle of October, perhaps right in the middle of those two weeks off. I don’t know about the rest of you,
Topic: Modified school calendar but I would rather not waste my break studying and taking more tests. Another setback with a modified calendar would be summer jobs. Making money is important to a lot of us. And starting school two weeks earlier would mean a significantly smaller amount of money that could be earned in a summer job. When school does start, it gets too complicated to schedule a time to work with all the homework and after-school activities you have to do. I appreciate Lawrence Township for trying to make changes so schools will be better, but let’s leave the modified school calendar off the agenda. At least until I graduate.
KatieBillman katiebillmancub@gmail.com Two weeks for spring break. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Two weeks for winter break. Sounds great, too, right? Add a week for fall break and a week for Thanksgiving break, and you’ve got the suggested modified schedule for the 2013-2014 school year. Two weeks for spring break. Twice the time for tanning, twice the time for vacationing and, most importantly, twice the time off school. Similarly, the extra time off for the holidays isn’t half bad, either. Personally, I’d use the longer break to relax, spend time with family and unwind from first semester. Your plans? It doesn’t matter what you’d
do or where you’d go. It’s where you wouldn’t go that matters: school. Yes, we’d have to start school on Aug. 5, but I’d rather start school in early August and have longer breaks than have more summer and more classes when they’re in full swing. Sure, it might seem like a drag when we’re getting ready to go back to school at the end of July, but I will have forgotten about that when I’m lying on the beach during my two weeks of spring break. Also, I’m guessing I’m not the only person who forgets a majority of the things learned in school over the summer. With a shorter summer break, we wouldn’t show up to math class on the first day forgetting that 2 plus 2 equals 4. From an academic standpoint, school wouldn’t put as much stress on me since the two-week breaks are in the back of my mind. We sprung for trying the new school day schedule and LC hasn’t crashed and burned, so why not give the new school year schedule a shot, too? We’ll have to show up at LC 180 days either way. Now it’s just a matter of budgeting our breaks inbetween them. Changing to the modified schedule would provide more flexibility during breaks for families and staff, reduction of teacher and student burn-out and overall better attitudes toward school. Two weeks for spring break? I’ll take it. And Jacob, I’ll call you from the beach.
Facing the subject: How do you feel about a modified calendar? “I don’t want it to happen because I want summer to be longer and school not start in early August.”
“I honestly think it’s really dumb. Summer is what I look forward to the whole year.”
“It’d be too swag. I’m totally for it.”
“I really wish they would have done it this year.”
Nia Brit, 9
Gonzalo Ruiz, 10
Tim Welcher, 11
Raven Powell, 12 Cub photos/Katie Billman
T FEATURES
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 13
oorread not to read
Banned Book Week honors freedom of choice KevinKryah kevinkryahcub@gmail.com
Catcher in the Rye. Of Mice and Men. The Lord of the Flies. At some point, all three have been banned from schools due to their content. The history of book banning stretches back throughout history, the earliest known example being the Greek philosopher Anaxagoras’ belief that the sun was “a white hot stone” and that the moon “reflected the sun’s rays.” This idea was deemed blasphemous and the authority of Athens exiled him and as the Harry Potter series. destroyed his writings. As history proThe media center staff here supgressed, censorship continued. Despite ports the event. Director Nocha Flick, a the First Amendment permitting free member of the ALA and the subsidiary speech and expression, organizations organization American Association for from parental to religious have made School Libraries, organized Banned attempts to ban books in schools, claim- Books Week for LC and said, “It’s going ing they are obscene. well.” However, in 1982, the Supreme For some students, however, the reCourt ruled in ality of censorship Board of Education, against literature Island Trees v. Pico comes as a shock. When I was in high that school boards “I was surschool, Catcher in couldn’t remove prised,” junior books from Ki’Seana Mills the Rye was banned. school libraries “It’s stupid Naturally, it was the book said. just because they that people would disliked the ideas to read.” want to ban them. Pam Walters or content within Besides, for every English teacher them. Regardless 10 people that of this decision, the American Library want to remove it, a thousand people Association (ALA) reports that more will be waiting to challenge that decithan 300 challenges against books are sion.” filed each year. While students may just now be To counteract these actions, the learning of the history of book banning, ALA started the annual Banned Books English teacher Pam Walters rememWeek. This is the week. Its purpose is to bers it from her own high school expericelebrate the freedom of reading, and ence. the ALA encourages students across the “When I was in high school, Catcher country to read books that have come in the Rye was banned,” she said. “Natuunder controversy or complaint, such rally, it was the book to read.”
“
cub photo/Lane Creech
Walters continued: “No one has a right to ban a book. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to show discretion with some books, and parents do have a right to express concern, but books in a library should not be banned.” It’s a sentiment echoed by special education teacher Charlotte Simpson. But she does have concerns about To Kill a Mockingbird. Simpson has no problem with it in a library, but she does oppose the novel as a class reading. “It ‘s my mother’s favorite book,” she said. “It’s my best friend’s favorite book. It’s a good book.” But she firmly believes it does not have a place in the curriculum here. She said her perspective as a black woman and as one of the few black teachers in the building allows her to closely identify with black students. Her concern is that they often lack the background knowledge to overcome negatives that come with the book. “I hate the way black people are depicted in the book,” she said. “Yes, it was the reality of that time, but so many of our kids don’t have the knowledge or perspective to overcome negative feelings about themselves.” She continued: “There are enough
books that could talk about the black experience and leave black kids feeling good about the black process.” She said she finds the repeated use of the “N” word distressing. “It grates on your heart,” she said. “It hurts to hear it.” Even in the face of the ALA’s efforts to defend the freedom to read, book banning and the suppression of ideas continue, even in Indiana. In 2008, students at Perry Meridian High School had their copies of Erin Gruwell’s The Freedom Writers Diary taken from them while they were reading it. In 2010, students in Franklin Central High School’s AP English classes were at risk of losing the ability to read Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon before the school board retained it in the curriculum despite parental concerns. Flick asserts, however, that the ALA continues to both champion literary freedom and challenge censorship in school. “We feel it is our obligation to remind students of their First Amendment right to read,” Flick said, “and I’d like to point out that many books that have once been banned (The Great Gatsby and The Scarlet Letter, to name a couple) are on AP/IB curriculum lists.”
Spirit s ars for homecoming FEATURES
PAGE 14
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 15
SamanthaStrong
samanthastrongcub@gmail.com
The homecoming court was led by king Xavier Somerville and queen Kourtney Yamafuji. They pose for pictures as they prepare to head to the Tiki Luau dance. Cub photo/Charmaine Morgan
During halftime of the game, the king and queen are announced to a stadium full of students. The 2011 queen is senior Kourtney Yamafuji. Her mother, Kristie Yamafuji, and father, Kevin Yamafuji, were at her side as her name was announced. Cub photo/Lane Creech
Bears’ enthusiasm is coming back to life. After years of dim enthusiasm and even dimmer participation, students brightened the halls with their participation in this year’s homcoming week. “I have noticed a marked increase in school spirit this year,” English teacher Sandy Weichert said. Long before today’s students were born, homecoming was the “big to-do” for students, she said.“Back in the ‘80s, when I first started my career here, we had homecoming floats. Kids were always dressing up crazy for something fun.” However, this spirit dwindled over time and the enthusiasim dimmed. In recent years only a small percentage of students activitely participated in the events highlighting homecoming week. This year saw a turnaround. Principal Thomas Oestreich contributed to the spirit when he announced that “the Mr. Oestreich hero costume is already sold out.” Posters of him as Super O were prominent on Superhero Day — not only on paper but also on T-shirts sported by the faculty. “I didn’t realize how much (spirit had dwindled over the years) until I saw the great spirit our kids and faculty showed during our recent homecoming week,” Weichert said. “It’s heartening.” At the Tiki Luau Homecoming dance, students celebrate the Bears’ victory. Entry required a pre-paid ticket and a breathalyzer test. Cub photo/Lane Creech
Sophomore Marrialle Sellars dresses in her ‘80s finest for Day 3 of Spirit Week. She was decked out to match the theme on every day of Spirit Week, making her, undoubtedly, one of the most spirited Bears in the building. Cub photo/Elizabeth
Granger
cub photo/Lane Creech
Homecoming night featured many of LC’s components. As part of the marching band, the Color Guard performed to this year’s production, Drumatic. While the show is often featured during halftime of home football games, the band is also in the midst of their competitive season. At their most recent competition at the Greenwood Invitational, the Spirit of Central took home first place. The Bears took on Bloomington South during the game. The final score of 42-0 put LC at 6-1 for the season. The spirit of homecoming was vibrant in the stands as the homecoming dance theme of “Tiki Luau” spread into the student section. Cub photos/Lane Creech
“I wanted to express myself. High school is too short not to go all out,”Marrialle Sellars, sophomore
Spirit s ars for homecoming FEATURES
PAGE 14
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 15
SamanthaStrong
samanthastrongcub@gmail.com
The homecoming court was led by king Xavier Somerville and queen Kourtney Yamafuji. They pose for pictures as they prepare to head to the Tiki Luau dance. Cub photo/Charmaine Morgan
During halftime of the game, the king and queen are announced to a stadium full of students. The 2011 queen is senior Kourtney Yamafuji. Her mother, Kristie Yamafuji, and father, Kevin Yamafuji, were at her side as her name was announced. Cub photo/Lane Creech
Bears’ enthusiasm is coming back to life. After years of dim enthusiasm and even dimmer participation, students brightened the halls with their participation in this year’s homcoming week. “I have noticed a marked increase in school spirit this year,” English teacher Sandy Weichert said. Long before today’s students were born, homecoming was the “big to-do” for students, she said.“Back in the ‘80s, when I first started my career here, we had homecoming floats. Kids were always dressing up crazy for something fun.” However, this spirit dwindled over time and the enthusiasim dimmed. In recent years only a small percentage of students activitely participated in the events highlighting homecoming week. This year saw a turnaround. Principal Thomas Oestreich contributed to the spirit when he announced that “the Mr. Oestreich hero costume is already sold out.” Posters of him as Super O were prominent on Superhero Day — not only on paper but also on T-shirts sported by the faculty. “I didn’t realize how much (spirit had dwindled over the years) until I saw the great spirit our kids and faculty showed during our recent homecoming week,” Weichert said. “It’s heartening.” At the Tiki Luau Homecoming dance, students celebrate the Bears’ victory. Entry required a pre-paid ticket and a breathalyzer test. Cub photo/Lane Creech
Sophomore Marrialle Sellars dresses in her ‘80s finest for Day 3 of Spirit Week. She was decked out to match the theme on every day of Spirit Week, making her, undoubtedly, one of the most spirited Bears in the building. Cub photo/Elizabeth
Granger
cub photo/Lane Creech
Homecoming night featured many of LC’s components. As part of the marching band, the Color Guard performed to this year’s production, Drumatic. While the show is often featured during halftime of home football games, the band is also in the midst of their competitive season. At their most recent competition at the Greenwood Invitational, the Spirit of Central took home first place. The Bears took on Bloomington South during the game. The final score of 42-0 put LC at 6-1 for the season. The spirit of homecoming was vibrant in the stands as the homecoming dance theme of “Tiki Luau” spread into the student section. Cub photos/Lane Creech
“I wanted to express myself. High school is too short not to go all out,”Marrialle Sellars, sophomore
FEATURES
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 16
Checking students’ records throughout the day is common for guidance counselor Kimberly Ashton. As for custodian Kim Garcia, cleaning up in classrooms begins after students have left for the day.
Although principal Thomas Oestreich is a very public presence in the building, he also has plenty of administrative chores to do behind the closed door of his office.
With more than 2,000 mouths to feed on a daily basis, cafeteria head Robin Belcher begins her day early. “You can’t learn on an empty stomach,” she says.
Those behind the scene... GlynnisKing glynniskingcub@gmail.com What do you see as you step into Lawrence Central? Teachers and students in the halls. What about those other people? Behind the curtain, the ones you don’t see very often? Who are they? What do they do? The Top Five Jobs here are “Behind the Scenes.” They’re jobs that make sure you are safe, fed, following the rules, cleaning up after yourselves, and getting all the information you need to succeed here. They are the cafeteria workers, custodians, security guards, counselors and main office administrators. Each job is essential to the functionality of the school.
ings with building facilitators In the cafeteria you’ll find to make sure that students and the people who are generally faculty have a decent learning in charge of ordering the food, environment. preparing the food, serving it Hamilton has been at LC and cleaning up the kitchen. for 19 years and started as a Robin Belcher, head of the part time worker doing launcafeteria, said it’s all worth it. dry in the P.E. department. “Most definitely,” she said. After about “You can’t five years, learn on an became empty stom“It brings me so much she custodial ach.” joy to see students that supervisor, Belcher has been appreciate what we do.” and now working in Kim Garcia helps out the cafeteria custodian any way she can around for 26 years. Maura Hamilton, custodial the school. “I like helping out … and supervisor, said she feels the want everyone to have somesame about her job when it thing nice.” She said. came to the students. Custodian Kim Garcia She is in charge of organizhas helped with cleaning the ing the building, cleaning the cafeteria for 13 years. building and setting up meet-
“
“It brings me so much joy to see students that appreciate what we do,” she said. “What I enjoy the most is when the choir kids sing in the cafeteria. Sometimes I’d ask them to sing the next day, and they would. They’ve done it just once this year; I’d like to hear them again.” Wyonne Hale, a 25-year IMPD (Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department) detective, works part-time as security guard here. He, too, said he likes his job. The main job for security officers is to secure the building for the safety of the students and faculty. Officers also make sure that students follow school rules, and they try to keep the peace between students. Guidance counselor
Kimberly Ashton said the counselors’ No. 1 priority is helping students get prepared for college or post-secondary career planning. Class scheduling, planning college visits and helping students apply for college are among their duties. Thomas Oestreich is a first year principal but has been an assistant principal. His duties are many, but he said “the main priority is teaching, learning and instruction.” Some of his assignments include giving administrative leadership to school and community relations, fundraising, and the coordination/evaluation of teachers, department chairpersons and program coordinators. “This is not the easiest job in the world,” he said.
Apps attack FEATURES
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
CandaceBullock candacebullockcub@gmail.com “That’s what I do every morning, check my zoo,” principal Thomas Oestreich said. He was talking about an app on his iPhone. The cell phone is no longer just a device to call people. New advances in technology such as the iPhone are known for their practicality in the business world. They allow users to quickly access emails, create
presentations and organize files on longer Priority No. 1. one simple device. But the use of these “I use my iPhone as a toy or gadget “smart” phones is more so than a being skewed by phone,” senior The premises of the the thousands of Zach Griffin said. applications being People find it games are simple, makproduced. less convenient ing them fun and addictThe smart to call people Afton Goins when gaming phones are ing.” senior applications becoming miniature already allow computer gaming devices with the opponents to chat. flux of gaming apps being produced in This is common with gaming apps the Apple market. Calling others is no such as Words with Friends, Hanging
“
Angry Birds:
Fruit Ninja:
Addictiveness: * * * * * Cost: free “lite” version
Addictiveness: * * * Cost: free “lite”
Words With Friends:
Doodle Jump:
To play Angry Birds, a person taps to hold a slingshot that flings different types of birds into strategic obstacles to kill little green creatures.
Words with Friends acts like a social network. It allows you to play scrabble with Facebook friends or a random opponent that also has this app. Addictiveness: * * * * * Cost: free (with ads)
Hanging With Friends:
Hanging With Friends is similar to Words with Friends in that it allows you to play with others but instead of Scrabble; you play hang man. Addictiveness: * * * * Cost: free (with ads)
Fruit Ninja is a game in which you swipe the screen to cut fruit. However, you have to be cautious of the bombs that appear.
In this game you guide the Doodler up a sheet of graph paper picking up jet packs and avoiding black holes. Blast any Baddies that get in your way. Addictiveness: * * * * * Cost: Free
Pocket God:
The Pocket God game has you fighting pygmy against pygmy. To defeat the other pygmies you must duel in rock-paper-scissorsesque battles. Addictiveness: * * * Cost: Free
The Moron Test:
The Moron Test takes you through miniature games that keep you on your toes. It gives you a time limit to complete tricky tasks. Addictiveness: * * * * Cost: Free
Paper Toss:
Paper Toss has an exceptionally easy premise: to toss the paper into the trash can. The obstacle is the fan that has that blows the paper away. Addictiveness: * * * * Cost: free (with ads)
PAGE 17
with Friends, and Angry Birds topping the charts for weeks at a time. What is it about these apps that makes them so addicting? Why is everyone so captivated by such simple games? Senior Afton Goins said, “The premises of the games are simple, making them fun and addicting.” Statistics back up his premise. Gaming applications are the most frequently used applications on iPhone devices, followed closely by social networking applications such as Facebook and Twitter.
Unblock Me:
Unblock Me is a puzzle game that requires you to slide wooden blocks around to release the red block through the portal and into the next level. Addictiveness: * * * * Cost: free
Flood It:
puzzle game where you try to turn the screen one color. You do this by chaning the color of the top right square to add more to the group. Addictiveness: * * * * Cost: free
Tap Tap Revenge:
Cut The Rope:
Addictiveness: * * * Cost: free
Addictiveness: * * * * Cost: Free “lite”
Tap Tap Revenge is based on Guitar Hero and Rock Band. It has the same concept but with finger taps in place of instruments.
Cut The Rope is a puzzle game that challenges the player to get the candy into the furry creature’s mouth.
PAGE 18 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 • CUB REPORTER
A+E
Music to our Orchestra prepares for fall concerts KevinKryah kevinkryahcub@gmail.com The Fall and Side-by-Side concerts are fast approaching. For the Fall Concert, the choirs and orchestras will perform in the auditorium Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7 pm. As for the Side-bySide concert, the LCHS and Belzer Middle School orchestras will be performing together in the auditorium Monday, Oct. 24 at 6 pm. There is no cost of admission for either.
ears
The orchestra program is divided into three different categories. These are the Sinfonia, Sonatina and Seranata. All of these different groups will be playing in the Fall Concert. There is also a Chamber Orchestra club, which is geared toward smaller ensembles. However, the club will not be performing at the concert. Various types of music will be played in the two concerts. Lighter fair will come in the form of the pieces “Legend of the Phantom Pirates” and “Maharaja,” which is very Bollywood influenced. There will be more classical pieces as well.
The works of Gabriel Faure will be played in addition to Benjamin Britten’s “Simple Symphony,” which orchestra head Jennifer Fowler assures, ironically, is no simple piece. Of the orchestra’s near-future, Fowler said she is looking forward to what lies ahead. “The kids are all really enthusiastic this year and are really excited to work,” Fowler said. She went on to say that she is confident in the leadership this year. While the Fall Concert is the first major performance event that the orchestra as a whole is participating in this
Clockwise from left: Junior JonZachary Forbes plays his violin in the top orchestra Serenata. Orchestra teacher Jennifer Fowler conducts the orchestra in their preparations for the upcoming concert. Senior Sean Gassen prepares for rehearsal. Cub photos/Lane Creech
school year, the Serenata orchestra will be performing on Monday, Oct. 25 as well. The next time the entirety of the orchestras will play together will be the Holiday Concert, which is Dec. 8 and 9. All-state competitions will also be a big event for the orchestras. Taking place Jan. 20 and 21 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center in Ft. Wayne, the competitions allow musicians from any of the orchestras, including Chamber Orchestra club, to perform auditioned pieces. Auditions for these orchestra students were due for submission on Sept.24.
But for now, it is the Fall Concert and the Side-by-Side concerts that are the orchestra’s top priorities. “The Students have been working very hard” Fowler said.
The Fall Concert 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 Auditorium Free Admission
Side-by-Side Concert 6 p.m. Monday Oct. 24 Auditorium Free Admission
A+E
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 19
The Rhythmic Revolution Artist: Jon McLaughlin Album: Forever if Ever Genre: Pop
Artist: St. Vincent Album: Strange Mercy Genre: Indie Rock/Pop
Artist: Gavin DeGraw Album: Sweeter Genre: Pop
Artist: Lil Wayne Album: Tha Carter IV Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
Released Sept. 6, Forever if Ever is a mix of slow songs and upbeat ones that carry on throughout the album. Similar to tracks on albums like Indiana and OK Now, Jon McLaughlin’s songs primarily feature his vocals and piano stylings. Forever if Ever has relatable tracks dedicated to love, summer and being
Annie Clark, the singer of St. Vincent, has yet to make a name for herself in mainstream pop/rock music but has definitely made a statement in her new album, Strange Mercy. Unlike her female pop music counterparts her lyrics reach deeper than Friday night’s escapades or partying in general. Unlike Clark’s previous albums that seemed to have a lighter tone to them, the lyrics
Loved by fans for his earthy charm, freewheeling melodies and soulful vocals, it’s no surprise that Gavin DeGraw’s new album Sweeter is already one of the top selling albums on iTunes. The album, released on Sept. 20, 2011, features the hit songs Not Over You and Soldier his album really highlights the innocence and vulnerability of him as a young artist, with a reflection from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s R&B.
Weezy, Tunechi, Lil Wayne or whatever you want to call him is back with the release of his new album Carter IV. Like its prequels, Carter IV is a variety pack of brutal self-analysis, observational wordplay and mood enhancing drum patterns. They’re many hits in this album, which include “She Will” where Drake lends his sing-songy hook voodoo, and the theme of the song is about
Similar Artists: John Mayer, Mat Kearney, Jason Mraz yourself regardless of what others want. Some have up-tempo piano intros and backing drum beats to create catchy songs that captivate his audience. McLaughlin’s best elements are his lyrics, his voice and his keys. His lyrics go into deep meanings about life and the struggles (or joys) that come with it. He’s hard to categorize into one style of music considering his album covers many. The top two tracks go to “What I Want” and “Without You Now.” “Maybe it’s Over” is also a popular track featuring musical guest Xenia Martinez from The Voice. Forever if Ever was ranked 17th on iTunes’ top charts when it first came out and has earned a solid five stars. Jon McLaughlin’s the kind of artist you can let play on shuffle and you won’t hear two songs that sound alike. Forever if Ever is full of catchy songs that are meaningful, easy going and filled with notes on every end of the scale.
Similar Artists: Fiona Apple, Bjork, Florence and the Machine
Similar Artists: One Republic, Maroon 5, Train
in this album are heavy. For example, tracks like “Cheerleader” speak of the narrator dealing with the societal pressure to conform. Both the lyrics and the music have depth, the beats are dark and the electric guitar resounding especially in the track, “Northern Lights”, which has a guitar solo that almost sounds like an emotion release toward the end of the song. Clark has a knack for forming phrases, both lyrically and musically that leaves one awestruck and wanting more. However, I was bit displeased with the fact there are no stand-out tracks save “Northern Lights” that really pulls away from the darkness of her other songs. If you’re looking for music to dance to, this isn’t it but if you’re looking for music that will give you chills and make you think, Strange Mercy is all that and more.
You might remember him from his debut album Chariot, it included the hit song I Don’t Want to Be is featured as the theme song for the television drama series One Tree Hill since 2003, and In Love with a Girl. DeGraw has toured the globe performing sold-out headlining shows as well as festivals with a variety of artists. He will be going on tour this summer with artists such as Train and Maroon 5 to promote his new album. This album has been a risk for DeGraw but in doing so it has caught his true sound as not only a singer, songwriter and musician, but for his personal life. With experiences from his real life and love life, he makes a point to relate to women as well as men. If you have enjoyed DeGraw’s previous albums this is sure not to disappoint.
Rating: 1-2-3-4-
Rating: 1-2-3-4-
Rating: 1-2-3-
Song Suggestion: What I Want Katie Billman
Song Suggestion: Cheerleader Candace Bullock
Song Suggestion: Not Over You Meredith Nordmann
-5
Similar Artists: Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Drake money, power and fame, as is most of the album. “How to love” comes with a Jason Mraz type of acoustic guitar accompaniment, a stark contrast to the TPain collaboration “How to Hate.” Also the previously released head banger “6 foot 7 foot” has finally found its way home. My favorite song on the album is “ Megaman”; it’s got an up-tempo beat and is definitely a song to get pumped up to. Not to mention the song as quite a few catchy metaphors and similes with my favorite being “I’m good, I’m 100 like a fastball!” Many critics have given this album either a 4 or a 5 on a 5-point scale. iTunes gives Weezy a 4 out of 5 for his efforts. Lil Wayne came out with a great album this time around and I’m sure that we will see many more Carter albums from him as his rap career continues.
Rating: 1-2-3-
-5
Song Suggestion: MegaMan Jacob Helmus
A+E
PAGE 20 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 • CUB REPORTER
What’s H t in Indy ‘Real Steel’ released in theaters The movie Real Steel comes to theaters Oct 7. Hugh Jackman plays the role of Charlie Kenton, a boxer who, after losing the chance at a title to a steel robot, comes back to redeem himself by
Cub Grub LaneCreech lanecreechcub@gmail.com
The Sushi House Fox Road Indianapolis, In 46236 317-823-8323 Sushi House is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in Japanese and Pan-Asian style cuisine as well as having a sushi bar. The restaurant is modestly decorated but has a very chic vibe. I arrived at the restaurant with some friends for an early 6 o’clock dinner on a Friday. When we arrived there were few other patrons, so we were seated immediately. The waiter promptly took our drink order and gave us a few minutes to look over the menu. Being a sushi-lover, I naturally went straight for the sushi menu. Items ranged from typical rolls such as the California roll to many specialty rolls. I chose the Super Crunch ‘n’ Munch specialty roll which consists of tempura salmon, avocado, spicy crab and tempura flake. Lauren chose the Crunchy Spicy Tuna, a deep fried tuna roll, and Ali took the safe route with the California roll. Sasse went with hibachi chicken, teriyaki glazed chicken with vegetables and rice. You could tell everyone was enjoying the meal because nobody was talking. The sushi was very good, especially considering the modest pricing. The servers were prompt and pleasant. What really makes the Sushi House is its convenient location for us — in the Geist/ Lawrence area.
helping his son train to be a champoinship contender. The movie is all about coming together and working hard for what you want. This father and son will get another chance at victory.
Source/Foxsports.com
Colts vs Chiefs The Indianapolis Colts will play the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 9. The Colts and the Chiefs are both 0-2 so far this season. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. It will be a home game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The event will also be broadcast live by CBS News.
Source/iTunes.com
Miller at Murat Mac Miller will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Murat Egyptian room. Miller is well known for his famous mix tape Donald Trump and for his hit “Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza.”
Carrington here in Oct. 7 concert Rodney Carrington will perform at the Murat Theatre at Old National Central at 9 p.m. Oct. 7. He is a country music singer as well as a standup comedian, suitable for all ages. Compiled by: Meredith Nordmann
28th annual Circle City Classic The 28th Annual Circle City Classic is in progress. Tonight the Circle City Class High School Showcase will pit Warren Central against Carmel at 7:30 p.m. in Lucas Oil Stadium. The parade will step off at 10 a.m.
Saturday at North and Pennsylvania, then travel to North and Meridian. The football game between Kentucky State University and Albany State University is at 2 p.m. at Lucas Oil. The Caterpillar Battle of the Band is during halftime.
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 21
A+E
Awful actors attract adoration CINEMANIAC Everyone’s
a Critic KevinKryah kevinkryahcub@gmail.com Bored one night, I was skimming through the most recent volume of the Bears’ Den (our yearbook, just in case you didn’t know) and, on page 135, I noticed something that caught the attention of my inner critic: a “Favorite New Actors” sidebar. However, on actual inspection of the list, my curiosity was replaced with disappointment. The five actors chosen by an anonymous panel of 100 students were, in order of ascending popularity, Emma Stone, Ellen Page, Taylor Lautner, Michael Cera and Seth Rogen. If I empathize, the list doesn’t seem as egregious; Seth Rogen is admittedly very funny, and I do love Emma Stone and Ellen Page (sadly, though, the latter two only
take up 13 percent of the votes So what makes these actors combined). What really grinds my popular? With Lautner, I can chalk gears about this list, though, is the that one off to his (ugh) chisinclusion of “actors” Michael Cera eled physique, but for Cera I am and Taylor Lautner. Now, obvitruly stumped. Being one-note ously, I don’t know these two; they isn’t necessarily a problem (see could be very nice guys. However, Seth Rogen), but he’s just such a neither of them belong onscreen, milquetoast; seeing his movies is and I’ll tell you why. Cera has dean experience akin to watching a livered exactly one performance in nervous spaz in elementary school his career, and by the end of career- struggle reading aloud a play. Do launching show students at LC Arrested Develempathize with opment, it was him? Is he a role getting kind of Cera has delivered model? I shudold. Now, after der to think exactly one perforYear One, Nick about it. mance in his career...” and Norah’s InfiIn the end, nite Playlist, and though, what Youth in Revolt, can I do? I can’t his one-note (and not that funny) change the actor preferences of performance has long since passed the LC student body. I do, howits expiration date. As for Lautever, have an option – broaden the ner, the only reason he’s had any student body’s sample size. What career after Sharkboy and Lavagirl I mean is that I can give recomis his fangirl-exciting body. If he mendations and suggestions when would’ve stuck with modeling, this it comes to movies and actors. If I would’ve been perfectly fine, but can convert just one student from the reality is that he has an acting Michael Cera to Michael Caine, I range that makes Keanu Reeves can sleep easy at night after throwlook like Laurence Olivier. ing a fit about the yearbook.
“
Tyler the Creator forges new beats Musing on the Music ColemanLaBarr colemanlabarrcub@gmail.com What goes on in the head of Tyler Okonma (AKA Tyler the Creator, Ace, Wolf Haley)? A mild case of schizophrenia could be it. Maybe he just had a messed up childhood, but who knows? He does rap about how his father was never there for him. I must agree with some of the things Tyler says, though. He points out that all the music produced and aired on the radio today is just “hype” music, which means it’s there just to get people pumped up and shows no real talent. As he says, “I have more talent then some 40-yearold rappers talking about Gucci.” Let’s be honest: We can’t actually say that these Gucci Mane, Waka
Flocka Flame and Rick Ross type of view. He also asks why people rappers actually have musical talget offended at his music and not ent; every song is about the same at Quentin Tarantino’s Hostel and thing. Tyler is making his own Hostel II. His entourage includes brand new sound; he’s only 18 and artists such as Casey Vegg, Hodgy makes his own beats and produces Beats, Earl Sweatshirt, Jasper, and his own music videos. What could Taco. These artists together form make that more impressive? In an Odd Future (AKA OFWGKTA). interview he says, “I’m hungry At 14, Tyler taught himself how to for greatness… play the piano, I’m striving which led to the for VMAs and creation of Wolf ...he had to fight for Haley. GrowGrammys.” Tyler already his fame and fortune.” ing up on the has a Best New streets of Los Artist Award Angeles, he had from the MTV to fight for his VMAs. He also fame and fortune. Tyler receives explains that the messed up and a lot of criticism, but he doesn’t crazy things he says, he doesn’t seem to listen at all. If anything, he really mean. His alter egos “Wolf sees it as “room for improvement.” Haley” and “Ace” make him say Honestly, this young man probably some of the things he says. Okonhas more talent in his left pinky ma surprisingly is straight edge than most rappers these days. and doesn’t commit any crimes Tyler has released two albums he speaks of. He explains that the already, titled Bastard and Goblin. things he says are not him and He plans to release a third in 2012 are from different people’s points titled Wolf.
“
source/fandango.com
Moneyball a grand slam KevinKryah kevinkryahcub@gmail.com I’m not a sports fan. I barely grasp the fundamentals of any sport, and I have next to no interest in actually watching them. As such, I rarely have a burning desire to see sports movies. However, when I heard that Capote director Bennett Miller and The Social Network scribe Aaron Sorkin were collaborating in an adaptation of Michael Lewis’s fact-based “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game,” my interest was piqued. Add to the mix Brad Pitt and you have a must-see movie. The question that remains for all sports and non-sports fans alike, though, is “Is it actually any good?” I am pleased to report that the answer is a resounding “yes.” Miller and writers Sorkin and Steven Zaillian have managed to craft familiar sports-movie scenarios into fresh exercises in graceful, assured technical direction while wringing maximum emotional content from the story. In the latter respect, Pitt excels; his Billy Beane is a man chewed up and spit out by the pro-baseball scouting system, left without a glorious future but with a divorce, a general manager job with the dismal Oakland A’s, and a cynical attitude. Pitt plays him not as a stereotypical washed-up loser with a heart of gold but as a complex man seeking redemption while at the same time trying to maintain his integrity and loyalty to what he loves. The story is set in 2002, a rebuilding year for the A’s, when Beane meets Yale-graduate statistics nerd Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), who has developed the sabermetrics system – a new way of designing a team from a statistical standpoint (the specifics baffle me and I won’t embarrass myself trying to explain). The two begin a partnership and re-design the A’s around the system, garnering scorn and skepticism from the baseball world. It won’t surprise anyone that, after a rocky start, the system begins to work and the team of misfits begins to defy the odds. The synopsis makes the film sound generic, but there is much more beneath the surface than just a team winning a game. Themes of loyalty, friendship, commercialism and legacy permeate the film and are transmitted via the excellent dialogue. Whether as a character study, a sports movie, or a smart examination of baseball machinations, Moneyball is a grandslam (forgive the pun). Genre: Sports Director: Bennett Miller Rating: PG-13 Length: 133 minutes
A+E
PAGE 22 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 • CUB REPORTER
CUB COMIC
By the Numbers
10
Days in a taste bud’s lifetime.
1500
Lemons produced on a lemon tree in a year.
Percent of animal owners who share their bed with their pets.
336
18
Dimples on a regulation American golf ball.
Shoe size of the Statue of Liberty’s sandal
879
Number of phone calls the average person makes in a year.
1,140
Number of times per minute that a bee’s wings beat.
11,400
Cub comic/Audrey Meyer
source/snapple.com/retiredfacts
What’s LC’s...
TV SHOW:
Big Bang Theory
Jacob Ford, 11 NCIS Maggie Shanahan, 12 Gossip Girl Cora Hullinger, 10
SONG/RINGTONE:
Last Friday Night by: Katy Perry Lindsay Vest, 9 Tonight, Tonight by: Hot Chelle Rae Ashley Mooney, 11
TOP 10 FAVORITE CLASSES AT LC 1. Newspaper
6. Business Classes
2. P.E./Health/ Weight Training
7. Math Classes
3. Art Classes
8. Lunch
4. Performing Arts/ Music Classes
9. AVID
5. Science Classes
10. World Languages Top 10 list researched and compiled by Glynnis King
@CubOnline: So Bears, fall is officially here. What is your favorite part of fall? @margokorn Margo Korn, 10
@whitshaw Whitney Shaw, 11
@lizajsmith Liza Smith, 10
@rossp12 Ross Pereira, 12
I like when the leaves change colors. It creates a fun outdoors atmosphere.
I love that with fall comes sweatshirt weather. It’s the best time of the year.
Yoga pants, uggs, hoodies, leaves changing colors, soccer season
My favorite part of fall is the cross country tournaments.
@willgord45 Will Gordon, 10
@The_Hersh Thomas Hershberger, 12 @ajlupinacci Arielle Lupinacci, 12
@maddiekorn Maddie Korn,10
My favorite thing about fall is the cool running weather.
Fall is the waste of a season.
I like dressing up for Halloween.
The changing of the leaves, perfect weather, and Halloween costumes!
SPORTS
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 23
‘Concentrating’ on postseason ing players like Alex (Larsh), Toby (Marvel) and the other juniors to be ready for next year,” Morrow said. Although, Morrow said, he is disappointed he and KristenSwanson his brother and doubles’ partner, Andrew, haven’t been able to make more of kristenswansoncub@gmail.com a difference. Approaching Sectionals with a 1-7 Coach Tim Taylor said the team’s abilrecord, the boys tennis team said they ity has not been reflected in their record. want to forget about the record and con- “It’s a confidence thing,” Taylor said. centrate on winning post-season match- “They need to play more so they can get more experience.” es and prepare for next season. They recently lost 4-1 to Colum- Taylor said the more points the team plays, the more bus North, 4-1 confidence they’ll to Bloomington have in their abilSouth, 4-1 to FrankMy goal is to have playity for next season. lin Central, and 5-0 to Bloomington ers work on their game He believes that right now each North. They have 12 months a year...” point is becombeen struggling Tim Taylor ing too important; with stepping up coach with experience and getting those comes the necessary self-assurance to necessary wins. make each point less significant, and do Freshman Jacob Pluta, who has a record of 3-5, called this season “hum- ing this will help them win matches. Pluta said during the offseason he bling.” “Our team did pretty well consid- will be playing a lot of tennis to improve ering what we were given. We played his game. “To prepare for next season some tough teams,” Pluta said. “How- I will do tournaments year-round and ever, despite the struggling season, we participate in my summer camps,” he sa think that they can have some post-sea- id. “My goal is to have players work son success.” Senior Jackson Morrow said, “I think on their game 12 months a year because that’s what tennis takes,” Taylor said. we can get to the finals of Sectionals.” After a tough year of rebuilding, it’s Hitting a backhand, senior Andrew Morabout preparation and confidence for row attempts to keep the rally alive. Morrow, next season. along with senior brother Jackson, are dou “This year was really about prepar- bles’ partners. Cub photo/ Kristen Swanson
‘A confidence thing’ speaks of tough year of rebuilding
“
‘Improving as the season progressed’ JacobHelmus jacobhelmuscub@gmail.com
The Lady Bears golf season has officially ended because they did not get in the top three places of their Sept. 17 Sectional at South Grove Golf Course. Last year the Lady Bears finished sixth out of 10 teams in the sectional and had a score of 403. This time around the team finished fifth out of 10 teams and posted a team score of 386. Junior Breanna Petrucciani led the Bears with an 18-hole score of 85, 15 over par. Cathedral won the match, Park Tudor came in second and Bishop Chatard placed third.
Those three teams moved on to last nie said, “As a team, I thought we did Saturday’s Regionals at Battle Ground a great job of improving as the season Course. Then the top three teams in Re- progressed. By Sectionals, I think we all gionals will advance to the State Finals had a chance to shoot best scores.” Saturday at the On Sept. 12, the Legends Golf Club girls’ competed in in Franklin. Petrucciani stepped up the Conference In The three indidiana tournament. as the leader this year...” The Lady Bears viduals to advance Andrew Renie finished sixth out from the South coach of eight teams and Grove Sectionals without a team Columbus North were Kathleen Rutherford of Lawrence took home first place, just like the previNorth, and Mackenzie Cunningham and ous season. Kaitlin Padrick, who both attend Uni It was an improvement from last versity High School. year’s Conference Indiana match when On their daily improvement perfor- LC finished eighth out of eight teams. mance at Sectionals, coach Andie Re Renie said, “We have four girls com-
“
ing back plus a few incoming freshmen, so the future looks good for the Lady Bear golfers.” He added, “Petrucciani stepped up as the leader this year. Over the summer, Bre decided she was going to be good so she took the proper steps that would help her achieve this goal.” The team finished at a total of seven wins and 11 losses for the whole season. Renie said the goals of the team will stay the same because his “improve everyday mentality” helps his golfers work hard and stay positive no matter what. He also said he loves to see his players have fun while golfing and develop maturity both on and off the course.
SPORTS
PAGE 24 SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 • CUB REPORTER
Boys headed for postseason play Sectional play begins next week with new draw
boys were dished their eighth loss of the year, 1-3. The team took the field against Bloomington South with a healthier AlexKryah lineup, but that still did not change the outcome of the game. They were dealt alexkryahcub@gmail.com their second shutout on the year and lost The regular season ended for the 0-4. For most of the season, the cause for boys soccer team last Saturday when many losses has been the lack of bench they lost to Brebuef 1-3. The season re- depth and performance. Now, that cord, which looks eerily similar to last weakness has become a double edged year’s, is 2-10-1. sword for the Bears. The boys recently lost to Blooming- “As the season has gone on, we have ton South, Bloomington North, Franklin become more tired and burned out,” juCentral and Southport. They tied Mount nior Matt Cobb said. “Injuries will hapVernon. pen when you play as much as our start The Bears had to play two games ers have.” against Brebuef in a span of four days. The lack of bench performance has The first game last Saturday, a regular been key to the difficulties this season. season game, reWhen the bench sulted in a loss. players aren’t playThe boys said they ing well, the starthoped this game have to stay in We are playing much better ers would give them the games longer. than we have been, which is The starters get some insight into what they were fatigued and must a good sign. going to see in the come out due to Petr Sliva County tournafatigue or injury, junior ment when they which have been faced Brebeuf again on Tuesday. plaguing the squad for the last week. Earlier, senior night on Sept. 22 When the starters can’t play, the bench turned out to be a loss in penalty kicks has to step it up, which they have not against Bloominton North. It was a wet been doing. and cold night, and neither team could The tie with Mount Vernon came as get a ball into the net. Since it was a Con- a surprise because the Bears expected to ference Indiana match, the game had to win. There were many instances in the go into overtime after regulation ended game where the boys were close to getat 0-0. Overtime yielded no goals, so the ting on the board — for instance, hitting game went to a penalty kick shoot-out, the cross bar — but they couldn’t muster where the boys then lost 3-5. They want- up enough offensive power. ed to get hot right before Sectionals, but “They (Mount Vernon) were surpristhey haven’t been able to get on the roll ingly decent, at least compared to last they need. year,” Sliva said. “It doesn’t change the The Bears still believe they can, fact that we should have won the game.” though. Even after four consecutive los- One of the season’s bright spots has es, they believe they have a chance. been the performance of senior mid “We played pretty well, but we just fielder Patrick Draga, who leads the couldn’t score,” junior Petr Sliva said, re- team with eight goals on the year. ferring to the 0-1 loss to Franklin Central. With the style of defense the Bears “We were even close a few times. We are play, where the midfielders have to come playing much better than we have been, back to play an integral part of the dethough, which is a good sign.” fense, it’s great for the team that Draga is With senior Graham Gardner and able to maneuver the field and score as junior Griffin Gardner out sick, and often as he does. Whether he’s making a junior Alex Tubbs out with a concus- run through the midfield of if he takes a sion, the team had to count on some JV free kick, which he often does, he manplayers to fill empty positions against ages to keep the team in the games. Southport. A lack of experience for the Sectionals begin next week with a “replacements” proved to be key as the new draw this year.
“
Senior Daniel Hennessy takes a free kick, getting the Bears closer to the opposing goal.
Dribbling the ball through defenders, senior Patrick Draga, who has eight goals on the year, tries to create a scoring chance for the Bears. The boys regular season is over, and the boys look forward to postseason play. Cub photos/ Lane Creech
SPORTS
CUB REPORTER •SEPTEMBER 30, 2011
PAGE 25
Volleyball has ‘potential to do well’ MeredithNordmann meredithrnordmanncub@gmail.com
ering the majority of their games have been determined by a difference of only a few points the games have all been The fall sports season is more than very close. halfway over and the girls volleyball “If we stay consistent throughout the team has a record of 4-17. They beat match, we can definitely win because the Decatur 3-0, Franklin Central 2-0, India- majority of our opponents’ points come napolis Arlington from the errors we 3-0 and Heritage make,” Katherine Christian 2-0. Powell said. If we can stay consistent In the India With the connapolis Arlington throughout the match, we ference and Marigame, sophomore on County games can definitely win Leah Frischman coming up, the Katherin Powell had 10 digs and regular season is junior junior Allie Powell ending. got 17 assists. One of the last At the Heritage Christian game games will be at the Marion County junior Katherine Powell had 12 attacks tournament Saturday at Speedway High and Allie Powell 13 assists. School, which will also host the Marion Despite the losses the girls have County finals on the same day. remained positive and have not let the The next home game will be against scoreboard get them down so far this Lutheran High School Oct. 6. season. Because even though the final scores haven’t been turning out the way Head coach Krystal Stallings looks on as they would like they know they have the junior Tricia Moffat tips it over the opposing potential to do well in the end. Consid- blockers. Cub photo/ Heather Bristow
“
Here’s to you, Mr. Rivera...
On Sept. 19, Mariano Rivera as often or as effective as Rivera. passed Trevor Hoffman for the all- There are two things that make time saves record, as he reached save the pitch so special; one, it has very late No. 602 against the Minnesota Twins. movement so it will miss the sweet spot For anyone who follows baseball, the of the bat and two, the pitch is coming at consensus among baseball experts is that 92 miles per hour. whether or not Mariano Rivera gets his You have to be really good to hit that record, he will go down as the greatest pitch. And most who have, are. AlexKryah closer of all time. Arguably the Better than alexkryahcub@gmail.com most “clutch” hitHoffman. Better in baseball his For as long as I can remember, I have ter than Catfish He’s the New England tory, Red Sox desbeen a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan. The Hunter. And better Patriots to NFL fans... ignated hitter Dawalls in my room are painted red, my than Goose Gosvid Ortiz, hit one pillows and sheets have Red Sox logos sage. of the best home runs ever off Rivera. In on them and my wardrobe is stocked Every time Rivera touched the rubGame 4 of the 2004 ALCS in the bottom with Red Sox jerseys, shorts and shirts. ber, I prayed he would blow the save. of the ninth inning, Ortiz ripped a ball A love for the Red Sox also means I He’s the New England Patriots to NFL over the 384 foot sign in left field to take am morally obligated to hate the New fans, or the Duke Blue Devils to college the first win in what would be one of the York Yankees. basketball fans. Everyone wants to see greatest comebacks in a series in sports I know hate is a strong word, but it him lose because he’s so dominant. His history. still understates the passionate disgust I signature pitch, the cutter, is regarded as and the rest of the Red Sox nation share one of the top three pitches thrown by a The other memorable hit off Rivera was pitcher of all time. A cutter is a fastball in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, just about the Yankees. But now, as much as I hate to do that has movement going away from a weeks after the 9/11 tragedy. Rivera gave this, I must honor the greatest closer right-handed hitter and coming toward up a walk off bloop single to Luis Gonand one of the greatest Yankees of all a left-handed hitter. There are many zales, one of the best players the Arizona pitchers that throw the pitch, but none Diamondbacks ever had. time.
Touch ‘Em All
But what makes these memories so remarkable is that these instances were so few and far between. Rivera’s postseason record is 8-1 with a .71 ERA. There is no pitcher in baseball history with a lower postseason ERA. As a closer, he has finished in the top five in Cy Young Award (best pitcher) award voting five times. His career WAR (wins above replacement), which measures your value to your team, is 56.1. That means that he is responsible for 56 of the Yankees’ wins, which is unreal for a closer. Rivera is so great that he is the only Major League player allowed to wear No. 42, the number Jackie Robinson wore. So Mariano, you’ve assured yourself a spot in the Hall of Fame with your saves record. You will forever be known by your devastating cutter as well as your cool demeanor on the mound and the “Enter Sandman” tune that roars through Yankee Stadium as you enter through the center field gate. Congratulations, Mr. Rivera. Now please retire so the Red Sox can actually beat the Yankees.
SPORTS
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 26
B
Junior cornerback Quenten Turman fights off a Bloomington South blocker on the Bears’ push to their 42-0 homecoming win. Cub photo/Lane Creech
ears flyin’ high on offense
5-1 LC takes the field at Southport tonight AlexKryah alexkryahcub@gmail.com
One of the big things the football team wants to accomplish this year is to erase the label of a “one-hit wonder.” And six games into the season, the Bears — who lost to Fishers in the 2010 state championship — seem to be shredding that label just as they are shredding opposing defenses. Led in the backfield by seniors Dre Townsend, Anthony Shellman and Marciellion Gardner, the boys are poised to lead LC deep into the postseason again. “It’s mostly been our linemen,” running back Gardner said. “John Savage, Sam Torres and all of our linemen, really. We wouldn’t be running well at all without them. Anthony (Shellman) and I are so small, we can’t truck people, so they’ve been a big part of the offensive success.” Coach Jayson West agreed.
“The guys on our line have been in dium, a place they hadn’t been since last the system for three or four years,” West year’s loss to Fishers in the state champisaid. “They know what they have to do onship. “There were no nerves at all for us. It for us to succeed.” This offense is functioning just as was just another game,” West said. The scoring went back and forth in last year, which may be why the boys are having such success. In the six games so the first half with three lead changes. After halftime, far, only once have when LC was they failed to rush down 20-21, the for fewer than 247 yards. That one in...they’ve been a big part Bears stepped it and broke out stance was the loss of our offensive success. up in a 22-point third to North Central. Marciellion Gardner quarter. The final In the most resenior score was 42-30 cent game, a 42-0 while the boys tore blowout of Bloomington South at homecoming, the of- the Columbus North defense up for 478 fense was unstoppable as they rushed yards of total offense. On Sept. 9, when the Bears faced for 253 yards while Townsend threw for 227 and five touchdowns, a season high Pike, the offense put up 495 yards. But the big story of the game was the late for him The tone was set after Shellman fourth quarter comeback by the Bears. broke open a 40-yard run that would They took a 14-10 lead into halftime and have been a touchdown if he hadn’t went up in the third quarter 28-17. But fumbled it. The boys rumbled down the late in the third, senior Kevin Nguyen field and scored the first of six touch- missed a field goal and spurred a 15-0 downs in the game. run by the Red Devils. Earlier, the Bears were able to run all This game was looking like it was over Columbus North at Lucas Oil Sta- going to turn out like the North Central
“
game, in which another missed field goal in the third quarter shifted momentum to the Panthers’ side and upset the Bears. But Townsend and company led the offense down a short field and scored a touchdown with 26 seconds remaining. The final score: 35-32. “Just like in the Columbus game, our defense bailed us out a little bit,” West said about the tight win. “They’re young guys and I had faith in them.” The team’s Achilles heel has been the defense, which has given up more than 25 points in four of their six games. West said he believes that part of the defensive struggles are due to one of the toughest schedules in Indiana. “We either have to get better or play worse teams; we don’t have a choice,” West said. “It’s going to get harder every week. You just have to keep improving your hustle, technique and desire to get to the football.” The Bears travel to look to improve their record to 6-1 at Southport tonight. “Obviously, we want to get back to the state championship, and I think we can do it,” Gardner said.
SPORTS
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 27
Winning comes with team unity ter playing Franklin Central. “The team most improved on chemistry and playing as one unit. Our pos Double overtime, multiple penalty session and communication improved kicks, and a win for the Bears. That was from the beginning of the season. Overa game in a nutshell for the Lady Bears all, it was a great last season. As a senior, against Southport on Sept. 14 and took I was proud of the team and I had a lot of home a win with fun with the girls,” a final score of 3-2. senior Tory HerScoring the winrmann said. ning goal was se Losing their The team most improved nior Rachel Taylor game against who said after the on chemistry and playing as B l o o m i n g t o n game that “it was North with a score one unit. a one-of-a-kind of 2-4, the girls had Tory Herrmann game that everytheir senior night senior one should experilast Wednesday. ence sometime.” Senior players for “It shows not only how skilled the the 2011 season include Candace Bullteam is but it shows team unity. It was ock, Alexa Frishmann, Tory Herrmann, one of my favorite games to play because Emily Rogers, Brooke Taylor, Rachel we all worked hard for one another and Taylor, Kelsey Thornton, Katie Ullrich, the end result of winning was the best and Maggie Ullrich. feeling. I honestly went numb right be- Although the team’s regular season fore I scored in the sudden death PK’s,” is over, the Marion County Tournament Taylor said. She thinks the team has im- started on Monday which will soon be proved greatly from the beginning of the followed by the IHSAA Sectionals. Secseason and hopes to continue doing well tionals start next Thursday with a game to win Sectionals. at Lawrence Central. If the girls win Scoring two goals during the game that game, they’ll advance to the second against Franklin Central, the girls soc- round of Sectionals next Saturday. These cer team has wrapped up their regular games will be followed by IHSAA Reseason with a record of 4-10. With pre- gionals, Semi-State and the State chamvious wins against Indianapolis Bishop pionship depending on how well the Chatard, Ben Davis and Southport, the girls’ play. Winning state is the ultimate Bears ended their season with a bang af- goal for the Lady Bears.
KatieBillman katiebillmancub@gmail.com
“
Heading down the field, senior Emily Rogers assists the Lady Bears’ offense while playing mid-field. The girls regular season record was 4-10. Cub photo/Katie Billman
Boys on pace for stellar season CandaceBullock candacebullockcub@gmail.com The boys cross country team finished 3rd in the Culver Academy race this past weekend. The leading runner was junior, Matt Dorsey who placed 7th in the meet. The Cross Country team will run in their county meet this Saturday at 10 am at Brebeuf. The boy’s team was able to move up in their ranking as of early September and continue to triumph at meets. The girls cross country team look to improve times. The team is nearing the end of their 2nd cycle of training and
getting ready to start their final cycle of incorporated 4-6 mile tempo runs and training which will help the team to be runs going as long as 6-10 miles with able to refresh. interval work “Our boys and outs. The premise girls are currently of these exercises racing well, but on to increase the Our boys and girls are is tired legs,” says stamina of the runassistant coach Jescurrently racing well, but ners and insure sica Holman. The that they will be on tired legs,” first part of the able to run faster Jessica Holman training that befor longer periods Assitant Coach gan in the summer of time. However, and ended in the with the county middle of August consisted of progres- race fast-approaching, the coaches look sively adding more miles to get the team to lessen the miles the runners will have to be more aerobically fit. The coaches to run and increase the intensity of the
“
exercises. According to Holman, this will allow for the runners to feel fresh and fast for the races that really count like upcoming county, conference, Sectionals, semi-state, and state. The outcomes of the previous meets show much potential for the cross country team to get to state. “We are extremely excited about the team’s potential in the next few weeks,” Holman said. “We look forward to the tough competition that awaits, and will leave our mark as one of the top programs in the state!” The Marion County tournament starts tomorrow for both teams.
Spotlight
rmai
She wakes up at 4:30 a.m. and heads to the Ice Skadium in Carmel. She skates from 5 to 7:30 a.m. and then heads to LC for school. Senior Sarah Germain’s typical day isn’t so typical. She’s a figure skater. Currently ranked at the intermediate bronze level, Germain got interested in figure skating two years ago when her other friends played hockey. She began competing within a year and is now first in her level. Skaters perform in front of judges to determine what level they can compete at, and Germain hopes to continue improving to reach adult gold, the highest level of competition. “I’d love to reach that before high school ends, but if not then, sometime within the next two years,” she said. Germain participates in free-style skating which includes jumps and spins, and dance, which is a more choreographed form of skating. Although skaters can perform as a pair during competitions, she performs alone year-round. Her early morning skating schedule runs Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. She practices after school on her
own time on Wednesdays and Fridays. And if skating every weekday weren’t enough, she dedicates some time out of her Saturdays to teach beginner skating to young kids. In addition to teaching them how to skate, she wants to teach kids in school as well. Because she’s in her senior year and doesn’t need many more credits, she leaves school after second block each day to go to work at a kindergarten in Warren Township. There isn’t much to do with skating throughout college so she plans to pursue a career in elementary teaching while still having figure skating as a hobby on the side. “The best part about figure skating is that because it’s such an elite sport, you get acquainted with the skaters and the other people involved on a personal level,” she said.
h Ge
KatieBillman katiebillmancub@gmail.com
n
Ice time at the Skadium
tesy p hoto/ Sara
IN THE
CUB REPORTER • SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 PAGE 28
Cour
NEWS
“The best part about figure skating is that... you get acquainted with the skaters.”