April 2012 A product of the Stevens Point Journal & Boys & Girls Club
h t i w d e s s Obse
? e s i h c n a r f e i v o m a INSIDE
• Washington D.C. Trip • Dead or Alive: Chapter 17
• Student to Know: Lyza Schmidt • Birkebeiner ski race
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April 2012
Reasons you might be obsessed with a movie franchise
I By Kaylyn Kluck Our Voice Staff Pacelli High School Ninth-Grader
Editorial
cannot claim that I’ve seen a lot of movies. I don’t have Netflix, I rarely go to the theater, and I have yet to rent from my local Family Video. And yet, I am still fascinated and curious about how it all works. How every single movie that is advertised on TV can be “The No. 1 movie in America.” How every movie commercial and trailer always manages to hire that deepvoiced announcer to narrate it. How the media will glorify and buzz endlessly about whatever they are paid to glorify and buzz endlessly about. It is fun but sad to observe, and really says a lot about our society. When you see Hollywood, the town that appears to orbit around the solid idea of anything that will entertain people, you may think that it is pathetic and useless. Truth is, the very essence of Hollywood lives on because of man’s natural desire to observe the higher members of society. It gives us something to look at, something to aspire to, something to keep us from dropping dead because we are so bored. That’s where movies come in.
Think about the most successful movies. Aside from some James Cameron films, the top grossing movies of all time had one thing in common: They were franchises. Some have multiple titles, others only two. But franchises have proven more likely to become a pop-cultural phenomenon, or at least the first movie was successful enough to start one. You’re more likely to walk down the street and see someone wearing a Chewbacca or Team Edward shirt rather than a Titanic one. People will camp outside of theaters for a movie series they have known and loved for a while. It’s called a fandom, and people are happy to be part of something, anything they can love and call their own. I’m not exactly going to go into the psychology of why anyone would want a giant tattoo of Robert Pattinson’s face of their back, but I will tell you that people like whatever they can gain confidence and inspiration from. It’s called semiotic productivity. It’s when people try to take whatever they are obsessed with and use it to create meaning in their own lives. It includes sports, music, celebrities and, of course, movies. I
see this all the time with the fandoms. It is fun to watch clips of movie premieres on TV; you can see all the screaming fans and wonder what exactly is going through people’s heads as they hold up giant signs proclaiming their love for whatever fandom they’re in. There are many tactics Hollywood uses to hook people on their movies. One is known as the Fangirl Affect. The goal is to draw people in because they have a high-profile and usually attractive star in their film. You’ve seen the hyperventilation-prone-Bieberobsessed-tweens on TV. It works well. I have a friend who says she wouldn’t like Twilight if it wasn’t for Taylor Lautner. Speaking of movie stars, often the root of all obsessions with certain film series are the characters themselves. People can develop para-social relationships with them. A para-social relationship is when a person gets attached to someone who isn’t really in their life; it’s more of a fantasy or distant dream. Sometimes this type of relationship is formed to make up for the lack of adequate relationships in the person’s life. I’m not suggesting that
just because your room is covered in posters of Daniel Radcliffe it means you have no friends. But there’s a difference between a creepy obsession and mutually admiring someone you will probably never meet. I have friends who enjoy pretending to be and dressing like the Kardashian sisters, and another who wears her Gryffindor sweatshirt with pride in homage to Harry Potter. This doesn’t seem to have affected them negatively in any way. Another reason why people freak out over fictional stories on the screen? Because it is portrayed as cool. People I know will brag about seeing the “Paranormal Activity” movies all the time. Yes, it seems a bit pathetic that someone is proud of watching faux supernatural attacks on the big screen, but it is the contemporary and daring thing to do. Ask yourself, “Do I really like enduring 90 minutes of low budget, freaky haunted house effects, or is it just so I can say I saw it?” Or perhaps you must question yourself, “Am I actually interested in whether this dreadful girl chooses the werewolf or the vampire, or am I only at this theater for the popcorn?” I can no longer condemn
people for wanting to go to midnight premieres and saying that they are crazy for being so obsessed. I call myself crazy and obsessed now with a certain book and soon-to-be-movie-franchise called “The Hunger Games.” Ever since I picked up the book almost three years ago, I knew I had found something special. If you ask me why I’m a fan, I could passionately (and obnoxiously) describe my love for “The Hunger Games.” However, I still couldn’t get to the center of it all. Sure I like the plot and characters and messages behind it, but I get a sense that I also like it for reasons I don’t yet know. You can ask why they like Lord of the Rings/folk music/peanut butter/etc. so much and a lot of the time you’ll get an answer like, “Because it’s epic”/ “Because it’s the best”/ “Because it tastes good.” All these are undeniably answers, but hollow ones. Some people can explain (although most cannot) why they are obsessed with something, and the movie fandoms are no exception. We can go into the psychology of it all, but maybe we can just settle for “Because they are crazy.” And why not? It’s much simpler.
Which is better, Harry Potter or Twilight? Annaleigh Polman, 10th-grader at Stevens Point Area Senior High: “I’m not sure. I haven’t read either.”
Ben Stojny, ninth-grader at Pacelli High School: “Harry Potter. I’m reading the seventh book right now!”
Ginny Neufeld, ninth-grader at Pacelli High School: Quoted Stephen King and said, “Harry Potter is about being brave in the face of adversity. Twilight is about how important it is to have a boyfriend.”
Majo Godoy, 12th-grader at Pacelli High School: “Definitely Harry Potter!”
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April 2012
Birkebeiner ski race creates lasting memories
By Danielle Pederson Our Voice Staff Stevens Point Area Senior High 10th-Grader
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have to say, I had the best time of my life Feb. 24 to 26 in Hayward. If you haven’t heard of the American Birkebeiner, here is your chance to be a part of the biggest Nordic ski race in North America. This year was the 39th annual running of this historic race. There were more than 7,000 racers racing in the 54K “Birkie” race; more than 2,800 racers racing in the
23K Kortelopet “Korte” race; more than 2,100 racers racing in the 12K Prince Haakon race; more than 600 kids ages 13 to 18 racing in a 3K Junior Birkie race; and another 1,000 kids ages 3 to 13 in the Barnebirkie race. If you don’t want to do all of that math, that is 14,500 registered racers. Now you have to remember that is just the racers. If you add all the spouses, kids, friends and dogs, you have the biggest Nordic ski race in North America. My family participated in the 3K race, 23K race, 53K race and 12K race. I am very proud to say that this was the first year I completed the 23K race, which is around 14 miles. This event isn’t just about skiing, although it does help to know some skiing, there is also a Giant Ski race. The Giant Ski race is where
Participants are ready to begin the Girls 11-12 Junior Birkie race during the 39th annual American Birkebeiner Feb. 24-26 in Hayward. Right: Competitor Stephanie Bixler. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS) groups of four get on this very large wooden ski with ropes on them and try and slide as a group to the finish line. Most teams dress up in cool uniforms and various costumes. The newest addition is the Barkie Birkie. It is skijoring. For those of you who don’t know what that word is, it is where you have a dog pull you while you are on skis and you ski with the help of the dog. The goal is to cross the finish line first, duh
right? The final event that is a lot of fun to watch is the Elite Sprints. The Sprints are in the Main Street or the “main drag.” There is a 50-foot-or-so track where Elite Skiers can duke it out on the trail. The big race is on Saturday. The Birkie 50K race takes around three hours for a good skier and five hours for an average skier. This year a girl on my ski team was in second place
for the Classic Korte and was following the winner and lost by only four seconds. I don’t mean to brag or anything, but she is my teammate. The most amazing thing ever is the feeling of crossing that finish line, knowing you completed something most people don’t do in a lifetime. You finish and you can’t help it, you either smile or you cry. There is an overwhelming feeling of joy that you can’t stop or want to stop
from happening to you. You can see smile after smile on kids and adults as they cross the finish line. You can also see very determined faces as the finish line approaches. If you aren’t already hooked on the sport, you really should try it out some day. I can guarantee you that there will be joy, frustration and anger all in the same feeling. So, give it a try — go out and ski, while you still can!
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April 2012 Editor’s note: This is the 17th chapter in a continuing series. The 18th installment will appear in the May issue.
Dead or Alive
By Hanna Burch Our Voice Staff Ben Franklin Junior High School Ninth-Grader
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ark and Hal stood speechless in front of Fender, hands in the air and scaredness in their eyes. Angela fought not to smile at the turn of events. Fender stood in front of her, growling. She took the moment to slip her hands out of the rope they had been tied in and had slowly loosened over the passing time. Untying her ankles, she stood up and stretched, massaging her wrists. “Geez, you tied those tight,” she snarled at Mark and Hal. Hal almost fell
over in surprise from hearing her speak. “You … you … speak … lied …English?!” he sputtered. Angela smirked. “Yes, Hal, I speak English. Fooled you, didn’t I?” She smiled. “But … but … but …” Mark was confused. “What do we do now, Hal?” “You two will wait in here while I lock the door. Hand me the key, Mark, or I’ll have Fender take a whack at you,” she threatened. “Fender? You know this dog?” Mark begged for
time while also seeking some answers. “Yes, I know him. Now throw the key across the floor and no one gets hurt.” Mark reluctantly reached down to his pocket, pulled out the key and slid it across the floor. Keeping her eyes on him, Angela reached down and picked it up. “Now, you two stay here while I go find my dad. What is Darlene up to, anyways?” They shook their heads and sealed their lips. “Fine, if you don’t tell me, then live with the consequences.”
They shrugged in reply. Slowly backing out, Angela stepped out of the room and Fender followed after giving a quick jerking motion toward Hal, who leaped into Mark’s arms in instinct. Closing and locking the door behind her, Angela leaned against the door and waited to eavesdrop on the conversation emerging. “What just happened?” Hal’s confused voice was muffled through the door. “We were screwed over by a teenage girl who convinced us she spoke Spanish,” Mark replied sarcastically. “Hey, it’s not my fault! You were screwed over, too.” Hal defended himself. Mark sighed. “I know. What do we do now?” “Just wait, I guess. Darlene will come back. She has to,
doesn’t she?” Hal responded. Angela sensed that Mark shrugged and the muffled sound ended. Tiptoeing away, she bent down and hugged Fender who licked her face in return. “Oh, you silly dog! You’re so smart! You rescued me … again!” she said. Fender wagged his tail and let out a quiet “woof!” “Let’s go find Dad,” she said. Sensing the word “dad,” Fender leaped away and quickly started down the hallway. Hurrying after him, Angela thought to herself: “Where was her dad? Was he safe? What was Darlene doing here? What would they find? How did Fender find her?” Questions racing through her head, she jogged quickly and quietly, her feet like butterflies, confidently following Fender to answers.
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April 2012
Student to Know: Lyza Schmidt By Danielle Pederson Our Voice Staff Stevens Point Area Senior High 10th-Grader
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ame: Lyza Schmidt Age: 16 School: Stevens Point Area Senior High Grade: 10 Outside of school, Lyza practices volleyball and listens to country music as well as spends time with her family. She doesn’t really participate in any clubs or structured sports after school. Her favorite class in school is Literature because she likes the challenge of all the new words and the reading that is involved in the class. Lyza’s goals for the
school year include getting all A’s and to achieve a 4.0 GPA. Her personal life doesn’t take a hit even though she is trying to achieve this 4.0 GPA, this is what makes Lyza a very good friend and student.
Lyza’s life goals are to get accepted into a tech college and to raise a family. Her very high standard is what motivates her to reach those goals. She has someone in her life who inspires her to reach not
only daily goals but her life goals, and that person is her mom. Lyza is lucky to have such a great role model as well. Mrs. Enders, a teacher at SPASH, is a great role model for any student; she shows students that you can be successful in being you. She also is a wonderful and responsible teacher. “Positive attitudes are the driving force in getting things done,” Lyza says. To her, positive attitudes aren’t just things you do to get though a patch of sadness it is an everyday thing. It is what helps you reach your goals. The one thing Lyza encourages other students to do is to try their hardest and don’t ever, ever give up.
NOMINATE A STUDENT Do you know a local junior high or high school student who should be featured as our Student to Know in Our Voice. If so, contact Jamie Jung at 715-345-2256 or email jamie.jung@ cwnews.net.
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April 2012
Teacher to Know: Mary Liebau back to school to earn a degree in special education. She now teaches special education, students with cognitive disabilities and all subjects for seventh-, eighth- and ninthhis month’s Teacher to Know graders. Ms. Liebau has an older is Mary Liebau, a special education sister and brother and a younger sister and brothteacher at Ben Franklin er, and two nieces who Junior High School. are a huge part of her She was born in West life. She loves to read, and Bend and then moved to her favorite books are by New Holstein, and later Stephen King, Patricia Chilton where she graduCornwell and James ated from Chilton High Patterson, but she would School. She now lives in read just about anything. Stevens Point. She decided she wanted Ms. Liebau went to college in Stevens Point and to become a teacher when earned a degree in social she was working with a work with a minor in psy- 21-year-old man with cogchology, and then went nitive disabilities who had
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By Hanna Burch Our Voice Staff Ben Franklin Junior High School Ninth-Grader
a job and did not know how to sign his name when he received his first pay check. That is what truly inspired her to go back to school to teach students with cognitive disabilities. Every teaching day is memorable, but she says she thinks the day one of her students said, “Ms. Liebau, you are the first teacher who has challenged me and is making me want to be smarter,” it really made an impact on her. She loves to teach and every day her students surprise her and keep her motivated to teach. Students would be surprised to know Ms. Liebau likes watching scary mov-
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ies. In her free time she loves reading, biking, doing puzzles and walking her dog.
Do you know a local junior high or high school teacher who should be featured as our Teacher to Know in Our Voice? If so, contact Jamie Jung at 715-345-2256 or email jamie.jung@ cwnews.net.
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April 2012
Hands-on project helps students CALLING ALL WRITERS! learn about sustainability For Our Voice
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tudents at Ben Franklin Junior High School have learned the importance of collaboration from a different source. Katherine Langlois, mother of Ben Franklin ninthgrader Zack Langlois, is completing her master’s degree from Harvard University with help from enthusiastic students and club members. The Hope Science Club, math students, art classes and custodial staff are getting a hands-on lesson to become educated in the topic of sustainability. The information has truly impacted the student body to make more educated choices in the future to benefit themselves, their families and existing community.
“The idea behind sustainability is to introduce others to the prospect of alternative conservation methods, improve and sustain healthy practices for a quality lifestyle and maintain productive economic development to enhance living standards for all,” Langlois said. The topic was initially reviewed with Langlois by the Hope Science Club, which then created a “student-friendly” video for the remaining student body to watch and understand. Art classes designed a flyer/brochure of the information as well. The custodial staff tracked waste and recycling materials monthly at the school, which was then configured into a spreadsheet and calculated by Dan Gagnon’s
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re you a student in Portage County who loves to write? Are you interested in learning what it takes to put a newspaper together? Do you want your artwork or creative writing pieces published? If you answered yes to any of t h o s e questions, t h i s s t u dent newspaper needs y o u r help. Our Voice, a monthly product of the Stevens Point Journal and the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, needs students to write about issues affecting them, entertainment, fashion, books, sports and more. Co-founder Sam Dinga created
math classes to show a rate of tonnage added and diverted from landfills based upon conscience choices. Participants came to value the relevance of considering more than just the now of their existence, but planning for a better place in their personal and the earth’s future. “The project was really amazing. ... The students were educated through various mediums and excited about the future of our earth and their need to save and be conservative about the planet,” Langlois said with a smile. “They would like to do more to help sustainability.” — Submitted by Jacqueline Rose, volunteer communications liaison for Ben Franklin Junior High School.
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April 2012
Ben Franklin students tour Washington, D.C.
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t 2:30 a.m. Feb. 28, 63 Ben Franklin Junior High School students were on buses ready to depart for Virginia and Washington, D.C. on a fiveday optional trip for all ninth-grade students. After flying out from Milwaukee to Virginia, they started their short journey quickly. The first day they got a view from the buses of the town where George Washington spent most of his time shopping and visiting with friends and family, and after that spent the afternoon at Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. They toured his house and saw his tomb on the large mansion grounds. After dinner and a drive to Williamsburg, Va., they had a ghost tour of Williamsburg, or rather, a tour guide tell true ghost stories passed down by generations about one of the most haunted cities in America: Williamsburg. The next morning they were up bright and early to drive to Jamestown, Va., where they visited a glassblowing historical site and witnessed the creation of a glass vase. They then selfguided themselves around a reenactment of the original Jamestown sight, seeing the three ships bringing settlers to America, the Powhatan Indian Village, and the small living quarters area the settlers set up, including a church. After that they drove back to Williamsburg and spent the afternoon in America’s largest living museum with a mile of shops, a church, the capitol, government buildings, and homes of American citizens today. Thursday the students were up to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial. They then visited the city’s
White House (CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)
National Cathedral U.S. Capitol
Left: Lincoln Memorial. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial view from the top of the Old Post Office Tower and following that, had some time to shop in a souvenir shop. After lunch on Thursday the group traveled to Arlington National Cemetery and saw the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, witnessed the Changing of the Guard, and four students laid a wreath on the tomb. After the cemetery they visited the Iwo Jima Memorial and later toured the Washington National Cathedral, which houses the tombs of Winston Churchill and Helen Keller. They made a quick stop at the National Zoo and drove down the road housing all the embassies. That night they saw the Lincoln Memorial before returning to the hotel. Friday started with breakfast at Hard Rock Cafe and then a guided tour of the nation’s capital. They saw Ford’s Theatre, where president Abraham Lincoln was shot, and walked through the Petersen House where he died. That afternoon they spent time at the National Museum of Natural History, where they saw an IMAX movie of dinosaurs in
3D. They then walked to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. That night they rode the Metrorail, a fun experience for all, and later saw the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial before they drove back to the hotel. Saturday started with a guided tour of the White House, where they saw the East Room, the Green, Red and Blue rooms, and the State Dining Room. They visited the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the National Archives, getting to see our nation’s Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights. They went to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and walked through the Daniel’s Story exhibit. Overall, it was a quick but enjoyable and educational trip with lots of laughs, new friendships and great food along the way.
Mount Vernon. Middle: World War II Memorial. Right: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington Cemetery