December 1, 2011 by The Pride

HARRISONVILLE HIGH School 1504 e. elm Harrisonville, mo 64701 (816) 380- 3273 hhsnews.com

the

PRIDE c December 1

Volume XIII, ISSUE II

IN THIS ISSUE:

No Shave November

stop complaining

winter happiness

Wrestling State Champion need a college calender?

fathers vs. daughters

class rings

common cold

Swim Coach

Winter Necessities

winter hangouts

Sophomore Supervision

musical generations

Hairy Legs

reck less d r iv ing pushing the limits

Practicing Apar t

FACEBOOK IT IS COLD IN HERE! more than a sandwich

2 0 1 1

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News

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Class rings delivered with defects Story by Nick Campbell- Staff Writer nick.campbell@hhsnews.com Jostens, the company who has supplied HHS with class rings, has had problems in the past years with the quality of their rings. Juniors Grace Hamilton and Ariel Hunt are a few students that have had to send their rings back for repairs. “Over the summer I went swimming with my ring and the ring tarnished and turned my finger green. I walked up to Jostens when they were at the high school selling senior sweatshirts, and they said that many juniors were having problems, so I sent the ring back and they made me a new one for free,” said junior Grace Hamilton. According to Jostens representative, Jim Glennon, if something goes wrong with a ring, they will replace it. Many students have had to replace

their rings because of re sizing, but in a few cases a student may be allergic to the metal in the ring, in which case a student may replace it with a new metal. If the cost of a new metal is less than the original metal, they will give you the difference in the cost, and if it is more expensive, they will charge the sum. “The common problem with the rings is that students are still growing so the rings are needing re-sizing, but with the warranty, Jostens will resize your ring for free for life,” said Glennon. If you have ordered a ring from Jostens and have had issues or need repairs, call the Jostens office at 1-573-3654674, or talk to the Jostens representatives that come to the school.

Photos by Alison Krenzer

Website blocking implemented for protection Story by Crystal Warden- Staff Writer crystal.warden@hhsnews.com

Students find that many sites are blocked within the district. Photo by Bailee Sandy

It has been a regular practice in the past years that some websites such as Facebook, Youtube, Wikipedia, and Yahoo Answer have appeared as blocked on the school’s computers. Students might not know that it is required that the web sites have to go through a filter. According to Director of Technology, David Vignery, Internet websites are organized into many different categories: education, fun, shopping, porn, etc. However, the one category that takes precedence over all others is education. “Things are categorized

through a process outside of us, we have no control on this process. What happens is we will change it based on the teacher input. We do this locally,” said Vignery. Some sites are potentially a hazard to the school’s network. Precautions are taken in order to avoid viruses from getting on the network. A website is blocked or unblocked depending on if the network is working or not. Vignery is in charge of all the blocking and technology problems. If teachers need a site to be unblocked, they are able to contact Vignery as easy

as via e-mail or a phone call. “My job is to make sure that you have the proper resources in the classroom and I’ll do anything to make that happen,” said Vignery. Vignery’s job is to protect the network from all harm but also to help provide resources for teachers and students. Visiting websites that are not intended for classroom learning can be potentially harmful, so it is in students’ best interests to follow guide lines and not to visit those websites.

THE PRIDE

News

Staff

The Pride Staff 2011-2012 Editor-in-Chief: Kayt Dahn Copy Editor: Sasha Gubina Features Editor: Maria Sanchez News Editor: Victoria Bostic Sports Editor: Abbey Fisher Advisor: Brad Lewis

Staff Writers: Lauren Aman, Hannah Baggenstoss, Nick Bowers, Nick Campbell, Hannah Franz, Megan Short, Crystal Warden Photographers: Jamie Hasenyager, Alison Krenzer, Bailee Sandy

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Upcoming scholarship deadlines Information compiled by Alison Krenzer and Megan Short

Hey seniors of HHS, keep lookout for upcoming scholarship deadlines: December 2, 2011: Elks National Foundation January 6, 2012: National Wild Turkey Federation January 15, 2012: Mensa Education and Research Foundation Scholarship Essay Contest February 1, 2012: Elks Legacy Award February 8, 2012: KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program

The Pride is written, edited and published by the newspaper production class at HHS. The February 8, 2012: Kansas City Legal paper is an open forum, distributed to the students, faculty, parents, alumni, and other Secretaries Association: members of HHS. All decisions concerning grammar, layout, content, and photography are made solely by the editors themselves. Our mission is to report news truthfully and accurately and to act as an open forum for student expression. Opinions in editorials do For more information on scholarships, go to harrinot reflect the views of Cass R-IX school district, its staff or the adviser. All comments, concerns, and complaints should be forwarded directly to the Editor-in-Chief. If readers sonvilleschools.org or contact Mrs. Johnston. would like to submit letters to the Editor, they can do so in room 304.

Temperature fluctuates from classroom to classroom Story by Hannah Baggenstoss-Staff Writer hannah.baggenstoss@hhsnews.com “This classroom is freezing!” “It’s burning up in here.” Students and faculty complain about the temperature settings in the school’s classrooms everyday, and we all have different opinions on it. Junior Alexa Eghbali feels it is a different setting each day, and the temperature does not match up with the seasons. “It’s extremely bipolar. When it’s nice outside I have to wear winter clothes, but when it’s cold outside I have to wear summer clothes to school,” said Eghbali. Sophomore Jake Griffith feels the same way. “ It is the opposite of what

they are trying to achieve. [It is] too cold in the winter and too hot in the warmer months,” said Griffith. Other students like sophomore Jessica Nichols are content with the school’s temperature. “Sometimes it can be a little too cold, but other than that I think it’s normally pretty perfect,” said Nichols. Director of Environmental Services, Toney Guilliams, is in charge of the heating and cooling system of HHS. Gulliams explained that his department uses a special program to control the temperature in all Harrisonville

Cass R4 schools. They determine the thermostat settings based on scientific studies about appropriate classroom warmth or coolness. “We have a state of the art program. We determined 70 to 74 degrees was the optimum setting for educational [surroundings],” said Guilliams. Environmental services for HHS have what are called, heating and cooling lockout temperatures. A lockout temperature is the temperature it has to be outside, in order for the heat or air conditioning to turn on. The heating lockout is below 50 degrees and the cooling lockout is “generally speak-

ing” above 70 degrees. The cooling lockout system is slightly different than the heating lockout system. Machines on top of the school roof, called air handlers, air condition the school all year around. This has to be done because of the number of people the building holds, along with computers, televisions, etc. There are a few rooms in the school that are an exception to the “not below 70 degrees and not above 74 degrees” rule. The kitchen, the choir room, and band room all can be set as low as 68 degrees. Guilliams believes this is

an efficient and eco-friendly system for the school. “I think it’s great. I can access it from anywhere, [and it] can be changed whenever,” said Guilliams. He thinks that this system reduces waste and saves energy. “It’s just like leaving the water on the whole time you’re brushing your teeth. It’s wasteful and depletes a natural resource,” said Guilliams. So, while students have different feelings about the temperature in the school, they can be assured that it has been set at certain degrees for their educational benefit.

THE PRIDE

FEatures

Complicated relationships

Story by Victoria BosticNews Editor

victoria.bostic@hhsnews.com The relationships girls have with those of the opposite sex are the result of the one they had with their father. Or lack of relationship she had with her father. The sad thing is it has become more common for a girl to choose to be closer to her mother than her father. This is because fathers tend to not be as involved. Who do you see taking little kids to their sporting events? Ever heard the term “soccer mom”? It is not “soccer dad” it is “soccer mom”. Relationships transpire from the time a child and their parents spend together. With moms taking care of the children, the fathers need to step in and create time to bond with the kids that they created. A study done by the PSID, Panel Study of Income Dynamics, showed that if a father has more involvement with their child on a personal level then the child is more likely to have greater academic achievements. If they do not make time and make effort, then they should stop assuming their daughter will have any respect for them or their selves. According to innocentdads.org 71 percent of teenage girls who become pregnant have an absent father. Clearly fathers play a bigger role in their daughters’ lives than they know. They may not realize it, but how they interact with us impacts how we interact with the rest of the world. They have the opportunity to mold us into extraordinary individuals. Instead they are standing back, letting anyone else fill their spot.

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Supervision frustrates sophomores Story by Lauren Aman- Staff Writer lauren.aman@hhsnews.com After another year of sophomore supervision, students are starting to transfer back into regular study lab. Supervision is a way of allowing students to get a sense of responsibility as they progress through high school. Students need to have an accumulated GPA of a 3.0. “Supervision is beneficial to most students and it is structured like the study labs, but also students have more freedom to roam around so to speak,” said Student Services Secretary, Liz Price. Though supervision is supposed to be beneficial, some students think otherwise. “We don’t get as much

freedom as we did in study lab and if we don’t have a stamp in our agenda then we aren’t allowed to leave,” said sophomore Haley Parker. The atmosphere in supervision is similar to study lab, but yet there are a few differences. According to Lauren Baumhoff, the sophomores have to stay in the Multi Purpose Room unless they have permission to leave , it is very noisy, and it is cramped. “Personally I feel we have less freedom in sophomore supervision and it doesn’t seem as beneficial to me. In regular study lab we could just fill out a pass and go to any teacher for help, and in supervision I

think we as students don’t get much done,” said Baumhoff. Even though sophomore supervision helps minimize the amount of students per each study lab class, some of this year’s sophomores are wanting to transfer back into their original study lab. “My supervision class has went from 60 at the beginning of the year to about 49 now. It’s more relaxed than a study lab, but students are still expected to maintain their grades. The sophomores only get to go to the gym on Friday and the other days they are confined to the Multi Purpose Room. The students in sophomore supervision don’t have the same

Survive the Snow

Story by Jamie Hasenyager- Photographer jamie.hasenyager@hhsnews.com

Blankets

A blanket will help keep you warm if your car is broken down, or if you are stuck somewhere. With temperatures dropping below freezing, keeping yourself warm is essential. Keep water with you in case you become stranded. This way, you’ll be able to stay hydrated and help regulate your body temperature.

Water

Kitty litter

Jumper Cables

In case your car becomes Keep jumper cables in your stuck in mud or snow, kitty litter car in case your car’s battery dies. will help add traction and may You’ll be able to jump start your help your car to get out. battery with another car if you have them.

privileges as the regular supervision students and the noisy atmosphere sometimes makes it hard for some of the students to get work done. Though they don’t get the same privileges as the upper classmen, it is still a privilege to be a sophomore and in supervision. It shows that the sophomores can handle an environment like supervision and still have the responsibility to keep up their grades,” said sophomore supervision teacher Annetta Snowden. Although some students are switching back to a regular study lab, many others are staying in sophomore supervision for the remainder of the year.

Photos by Jamie Hasenyager

Flashlight

A flashlight is a definite need to have in your car. With dusk coming around five during the winter, the likely hood of you breaking down during dark is very high.

In case you have to be out You should have a coat with working on your car in the snow, you at all times during the winter. It is important that you are you’ll want boots. Boots will help You never know where you’ll end able to see when driving. An ice keep your feet warm and dry. up or how long you’ll be there. Be scraper will help keep your winsure to have a coat in an attempt dows clear of ice and debris. to keep you warm.

Coat

Ice Scraper

Boots

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Features

Drexel car accident demonstrates the devastating effects of reckless driving Story by Hannah Franz- Staff Writer hannah.franz@hhsnews.com On the morning of Saturday October 15, 2011, sophomore Chris Moles and junior Trevor Cooley, both students at Drexel high school, borrowed a Corvette from a family friend. They decided to go for a drive before they boarded the bus to go to their football game. Neither of the boys were wearing seat belts. Witnesses have reported that the car was traveling at a speed of over 100 miles per hour, though the Missouri Highway Patrol could not confirm these reports by press time due to the ongoing investigation. Sergeant Collin Stosberg of the Troop A Highway Patrol, believes the speed of the car was definitely a contributing factor. “The car [was found] 600 feet from the roadway,” said Stosberg. According to NBC Action News, the driver slid off the left side of the road after losing control of the vehicle. The car rolled and both boys were ejected from the car. Information as to which of the boys was driving has not been released at this time. Highway Patrol responded to the crash and Cooley and Moles were transported by helicopter to Children’s Mercy Hospital. Both had sustained serious injuries. Drexel senior Chris Wilson was stuck in the traffic resulting from the crash. He and a few friends left their cars and walked closer to the wreck site. “The car was in a pile, in a ball. [We] could see Chris and Trevor laying there,” said Wilson.

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Make your own sandwich

Column by Sasha GubinaCopy Editor sasha.gubina@hhsnews.com

Photo courtesy of Bates County Live

Wilson and his friends were in disbelief. “We kneeled down on the asphalt and prayed,” said Wilson. While Cooley has made progress in recovering from his injuries, Moles was not as lucky. Chris Moles passed away on October 27, at the age of 16. Cases like that of Cooley and Moles are not rare occurrences. According to the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, car crashes are the number one cause of death for people 15 to 20 years of age. Sixteen-year-olds have the highest crash rates of any age. According to Stosberg, Missouri loses over 100 highschool students every year from car accidents. He also added that wearing a seat belt reduces your chance of dying in a crash by 50 percent. School Resource Officer, Mike Prindle, has personally witnessed reckless driving in Harrisonville, such as speed-

ing and hill-jumping. “Probably 25 percent of our student body drives recklessly,” said Prindle. A lack of driving knowledge leads some new drivers to make foolish mistakes, according to Prindle. “I believe students drive recklessly due to their inexperience. They feel like they’re in control,” said Prindle. Prindle believes car accidents resulting from reckless driving have a catastrophic impact on the victims’ loved ones. “[The loss of a life] leaves a huge void, and it leaves that lingering question of ‘Why?’, because you know it was totally avoidable,” said Prindle. Drexel senior Jessi Gunnels understands the feeling of that void. “We’re missing someone from our school. It’s a constant reminder,” said Gunnels. Drexel junior Cody Russel recalls his impression of Moles during the time he spent with

him. “[Chris] was the kid that didn’t have any enemies,” said Russel. Russel believes his attitude towards reckless driving has changed since the accident. “[Now I wear] seat belts. I used to go 10 to 15 over the speed limit, now I go three under or three over. I definitely watch my speed,” said Russel. Javyn Johnston, a Drexel sophomore, has strong views about reckless driving after the death of Moles, whom he considered like a brother. “Do not do it,” said Johnston. Drexel sophomore Alexis Rafferty agrees. “Do not drive over the speed limit. Period,” said Rafferty. Reckless driving can have a devastating impact, as the Drexel community has experienced. “For most people [here], they have to live without a best friend,” said Wilson.

When I hear a boy tell his girlfriend to ‘Go make him a sandwich’, my insides boil and I just want to smack the testosterone out of him. Being a female should not entail pretending to be the perfect cook, always being in the kitchen, or going along with everything a guy says. As a somewhat feminist, I support female independence. I believe that women can take care of themselves just fine, without the support of men who think women cannot survive on their own. Now I am not saying that having a guy in your life is not a good thing. Relationships are awesome and guys usually tend to bring happiness to a female’s world. But when I see girls being pushed around by their controlling boyfriends, I get angry. Also boys, do not put us on a pedestal all the time. Even though you all would like to think that females do not poop, you are wrong. We poop just as much as you. Do not act like we are a disgrace to this earth if we do not always do our hair perfectly or shave our legs every gosh dang day, or wear makeup. In the end, relationships should contain a balance, 50/50 happy medium. You know, we enjoy a good sandwich every once in a while too. And ladies, always remember, “If your boyfriend wants you for your breasts, legs and thighs, send him to KFC. You’re a LADY, not a cheap value meal.”

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Thanks for the calories, even THE PRIDE

Features

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Throughout the holiday season, countless numbers of dinners are eaten, and between the creamy hors d'oeuvre, ch

Jon Tracy

650

Calories in a piece of pecan pie

4500

Average number of calories consumed during a holiday dinner

350

Sophomore Jon Tracy, and senior Cody Brill participate in an eat off. Th jellied cranberries, and a chocolate chip muffin. Tracy started off strong finished his plate in five minutes and 16 seconds, with Tracy forfeiting s

Forfeit

j 675

million

Pounds of turkey Americans consume each year

Number of calories needed

en though they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t so great THE PRIDE

Features

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heesy casseroles, steaming meats, and heavenly desserts, it's very easy to lose track of all that has been consumed

Cody Brill

229

Grams of fat consumed on Thanksgiving

hey each had to eat mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green beans, g but was quickly passed by Brill who had his fork full at all times. Brill soon after. Photos by Alison Krenzer

d to gain or loose a pound

3.6

Average pounds gained on Thanksgiving

Time:5:16

750

Number of calories saved by using one cup of Splenda instead of sugar

Facts according to: caloriecontrol.org, agewisemd.com, sparkpeople.com, dietbites.com

opinion

Pressure consumes individuals

THE PRIDE

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W inter winds blow in sickness Story by Nick Bowers- Staff Writer nick.bowers@hhsnews.com

As you may tell, winter school absences per year. sickness reveals itself quite Most sick absences result from commonly at HHS, appear- viruses that spread from pering through a hacking cough, son to person, through tiny watery eyes, and nasal conges- droplets of mucus. tion. As you also may know, HHS School Nurse, Tina a cold is very much prevent- Hendrix, says that the best Column by Kayt Dahnable. ways to prevent these sickEditor-in-Chief According to the Centers nesses are to wash your hands, kayt.dahn@hhsnews.com of Disease Control and wear warm appropriate clothPart of being a teenager is Prevention, the common cold ing, eat healthy, and exercise dealing with pressures. Rather they be those of school, teachers is responsible for 22 million regularly. or parents, the pressure quickly adds up. But for some students it seems that the biggest pressure they face is themselves. Having expectations for yourself is a part of success. You need to be able to set goals, and achieve them, but there is a limit. You shouldn’t beat yourself up if you are one point off, or if you just tie with the record instead Story by Hannah Franz- Staff Writer of beating it, or if you get an A- hannah.franz@hhsnews.com Winter is a season of holiSophomore Luke Cooper instead of an A. You should still days and hot chocolate, of also enjoys the winter season. be able to be proud. “It’s wonderful because The people that should be sweaters and snow days, of ice skating and shoveling. It is the it’s Christmas time and there’s beating themselves up about season for buying gift s, watchmagic in the air, ” said Cooper. how they do, are generally the ones who don’t care enough to ing football and taking a break Cooper does not feel that be mad. Like the kids that never from the stress of school. For the winter weather negatively actually attend school, and are some, these months are a win- impacts his mood. failing should care what their ter wonderland full of excite“My mood is wonderful. grades are, but they don’t. That’s ment and fun. However, oth- Let it snow, let it snow,” said why they’re never here. ers feel that the winter months Cooper. But for the kids that have are dull and dreary. While some people thrive perfect attendance, never are Senior Brianna Ober- during this frigid season, othlate, and have 115 percent in every class, it seems like that is still miller loves the wintertime for ers feel winter brings along demany reasons. pression and lethargy. just not good enough. “Pale people like me fit in Junior Zoe Stephens beIn the grand scheme of better in winter. Winter fashlieves she suffers from a little things, it won’t matter if you got ion is so much cuter. And peocabin fever in the wintertime. a 95 or a 100 on your junior year “When it’s cold and gets biology final. No one is going to ple don’t smell bad like they remember you as “the loser that do in the summertime,” said dark so early, you can’t do anygot the 89.” But people will re- Obermiller. thing outside,” said Stephens. member you as “the weirdo who Obermiller believes her Stephens also feels that went suicidal when they missed mood improves during the winter negatively impacts her one question.” winter months. mood and behavior. So instead of shutting “I feel pretty happy in win“I feel depressed and tired down, having a panic attack, ter, especially when it’s cloudy in the winter. My grades get and Tweeting about how much or rainy or snowy. I feel espe- worse because I don’t want to you hate your life, realize something. You care. You may not cially good during Christmas do anything,” said Stephens. Even Stephens’ friend have done THE best, but you time. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, ” said OberHeidi Winningham, a senior, did YOUR best, and that’s really miller. has noticed a change in Steall that should matter.

If you are to come down with a cold, there are easy ways to treat it. The two most important factors of getting well are receiving rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Other than the favorite among high school students (the chug of Nyquil), there are plenty of alternative methods to rid of the cold than just over the counter medicines.

Natural remedies such as eating chicken soup, or consuming Vitamin C regularly are some of those drug-free alternatives. If you want to go through this winter season cold free without wasting money on expensive store concoctions, then be sure to just wash your hands every once in awhile, it is fine, take some vitamin C.

jmcjmcjmcj Cold season affects students’ moods phens’ disposition. “Zoe has been a crab-butt for the last two days because it’s been yucky outside,” said Winningham. Senior Taylor Call also faces some winter blues. “I hate being cold. When it’s cold, I just want to sleep. I don’t want to go to school or work,” said Call. Call, who was late to school that morning, believes the cold weather was partially to blame. “Winter is just depressing. It makes you not want to get out of bed,” said Call. Sometimes, cases of the “winter blues” can become more serious. Extreme cases of depression in the winter can actually be diagnosed as a legitimate mental disorder. Seasonal affective disorder, or “SAD”, affects four to six percent of the United States population, according to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of the United States

population suffers from more moderate cases. This disorder is most commonly seen in areas of high latitudes, such as Alaska, where an estimated 10 percent of the population suffers from SAD. This strongly suggests that the cause of SAD is a lack of exposure to sunlight. Research has proven that light therapy, such as tanning in a tanning bed, reduces the effects of SAD. Other measures that prevent the onset of SAD are similar to those used to prevent the onset of general depression disorders. These measures include exercising and having a healthy diet. While it is normal to suffer from some winter blues, serious depression in the winter time is a cause for alarm. If you feel you may suffer from SAD, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

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opinion

Playing board games such as Sorry or Trivial Pursuit (Music Edition) may cure your boredom.

}

Invite your friends and enjoy a couple of games of bowling. Buck Bowling Night on Tuesday nights, going on now!

What } } TO DO } OVER } THE }

Get some artificial ‘rays’ at Hot Tan Cafe. This may cost you a small fortune, but you will end up looking very sun-kissed after a few weeks.

Want a cheaper alternative to some really delicious ice cream? Make your own!

} HOLIDAYS }

Don’t know what to do with your turkey leftovers? Try something new, such as turkey fajitas or turkey chili! Be creative with your leftovers, don’t waste them.

Photos by Alison Krenzer

}

Illustration by Melissa Hicks

Sitting in front of the fireplace could be a calming experience. Take time to bond with your friends or a significant other.

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Feeling a little chilly? Try cuddling on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa. Also try putting whip cream or marshmallows on top of your warm concoction.

}

Pick out some quality movies such as Inception or Little Miss Sunshine and relax on the couch.

Music legends impact modern artists

Column by Maria SanchezFeatures Editor maria.sanchez@hhsnews.com

The music we listen to today would be different if it were not for legends like Otis Redding, The Beatles, and Al Green. Yes, I am aware there are countless legends that I am not mentioning and maybe you prefer a different type of music. But come on, just because it’s “old” music, does not mean it’s bad music. If you do not know Otis Redding, that is normal considering that when Otis made music, we were not born yet. But that is no excuse to not appreciate the artists that inspired who we listen to today. Turn on the radio and you just might hear “Otis” by Jay-Z and Kanye West playing. The song contains a sample of Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness”. It is not just Kanye West or Jay-Z that are paying tribute to artists that left a large foot print in the music business. Artists varying from The Notorious B.I.G. to Black Crowes either feature samples of or do full covers of classic songs. Artist Big Sean’s song “Marvin Gaye & Chardonnay” is making a reference to Marvin Gaye; a soul musician in the ‘60s and ‘70s. In my opinion, these artists do not feature these entertainers in their music simply because of the catchy tunes, but to honor them. I am not saying that music today is not good quality music or that we should only listen to oldies. All I am suggesting is that the foundation of music be something we know and appreciate no matter how outdated it may be or how young we are.

sports

Complaining causes discontent

Column by Abbey Fisher - Sports Editor abbey.fisher@hhsnews.com

“My hair won’t stay straight.” “I hate my car.” “That girl ticks me off.” Wah, wah, wah, would someone please call the ‘wahmbulance’? Why must we, as high school students, complain about everything? Has anyone stopped to think about what it actually accomplishes? Because the answer is nothing. Absolutely nothing. Just because your boyfriend won’t buy you roses every Tuesday and settled for daisies this week does not mean you need to go to the nearest social network and vent your heart out. Subjecting your Twitter followers to a play-by-play of your latest argument will not solve anything- in fact, they will probably unfollow you. According to personaldevelopment-coach.net, complaining might just be the reason you are unhappy in the first place. That alone can keep you stuck in unsatisfying circumstances, giving you an all-over negative attitude. Dwelling on your problems does not solve anything. The only solution is to get off your lazy butt, and do something about it. We have heard it for years; “Actions speak louder than words.” It is never too late to put those words to action and stop complaining. Another solution would be to appreciate what you have. You would be surprised to find that there are perfectly happy people in the world with much less.

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defending a State championship

SeniorJoe Hunter has wrestled at State for the past three years of his high school career. He hopes to carry on the tradition for his senior year. Story by Crystal Warden Staff Writer crystal.warden@hhsnews.com As students hurry their way down the hallway to find their classes and talk to their friends, they see one of their fellow classmates, Joe Hunter. Last year, senior Joe Hunter made it to state in wrestling for his third year in a row. “It was a lifetime goal and it just felt really good reaching it,” said Hunter. Hunter has grown up watching his brothers wrestle, and began his own wrestling career at the age of five. “Watching them all the time made me realize that hard work can make up for not being the best athlete and if you outwork everyone, you can be the best,” said Hunter. Hunter is also in soccer, president of NHS (National Honor Society), state officer of CAR (Children of Americans Revolution), and also a member of the Mercenaries. Most of the activities that Hunter is involved with are not after school, so they do not get in the way of his wrestling season. Outside of wrestling, Hunter spends time with his friends and eats a ton of food, which makes him happy, but during the season he spends most of his free time reading books. Hunter plans on doing

Hunter enjoys off-season while eating junk food. Photo By Eric Rice

Hunter takes down senior Tyler Wood during practice. Photo By Eric Rice

Photo By Alison Krenzer

the same routine as he did last year, called the ‘DeVenney System’, which includes working hard and following all the rules but also having fun. “I’ve been getting ready for the grind, waking up a lot earlier, working out more, getting focused for the season,” said Hunter. Hunter’s diet for the season is different than his everyday diet during the off season. Hunter eats a lot of fruit and not much meat. “I wish I could eat whatever I want, eating out or fast food. I miss it,” said Hunter. It has not hit Hunter yet

that as a senior, this will be his last year at HHS. “It just feels like another year, but I am hoping to attend Naval Academy Prep. school for one year then move on to wrestling at the Naval Academy,” said Hunter. Making it to state makes Hunter feel like the other teams have to wrestle their best and even prepare for their defeat. Hunter is hoping to make it to state again this year and see himself achieve his goal of going to college for wrestling.

Hunter, with his fellow teammates, listens to instructions from the wrestling coaches. Photo By Eric Rice

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sports

HHS sports teams change their methods of practice Story by Hannah Baggenstoss - Staff Writer hannah.baggenstoss@hhsnews.com

Some JV and Varsity sports teams at HHS do not practice all together. For some teams this is the norm, but for others this is a first time experience. One team that was exposed to the change this year was the volleyball team. Some girls thought the team benefited from this change, and it helped the coaches instruct better. “When you practice with

the girls you’re actually going to play with, you build stronger bonds and figure out how your teammates play. It shows on the court,” said senior and varsity volleyball captain Shelby Lavery. Lavery believes the volleyball coaches will continue to do this for future seasons. “I think coaches believe they can get more done with a

The Silver Sensations practice technique for competition in the Commons, on Thursday, November 17. Photo By Jamie Hasenyager

smaller group of players, [rather] than having everyone of all different levels practice together,” said Lavery. A few players do not agree completely, but understand the possible reasoning for the decision of having separate practice time. “We didn’t have Varsity to push us harder and encourage us. We didn’t get to practice as a team, and we were separated. I think the coaches decided this because it allows for more oneon-one time,” said senior Brittany DeCavele. The girls’ tennis team did not have separate practices. They did, however, divide practice time between JV and Varsity. Some players had mixed feelings about the situation. “I thought it really benefited the team in a few ways, but was detrimental to the success of the team in others,” said ju-

nior and JV tennis player, Audrey Marshall. Junior Madison Allen thinks that the size of the team this year changed the way practice was done. “We had a bigger team this year and we needed to work on different skills depending on our talent level,” said Allen. The dance team also grew in size this year, which means they do not all practice together. Coach Alisha Schutz decided this in September and thought this was best for the team. “I could focus on the different needs for each team. JV is actually advancing quicker now and Varsity is also doing more advanced things,” said Schutz. Schutz thinks that the JV team was a little less than happy in the beginning, but have grown to accept the idea. “At first, JV was discouraged, but I think now that

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they’ve seen the progress they made, they feel better,” said Schutz. Boys’ teams at HHS are no strangers to this concept either. The boys’ basketball season is starting up, and teams are being decided. At a typical practice session, the boys start off all practicing together. Later on, each team runs their plays separately. “Everyone gets taught,” said senior Dallas Stackhouse. Stackhouse thinks the coaches organize this very well. “They do it so everyone gets equal practice time,” said Stackhouse. Although students all feel a little different about having separate practice times, the hopeful outcome is that both teams succeed within themselves and their coaches are proud.

New swim coach increases expectations for swim season Story by Nick Campbell - Staff Writer nick.campbell@hhsnews.com

With the experience of swimming in her high school years, English teacher Megan Sassenrath has decided to take on the responsibility of being the girls’ swimming coach for the 2011-2012 school year. “I heard last spring from a couple of teachers that coach Anstaett had decided to hand off the reins of the swimming program, so I went to talk to H.T. Adams about being the new coach; it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Sassenrath. Sassenrath had swum for a number of years. “I swam in high school, before that, I swam on a couple of club teams. So, I swam competitively for a total of about seven years, and I still swim recre-

ationally when I can. I’ve also coached club and high school teams and taught swim lessons for four or five years,” said Sassenrath. Sassenrath’s experience in swimming could transfer into the understanding of the swimmers and her ability to help the swimmers. “I’ve only been able to work with the girls in the pool for a few days so far, but already I can see that the team has a lot of talent and dedication to the sport. The girls are very motivated and have demonstrated a strong work ethic. There have been times where I can tell they’ve been tired, but they keep going. I think they’ve got the right attitude to achieve some state qualifying times this

season,” said Sassenrath. With Sassenrath taking over the swim program, many returners have shown their excitement for this change. “I’m so excited that Sassenrath is our new coach because of her prior experience with coaching and swimming. She is an awesome coach and does a great job of working with swimmers and their busy schedules,” said senior Mary Baer. With Sassenrath showing the dedication and motivation that a coach should have, it could potentially help the swimmers improve, but Sassenrath has to have some things that push her towards being a better coach. “I have had a couple re-

ally great swim coaches, and so I try to draw on the strategies they’ve taught me and the type of workouts they’ve used as much as I can. My husband is also a soccer coach at another high school, and he does an incredible job inspiring and motivating his athletes—so he’s a

source of input and inspiration for me too,” said Sassenrath. Based on Sassenrath’s past experience from her high school years, many people feel she has much potential at making a very good coach.

Coach Sassenrath talks to her swimmers about the upcoming season. Photo By Jamie Hasenyager

THE PRIDE

the flip side

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Guess Whose Hairy Legs

1.Alex Holden 2.Brook Riley 3.Elizabeth Sanders 4.Hannah Harris 5.Mary Baer 6.Andrew Houdek

Students participate in tradition Walking around HHS, there are many students participating in No Shave November. “There are a ton of people doing No Shave November, there are so many that there are more than I can count,” said senior Livia Dunham. No Shave November originates from a group of men from Adelaide, Australia around 1999, but the idea really started to take off in 2003. No Shave November started by raising awareness for prostate cancer and it originated in Australia (us.movember.com, and noshavenovember.net),

but there are other reasons why HHS students participate in the event. “It’s super fun, and it gives me something to do, but it is also because I’m kind of too lazy to shave, so if I don’t have to I won’t,” said Dunham. Junior Brook Riley agrees with Dunham. Some students go the extra mile to prove their dedication for the event. “I’m not shaving until March, I go all winter long. Not shaving saves money and personally I just don’t care. I wear jeans all through the winter so no one sees my legs anyway except for basketball,”

said Riley. After a whole month of not shaving and even for some not shaving for a good three or four months, students begin the difficult task of hair removal. “It takes me three or four razors to get them shaved, but that’s after I use the scissors to trim them first,” said Riley. Some students that participate in No Shave November say they cannot wait to shave, but for other students it is a whole different feeling. “After shaving it feels weird, I can’t feel the wind in my hair and I kind of miss it,”

said Riley. Even after November, some still maintain their hairy legs to see how long the hair gets. “I don’t shave three or four months after November, I always wait until the end of basketball season, then it feels like I lose about five pounds just by shaving my legs,” said Livia Dunham. Though there are many girls taking part in No Shave November, the guys at HHS have their own opinion on the subject. “It is stupid, women need to shave their legs,” said junior

R.J. Clark. Some guys find it gross, but at the same time some find it to be convenient. “I like No Shave November, it means I can let my facial hair grow out without being called a scrub,” said junior Tyler Bundt. After years of students participating in No Shave November, this annual tradition is winding down with November coming to an end.

1.(B) 2.(C-) 3.(E) 4.(A) 5. (F) 6.(D)

Story by Lauren Aman- Staff Writer lauren.aman@hhsnews.com