5.21 HiLite

(I,ITE . . .

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

inside the issue

• Teacher contracts dispute gets possible solution, Page 2 • Global Giving Club to host event at Indy 500 parade, Page 3 • Students dress up during school to make good impression, B1

track teams Both women’s an men’s track look forward to defend State titles. page 10

www.hilite.org

520 E. Main Street

Carmel, IN 46032

Volume 54, Issue 14

May 21, 2009

Best Laid Plans?

Restricted freedom in high school may hinder transition to college

S

by michael wang mwang@hilite.org

he is not allowed to go on the Internet without her parents’ permission. She has an 11 p.m. curfew. She has to regularly call her parents to tell them where she is.

She doesn’t have cable.

But even though junior Jessie Garner’s independence is restricted by her parents more so than many of her peers’, according to her, she understands that it is mostly for safety reasons. “(My parents) don’t want me to get into trouble and make the mistakes like the other kids are making, (such as) the typical drugs, sex and alcohol,” she said.

Garner’s mother Janette Garner said she has limited her daughter’s freedom in order to protect her and enable her to foster better judgment later on in life. She said, “I hope Jessie will make good judgments and discern friends as far as who will make a good friend and who won’t (in the future).”

But it’s a fine line that parents like the Garners must walk with their children in deciding how much freedom to allow them in order to help them learn to make decisions on their own and how much restrictions to impose on their kids to keep them safe.

After all, even though students whose independence is restricted by their parents may be able to make better choices, that restriction also has its negatives.

According to Catherine Heinz, the Associate Director of Purdue University Office of Admissions, students whose freedom is hindered in high school may find the transition to college, and adulthood in general, to be stressful and difficult.

Heinz, who also works with new students as they make the transition from high school to college, said via e-mail, “If high school students don’t have any independence, any transition to adulthood will be more difficult. Independence allows children to learn, grow and to become more confident in their own abilities so that they will be more willing to try different things and take on challenges that will allow them to grow and succeed.”

According to the Web site titled “The Academic

SEE BEST LAID PLANS ON PAGE 2

michelle hu / photo

KEEPING TIME: Junior Jessie Garner reviews notes after school. According to her, while the restrictions her parents place on her limit some of her freedom, they do help her keep on top of her responsibilities.

Are you ready for college? Take our quiz and find out 1. In order to survive on a tight budget you will need to cut corners. Which of the following is the best way to save money? a. Stock up on food by wearing a catchers mitt and screaming "food fight" in the school cafeteria. b. Cut down during Christmas by cutting up glow-in-the-dark Frisbees and using them as lights. c. Save gas expenses while treating your date to a fancy dinner by shutting off the car as you wait in the drive-thru line. d. Eliminate the cost of meat by getting all your protein from beans. This also ensures that you won’t have any friends who’ll try to talk you into going out.

2. It’s generally considered a bad sign if... a. You’re asked to pledge "Geek." b. MIT tells you they’ll accept you as long as you qualify for their football scholarship. c. Your English professor suggests you transfer to English as a Second Language. d. An aptitude test shows you’re best qualified to be homeless.

Okay, in all seriousness...

3. Have you developed successful study habits in high school? a. Yes. b. No. c. Still working on it. d. I don’t know.

4. Do you get up and out of bed in the morning on your own? a. Yes. b. No. c. Still working on it. d. I don’t know.

7. How do you feel about living away from home? a. Excited. b. A little worried. c. Scared or anxious. d. I don’t know.

5. Are you capable of keeping a healthy hygiene routine? a. Yes. b. No. c. Still working on it. d. I don’t know.

8. Do you take responsibility for your actions? a. Yes. b. No. c. Still working on it. d. I don’t know.

6. Have you successfully balanced schoolwork and social life? a. Yes. b. No. c. Still working on it.

To see your results and for more questions, please visit HiLite.org about.com / source

Teens, adults compete for jobs in poor economy

know and tell

usatoday / source

Junior Erica Price’s story is a familiar one to a lot of students here: She’s looking for a job. Price said she has applied in Clay Terrace and at stores such as Borders and Barnes & Noble, but so far hasn’t had much luck. She isn’t alone; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the teenage unemployment rate is higher than it has been in 17 years. Price said she thinks one reason for this problem may be that unemployed adults are taking jobs usually reserved for teenagers.

“Adults taking teenager’s jobs could definitely be a problem for us,” Price said.

With Indiana’s recent 9.2 percent unemployment rate, many adults are being let go from their jobs. To someone who has recently become a

victim of the soaring unemployment rates and has bills to pay, a job bagging groceries never looked so good.

According to Super Target manager Nick Whiftle, many managers have recently been able to be very selective with whom they hire. He said adults usually have more experience and schooling than high school students, and when a manager has a choice between adults with a full college education and students with maybe one job under their belt, the results usually aren’t very pretty for teens.

However, Whiftle says that, to him, it all depends on the assessment.

“Even if the adult is more qualified, if the teenager does better in the interview and I think they would be better with customers, I’d pick the teenager. It all depends,” Whiftle said. “But,”he said, “I’ve had to make some hard decisions between adults and teenagers recently.”

Sophomore Stuart Jackson, who is trying to find a job so he can save for a car, has also had some trouble finding a job lately. “I didn’t see this hard time for teenagers coming, but I think it was inevitable,” he said.

“I think adults are just able to work longer hours with more experience.”

Jackson has hopes that the situation will get better within the next year.

“I’d really like to get that car,” he said. Many managers are choosing adults over teenagers because they’d rather have a more mature person working for them, according to Whiftle. But, he says he disagrees.

“I’ve had some really good teenage employees. I don’t think you should rule out a good employee because of their age,” he said.

One of the businesses that have had the hardest times is the retail industry, which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has lost

1,100

over people have been executed in the United States since 1977

3,300

number of individuals on death row currently

“Took ‘em long enough.”

PAUL HOUSE, former death row inmate, after his mother told him he had been cleared after 22 years

130

number of released death row inmates since 1973 due to wrongful convictions

amnesty international / source

thousands of jobs in the past year and has mainly affected adults.

This means that jobs one would usually see teenagers working at (restaurants, grocery stores, the check-out counter) are being quickly stolen by adults.

Another factor that works against teens is the rising minimum wage.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the minimum wage was $6.55 an hour and climbed to $7.25 an hour in July. The rise of minimum wage means that fewer managers will want to take on new employees. Not only will times be hard for their business, but then they would have to pay an extra 70 cents for each employee, and it wouldn’t be the right time to be taking on new employees.

As many people are facing unemployment, Price has hopes for the future. She said, “I just hope it’ll get better soon.”

Kate grumme / photo

PENNY EARNED: Junior Blake Markley works the cash register at Sportsclips. Jobs like these are harder for teens to get now.

A list of some of the world’s most pressing headlines

go online Associated Press: “Blown-away To read the Chihuahua reunited with owners” articles accompanying BBC News: “YouTube helps man these headlines, deliver baby” visit us online for the links.

BBC News: Oil tanker crew save stranded eco-yachters” Metro.co.uk: “Fake Policeman Tries To Arrest Real Policeman” Washington Post: “Reason for Increase in Births Among Teens Remain Unclear”

www.hilite.org

21.7 percent: unemployment rate for teens in March this year 15.8 percent: unemployment rate for teens last March 33 percent: proportion of teens who are stressed about money

kendall harshberger kharshberger@hilite.org

recent Headlines

jobs by the numbers

Page 2 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • News

State changes half-day policy Districts no longer allowed to combine shortened days to meet 180-day quota

by Brittani Wheeler bwheeler@hilite.org

If we have ...

1 2 3

Then we:

snow day,

Attend school on May 3, 2010 (flex day)

Then we: snow days, Attend school on May 3 and May 28 (make up day) snow days,

Then we:

Attend school on May 3, May 28 and June 1 (after graduation)

4

snow days,

Then we:

Attend school on May 3, May 28, June 1, June 2 Steve Dillon / SOURCE

GREYHOUND NEWS BRIEFS Carmel Clay Public Library

The summer reading program will begin June 1; and the Teen Library Council (TLC) applications will be due June 15.

According to Hope Baugh, the Young Adult (YA) services manager at the Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL), the summer reading program is the library’s largest event. It is from June 1 to Aug. 3, and it is for all middle school and high school students.

She said, “(The people at CCPL) try to promote reading for people and this summer reading program is just a fun thing to do on top of the reading.

It doesn’t even need to be a book.

(Students) could read a magazine or listen to a recording of a book.”

The prizes, according to Baugh, include two summer souvenirs and raf fle tickets. The two summer souvenirs are toys or office and school supplies. Prizes from the raffles include an Edward Cullen stand-up guy, state fair tickets and gift cards.

Junior Yue “Annie” Tang, who has participated in the summer reading program in previous years and plans to participate again this year, said, “The summer reading program is a great way to encourage students to read during the summer.”

As for her goal for the CCPL during the summer, Baugh said, “My goal is to encourage people to read for recreation for the rest of their lives.”

By Michael Wang

rotary interact According to sponsor Brenda Lester, Rotary Interact Club members may have to work into the summer to complete their international project.

Interact had originally planned to raise money to build wells in Mongolia, but Sally Bae, member of Interact and junior, said that the plan got too complicated because too much money was involved.

The new international project plan is to raise money for the school they are currently sponsoring in Mongolia.

“We're probably going to end up sending school supplies and clothing to the school we work with,” she said.

“It's probably going to be a lot easier because we don't have to negotiate much with the other Rotary Clubs or raise tons of money.” By Susie Chen

corrections and clarifications FROM THE 4.30 ISSUE The “Men’s golf team heads to State meet” was misleading; the state tournament for men’s golf does not start until June. In the same story, quote in the second paragraph was repeated in the final paragraph.

O

n Monday evening the School Board accepted a new calendar, amended to meet the needs of both the new Indiana Department of Education policies and the teachers contract.

This change occurred after Indiana Superintendent of Public Education Tony Bennett announced to the school districts on March 17 that there would be an alteration in the policies regarding number of school days, according to Superintendent Barbara Underwood. In the past, districts have been able to count half days as full days when these days added to make a whole. Now there Barbara will be no counting of half days and Underwood no waivers for districts to miss one of the days of school. In a school year there must be 180 days.

“We have been working with the teachers association and we have come up with a calendar that meets the state requirements of 180 days and meets our contract requirement with teachers that calls for half days at the end of each semester at the high school and so forth,” Underwood said.

She said a calendar has been developed that meets all criteria. “Not that it is pretty or one that I would choose, but it’s legal and it meets our teacher contract requirements. It doesn’t change the start of school or the end of school or any school vacations,” Underwood said.

BEST LAID PLANS from Page 1

Advisors’ Handbook: The Transition to College” by Jane Rhoads, who directs college reading and study skills classes at Wichita State College, the difficulty of the transition process from high school to college and adulthood is attributed to the fact that students whose independence is restricted may suddenly encounter so much free time once they matriculate into college they will not know how to manage that free time effectively and optimally.

Rhoads stated on the Web site, “The amount of free time you have in college is much more than in high school (so) always have a weekly study schedule to go by. Otherwise, time slips away and you will not be able to account for it.”

As a result, the most difficult aspect of the transition process for students whose freedoms are limited, according to both the article and Heinz, is time management.

Jessie said she agreed that time management will pose the biggest problem for her once she enters college. She said, “I will have all this time on my hands, and here (in high school at home) I have stuff to do and stuff my parents want me to do. (Once in college)...I may not know what to do with it.”

Besides the factor of extra free time, Mrs. Garner acknowledged that the restrictions parents place on their children in high school may backfire. She said the transition may be difficult for students whose freedoms have been limited by rules if they decide to rebel against every one MRS. GARNER of those rules and experiment once they attend college.

She said, “I guess it is possible for them to decide to disobey every rule that they had at home. They may end up with a group that is doing things that they couldn’t do in the past.”

Having recognized that the transition may pose problems to students whose independence is restricted by their parents, Mrs. Garner said she has

Next year, should there be a snow day, the high school will make up that day on its scheduled flex day.

The elementary and middle schools will not have to. On the second snow day, the elementary schools will make up a day, and the high school will make up two days, adding that day at another time during the year. Because of their schedules, the middle schools won’t have to make up any days until after the third snow day. Every level is on a different schedule.

Underwood said, “The thing that it is going to do that we don’t like is change how many extra days we have at different levels of school. For example, we could have one school that would have to make up snow days when others do not have to make them up.”

Administrator Steve Dillon worked on developing this new schedule for this district. He said if it doesn’t snow and we don’t close school for any other reasons, no one is going to notice any difference because the schedule is going to look just like this year. If this district has a day it must close though, then it will start affecting the high school because the very first day of snow will have to be made up in the high school, unlike this year where this district has two additional days than required by the state of Indiana.

In developing schedules, Dillon said the board must consider “things such as starting on a Monday or a Tuesday, ending school on a Thursday or Friday because we find that if you go into the next week and go on a Monday, people just don’t come to school. Now, high school is a little different because you guys have final exams so you kind of have to come, but at our elementary and middle schools, if you end on a Monday people just don’t come, so we try not to do that. It potentially could have an effect on our attendance if you go into the next week,” Dillon said.

With this schedule there is also a potential seniors

tried to give her daughter more independence in order to help Jessie with her transition into college.

In terms of the ways she has tried to give Jessie more independence, Mrs. Garner said that she has begun to extend Jessie’s curfew, allowed Jessie to use her own judgment on what movies she wants to watch and allowed her to enroll here rather than coerce her to attend a small private high school.

Jessie said she has observed that her mom has given her more independence in high school. According to her, this increase in independence, albeit incrementally, will help her adjust to college better.

She said, “If they shelter me too much, I will probably be lost and confused (in college). But if they slowly start to give more freedom, a little bit at a time, then it will be better than all this independence at once.”

According to Heinz, this is a necessary step in order to help students transition to college, especially students who have been sheltered.

She said, “As children get older, parents should be willing to recognize good behavior with additional independence as is appropriate for their son’s or daughter’s age.”

Heinz said she attributed this to the fact that in family relationships with this kind of mutual respect, the transition to college is less stressful for both parents and children.

She said, “Parents can trust that their kids will make smart choices with the independence they will have in college and their children (can) have the self-confidence they need to thrive in their new environment.”

Jessie reasoned this will help her with her transition to college because she will be more exposed to the world and thus be more accepting of other peoples’ beliefs. She said, “In eighth grade I thought pretty much everyone’s opinion except mine was wrong, but now even if I don’t believe in what they believe in, I still, like, accept that they can have their own opinion even if I don’t like it.”

As Jessie approaches college, Mrs. Garner said all she can do is hope that restricting Jessie’s independence but giving her more independence incrementally in high school was for the best in her transition from high school to college.

Mrs. Garner said jokingly, “ So I hope I haven’t scarred (Jessie) for life. I hope (Jessie) won’t need therapy one day.”

would have to come back to school after graduating.

This would occur if there are three or more snow days next school year.

“It certainly will be odd to graduate on Sunday and require that the seniors come back to school after they have graduated,” Dillon said. “We wouldn’t want to do that. No one would come, or if they did they would be very chaotic. It could have a lot of impact; it just depends.

“Once it does happen, if it does happen, I am very comfortable that the professionals in this organization will come together; they have in the past,” Dillon added.

“They are not going to let something like this disrupt graduation, which is the culminating event of 13 years of a student’s life and that’s why we all come to school here and work here. It’s for the kids, so you know today is a different story than a year from now. If we find ourselves in this boat, we will know by early spring if we have a problem to deal with.”

One idea presented by Underwood to keep seniors coming to school in the case of added days would be to hold diplomas until after the last official day of school to encourage seniors to attend the make up day if it would have to be after graduation. However, that’s not set in stone.

Dillon said, “I certainly have to respect our new Superintendent of Public Instruction because his goal is for every student in Indiana to have the opportunity to go to school 180 full days of school. You can’t argue with that, so I support that. The only thing that if he was here right now, I’d like to ask him is, ‘Why this late?’ because what happened was it left Carmel and these other districts scrambling with ‘What are you going to do?’”

Dillon said, “I want that calendar to be the best calendar to support the learning of the kids.”

Jessie’s independence AFTER

BEFORE 1. Jessie has an 11 p.m. curfew.

1. Jessie has a later curfew.

2. Jessie has a curfew for accessing the internet.

2. Jessie can access the internet now at a later time.

3. Jessie has to obtain permission from her parents before watching a movie.

3. Jessie can use her own discretion when choosing to watch movies.

4. Before hanging out with friends, Jessie’s parents want to meet her friends and also her friends’ parents.

4. Jessie can now use her own judgment when making friends. Her parents haven’t met all her friends nor her friends’ parents once in high school.

5. Jessie went to a small Catholic school for elementary and middle school.

5. Jessie goes to Carmel High School.

6. Jessie cannot hang out with friends at certain places.

6. Now that Jessie can drive, she can go to many of the places that she couldn’t go before.

JESSIE AND JANETTE GARNER / SOURCE

Contract negotiations will affect students next year, teachers expect increased student load by lauren burdick lburdick@hilite.org Because of the current ongoing contract negotiations between the teachers and the school board, some students already have noticed fewer available help outside of class. If the dispute continues, this trend may worsen during the 2009-10 school year.

According to U.S. History teacher Karen Taff, who is also a representative of the teachers' union here, contract negotiations began a year ago. On Sept. 23, 2008, the school board declared impasse in contract negotiations.

After an unsuccessful November mediation, an attempt to open new negotiations in January was also unsuccessful.

At that time it was determined that the school board would go to Indiana Education Employment Relations Board (IEERB)-sponsored Fact-Finding, which occurred on April 16 of this year.

“We're just waiting for the Fact-Finder to issue her report, and as soon as she does, we'll have a better sense of direction in knowing where we are,” Taff said.

Until then, students must proceed with school, as some teachers refuse to work more than their contracted hours. Still, some teachers appear to be continuing their teaching strategy as normal.

“I think that the teachers that have good reputations to the students often do more than just the minimum that’s specified in the contract,” sophomore Daniel Goldberg said.

Further lessening teachers' availability to students next year, the recent $1.5 million budget cuts will

cause many teachers here to add a sixth teaching period.

“Certainly there will be a negative impact on students at the high school in that the board's budget cuts of earlier this year disproportionately fell on the secondary level,” Taff said.

At least 10 high school teachers have received ‘reduction in force’ notifications, and those positions will be absorbed by the rest of the staff and in increased numbers of teachers with a sixth teaching assignment.

Those teachers will be unavailable to students during SRT.” According to Taff, with a student load increase, many teachers will reach a “tipping point” where they are unable to designate as many assignments because of the sheer shirley chen / photo amount of grading.

Still, Taf f said she hopes the FLYING SOLO: Sophomore Daniel Goldberg studies his math problems contract disputes coupled with the alone for precalculus. Next year, more students like him may need to find budget cuts will have little effect times other than SRT to ask teachers for help, since many more teachers on what students see in classroom will have additional teaching periods, limiting their availability. instruction next year.

“Obviously we all would like to think, and will High School, we've tried to be more than just lecturers, certainly do our very best to make sure, that classroom and the total package of the delivery of instruction instruction doesn't suffer. And yet we know that there's involves the preparation that you do outside of class, the much more to being an effective educator than the mere quality of assessment that you give, and the effort that delivery of information,” Taff said. “Here at Carmel you put into each and every student.”

News • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page 3

GlobalGiving Club to perform at Indy 500 Parade Members raise money to rebuild schools, participate in traditional Chinese dances by laura peng lpeng@hilite.org

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n Saturday, members of the GlobalGiving Club will travel downtown and take par t in the annual Indy 500 Parade. Participants from the club will partner up with the ICCCI (Indianapolis Chinese Community Center, Inc.) to perform traditional Chinese fan and lion dances in an effort to raise money for the construction of a school library located in rural Sichuan, China.

Members have made donations and worked at bake sales and book drives in hopes of collecting reading materials and raising $4,500 for Hua-Yu, a small elementary school devastated by the earthquake that struck the Sichuan region last year.

A l e x a n d e r “ A l e x ” Ta n g , treasurer and junior, said the club

has raised just over 50 percent of its goal, but has high hopes for matching the rest of it quite soon.

He said the ICCCI may make a donation for its participation in the parade.

According to Yue “Annie” Tang, co-president and junior, most schools in the areas affected by the ear thquake don’t have access to books.

“The purpose of our fundraisers is to collect enough money so we can build a library for the kids,” she said.

According to the GlobalGiving Club Web site, all 350 students in Hua-Yu come from underdeveloped agricultural communities, and the Renewal Foundation USA will match every dollar raised by the GlobalGiving Club. “ We ’ r e h o p i n g t h a t o u r participation will raise money and promote what our club is doing for the school in China,” Alex said.

“That’s the main goal.”

Participation in the parade is voluntary. Anyone interested in joining in and willing to participate s eligible to take part.

“There are a lot of people outside of GlobalGiving who are participating,” Annie said. “The ICCCI wanted younger faces for the performances and asked us to recruit any members who wanted to do it.”

Members have been attending rehearsals ever y weekend in preparation for the upcoming event. Boys will take part in the parade by dressing up in elaborate costumes and performing lion dances, while girls will dress up in ornate costumes and perform traditional Chinese fan dances.

“I’ve never been to the Indy 500 before even though I’ve lived here forever,” Annie said. “I’m looking forward to it. It should be a great experience.”

Michelle hu / photos

Give and take: Junior Linxin Zhang (left) holds up his end of the dragon during Sunday afternoon rehearsal. He and the rest of the GlobalGiving volunteers (above) will perform in the Indy 500 parade this Saturday.

Core 40 subject tests to replace ISTEP+ during spring semester next year by afra hussain ahussain@hilite.org Freshman Katherine “Katie” Urbanowich is part of the first class at this school to graduate without taking the ISTEP standardized test as a graduation requirement.

Instead, Urbanowich, like many other freshmen, sophomores and juniors, took part in the first trial of a new testing system that will replace the fall ISTEP+ next year as the graduation requirement. “(The state) felt that it was a better judge to test students at the end of a course as opposed to the beginning,” Ronda Eshleman, assistant principal and director of curriculum said. She said that in the past, ISTEP tested students on certain proportions of the current course they enrolled in, as well as material from the previous year.

Urbanowich said she thinks this kind of testing is better suited to judge student abilities. “ISTEP’s more vague and not detailed.

Subject tests are beneficial because

they test to see what you know for each subject,” she said.

Instead, the Core 40 end-ofcourse assessments will test solely on the current course a student is in. According to the Indiana Department of Labor, these endof-course assessments are created to ensure the “quality, consistency and rigor of Core 40 courses” in the state of Indiana.

Eshleman also said she hopes the tests will provide teachers with necessary information. Information that includes what next year’s curriculum should focus on.

This year, already five subjects test have been administered. The list includes Algebra I, Algebra II, biology, English 10 and English 11. Urbanowich said she took the biology and Algebra II tests.

According to Eshleman, there is talk about adding U.S. history as a subject test as well in the future. Most of the tests such as the algebra tests will appear on college transcripts, according to Eshleman.

The release date of results for both

the Algebra tests falls during the first of week of June. The other test results are to be announced.

However, there are potential problems to the new end of course assessments. Next year students must take the tests by May 16.

While this does not interrupt the AP testing schedule it does interrupt the IB testing schedule. But Eshleman said the state provides flexibility with scheduling the tests and they can be rescheduled.

“We are all kind of in a learning phase. I can’t imagine that they can be that different. We will just have to wait and see,” she said, noting the similarities between the ISTEP+ and the Core 40. This flexibility still provides for the tests to fall during the last couple weeks of next year’s spring semester. Eshleman said. “It’s kind of hectic at the end of the year to be giving all those tests.”

Hectic or not, Eshleman said she stressed the importance of the endof-course assessments to students, especially the English 10 and Algebra tests because of their addition as

graduation requirements. But Urbanowich said she does not think the new testing will be a problem. “I think they (other student) are happy that they do not have to take ISTEP. “It’s a relief,” she said.

As for herself, Urbanowich said she also does not mind the testing. “I’m happy about not having to take ISTEP anymore.,” she said. “I never really liked it.”

Core 40 Exams Algebra 1 Algebra 2 Biology English 10 English 11 Indiana Department of Education / Source

Michelle hu / photo

Hardcore: AP English Literature and Composition teacher Maureen Borto assists juniors Priya Patel (left) and Gina McGauley with their Core 40 sign-in process. Next year, instead of taking ISTEP exams, all core classes will be required to take Core 40 tests to evaluate competency in those subjects.

Class Day tradition evokes mixed responses

By Monica Cheng mcheng@hilite.org The screaming and cheering only got louder as the Senior Class graduates, wearing their caps and gowns, filed into their designated area at the outdoor stadium at this school. The energy was overwhelming. Sophomore Vivian Chen breathed a sigh of relief. The seniors had finally arrived. Meanwhile, her friends and everyone else around her were chatting energetically about the new tradition of Class Day. “I didn’t even know about Class Day until the SRT before that day,” Chen said. “It didn’t really capture our attention because it doesn’t really relate to us since we were only freshmen back then.”

Assistant Principal Kevin Gallman said, “Class Day is a celebratory day that is used to recognize the accomplishments of the Senior Class as a whole and also to transition the Junior Class to the new Senior Class for next year.”

According to Gallman, last school year was the first time this school held this event, and this year Class Day will be conducted during the last week of school during SRT on May 27. The goal of Class Day is to recognize the outgoing seniors and transition the Junior Class to the Senior Class. During this event, the principal, speaker of the House and student body president each give a VivIan Chen speech. The principal announces the department award winners and congratulates the Senior Class for its outstanding achievements and for taking the torch of excellence in academics, athletics and extracurricular activities.

However, Class Day also raises some issues among students, especially the several thousand underclassmen in this school.

“It shouldn’t be mandatory for everyone (to attend Class Day) because some students might want to use SRT to study for their finals on that day,” Chen said.

“And it just doesn’t seem like everyone actually listened to the speeches.”

Senior Charles Kaneko said he had other thoughts. “(Class Day) should be mandatory for everyone because it’s a good time to socialize and to recognize the Senior Class,” Kaneko said.

Gallman said Class Day should be an event that all students should look forward to for their senior year.

But Kaneko said he doesn’t feel any different about Class Day, now that he is a senior, than last year, when he had been a junior.

“I don’t think it makes a difference now that I’m a senior because it’s all the same process,” Kaneko said. He also said he had bittersweet feelings of his upcoming graduation. “On one hand, I feel relieved that my high school life is finally over and I get to go to college. But I still feel kind of sad because some of my friends are still in high school and I won’t be able to talk to them as much.”

“I’m actually looking forward to Class Day when I become a senior,” Chen said. “But, until then, I just don’t think this (Class Day) should have to involve the entire school.”

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Beats / Ads • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page 5 F e at u r e d b e at : f c c l a

FCCLA organizes awards ceremony for club members today By erum rizvi erizvi@hilite.org

This Issue @ HiLite Online Recent Updates

Shameem Zia, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club (FCCLA) secretary and junior, said she is looking forward to the recognition ceremony for FCCLA. This event will take place today after school in the community room here near the main cafeteria.

“I think this awards ceremony will be a good closure for the club this year and I’m excited to see what awards are given,” Zia said.

FCCLA sponsor Brooke Weekes said the club members will be recognized at the ceremony.

Members will be given awards and certificates based on their achievements in the club this year.

Zia said the club has a point system for the different activities and events and each member will get an award based on that system.

“The point system FCCLA has is a great way to encourage members to be even more involved in the

club,” Zia said.

Zia said that certain points get certain awards.

She said that she thinks the point system encourages the members to be more involved in the club and its activities.

Weekes said some categories for which members can receive awards include having an officer position in the club, attending meetings and helping out with events.

“I am really excited for the recognition ceremony for FCCLA. I think the members will enjoy being rewarded for their hard work and we’ll be celebrating it all with lots of cake,” Weekes said.

the categories • officer positions • attendance at meetings • participation in club events brooke weekes / source

Read comments by going online and clicking on the ‘Recent Comments’ tab. Leave your own comments on stories, photos, reviews and more on www.hilite.org.

And much more For daily updates, photos, stories and calendar, go online now to www.hilite.org. You can also subscribe to HiLite Online to receive notifications when new stories are posted.

german club As German Club winds down, this year’s plans are already being made to welcome the German exchange students scheduled to come next fall from the Marie-Curie Gymnasium, a high school outside of Berlin.

Sixteen German students are expected to come for three weeks and stay with families of students taking German.

While the exchange program is sponsored by the world language department rather than the German Club, the club still plans on holding events while the exchange students are here to share American culture with them.

German Club sponsor, Laura King said that they may do activities such as going to a Pacer’s game, playing laser tag, and going bowling.

She said, “We’re really excited about that. We’re hoping to have a lot of kids involved in German Club next year to show the Germans a great time.”

German Club presidents, Lena Gerber and Isa Loyda, hosted German exchange students last year.

Gerber said, “They (the German Club and exchange students) just do a bunch of things as a group and it ends up being really fun.”

Loyda added that having the exchange students stay also helped improve her German language skills.

Next year is also the twentieth anniversary of the Wall of Berlin coming down.

According to King there will be more German related events and speakers in Indiana next year because of this. The German Club plans to take advantage of this and attend some events. By Meredith Boyd

By the numbers The Berlin Wall fell Nov. 9, 1989 michelle yun / photo

informing others: Steven Brisley, president of FCCLA and junior, explains the purpose of the club to classmate and junior Corey Dash. Brisley said that he thinks the club will have a bigger turn-out next year.

According to Zia, the club ends the year with an awards ceremony taking place today after school.

Over 100 families host German exchange students every school year www.remote.org / source

Page 6 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Beats / Ads

Daily Photos Kiva club

kate grumme / photo

Bake sale: Junior Emily Stowell counts the money she made from selling baked goods during lunch for the Kiva club.

counseling center

Clubs, Activities at a Glance

For more information, go online to hilite.org and click on ‘Beats’ orchestra

senior class

ccpr

Rising Stars

This summer, orchestra members will meet at a day camp to get a head start for the next school year. The camp is required for all orchestra members.

Students attending should bring their instrument and their music, which they should have already picked up and practiced prior to the start of the camp.

Minh Nguyen, orchestra member and junior, said she went last year and that the camp usually takes place every summer.

She said, “It usually takes place a few weeks before the start of school.

This camp is usually more than one day though.”

The purpose of the camp is for orchestra members to get together with their orchestra and practice their music. The camp provides students with a chance to see their new music for the year.

“We get a jump start on our first pieces of music for the year,” Nguyen said. “(At the camp) students can also catch up with each other.” By Sarah Sheafer

As the school year comes to a close, seniors await the graduation ceremony set to take place on May 31 at 2 p.m.

Instead of being held at Ve r i z o n M u s i c Center, where it has been held for the past several years, graduation this year will take place at the Pepsi Coliseum for the second year.

John love

T h i s transition was an accommodation for the increase in number of students graduating with each class, according to Senior Class sponsor John Love.

Senior Liz Hehner said she looks forward to the graduation, but she said it is, in a sense, bitter sweet.

“I’ve been so excited for so long, but I’m starting to think of all the people I’ve seen every day for the past four years. I’ll probably never see most of those people again and that’s really sad,” Hehner said.

Hehner said she wishes the actual ceremony was outside, but has no real complaints and her only worry is the length of the actual ceremony.

“It’s going to be long, but I don’t really mind. It’s just crazy to think it’s over. But you just have to think of it as closing one door and opening another,” Hehner said. By Ashley Nief

Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation (CCPR) plans to host Battle of the Bands on June 20 from noon to 6 p.m.

According to Lindsay Holajter, marketing manager for CCPR, Battle of the Bands is a great opportunity for Visit the CCPR teenagers to volunteer and Web site at also participate. www.carmel Battle of the clayparks.org for Bands is a new more on this event located at event and more.

West Park that allows students to compete and possibly win prizes. This competition is judged by the audience and the band that wins has the opportunity to appear at Party at the Park later on in the year.

With the events opening this summer, including the Aquatic Center, also come new chances for students to participate. Holajter said she encourages teens to get involved during the summer. “For the summer events, it is a great way to get outside and away from the video games,” Holajter said.

Holajter not only encourages students to volunteer and take part in the summer activities offered by the CCPR, but also the events that occur throughout the school year.

According to Holajter, volunteering and assisting with events can be a rewarding experience for everyone.

“It is an opportunity to work with individuals in the community to ensure that their time spent with Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation has been fun and entertaining,” Holajter said. By Audrey Bailey

The Rising Stars’ banquet is scheduled for tomorrow, May 22 at the Fishers Conference Center, according to Jim Peterson, Rising Stars sponsor and drama teacher.

He said via email that this banquet gives Rising Stars a chance to celebrate the accomplishments that they have acheived throughout the year with the many events they particiapted in.

Jim He also said peterson that students will incur many different awards from throughout the year, including best actor/ actress, best supporting actor/ actress, Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior Rising Star, as well as various awards for the technicians for their hard work throughout the year.

These awards will all be studentelected awards.

“One of those (accomplishments) will be the induction of new members into the International Thespian Society. Students must have earned at least ten points by working on stage and off in order to be eligible for induction into this honor society,” Peterson said.

“We will have a short induction ceremony at our banquet to welcome new students into the (International) Thespian Society,” Peterson said.

He also said that students will also receive State conference scholarships and awards that they won at different events. By Stephanie Hodgin

evelyn forbes / photo

sorting out: Secretary Sue Sinclair sorts through write-ups of detention and community service.

For more Photos of the Day, go online to www.hilite.org.

Leave comments on photos you like online.

The ceremony

cassie dugan / photo

play harp: Sophomore Molly Jones practices her harp for orchestra.

• starts at 2 p.m.

• takes place at the Pepsi Coliseum • will have over 1,000 graduates john love / source

For more info

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Sports• Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page 9

s tat e tou r n a me n t p r evie w s

Baseball opens tournament play by faith mwalwa fmwalwa@hilite.org

nick johnson / PHOTO

ELUSIVE MOVES: Senior Aaron Knott makes a move on a Zionsville defender. Knott and the Hounds easily topped the Eagles in a regular season game.

Endless Talent

A stacked depth chart of players helps the men’s varsity lacrosse team as the Hounds work toward a State title by mackenzie madison mmadison@hilite.org

T

he men’s varsity lacrosse team will play its State tournament on Saturday, and Cur tis Pittman, varsity lacrosse player and senior, said he feels confident about the team’s chances.

“We have done a great job so far, getting the job done,” he said.

“The playing field is pretty even for all the lacrosse teams in Indiana so Carmel as a team, I feel has come pretty far with only a loss to Culver so far. We still have some big games coming up but we have some secret weapons up our sleeves. On defense, (sophomore) Stephen Ciravalo is like a brick wall. J.G. Wentworth has a laser rocket shot, which is crucial for the midfield, and to bring it home for us we have (freshman) Garrett Straton at attack who is an unstoppable man.”

Pittman said the team’s real competition will be Culver, since it can recruit out of state. He said, “The biggest thing Carmel has to do

is work 110 percent from whistle to whistle. But from the famous John Madden, ‘To win, you need to score more than the other team,’ and that sums it up for the most part.”

Head Coach Brandon Burke said that one of the team’s biggest strengths for this season is its talent.

“One of our bigger strengths is that we have good players from top to bottom. We’re proud of our depth this year. It’s challenging getting everyone playing time and still develop on-field

chemistry,” Burke said. “We’ve been fortunate to rotate in many different players at all positions to wear down opposing teams for the majority of games, and at the same time keep everyone as healthy as possible coming into May.” Pittman said he thinks the team’s biggest strength is its friendship.

“The team’s biggest strength is in our camaraderie, and how we mesh well together,” he said. “We also have lots of depth in both our

defense and our offense with lots of big playmakers on our team.

Another huge part of our team atmosphere is that we are able to have some comical relief all the time alongside our hard work.”

For the State tournament, Burke said he thinks senior leadership is crucial. “All of our seniors have been there before, and while we have talented younger players,” he said. “They will look to the seniors for their work ethic and attitude in the month of May. The team will ultimately be a reflection of the seniors’ attitude and desire to win come playoffs. All the teams in the playoffs are solid. The tournament is a completely different season within itself. While it’s shorter in duration, the intensity of every game played is on a whole different level.”

nick johnson / photo

WILD CHASE: Carmel lacrosse players fight off Zionsville opponents as they attempt to run down a loose ball. The Hounds will be fighting a number of teams for the State title.

Golf team on fringe of State Hounds now close in on post-season, look to finish strong before beginning title run to short game,” he said. “The best players around are the ones who can post good, low scores despite having days off with their ball striking; on or around the green is where the strokes are either lost or gained.”

Carr said though the team lacks experience, he is happy with its accomplishments this season. “I am thrilled with what we have

Zipes said despite the lack of experience, he feels good about the team’s post-season chances this year. “I feel really good about our chances in the tournament this year,” The men’s varsity golf team has just weeks he said. “Unlike most other teams around left before it wraps up the regular season.

Indiana, we have a very deep lineup and Catch them in action next Wednesday when when we aren’t playing our best, we know the team takes on Anderson at Anderson. we can rely on one other to pull through The meet will begin at 4 p.m. for the team.”

Head varsity golf coach Chad Carr said he feels the same Carr said he is happy with the way about the team’s chances team’s growth during the season. in the tournament, too. “I “I am pleased with our effort thus feel like we have just as good far,” he said. “We have improved of a chance as any team,” tremendously since the beginning Carr said. “It will all depend of the season.” on our focus and confidence, Junior and player Tyler Zipes which again, goes back to said he is happy with the progress, what we have done in practice as well. “As a team, we have and in matches.” come a long way,” Zipes said.

Zipes said he feels the “Our confidence in ourselves Hounds have as good a chance and in our teammates has skyas any to make it to the State rocketed since the beginning of tournament this year if they can the season.” continue to improve. “After a Carr said he thinks the team disappointing finish to last year’s needs to bring a few aspects of kate grumme / photo season, the team is hungr y their game with them in to the to make it back to the State post season. “I think they just ALL EYES FORWARD: Juniors Tyler Zipes (left) and Kevin Brown tournament,” he said. “We have need to keep the game simple size up putts on the practice green. Zipes and Brown are two the talent. It is just going to and trust that the repetitions that of the team’s varsity players who will look to propel the team come down to whether or not they get in practice will transfer through the end of the season and onto a top finish at the State we can continue to improve and to the golf matches,” Carr said. tournament. continue to work collaboratively “If they do that, they will have as a team.” more confidence which will lead to better accomplished so far,” he said. “Comparing Carr said they have just as good a chance scores as an individual and as a team.” our scores to last year, we are actually as anyone, also. “The team can go as far as Zipes said he thinks the team needs to shooting better as a team if you look at they want. There are some strong teams be able to continue to focus on its short averages. That is very positive and reinforces out there and we will have to be on our ‘A’ game in the postseason. “It all comes down that we are heading in the right direction.” game to win State.”

by ryan duffy rduffy@hilite.org

The varsity baseball team concluded their regular season with a game against Lawrence North on Wednesday. The team is scheduled to start the Greyhound Invitational today at 6 p.m. and tomorrow starting at 9 a.m., with all the games taking place at Hartman Field.

“The Greyhound Invitational is a (way) for us to play some good teams from around the state that we wouldn’t play (in the regular season),” Alex Gordon, pitcher, third-basemen and senior said.

Nicholas “Jesse” Taylor, pitcher, outfielder and junior said, “The Greyhound Invitational is a two-day tournament where high schools (from around the state) are invited to come play us.”

The Greyhound Invitational will be scheduled to include South Dearborn, Northview, Franklin Central, Fort Wayne, Elwood, Chesterton and Gary Andrean teams. Gordon said that three games are scheduled for the Greyhound Invitational; one will take place on Friday and two will take place on Saturday. To win, the team must win all three games. If you lose one game, according to Gordon, the team is placed in the “loser’s bracket.”

Head Baseball Coach Eric Lentz said, “It is good preparation for the post-season, and great game preparation for the (upcoming) Sectional game(s).”

The Greyhound Invitational is scheduled so that it precedes the post-season; Sectional will start on Thursday and, according to Gordon, all the Sectional games will be played at Hartman Field this year.

With this onslaught of games in the coming weeks, the varsity team, according to Jared Kuhn, secondand third-basemen and senior, the team greatly appreciates fan support, especially in post-season Sectional games. “(Fan support) is extremely important,” Kuhn said.

Taylor agreed and said, “Fan support is very, very important. Baseball is a game that has the potential to either be dull or exciting. We need fans to pump up the entire team for games.”

kaitlyn lampe / photo

SWING AWAY: Junior Conrad Gregor takes his stance at the plate during a game against Center Grove. The Hounds topped the Trojans 7-0.

JV, Freshman Athletic News JV Baseball

did practice a lot and that helped keep our spirits up.” By Faith Mwalwa

The JV baseball team suffered a series of rainouts earlier this month and late last month.

According to Toby Steele, Head JV Baseball Coach, the team has not had the opportunity to establish its record solidly.

“This is the first season I have seen so many rainouts i n a r o w, ” Steele said.

“It’s not evan fun but we just butz have to deal with it. It’s out of our control, so we do the best we can with what we have,” outfielder and junior Evan Butz said.

As many as 11 games had been cancelled as of last week, and the team ended its season yesterday against Lawrence Central.

During the rainouts, the JV team resorted to practice indoors, but Steele said that there was only so much practice that could be handled indoors.

Steele said, “Because the cancellations were generally last-minute, facilities were often occupied by then, so we resorted to conditioning in the hallways, for example.”

“We were never happy about rainouts,” Scott Thompson, p i t c h e r, f i r s t - b a s e m e n a n d sophomore, said. “However, we

JV women’s tennis The women’s junior varsity tennis team has officially finished its 2009 spring season. The team led a successful effort and enjoyed a great season.

“I feel like we did really well and we worked as a team,” said Alyson Bundy, junior varsity tennis player and sophomore.

The team finished up its season with a match at Terre Haute North and went in without any losses.

According to the team website, the team finished its long season of 14 games with several early victories and a winning record throughout, including a tie with Zionsville.

According to Bundy, the team is pleased with its efforts, and looks forward to another great season next year and a trip to State. By Maggie Brandenburg

shirley chen / photo

BACKHANDED: Junior Annika Carlson practices a useful skill during practice: backhanded hits.

Page 10 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Sports S tat e to u r n a m e n t p r e v i e w : t r a c k a n d f i e l d

Going for Gold

The women’s track team hopes Sectional and Regional meets might propel it to State by david zheng dzheng@hilite.org

T

his school’s women’s track team is continuing its run for a State title, with the Regional meet and the State tournament right around the corner.

Alex Chitwood, varsity r unner and sophomore, said the team has been working hard in practices to be successful in the tournament competition. “We have been doing really well, and we’re really confident about our ability to perform in the tournament,” Chitwood said. “We usually have a hard day every other day, and we have pre-meet days to get ready for the meet. We’ve been doing a lot more speed work to help us work on kicks at the end, and it’s really starting to pay off.”

Head Coach Tim Mylin said he thinks the team is where it needs to be to perform well in the tournament. “We have most of our varsity kids healthy and we hope to get some significant improvements in some of our kids’ performances before we fill out the Regional entry list,” Mylin said. “If that goes the way we hope it does, then we’ll be ready to go.”

So far in the tournament, Carmel has placed second in the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC) behind North Central, as well as placed second at the North Central Invitational. They also came in first place at the Hamilton County meet. “(North Central) has a lot of good people all around in the

events, like good sprinters, good distance runners and good field events, so they’re a very well rounded team,” Chitwood said.

According to Mylin, currently ranked number two North Central has been the only team to defeat Carmel in an outdoor meet this season. “We’ve only lost to North Central at the North Central Invitational by 7.5 points and at the MIC by 14 points,” Mylin said. “So far that’s the only team that’s beaten us in the outdoor season.”

In order for Carmel to qualify athletes for the State meet, it needs to have qualifiers in the top three. “If we can accomplish this in a broad spectrum of events then we’re going to be well positioned to do well at the State meet,” Mylin said. “Obviously a win (at Regional) would mean a lot in terms of advancement, but the most important thing for us in terms of moving forward is to get as many people as we can in that top three.”

Chitwood also said she thinks that a good team performance at Sectional could positively impact how the team might perform at the State meet. “I think there’s a really good chance we can do really well (at Sectional),” Chitwood said. “I think winning Sectional would help a lot by motivating the team to do even better and getting a lot of people to qualify.”

“If we can perform at the level we need to by the Regional you’re talking 15-20 athletes possibly competing in the State meet,” Mylin said. “I think we’ve got a team that’s as strong as any team we’ve had since we won the State back in 1998 and 1999.”

Faces of Sports: Kelly McCurdy by maggie brandenburg mbrandenburg@hilite.org

nick johnson / photos

HAND TO HAND (top): Junior Ellie Taff hands the baton to junior Katie Doron during the women’s 3,200-meter relay. The women’s 3,200-meter relay team is one of the favorites to win the State meet this season, and Taff and Doron both ran on the team that finished third at the State meet last season.

RARE FORM (bottom): Junior Alyssa Kent leaps over a hurdle during a 100-meter hurdle race. Kent is one of the Hounds’ runners who will look to advance to the State meet this season.

Portraits of track runners past line the top of the walls of the women’s track team locker rooms--these portraits are a testament to some of the best to ever take a run around this school’s track. Paintings of some of the greatest leaders and runners stand as a testament to how they influenced their teams. And now, as she enters her senior season, Kelly McCurdy is destined to join that wall of fame.

“When I was a freshman, I really looked up to the seniors, and for me it’s just weird to be a senior and to be leading the team,” McCurdy said.

According to Head Coach Tim Mylin, the captains of the team have some major responsibilities and can be the deciding factor when it comes down to the wire during meets. By performing pep talks before meets and leading stretches, the captains play a vital role in raising team morale which is a huge factor for success throughout the season.

“There are pretty much unwritten rules,” Mylin said. “We sit down with them and tell them the significance of being a captain. And sometimes they don’t realize how important a job it is.”

Another big way McCurdy has made a difference for her team is in the way she interacts with the underclassmen.

By inspiring them to do better and by leading a good example, McCurdy said she has established herself as someone to look up to in her final year of track.

Freshman and runner Lauren Kahre said,“Kelly sets a very high bar.

She doesn’t think about negatives. If we were to have a bad practice or to have a not so great meet, she’d be there and just be like ‘forget about it, everyone has those slumps and just get back at it’.”

Few events in life are as nerve-racking as the State meet for women’s track team

members, and as an athlete who has been there several times, Mylin said McCurdy brings a certain calm to first timers who have never run under the big lights against the best of the best.

Acording to Mylin, McCurdy's consistency lends her to be an even bigger asset not only for her guidance but for her times.

“The State meet experience is invaluable,” he said. “I mean, first time there, it’s an overwhelming experience, because you’re running against the best of the best and you’re not quite sure where you fit in. A lot of kids buckle under the pressure. And every year I’ve coached Kelly, she’s had her best time at State.

She has this unique ability to mentally be at her best at the State tournament.”

Despite the accolades from her peers and coach, though, McCurdy said she is really only looking to get her team to a place they haven’t been since the early part of the decade: State.

“It’d be really great to get a top five place at State,” she said.

“I don’t know, I just really want the team to improve this year.”

BORN LEADER : Senior Kelly McCurdy competes during a race.

Being one of the leaders of the women’s track team, McCurdy has mentored the younger runners who plan to take her place when she graduates. nick johnson / photo

Men’s track runners ready for Sectional by daniyal habib dhabib@hilite.org

brian bates

The men’s track team will begin Sectional today in the Carmel group. Twelve other schools are competing against Carmel including: Fishers, Guerin Catholic, Hamilton Southeastern, Hamilton Heights, Lebanon, Noblesville, Sheridan, Tipton, Tri-Central, University, Westfield and Zionsville.

Brian Bates, Varsity distance runner and senior, said Noblesville will be the Greyhounds’ main competition.

Bates said, “Noblesville, I guess, would be our next best competitor, but the Sectional belongs to us.”

The statistics cer tainly back Bates’s claim. Carmel has won the Sectional for the past three years.

As far as advancing past the Sectional goes, Bates said he is also very confident.

He said, “As a team, I feel the distance team can really do some damage at State. I run the 4x800 and mile, and we have great depth in both of these events.

“Our distance team practically owns their events,” Bates said. “The distance squad scores a huge chunk of our points every meet, and it’s the

backbone of our team’s success.”

Bates, along with seniors Logan Rosenberg, Luke McRoberts, Dan Kinn, J.D. Smith and Jarrett Smith, form the strength of the distance team.

“We even have distance runners that are competing as our top guys in some of the sprinting events,” Bates said.

The track team failed to make

top men’s track runners best high jump 6.16 ft 6.00 ft 6.00 ft

Blair Trapkus Samuel Bumbalough Ben McCright

best 3200 Logan Rosenberg Chris Walden Thomas Ohlman

9:17.30 9:21.20 9:21.70

Eric Kinn

9:41.10

best 1600 Dan Kinn Dan Porter J.D. Smith Chris Walden

4:23.60 4:24.00 4:25.40 4:31.30

CHSTRACK.NET / SOURCE

it past the Regional round last year, but Bates said he hopes to return to the glor y of two years ago, when the team made it to the State Finals.

Bates said that not much will change in terms of preparation now that the regular season has concluded.

He said, “We will just keep it real and run like we have been all season.

It’s gotten us pretty far in the regular season, so now we will work towards the ultimate goal.”

During the r egular season, Carmel has racked up good results, winning four straight meets at one point, and placing in the top three in each of its first three meets.

Bates, however, said he does not yet consider the season a success.

“If you meet all of your preseason goals, then I would consider the season a success,” he said.

“Hopefully, we can continue our Sectional dominance and go far.”

nick johnson / photo

HIGH FLYER: Junior Oscar Falodun attempts a high jump during a track meet this season.

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL

3POT,ITE

on a mission Guest columnist Erin Vollmer writes about her experiences on mission trips See Page B10

www.hilite.org

520 E. Main Street • Carmel, IN 46032 • Volume 54, Issue 14 • May 21, 2009

Summer school provides students with advantage by celina wu cwu@hilite.org

Despite the upcoming break, school will still be a primary aspect of junior Emily Tweedy’s summer this year.

“This summer I will be taking government because I struggle with some classes, so by doing it over the summer, it’s easier and I only have to focus on one class,” Tweedy said. “Also, since I will be done with a class over the summer, I will get free space during the year to take other classes I want to take.”

Many students, like Tweedy, choose to take a course during the two sessions of summer school this school offers. Although numerous students think such a commitment is a sacrifice they are not willing to make, Tweedy and others like her said they do not see it as something emily tweedy that deprives them of their stress-free time off from school. Instead, these students view summer school as an opportunity to gain free space in their schedule for the upcoming school year which would have otherwise been filled. In addition, these students use summer school to their advantage by finishing courses that they feel are more of an ordeal for them.

Counselor Stephanie Payne said, “Summer school is a good idea for those who want to free up their schedule, but it depends on what students are freeing it up for. If it’s for an easy senior year, then no; but if they are trying to get extra space to take a class they want to take or a class that deals with what they hope to major in, then certainly summer school is a good way to go.”

This is the case for Tweedy, who said one of the reasons she signed up to take summer school is in order to create more room for her take other courses she wanted to take before she graduated.

“My mom wants me to take some more business classes so that I will be more prepared for the real world,” she said. “If I didn’t take summer school, then I wouldn’t have had enough space to take classes like business foundations and personal finance.”

A second aspect behind Tweedy’s reasoning for enrolling in summer school, she said, was because she struggles with certain courses and the workload. She said, “I have taken summer school before, and since I have a difficult time with homework and tests and having enough time for them, I found that I was more prepared and did better, since I only had to concentrate on one class. That’s why I’m taking summer school again this year, and also it’s easier too.”

In regard to summer school being less challenging, Payne said she isn’t certain if that is so. “Summer school is just different than the regular school year, and it depends on the student. Some students like it because they get to focus on just one class, and they only have to prepare for tests and do homework for that one class,” she said.

“However, with four hours each day for four weeks, it’s just not possible for the teachers to get through as much curriculum and material as they do during the 18 weeks of the school year. In summer school, teachers usually focus on the most important material and teach it, with no extras.”

Although Tweedy will be spending a good part of her summer in school, she said the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of the situation. “Taking summer school is definitely worth it. I struggle with tests, so taking it over the summer will take some pressure off since I only have to study for one class. I’m excited for this summer to get government out of my schedule so I’ll have the chance to take other classes my senior year.”

Dress to Impress Despite trend of casual style, some students choose to wear professional clothing. By Amanda Nguyen

J

u n i o r s R e i d Wa t s o n a n d Elizabeth “Betsy” Fuson defy what they say is a growing trend of going casual; on the contrary, Watson and Fuson

dress to impress.

“People nowadays dress very, very, c l o t h i n g very casual. It doesn’t bother me, but w h e n h e it’s not me. It’s not how I prefer to do s h o p s . H e things,” Watson said. said, I don’t Watson said he started dressing r e a l l y h a v e a up early junior year because it’s more style inspiration, professional and, to some extent to but I wear a lot of impress girls. He started dressing up after sweater vests. working at a Web company that required It started as a joke with him to dress nicely. He said he thought my friends. We were trying to find the it would be easier if he just wore nice most ridiculous thing, and I just ended clothes. The side effects of that decision up wearing them a lot.” were a good perk, too. Watson said, “People treat you differently. Adults are see “dressing up” on page b2 nicer to you when you dress up too.”

Like Watson, Fuson said, “I have been dressing nicely for quite a long time.

I dress nicely to feel good and confident at school. When I do this, I feel better about the day and I’m more likely to have a better attitude at school.

Most often I get nice compliments from friends who dress up as well and appreciate the time to look nice and presentable.”

When Watson first started dressing nicely, he said people noticed.

He said, “For the first couple of weeks, people would ask me why I would dress up, and I would tell them no reason. After a while, it sunk in. It was strange at first, but people just got used to it.” jinny zhang / photo Wa t s o n s a i d h e buys most of his dress Mirror, Mirror: Junior Reid Watson fixes his tie clothes at G by Guess, in a mirror. Although he started dressing up when Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, Goodwill and other required by his job, he now does so because he enjoys thrift stores. He doesn’t looking more professional. go for a certain type of

jinny zhang / photo illustration

No Horsin’ Around: Equines can make a good pet choice by erin lowe elowe@hilite.org

Standing large and majestic, horses are fairly popular animals for students here as they have been friends to man for centuries. Today, though, they’re used for competitions, pulling wagons or carriages and riding. Athena is one of these horses.

Belonging to senior Avery Sanders, Athena is purely a friend. No longer a competition horse, Sanders said Athena provides a friendship like no other.

“I have had Athena since the sixth grade. I used to do competitions with her but I found out that I prefer just riding for fun,” Sanders said.

According to a 2007 About.com poll, there are about 13.8 million horses owned in the United States. Although that number is fewer than the amount

of most common animals owned, horses still beat out reptiles at 13.4 million.

Sanders said she had just wanted a horse for a while. “I think my dad and I just wanted one for the longest time,” she said. “My dad had horses when he was young, so he kind of sparked the idea and I ran with it.”

Having a horse is not all fun and games though. “Be prepared for a lot of work. People never believe how much work is involved, but my horse runs my schedule,” Sanders said.

An article on ezinearticles.com stated that “there are many daily responsibilities that a (horse owner) has.” The horse has to be fed with grains and chaff and also hay, sawdust should be provided for bedding it will need lots of water throughout the day.

A horse owner should also make sure the horse gets plenty of exercise, attention

and love, according to the article.

Sanders said she agrees with that assessment. “Some days (Athena’s) kind of a brat,” she said. “But that’s okay because I love her.”

Horses should be washed before and after a ride. Their hooves should be cleaned daily with a pick and trimmed by a farrier every eight weeks. The most important thing is to make sure a horse is wormed and has check-ups at the vet. It will need a rug in its stall to keep it warm in the winter months.

“It’s my stress release to go riding.

I love spending time with my horse. I hate to sound crazy but she’s got enough personality to connect with like you would a person,” Sanders said.

When asked if she enjoyed having her horse Sanders replied, “Yes. She is my pride and joy. I can’t imagine life without her.”

Take this quiz to see if you have what it takes to own a horse 1. Caring for your horse will take you how many minutes every day?

2. The best first time horse for a beginner is?

3. In your barn your horse’s stall should be how large?

4. Every day you should provide your horse or pony with?

5. When you go looking for your first horse you should take?

6. The one place a beginner should never buy horses from is?

7. One type of fence is not recommended for horse paddocks?

8. When you are riding or driving you should always wear? pooja mathur / photo about.com / Source

horsing around: Senior Avery Sanders takes her horse outside to give it some fresh air.

According to Sanders, owning a horse is not all fun and games because it takes a large amount of work to take care of this less common pet, although she said that it is worth the effort.

Answers: 1. 30 minutes; 2. An older, done-it-all horse; 3. 12 feet by 12 feet; 4. Abundant hay or grass, fresh clean water and loose or block salt; 5. An experienced horse person; 6. An auction sale; 7. High tensile wire; 8. An approved helmet

Page B2 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Feature

dressing up,

from Page B1

Although Watson said he thinks fewer people are dressing up, social studies teacher Karen Taff said she thinks differently. She said, “I think more people are dressing up now. The styles have become less bare, which is good for everyone.

We had problems with the bare bellies a couple of years ago, but there are a lot of layers now.”

Because Taff graduated from Carmel in 1977 and has taught here for 25 years, she has seen many styles pass through the halls of Carmel. “The style trends have gone through phases. It looks like the ‘70s now. People didn’t dress up more back then because the ‘70s was the great relaxing of styles,” Taff said.

Author Tracey Turner wrote a book titled, “The 1970s: The Decade Style Forgot” because of all of the fashion faults. Since there were a variety of styles, some combinations of different clothes didn’t turn out so well.

According to 1970-clothes. com, there were many influence of fashions such as hippies and disco music. Women could wear a variety of clothing including miniskirts and full length skirts.

Like Taff said, many styles from the 1970s still exist today. The Web site also stated that people in the ‘70s aimed to look as cool as possible and show off their bodies by wearing tight pants and shirts.

This trend seems to be resurfacing once again through form-fitting shirts, skinny jeans and leggings.

Although form-fitting clothes may be in again, Fuson said, “I enjoy the very classy, conservative style. I like the styles of the ‘20s to the ‘50s. I like full skirts and nice knee-length dresses.”

According to Fuson, although not as many students dress up, some students at Carmel participate in “Stay Classy Thursdays,” a tradition started a few years ago here, including herself. She said, “I always try to wear a skirt or dress at least once a week.”

In par ticipating in “Stay Classy Thursdays,” Fuson said, “I actually think the number of people who dress up has been pretty constant. Especially on the social scale, not many people want to look like a slob, especially when trying to make friends or flirt.

We all want to look our best in case that one special opportunity comes along.”

When it comes down to it, people want to look nice. Taff said, “People dress up because we’re creatures of style.”

Breaking High School Ties Some seniors decide to pick old friends as college roommates, while others opt to room with strangers

S

by kelsey binion kbinion@hilite.org

like you have to stick with them forever. Just give it a fair shot.”

Kelley said she shares the same views as Driscoll but was hesitant at first because she was scared that it was not going to work out and her roommate would be weird. As she came around, she said that she saw that it is going to be a good life experience and wants to see if she can live with someone she doesn’t know.

The question arises, though, if best friends make the best roommates. According to collegemagazine. com, it depends on the individual and the relationship between the friends. Some college students said that the two have become closer, while others found that they fought periodically and eventually found a new roommate.

Driscoll said, “When a student rooms with a high school friend he or she knows, it can make for an easier

enior Grace Kelley, who is attending IU in the fall, said she is nervous but thrilled to move on from high school and into college.

After all, she, like most seniors, has had to make some of the hardest and toughest decisions of her life. However, one choice makes her especially anxious; she decided not to room with a high school friend.

“I decided to do pot luck to determine my roommate, which means that I took a sur vey like match.com and will learn who my roommate is in a couple weeks,” Kelley said. “I decided not to room with a high school friend, because I want to meet new people and avoid hanging out with the same high school group. I am not going to forget my old high school friends, but I don’t want it to be like high school in college.”

Rooming with a friend has its pros and cons just like rooming with a stranger. Fur thermore, sharing a room is an experience that majority of seniors have not experienced and don’t know what to expect. Some seniors that are attending the same college as their friend will decide to room together, while others, like Kelley, will take a risk and meet their roommate when college begins.

Unlike Kelley, senior Caroline “Carrie” Barnthouse decided to room at IU with her high school friend. She said she wants to have someone who she knows and was worried that she would end up with a roommate that she couldn’t relate with.

But according to justcolleges. com, getting along with college roommates has never been easy, friends or not. According to the study, 90 percent of freshmen arrive on campus having never shared a bedroom. Despite that, housing officers promote incoming freshmen not to room with someone they know, because it is an experience that everyone should take part in.

Sean Driscoll, former IU resident assistant, said, “Probably the majority of the roommates did not pick their roommates, but some did. When I was in charge stephanie coleman / photo of my kids, which was about 40, STARTING FRESH: Senior Grace Kelley is sorting through some college rooming papers. Kelley, who decided not to room with a friend I told them to try rooming with a stranger. It is an experience that from high school during her first year at Indiana University next year, said she did so in order to “meet new people and avoid hanging ever yone should share. It isn’t out with the same high school group.”

Students get involved for own benefit, not only for college applications By ellie seta eseta@hilite.org When a typical high school student is asked why he or she participates in a certain activity most would have to admit that the main motivation for their involvement is because it ‘looks good on my college application.’ So most are committed to packing in as many activities as possible, despite their genuine lack of interest. But for junior Sunny Huang, this is not the case. She said she gets involved because she genuinely wants to.

Unlike most of her peers, she plans on being just as involved in college as she is in high school.

Although she no longer has anyone to impress, Huang said she feels that getting involved in school-sponsored activities while in college is important. However, Huang admits she was not always so involved.

“I know it looks good on a college

transition. In spite of that, you don’t want to make college a 13th grade. I found that the students that decided to room with their friend hung out with the same people and never really got to experience the college atmosphere.”

Despite that sentiment, Barnthouse said, “I want to continue to hang out with high school friends but make new ones at the same time. I am ready to move on to college, but I won’t completely erase the high school memories. With someone that I know as a roommate will make for a simple transition compared to someone that doesn’t know their roommate until the day of school.”

As for Kelley, she said ultimately rooming with someone she doesn’t know will be a good experience. “I really believe that it will benefit me.” Kelley said, “Who knows, maybe we will turn up best friends.”

application,” Huang said. “But this was not the only reason. It was more me seeing other people getting involved during my freshmen year and wanting to do the same.”

Huang said she was not ver y involved her freshman year and then made it her goal her sophomore year to get involved. Huang, who will be the Speaker of the House next year, said she loves all of the activities she participates in. She said she could not possibly pick her favorite activity but she enjoys performing arts and student government the most. She hopes in college she will be able to participate in numerous activities.

But according to Athletics Director Jim Inskeep, commitment to a sport or activity can sometimes come at a price.

“Collegiate athletics is a full-time job in many aspects,” Inskeep said. “Students who participate in athletics at the collegiate level must be completely committed to the sport in order for it to work out well.”

But involvement in college does

stephanie coleman / photo

GET INVOLVED: Juniors Lisa Dunnivant and Sunny Huang work on Senate duties. Huang said that although she enjoys student activities, she is also aware of the benefits for college applications.

not just allow a student to discover their passions but also, according to the Wadsworth Learning Center, has a direct correlation to success in college. The Web site found that the eight factors for college success include responsibility, wellness, time management, competition, family involvement, competition, task precision and involvement in schoolsponsored activities. Wadsworth found that students who are in school sponsored activities are happier and much more confident than students who are not. In addition, they found that they experienced more academic success. Par ticipation in social activities also allow for a support system to be established, according to Wadsworth.

According to Inskeep, there are many benefits to participating in clubs, as well as sports during college.

“Regarding activities, Carmel students are very fortunate in the aspect of participation in activities,” Inskeep said. “It makes the myriad of groups and clubs at college look very similar and also gives them confidence on whether or not to become involved based on prior experiences.”

Although Huang enjoys being involved in performing arts and student gover nment, she said sometimes finding the balance between school and her activities can be difficult. “I wish I was better at prioritizing,” Huang said. “If I watch ‘Desperate Housewives’ instead of studying, my test scores suffer. But usually things will fall into place.”

But according to CollegeBoard.com, learning time management skills in high school benefits a student later on in college.

Overall, Huang said she loves being involved in high school and has not regretted her involvement.

Huang said, “By not getting involved you do not have the right to complain if you are not doing anything to change it.”

Facing thrills and chills of amusement park rides Despite stories of injury, students continue to enjoy the potentially dangerous experience by jade schwarting jschwarting@hilite.org Bloodcurdling screams, shrieks and cries. Deep-fried elephant ears, Twinkies and funnel cakes.

The sights and sounds of theme parks are one-of-a-kind and so are the fears that accompany them.

Junior Kolten Rowe attends amusement parks three to four times per year, despite his continuous fear of roller coasters.

He said, “I don’t really like roller coasters much because I don’t like the stomach-wrenching feeling you get (when you ride one).”

However, Rowe has a good reason to be afraid. According to saferparks.org, a Web site that provides United States statistics for amusement rides and devices, mor e than 8,800 emergency room treated injuries relating to amusement rides were recorded in 2006. Including Go-karts in these statistics raises the number to 24,400 injuries.

Although serious amusement ride injuries are quite rare, many theme park goers keep past events such as roller coaster disasters or bad experiences in mind when attending these parks.

Rowe said, “When I was five or six, my uncle forced me on a roller coaster, I think it was The Beast, and I cried basically the whole time. Since then, I’ve never liked roller coasters.”

Although many have fears based on news stories of tragic

theme park accidents or lifethreatening injuries caused by mechanical error, according to the Web site, many times these accidents can be prevented. Lack of secure restraint, size mismatch between patron and ride, ride intensity and equipment failure are all preventable issues can arise during amusement park season.

While some accidents are due to mechanical error, such as the Mind Bender roller coaster in Canada accident where a wheel of the last car swer ved of f at high speeds and smashed into a concrete pillar, killing ever y passenger, others are simply due to human carelessness.

In 2008, a teenager was decapitated by a roller coaster after hopping a pair of fences and entering a restricted area at Six Flags in Georgia.

Although Rowe said he has heard many of the frightening stories of theme park fatalities, he said he still rides some of the coasters.

Rowe said, “It kind of depends.

I’ll go on these little dinky ones with small hills, but not like The Legend or something big like that.”

Despite his ongoing fear of roller coasters, Rowe, like many Americans, continues to attend theme parks and ride coasters.

He said, “Usually I only go to amusement parks when my friends or family go. But when they go on (big) roller coasters, I just go on different rides that I actually want to go on.”

Steps to Safety Step 1 Dress for safety: wear closed-toe shoes, avoid dangling jewelry and drawstrings, tie back long hair, remove hats and scarves Step 2 Find the ride that fits: ride rides that are suitable for your age and body size Step 3 Get off safely: keep your whole body inside the restraint system until you are told to get off, watch your step saferparks.com / source

Ads • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page B3

Page B4 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Entertainment

Reviews

B oo k s . Mov i e s . F ood . Mus i c . S h o p p i ng . P r e v i e ws .

‘Star Trek’ embarks on new cinematic frontier

Fresh origin story, quality casting, and bold set updates and redesigns help revitalize the faltering ‘Star Trek’ franchise and introduce a new generation to the final frontier

WWW.Rottentomatoes.com / Photos

By Sam Watermeier swatermeier@hilite.org I walked into the theater at 10 a.m., hoping it would be empty, only to find a large crowd of middle aged men and…their mothers. “Wow, this is a sad image,” I thought, “especially at a showing of ‘Star Trek.’ What are a bunch of grown men doing drooling over science fiction yarn like children and hanging out with their mommies?” As I watched them more closely, though, I realized something magical: this movie gives them the power to feel like kids again. More importantly, “Star Trek” reminds us what it feels like to be part of something bigger than ourselves. For a few hours, everyone in the theater could feel like captains of a starship, barreling deep through outer space.

In this age of cold, calculating blockbuster entertainment, “Star Trek” recaptures the magic of film.

It is a rare specimen among summer movies: a spectacle whose marvels are both visually and viscerally exciting.

It never loses sight of the human drama inside the lavish spaceships. Amidst the action and excitement, director J.J. Abrams and his stellar cast create a truly heartfelt film.

Since “Star Trek” is steeped in complex sci-fi mythology, I won’t bore you with the convoluted plot details of black holes, alternate universes, and time travel. All that needs to be addressed is the fact that this film is a reboot of the classic television and film series. It reintroduces the iconic characters/members of the Starship Enterprise like Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and his rival/friend, the half-human, halfVulcan Mr. Spock (Zachary Quinto). Pine portrays Kirk as a roughneck whose outer toughness barely hides vulnerability and tenderness. Spock is similar in this respect except he suppresses his emotions with logic and reasoning and does so with much more ease than Kirk.

These soulful, charismatic performances contrast nicely to the film’s inorganic world. Their deeply-felt quality turns what could be cheap thrills into harrowing moments. An early sequence in which the Enterprise is attacked by an alien rebel named Nero (played with smoldering malice and menace by Eric Bana) is particularly chilling and saddening since we grow so attached to the characters.

Abrams also adds emotional to the film’s many visual marvels.

Dark, gritty reboots overwhelmingly dominate this decade. While “Casino Royale” and “The Dark Knight” ground the “James Bond” and “Batman” franchises more in harsh reality, “Star Trek” stands out refreshingly with its bright modern vision. It has the warmth of early Spielberg and the wonder of a 1950s creature feature. Instead of presenting outer space as the entity one character describes as “disease and danger wrapped in silence and darkness,” Abrams infuses it with whimsy. He takes on the point of view of an unsuspecting and excited outsider.

There is even clumsiness to the camerawork (especially evident in the footage of starships cruising through space) that mirrors the same kind of natural, distracted quality any normal person would have when filming something so foreign and awe-inspiring. Like a child, the camera’s eye is always wide and glistening. There is something endearing about the way Abrams gazes at the wizardry before him. While most filmmakers are solely concerned with rendering visual effects “sellable,” he focuses on making them genuinely inspiring.

Although I may seem like a film snob sometimes, often praising understated movies over large scale entertainment, I must admit that my love for film comes first and foremost from a desire to escape to other worlds more thrilling than our own. “Star Trek” feeds that desire.

Therefore, it fittingly marks my last review for HiLite. I will miss sharing my cinematic thoughts with you. Thank you for reading and I will see you at the movies. Until then, in the words of Spock, “Live long and prosper.”

‘Angels and Demons’ differs from book, yet maintains integrity with intriguing plot By lexi Muir lmuir@hilite.org After finishing Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, I was more than excited to see it come to life in the Ron Howard film. After seeing the film, however, I can say that it strays quite far from the book. This is not a bad thing, and the unexpected plot twists gave this “based on the book” film some independence from the book, and everything I thought I knew was wrong.

“Angels and Demons,” directed by Ron Howard, is a fast-paced, action-packed film that gives audiences no time to breathe or let their minds wander. I was gripping my seat for the entire 138 minutes, and I did not for a second think or focus about anything else but the movie.

The film takes the audience inside the Vatican in a time of utter disaster. The pope has died and a new pope must be chosen, but the four Preferiti (the likely candidates for the papacy) have been kidnapped and are supposedly going to be killed publicly inside the Vatican. Someone is out to destroy the Vatican and a special team is called to figure out the mystery and save the Catholic Church. As time runs out, Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), the intelligent and humorous symbologist who is called to save the Vatican, and Vittoria Vetra (Ayulet Zurer), a silently sexy scientist who has discovered a substance called “antimatter” that could potentially blow up the entire Vatican, fight to uncover the clues of the Illuminati, the group behind the violence, and stop disaster from happening behind the walls of the Vatican.

Hanks and Zurer instantly click onscreen. As Vetra, Zurer is called to assist Langdon in his search for answers as she is the only one who can stop the antimatter from killing the entire Vatican city and its people. While the two work side by side and step into the dangerous waters, sparks fly and the audience can’t help but hope that they will find each other in the crisis at hand.

“Angels and Demons” also allows the audience a spectacular view inside the Vatican. The beautiful

churches and streets of the Vatican sparkle in the sunlight and come to life when the sun goes down. The audience is given an inside look at the secrets of the Vatican, the process and sanctity of electing a Pope and the history of the Catholic faith.

As a less-than-huge fan of “The DaVinci Code,” I was unsure of whether I would like or be able to follow “Angels and Demons.” To my surprise, however, I was able to follow the movie quite well and was also able to understand it. The plot twists, which threw me for an unexpected turn, were clear and easily understandable.

I found my mouth gaping with the rest of the audience, and it stayed that way for the majority of the movie.

Overall, “Angels and Demons” was a fantastic thriller that taught me more than any other movie I’ve seen in a while. While the movie was eventful and captivating, it gave me a greater look into the works of God and left me feeling warm. I even got a little teary at the end of the movie, and I have no been able to stop thinking about the incredible film all day long.

www.rottentomatoes.com / photo

‘Angels and Demons’ Directed By:

RUNTIME:

Ron Howard

2 Hrs. 18 Min.

STARRING:

PG-13

Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor

RATED: OVERALL:

A

Directed By:

‘Star Trek:’ A GENERATION in the Final Frontier

STARRING:

To date, 11 “Trek” movies have premiered since the original debuted in 1979. Listed below are the movies with their specific casts in order of debut (beware of the odd numbered movies).

‘Star Trek’ J.J. Abrams

Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Leonard Nimoy RUNTIME:

2 Hrs. 6 Min. RATED:

PG-13

OVERALL:

A

The Original Series (Capt. Kirk) “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1979); “Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan” (1982); “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” (1984); “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986): “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier” (1989); “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991); “Star Trek” (2009) “The Next Generation” (Capt. Picard) “Star Trek: Generations” (1994); “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996); “Star Trek: Insurrection” (1998); “Star Trek: Nemesis” (2002)

Conor Oberst changes musical direction on latest album by tracy sun tsun@hilite.org

The lack of a definite sound and direction appeared to be the purpose of “Outer South.”

There was an absence of clarity and lucidity in One of the most prolific musicians of all time, the sound and feel of the album. It felt cluttered Conor Oberst returns with yet another album at points and required the conviction and titled “Outer South.” Having released over motivation Oberst usually possesses. The variety 20 full-length recordings encompassing solo of songs wasn’t necessarily the bad part, but the work and five bands before the age of 30, this fact most of them developed into a disorderly time around, Conor Oberst and the Mystic mess didn’t come off so well.

Valley Band do things a little

However, the album differently. Previously known isn’t without it strong points. for his vulnerable and shaky The first track, “Slowly (Oh vocals while singing about So Slowly),” and “Nikorette” heartache, womanizing and Conor Oberst and the appeal to the audience with politics, Oberst goes on a poppy and light-hearted Mystic Valley Band its totally separate path with feel, while the acoustic “Outer South.” Seven of the “White Shoes” gives listeners 16 songs aren’t even sung by a semblance of his old days him, and Oberst genuinely with Bright Eyes. He makes sounds like he’s just jamming “Roosevelt Room” appealing with his bandmates and by actually engrossing himself having fun. Although this in the song and without a might seem like a move in the doubt resembles Bob Dylan right direction, the sometimes in “Ten Women” with chilling messy-sounding compilation similarity. The variety of his of songs lacks refinement and vocals provides fans with a interest. reason to appreciate his talent Oberst’s choice to include and craftsmanship. the vocals and lyrics of his

The album is by no bandmates proves to be means horrible but could have democratic but was not a been measurably better with smart decision. With the a few critical modifications. exclusion of “Big Black Nothing,” the songs A shorter, more precise and lyrical and vocal written by the other members of the band falter monopoly would have given listeners a more in comparison to Oberst’s. The lengthy album enjoyable experience. It is highly doubtful anyone could have been easily cut down by getting rid would play “Outer South” over and over again, of the lesser quality tunes. The album seemed but it shouldn’t be totally brushed over. With a to drag on and on, especially during the parts good number of memorable tracks, the album where Oberst wasn’t the lead vocal. Some doesn’t totally disappoint; however, it won’t be editing of the arrangements would have been the reason why a person falls in love with the much appreciated. music of Conor Oberst.

‘Outer South’ Lyrics: B Rhythm: C Tone: B OVERALL: C+

Ads • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page B5

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Entertainment • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page B7

Summer Blockbusters: 2009 Edition

In Hollywood, summer ushers in the most anticipated films of the year, from big-budget thrillers to arthouse masterpieces. Sam Watermeier offers his opinion on five must-see summer flicks

“Taking Woodstock” Starring Demetri Martin, Emile Hirsch

“Public Enemies”

Starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale

Cathartic. Refreshing. Relevant. These are the words that came to mind after seeing the trailer for this film. Its story of the origins of Woodstock, the legendary ‘60s concert that united the nation and started a revolution, is the exact type of hopeful tale we need in this time of socioeconomic crisis. Comedian Demetri Martin takes a slightly dramatic turn as the unlikely helm of the concert, everyman Eliot Tiber. Director Ang Lee (“Lust, Caution,” “Brokeback Mountain”) tries his hand at lighthearted comedy. More interestingly, “Taking Woodstock” can be seen as a prelude to Lee’s ‘70s set drama, “The Ice Storm” since it foreshadows the innocence of the ‘60s giving way to the corruption and overall moral ambiguity of the ‘70s.

“Inglorious Basterds” Starring Brad Pitt, Mike Myers

World War II through the eyes of Quentin Tarantino (“Pulp Fiction”). What could possibly be better? This film marks the first time the auteur has tackled the war genre and I can’t wait to see what he cooks up. With “Inglorious Basterds,” Tarantino strays away from telling a harrowing, “Saving Private Ryan”-esque story and opts instead for a rollicking tale of revenge.

Unlike recent World War II epics, this film does not aim to explore war’s shades of gray. It promises to be a fun action movie reminiscent of “The Dirty Dozen,” simply chronicling good’s ever-thrilling fight against evil. In doing so, one could argue that it comments on how simplistic World War II has become in the eyes of many Americans. More likely, though, Tarantino just wants to create pure, exhilarating cinema.

Opens Aug. 21

Opens Aug. 14

“bruno”

Starring sacha baron cohen

If anything, 2006’s subversive, landmark comedy, “Borat” was underrated. This follow up in which “Borat” star Sacha Baron Cohen travels across the country under the guise of a flamboyant Austrian fashion critic looks equally clever and hilarious. As the title character, Cohen tests people’s boiling points, hopefully resulting in yet another biting satire on American intolerance.

Opens July 10

www.rottentomatoes.com / photos

“Moon”

F ilmmaker Michael Mann (“Heat,” “Collateral”) is a master of crime drama.

Like Martin Scorsese (“GoodFellas,” “The Departed”), he creates complex, empathetic criminal characters and sets them in equally rich, gritty worlds. In this addition to the genre, he explores the life of famous, Depression-era bank robber, John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) and his pursuers, a fitting storyline for this current period of economic struggle. With its blend of contemporary visual style (digital camerawork) and oldfashioned, larger than life, James Cagneyesque gangster characters, “Public Enemies” makes the old new again.

Opens July 1

Starring sam Rockwell Finally a genuinely original science fiction spectacle! Maybe this means the much needed end to sequels, prequels, adaptations, and reboots. Although this film borrows from classics like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Solaris,” it looks to have its own modern twists.

Plus, with an excellent actor like Sam Rockwell in the lead, it is bound to pack an emotional punch. Rockwell plays an astronaut sent to the moon alone to conduct research and right before he gets ready to head back to Earth, things get strange. I’ll leave it at that.

Opens June 12

yOur nAmE HErE OR, WELL, YOUR BUSInESS’.

VISIT

WWW.HiliTE.Org FOR MORE InFO

Page B8 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Entertainment

Reviews April showers bring May power

Books. Movies. Food. Music. Shopping. Previews.

X103’s annual concert festival, May Day, is scheduled for Saturday, with returning bands as well as some new, up-and-coming musicians. Written and compiled by Renny Logan HALESTORM

SHINEDOWN Established: 1997

Members:

Arejay Hale (Drums), Lizzy Hale (Vocals, Guitar), Joe Hettinger (Guitar), Josh Smith (Bass)

Recent singles: “I Get Off”

Latest CD:

Established:

“Halestorm”

2001

The 411:

Members:

Eric Bass (Bass, Piano, Vocals), Barry Kerch (Drums), Zach Myers (Guitar), Brent Smith (Vocals)

Recent singles:

“Second Chance,” “Devour”

Latest CD:

“Sound of Madness”

The 411:

Originally categorized loosely as “emo rock,” with debut “Leave a Whisper” and its follow-up, “Us and Them,” Shinedown intensified its sound with “Sound of Madness.” Hints of the band’s new direction could be heard on “Us and Them,” but now the group’s hard-rock sound pounds proudly through its recent release. With that said, hopefully the members have stepped up their live performance since their last appearance with May Day in 2005. Though their performance was enjoyable in the moment, the memor y of it faded with the transition to the next band.

Each of Shinedown’s CDs pr ovide good solid mainstream rock for listeners, but a look at the overall picture reveals a bumpy transition between releases and a lack of direction. With the release of “Sound of Madness,” the band flaunts a new sense of confidence and purpose, revealing hope for its music to come.

Shinedown.com / Photos

Despite the band’s formation 12 years ago, until recently it gained little acknowledgement.

Having recently completed a tour with Disturbed, the support of the well-recognized band might merit Halestorm more attention than previously.

Halestorm’s self-titled debut just released at the end of last month. The band gives an entertaining live performance, but fails to inspire any lasting interest.

The highlight of its last stop in Indy was when the entire band lined up to play percussion, a whole three minutes out of the 20-minute performance.

disturbed1.com / Photo

DISTURBED

Also Featured:

Established:

SINCE OCTOBER

1997

Members:

SAVING ABEL

Dan Donegan (Guitars/Electronics), David Draiman (Vocals), John Moyer (Bass), Mike Wengren (Drums)

Established:

Recent singles:

2004

“Indestructible,” “Inside the Fire”

Members:

Scott Bartlett (Guitarist), Blake Dixon (Drums), Jason Null (Guitarist), Eric Taylor (Bassist), Jared Weeks (Vocals)

Recent singles:

“18 Days,” “Addicted”

Latest CD:

“Saving Abel”

The 411:

This new group has rapidly gained recognition in just five years. But the band fails to impress, falling into the muddled, undifferentiated quagmire that includes Buckcherry, Hinder, Theory of a Deadman and others. While the first two remain mildly original lyrically, the rise of bands like Saving Abel, who mimic sound and lyrics, has already grown tiresome. X103’s incessant repetitions of the Saving Abel’s hits suggest the band’s popularity regardless of originality.

Latest CD:

“Indestructible”

The 411:

As far as live performance goes, Disturbed always provides entertainment, pulsing its music through the speakers and into the veins of its captive listeners.

Frontman David Draiman hypnotizes through use of his arresting stage presence. Audience members fall under his spell, following his commands like a subconscious twitch. Away from the mike, he speaks meekly, calm in a Nirvana-like state. The stage ignites him and, as a result, his audience is captivated in the flames. Without such a powerful frontman, the band’s performance has the potential of being forgettable. Having well-established its standing in the current hard-rock mainstream, the band gets plenty of air-play on X103 and always makes a stop in Indy. The band has evolved well since their debut, “The Sickness.”

Established: 2005 M e mb e r s : B e n G r a h a m (Vocals), Luke Graham (Guitar), Audie Grantham (Drums), Josh Johnson (Bass) Recent singles: “Guilty” Latest CD: “This is My Heart”

PEOPLE IN PLANES Established: 2000 Members: Kris Blight (Bass), Gareth Jones (Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards), John Maloney (Drums), Pete Roberts (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Ian Russell (Keyboards) Recent singles: “Last Man Standing” Latest CD: “Beyond the Horizon”

Order your

2009 Carmel Greyhounds DVD today!

DVD One - Greyhound Memories Includes highlights of Homecoming (parade, trike race, football game, dance), Performing Arts events, Sports Highlights, Convos, Prom and more.

DVD Two - “Senior DVD” Includes Senior Class Day ceremony, Baccalaureate, and other Senior activities.

aa driving school

DVD Three - 2009 Commencement Ceremony Entire ceremony at Pepsi Coliseum. return form and payment to:

In BuSIneSS SInce 1945

CHTV Greyhound DVDs Carmel High School Attention: Mr. Hal Espey 520 East Main Street Carmel, IN 46032

Classroom • In-Car Instruction • Road Test uPcoMInG cLASSeS

July 13 - July 31 8-10 am, 10 am-12 pm, 1-3 pm, and 4-6 pm august 3 - august 21 august 24 - september 12 4-6 pm, 6-8 pm

www.indianadriving.com LocATIonS wilson office Plaza 949 Keystone way carmel, In 46032 (317) 844-5542

noblesville Square 593 westfield Road noblesville, In 46060 (317) 776-9916

DVDs will be mailed to your home during the summer of 2009

$25 for any one DVD ~ $45 for any two DVDs ~ $65 for all three DVDs

Quantity: _______ Greyhound Memories _______ Senior DVD _______ 2009 Commencement Ceremony _______ Total # of DVDs ordered _______ Total amount enclosed (Make check payable to Carmel High School)

Name _________________________________ Phone _______________ Street Address _____________________________________________ City, State, Zip _____________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________ Additional order forms available in Activities Office

ADS • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009 • PAGE B9

Pangea Expeditions • Backpack through Southern Indiana and enjoy campfires at night • Join us for a 2 day (Sat-Sun) or 3 day (Fri-Sun) weekend trip • Spend 5 days with us and hike the entire trail (Wed-Sun).

• Led by a wilderness guide, so no need for any previous experience (more advanced trips available) • All food and gear is included (except for clothing) • Transportation included from Indianapolis

www.pangea-expeditions.biz Book through the website or call us at (317)681-4384

SPECIALS 20% off for CHS students/staff on any trip booked by June 15th.

Use coupon code: “CarmelHighSchool” Refer a friend who books a trip: you receive $25 for the referral and your friend gets $25 off their trip!

Page B10 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Student Section

From Veg. to Veg.

Guest Columnist Erin Vollmer

Ex-lacto-ovo vegetarian switches over to vegan to save more animals , finds new lifestyle easier then expected

Mission trips provide more than average vacation

ARJUNA CAPULONG / PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

By Ellie Seta eseta@hilite.org

F

or almost his entire life junior Rahul Gattu has been a lacto-ovo vegetarian. But just recently, Gattu decided to take the next step in meat-free living by becoming a vegan. The only difference between the two is that lacto-ovo vegetarians do not eat any animal meat products and vegans do not eat or wear anything originating from an animal. While Gattu admits he is still just in the early stages of becoming a vegan, he said it has not been very hard.

“It is not that hard to adjust,” Gattu said. “You can always find things to eat at restaurants.”

Although many might question whether vegans get the proper nutrients without eating animal products, according to the GoVeg. com, vegans are often more healthy than those who aren’t. According to the American Dietetic Association and the World Health Organization, vegan diets provide all of the necessary nutrients needed in order to live a healthy life. In fact, the organizations said vegans are able to cut out a great amount of food that is very harmful to the body.

A c c o r d i n g t o G o Ve g . c o m , research has shown that the risk of developing heart disease among meat-eaters is 50 percent higher

than is the risk for vegetarians. Also, vegetarians have only 40 percent of the cancer rate of meat-eaters.

The consumption of meat and dairy products has also been conclusively linked with diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, clogged a r t e r i e s , o b e s i t y, a s t h m a a n d impotence. In addition, scientists have also found that vegetarians have stronger immune systems than their meat-eating friends, so they are less susceptible to everyday illnesses like the flu.

While Gattu admits he is not very concerned with the health benefits, he still said he is very strong in his beliefs about vegans and vegetarians.

“I don’t really worry about calcium and protein,” Gattu said. “But I do think it is healthier.”

According to Nathan Roberts, an employee at Good Earth Natural Food Company in Indianapolis, becoming a vegan or vegetarian is a great way to become healthier but only if the vegetarian does his research. Roberts said becoming a vegetarian is more about learning to be healthy, not just eliminating meat.

“It is great if you are (becoming a vegetarian) because you don’t want to eat meat, but it is more than that,” Roberts said. “A vegetarian could easily do just as much damage (to their health) by eating soy burgers and other processed foods.”

GoVeg.com said in order to be a healthy vegan a person must follow

a few guidelines. According to the Web site, a vegan must remember to eat a variety of “whole foods, ” such as, beets, nuts, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It also suggested avoiding eating foods high in trans fats. Taking a B12 vitamin supplement is also suggested.

According to the same Web site, the most important nutrients for vegetarians are iron, iodine, Omega 3-fatty acids, protein, calcium and Vitamin D. Gattu said that although he is now a vegan, he plans to transition slowly into his new vegan lifestyle.

He said he does not plan to get rid of his suede shoes or leather belt.

But from now on he will not buy animal products.

“I don’t want to waste (my animal products),” Gattu said. “I might as well use it if it is still good.”

While Gattu said the transition from a lacto-ovo vegetarian to a vegan has been easy, he said there are some aspects of his old life that he is going to miss. “The biggest thing is not being able to eat cheese,” Gattu said.

“So I can’t eat pizza anymore.”

Even though Gattu said he is not very health conscious, GoVeg. com said some of the best foods for vegetarians include avocados, orange fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, oatmeal, berries, lentils, soy and tomatoes. Despite his being a vegetarian his whole life, Gattu said he has never had the desire to eat meat.

“I just don’t see the point in killing an animal for food,” Gattu said.

And though most vegetarians and vegans are concerned about animal rights, Gattu said he does not consider himself to be an animal activist.

“I think it is a personal choice,” Gattu said. “I am not going to persuade them to live a certain way.”

Everybody Has a story According to the HiLite student name list, there were 4,199 students registered at CHS as of the first day of school. We plan to cover some of them randomly. This week, we feature number

3,868 For more information on our selection process, visit www.hilite.org

This summer I am planning on going on a mission trip to Ohio with my church, Carmel Lutheran. Over spring break last year I went on a mission trip with ten others to the Dominican Republic and it was the best experience and accomplishment of my life. My excitement flowed through my body as I boarded the plane, not knowing what to expect. We didn’t have a plan before going there; we just wanted to help however we could. While in the Dominican, we visited schools, churches, and villages that needed hope and excitement, but that is what they gave to us. One day we visited a Conani home where disabled children lived and I saw the dedication and love displayed by the workers there. It made me think about how many times I go to work because I have to, not because I want to, and it made me want to display joy in everything I do.

Before traveling, we all had worries about the language barrier due to the fact that only a couple of us could speak minimal Spanish and I was still taking Spanish II. This proved to not be an issue throughout the trip, but especially one day when I met a boy in a village we visited. In one house we were learning about a person who came to the village each week and worked with the kids on learning activities. I saw a boy sitting across from me and I started doing the hand jive and he started copying my moves. On the way out he grabbed my hand and stayed with me the entire day communicating through lion noises instead of speaking.

Another great factor that comes from a mission trip is the great relationships that are formed with others and yourself. During these trips, all usual distractions, including phones, a busy schedule, or nerves are taken away which gives a great opportunity to figure out who you truly are and expand on the person you want to be. Friends form deeper relationships due to the minimal distractions, amazing experiences, and not to mention the numerous inside jokes that are formed. My friends that went on the mission with me have stayed a great support group for me and we often have “reunions” to hang out together and share memories from the trip.

Throughout the trip I learned so many things about myself, others, and my relationship with God that I am thrilled to be going on one again this summer. I will be going with thirteen other teenagers and five adult guides to Ohio to help out immigrants and teach them basics of living in America. We will be staying at a church in Cleveland and having devotions every day to keep our faith strong. Our plans include a Vacation Bible School for the kids living there and other unplanned service activities during the afternoons. One day, we will go to Cedar Point to relax and have fun! I am not sure exactly what we will be doing, but I am sure I will get a life changing experience and a re-charge of faith and energy.

In the Dorm: Summer edition

Senior Cynthia “Cindy” Martin reveals decoration plans for her dorm next year. By Jade Schwarting

“

The Basics

“I think that dorm life, while potentially annoying and gross, is very important to starting college. Every person on your dorm floor has the potential to become your new best friend or worst enemy. The people you are surrounded by will affect the habits you develop now that you are on your own.”

Cynthia “Cindy” Martin

”

min Qiao / Photo illustration

College: IU-Bloomington Dorm: Collins Living-Learning Center Roommate: Johanna “Jowi” Estava I found out which of my friends were going to IU and then I asked the one who I was closest with. I figured I wouldn’t find another person that I’d actually get along with well so I snatched her up as quickly as I could.

In the Dorm: Fridge: To keep my food cold.

Microwave: So I can quickly heat up a meal if I’m low on time.

Air Conditioner: We haven’t purchased this yet but the room can get pretty hot in the beginning of the summer.

TV: To be entertained and to catch up on my favorite shows.

Play Station 2 and Super Nintendo: For entertainment when I’m not doing homework.

Laptop: This serves many purposes.

I can do my homework, listen to music and watch movies.

Bed linens, toiletries, clothes, warm blankets, fuzzy robe and sheets: I will bring these things from home to help me feel more comfortable in my dorm.

Basic school supplies: Obvious reasons.

Expectations: Sororities: Maybe; my mom did so I figure I should at least look into it. But if I don’t click with any of

the houses then I probably won’t.

College life: I’m hopefully going to get to know all the people on my dorm floor and become pretty good friends with all of them. Plus it’s a pretty social college so there will be a lot of parties and stuff to go to.

College v. High School: I usually just glance over my notes and stuff but I will definitely have to do some studying next year. You have to do the work and put in the time. You can’t just get away with being smart anymore. And the laundry will be hard for me to do as well.

Best part: The experience. You have to stand on your own two feet. You’re responsible for a lot more now. I’m also excited to see what I’m like in the world outside of my parents.

Perspectives • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page B11 staff perspective

Class Day offers unique opportunity for all students

O

n May 27, for the second year in a row, students here of the seniors, and thus allow the passing of the torch and the will have the chance to gather in a way that will almost changing of the ranks. The Class of 2010 will be understandably assuredly never happen again. Class Day marks the last excited about becoming the school’s top dogs, and the freshmen time, albeit one of the few times, that this particular student body should be especially pumped about not being freshmen anymore. can come together as a single unit. Cheesy, yes, but a great idea? It offers a chance for underclassmen to reflect on the passing Absolutely. And now that the school has had a year to work out all school year, the friendships they’ve made, the things they’ve the event’s kinks, students should let go of all cynical skepticism accomplished and how they’ve left their mark on an unbelievably large student body. That, in turn, should lead all the Hounds who and appreciate the day for what it really is.

For the seniors, Class Day has its obvious sentimental value. are coming back next fall to hope for the future, and set goals they hope to accomplish during the year. Finally, The ceremony offers the perfect opportunity it should get everyone eager for the approaching for a final farewell outside the classroom, summer, especially if there’s beautiful weather with emotions bolstered by the speeches and our stand like last May. senior song. Especially for those seniors who Students should Whether we realize it or not, we have all have come all the way up through Carmel Clay appreciate Class Day had the chance to attend one of the largest Schools, Class Day is the perfect send-off and a satisfying salute to all the memorable years for what it is - a unique and most accredited public high schools in the state, and we should embrace the opportunity to in the school system. opportunity to be enjoy some time outside of class as one massive Although an obvious reason to celebrate for together as a class for congregation. For us, public education is no seniors, Class Day is sometimes bemoaned by the last time and usher longer the classic Hoosier image of a tiny, rural underclassmen who view it as a pointless waste of time. However, if students focus on the event’s in the end of the year. school with no more than 100 students in each graduating class. As Greyhounds, we should one true meaning, they can almost certainly find the excitement in it. Class Day is a chance to look forward to what day look back on Class Day and remember how we packed one is to come in the future for all Greyhounds who will be returning of the finest football stadiums in the state with over 4,000 of our classmates and took one final day to celebrate the school year, to the halls of CHS next August.

The ceremony provides a chance for juniors to take the place the seniors, and the coming summer.

Contact information Mailing Address: 520 E. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: (317) 846-7721, Ext. 7143 Web site: www.hilite.org E-mail: Staff members of the HiLite may be contacted by using their first initial and their last name appending @hilite.org. For example, Amy Flis will receive mail sent to aflis@hilite.org.

Responding to the HiLite

Letters to the editor will be accepted for the Aug. 11 issue no later than July 30. Letters may be submitted in Room C147, placed in the mailbox of Jim Streisel, e-mailed to letters@hilite.org or mailed to school. All letters must be signed.

Names will be published. (Letters sent via e-mail will be taken to a student’s SRT for him to sign.)

Letters must not contain personal attacks against an individual and may be edited.

Purpose The HiLite is a student publication distributed to students, faculty and staff of Carmel High School, with a press run of 4,500. Copies are distributed to every school in the Carmel Clay district as well as the Chamber of Commerce, city hall and the Carmel Clay Public Library.

The paper serves as a public forum and two-way communication for both the school and the community. Opinions expressed in the newspaper are not necessarily those of CHS nor the Carmel Clay system faculty, staff or administration.

Credentials The HiLite belongs to the Indiana High School Press Association, Quill & Scroll and the National Scholastic Press Association.

Advertising Businesses may advertise in the HiLite if their ads adhere to guidelines. The advertising policy is available in Room C147 or at www.hilite.org.

graphic perspective

Editor in Chief Managing Editors Accountant Acumen 15 Minutes of Fame Ads Manager Artist Beats/Calendar Entertainment Feature Front Page Graphics News Perspectives Photography Sports

renny logan / art

Teens should not overexert themselves let it be by aili arnell While I was searching for a topic to discuss in an article in U.S. History the other day, I noticed a considerable amount of students beginning to doze off while our teacher was lecturing, myself included. It wasn’t because the topic was boring but was because the day before I had to work a five and a half hour shift after school. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job at Petland, but after a full day of school, that was a

little much. After class, I had to sprint down the trail to get to club soccer practice in time, and then after that, I had CDC soccer practice. I didn’t get home until about nine. It was just exhausting thinking about how much I had to accomplish by the end of the day. I realized at that point I had way too much on my plate. Between school, work and soccer, something had to give. I then came to the conclusion that the other people that were falling asleep were probably in the same boat. I saw an Ambassador, a rugby player and several other active people with their heads on their desks slowly drifting to sleep.

Young adults have way too much going on in their lives today. Of course,

school work is always supposed to be the number one priority, but in a world where the more extracurricular activities you have the better chance you have to get into the college you want, it is easy to get wrapped up in everything the CHS and Carmel community as a whole has to offer. As a freshman, I was on the freshman soccer team, in Key Club, Best Buddies, Invisible Children and in House. With soccer practice everyday after school as well as games throughout the week, it was hard to get all of my schoolwork done as well as participate in the other activities.

Since then, I have cut back on what I’m involved in, but I still struggle to gain free time. I have soccer three days a week, work 24 hours per week, and

school every weekday.

With the new establishment of the distinguished graduate program here, overachievers are spreading themselves extremely thin to appeal more to prestigious colleges. This new program rewards the quantity of activities the student is involved in rather than rewarding quality of activities. There has to be a change in the lives of teens today because not everyone has time to submerge themselves in a dozen or so activities.

Teenagers need to remember what they are-kids-and realize they’re only going to be young once and to use that to their advantage. Aili Arnell is a reporter for the HiLite. Contact her at aarnell@hilite.org.

Dogs lead to an increase in happiness and health band girl by shireen korkzan For 18 years I have been deprived of a childhood. I blame all of my problems in life on not having a dog.

I was always jealous of my cousins and friends who had one. Beseeching did nothing; my parents always said no because having one would ruin the furniture and rugs. I don’t think I’ve ever truly been happy, until recently when I finally persuaded my parents to let me get a cat. It’s not exactly a dog, but it was a start.

I immediately decided I would get some sort of Persian cat, including its off-breeds such as Himalayans (Mr. Jinx from

“Meet the Parents”, Sassy from “Homeward Bound”). No, this had nothing to do with heritage; I just prefer fluffy cats. I went with my mom to the Clinton County Humane Society in Frankfort on Apr. 13 to adopt the closest Persian cat to my house that was up for adoption. It wasn’t until we were there when we found out the cat wasn’t declawed, and my parents didn’t want to pay for any surgery.

We decided to browse through what animals were up for adoption since we felt we might as well make the most of our 40-minute drive.

And that’s when I met the perfect dog for me, a Basset hound who had just turned a year old. He was up to date on all his shots, completely housetrained and had just been neutered an hour before our visit.

There was no way I would leave the building until I persuaded both of

my parents to let me keep him. I think persuading my parents into letting me adopt a dog is my personal greatest accomplishment. We picked him up the next day after all the paperwork was complete. Of course, it was only appropriate for me to name my Basset hound Ears.

It didn’t take long for my parents to fall in love with Ears the same way I did at first sight.

He immediately fit right in, as if he was the corner piece of a family portrait puzzle. What we didn’t expect was how much healthier we would feel within a week of him being home. My stress has significantly lowered and I have never felt so happy in a long time.

My mother said her cholesterol and blood pressure have significantly dropped. My younger sister is never home enough to see our dog, but even my dad said

walking around the neighborhood with Ears every night has made exercising more enjoyable.

My family is not crazy when we make these claims, either.

According to a 2007 Queens University study, dog owners tend to have lower stress, blood pressure and cholesterol mainly because of the regular exercising required for keeping dogs healthy. Also, owners are happier and therefore want to exercise more because they enjoy spending time with their dogs.

All of this evidence fits perfectly with my family, and now health is trumping a pristine home.

As a renewed optimist, I vouch for everyone to get a dog if possible for health reasons if not happiness and pleasure. I have yet to regret it. Shireen Korkzan is a writing coach for the HiLite. Contact her at skorkzan@hilite.org.

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Page B12 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • 15 Minutes of Fame

EMPOWE(RED) Senior Ashley Elliott spends her vacations traveling around the world and helping those in need

By Tommy sneider tsneider@hilite.org How did you first get interested in mission trips?

I have gone to church forever so that, along with my family, got me interested. I started going to fundraisers such as walkathons, and I just decided that I wanted to get involved. They asked me to be a youth advisor, and so I went and have been involved ever since.

Where have you gone?

So far three times to Belize, but this summer I have other opportunities to go to some other places like Haiti. In the future I want to go to Africa and basically everywhere, so we’ll see.

o n a m i ss i o n :

What kinds of things have you gotten to do to help others?

Ashley Elliott (second from left) meets and plays with children on her multiple mission trips to Belize. Elliott has helped with flood damage of homes and taught some English classes as well.

When I went to Belize, we went to five different schools.

I’ve gotten to teach English classes to the people there and also helped paint and restore houses and other construction. One year, we also helped with flood damage since there were really bad floods, and I got to help lead a church service, so that was cool.

What kinds of feelings do you get after seeing what impact you have had on them?

Well, when you first see them and see that things aren’t good, it just tugs at your heart, and when you give a toy or something to the kids it just makes their days. It kind of makes you look at your world in a completely different way.

Tell me about your favorite experience on one of the trips.

We were doing flood relief, and we went to a family that was way out in the middle of the jungle. When we passed by their house, we couldn’t really tell it was a house, but we got to give them shoes and other things to help them, and they were always smiling. When we asked them why they were so happy even after what they had gone through, they said they were happy because other families had lost sons or other family members, but they all still had each other.

What is your least favorite part?

Coming home. It’s like a reverse culture shock. You have to realize you’ve changed as a person because of the experience, but others haven’t so that’s probably the hardest part.

To submit nominations for 15 Minutes of Fame, email Stephanie Hodgin at shodgin@hilite.org

What are you going to do now that you are a senior? Do you still plan to continue?

I’m still going to go to college at IU. I’m going to major in management while focusing on non-profit. This summer I might have an internship for an organization in Florida, and so I’d spend a month there and some time in Haiti to get a feel of both sides of the organization.

What other places do you think about going to in the future and why?

I have a heart for Central America because I’ve seen lots of things there, but I don’t want to limit myself because I’ll go wherever I get called to go.

How do you think you are making a difference in people’s lives?

I hope I’ve shown that there is compassion in all of us and that not everyone is stuck up and that there are people in the world that care.

What do you see as the most fulfilling part of going on these trips?

Probably that I have learned more about who I am and who I want to be.

If you could tell the world one thing what would it be?

The world’s a lot bigger than we think it is. We need to open our eyes to the needs of others and to not live in such a selfish lifestyle.

Ashley Elliott/ Submitted Photos

Students choose to study outside of the U.S. Interested in going

international?

Here are some Web sites to help you get started on your research

University Worldwide univ.cc University and College Search Track www.braintrack.com Association of American International College and Universities www.aaicu.org

by shireen korkzan skorkzan@hilite.org Senior Matthew Johnston was born in Brockville, Ontario and has lived in the United States for 13 years. But after his final year in an American high school he will return back to Canada to attend McGill University in Montreal, even though he was also accepted to Purdue, University of Minnesota and Drexel University in Pennsylvania. Johnston is one of few students to study across the border after high school.

“It’s cheaper to go to McGill and it has a strong engineering program with good connections,” Johnston said. “It’s the same reason why people go to Ivy League schools; McGill is one of the most selective and best schools in the country. Plus, its something new to try out.”

Johnston said he also applied to, but was rejected from, Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts and Princeton.

University of Waterloo in Ontario did not reply back to Johnston in time for the May 1 college committment deadline. He also said he does not care where he lives after college as long as he has a decent job, but he would prefer getting a job in Canada.

Although she was born in Indianapolis, senior Aoi Taniguchi said she is certain she will attend college in Japan, but won’t know where she is going for sure until less than a month after she takes the college entrance exams for the five or six schools she will apply to in October; tests are different for each college and major. Japanese colleges start in April. Taniguchi said she did not apply to any

colleges in the United States.

“I didn’t think about applying to Japan until last summer after visiting colleges there,” Taniguchi said. “I will be moving back to Japan a week after graduation to spend all summer and fall studying for the entrance exams. I won’t come back to the United States any time soon; it’s not easy to make this choice.”

Alejandra Adan, associate manager for marketing and communications for IB Americas, headquartered in New York, said she strongly recommends students to study overseas, but thinks students travel abroad for personal reasons.

“Some students who are from different countries and go to high school here will want to go back to their homes to study there,” Adan said. “Traveling abr oad would also be a challenge. I think some students choose to do this

to experience cultural emersion or language acquisition.”

As for Johnston, he said there would not be any problems with going to a college outside the United States. If anything, studying across the border will be more beneficial for students for various reasons.

“Don’t not consider going to a college overseas,” Johnston said.

“It’s not out of your price range; it’s cheaper than going to a school out of state and FAFSA generally works with schools outside the United States. Also, it’s university Everyone goes there to learn. Going overseas just gives you a head start to being independent.”

Whether or not students choose to study outside the country, every college offers some sort of learning process. The location of that university just makes the learning experience a little bit different.

Seniors 2009

Looking Ahead

PAGE C2 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009 • NAMES

In This Insert...

Post-graduation plans of members of the Senior Class

C2-C6

Senior profiles

Where Will We Be?

This list of senior names is a compilation of the post-graduation plans for the Class of ‘09. The HiLite staff made an effort to contact every student listed, but a few were not able to be reached

C7-C9

Senior columns

C10-C15

Senior Columnists Ariel Aisen Meher Ahmad Beth Brookie Cathy Chen Charlie Duncan Bennett Fuson Daniyal Habib Jon Haslam Stephanie Hodgin Shireen Korkzan Maria LaMagna Renny Logan Lexi Muir Faith Mwalwa Tommy Sneider Mallory St. Claire Brittani Wheeler Lily Zhao

Special Issue Dear Readers, This special insert is dedicated to the Senior Class as it was made by seniors for seniors to look back and especially to look ahead as we prepare to part ways. In this issue you will find the post-graduation plans of the seniors, a few senior spotlights, and the farewells from some of the seniors on staff.

The HiLite staff would like to thank you for your continued support and wishes the Class of ‘09 both congratulations and good luck.

Amy Flis Editor in Chief Cathy Chen Managing Editor Brittani Wheeler Managing Editor

A

Abel Ackermann Adams Agee Agee Ahdoot Ahmad Ahmed Aiad Aisen

David Evan Zachary Samuel Shannon Jacob Noor Samee Norman Ariel

Alarcon Albino Allaby Allen Amos Anderson Anderson Andreone Arcoleo Ardaiolo Avery Ayers

Andrea Nathalie Elizabeth Craig Hope Nicholas Kevin Christie Nicholas Eric Patrick John

IUPUI IU Butler Ball State Indiana Business College Ivy Tech University of Wisconsin IU University of Pennsylvania Washington University in St. Louis Ivy Tech IUPUI IU Purdue Indiana State Colorado Mountain College IU Purdue Ball State Franklin College Pursuing hockey career Ivy Tech

Baertschi Balyeat Baques Barmore Barnes Barnthouse Barragan Barrett Barrett Barrett Barsoum Bartrom Bates Beachy Beall Behrle Bell Bellis Benjamin Bennett Bennett Benson Berggren Bergman Bergstrom Berry Betzler Billig Bindner Black

Joseph Jacob Amy Kelly Joseph Caroline Sergio Tyler Sara Katlyn Mariam Andrew Brian Nathaniel Evan Lauren Jamison Patrick Abigail Joseph James Michael Amanda Richard Leanne Nicholas Joseph Andrew Kaitlyn Michael

Saint Mary’s College (CA) University of Colorado University of Pennsylvania Ball State IU IU University of Central Florida Ball State Purdue University of Colorado Ivy Tech Ivy Tech IU IU IU Purdue University of Phoenix University of Colorado Purdue Miami University of Ohio IU Xavier Purdue IU Purdue IUPUI US Marines Ball State Ball State Purdue

B-C

Statistical Breakdown of the Senior Class Post-Graduation Plans...

Blewett Blewitt Boaz Boley Bonanne Bondus Bonnett Bonnin Boone Booth Borcherding Borden Born Born Bosler Bourdage Bower Bowman Boyd Boyd Boylan Bredlau Brewis Brewis Broadbent Brokaw Brookie Brooks Brooks Brooks Brose Brown Brown Brown Brown

Brittany Erin Emily Ian Jillian Brian Julia Jessica Eric Melanie Kyle Amber Allison Erinn Matthew Aaron Jacob Samantha Fredrick Janea Patrick Brittany Samuel Rachel Zachary David Elizabeth Lauren Tyler Nicholas Chris Jaclyn Jenna Jennifer Kayleigh

Bruns Burcope Burget Burrell Bursaw Buschur

Hannah Emily Kaylee Thomas Kevin Joseph

Byam Byard Byl Byrne Cade Cain Callahan Cambron Cameron Cannady Cappucci Carlow Carlson Carpenter Carroll

Rachel Colin Emily Maggie Ingram Evan Jonathan Erica William Jennifer Natalie Jonathan Kevin Lauren Hilary

Ivy Tech Western Michigan Saint Mary’s College Ivy Tech Hofstra University University of Missouri IU Saint Mary’s College Trine University IU Concordia University Indiana Wesleyan University Midway College Midway College IU Purdue Ivy Tech IU Undecided Ivy Tech Ball State Indiana State Ivy Tech Ivy Tech Colorado Mountain College IU Purdue Ball State IU Ivy Tech University of Dayton IUPUI Purdue USI Darwish Dog Grooming School IUPUI IUPUI IU Carmel High School Purdue Southern Illinois University Ball State IU Purdue IU IU Ball State Ivy Tech Online classes Ball State Purdue Indiana State US Air Force IU Ball State IU

NAMES • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009 • PAGE C3 Carter Carter Cascione Casper Castillo Cates Cawley Champion Chandra Chang Chase Chen Chen Chen Cheng Chiasson Chiles Cho Choe Choi Chorvatova

IU IU IU IU IUPUI University of South Carolina Ball State Ball State Carnegie Mellon Purdue University of Minnesota Dartmouth College DePauw Purdue IU Purdue Ancilla College IU Purdue Dartmouth College University of Cape Town in South Africa Christie Joshua IU Chu Hoaithuong IU Cifizzari Kara USI Cimino Thomas Purdue Clark Ann Ball State Clark Erica Ball State Clark Joshua Work force Clements Chelsea IUPUI Clevenger Kasie Miami University of Ohio Clonts Tyler Art Institute of Indianapolis Cobb Tyler IUPUI Cochran Jesse Work force Cole Corey Vincennes University Coleman Harrison IU Colle Elizabeth IU Collins James Purdue Colson Ida Return to France Conner Reid DePauw Cook Adam Ball State Cook Hillary Ball State Cooper Nicholas University of Notre Dame Cornwell Taylor Samford University Cote Kristen Ball State Courbebaisse Bruno Return to France Courtney Patrick IU Cousins Alicia Washington University in St. Louis Crafts Trevor IU Cravens Joseph USI Crawford Richard Vincennes University Crowder Andrew Undecided Cruz Jaclyn College of DuPage Cummins Colin Herron School of Art and Design Cupp Jason Ball State Curdes Carrie Purdue Curnett Brian Purdue Cutshaw Kaitlin Ohio State

D-E Dabeca Daet Dale Dalton Davis Davis Decaudin

Andrew Bridgette Miranda Kelly Victor Tyler Joseph Jennifer Cavya Evelyn Ashley Cathy Thomas Franklin Michael Hannah llison Sarah Yerin Yon-Sue Dominika

Suad Cassandra Dane Claire Michael Logan Alixandra

186

Work force Arizona State University Purdue Ball State Ivy Tech Writing music Ivy Tech

students will attend IU

Dehnke Deibert Denner Detro Dettmer Dharan Dickey Ding Doge Donahue Donaldson Downing Dragon Drew Drummy Dube Dubinski Dugan Duncan Durbin Duvall Eagleson Ealy Ehrlich Eickhoff Elliott Elliott Elmore Endicott Eppley

Thomas Ian Amy Megan Jon Rohan Matthew Dennis Natsu Austin Sarah Ariel William Erin Michael Hitesh Pavel Jacob Charlie Craig Heather Samuel Gregory Jeremy Brandon Ashley Jackson Daniel Alyson Brogan

Erickson Ericson Estava Etzkorn Evancic Everitt

William Corey Johanna Ashley Tyler Kelsey

IU Ball State Marquette University Ohio State Ivy Tech University of Michigan Butler Purdue Return to Japan Purdue Ball State Ivy Tech IU Ball State Ball State Butler IUPUI Northland College IU University of Kentucky Art Institute of Indianapolis Purdue Indiana State Purdue University of Louisville IU IU US Marines University of Michigan Herron School of Art and Design Ball State USI IU University of Illinois Ball State University of Louisville

Fang Fathalla Fattah Faulkner Faust Fazzini Fearrin Fiala Fields Fields Fisher Fisher Fitzgerald Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick Fitzpatrick Flegal Fleming Flis Fogo Foote Foster Foxworth Frank Fraser Frederick Freytag Frick

Katherine Jasmine Joad Cory Allison Samantha Nicole Brooks Katherine Nicholas Connor James Amber Kyle Heather Brian Karyl Charles Amy Spencer Laura Samuel Stacy Griffin Megan Elizabeth Kurt Hanna

Case Western Reserve University Ball State Purdue IU Indiana State IU Concordia University Miami University of Ohio IU IU University of Maine USI Art Institute of Indianapolis Eastern Kentucky University IU Lee University Undecided Undecided Duke University University of Indianapolis Purdue Purdue Ball State Culinary Institute of America Purdue IU Purdue IUPUI

F-G-H

Friedlin Froemming Fruchey Frye Fuller Fuller Fuson Gadbury Galindez Gamble Garciaserra Gardner Garner Gastineau Gaylor Gelov Gerber Giesel Gill Gill Gillihan Ginder Givan Gladney Glascock Glaser Goen Goff Goldberg Golovin Gonzalez Gonzalez Goodwin Gordon Gorin Gospel Gould Grabert Grainda Granato Graverson Gray Grayson Greenberg Greene Grimes Groganz Gross Grover Gunnell Gutierrez Guyton Habib Hackett Hackman Hafer Hameed Hammes Hammond Han Hancock Hanni Harris Hartel Haslam Haslett Heck Hehner

Jill Daniel Corbin Jordan Jacquelyn Lauren Bennett Rebecca Angel Matthew Alyssa John Ryan Michael Jennifer Jessica Lena Henry Jennifer Lauren David Curtis Emily Kendra Victoria Samuel Corinne Stephen Michael Randall Karime Patrick Clifford James Eugene Michael Erica Erin Michael Bryan Tylee Matthew William Michael Taylor Caroline Leslie James Rebecca Victoria Emanuel Daniel Daniyal Stephanie Kristen Ayrien Fatimah Jessica Jaclyn Jane Kyla Kathleen Melissa Michael Jonathan Anthony Melanie Elizabeth

Rowan University Purdue IUPUI Undecided IUPUI Ivy Tech IU Undecided Hawaii Pacific University US Navy IU Ivy Tech IU Ball State Ball State University of Michigan Purdue Wabash College IU Undecided IU IU Ball State Undecided IU IU Butler U.S. Marines IU Rensselaer IUPUI USI Indiana State Wabash Valley College IUPUI Miami University of Ohio Middlebury Eastern Kentucky University IU University of Toledo Purdue Purdue Purdue American University-Washington D.C. Ivy Tech Ivy Tech IU IU-Kokomo IUPUI Undecided Carmel High School Montana State IUPUI Ball State IU IUPUI Swarthmore College Stanford University Work force MIT IUPUI Miami University of Ohio Purdue Purdue USI University of Chicago Hanover College Purdue

PAGE C4 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009 • NAMES Heil Heisel Helou Henderson Herman Hernandez Herrick Herron Hessong Heutele Hicks Hiland Hilgenberg Hill Hill Hinck Hirata Hirschinger Hodgin Hoffa Hogarth Hohlier Hollenback Holt Hon Hopkins Horton Hostetler Hourmozdi Hoyt Hrachovec Hua Huang Huber Huckstep Hudson Hudson Huff Hughes Hughey Hull Hull Humes Hunter Hunter

Christopher Eastern Kentucky University Patrick Purdue Joseph IU Eric Rose Hulman Christopher IUPUI Perla Ivy Tech Michael IU Corrie Ball State Audrey Purdue Eva University of Florida Grace IU Alexandra Purdue Michelle USI Katherine DePauw Bradley Internship Nicholas Kaye’s Beauty College Nobuaki Return to Japan Tyler US Air Force Stephanie Butler Jessica IU Sarah Michigan State University Michael Ball State Avery Indiana State Elizabeth Florida Institute of Technology Mary IU Alysa Franklin College Maxwell Armed Forces Jonathan IU Jonathan IU Andrew Vincennes University Michael Ivy Tech Yifan University of Pennsylvania Stephanie Rice University Bradley Ball State Trent Purdue Chad Ivy Tech Nolan IUPUI Lauren USI Anthony IU Joshua Rose Hulman Annika Chef’s Academy Craig Work force Nicholas IU Meghan IU Edward Work force

I-J-K Iacocca Iftikhar Ingall Ip Irvin Isenthal Iunghuhn Jackson Jamerson Jefferson Jenkins Jerome Johnson Johnson Johnson Johnson Johnson Johnston Jones Jones Jones

Meredith Mohammed Chelsea Nathan Desiree Jared John Austin Derek Niyyinnah Thomas Daniel Ryan Courtney Katherine Rachel Hannah Matthew Steven Corbin Jacob

103

Ball State IUPUI IU Rose Hulman IUPUI Butler Ivy Tech IU Purdue Ivy Tech Central Michigan University Back to Australia Ball State IU Purdue Reed College Vincennes University McGill University IU Ivy Tech Ivy Tech

Jones Alexander US Air Force Jordan Joshua Ohio State Jose Nislan IUPUI Joseph Joshua IU Joshi Sonaal Business college Juergensen Kaitlin Centre College Kaiser Christopher Purdue Kaminski Myra Ball State Kancs Iveta IU Kaneko Charles IUPUI-Fort Wayne Kanitra Matthew Purdue Karwoski Nolan Mount St. Joseph Kaur Sandeep IUPUI Kay Christian Ivy Tech Kearney Sean Purdue Keck Tara Ball State Keehan-Villegas Alexandra Undecided Kehoe Shelby Ball State Keller Kathleen Brigham Young University-Idaho Kelley Alyssa Art Institute of Indianapolis Kelley Grace IU Kelly Michael Undecided Kelner Joseph Xavier Kennelly Tricia Clemson Kerr David IU Kew Jacqueline Ball State Khan Suhail IUPUI Kim Na jin Case Western Reserve University Kim Brandon USI Kim Josephine IU Kim Yeonjin IU King Macie IUPUI Kinn Daniel IU Kinsey Lauren Herron School of Art Kirages Andrew Ball State Kiray Christine IU Kirk Philip Ball State Kirk Kevin Marion College Kirkpatrick Kaitlin Colorado College Klutzke Alexandria IU Knapp Elizabeth IUPUI Knollman Patrick Anderson University University of Northern Colorado Knott Aaron Koeske Jaclyn IU Koile Katie IUPUI Konrad Desiree Return to Germany Korkzan Shireen University of Missouri Kosoglov Jessica Purdue Kotelnikov Sergey Ivy Tech Kotowski Brett US Army Kovey Christopher IUPUI Kraft Matthew Arizona State Kramer Alexandra Purdue Kramer Amanda Work force Kramer Julia Return to Germany Kremer Michael IU Krontiris Hannah IU Kuhn Jared Purdue Kumar Navya IU

L-M-N Labin Lakin Lalka LaMagna Landis Landis Landry

students will attend Purdue

Ariella IU Steven Miami University of Ohio Evan IU Maria Northwestern Jacob Ivy Tech Elizabeth-Anne Purdue Nichole IU

Langdon Kurt IU Lannon Lily IU Larson Alexa IU Larson Matthew Purdue Lash James University of Cincinnati Lauer Caleb University of Missouri Lawrence Kelsey IU Leavitt Cameron Ivy Tech-Evansville Lederman Benjamin IU Leibold Adam IU Leichtnam McKenzie Vincennes University Lemons Shelby Principia College Lennon Ashley IUPUI Lenos Bradley IUPUI Lents Erin Ball State Lewis Marie Ball State Li Peter Northwestern Li Wenyao Purdue Li Yingxue Princeton Lieber Kristin IUPUI Light Joshua Undecided Lillie Ashley IU Lin Yen-Ting IU Lindsay Megan Carthage College Lloyd Kyle University of Evansville Lloyd Paige University of Pittsburgh Lloyd Christopher Military Logan Renny Ball State Lohman Douglas Ivy Tech London Taiyoh Pursue career in hockey Long Jarred Ball State Longest Molly Purdue Lopez Rodriguez Geuris Lowe Erin Ball State Lowe Connor IU Lowery Shawn Marian University of Indianapolis Loyda Isabelle IU Lu Betty Purdue Lucchetti Alyssa IU Lucich Elizabeth Xavier Ludwick Matthew Work force Luebcke Rachel Ball State Luebcke Rebecca Ball State Lukovic Amanda California State Luo Michael Emory University Luo Jade Harvard College Luzadder Weston Marian University Lynch Natalie Millikin University Maarouf Mohamad Ivy Tech Makio Jennifer Purdue Malik Faizan University of Southern California Mamach Lora Ivy Tech Mandell Mikayla University of Kentucky Mangano Christopher IU Manning Lorenzo Marion college and Work force Marko Kayla Indiana Wesleyan Marod Michael Ivy Tech Martin Kyle Indiana State Martin Cynthia IU Martin Paul IU Mascaro William Purdue Mason Logan SUNY Buffalo Mathes Patrick American Association Cosmetology School Matson Domenica Ball State Matters Anthony Butler Maurer Gabrielle Purdue Maydwell Keith Work force Mayer Ashley Ball State

NAMES • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009 • PAGE C5 McBane Kyle McCann Kevin McCanna Mackenzie McClain Jordan McClain Drew McClellan Melissa McCorquodale Alexander McCrory Jillian McCurdy Kayla McCurdy Kelly McFadden Elizabeth McFall Lauren McGhee Haley McGinity Tyler McHaffie Griffin McKary Mira McNutt Wesley McRoberts Luke McRoberts Lauren Meade Hannah Meador Hollyn Meadows Cassandra Medeiros Amy Meredith Stephanie Merritt Rebecca Mestetsky Michael Metzger Lauren Mewhinney Morgan Meyer Erin Meylor Kenneth Michel Brooks Midkiff Lauren Millar Kelli Miller Eric Miller Sydney Miller Haley Miller Danielle Miller Jennifer Miller Natalie Miller Jessica Miller Bat-el Milliken Samuel Minnick Bradley Mishelow Spencer Mitchell Elizabeth Moon Amanda Moore Stephen Moore Amanda Moralez Jesse Moriarty Andrew Morin Emily Morris Alex Morris Christian Morrisson Riley Morrow Aaron Morton Brian Morton Frances Moss Kenneth Mowery Anna Moyes Anne Muir Alexandra Mullin Ryan Mullins Emma Murphy Eric Murphy Patrick Murphy Heather Murt Jeffrey Musleh Elyas Musleh Kyle

85

Full Sail University Vincennes University Auburn University Ball State Undecided Ivy Tech Ivy Tech Purdue Purdue Purdue Ivy Tech Ball State Work force Work force and Traveling Franciscan University IUPUI IU Saint Joseph’s University of South Carolina IU Anderson University Vincennes University USI Undecided Ball State IUPUI Purdue Western Michigan Purdue IU University of Minnesota University of Iowa IU Ball State Claremont McKenna College Herron School of Art and Design Jacksonville State University Purdue St. Louis University SUNY Purchase University of Indianapolis Indiana State IU IUPUI University of Dayton IU Ball State Ivy Tech IU Undecided Purdue Butler IU Wittenburg University Ivy Tech Purdue University of Michigan Undecided IU Brigham Young University IU IUPUI Wittenberg University IU IU Purdue Valparaiso Undecided IU

Mwalwa Myers Myers Myers Na Nearpass Neary Neher Nelson Nelson Nettleton New Newton Nobis Noesges Norris Noto

Faith IUPUI Alexa IU Margaret IU Alexander University of Colorado-Boulder Daniel Undecided David Work force Kelly IU Kristen IU Christopher IU Kevin University of Minnesota Michael Undecided Megan Indiana Tech Morgan University of Kentucky Ryan Purdue Elizabeth IU Molly Ivy Tech Ellis US Army

Oberheide Oboukhov O’Connor O’Cull O’Cull Oliver Olvey

Nicholas Edouard Elizabeth Brady Justin Michael Isaac

O-P-R

Miami University of Ohio IUPUI Ball State Purdue Art Institute of Indianapolis Miami University of Ohio Rochester Institute of Technology O’Shaughnessy Kevin Ivy Tech O’Shaughnessy Patrick Work force O’Toole Reese Ball State Owens Alexis University of Tennessee Oyler Kathryn University of Kentucky Page Christian Ivy Tech Palecek Molly Ball State Paliza-Carre Sophia Stanford University Palma Blake IU Papay Nathan Indiana State Paramore Andrew Pace University Pareddy Anisha IU Paris Alexis Purdue Parkinson Samantha IU Parsley Michael US Navy Parsley Thomas US Navy Patterson Zoe Ball State Patterson William DePauw Pattyn Ryan DePauw Paul Laura Ivy Tech Payne Steven IU Peake Anthony Carmel High School Pearson Molly IU Pechiney Anthony College of Mount St. Joseph Pedersen Jeffrey Wabash College Holy Cross College at Notre Dame Pelton Katelyn Pennington Ashley Indiana Business College Perelmuter Jenny Purdue Perry Keisha IU Pesyna Derek Purdue Petersen John Purdue Petrovic William IU Petruzzi Erika Purdue Phan Kimberly Purdue Phelan Monica Ball State Phelps Jenna Art Institute of Indianapolis Phelps Jordan Ball State Phelps Jordan Ball State Phillips Devon Work force Phipps Catherine Centre College Pickard Chandler Work force

students will attend Ball State

Piedmonte Daniel DePauw University Pieper Eric Ivy Tech Pieper Kelly Ivy Tech Pierce Alexander Eastern Illinois University Pierce Ian IU Pittman Curtis Miami University of Ohio Pollack Joel Boston University Polley John-Michael Anderson University Ponticello Caroline Ivy Tech Poorman Bethany Indiana State Pourrahmani Milad IUPUI Price Jordyn USI Pruis Kirby IU Pruitt James University of Virginia Prusha Elizabeth Carmel High School Purnell Erin Colorado State University Purnell Jonathan IU Ramirez Christopher Boston Conservatory of Music Rans Karen Miami University of Ohio Ravenna Christiana Indiana State Ray Colin IUPUI Raymond David Marian University Reed Christopher Purdue Reed Brian Undecided Reeder Anthony Ball State Reidy John Purdue Reimann Alexandra IU Reist Elizabeth IU Renninger Megan IU Reuter Jaggar US Army Rhea Allison Saint Mary’s College Brigham Young University-Idaho Richards Landon Richards Alyssa Hope College Richter Erica IU Rickoff Jennalee IU Riemenschnitter Kelsey Undecided Riggle Benjamin Ivy Tech Riggs Mason Ivy Tech Rippe Joseph US Air Force Rizkalla James IU Robert Joseph IUPUI Roberts Mitchel Ball State Robin Mary Columbia College Robins Meridith University of Wisconsin Rogers Anita Ball State Rogers Ryan IU Rolsky Jordan IU Rosenberg Logan UNC-Chapel Hill Rothchild Arielle Indiana State Rubeiz Christine IU Rundle James Ball State Runyon Holly Work force Russell Halanna IUPUI

S-T-U-V Sacro Sadek Sakuraeda Salcedo Salz Sampson Sanders Sands Sasseman Saucedo Saunders Sawyer Schankerman

Erin Ghina Chiaki Luis Amanda Olivia Avery Jonathan Elizabeth Carmen Kyle Kailey Max

Purdue Earlham College IUPUI Lincoln Tech University of Alabama Vincennes University Purdue Columbia College-Chicago IU Ball State Butler Northland College IU

PAGE C6 • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009 • NAMES Scheetz Scheidler Schiess Schiffman Schiffmiller Schlobohm Schmidt Schmitt Schulz Schulze Schumm Schwartz Schwartz Scott Sculthorp Sells Seo Seo Settineri Settineri Shao Shapiro Sharkey Sharp Shaw Shaw Sheek Sheetz Shipley Shirley Shorr Shroyer Sigler Simpson Singleton Siriwardane Skertic Slaughter Sloat Smart Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smith Smyth Sneider Snellenberger Snelling Snyder Sobol Soto-Franco Sourwine Spahn Sparks Spelman Spoerle St. Claire Stamper Stapleton Steffen Stetson Stevens Stevens Stone Stouder Stratford

54

Derek Work force Rebecca Miami University of Ohio Maris Ball State Julia IU Jani Carmel High School Jessica Savannah College of Art and Design Kristine Ball State Eric USI Kristen University of Dayton Johanna Back to Germany Jonathan Ball State Barrett Clark University Tyler Ivy Tech John Purdue Corinne Ball State Andrew Ivy Tech Jenny Academy of Art Jeong-Hoon IU Anna Ball State Nicholas Purdue Hanzi IU Amanda Purdue Timothy Ivy Tech Elizabeth Asbury College Amberlee Anderson University Kevin US Marines Erin DePauw Jennifer Ohio State Emma IU Katherine Xavier Samuel Ball State Emily Ivy Tech Katherine IU Louis Andrews University Alexa University of Kentucky Jennifer IU Jacob University of Cincinnati Alysha Ivy Tech Megan Carmel High School Ryan Mountain State University Jarrett IU John IUPUI Allison Miami University of Ohio Nicholas Purdue Paris Purdue Steven Purdue David US Marines David Purdue Tommaso IU Jacob IUPUI Ellen Rose Hulman Zachary DePauw University Kirsten Taylor University Alberto Studying in Mexico Jennifer IUPUI Michael IU Danielle Purdue Casey Purdue Samuel Wabash College Mallory IU Racheal Mentors of Indianapolis Brigham Young University-Idaho Caitlin Christine Bowling Green State University Tyler Murray State University Spencer Ball State Carlye Purdue William Ivy Tech Matthew Sullivan University Troy DePauw University

students will attend IUPUI

Straub John IU Street Jennifer IU Strong Cheyanne IU Su Danshi IU Sullivan Keely NY Institute of Photography Sullivan Reid Undecided Sun James Duke University Surgoth Steven IU Sweeney Meghan Western Michigan University Swinehart John Playing hockey Swingler Colin Purdue Taniguchi Aoi Back to Japan Taylor Hannah Louisiana State University Teagardin John Purdue Teal Katherine Michigan State Tevis Joseph Indiana State Thao Leng Work force Thorburn Jordan Ivy Tech Thyen Alexander Purdue Tiberi Amy Saint Mary’s College Tilbury William IU Tillery Christopher Earlham College Tingley Jeffrey Ivy Tech Tiongson Beau Texas Christian University Tishner Paige Indiana Business College Todd Dylan IU Toman Samantha Eastern Kentucky University Toner Patrick Ball State Trancik Elizabeth Purdue Trefny Heather Ball State Troy Brendon IU Troyer Julie IU Truelove Charles Carmel High School Tuleja Brandon IU Turchan William IU Turner Sarah IU Ulerich Stephen Eastern Kentucky University Underwood Katherine Lipscomb University Unkefer Joshua Work force Urbanowich Ashley Ball State Utter Alexandra IU ValverdePaniaguaCarmen Purdue Van Dyke Stewart Work force van Hoose Elizabeth USI Van Natta Stephanie Ivy Tech Vandiver Bradley IU-Southeast Vasu Megan USI Vaughn Kayla Baylor University Vekovic Moira School of the Art Institute of Chicago Velde Jonathan Ivy Tech Vevang Daniel IU Vickery Madelyn IUPUI Villa Brooke Long Beach State Villanueva Jordan Miami University of Ohio Vitkin Lisa Ball State Von Ah Lance Purdue von Eiff Brian Carmel High School

W-X-Y-Z Wachholz Wagner Waldon Walker Walker Walsh Walter Wang

William Taylor Jonathan Kristen Jaimie Courtney Kiersten Kevin

IU DePauw Johnson & Wales University IU Fashion Institute of Technology Adrian College IU Northwestern

Wang Ware Warzniak Watermeier Watson Watts Weaver Webb Weeks Weghorst Weiger Weisenbach Weller Weprich Weselo Weyreter Wheeler Whitaker Widmer Wiegand Wignot Wiles Williams Williams Williams Williams Willis Wilson Winans Winters

Yi Tarleton Ryan Samuel Shea Matthew Dean James Curtis Phillip Trisha Peter Alexandria Leah Allison John Brittani Breana Adam Jill Michael Alexander Loren Frances Lindsay Ellen Lisa Timothy Zachary Sarah

Woeste Wojcik Wong Wood Wood Wright Wright Wright Wright Wroblewski Wu Wyant Wyman Xu Yang Yantis Ye Yeary Yeary Yin Yokhanis Yoon Yost Young Young Yung Zahedi Zalam Zayed Zervic Zhang Zhang Zhao Zheng Zhou Zier Zou

Nathaniel Brandon Chun Ting Alexandra Daniel Stephanie Kelly Emily Michael Jocelyn Shuwei John Elizabeth Cassie David Keirstin Michael Samuel Grace Duke Nataly Sejin Ryan Tiffany Cari Matthew Desiree Alaa-din Ahmad Michael Zhixiang Tianyi Lily Yiting You Jacob Jin De

Ivy Tech Vincennes-Indianapolis Miami University of Ohio Ball State U.S. Army Purdue DePauw Carmel High School Ivy Tech Carmel High School IU IU Elon University DePauw Ivy Tech Miami University of Ohio IU School of the Art Institute of Chicago IU Kent State University IUPUI Undecided Indiana State IU IU Vanderbilt University Ball State IU IUPUI Bluegrass Community College in Kentucky Ohio State IU Return to Hong Kong Indiana Wesleyan University Ivy Tech IU Purdue University of Evansville Wabash College Savannah College of Art and Design Rhode Island School of Design Purdue University of Indianapolis IU Harvard College Undecided Northwestern DePauw University of Evansville University of Southern California Ball State Purdue IUPUI Aveda Institute Cosmetology School Marian University Harvard College Ivy Tech Ball State IUPUI IU IU Purdue Emerson College University of Notre Dame Purdue Work force IUPUI

SENIOR PROFILE • THURSDAY, MAY 21, 2009 • PAGE C7

Students begin work after high school, face real world challenges

BY MALLORY ST. CLAIRE mstclaire@hilite.org Senior Haley McGhee has been styling hair since she was little and upon graduation from high school, will enter the work force as a cosmetologist styling hair.

“I will be making money but at the same time I will have more responsibilities because this is my career,” McGhee said.

Students who enter the workforce right after high school have additional freedoms and responsibilities that students who proceed into college don’t face. Along with the stress of having their own careers, students will be financially responsible for their futures.

To become a cosmetologist, students are required to participate in a state regulated course of 1500 hours, according to Cosmetology Instructor Chris Wilcox. Students here achieve accreditation through the J. Everett Light Career Center, where they leave school and learn the trade. According to counselor Rich Allen, five students from here will graduate the cosmetology program.

“You go to school five days a week, four hours a day for two years,” said McGhee.

McGhee learns basic hair styling at J. Everett Light, along with wig making and hair weaving, as well as nails and facials. For certification, students must pass practical state and written exams.

McGhee will be working directly after graduation from college, and hopes to live on her own after the summer.

“Usually you start out as someone’s assistant and work your way up to having your own booth, so you get the feel of how they run their salon and the products they use,” McGhee said. “They are training you even further.”

Wilcox said that students gain real world experience through their cosmetology classes.

“The students are prepared by teaching them what is actually being performed in salons today,” Wilcox said. “We have different corporations come in and teach. Some of the students begin working in salons during their time in cosmetology school.”

According to Wilcox, working directly after high school can be challenging and rewarding. Cosmetology, along with other careers at the J. Everett Light Center, requires maturity and focus.

Wilcox said that students who are immature will not continue their work when they realize the field can be stressful.

“This is a job that requires you to stand the majority of the time and stay focused,” Wilcox said. “You have to be able to go and find your clients to build your profession. You’re always being watched, so you have to remain positive and excited about the job you do.”

JINNY ZHANG / PHOTOS

TRICKS OF THE TRADE: Haley McGhee, J. Everett Light Career Center cosmetology student and senior, straightens classmate Zionsville High School senior Kaylun Staser’s hair. The students at the career center both take clients and practice on one another during their down time. The 11 senior cosmetology students planned to graduate May 13 after participating in the two year program.

”

”

I look forward to using my gifts to help others by providing them with the best possible healthcare.

Name:

Trent Huckstep Destination after high school:

Purdue Expected major: BRITTANI WHEELER / PHOTO ILUUSTRATON

Pre-Pharmacy

SENIOR PROFILE

Page C8 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Senior Profile

Senior Profile • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page C9

No More Child’s Play 8th Grade

Now that seniors must consider future professions, some have chosen to follow their childhood dreams

By Maria LaMagna mlamagna@hilite.org

G

12th Grade

Senior Profile

”

Chris Ramirez / Submitted Photos

When I was younger, I wanted to be an undercover clown cop becuase I thought cops were really cool and clowns make people laugh.

Name:

Steven Smith Destination after high school:

Purdue Expected major:

Engineering

rowing up, senior Chris Ramirez said he always enjoyed singing, acting and per forming. But he as far as using his talents professionally, he wasn’t yet convinced.

“I’d say I’ve loved performing kind of all my life,” he said. “I didn’t really realize that’s what I wanted to do as a career, though, until the end of freshman year.”

Ramirez said he gained confidence in his abilities gradually, realizing that he may have a future in the industry when he was given a role as a freshman in this school’s drama production “The Mandate.” After performing numerous times at this school and in local theatre, being a member of the Ambassadors show choir and also taking rigorous voice and dance lessons, Ramirez was accepted to the prestigious Boston Conservatory of Music to study musical theatre.

Through attending the conser vator y, Ramirez said he hopes to pursue his childhood love of performing. “Performing on Broadway is an experience I want the most,” he said.

“I’ve always loved stage acting.”

If and when Ramirez fulfills his dream, he will be in the minority of workers in the United States. According to the article “National ‘Dream Jobs’ Survey Reveals Four out of Five U.S. Workers Are Still Searching for Their Dream Jobs” from careerbuilder. com, about 84 percent of adults feel that they are not in the “dream” career they wanted as children.

Family and consumer science teacher DeAnn Shrewsbury helps students make this very transition, turning their childhood and current desires into realistic career choices.

She teaches a course called Orientation to Life and Careers, in which she said students learn about different types of careers and take online assessments to see for which jobs they have an aptitude.

Shrewsbury said she thinks teenagerss may want to pursue their dreams, but throughout their lives circumstances may change. “I think probably more kids than not would pursue their passion,” she said. “What happens after that, though, is not guaranteed…the majority (of students) will at least try to pursue their dream in college, but if they can’t find a job in that field, they may have to use their skills in another area (of work).”

“

Officer Dan Jent, who has been part of the police force at this school for six years, is in the minority of workers who fulfilled their childhood fantasy.

“I always played cops and robbers as a kid,” he said, “and I was always the cop.”

After high school, he said he entered the Air Force and became part of its police force. Then, he pursued his passion in various capacities including working as part of a SWAT team in Muncie for nine years and working with a K-9 bomb dog after 9/11. He said he was confident in his plan for the future from a young age and could not imagine himself in any other profession.

“My parents didn’t want me going out and getting hurt,” he said, “but I told them that if anything ever happened to me, they could at least know I was doing what I wanted.”

Though Ramirez wasn’t always as confident as Jent in pursuing his passion, he said support from his family and professional mentors allowed him to follow his dream. “My family has come to everything that I do,” he said. “They’ve invested money in voice lessons and dance lessons, and they’ve really always been there.”

At the Boston Conservatory, Ramirez said he hopes he will see his dream come true. Though the future is uncertain, he said his confidence comes from confidence in his abilities and optimism about the options that will be available.

Jent said that he greatly encourages students like Ramirez to follow their childhood dreams like he did. He even encourages his own young son to pursue his desire to help others through public service. “There isn’t a lot of money in this,” he said, “but the positive outweighs the negative. If (your dream) doesn’t work out, fall back on whatever else you have going for you,” he said, “but if you have a passion, you have to go for it.”

Childhood Dream Jobs By the Numbers 22 percent- Firefighter 17 percent- Princess 16 percent- Professional Dancer 14 percent- Cowboy 14 percent- President careerbuilder.com / Source

Internship aids seniors in exploring careers

W

By Brittani Wheeler bwheeler@hilite.org

hile many of the students here basked in the sun during July 2008, senior Annie Wu spent the month hard at work in a cancer research lab for an internship at IUPUI.

“I called IUPUI and said I was interested in an internship position, and they let me shadow for a couple of weeks. I studied in a professor’s lab. He particularly focused on gene therapy and I worked under a lab technician there,” Wu said.

Wu took it upon herself to find an internship, but this school offers a semester-long course to aid students in finding internships and exploring future career options.

Senior Navya Kumar enrolled in the internship class here and found it to be a good way to explore different fields because she is unsure of her career path.

“This class has introduced me to more options,” she said.

According to internship teacher, Stacie Fowler, this is one of the many purposes of the class. Fowler said that to narrow down the options, the first six weeks is based on personality and career tests.

During this in-class portion students also learn how to network, talk on the phone and interview. Students must make calls to local businesses using a classroom reference binder with contacts that have previously been part of the internship program.

“We have the whole spectrum of careers (explored in this program including) the medical field, accounting, business, teaching, cosmetology, public relations, scientists. We do just about anything that they are interested in,” Fowler said.

Kumar said, “I wouldn’t have had a lot of these contacts without the class and I wouldn’t have gone out and done this on my own.”

After making the contacts, students spend the second six weeks completing seven to eight job shadows in dif fer ent

careers they are interested in and some that are just for fun to explore the options. During the last six weeks students are required to stick with one area and serve a short-term internship during class time.

Kumar chose to intern with three local businesses: Hazeldell Pediatrics, City of Carmel and Physiotherapy Associates. At these businesses, Kumar shadows and completes tasks for the professionals.

“Most people are ver y willing (to have students intern) especially because if they are doing a job shadow it is just a one-time thing, and then if they do find out (the student) would like an internship, it’s free so they could kind of make the student do a project that they have wanted to get done and just observe. Most of the doctors are very willing to at least let the students just observe. You can’t do much Jinny Zhang / Photo (when interning with a doctor) but it still looks good on your resume that you went and have PEDIATRIC EXPLORATION: Senior Navya Kumar leaves her internship at Hazeldell gotten some experience viewing the surgeries and meeting with patients if the patients say it Pediatrics. Kumar plans to study at IU next school year and wants to leaver her options open. She plans to take the prerequesite classes for the MCAT exams in is okay,” Fowler said.

At Hazeldell Pediatrics Kumar said she case she decides to pursue medicine. shadowed her pediatrician and was able to visit the patients and observe. “We see a few regular checkups and a few sick patients mostly,” she said. Kumar Internship class was great said she really likes pediatrics, because it taught me how to and without this class, she would not have known how make contacts and get in touch great of a match it is for her. with them instead of waiting for “I don’t know what I am them to come to you. going to do yet, but it really helped me expand my options,” she said.

For both Kumar and Wu, their internships helped them to see how the Name: professionals work.

Wu said, “Just having Barrett Schwartz an internship helps Destination after you see what life is like beyond high school: school.”

”

”

Clark University

Expected major: Brittani wheeler / PHoto Illustration

Chemistry

Senior Profile

Page C10 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Columns

A Final Farewell from the HiLite seniors Senior advises against having the senior mentality Stephanie Hodgin

I am tired of high school. Just sick and tired of it. I’ve accomplished what I have set out to accomplish. I have reached the goals that I have set for myself, and now, I am ready to get out and explore a world without lockers, hall sweeps and assigned lunch periods. As I continue thinking about my only 10 days left until my high school career is over, I realize how lucky I am to be a senior. Think about it, seniors. While we have only 10 days until graduation, juniors have 375 days. Sophomores have 740 days, and freshman a staggering 1,106 days left. Ouch. So seniors, enjoy that two-digit-long (almost single digit!) number of days remaining, and for the juniors, who will be taking our places after we graduate, here is some advice on making it through your last year here: You will be seniors, and need to act the part. Nobody wants a senior class that doesn’t motivate the school to become involved in activities, or that doesn’t stand up or cheer during pep rallies. Always be the most cheerful class, the loudest class and the class that laughs the most. After all, time goes by faster when you’re having fun.

Stop stressing about relationships. It’s a typical senior problem that relationships are more difficult to form/keep together because of the almost inevitable geographical split. Don’t break up with someone if they decide to have different after-high school plans than you do. Same holds true with your friends. Just because you and your best friend are going to different colleges, for example, doesn’t mean that you should stop talking to “make things easier later.” That’s stupid, and a year of good times and laughs wasted.

Tr y not to get senioritis. Although it is highly contagious, keeping your grades up will solidify that the college who accepted you to begin with will keep you.

Don’t use senioritis as an excuse (too often).

No more drama! It drives me insane how much drama still lingers into the final weeks of senior year. Is it necessary to feud over something so insignificant that it is ruining a friendship? No. If there is someone who just drives you nuts and you just cannot stand him or her, there is a countdown started for you above. Only 375 days left.

Be proud of your future plans. If you are going to college, good for you. If you have decided college isn’t for you, good for you as well. Don’t criticize those that have different plans for you, and don’t consider yourself a failure if you are not Ivy-bound like some. Accept yourself and accept others.

Life lessons from high school Lexi Muir

High school is about taking chances, finding yourself and becoming the person you want to be. It’s also about growing as a human being and learning life lessons that will help you for the rest of your life. Through the tears, smiles and laughs of high school, I’ve learned some life lessons that I’ll take with me wherever I go. The biggest lesson of all, was learning that life doesn’t always work out as planned.

The life you thought you’d lead might turn out to be completely different than what actually works out. What you envisioned four years before may look completely different once you get there, and looking back may bring disbelief at who you once were. Your morals and beliefs may change dramatically due to yourself, your friends or a new faith in something you never knew existed. You may find strength where you least expected to find it, or where you once found strength may turn out to be just another stop on the road.

You may find yourself in a religion when you were once barely a believer, or you might become a nonbeliever when

you once found yourself in the belief.

Through four years in high school you may find your best friend to be someone you barely know, or someone you barely know might turn out to be your best friend. The place you once found comfort could turn out to be a place where you’re not yourself, and the friends that brought you into high school could turn out to be gone by the time you leave.

A falling out, a fight or a change of direction could bring you into a grudge you never thought you’d lose, but a simple act of chance could bring you right back where you began.

The “love of your life” may turn out to be just another boy, or just another boy may turn out to be the love of your life. The worry about a life alone may turn out to be for nothing after all, or the life alone may turn out to be better than you ever imagined. One person could bring you into a life you never knew existed, or one person could take you out of a life you never thought you’d miss.

The person you turned out to be may be exactly who you imagined, or he/she may turn out to be anything but what you expected. You may find yourself unable to recognize the face in the mirror, or you may be shocked to find that he/she is just what you always imagined. You may lose or find your morals along the way, or they may stick with you from the beginning through every single step.

Through my high school experience, I’ve learned that life, which doesn’t always work out as planned, always works out.

Individuality brings the best opportunities Daniyal Habib

We have all idolized a famous athlete, celebrity, musician or someone of the kind at one point in our lives. It would be ridiculous to claim that you haven’t. And although many, if not most, of us will never reach the level of fame such as a LeBron James, Will Smith or Dave Matthews, it is not just a pipedream to want to be like them.

The most practical, yet underutilized quote that I have ever heard is this: “Follow in the footsteps of those who are where you want to be in life.” Sounds pretty simple, right? If you want to be a millionaire businessman, then wouldn’t it be smart to study Bill Gates? If you’re trying to be as good a basketball player as possible, then it would be smart to study Michael Jordan. It doesn’t even have to be that large-scale.

If you want to be in better shape, then find someone who looks like you want to, and find out how they did it.

By no means am I telling you to conform. Au contraire, the most successful people in life are the ones who went against the grain, so we should follow them.

It sounds like an easy plan to me. I still don’t get, then,

why there are people who settle for the norm and live mediocre lives. Hopefully, no one aspires to be a middling employee at a faceless corporation.

We’re not per fect people, nor will we ever be.

Problems will come from the most remote corners of our lives, and we’ll have to work hard and do things we never wanted to or thought we would have to. We’ll have to come out of our comfort zones. Those who don’t will be the ones who are stuck in lives they never wanted or are not satisfied with.

I’m not trying to preach. I have not uttered the words “hard work” for about a semester now, unless there’s sarcasm in my voice. But as I’m off to college, and more importantly, as I realize that my childhood is over (scary, huh?), I realize that I need to kick it into gear.

Seniors, as we truly begin life, I hope that none of us falls into a life that we aren’t satisfied with. Fifteen years from now, I would hate to learn that any one of us had accepted a life of mediocrity; that some of us decided to settle for whatever hand life dealt us, instead of following those who are successful and going after a dream. I hope that each one of us finds satisfaction in whatever we pursue, small or large.

Most of all, I hope that each one of us grows and changes into the person we want to be. Material success may or may not come, but in the end, who you are as a person will be what you are remembered for. So follow your passions, don’t settle and most of all, be someone who you are happy to be.

Columns • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page C11

Involvement should be High school’s lessons for passion, not obligation “I’m seeking my salvation alone again, I never needed to be one of you anyway.”

- “Divide” by Disturbed

Renny Logan “Get Involved.” I’ve probably heard this mantra a million times, and yet every time it still warrants a smirk. There I sat, the last six weeks of my senior year, in the auditorium for the senior convo, and I had to listen to it again. Yeah, sure, I’ll get right on that.

It doesn’t seem to matter how much I disagree; everyone expects it. You go to high school, you get involved.

That’s the established order.

If you don’t do it, you’ll regret it. In 10 years, I sure hope that I’ll have plenty more going on so that the last thing on my mind is, “Gee, that post-prom thing? If I had gone to that, anything that went wrong since probably would have been OK.” I’m pretty sure that not being on a sports team, not belonging to a club or not going to a single event will not haunt me for all the days to come. Trust me, I’m not that petty and I’ll get over it.

But I’ll admit, maybe for a second or two, the “allknowing” crowd surrounding me, chanting “get involved, get involved” had me. I could meet new people, put it on

scholarship and college apps.

Then I remembered: I’m my own person, I do things on my own terms and being “involved” isn’t one of them.

My personal motto, true though it may be, was mostly a weak attempt at being profound and fighting back.

Anyway, here I go: “I’m not an outcast; I’m a loner.” I’m not alone because there’s no alternative. There is. I could get involved. I’m fully capable of doing so, but I’ve chosen to be a lone wolf. That’s the way I like it. Laugh if you want, but that’s the point.

My peers have made fun of me since the start of my career in the educational system. Here’s the thing: I never wanted anyone or anything regardless.

Back in the day, I endured criticisms on the basis of donning band T-shirts like Good Charlotte. As far as it concerned me, I wore the band’s shirts not for the approval of my peers but out of my own genuine enjoyment of the band’s music.

Too often, my peers get hung up on appearances and the clubs people associate

Bridging the Gap High school is nothing, but a simple stepping stone; a small foundation that is used to help maintain a sense a balance for limited amounts of time. It’s an unmistakable base that helps bridge one enormous gap. A gap so wide and so long that without it, you’d question whether or

not, it’s worth it to try and cross. It’s an incredible risk; one that takes unimaginable trust, confidence and determination. However, over the past few years I’ve realized that the simple stepping stone is a test of faith.

Faith can most easily be defined as putting complete

with. Involvement should arise out of vested interests on behalf of the individual, not because of the group’s prestige, the reputations of its members or for the sake of membership.

I don’t feel passionate about any one thing because someone else says I should.

I don’t make friends with people because of the qualities of myself I see reflected in them, out of necessity or for self-validation. Furthermore, the activities I enjoy are not for the sake of being involved but for the mere fact that I take pleasure in them.

I don’t volunteer. I’m still unsure what “leadership experience” has to do with anything. And, most of all, I’m not sorry. At least I can say I didn’t do those things because I was told they would benefit me. I never acted for the sake of prestige, and I never studied for the sake of a grade.

In place of doing those things, I spent my high school years doing something I won’t have time for later in life: Figuring myself out. I didn’t have to get involved or “take with me what I leave behind.” I’m walking out of these high school doors knowing I have become a well-adjusted, self-sufficient adult ready to withstand challenges that come my way, criticism included.

trust in something or someone else. Many times that trust is put towards the unknown. To live by faith, is to live without certainty.

It’s impossible to predict the next stage, the next step or even the next breath. Instead of guessing where your next step will lead you, live in the moment. I’ve realized that when I stare at the path before me, and begin predicting which way I’ll go, I’m missing moments of my life I will never get back. I’m passing up valuable lessons I may never learn; Lessons of love, friendship and most

and at the top of my soccer career when during the first 10 minutes of SemiMaria LaMagna state I tore my ACL. We lost the game and I missed the essential junior year of recruiting. After a painful year of daily rehabilitation and faltering faith, then a Adolescence is often characterized by week of three-a-day workouts in 90 degree instability and confusion. But surprisingly, weather, I sat on stone steps and listened to when I began high school in 2005, I was the assistant coach at Yale tell me that it just already confident in my convictions. Or wasn’t going to work out anymore. He said so I thought. I’ve changed in some ways he could help me get in somewhere else, and definitely learned a few things along but surprisingly the other schools weren’t the way; they’re a few basic truths that I interested in a battered ex-starter either. Plus knew, challenged, and then believed with the surgery and what I self-diagnose as slight my whole heart. Among them: depression caused my grades to nose dive.

Friends are important. When I entered All the hard work for nothing, right? Wrong. high school, I told my family I didn’t care In the past month it has become clear. Deep if I made a single friend. I planned to be down, I didn’t want to play college soccer the reality show contestant who says, “I’m anyway. I was still accepted to some excellent not here to make friends. I’m here to schools, though none of them are part of win.” Basically, I didn’t want a social life that certain…League. Then, when visiting to get in the way of my goals. Problem: Northwestern, students kept saying exactly reality shows last a few months; they don’t what I wanted to hear. I recognized some of last four years. Success in high school my personal qualities in them, and it’s one of and socializing don’t have to be mutually the best schools for what I’ve always wanted exclusive. In fact, the more friends I had, to study but was too afraid to try. the more comfortable I felt, and the better Also, ask for help. Some of the best advice I did both in academics and on the soccer I ever received about colleges, dating, classes, field. Plus, I can say confidently from both stress and teachers came not from sitting in personal and Greyhound Connections the counselor’s office, but in SRT. Talk to experience, friends expose you to new people around you and ask upperclassmen for activities and events and give you the suggestions. You won’t regret it. confidence to succeed here. With that I wish I could write about all the other being said, when my college acceptance helpful tidbits I’ve gleaned over four years, letters came, along with a few rejections, but that would require many more columns.

I wasn’t wishing I’d spent more nights I do want to say a quick thank you to Mr. hanging out in someone’s basement. It’s Mendoza, Mr. Pata, Mr. Streisel, Miss Borto all about the balance. and most importantly, Mr. Stuelpe for all Work HARD because ever ything that you have done for me. To my family: happens for a reason. I know it sounds thanks for putting up with me. I hope you clichéd but hear me out: During my know how much I love you all. And to junior year I became an extreme pessimist my friends: I really couldn’t have survived because ever ything I planned went without you. I will never forget the times horribly wrong. I was headed toward my we’ve had together. Thanks for an eventful dream school with nearly perfect grades four years.

importantly lessons of faith.

The majority of my learning here has not come from the classroom. In fact, in the grand scheme of things, what’s taught in the classroom is relatively unimportant. Life lessons will not be discovered in AP Biology, but instead are discovered with other students who share the same “stepping stone” as you. The way the system is set up is that if you struggle in the classroom you’re considered a failure, when in reality you may be the most knowledgeable person in the school. It’s hard to find balance between

what’s learned in class and what’s learned outside of it, but once you do the result is breathtaking.

After four years of school, I’ve reached the end of my rope. I’ve crossed the gap, with surprising ease and every step of the way, I learned something new; I learned both lessons that will last a lifetime and those I will forget tomorrow. However what I do know is I will continue to walk by faith everyday. I’m preparing my giant leap, to move on past the stepping stone. Now the only question is, what path do I take?

Jon Haslam

Page C12 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Columns

No need for senior sadness Mallory St. claire

I recently had a conversation with a really old friend who attends a magnet school in Virginia. This is the type of school that sends kids to the Ivy Leagues - she had to test into the school when she was in eighth grade, she’s constantly loaded down with AP science and math courses and her boyfriend is going to Princeton. The rigor of getting into the Ivy Leagues was predominant, and she applied to high-ranking schools across the nation.

Unfortunately, my friend is stuck in a situation where she had been accepted by her dream school – Georgetown – but couldn’t afford it. She’s instead forced to go to “the back-up school,” which is University of Virginia. This is the school she never wanted to go to in the first place; a certain disappointment over the way her high school career panned out has settled over her. She describes her boyfriend attending Princeton as “salt in the wound.”

First of all, I told her, University of Virginia isn’t exactly a backwater school. Its business school is constantly neck-andneck with Wharton, the long-standing top-ranked business school in the nation. If I had applied to the University of Virginia, I most certainly would’ve gotten rejected.

But my friend is still stuck with “this sadness,” that her path didn’t go exactly as she had drawn it out.

I think her situation is applicable to many students here, students who gear their entire high school careers around getting into a particular school. When their school doesn’t come through, for financial reasons or whatnot, what happens? End of the world? They’ll never ever be happy in any other place?

I recognize that it’s essential for students to have that goal of a dream college to help them strive to high school success.

But it’s equally as important to be flexible and open to other choices if something doesn’t work out in their planning.

The root of the concept is that half of going to college is the learning and training, and the other half is the college experience: the experience of living on your own, meeting a variety of new people, expanding your bubble and maturing as a person. The college experience will be the same wherever you go.

Students change their minds all the time – about 50 percent of students who declare majors in college end up changing their majors, according to msnbc.com. If students are able to change their minds in college, it’s equally likely that students are going to change their minds about college.

There is a need for students not to downgrade their expectations but to be flexible to other choices. The college that students usually work and sweat for sometimes don’t turn out to be their dream school. The alternative school may end up being the best fit; either way, the college experience will be the time of their lives.

High school not all academics, activities My best day in high school was when a llama walked into the band room my freshman year.

Notice that I didn’t mention winning the Grand National Championship for marching band in 2005 or getting my first story published in the HiLite. Looking back on what I have done in four years, I have come to realize that high school as a whole is not fun at all. Frankly, it bored me. Home football and basketball games made me yawn. Homecoming never seemed eventful. Prom was not worth the outrageous cost, and most of my classes made me not want to take academic subjects ever again, let alone go to college; however, my overall experience in high school can still be considered positive. It just doesn’t involve teachers teaching or students learning.

Most former 8th grade students spend the summer before their freshman year anticipating new liberties that were never given in middle school. I was in that majority.

I wanted high school to come now, not in ten weeks. I dreamed of learning in an honors and AP environment, of performing overseas with the marching band, of becoming editor-in-chief of the HiLite. None of that happened. I never took an honors or AP class, I couldn’t afford going

Shireen Korkzan

to Hawaii when the Marching Greyhounds went and my newspaper adviser had other plans for me as an editor. When I tell these scenarios to friends, they tell me in return that I had a horrible experience in high school and that I should say negative things about it. But I can’t say anything bad because none of these scenarios mean anything at this point.

I can always apply for the Honors College my sophomore year. I spent all of my junior year working at Subway and McAlister’s Deli and saved up enough money to meet my relatives in Iran next summer. And after seeing the process in creating a new issue of the HiLite, I’ll settle for being a Writing Coach any day.

What the future cannot bring for me, however, is a llama walking into a band room. This is something that can only happen in Carmel High School, as was making Mr. Bardos livid simply by saying Keith Olbermann. I think that name is taboo in the social studies department.

These are experiences that will never cross my path again, the ones that occurred on days that weren’t considered special or educational. None of my friends or myself learned anything on these days, but we enjoyed ourselves, and that’s what high school should be all about. There is nothing enjoyable about sitting in classrooms all day and learning whatever is required to meet the Core-40 criteria minimum. Extracurricular activities eventually turn into required labor instead of pleasure. Random incidences are what make high school bearable, and usually are what make it worth the four years.

Call me crazy, but I still don’t see what’s so great about winning awards or getting 5s on AP exams. Besides, llamas are way cooler.

Cynicism not sign of maturity Cathy Chen

In the last four years, I’ve learned to become skeptical of the media that feeds us our information, lost a twoyear relationship that I was convinced would last longer and discovered that most beauty products don’t work as advertised. I overanalyze newspaper articles to decipher whether the reporter has a hidden agenda, I find it hard to believe people without analyzing their intentions or at least their potential to rescind their words and I certainly try far fewer products now than when I first discovered the wonderful world of Sephora. Basically, it’s harder to believe in good, happy, rainbows-and-hearts type of things, and it’s easier to make negative generalities.

I think it’s fair to say that time just naturally makes people more cynical as more life experiences pile on, but cynicism is by no means equivalent to maturity. In fact, choosing cynicism is a cop-out. It’s admitting defeat and then giving up.

After going through any type of negative experience, you naturally would want to protect yourself so you won’t have to feel the pain and disappointment again. Maybe you tell yourself you’re being smart. I call it being optimistically pessimistic, at which I am an expert. If you let yourself believe the worst, or at least not the best, then you are less likely to be disappointed if things don’t turn out well.

For example, I really wanted the extra $7,000 from the financial aid office that would make Dartmouth affordable for me, so I told myself they wouldn’t give it to me. I really wanted a car for my 16th birthday, so I told myself I wouldn’t get it. I really wanted that guy to ask me out, so I told myself he wouldn’t.

It’s almost easier, in a way, to let yourself down easy before anything happens. But that’s a cop-out. Why not hope? Why do we give up before anything even starts to happen?

Exercising optimistic pessimism may be okay when dealing with relatively unimportant things, like a car or a date, but it can easily translate to other matters, such as believing that you can make a difference or that people can be trusted. And that can be dangerous. If you can’t even tell yourself “I can” (à la The Little Engine That Could), what makes you think anything is possible for you? It’s such an elementary lesson that too many of us never learned, or else we forgot it later on when cynicism reared its head.

As we enter the world, we can’t just give up before we start. We can’t let a few bad experiences make us lose faith in people. If we can’t learn to hope and believe anymore, then what’s the point of anything? What’s the point of taking a risk, of making an effort, of sacrificing blood, sweat and tears? Isn’t it just probably going to fail?

Instead of having that mentality, we need to go against the grain and believe in ourselves and in each other. We need to believe that no matter what has happened in the past or how bleak the future looks, there is hope. We can make a difference. How else has anyone made an impact?

How else will we change the world?

Columns • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page C13

What worked for me could for you Beth Brookie

Sitting down to write a column that summarizes and reflects on my entire high school career is actually quite a daunting task because, honestly, I have no words of wisdom worthy of publishing. I’ve spent the entire past year focusing on nothing but getting out (with hindsight, that’s probably not the best attitude to have – there’s a gem for you underclassmen) so any good advice I might have once had has gotten lost along the way. I could spew out some of our favorite CHS clichés – “You only take with you what you leave behind,” “Live your life to the fullest,” etc – but you’ll probably see those sprinkled among these pages several times anyway. So instead, I’m simply going to reminisce on a few of the better decisions I’ve made these past four years.

Translation: freshmen, you must do these.

1. Joining the HiLite staff – This is where I give a cheesy shout-out to my big bro Scott, a HiLite alum, for letting me copycat his extracurriculars. I was too stupid in middle school to realize what my own interests were, so I stole his and joined the Clay Classic newspaper staff. I somehow managed to learn a little bit about journalism and win myself some awards, and so I continued on to four years on the HiLite. There is no question that I have met some of the most interesting and insightful people and made some of my closest friends along the way; my memories of the back table in C147 will never fade.

2. Participating in Dance Marathon – I know, it’s annoying to push charity events like this, but you’re definitely missing out if you haven’t gone. I went my first time sophomore year, and there is nothing I love more than making a fool of myself and dancing nonstop for hours on end. I was also fortunate enough to be on Morale this past year, something everyone should try to do, and I just want to once again say thank you to everyone in that group for making it so ridiculous. A few choice words for those people: Houdini.

Driving backwards. Flight attendant. In all seriousness, though, it is a life-changing event and you should truly take part.

3. Not getting sucked into the “higH sChOoL!!!1!” vortex – Oops, my cynicism is showing. I think one of the main reasons I enjoyed high school so much was because I realized early on that I didn’t have to flip my blonde hair and don Hollister boo-tay shorts to “fit in.” There’s much more to life than chillin’ with the “in” crowd, and I’m glad I found more worthwhile things to do than party with fools every weekend. Pick your friends based on their quality of life, or in my case, the extent of embarrassing and stupid things they’re willing to do to entertain you.

Obviously there are many more astute and important things I could say, but I’m not going to. You need to learn them yourself. That is what high school is all about, right?

So I’ll leave you with this: Underclassmen, try really hard not to take everything so seriously. Seniors, have a killer time next year. In the wise words of my mother, have fun, be safe and make good choices. And for those of you who know me best, a closing remark: What’s that floating in the water?

Did not account for this Senior Charlie Duncan

Mr. Kenneth Knowles, former Biblical Literature teacher, told my ATR that we should “make your avocation, your vocation.”

That is what he did, teaching what he enjoyed and was passionate about for over thirty years. I have huge respect for people who do what they love and love what they do. Finding a passion is one thing, but to have that be your career, as in this is what you will be doing for the rest of your life (or until you retire), is a whole other animal.

So that year I was taking accounting and I tamed that animal.

Since then, I have had the privilege of taking two years of accounting, being the accountant for the HiLite and even having a job as a part-time accountant. I know what you’re thinking and yes, I am aware of my obsession. I enjoy it so much, I cannot imagine my life without it.

For some, they already know where they want to go and what they want to do. Others might not be as fortunate, but do not fret.

Your time will come. Stay open-minded, never rule out anything and do not give up on your dreams.

Going into freshman year, I wanted to write for the HiLite. But, after realizing that did not interest me, I decided to pass on applying for staff. I thought my goal was over. I was wrong. Right now,

you are reading my first and last article in the HiLite. Thank you for reading this.

After four years at Carmel High School, I have some people I would like to thank for all their help. I’d like to thank two teachers, Mrs. Noel and Mrs. Litzelman. Thank you both for teaching me everything I know and thanks for being such great teachers. I don’t think accounting or Japanese would be the same. I also want to thank Mr. Streisel for giving me an opportunity to continue my passion on the HiLite staff. It was a great experience to work with the staff and now I know why the HiLite is consistently rated one of the best. Finally, I want to thank you, the student body. I enjoyed going to class everyday with everyone.

It will be tough to go separate ways, but that’s the way it has to be. Fate works in mysterious ways. How else are we supposed to meet people we enjoy being with and care about, only to leave them later? Before we depart on different paths, I would like to say how much I enjoyed getting to know ever yone and how much I will miss you. Since my words cannot do justice, I will borrow the words of Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cr y because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

So remember this: find the joy in life and never let it go. It may take patience to find it, but the journey is definitely worth the outcome. Thanks for the memories, Greyhounds, I wish you all the best.

advice

Bennett Fuson

So here we are.

Before I begin, I wish to make a few thanks; to my parents, who have always supported me and pushed me to excellence, even when I fought back; to Lexi, the love of my life; to Mr. Streisel, who gave me a passion for journalism; and to all my teachers, who instilled in me a thirst for knowledge.

I remember opening the HiLite and reading the senior columns four years ago, right after I was accepted on to staff. I remember reading funny, anecdotal accounts of the class of 2006’s high school tenure and deciding that in four years, when I was a senior, I would be the proud author of one of these columns.

Since then, I’ve grown up (slightly). I’ve had great times these past four years, and while I’d certainly love to share them, I’ve only got space for one more story, and that’s not what I wish to share.

Two things have marked the past four years for me: HiLite and football. Those may seem like polar opposites, but consider this: Our football team is one of the most regarded and feared teams in the state, while the HiLite has won many awards. The prestige remains for both, and I was fortunate to be part of both. Yet while I’ve cherished each moment of HiLite, I always felt out of place on the field.

From the outside, life on the football team looks fantastic, and to a certain point, it was.

Running out of the helmet, wearing the royal blue jerseys to school, singing the fight song after a hard-earned victory; I wouldn’t trade those for anything. But behind the prestige lies

an organization completely devoted to itself.

There’s certainly no problem with that; this community unites around the school, and the football team is one facet of that. But there was an unspoken yet understood rule that if you weren’t devoted completely to the team, you did not belong. This singular focus to the team polarized me against most of my teammates, and even now, months after we all hung up our jerseys for the last time, I think we mutually agree that there was no love lost between us.

On the other hand, life on the HiLite staff could not have been any more different. On my first day on staff my sophomore year, I was immediately accepted and mentored by the seniors and juniors. Since then, I’ve made a lot of great friends and kept close contacts, even when some have moved on to college.

I also got a considerable amount of tutelage and practice on the art of journalism, honing skills that got me accepted to one of the most prestigious college journalism programs in the country. Most importantly was that every staff member is involved in some other group, creating a widely diverse, open community.

See the differences?

I leave with few regrets, but I do want to drive home one point, especially to freshmen who have decided who they want to be. Here it is: whoever you choose to be, and whatever you choose to do, make sure you love doing that thing, and if you don’t, leave it behind.

Life’s too short to be involved with something that you don’t truly love.

Thanks, Carmel, for the past four years, and for the memories.

Page C14 • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Columns

Time here ends sooner than anticipated Lily Zhao

Exactly 10 days from now, I can imagine the all-important cry-fest that will start. One friend will break down and cry, while all the others follow suit, kind of like a domino effect.

I’m really bracing myself for that day, when I know that I’m officially an adult, free to do as I please; however, I’m not ready to let go. Writing a column that encompasses four years’ worth of memories is hard—that’s 1460 days of high school that I would have to remember, mind you.

Let’s see, I could talk about how all the interesting things that I got to experience in high school, like travel to various news stations around town, like WTHR Channel 13,

WISHTV Channel 8 and FOX59, to meet their main news and sports anchors, or meet a bunch of Pacers and Colts players who happened to come by for ice cream. I could even describe all the elation I felt watching the Florida Gators, Indianapolis Colts and Boston Celtics all win National Championships or I could even talk about the heart-racing time when I bumped into Kiefer Sutherland, Sienna Miller and Sarah Jessica Parker all in one week, but I don’t think everyone wants to read about my life story, detail by detail.

Or I could write one of those columns where I thank all the people who have helped me get to where I am today, for better or for worse. I would obviously start with my parents, who have by far influenced me the most. They have worked like crazy to help fund my undergraduate education at a private school, and I’ll forever be thankful. I would also thank my sister, for putting up with my mood swings for four years. But that type of goodbye column has been written before too.

I could talk about all the fun times I had with my closest

friends and, boy, do I have lot of memories there. The best times I had with my best friend was during Driver’s Ed when my she popped the tire of the car the very first day of our driving lesson, or when we attempted to share a tiny umbrella when it was pouring down rain—I ended up drenching wet while she was as dry as can be. I even remember the time my friends and I invaded Panera Bread in order to do a history project. All 50 of those hours went to good use, but we were a little stir crazy after that.

But in the end, I would like to impart the little bit of advice that I can give: Make sure to take advantage of your time here at school because it goes by quicker than you’d think. Yes, I know it’s cliché, but it’s true. But what do I really know? I’m almost 18 years old, and my life plan isn’t much clearer than it was almost four years ago. All I can do is thank everyone that’s been a part of my high school journey.

Sure, there have been more ups and downs, but it’s still been a life experience that I appreciatively received, because I learned more than I thought I would.

High school is the best Life changes as time passes, just requires perseverance time of your life so far Tommy Sneider

Many adults I talked to before coming to high school said that it would be the best time of my life, that I’ll never be as happy as I am in high school and that it’s years that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I have had one heck of a time these four years, don’t get me wrong. But looking forward, which is what any other teenager does 99 percent of the time, there’s just so much more that I can and will do.

I have learned more than I could ever imagine in high school, from schoolwork to dating to making friendships that I’ll never forget. These have been the best years I’ve had in my life so far, but that does not mean that these are the best years I’ll ever have. I have four whole years at IU ahead of me, and there is no reason why I can’t have as much fun and probably more fun than what I have had. It’s hard not to see them as the next best thing in my life. There are always the so-called next best years of your life; there’s always something to look forward to.

The years I spent in high school were more of a setup to how to deal with challenges in the real world. High school is more of a learning experience than

anything else. Where else would I learn that staying up all night on a caffeine high from Mountain Dew with your two best friends and then driving downtown to do yard work the next day is an awful idea?

Or that just throwing yourself into joining random clubs or activities is a great idea, since the experiences do last a lifetime?

I’m more than thankful for all of the people I have met and the memories I have had with them. I really have learned a lot. But college is coming, and there are better times that I am going to have.

Not to be looking too far ahead, but I am looking forward to eventually getting a job, starting a family and being as happy as I can for the rest of my life.

I’m satisfied with what I have done in high school, and I can say that without regrets. High school years are the best years of one’s life but only until the next step in life. I’m sure that college will be better and filled with more experiences than high school, and then those will be my next best years of my life. The future is filled with uncertainties, but all we can do now is look forward to the next best years of our lives.

a complete overhaul in my social sphere. All of a sudden, I found myself with an entirely new group of friends. To this Ariel Aisen day I’m not entirely sure how it all happened. I tried so hard to build lasting relationships out of this. I’d love to say that these friends remain my closest The words I leave behind now are meant even now--and that sure looks great on paper. to be meaningful, conclusive, concrete. I However, anyone who has considered their high ought to ask myself certain questions: What school experience from a realistic vantage point have my four years here meant? What am I must acknowledge that this would be all but an taking with me? And what, if anything, am impossibility.

Things continued to evolve in my junior I leaving behind?

Few know better than I that when you year. One thing I remember in particular was get right down to it, everything in life is the nook my friends and I carved out, both essentially fleeting. How I saw and defined metaphorically and literally. Each morning myself during my years here changed from we settled into the big empty stairwell in the day to day. Who I considered a friend, a western half of the E Hall. At first, a few of us confidante, and even who I disliked were hung out there every morning. By the end of never set in stone, despite how much I the year, however, that little group had evolved into a huddled mass of strangers, acquaintances wished they would be.

I don’t remember my first day of high and friends that filled the stairwell, blocked the school, though I do recall some of the time stairs and jutted out into the hallway. We were I spent in the infamous Freshman Center. a grand obstacle indeed.

I resented being cut off from the rest of And then we reached senior year. Ah, to think the school, treated as though I were some of all the changes that happened in such a short fragile child who couldn’t handle the big, time! Friendships I had spent so long building, scary world of high school. Of course, I carefully, crumbled in an instant. Or others that, felt this way knowing nothing else; that is opening my eyes one day, I realized had been to say, I felt I was ready to be completely withering away for so long. Who was to blame? I immersed in high school without any know I was, in part, in some cases, but I feel that previous experience to support this. I was, time was a major factor. Cliché though this may though I hate to say it, your stereotypical sound, it took its toll in a most impressive way. freshman: A small fish who thought it was And so, it’s time to leave. To say goodbye a big fish in a great, confusing, expansive and move on. In short, to graduate. My message, friends, is, plainly put, this: change pond--an ocean, if you will.

Sophomore year was the most challenging is an inevitability, and it’s best not to try and for me, especially in the academic sense. avoid it. Roll with the punches, so to speak; or, However, during this year, I also underwent at the very least, don’t punch back.

Columns • Thursday, May 21, 2009 • Page C15

I couldn’t wait to grow up Brittani Wheeler

As the end of my K through 12 years approaches, what better, more sentimental and predictable task could I do than pull out photos of yesteryear to create an album for graduation.

Beginning the arduous task, I sifted through the piles and sorted stacks based on school and approximate date.

Then the real digging for the album-worthy photos commenced.

For elementary school, I withdrew a photo taken on my first day of kindergarten. I was standing at the bus stop with my cute cartoon backpack with a timid glance back.

This photo dazed me back into my clouded memory of little kid days. Shortly after that photo was shot, I boarded the giant yellow bus and gingerly took a seat at the front with my kindergarten peers as I subconsciously knew I was not welcome further back with the bigger kids. Man, how I desperately wished I was a bigger kid. And six years after I started elementary school, my break came. I was a fifth grader, riding in the prestigious back of the bus. But, I didn’t feel big and my eyes were already set higher to middle school where big kids go. I couldn’t wait to grow up.

The next pile was stacked with the middle school memories - those awkward in-between not quite small but not quite big years. The photos during this period reflected that stereotypical image of me with the first on the first day of sixth grade waiting for the bus. The camera clicked just as the bus pulled up. I climbed onto the bus, expecting a warm welcome because I was a big kid now. Instead I saw the bigger kids half asleep, and so I scrambled my scrawny self into the brown front seat, just as I did on the first day of kindergarten. I sneaked a glance back to those drowsy kids.

I couldn’t wait to grow up.

Middle school photos dwindled even though those years were some of my most difficult and defining years. I was continually presented with new rigors intended to prepare

So Over High School Meher ahmad

With less than two weeks of high school left, most seniors are bombarded with sweeping generalizations about high school careers. It seems that every parent, teacher-and some students as well-have that Vitamin C song playing on repeat as they tell you to cherish every last moment of your teenage years.

While at times I fall victim to the sentimentalities of senior year (I’m listening to “Graduation (Friends Forever)” as I write this), most of the time I’m counting down

me for high school. With all of the hype of the next school, my mind was lost to the future, and I graduated eighth grade ready to be at the top of the food chain. I couldn’t wait to grow up.

As a high school freshman, I was there – or so I thought.

This time there was no snapshot of me boarding the bus; I was too big for that nonsense. Picture or not, that not-sobig-anymore bus picked me up, and once again I assumed a front row seat. Now, I find the pictures not in the stacks in front of me, but instead in the 2005-2006 Pinnacle yearbooks where my life at the brand new freshman center was captured right as I walked into the new center. I was all grown up.

Or not. The reality check hit as the junior and senior GKOMs paraded in showing us measly freshman just how much further we had until we were the big kids. I couldn’t wait to grow up.

Finally rid of my freshman woes of being a small fry on campus, I went through the landmarks of getting my license, a job and freedom. Photos during this era reflect a whirlwind of activity with dances galore, Homecoming, Dance Marathon, birthdays, dates and other social moments.

I started to gain friends with all grade levels and as the years passed, watched them graduate and move on to college.

Wow was I anxious to get out of here. Then the moment I had been waiting for came; it was senior year and I was a top dog. Still, I couldn’t let myself focus on and have fun.

No – there were a thousand and one things to plan for the next phase of life. I couldn’t wait to grow up.

Now it’s time to graduate, and looking through my photos, I realize how much of my time was wasted always looking to the next step. I am revisiting my high school lasts – my last dance, my last Homecoming, my last Dance Marathon, my last moments of teenage years. Each of those events was anticipated and each passed as I looked eagerly forward to the next fun event. I am by no means saying that I did not have a great time, but that I did not live in the moment enough. I wish I would have lived a little more in the present than so much in the future; but taking a little of my own advice, I need to not live regretting the past.

Cherish the years you have because before you know it, your future will be here and you will wonder where the past went.

Remember Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous quote, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift.”

the days, hours, minutes until graduation. It’s not that I hate high school to the extent that I’m itching to leave, it’s that I’ve completely saturated whatever capacity I had for high school activities to the point I’m itching to leave.

At every convocation we’ve had at the beginning of the year, Principal Williams or another administrator implants a certain mantra into student’s minds: “You only take what you leave behind.” I can’t say I didn’t follow former Assistant Principal Lee Lonzo’s advice, because I involved myself in as many clubs and activities as I could.

I have taken memories from here and had good times in the classes I’ve taken here. But I’ve had equally if not more horrible, days in these hallways, not at the fault of a single person or of the institution as a whole, but because high school wouldn’t be high school

Cramming four years into 45 minutes Faith Mwalwa

As my friend and I discussed the last four years of our lives, she recalled a time in freshman SRT when her GKOM said, “2009, huh? Man, that’s a long time away.”

But where are we now?

It’s painfully cliché, I know, but there’s no better way to sum it up than in the words, “Where have the years gone?”

I’ll tell you where those years went and where they took me. They took me through four schools, and where I spent the last semester of the school year and the first semester of the following school year in one school, and then I switched schools, like clockwork. They brought me here, the first school I am spending a complete school year in one school. And they are gone, never to be seen again.

I wonder what it would be like to turn back time and be a junior again…a sophomore again…a freshman again…I would love to go back and tell myself about the dangers up ahead and how to avoid them.

But there was a reason for all my trials and failures in those four years…preparation for the real world.

So, freshmen, how do you cram four years into 45 minutes? Do nothing. That’s right, nothing at all. Float along for the next four years. Be oblivious to the world, and ignore the hype surrounding your successes and failures.

Don’t attempt to forge everlasting memories in these four years, and while you’re at it, pretend like you don’t see everyone and everything around you. Then, reflect on the last four years of your life and—voila!—those four years just went by in 45 minutes. It’s magic, isn’t it?

I hope you don’t take my challenge, freshmen. I remember back in the day when I thought I would never grow old and I was all that and two bags of potato chips.

Well, you’re not. So don’t cram four years into 45 minutes. Spend those years wisely because it’s a supply that cannot be replenished.

without excruciatingly painful times.

There’s a genre of movies and television shows dedicated to exposing the awkwardness that is high school. Yet, at graduation, we are asked to gloss over all of the bad outfits, drama and middle parts to only recall airbrushed senior portraits and football games.

In reality, at least for me, high school happened to be where I grew up. Everyone changes over the years, but in high school those changes are amplified. The girls who used to be preppy collar-poppers turned screamo over one summer and the kids who used to be screamo turned hipster that same summer. The yearbook provides evidence of such radical changes. I went from nerd, to annoying nerd who thought she wasn’t a nerd, to an overall confused being to whatever I am now. And I always thought I was the coolest at whatever stage I was in at the time.

Every senior has some sort of chronology similar to that in their minds as well.

The stages will continue, though. That’s

why high school isn’t really that different from the rest of my life. I had similar stages in middle school and elementary school and will definitely go through phases in college and onward. High school is just a venue where change occurs, not the cause of change itself.

Really, the reason everyone’s eyes will be glistening at graduation is because this is closing a time in our lives. Yes, we’ve heard this phrase stated everywhere from graduation to Laguna Beach, but the people most of us have grown up around won’t be around. The comfort of knowing half of the people in your class from second grade will be gone.

But losing that comfort is well worth it. As every senior has repeated at every chance or awkward silence available, I am sooooooooo ready to leave. It’s time for new people, new classes, a new home. If you see me crying at graduation, they’ll be tears of happiness, maybe nostalgia, but definitely not sadness.

But I probably won’t cry, so you won’t have to make that decision anyway.

S

Page C16 • Thursday, May 21, 2009

ee you in...

What occupation do you want to have?

Architect, and I would absolutely love to live in Chicago, since it’s a city, and they always have a need for architects. And people from SNL get their start there. They have big theaters and improv stuff, like Comedy Sportz, and that’s something I like to do.

I always thought it’d be cool to have a slide in my house, like one that goes from one floor to another, like a Chuck E. Cheese slide. And secret passages.

Secret passages are cool.

What do you want in your dream house?

that for a cliche end-of-the-year quote?

How many friends from high school will you still have?

Let’s say like 15. And the reason for that is... I really don’t How similar to your current personality do you know. That’s actually higher than I thought earlier, but because of Facebook, I can still keep in touch. think you will be?

I think I will be very close to my current personality What do you want to say to the Class of 2009? if improv at least stays a hobby of mine. If I become No matter if you go to college to become a Hoosier, a workaholic, working 24/7 at an architecture firm, a Boilermaker, a Wolverine, a Redhawk or a Wildcat, I’ll probably be more stuffy. always remember that we’re all Greyhounds. How’s

Mike Gospel What occupation do you want to have?

I want to be a kindergarten teacher. Over the past few summers, I’ve been coaching a swim team from ages 3 to 14. I could do that for the rest of my life. I work best with the younger kids. I feel like I’m really patient with them, and I just love it.

Where do you want to live?

Somewhere where it’s warm year round because I look really good with a tan.

How similar to your current personality do you

David Smyth

think you will be?

Hopefully, I’ll be the same. I really like the way I am now.

What kind of car will you drive?

A jag. A kindergarten teacher with a jag.

What do you want in your dream house?

A cozy house, large enough so that it’s not crowded by four children, but not too big. Like, tall ceilings are not my thing. Hopefully I’ll have a pool. A kindergarten teacher with a pool. Yeah, I’m probably going to have to marry a really successful wife.

What occupation do you want to have?

I think I want to be in public environmental policy. I always knew I wanted to study chemistry with a focus in environmental things.

husband. I’d probably see myself married with maybe three to four kids. I want my kids to be bilingual. I’ve always wanted to marry someone who speaks another language.

Where do you want to live?

Probably somewhere on the West Coast. I really want to live in a tree house and a house boat.

And I really want to live in the city. I’d like to live at a bunch of places.

What kind of car will you drive?

I’d actually like to have a bicycle. That’s actually one of the reasons I want to live in the city. I’d like to live without a car. I’d invest in a nice bike.

What do you want your family to be like?

I’ve always wanted kids. I guess I want a

Go to

www.hilite.org to read the full interviews, see responses from other seniors and submit your own responses.

What do you want in your dream house?

I guess my dream yard if I don’t live in the city is to have an apple orchard. I’ve always wanted to have a big orchard and make cider and pick apples.

20

Rachelle Johnson

What occupation do you want to have?

My goal is to become a justice on the United States Supreme Court, and in 20 years I want to be on that track, working as a judge.

What do you want your family to be like?

Sarah Hogarth

I want to be married, and I don’t really want to have children, but I’ll have to in order to pass on my incredible legacy.

...

What kind of car will you drive?

Hopefully I’ll be able to be chauffeured around in a limousine.

cathy chen and meher ahmad / photo illustrations

years