9.23 Issue

CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL 520 E. MAIN ST. CARMEL, IN 46032 WWW.HILITE.ORG

Rock out with student band Half Caff – Page 22

SEPT. 23, 2010 | VOL. 56 | ISSUE 2

*CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL’S STUDENT NEWSMAGAZINE

Progress.

Recent surveys show national tolerance of homosexuals is increasing. Does Carmel meet that trend? — Page 16 CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL 520 E. MAIN ST. CARMEL, IN 46032 WWW.HILITE.ORG

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AUG.10, 2010 | VOL. 56 | ISSUE 1

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DID YOU KNOW? CNN Opinion Research Poll (August 2010): Nearly six in 10 Americans under the age of 50 say gay rights should be protected under the Constitution.

*CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NEWSMAGAZINE

Page 2 | Table of contents | hilite | hilite.org | sept. 23 2010

Table of Contents 4 News

Reduction in the use of air-conditioning helps the district save money.

8 Feature

In light of recent economic troubles, many CHS students choose to work in family-owned businesses.

15 Student Section

Twitter and Facebook users nominate celebrity look-alikes.

16 Cover Story

Views and opinions on homosexuality are changing around the world.

The growing acceptance is reflected at CHS.

20 Entertainment

The HiLite staff reviews the Blu Moon CafĂŠ and Carmel Burgers.

24 Sports

The women’s golf team looks to take the State championship after second place last year.

28 Perspectives

STAFF PERSPECTIVE: Students should be grateful for Homecoming activities despite recent changes.

32 15 Minutes

Junior Caroline Wachtel discusses her unique hobby of competitive speed skating.

Arjuna Capulong / Cover Design Tim Lu / Cover Graphic

Sept. 23 2010| hilite.org | hilite | just a minute | page 3

For additional Homecoming coverage, check out hilite.org.

Daniel Li / Graphic

Page 4 | NEWS | hilite | HiLite.org | Sept. 23, 2010

NEWS

Homecoming Coverage

For the latest updates, multimedia coverage and more, go to www. hilite.org

Upcoming Dates

Sept. 25: Homecoming Dance Sept. 29: College Info Night Oct. 13: PSAT/NMSQT

Social Media

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter at HiLite_News and to like our fan page on Facebook.

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Staff continues to adjust to Power School Teachers, faculty still working out problems in transition to new grading system.

BY jerry xu jxu@hilite.org

S

tarting this year, this school will be using the new Power School system to manage its students.

Assistant Principal Doug Bird said, “Power School is our system that allows us to track all of our grade information, health information, scheduling information, a wide variety of other pieces of information, not only for our students, but for our staff and other things that are going on at this school.”

Previously, several systems were used to carry out school functions such as taking attendance and recording grades. Power School essentially consolidates the systems into one, making it less tedious for teachers. The switch to the new system, however, has come with difficulties for many teachers.

“I think there have been some challenges,” math teacher Laura Diamente said. “Our training was back in April, so I don’t remember as much as I maybe should, but that’s always true of any new system.”

Although the switch does not affect students as much as teachers, many students have noticed some new changes that have resulted from the switch to Power School.

Comparing the two systems

“I think the biggest thing that has changed is that grades are on myCCS a lot faster, so I don’t have to wait a day to see what I have in my classes,” sophomore Juan Curci said.

Besides being able to post grades on myCCS faster, Power School has many new features which allows teachers to take attendance and manage their classes faster.

“Some of the benefits are that, it’s definitely a little bit more user friendly,” Diamente said. “I can perform things a little bit quicker than I could with the other systems.”

According to Bird, the switch to Power School was necessary because the previous system had become obsolete and outdated.

“Our previous system, SASI, which was operated by the same company, Pearson, is no longer going to be serviced after this past school year, Bird said. “I think you need to keep in mind that no matter what, we were going to need to switch to a different system just because the previous system was outdated and no longer going to be serviced, but I think with any time you make a switch over to a new student management system there are definitely some things that are going to be adjusted to.”

Many staff members have worked to address the difficulties that have come with the change and have remained patient during the ordeal.

“I think our tech support folks over at our central office have done a great job in accommodating the wide variety of requests in order to make Power School as user friendly as possible,” Bird said. “On the other end of it, I think our teachers have primarily been very patient and have taken

a lot of time to learn how to best use Power School and I think it’s going pretty well.”

Despite the challenges that have come with switching to Power School, Diamente said she has tried to stay optimistic throughout the changing process.

“I think in a few months we’ll be ready to go and won’t see too many problems,” Diamente said. “It’s a fairly new system, I’m sure that as we progress, we’ll see how it works.”

The Issue

This school transitioned this year to a new database and grading system called Power School. Faculty members are still troubleshooting a variety of issues as they continue to get used to the new system.

What’s Being Done?

The school system has employed technology support personnel to help teachers and faculty adjust. Additionally, teachers themselves have worked to help others in their departments solve problems and learn new techniques.

Why the Change?

The school’s old system, SASI, will no longer be serviced by its parent company, Pearson, which also owns Power School.

Similarities • Both are student management systems • Pearson operates both • These two systems take attendance and record grades • Both contain scheduling and health information for students and staff

SASI • Must be installed on a computer in order to be used • Composed of several systems that are independent • Gradebook does not link directly to myCCS • Grades can be viewed only the day after they are entered.

Power School • Can be accessed from any computer with Internet • More user-friendly for teachers • Runs as a single system • Allows for grades to be viewable almost immediately and links directly to myCCS Doug Bird / source

SHOKHI GOEL / PHOTO

POWER UP: Math teacher Laura Diamente completes attendence on her computer using the new Power School system. Diamente said she finds the program more user friendly than the previous SASI program.

Sept. 23, 2010 | HiLite.org | hilite | NEWS | PagE 5

New staff members hope to improve school’s security by shayan ahmad sahmad@hilite.org After every period of his Advanced Physical Conditioning class, junior Samuel Curts goes to the locker rooms to change. This year, though, the locker rooms have a new addition: Instructional Assistants (IAs) who monitor the rooms.

“At first I was a little confused,” Curts said. “I didn’t think it was really that necessary. After time, though, I started to understand.”

In response to the hazing and bullying incident that occurred last year with the men’s basketball team, this school added four IAs, two of whom are based in the locker rooms. The other two monitor the school hallways throughout the day. According to Assistant Principal John Newton, administrators added the IA position to create a more Supervision is secure environment for students. what we have “Supervision is what we have decided to concentrate on. decided to concentrate on (this year),” he said. “We felt like we We felt like we wanted to be out more to see wanted to be what students are doing and to out more to see prevent any forms of bullying.” what students One of the IAs is Andy Cherolis, a recent CHS graduate. are doing and He said, “(Our job) is to increase to prevent supervision in the hallways any forms of and to take that pressure off of bullying. teachers.” Cherolis said he is also tasked with checking the Dr. John Newton passes of students to make sure Assistant principal that they aren’t roaming the halls unauthorized. Completing these tasks, Cherolis said, will eliminate student loitering and make the school more efficient.

Curts said he finds the addition of the IAs to be a good decision, recognizing the positive changes they bring to the school.

“It’s kind of comforting to know that nothing bad is going to happen now,” he said. “Now I know that none of my stuff will get stolen or anything like that.”

Along with the addition of the IAs, the administration has also required teachers to better supervise the hallways during passing periods and after school.

“We’re asking teachers to make a conscious effort to

‘‘

stand outside their doors in passing periods,” Newton said.

He said this will eliminate any possibilities for student misconduct among the hallways.

Cherolis said the goal of the new IAs is not to punish students; rather, it’s simply to increase the organization and effectiveness of the school. “(The IA position) is not about getting everybody in trouble. It’s about making sure they (students) stay efficient,” Cherolis said. “You see a lot of kids just moseying around, which isn’t really helping anyone.”

Curts also said these changes will benefit the school and its students in the long run. “I can see why people wouldn’t get (the change) when they hear it the first time,” he said.

“I didn’t either. If you think about it more, though, I think you’ll understand why it was necessary and why it will help.”

GREENSBURG (Sept. 14): A 15-year-old committed suicide after allegedly being bullied by students who used offensive language.

At the beginning of this school year, administrators added a new anti-hazing and bullying clause to the Code of Conduct forms, which are required for all students involved in the athletics, performing arts and co-curricular clubs and activities of this school.

Why

Last year’s alleged hazing incident involving the varsity men’s basketball team has made a lasting effect for all students this year. Athletics Director Jim Inskeep said, “We felt many obvious changes coming off of last year’s school year. We wanted to add the clause to the forms for clubs, athletics and the performing arts. Now the school has a unified code to follow for hazing for the athletics, clubs and performing arts.

This won’t prevent problems in and of itself. It’s up to the leaders to do that.”

Despite the changes, according to Jacob Smith, president of the National Honor Society and senior, the anti-hazing clause seems redundant.

Smith said, “I think the same principles were already in place in the existing Code of Conducts.”

Teachers’ Reactions

“It puts into words a policy that most of the teams and clubs already have had,” Key Club co-sponsor Katie Gray said. “It is good to have it written out so the students and participants have a better understanding and are more aware.” lizzy grubbs / Photo

ON THE JOB: Instructional Assistant Andy Cherolis monitors the halls during a passing period. Cherolis said his role is designed to take pressure off teachers by checking student passes and making sure students don’t engage in misconduct while in the halls.

Ongoing coverage: Hazing and bullying Hamilton Southeastern (Sept. 8): HSE’s head football coach was suspended for one game after an alleged incident involving football players taunting another player with bottles of urine on a team bus.

What

Students’ Reactions

”

Related stories in the news

Athletics, clubs require updated code of conduct

Go online The alleged hazing and bullying incident involving members of the men’s basketball team last year has led to several changes in policy at CHS. The articles on this page reflect some of these changes. For more information go online to www.hilite.org.

What’s Different

There were no actual changes made to the anti-hazing policy at this school, but the policy was added to the forms.

The school district stressed a stricter approach against hazing and bullying in all activities.

“More than anything, we want our groups to understand that this is an issue for everyone, not just athletics. This is throughout the school,” Inskeep said. “The students have to make good choices.”

The altered Code of Conduct forms resulted from a collaboration of the Carmel Clay Public Schools and CHS administrators. Middle schools and elementary schools throughout the district will also apply the changes to the forms for their different activities and athletics. Compiled by Natalie Maier <nmaier@hilite.org>

Page 6 | NEWS | hilite | HiLite.org | SEpt. 23, 2010

School looks at summer savings Administration, students weigh merit of four-day weeks, money to go to General Fund building in Carmel Clay Schools, which, according to McMichael, claims 3 million square feet, is usually empty during the summer, and McMichael said it was best to take the opportunity to save money in the situation. or senior Elijah Huang, taking AP Macroeconomics “We (the district) limit the amount of utilities we use over the summer was a way for him, like many (during the summer) since, generally, students aren’t in others, to get ahead in his studies. However, along the school buildings,” McMichael said. “We’re always with his other peers, Huang experienced a big looking to be as effective and efficient as we can. We change in the summer school’s schedule. saw this as something that didn’t affect With the hope of cutting back on most students.” expenses, the school only allowed one The money that wasn’t spent on utilities session of summer school, which, instead over the summer will remain in the of being four weeks of five-day-per-week We’re always general fund, McMichael said. That fund, classes, became five weeks of a Monday looking to be which totals around $100 million, pays through Thursday class week, something as effective and for utility expenses. He said that although Huang said he enjoyed. efficient as we he thought the four-day weeks in summer “I actually liked (having Friday off) can. We saw this was a success, it has yet to be determined because it allowed my summer to as something that whether the practice will occur again be a little more relaxed than (I had) next summer. didn’t affect most anticipated,” Huang said via e-mail. “(It) Additionally, students like junior allowed more time to study and hang out students.

Ateev Gupta said turning the utilities with other people.” off or down through the summer causes The purpose of the change in Roger McMichael Assistant Superintendent some problems with students’ and schedules was to allow for all Carmel teachers’ comfort levels. Gupta, who Clay School’s facilities to close, which also took economics over the summer, allowed utilities to be turned off or considered his discomfort a distraction reduced. On Monday mornings, air conditioning was coming back Monday after the school’s air-conditioning back up and running again. was back on.

The side effect of summer school change brought great “(The heat) was a distraction to the point where we savings to the district. According to Roger McMichael, changed rooms,” Gupta said. “I don’t think (the discomfort) assistant superintendent in charge of business affairs, the ruined the class, but it was an inconvenience that should’ve practice saved the district approximately $100,000. Each

BY patrick bryant pbryant@hilite.org

F

‘‘

”

The General Fund What is it?

The General Fund is used to budget and account for all receipts and expenditures for current operational purposes, except pupil transportation. Expenditures from this fund may be made for items normally associated with the daily operation of school, such as salaries, benefits, utilities and supplies. www1.ccs.k12.in.us / source

been taken care of.”

Gupta said he believes the air-conditioning should have been adjusted to cool the school more quickly by Monday.

He said the school’s temperature was something talked about a lot by teachers and students alike.

“On Mondays, everything was a bit slower, and trying to get students involved took a little big longer. Both students and teachers complained about the heat,” Gupta said.

According to McMichael, what the school will spend on air-conditioning is one of the many uncertainties when planning expenses for the year.

Bob Yull, the energy manager for Carmel Clay Schools, said the expense for air-conditioning for the district varies from year to year depending on temperatures.

For instance, the difference in cost between this year’s hot summer and the unusually cool summer from last year was $50,000.

As for Carmel’s switch to four-day weeks during summer school, Yull said the practice was something that brought what he called “cost avoidance” to the school.

According to McMichael, the “cost avoidance” that Yull referred to isn’t something that necessarily will be spent, but it will be something that can go back into the classroom if need be.

McMichael said, “We avoided spending (an extra) $100,000 on utilities, which will allow those funds to be directed into the classroom.”

By the numbers Projected 2010 Carmel Clay Schools Budget

$3,262,091 Balance

$87,111,200 Expenditures

$4,062,314 $87,911,423 Net cash balance Revenues (2010) Katie Bourgerie / Photo

COOL DOWN: A maintenance worker adjusts the air-conditioning in the utilities room. The school system saved about $100,000 by switching to a four-day week during summer school to lower utility costs.

$91,173,514 Revenues (total)

www1.ccs.k12.in.us / source

Sept. 23, 2010 | HiLite.org | hilite | NEWS | PagE 7

Texting law’s effectiveness comes into question after little enforcement

by eric dick edick@hilite.org

Junior Clayton Morrison said he is familiar with the texting while driving law of 2009 and is aware that it is illegal to text while driving, but he said he does it anyway. Morrison, who has had his license for a year, said a lack of enforcement of the law keeps him from stopping the habit.

“I know texting while driving distracts you and takes your eyes off the road, but I haven’t gotten in a crash yet, and it’s just easy to get away with,” Morrison said.

As far as getting away with the practice, Morrison may be correct. Since legislators passed the Indiana Teenage Distracted Law in 2009, Indiana police have issued only three tickets to motorists, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a scientific organization dedicated to reducing the deaths, injuries and property damage from crashes.

Phil Hobson, school resource officer, said most of the ineffectiveness comes from the inability of police to witness the crime.

“The kids might not own up to texting while driving,” he said. “More accidents are caused each year by distracted or texting drivers than are reported.”

Shane VanNatter, Carmel police officer, said another challenge is guessing the driver’s age while they are actually driving.

“It’s hard to tell how old they are,” VanNatter said. “You don’t have good justification to pull them over since it’s just an assumption.”

Regarding VanNatter’s point, on Jan. 27 the House Public Policy Committee passed a text-messaging ban for all drivers, regardless of age. However, it has not yet become an official law.

In other states where this ban has become a law, the numbers of citations are higher. In Washington, for example, police have issued 670 citations between June 10 and July 1.

VanNatter said passage of that law here would make it much easier for officers because they would not have to estimate the driver’s age.

Hobson said despite the difficulty of enforcing the law, Carmel officers will always be looking for those who disregard it, because of safety reasons. He said there is no reason why someone’s life should be at risk from another driver sending or receiving a text.

“I know who the students are at Carmel because I work here,” VanNatter said. “If I see you driving and texting, I will give you a ticket.”

Morrison said he believes the proposed law, to restrict texting for all drivers regardless of age would be fair but it would be just as ineffective as the 2009 law.

“It’s still going to be just as hard to enforce,” Morrison said. “Even if they do pass it, I’m still going to text while driving until I get caught.”

kathryn dawson / photo

DISTRACTED DRIVING: Junior Clayton Morrison checks his phone in a parking lot. Despite possible new legislation to ban texting while driving, Morrison said he thinks the practice is easy to get away with.

Texting in other states No restrictions on texting Twelve states do not have any laws prohibiting texting while driving.

Restrictions on young drivers

Seven states (including Indiana) only restrict texting while driving for young people.

Restrictions for all drivers Twenty-two states prohibit all drivers from texting.

Restrictions on handheld devices Eight states do not allow any handheld devices for all drivers.

Some sobering statistics

Almost 6,000 people died in 2008 in crashes involving a distracted driver.

Tracy sun / graphic ghsa.org and nhtsa.org / source

Page 8 | FEATURE | HiLite | hilite.org | Sept. 23 2010

FEATURE

Go online

For more feature and other stories.

www.hilite.org

Did you know?

in 2009, there were 12,753 adoptions to the United States adoption.state.gov/Source

submitfeature@hilite.org | twitter.com/Hilite_news

Cutting Connections

afra hussain and caroline zhang / graphic

Internationally-adopted students decide against maintaining ties to country of origin

By Laura peng lpeng@hilite.org

S

enior Garrett Bacon and his older sister Lauren were adopted from South Korea by parents Michael and Connie Bacon when they were four months old and two

months old, respectively.

Despite his origin, Bacon rarely eats South Korean food or speaks the native language at home.

This is not unusual, according to Perrin Slowey, a mother of two internationally-adopted children and a past president of FCC Indiana, a network that focuses on maintaining a community of families who have adopted internationally. Slowey said children like Garrett and Lauren assimilate to the American culture in a variety of ways but may eventually lose ties to their country of origin while growing up. “(Assimilation) differs from child to child and family to family and depends quite a bit on the age at which the child is adopted,” Slowey said. “My children were eight and ten months old at adoption. They suffered a bit of culture shock in the first few weeks and months but otherwise assimilated quickly. But this might not be the case for all children, especially those who come to America at an older age.”

Families consisting of American parents and international adoptees are not uncommon. According to the U.S. Department of State, American families adopted well over 200,000 children from outside the United States in the past decade.

Rates peaked in 2004 with a total of 22,990 international adoptions to the United States, and though they have since decreased, the statistics indicate that the number of internationally-adopted children in high schools will increase within the next few years.

Garrett, who said he considers himself an American, assimilated to the culture quickly.

He said, “I didn’t face any challenges because it was at such a young age. I grew up in American culture, so I didn’t have to put forth much effort to adapt.”

Mrs. Bacon said she agrees with that assessment.

She said, “Lauren and Garrett were babies. They were

on soy formula, and the only difference was in their diet.

Besides that, they adapted completely because they were so young.”

As for children who arrive in America at an older age, Slowey said the changes can often be quite overwhelming.

She said, “Imagine waking up one day after riding on a plane for over 29 hours. The person who normally feeds and cares for you is gone, your favorite foods are gone and your bed is different. People now around you look, smell and act completely differently than anything you have ever experienced. No one speaks your language. Perhaps there are pets in the house, and you know nothing of animals.

All the rules where you are appear confusing and different.

Everyone thinks what has happened is so wonderful. I’d imagine that could be scary and overwhelming for anyone.”

Despite a relatively effortless transition to an American lifestyle, Garrett said his family still made efforts to incorporate Korean culture into his life when he was young.

According to Mrs. Bacon, the family traveled to Michigan each year to attend a week-long camp organized by second-generation Koreans through a church and the University of Michigan.

“They would receive Korean culture, language, food, art and history,” she said. “They were submerged in Korean heritage with Caucasian families like us that adopted children from Korea. Then when we lived in Ohio, we had a huge support group of families with adopted Korean children.”

Mrs. Bacon said Garrett and Lauren, now ages 18 and 21, made the decision to move beyond these cultural activities as they got older and pursued other interests.

“You couldn’t force them to do anything. It was always a choice if they wanted to (maintain ties), and we would certainly go with them to somewhere that would promote that, but it got less and less as the years have gone by. And now they’ve gotten older and started pursuing their own interests, so it’s not as big of a deal to them now,” she said.

Garrett said he eventually lost ties to his country of origin as he grew up.

He said this sets him apart from other children who grow up with parents from another country.

“With (a family from another country), the parents still have ties to the native country and probably want their child to maintain those ties. I went to a Korean culture camp for a bit when I was young, but that was it.

When we moved to Indiana, it was too far away, and we stopped. With parents from the native country, those ties may be maintained throughout your entire life,” he said.

Sophomore Sohee Kwon, whose parents emigrated from South Korea, said maintaining Korean culture in her Jenna Ruhayel / Photo life is a priority. Kwon, who partakes FAMILY TIME: Senior Garrett Bacon takes time to relax with his parents in activities with her youth group at an and dog. Bacon said new experiences in America such as having a pet all-Korean church every weekend,

weren’t hard to adjust to. While he is ethnically Korean, he is not influenced by Korean culture and tradition.

Story continued on next page >>

Sept. 23, 2010 | hilite.org | HiLite | FEATURE | PagE 9

<< Story continued from previous page said she considers heritage an important aspect of an individual’s identity.

She said, “I feel that an adopted child would miss out on a lot because he doesn’t have a connection to his culture.

He should learn more about where he came from because it’s important for people to know their roots to learn and understand more about themselves.”

However, Kwon said she can understand how difficult it might be for adopted children to maintain ties to a heritage when they are not surrounded by it at home.

Slowey said the degree of maintaining ties to a country of origin varies among individuals, and situations similar to that of Bacon are not uncommon.

“Connections to home countries don’t have to be meaningful and all-important to everyone,” Slowey said.

“Some adoptees feel completely comfortable with their American culture and do not feel the need to seek what a home culture can offer. I believe this should be respected and honored.

“But there are also adoptees who at some point in their lives feel they are missing something, a part of themselves if they don’t connect with where they came from. Some feel that they can’t move on and grow without knowing their roots and their birthright heritage. I do feel it is important

to expose children to their home culture as best we can, and then hopefully it won’t feel so different to them as teenagers.”

Slowey said adoptees have a wide variety of options to maintain ties with their country of origin.

“Use the Internet. Google the group you are interested in. Finding a culturally-rich group isn’t hard in this community. If you join a group or attend a function, talk to the elders in the group. They will undoubtedly have a wealth of knowledge to start forming a connection,” she said.

However, Garrett said he does not plan to create any new ties with his South Korean heritage in the near future.

“It wouldn’t be very feasible right now with my schedule since I’m getting ready for college,” Garrett said. “But I may possibly (visit Korea) in the future. That might be something I do as an adult.”

U.S. Adoptions in 2009

adoption.state.gov/Source Tim Lu / Graphic

Use technology to beat back boredom?

Research shows you’re not alone.

By RYAN ZUkerman rzukerman@hilite.org Boredom fills the life of junior James Harlan. “I’m usually bored two to three times per day,” he said. “Whenever I don’t have anything to do, I’m bored.” To entertain himself, Harlan said he turns to, among other things, his cell phone.

caroline zhang / Photo

“I just play the games on it and text,” he said.

Augustin de la Peña, a psychophysiologist and sleep specialist who has focused on boredom and its effects for most of his career, defined the term “boredom” as a variably conscious, generally unpleasant drive state that obtains in response to a “significant undershoot” of an organism’s optimal rate of information flow for the experience of “interest.”

Harlan is not alone. In a survey from the Pew Research Center from April 2010, 69 percent of teen cell phone owners , particularly girls, say that they use their phones as a source of entertainment. About 77 percent of girls say cell phones are good boredom beaters compared to 61 percent of boys.

As for sophomore Cameron “Cami” Trachtman, she only uses her cell phone in her free time. “Sometimes I use my cell phone for entertainment just by texting because I don’t have Internet on my phone,” she said. “If I’m bored I tend to talk to people more, so I guess that when I’m bored I tend to be more connected.”

According to de la Peña, connectivity and boredom are closely related. “Boredom and its associated states of loneliness, alienation, and personal emptiness can be mitigated by increasing degrees of connectivity to the world,” he said.

“A large number of teenagers spend a large percentage of their waking hours playing video games, on the Internet, on their cell phones, texting, tweeting, and engaging in other activities that offer a sense of connection with the world. The need to mitigate the experience of boredom and loneliness is currently so severe for many teens that multitasking with the latest electronic technology while engaged in activities like driving and/or sitting around the dinner table for a meal with parents or friends is fast becoming normative behavior.”

For Trachtman and Harlan both, boredom can also be found in the typical classroom, though statistics show that

school alone cannot keep students from being connected.

De la Peña said, “Given most teenager’s vast experience with the torrents of images and sounds provided by contemporary electronic media, with ever fast-moving and multimodal video games, and with electronically-mediated social connectivity tools, the traditional classroom scenario of the teenage student being expected to sit at a desk for 45 to 50 minutes while listening to a teacher presenting on a subject without the aid of attention-engaging multimedia and/or connectivity tools would be expected to experience a high degree of boredom for a relatively large percentage of teenage students.”

“Several educators have told me their dismay at seeing 90 percent of their students flipping open their cell phones or laptops within seconds after the class is over or when the bell rings. How are we going to keep the average teenager on the farm (the traditional classroom) once he has seen Paris?”

By the Numbers 50

The average number of texts American teens send and receive per day.

1,500

The average number of texts American teens send and receive per month.

15

Percent of teens who send and receive more than 200 texts per day.

Pew Research / Source

Page 10 | FEATURE | HiLite | hilite.org | Sept. 23, 2010

All in the Family

Students discover the benefits of working for their parents’ businesses

about 24 million (family businesses) at beginning of recession.”

In these economic conditions, hiring one’s own children is particularly attractive. According to the Internal Revenue Service, children employed by their parents are exempt from Social Security, Medicare and Federal Unemployment taxes, thus saving quite a bit of money. In the end, the rewards go back to the family instead of an outside person. Rivers said that hiring one’s own children improves family unity and relationships and saves orientation time as well.

Senior Olivia Lee works whenever she can at the eponymously named Café Olivia, her father’s restaurant in downtown Indianapolis. But unlike Lu, she is not on the official payroll.

Nevertheless, her father’s restaurant still saves money and time by not needing to hire extra workers to do Lee’s tasks, as Rivers cited. Although she is not paid, Lee said she works at Café Olivia simply to help her parents.

“My siblings and I don’t really need a reason to work there. Granted, we may come for the free food but we just try to help out as much as possible. Before we moved to Indiana for the restaurant, my parents never looked as tired as they do lizzy grubbs / photo now when they come back home so I Like mother, like son: Sophomore Michael Lu scoops ice cream alongside his mother. Lu said working with his parents in their guess it’s just an impulse to help them business has been an educational experience. out,” Lee said.

Besides the free food, Lu said that his employers are his own parents, the owners of the Clay working for his parents is especially

By Rebecca xu Terrace Cold Stone. beneficial in terms of job security. rxu@hilite.org Lu said, “I thought it would be a good idea to get some “One nice thing is that I don’t have to worry about working experience before I found a job on my own.” being fired. It’s not that I won’t work hard, just that making ophomore Michael Lu works at the Cold Stone “My parents got me started and now I’m a mistake won’t cost a job,” he said.

Creamery ice cream shop in Clay Terrace every just like any other employee,” he said.

However, these benefits sometimes receive Saturday during the school year and about five days Lu is a member of a group of minors the ire of fellow employees since they seem a week in the summer. Like most of the employees, who work for their own parents, or have a nepotistic. Wayne said this could create Lu serves customers and washes dirty pans and utensils. job at all. According to the Economic Policy My parents are tension in the family business work place.

It seems like a typical teenage job, with one exception: Institute (EPI), workers aged 16 through 24 so intent on “Family (is) not always treated the same were hit the hardest in the recent economic serving the best as non-family employees and morale suffers,” recession, reaching an unemployment high of Wayne said. quality food and 19.2 percent. The EPI also reported that small Lee cites other causes for tension in the businesses saw a “double squeeze,” as 43,800 vegetables that family business, in her family’s restaurant in business filed for bankruptcy in 2008, over sometimes we particular. According to the Bureau of Labor may end up losing 15,000 more than the year before.

Statistics, food service managers may work For parents Wayne Rivers, president of the Family money instead of 12 to 15 hours per day and sometimes seven • No minimum age Business Institute (a consulting firm for family gaining. days a week. Lee’s father is not only the owner • Tax withholding (Social Security, Medicare, Fedbusinesses), said that family businesses are and manager in his restaurant, but also the eral Unemployment taxes) particularly vulnerable in bad economic times. Olivia Lee executive chef.

• No work permit needed “Family and small businesses are Senior “Some days, like Wednesdays and Fridays, disproportionately hurt in a recession and this we get so busy that even if all three of (my For ordinary employers one can be laid at the feet of inept government siblings and I) help out, we still end up • Must be at least 14 years old for part-time, 16 policies because they have less resources to help weather exhausted at the end of the day,” Lee said. “It’s especially years old for full time economic storms,” Wayne said via e-mail. “About four on those days when my dad gets irritable and snaps at us • Must pay regular income taxes million small and family businesses have closed since • Must have work permit Story continued on page 12 >> December 2007, a frightening number given there were only

S

Advantages of working for parents

‘‘

”

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Page 12 | FEATURE | HiLite | hilite.org | Sept. 23, 2010 best interests of the customer. If a customer wants extra cheese, we give him extra cheese. We provide hospitality when we screw up.” that ensures that the customer comes back,” Lee said.

However, Lee said she has learned valuable lessons In the future, Lee said she wishes to major in about business from working for her father. bioengineering and botany and work for Dow AgroSciences “I specifically learned how to talk to and deal with to help the society and environment. She said her dream customers. We are a service and everything we do is for the was indirectly influenced by Café Olivia.

“My parents are so intent on serving the best quality food and vegetables that sometimes we may end up losing money instead of gaining,” Lee said. “So I guess my parent’s desire to serve the best quality food rubbed on to me. I would like to make healthier and fresher fruits and vegetables more available to the people.”

Lu said he plans to pursue a career in business. From working at Cold Stone, Lu said he has decided that in his future career he has no intention of working for anyone else.

Both Lee and Lu said they have learned a lot from working in their parents’ businesses, about business and about themselves.

“I would much rather own my own business and manage everything myself.

In some ways, (my parents) have helped me see how I can achieve this though,” Shokhi Goel / photo Lu said.

“Working for my parents has been Hard at work: Lu molds the ice cream to prepare a customer’s order. Lu’s an educational and fun experience.” other responsibilities include maintaining the condition of the workplace.

<< Story continued from page 10

Shokhi Goel / photo

Transaction complete: Lu recieves payment from a customer. Lu said he gains valuable experience from working with customers at his parent’s business.

Want More?

Go online For an interactive soundslide of this story.

www.hilite.org

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Sept. 23, 2010 | HiLite | hilite.org | STUDENT SECTION | Page 15

STUDENT SECTION Celebrity Similarities

Other online submissions

Matt Ong as Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz and Nichole Thinnes as singer songwriter Taylor Swift.

For more, check our Facebook!

Studentsection@hilite.org | twitter.com/Hilite_news

Here are the most popular submitted celebrity look-alikes

By Adele Zhou azhou@hilite.org

CTON

CHASE A

BAILEY M MCBROO as teen hearthrob Justin Bieber

Picture of the Issue The best picture submitted by our fans on the HiLite Online fan page on Facebook

as Mean Girls actress Amanda Seyfried

How often do people mistake you for her?

Well when she has a new movie out, like once a week, and I work at a movie theater, and they’ll like see me and they’ll see her, and it’s really weird. Probably like once a week maybe, once every two weeks.

It’s kind of ridiculous.

Any significant events from looking like her?

I wish, that’d be pretty cool, if people like mistook me for her, and they were like, “Can I have your autograph?” “Sure!”

What do you think it is about you that makes you look like Amanda?

I think it’s ‘cause we both have like blonde hair and blue eyes, and I guess we have the same kind of eye shape, and we both sing and play guitar, and she did that in Dear John.

Any idea what it would be like to meet Amanda Seyfried in real life?

Oh my gosh that’d be so cool. It’d be really weird, but it’d be really cool. I’d love to meet her someday. I think that’d be so cool to actually be able to meet her, and be like “okay everybody says I look like you, we could be like best friends, and be like, “Hey, can I come shopping with you?“

friends cheer on the Greyhounds at the first home football game on Aug. 20.

Each issue we will publish the best picture that is submitted by our fans on the HiLite Online facebook page. Have your pictures in the newspaper by uploading them on our fan page!

Do you or your friends own a cool collection?

Tell us about it and your friend could be in the next Student Section! Submit your thoughts to the HiLite fan page.

KEROSENE PHOTOGRAPHY / SOURCE

How often do people mistake you for him?

Pretty much every day, since a couple of months ago, I guess.

Any significant events because you look like the celebrity?

I’ve had people try to take my picture.

What do you think it is about you that makes you look like Justin Bieber?

The hair.

Any idea what it would be like to actually meet Justin Bieber?

Screaming little girls. I don’t know. I had (the hair) first, and I’m older. I’m eighteen.

CONNER GORDON / PHOTOS

Dakota Novak /Submitted Photo

GO GREYHOUNDS: Senior Elise Kelner and her

Brennadaugherty.tumblr.com / SOURCE

Page 16 | Cover story | HiLite | hilite.org | sept. 23, 2010

Trending Toward

tolerance

By Victor Xu As attitudes toward homosexuality and homosexual relationships shift globally, the same trend is occurring in Carmel

H

omosexuality was originally listed in the World Health Organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s compilation of diseases and disorders until 1992.

Prior to the 19th century, death was a common penalty for homosexuals. By the 1950s, gay rights in America had improved, but not to the point of equality. Only 60 years later, junior Christopher Fiscus, who is openly homosexual, said he can walk through the halls of CHS without encountering a single instance of intolerance.

Story continued on next page >>

Sept. 23, 2010 | hilite.org | HiLite | Cover story | page 17

arjuna capulong / PHOTO

Page 18 | Cover Story | HiLite | hilite.org | Sept. 23, 2010

<< Story continued from previous page “You won’t find outright homophobia here,” Christopher said. “It’s not like someone will walk up to you and outright hate you. You’ll find a lot of people who are apathetic toward it. They don’t really have an opinion; it’s just something they’re accepting. That’s been my experience here.”

A variety of research indicates Christopher’s experience with growing tolerance toward his sexual orientation is not limited to Carmel. A CNN Research Opinion Poll published on Aug. 11 showed that, for the first time, more than 50 percent of Americans believe gays and lesbians should have a constitutional right to marry and have their marriage recognized as legally valid.

Furthermore, a survey published on May 25 by Gallup Daily News showed that people who believe homosexual marriages should be legal jumped from 43 percent in 1977 to 58 percent in 2010, among the highest percentages surveyors have ever recorded.

“More and more we see people becoming tolerant of sexual orientations and being different,” Grace Woerner, president of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and junior, said. “That’s really awesome to see, since at the Activities Fair we filled up a whole page full of names to come join the GSA. It’s just really awesome to see people taking more action this time around.”

An Age of Acceptance The same CNN Research Opinion Poll revealed that, with age taken into consideration, nearly six in 10 Americans under the age of 50 believe gay rights are protected under the Constitution.

However, Brian Powell, a sociology professor at Indiana University and coauthor of an upcoming book titled Counted Out: Same-Sex Relations and Americans’ Definitions of Family, emphasizes that one should be cautious with statistics due to margins of error.

Although many individuals in our society have taken notable strides toward tolerance, Fiscus said discrimination toward homosexuality is still prevalent.

On Sept. 9, for example, freshman Billy Lucas of Greensburg High School was found dead in his barn after committing suicide. According to Fox 59 News, Lucas hanged himself after enduring weeks of bullying from peers who believed

him to be gay. Lucas’ story demonstrates that intolerance still continues despite trends toward acceptance.

Nevertheless, Powell said there has been a marked shift in American views on homosexuality within the past 10 years. According to Powell, the shift is characterized by a number of trends, including demographics, or social composition. Younger generations consistently show more inclusive views when compared to older generations.

“One of the biggest (social) divides is one of age,” Powell said. “We find that younger people are more inclusive in their views of same-sex couples, and that’s going to keep on happening. So what’s happening is that as more people are entering adulthood, the people who are going to be the future voters of the United States are precisely the ones who have become much more inclusive.”

Perry Fiscus, Christopher’s father, said today’s views toward homosexuality are significantly different from those of The CNN Opinion Research Poll from Aug. 11 reveals the first time his youth. He said he still remembered more than 50 percent of Americans believe same-sex marriage the scandals that ensued when celebrities revealed they were gay, but now few should be a constitutional right. people stop to consider such confessions.

Revealing one’s homosexuality was Question 37A: Do you think gays and lesbians should have the constitutional right to get married and have almost unheard of when he graduated their marriage recognized by law as valid? from high school in 1986.

“I didn’t even know what ‘gay’ was at that time,” Mr. Fiscus said. “It wasn’t talked about in my school, and there were no students who were openly gay.

As I think back to some of my classmates, YES I realize now that some of them were most certainly gay, but at the time had no idea.”

NO percent percent Christopher also said he sees age as a significant factor in tolerance. He NO OPINION cited maturity and openness as reasons why discrimination in the high school level is rarer, in his experience.

“As people grow older they become a lot more accepting,” he said. “When I CNN Opinion Research Poll / Source was younger you wouldn’t see that a lot. percent Steven Chen and laura peng / Graphic You would find people who were more

By the Numbers

52

2

46

LIZZY GRUBBS / PHOTO

amiable acceptance: Junior Christopher Fiscus and senior Ashley Beyer spend time together before school.

Fiscus said he does not encounter instances of intolerance due to his sexual orientation here at this school. curious about (homosexuality) since it was something they hadn’t experienced before. But as people get older into their high school years, they understand it more and come to their own opinions about it and either accept it or don’t, which is really their prerogative.”

However, maturity is one issue Woerner said she believes students need to actively address, especially with regards to offhand comments and slang. She and the GSA is working to have the school display greater respect toward gays and lesbians.

“We’re all adults and we all have different viewpoints and perceptions of things,” Woerner said. “People need to be absolutely more tolerant and more mature too. I mean we hear slang terms all the time in this school. People sometimes say ‘This is gay’ or ‘You’re a faggot’ but don’t understand what it actually means.”

Increased Exposure Powell cites increased comfort levels toward homosexual relationships as another reason for the shift in opinion.

While homosexuality was an incredibly taboo subject only 10 to 20 years ago, he said people became more comfortable with the topic as time passed.

Powell emphasized that media plays a significant role in shaping growing comfort toward such relationships.

At the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards, TV shows “Glee” and “Modern Family,” both of which feature homosexual characters, received numerous nominations and awards, including the title of Best Comedy for the latter.

According to Powell, the possibility of a show such as “Modern Family,” which features three families, one of which is a gay couple with an adopted child, occurring 15 or 20 years ago was miniscule. He also cited Ellen DeGeneres’ show in the 1990s, in which she revealed she was a lesbian.

Her show essentially ended due to the negative reaction, but today she’s one of media’s most beloved characters.

“People watch TV shows, and they get very involved with these characters,” Powell said. “It’s not contact per se, but it’s a form of contact. I think just coming of age when people (and media) are just talking about these topics makes it less uncomfortable.”

According to Christopher, an increase in comfort levels

sept. 23, 2010 | hilite.org | HiLite | Cover story | Page 19 contributes to the level of tolerance he sees at CHS. He said his friends and family ended up reacting very positively a few months ago when he revealed his sexual orientation to those who didn’t already know. Yet, while he didn’t face any discrimination, it doesn’t mean discrimination toward homosexuals doesn’t exist.

Christopher said, “I don’t come off as a stereotypical homosexual, so I don’t face a lot of discrimination from peers, teachers, staff or anyone from high school, but I do know some outright homosexuals who have faced some discrimination. That’s a really big shame, but there’s really nothing you can do about it, at least not right now. I mean that’s just how people are going to react.”

Mr. Fiscus said his family’s liberalism contributed to the positive reaction Christopher received when he revealed his sexual orientation.

“High school is tough enough with AP classes, SAT prep and other activities without fighting over being gay or straight,” Mr. Fiscus said.

Another factor of the shift in opinion stems from gays being more socially open to heterosexuals. A 2007 poll by Pew Research, a nonpartisan organization that collects information on current issues, revealed that 41 percent of Americans have a close friend or relative who is homosexual. Those who closely knew someone who was gay were more than twice as likely to support gay marriage than those who did not.

Similarly, when asked whether school boards should have the right to fire homosexual teachers, only 15 percent of those close to a homosexual supported the idea. In contrast, 38 percent of those who were not close to a homosexual had a similar response.

“It’s much more difficult to say you’re opposed to something that provides rights to somebody if you know somebody that falls into that category,” Powell said.

On Aug. 4, District Court Judge Vaughn Walker struck down California’s prohibition on gay marriage, known as Proposition 8, ruling that the legislation violates the U.S. Constitution. This monumental decision, which Powell expects to be appealed, is the first time a federal judge has ruled in favor of same-sex marriage.

According to Powell, the court case, along with recent legalizations of gay marriage in nine states and possible future legalizations, will have tremendous implications as it moves through the judicial system, especially if the decision is upheld.

percent of Evangelical Protestants, 67 percent of Catholics Powell said the power of law, in this case a legal change, and 48 percent of Mainline Protestants said their respective often leads people to reevaluate their own views. For example, churches discouraged homosexuality. in interviews he conducted for research in his upcoming Nevertheless, Powell said while many religious groups book, some of those interviewed said they didn’t consider used strict doctrinal views to argue against same-sex same-sex couples families because they couldn’t get married. relationships, others, such as the United Church of Christ, On the other hand, in states where gay marriage is legal, the and the Episcopal Church, have shown more inclusive number who consider a same-sex couple a family doubled. views toward homosexuality.

“It’s about the power of law,” Powell said. “This happened Sophomore Heejung Kim, a devout Christian, said she with interracial marriage with court cases. Same thing. People opposes homosexual relationships because of her faith. were opposed to interracial couples getting married. In fact, “I don’t support same-sex relationships,” she said. “God the opposition to interracial marriage was much higher than created man and woman to be together, and same-sex opposition to same-sex marriage has been. But after several relationships are spiritually unnatural.” court cases occurred and a key Supreme Court case, Loving She added later, however, that even v. Virginia, came out in the 1960s, though she personally opposes sameattitudes then switched.” sex relationships, she does not believe Christopher said he supports government should define or control any measure, including the recent marriage. striking down of Proposition 8, Gay-Straight Alliance club Furthermore, a 2003 survey by which would give more rights to The Gay-Straight Alliance will meet today Pew Research indicated that 48 the gay community. after school in Room B215. percent of people who attend religious “Any strive for granting civil services at least once a week believe liberties to a minority in America Visit hilite.org and search “GSA” for more homosexuality is a lifestyle preference, is obviously good, but (the fall of information. and 16 percent believe it is a result of Proposition 8) just takes another an individual’s upbringing. Christopher considers this a step to giving rights to the last group in America that common misconception about homosexuality. doesn’t have everything it should,” he said.

“People will go as far to think it’s a choice that I make Woerner stressed that people need to empathize with in my daily life, like this is a lifestyle I’ve chosen for myself, homosexuals and understand how they, or anybody, would no different from the color of my hair,” he said. “That’s just feel about being denied the right to marry. horrible and absolutely untrue. I believe I was born this way “For (homosexuals) not to be able to marry is absolutely and that doesn’t make me a second class citizen in any way. ridiculous because they have feelings too and can’t change My hope for the future is that the federal government and how they are,” she said. “It’s just what it is. If you can’t marry the American and world population view homosexuality the person you’re in love with just because (somebody) as something that cannot be changed. It’s something that’s doesn’t like it, (that person) is not in the relationship, so been here since the dawn of man and it’s not going away.” they wouldn’t know. It’s just ridiculous and appalling.”

Related News

Religious Views of Homosexuality Opponents of the striking down of Proposition 8 and gay and lesbian relationships in general often include religious groups. Most predominant religious doctrines, including Islam, Judaism and Christianity, do not condone homosexual activity.

A 2003 survey by Pew Research showed that in most predominantly Muslim nations, a vast majority opposed societal acceptance of homosexuality. In the same study, 86

Looking Forward Although Christopher said an increase in tolerance of homosexuality is apparent at CHS, it is not anything close to full tolerance yet. Still, Powell emphasized the rapidity of this shift in attitude.

“One of the things that is most interesting to me,” Powell said, “and maybe less easy for people of your age group to see, is how much change actually has occurred in a really short period of time.”

One Step at a Time. Homosexuals have made significant strides toward equality.

1973

2008 Supreme Court rules that sodomy laws are unconstitutional.

1980

Connecticut legalizes gay marriage.

California passes Proposition 8.

2010 Federal court overturns Proposition 8.

2010

“Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is instituted by the U.S. military.

2000

2003

1990

1993

1970

The American Psychiatric Association drops homosexuality as a mental disorder.

1950

The Mattachine Society is the first national gay rights organization.

1960

1951

1961

1982

2000

2004

2009

Illinois decriminalizes homosexual acts.

Wisconsin outlaws discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Vermont recognizes same-sex civil unions.

Same-sex marriage is legalized in Massachusetts.

Iowa and New Hampshire allow gay marriage.

NEWSWEEK / SOURCE

Rebecca Xu / Graphic

Page 20 | Entertainment | HiLite | hilite.org | Sept. 23, 2010

Entertainment Burger Bonanza submitentertainment@hilite.org | twitter.com/Hilite_news

Opening This Weekend

• Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps • You Again • Buried

Upcoming Concerts: •

•

Guster: Oct. 10 at the Murat Theatre Jason Mraz: Sept.

30 at Kresge Auditorium

Carmel Burgers stands strong among other local favorites a burger and fries costs around $8.50, which is considerably less than a meal at competing burger shop Red Robin, ub’s, Five Guys, Red where meals average $14.

Robin—if there is one At first sight, my meal, the Carmel feature the Carmel area burger with fries, seemed like an has in spades, it is burger average cafeteria-style meal with restaurants. The quality of a standard presentation. However, the restaurants, however, is as varied at first bite, all previous views on a as the number. Carmel Burgers, the normal burger were eliminated. The new burger shop at the corner of fresh taste and texture of the burger Hazel Dell Parkway and 131st Street, was delectable and rich with flavor. offers customers gourmet burgers The fries I ordered were worth every dollar. Despite a great companion the quality of the to my burger as they food, however, the were seasoned and customer service crisp. As far as was well below service is concerned, A : e r expectations.

Carmel Burgers is e h p Atmos Mainly catering a hybrid between te: A s to young adults and restaurants like a t d Foo children, Carmel Five Guys, where B Burgers exceeds items: customers order u n e M expectations of a good and receive quality burger. With a their food at Price: A menu that offers plenty the counter, C : e c of variety, customers are i and Red v r Se sure to find a burger to Robin, where their liking. servers take l: B+ Overal Along with the main orders and portion of the meal, the deliver food restaurant offers some to your table. At variety with its sides, which Carmel Burgers, customers order include french fries, salads a n d at the counter from a cashier, but a onion rings. The price was definitely a server delivers the food and checks on plus. Carmel Burgers prices all burgers them from time to time. between $5 to $10 with sides ranging It was with this service that I from $2 to $3. An average meal with experienced the most trouble. First,

By erum rizvi erizvi@hiltie.org

B

ard C t r o Rep

as for the true perfect partner for any burger, I would have liked to enjoy a milkshake with my meal or possibly ice cream for dessert, as advertised on the menu; however, when ordering, the cashier claimed the ice cream and milkshake maker had “blown-up.”

At first, I was sure he was cracking a joke, as I did not know it was possible for a dessert machine to explode, but the cashier assured me that the staff was “well-qualified” when he stated that the manager had “accidently malfunctioned the machine by pressing the wrong buttons.”

Speaking of qualified employees, I experienced a language barrier with the cashier when ordering, as he did not seem to understand my simple order.

He asked me four times what exactly I wanted, until he had to ask another employee to take over. Additionally, our server took a little over 30 minutes to come to our table after ordering and claimed he “lost” my order ticket and therefore had to run into the kitchen to whip up my burger and fries.

Luckily, the food was tasteful enough to allow me to overlook these inconsistencies. Still, while the restaurant is relatively new, those types of problems could prove to be detrimental in the long run if they are not fixed soon.

Despite the weak service at Carmel Burgers, the major factor, the food, was great and the atmosphere an even greater complement.

Emily puterbaugh / photos

SUPERSIZE ME: The newly opened Carmel Burgers serves a classic cheeseburger and french fries. The restaurant hosted a celebrity burger-eating contest to celebrate its opening.

Fast Facts Carmel Burgers • Standard “burger joint” fare, salads, milkshakes, ice cream, sandwiches, stuffed burgers, vegetarian options • 5790 E. Main St. Carmel, IN, 46033 • Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

On the Web: • To see how Indiana’s chain burger restaurants stack up compared to everyone else, visit consumerreports.org. McDonald’s ended up in 18th place, beat out by Burger King and Wendy’s. Five Guys Burgers and Fries tied with west-coast chain In-N-Out Burger for the top spot. White Castle and Culver’s Frozen Custard also made the list.

Sept. 23, 2010 | hilite.org | HiLite | Entertainment | PagE 21

Blu Moon Café promises decadent fare took 20 minutes to get to my table. The presentation, on the other hand, was absolutely gorgeous with the wrap cut on an angle displaying the lettuce, onions, chicken and tomatoes. On the side, as an extra present, the pasta The new Blu Moon Café in the Design salad was in a petite cup. All of the food building located in downtown Carmel was served on a wooden slate adding features high ceilings and a modern take to the initial appeal. The sandwich on the infamous café setting. With quaint, was massive, but not necessarily black tables scattered throughout and a for the right reasons. First of all, the strip of chalkboard decorated with pictures Atmosph amount of lettuce on the sandwich ere: A and words, this café resembled that of an would have been a bit much for Bugs urban establishment with the big city right Food tas Bunny. Secondly, the wrap in general te: B outside the paned windows. was merely bland to say the least. The Blu Moon Café, like other delis Menu ite m components were all there, but the s : Aand sandwich restaurants, offered an combination lacked flavor. The same assortment of wraps, sandwiches and Price: Aheld true for the pasta salad. The whole salads. Each sandwich was different meal seemed to fall short in regards to and the variety will satisfy all Service: taste buds.

B preferences. The one pleasant surprise Dessert, however, was a different I was not expecting, however, was Overall: A story. Like the meal before, the cupcake the desserts. The variation in sweets I ordered—chocolate with peanut butter almost outnumbered the selection of frosting—was beautifully displayed with a sandwiches and salads. delicious candy bar submerged within the The chicken wrap, which I ordered, was peanut butter, cream cheese frosting. Taking also accompanied by a vegetable pasta salad consisting of a bite of this chocolate delight was enough to convince me calamada olives, banana peppers, noodles and peppers. to return. The cupcake was moist and the frosting was a While the service was polite, it was a bit slow. My order

By Audrey Bailey abailey@hilite.org

Report C ard

perfect combination of sweet, tangy (from the cream cheese) and light.

Overall, the meal was filling, and overall Blu Moon Café was a cheer not a jeer. Despite the relatively flavorless sandwich and the slower-than-expected service, the atmosphere and decadent desserts were enough to persuade me to return. For students, Blu Moon Café is convenient and fun and will satisfy any after-school craving.

Check it out Places to visit in the Arts and Design District Simply Sweet Shoppe

• Looking to satisfy a sweet tooth? The Sweet

Shoppe offers, not only a wide variety of candy, but also gelato and sorbet from Gelato Da Vinci.

• Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m.

Museum of Miniature Houses

• Feeling small minded? Head over to this staple

of Carmel for nearly 20 years and get your fix of all things tiny.

• Open Wednesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Children’s Art Gallery

• This tiny gallery was declared the world’s

smallest children’s art gallery by the Guinness Book of World Records. Each month it displays artwork from a different school in Carmel.

• Call (317) 844-4989 for information on exhibits and hours

Artisan Masterpiece Art Studio

• Satisfy your artistic side and paint pottery or

throw some clay on the wheel. Further refine your skills or learn a new one in one of the variety of art classes.

• Open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m.

Emily Puterbaugh / Photos

FANCY FARE: Blu Moon has a variety of choices including this wrap, peanut butter cupcake and pasta salad.

This newcomer to the Carmel Arts and Design District opened in June.

Craving More?

To see more of our photos from Carmel Burgers and Blu Moon Café, visit www.hilite.org.

Page 22 | Entertainment | HiLite | hilite.org | Sept. 23, 2010

School House Rock

Want to see your band in the HiLite? Contact us at submitentertainment@hilite.org.

Watch for Midnight Vacancy in the next issue.

Each issue, the Entertainment section will profile one student band. This time, it’s Half Caff.

Compiled by Katie Walstrom kwalstrom@hilite.org

HALF CAFF Members: Joseph “Joe” Sharaya—bass and

vocals

Benjamin “Ben” Mueller—guitar and

vocals

Nathan “Nate” Hantz—drums Style: Experimental pop-core with some hard-core roots Sounds like: A Day to Remember, Four Year Strong Venues: Smokey Row Pool House, Jewish Community Center, Hot Box Pizza, open houses and benefit concerts Band Name: “We were talking about caffeine.

I said I like caffeine and Nate said, ‘I’m kind of like half caff.’ And we thought it sounded cool,” Sharaya said.

“We were going to call ourselves Shower Clock Radio but Half Caff sounded best,” Mueller said.

Half Caff / source

ROCK ON: Half Caff band members play a set at the Global Giving benefit concert in May. According to Mueller, the band writes its own music. arjuna capulong / photos

Heads Up: The Council and Late Night Reading will play at Tailgate for Life and Midnight Vacancy. The Dickens will play at Homecoming day festivities.

Sept. 23, 2010 | HiLite | hilite.org | ADS | Page 23

Page 24 | SPORTS |HILITE | HiLite.ORG | Sept. 23, 2O1O

SPORTS

submitsports@hilite.org | twitter.com/Hilite_news

Go online

For sports scores, updates, additional photos and more.

www.hilite.org

FOOTBALL

Did you know?

• Carmel vs. North Central, 7.p.m. Friday • Current record: 5-0

Carmel is 7-3 in Homecoming football games the last 10 years

CROSS-COUNTRY

• Chris Walden ranked #2 in state

Football

Homecoming game remains special to players, fans

By Charlie Browning cbrowning@hilite.org

T

omorrow night running back and senior Devin Brinson will take the field in front of a Homecoming crowd for the last time in his high school career. He is determined not to let all of the fans down.

“Homecoming is always a special game, and it’s never fun to lose when everyone is watching. Also, it’s against North Central, a MIC, opponent, so that makes it even more important,” Brinson said.

Gabe Johnson, co-defensive coordinator and assistant

coach, agrees with Brinson, saying Homecoming is a special game.

“I think it’s special because of its literal meaning,” said Johnson. “A lot of former players and people who have been a part of Carmel High School in general get to come home and watch us play. It’s neat that we get to coach in a sport that entertains the Homecoming. And it’s a neat opportunity for current players to get to hear from guys who have had the experience of playing in the game before.”

The entire Homecoming week is full of activities and spirit days designed to get the school ready for the big

game tomorrow night. All of the hype leading up to the game could be perceived as a distraction to the players, but Brinson said he doesn’t think so.

“It’s definitely a good thing for us, it gets us pumped up to play,” said Brinson.

Johnson said he agrees all of the build up throughout the week is a positive thing for the players.

“The week leading up to the game just helps the players realize the importance of Homecoming,” Johnson said. “It’s a neat experience that I think all schools should participate in and all players should have. Our goal as coaches is to make sure the players are prepared to the best of their ability and are ready to play come Friday night. There’s no question that nothing gets in the way of us preparing for the game. We want to make sure that we end the week on a positive note.”

The preparation for the game this year, though, will be a little different than any of the previous years. This is a result of new head coach Kevin Wright being hired over the summer.

Wright, who had been head coach at Warren Central

Story continued on next page >>

Players to watch Devin Brinson, senior • Running back • Leader in rushing yards as of Sept. 17 with 451 yards • Two rushing touchdowns

Scott Stilson, quarterback and senior • Completion percentage: 71.4% • Has thrown three touchdowns and one interception • 451 passing yards • Second on team in rushing yards with 221

Justin Todd, linebacker and junior Mary Brooke Johnson / photo

Gaining Momentum: Evading a Cathedral defender, senior Devin Brinson gains extra yardage. Brinson overcame two fumbles to make a late touchdown run that propelled the team to victory.

• Starting inside linebacker • Also on special teams • A big contributor to the team’s 384 total tackles

Sept. 23, 2010 | hilite.org | HiLite | SPORTS | PagE 25

and Noblesville before, said he was very pleased with how easy of a transition it was.

“It has been as smooth a transition as I could have asked for,” said Wright. “We really only lost one coach, Coach Richmond, who had already accepted another job. All I did was bring in a couple of guys to compliment the guys that were already here. The coaches all work well together, and the players were receptive to some of the new staff members from day one.”

Johnson, who was a coach at CHS last year with Coach Moriarity, said the transition was easy to adjust to.

“Coach Wright is a great, proven coach, and I think for the most part he tried to keep things consistent,” said Johnson. “And he knows how to have success, so the changes he’s made are moving us in the right direction.”

Brinson said he is excited about some of the new staff and is looking forward to having a good year playing for them.

“At first it was a little rough, but once you get to know them, they’re great guys. We all love them,” said Brinson.

The fact Brinson and the rest of his senior class have accepted the new coaches and taken the change in stride has been key to the improvement of the team. Johnson said he thinks this has been a very important factor during the transition.

“The guys you look to the most during a big change like this are the seniors,” said Johnson. “Our seniors have done a remarkable job at accepting the coaching changes

and realizing that the changes are good. Seniors are the cornerstone of any program, and to have all of them on board with this has been great.”

Wright said he has been impressed with how the senior class responded to the transition.

“Our senior class as a whole has been tremendous leaders since the start of summer workouts,” Wright said. “We have a group of Homecoming 43 seniors that like each other. It’s a group of guys that play hard, play is always smart, and play together. Our goal a special is to improve every week so that game, and we will be playing our best come it’s never fun playoff time, and I think their to lose when leadership will help us get there.” everyone is Although this Homecoming game might be slightly different in watching. terms of the players’ preparation and game-planning, players say it Devin Brinson is just as exciting.

Johnson said that he thinks Varsity football player and the community of Carmel’s senior involvement is what gets the players so excited to play in the Homecoming game.

“When you look up into the stands during a game, you understand the role the community has in this team,” Johnson said. “They have a genuine interest in how the team does. I think the community that backs our team is

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<< Story continued from previous page

one thing that separates Carmel from other schools.”

Wright said he agrees and is honored to be the coach of the Greyhounds.

“I’m just excited to be here and be a part of it,” Wright said. “I always tell the guys this: it’s not my team, it’s not their team, it’s the city of Carmel’s team.”

Be a fan Student Section Groups • Big Game, sponsored

by Dale Herr, is the male student section for seniors. Contact Herr or club president and senior Zane Anderson for more info.

• Wild Bunch, sponsored by Wendy Gerardot, is the senior female student section. Contact Gerardot or seniors Cassie Dugan, Katie Scott, Katie Thyen or Taylor Imus, the club’s co-presidents, for more info.

Men’s cross-country

Walden looks to improve on 2009 State runner-up finish

By James benedict jbenedict@hilite.org Senior Christopher Walden has emerged as one of Carmel’s best athletes in the last four years. He is currently the men’s cross-country captain and ranked second in the state.

Last year he qualified as a FootLocker All-American runner and finished 11th in the nation. Now in his last year at Carmel, Walden is trying to get the one title missing from his résumé, the Individual State Championship.

Erhard “Doc” Bell, head crosscountry coach, said that Walden is a favorite to win State, and has become the leader of the entire men’s Cross Country team. Walden thinks he has a shot at State, too, but also acknowledged there is a lot of talent in Indiana, the biggest being North Central’s runner Futsum Zeinasellassie. Zeinasellassie won last year’s individual State Championship.

Zeinasellassie is also currently ranked number one in Indiana, a

spot that Walden said he is looking to take. In last season’s State meet, Walden finished 6.704 seconds behind Zeinasellassie.

Walden said he’s ready to race him again. “I’m looking at the State game this year,” Walden said, “there’s a lot of great runners and I can compete with any of them.”

Walden said he is looking forward to his race against Zeinasellassie and viewed each race as another chance to improve against his competition.

“We (Walden and Zeinasellassie) race eight times this year, but all that really matters is State.”

Walden said his personal goals this year are to win his first State title, but he said he is also strongly focused on helping Carmel win another team championship. Carmel won its last State title in the 2008-2009 season.

Walden said he believes the team this season has the skill to win State.

According to Bell, the second and third fastest runners on Carmel’s team, sophomores Patrick “Pat” Appleton and Daniel “Danny” Williams, are vital to Carmel’s success this season.

He said he does not feel their age is a

problem, since both ran on last year’s varsity team. Walden said, “Danny and Pat have been running great this year.”

Walden said he also trusts the skill in Appleton and Williams.

Walden said he believes Appleton and Williams are a strong as any other runners at the varsity level and will only get better as the season goes on.

Carmel played in the Mason Invitational, in Ohio, on September 11, and according to Bell ran their best race to date.

The men finished first with 44 points, while Lawrence North finished second with 73. Walden finished first in the race, setting a new course record along with a new school record.

Walden said he firmly believes both he and the Carmel team can win State this year. He said he knows the competition in Hamilton County is tough, with four out of the top five teams in Indiana running in it.

Walden said, “We (Carmel’s runners) are definitely podium contenders, We have a lot of talent and depth this year.”

Mary Brooke Johnson / photo

LOOKING AHEAD: Cruising to victory, senior Christopher Walden celebrates his finish in the Hamilton County Meet on Aug. 31. The State meet serves as an opportunity for redemption for Walden.

Page 26 | SPORTS |HILITE | HiLite.ORG | sept. 23, 2010

Success of teams at this school continues as tournaments begin After dominating the MIC last year, teams look to keep expectations high this fall

By Alex Mackall amackall@hilite.org

L

oss- a word not often used when discussing CHS sports, especially when talking about last year’s fall sports teams. During the first few months of the 2009-2010 school year, teams added a lot of hardware to the trophy cases when CHS dominated the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference (MIC), winning all eight fall sports titles. CHS was the first school to accomplish this feat since the conference was created in 1996.

But this was not the first time CHS has led the MIC. In fact, this school has regularly held a spot at the top since the conference first started. Both men’s and women’s teams at CHS have earned the MIC’s all-sports trophy, an annual award that goes to the school with the most cumulative points each year, for 14 straight years.

It is inevitable, then, for current CHS teams to compare themselves to previous teams, especially this year’s fall teams.

According to Athletics Director Jim Inskeep, that pressure is evident in many ways. “I feel the pressure our student-athletes feel is internal in many ways,” he said via e-mail. “Our students set extremely high goals in all of

women’s cross-country

Men’s Soccer The 2009 men’s soccer team went undefeated against all of the other MIC teams, earning its 10th MIC title for men’s soccer since the start of the conference. The Greyhounds’ season ended earlier than expected, though, when it lost in the first round of the Regional.

According to Nate Snyder, team captain and senior, this year’s team feels pressure to do better. Snyder, who was also a captain of last year’s team, said the team overcame a hurdle last season when it beat Westfield in the postseason tournament.

“We have lost to Westfield in sectionals a lot in the past, but last year we beat them for the first time since I’ve been at Carmel. We want to do that

our activities at the school. Those goals set you up for big expectations in life and instill a strong work ethic.”

Inskeep, who has been the athletics director at this school for 10 years, said that being a part of such a strong conference also plays a role in the pressure.

He said, “The MIC is an incredible conference, and we have been very fortunate to have some great success in the conference.”

“Our coaches and student-athletes know a MIC championship is a tremendous accomplishment in any sport. We have great respect for the other programs we compete against.”

again this year,” he said.

According to Snyder, this year’s team has less experience as a varsity team, but with 12 seniors it has a lot of older, more mature players. However, Snyder said if the team works together to reach its goals this year, it will be successful.

Head Coach Shane Schmidt said, “We set our goals fairly high. Our goal every year is always to win a State Championship and collect a MIC Championship along the way.”

Snyder said his main goal this season is to bring home a state title.

“I don’t want to leave CHS without a State Championship,” he said. “I think this year we have a legit shot at winning State. We definitely have the talent this year.”

Upcoming events Sectional Dates Oct. 7 at Fishers at 6 p.m.

Oct. 9 at Fishers at 6 p.m Regional Dates Oct. 13 at North Central at 6 p.m.

Oct. 16 at North Central at 7 p.m.

Semi State Oct. 23 at North Central at 10 a.m.

State Oct. 30 at Kuntz Stadium at 10 a.m. carmelhighschool.net / source

The women’s cross-country team has returned with experience. Head Coach Mark Ellington has been coaching for 12 years (two at CHS) and many of the team’s top runners have returned from last year.

According to Ellington, last year’s team won the MIC title by only one point over Center Grove and finished as runner-up in the State Championship. The team also only graduated three runners last year.

Ellington said last year’s results definitely put pressure on this year’s Greyhounds.

“We were disappointed with our ‘success’ as runnersup last year,” he said via-email. “I believe we are all motivated to succeed this year.”

According to Ellington, it is the team’s expectation to be the best in Indiana.

Alex Chitwood, team captain and senior, said, “(In order to meet our expectations) we need to work to run in a pack and keep supporting each other throughout the race. If we can get our top five runners in a big pack in the front, we will be very successful.”

“Last year’s success does put a bit of pressure on this year’s team, but it’s nothing that we can’t handle.”

Upcoming events Sectional Dates Oct. 12 at White River Elementary at 5:30 Regional Dates Oct. 16 at Brebeuf at 10:30 a.m.

Grayson Harbour / photo

Skilled Playmaker: Pushing past his defender in an attempt to reach the ball, senior Nate Snyder is an offensive threat.

Snyder helped the Hounds post a 6-0 victory over Lawrence North.

Semi State Oct. 23 at Northview Christian Church at 10:30 a.m.

State Oct. 30 at Terre Haute at 1 p.m. carmelhighschool.net / source

sept. 23, 2010 | hilite.org | HiLite | SPORTS | PagE 27

Men’s tennis

Women’s Golf

The men’s tennis team has won the MIC title the past two years and last week they won the championship for the third year in a row, with a 5-0 win over number fourranked Cathedral.

“The team is really starting to build some momentum going into the playoffs,” Head Coach Mike Bostic said.

“The MIC is such an important step for us and we just dominated.”

Bostic said this year’s captains are playing a key role in the team’s success thus far. “(The captains) are truly setting the tone for our season through their unselfishness, hard work, attitudes and behavior both on the court and off,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for better leadership at this point.”

Conor Cunningham, team captain and senior, said he thinks this year’s team will be successful. “This year there is more experience and the team has better chemistry,” he said. “We have a great chance to win state this year.”

According to Bostic, the Greyhounds will face some tough competition this year, so they need to focus on fundamentals and conditioning in order to continue to be successful.

Cunningham said although the team won the MIC title last year, it lost in the first round of its Sectional to number two-ranked Hamilton Southeastern. He said, “We know we can do much better this year.”

Brandon Candis / photo

DEEP CONCENTRATION: Senior Elise Kelner follows through on her shot during practice on Aug. 20. Kelner is a senior captain on the women’s golf team this year.

The Hounds have won the MIC, an 18hole tournament in which the top five players from each school compete, in women’s golf for 14 years in a row. Last year they set a MIC record with a team score of 294.

However, this year’s team is down five of its top six golfers from last year.

Elise Kelner, team captain and senior, said this year’s team has the potential to be just as good (as last year’s team) and is capable of winning the MIC for a 15th title.

The team proved their abilities last Friday when they placed second in its Sectional.

Regarding this season, Head Coach Ken Kelly said, “I think they will defend the conference title and have a winning season.”

Kelly and Kelner both said the team needs to practice putting and chipping in order to reach its goals.

“There is pressure,” Kelner said. “We want to do just as well, which means we have to work that much harder.”

Upcoming events Regional Dates Sept. 25 at Smock Golf Course at 8 a.m.

State Dates Oct. 1 at Legends Golf Course at 8 a.m.

Oct. 2 at Legends Golf Course at 8 a.m. carmelhighschool.net / source

updates online Get sports updates through Facebook and Twitter! Find the HiLite fan page on Facebook or follow us on Twtter @HiLite_News.

Brandon Candis / photo

Confident Swing: Warming up before his match, senior Conor Cunningham practices his forehand swing. Cunningham said he believes the team has all of the components necessary to win State and hopes the team can accomplish that feat.

Page 28 | perspectives | HiLite | hilite.org | SEPT. 23, 2010

PERSPECTIVES submitperspectives@hilite.org | twitter.com /Hilite_news

Go online:

To read Julie Kippenbrock’s column, visit the HiLite website at www.hilite.org

STaff Perspective

Although disappointed, Greyhounds should be grateful Homecoming parade. Groups running booths will Homecoming at this school has traditionally been still crowd around the stadium. Student bands will a time when students can let out a collective sigh still perform. With the exception of the schoolof relief. What’s been a tough half-dozen weeks wide convocation, the day is nothing more than a back in school leads to a day where school pride is compacted version of Homecomings past. king. This year that tradition will change. The time Many argue that CHS is a school of tradition, to celebrate will be significantly shorter. However, and no matter the reason for or magnitude of the although tomorrow’s Homecoming day will be change, it still takes away from the day. Although different from others in the past, that doesn’t it’s sad to see tradition change, the evergreen mean pride and gratitude for our school should traditions of hard work and the initiative that lessen at all. allow CHS to have events like Homecoming are Students should note that the changes to the still intact. Indeed, they are stronger than ever. day aren’t because of new administration policies here. Rather, because of a new requirement by The reputation of CHS is strong academics, the Indiana Department of Education, six hours dominant athletic team and amazing performers; of “instruction” are required the list goes on and on. Those every school day. In the past, characteristics should be joined this school could “bank” time by what flexible individuals and from its typical eight-hour good sports we are when things days so students could dismiss have to change. It’s unfortunate Despite the to the stadium after lunch. that the whole afternoon can’t But this year, schools are no frustration with the be dedicated to Homecoming longer permitted to “bank” traditions, but the time we new Homecoming time, meaning even the beloved do have should be a time of tradition that is Homecoming schedule, students enjoyment for everyone. will take place after a six hour Frankly, the administration should have an “school day.” here could’ve seen the “six hours Carmel is not alone. This of instruction” as a reason to optimistic attitude policy is in effect for every stop Homecoming altogether. and continue to school across the state for the On the contrary, administrators well being of everyone. Aside worked diligently to make a appreciate the from the “what if ’s” that could out of the remaining many traditions that schedule occur tomorrow with the time the state allowed. changed schedule, everyone will not be affected Administrators here both truly has a lot to be grateful for. and respect the work by recent changes. recognize The fact that one of the biggest students do, and in turn they issues here is simply a change should be respected and thanked in Homecoming schedules, for their commitment to both is evidence that everyone does a great job and achievement in the classroom and also enjoyment has a lot to be proud of. Frankly, that’s what the at the events outside of the classroom. principle of Homecoming day is about. What It’s time for students to look forward to another students will spend six hours doing tomorrow Homecoming day. Although this year may – namely, learning in class - is one of the main seem a little different from others, what has not reasons why CHS is able to have great traditions in changed is the integrity of the students who take the first place. part in it. The school pride, professionalism and sportsmanship that students here display are the As unfortunate as this change may be, many same as always. There’s little to be upset about, would see this as an opportunity to be killjoys but there are plenty of reasons to be grateful. about the situation, but it’s important for students It’s up to students to determine what to look beyond their disappointment. Although Homecoming day will be like and it should be the traditional events will be shortened, not much everyone’s goal to be positive and thankful. And else about the day will be different. The traditional we should always strive to honor the wonderful trike races will run tonight with the finals tradition that is Carmel High School. taking place tomorrow afternoon along with the

Our Stand

Check out the blogs:

For blogs and more, visit the HiLite website at www.hilite.org

Speak Up Compiled by Olivia Walker

What year was your favorite Homecoming and why?

“My favorite Homecoming was last year. I wasn’t going to go at first, but a bunch of my friends were going and I just changed my mind. So my mom gave me a dress at the last minute and we just threw everything together. It was a lot of fun.”

Junior Dani Dominguez “My favorite Homecoming was sophomore year because the music was good and I had a really good time with all my friends.

Freshman year was kind of a test run but sophomore year was the real deal.”

Junior Evan Davis

“Last year, which was my junior year, because I went with a good group of people so there wasn’t a lot of drama. And my date was hot.”

Senior Carley Baker

SEPT. 23, 2010 | hilite.org | HiLite | perspectives | Page 29

From the Editor

Sara

Rogers

The multi-tasking generation: Mastering the art of “divided attention” The phrase “undivided attention” is becoming extinct. While typing this column I find myself listening to music, conversing with two people via text messages and drinking water through a straw so as not to distract my hands from the keyboard.

Welcome to the multi-tasking generation. I’m not ashamed to be a part of this fast-paced, preoccupied and obsessively social age group. In fact, I’m proud.

As technology develops, my generation is at the helm. As information spreads farther faster, my generation has learned to absorb it in the most efficient manner. Unlike my parents, who had to sort through newspapers or books for their information, I can simply click a button on my phone or computer. This instant gratification doesn’t require my full attention, so I can move on or focus partly on something else. Technology has challenged us to condense our thoughts to fit the 140- and 160-character constraints of Twitter and text messaging, catering to those of us who only want the bare minimum. I don’t want to have to read or search for answers. I want the highlights of a story without having to try too hard to find them. The immediacy of news is partnered with the immense inundation of information broadcasted through the web. The combination of the two has allowed my generation to fine-tune the methods with which we acquire information.

If I want to find out about a particular newsworthy event, I won’t sit down and read an entire article on the subject. Instead, I’ll skim the article, picking out only the parts necessary for my understanding.

This low-impact method of gathering knowledge allows the multi-tasking generation to succeed.

Through years of practicing and perfecting my applications in use at once. Google allows users to skimming tactics, I can capably distribute my attencheck their e-mail, browse blogs, check the weather, tion among various mediums without having my watch videos and chat with other users all on one brain implode. screen. Americans are no longer scared of multitaskWhile some research claims that multitasking can ing; we’re fostering its development. create distraction and inefficiency, others applaud Certainly multitasking is not appropriate in every this cerebral skill, citing it as a way to improve brain situation, like sending a text while driving or updatfunction. A 2009 Science ing a Facebook status in the middle of study by Patricia Greena serious conversation. However, when field showed that balancing used appropriately, multitasking can multimedia can develop help today’s information-obsessed gen“new strengths in visualeration absorb knowledge in the quickThrough years of spatial intelligence and est way possible. practicing and compensate for new weakStudents today are encouraged to perfecting my skimming nesses in higher-order stretch themselves to a whole new level tactics, I can capably cognitive processes.” In the of thinness. Piling AP courses, pracdistribute my attention ongoing battle judging the tices, rehearsals and work on top of the among various merit of breadth against already daunting task of being a teenager depth, the former prevails is working its way towards the status mediums without in today’s society. Students quo. Giving my undivided attention having my brain know a little about a lot of to a single task just isn’t plausible. This implode. things, rather than a lot doesn’t hinder my efficiency; it allows about one thing. Multime to get things done in a timely mantasking does not eliminate ner while keeping my sanity in check. It’s in-depth thinking, but unrealistic to assume that multitasking is allows students to choose a placebo to deal with a new technologiwhat information they wish to investigate further. cally advanced impersonal society. Juggling multiple With the immense amount of data available within mediums of information simultaneously is a method the click of a mouse or push of a button on a cell of adaptation. Life is about survival of the fittest, and phone, filtering information is essential. the multitasking generation is leading the pack.

Not only is the rushed nature of American culture encouraging multitasking, but businesses are as well.

Sara Rogers is the editor-in-chief for the HiLite. ConApple recently enabled its products to have multiple tact her at srogers@hilite.org.

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Graphic Perspective

Blaine Herbst / Art

Page 30 | perspectives | HiLite | hilite.org |SEPT. 23, 2010

from the STAFF

Darlene

Pham

Hollister Company: Breeding superficiality

Recently, as I walked along the various This certain look, however, does not shops of Clay Terrace, a pungent perfume come without consequences. According overcame me, threatened the fragile nerve to an article on www.cbsnews.com, endings of my nose. Without looking, I Abercrombie and Fitch Co. was accused of instantly recognized origins of the scent. racial discrimination to an Asian employee.

Although several stores away, Hollister, the She was fired after corporate officials daughter company of Abercrombie and Fitch visited the store and demanded more Co. and California-inspired clothing store, Caucasian workers. The store was accused consumed shoppers with its pounding music of hiring only Caucasian employees to greet and overwhelming aroma. customers and work sales, while minorities I have only dared to venture in the store a were often hired to work in the stock room. few times before, and each time, It was as if I Unfortunately, this deception is seen walked into a nightclub. The store is so dark, everywhere, in all media outlets. It’s not a there is a need for night vision goggles. The surprise efforts such as the Dove Campaign light barely allows you to see where you are exists to combat this misleading look. going and gives maybe an idea of what the To be honest, I have occasionally clothes look like. compared myself to these Hollister models, only to I found myself slightly find myself feeling bad disoriented inside the because I don’t live up to store with its music and that certain image that scent. That’s probably By only hiring those society calls beautiful. It why shoppers would deemed ‘beautiful’ doesn’t bother me for spend $30 on a plain long because I know this T-shirt with only the enough, Hollister image is not real. I’m word “Hollister” and an encourages the short, 5’2” to be exact (5’1 icon of a seagull placed shallow perception of ½” if I’m honest). If being on it somewhere; they are what is ‘beautiful’ and beautiful means I have to obviously confused. what is not.

It’s not the unnecessary be tall and somehow grow loud music or the darkness eight inches, well, that or the heavy odor or even won’t happen. To change the ridiculous prices that myself enough to fit this bother me. Rather, my standard of beauty would concern is that Hollister be impossible.

Co. embodies the very superficial ideals that As the saying goes, “beauty is in the eye threaten to corrupt society today. of the beholder.” While it sounds cliché, it’s Every single worker in the store looks as true. Beauty comes in all different forms; if he or she were plucked out of magazines. don’t allow clothing companies to shape I often wonder if the store ever hires anyone your idea of beautiful because the only who doesn’t look like a model. The truth is... definition of beauty is what you make it doesn’t. it to be. Shop at Hollister because you Since the company utilizes the technique like the clothes, not because you think it of “walking self-marketing,” meaning it uses will make you attractive to others. So my no advertisements, it relies on its employees advice, the next time anyone steps into to sell the product. Hollister doesn’t just Hollister, don’t pay attention to the walking have sales associates, it has “models,” as advertisements or the giant photos of the employees are officially called. By only half-naked models. Pay attention instead hiring those deemed “beautiful” enough, to the clothes that make you feel good or Hollister encourages the shallow perception the clothes that reflect both your other and of what is beautiful and what is not. It inner beauty. suggests that only pretty people can wear Oh… and bring a flashlight.

Hollister clothing. By doing so, many people, especially teenagers, attempt to imitate Darlene Pham is a special projects editor this artificial perception of beauty and be for the HiLite. Contact her at dpham@ somebody they’re not. hilite.org.

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meredith boyd / Art

SEPT. 23, 2010 | HiLite.org | hilite | perspectives | Page 31

From the editor

Contact information

David

Zheng

Debate over mosque at heart of First Amendment freedoms If you haven’t heard, there are proposed plans to build a mosque near Ground Zero, the site of the tragic 9/11 terrorist attacks. The main debate over the issue is whether this would be an abomination, and a “slap in the face” to the families of 9/11 victims, or if it would further solidify the Constitutional right to freedom of religion. For the most part, the public seems to agree with the former.

According to the CNN/Opinion Research survey, 68 percent of Americans oppose the plan to build the mosque, while 29 percent favor it.

But those numbers may be misleading, or, at the very least, the opinions of an uninformed populace.

The projected Cordoba House will serve as an Islamic community center, which, in addition to a prayer room, will include a pool, restaurant and basketball court. Also, this mosque is not going to be constructed directly on Ground Zero, but rather two blocks away from the site of the 9/11 attacks.

Second, I do not necessarily agree that building a Muslim community center within minutes from Ground Zero is a wise idea, but I will defend the right for it to be done. We must realize that the fact we are able to have this argument in the first place is at the heart of the ideals embodied by the Constitution.

David Zheng is a managing editor for the HiLite.

Contact him at dzheng@hilite.org.

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To read the rest of David’s column, go online to www.hilite.org

Phone: (317) 846-7721, Ext. 7143 Website: 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, Sara Rogers will receive mail sent to srogers@hilite.org.

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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.

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Staff

From the staff

Kendall

Harshberger

Students should leave room for extracurriculars Recently, I watched the documentary “2 Million Minutes,” known to many Carmel High School students as this school’s 15 minutes of fame.

For those who have not seen it, this documentary follows two CHS students, two students from a school in India and two students from China to compare their study habits and preparedness for college.

If any of you are anything like me, you went into the film thinking you already knew how it was going to turn out. The foreign students would be studying just about 3,000 percent more than the American students and they would get into their incredibly prestigious schools while the American students went nearby to IU or Purdue. As the opening credits began, I mentally braced myself to feel ashamed of the American school system.

At first, all of my predictions were proven right. The film depicted the American students as

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procrastinators and who shopped and went to football games, while the students from other countries were mainly shown talking about their rigorous study schedules from their seats at school, commuting to and from school and at their homes doing homework and preparing for admission exams.

Kendall Harshberger is a copy editor for the HiLite.

Contact her at kharshberger@hilite.org.

wait…There’s More.

To read the rest of kendall’s column, go online to www.hilite.org

Editor in Chief Sara Rogers Managing Editors Steven Chen

Mackenzie Madison

Rebecca Xu

David Zheng Accountant Pat O’Neill Acumen Monica Cheng

Ellie Seta 15 Minutes of Fame Yameen Hameed Artist Meredith Boyd

Alex Mackall

Rebecca Xu Business Manager Patrick Bryant Beats/Calendar Rachel Boyd

Melinda Song

Victor Xu

Sarah Yun

Ryan Zukerman Cover Story Laura Peng Entertainment Lauren Burdick

Meredith Boyd Feature Afra Hussain

Caroline Zhang Front Page Arjuna Capulong

Daniel Li Graphics Daniel Li

Danielle Yin

Tim Lu News Tracy Sun

Nina Underman Perspectives Emma Neukam

Jade Schwarting Photography Arjuna Capulong

Lizzy Grubbs Special Projects Katie Norman

Darlene Pham

Jackson Whiteker

Sports

Stuart Jackson

Reuben Warshawsky

Student Section Shokhi Goel Web Steven Chen

Yusheng Zhu Reporters/Photographers/Web Team Shayan Ahmad Nick Andrews Audrey Bailey Matt Barnthouse Kathleen Bertsch James Benedict Katie Bourgerie Gabrielle Bowers Rachel Boyd Hope Boyer Katherine Bougerie Charlie Browning Brandon Candis Marianna Cooper Audrey Courter Kathryn Dawson Eric Dick John Du Ryan Duffy Cassie Dugan Conner Gordon Grayson Harbour Kendall Harshberger

Blaine Herbst Mary Brooke Johnson

Kush Joseph Hannah Khan Julie Kippenbrock Lindsay Lehman Chris Li Ben Luw Natalie Maier Alex Mackall Amira Malcom Lauren Mugavin Dhruti Patel Emily Puterbaugh Thalib Razi Erum Rizvi Jenna Ruhayel Tony Tan Olivia Walker Katie Walstrom Jerry Xu Andy Yang Adele Zhou Henry Zhu

Adviser Jim Streisel Principal John Williams Superintendent Jeff Swensson

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The Need for Speed Junior Caroline Wachtel participates in speed skating, a rare sport for high schoolers

More online Can’t get enough?

To see the rest of Caroline’s interview, go to the HiLite website at www.hilite.org

By monica cheng mcheng@hilite.org How would you describe speed skating to those who aren’t familiar with the sport?

When I try to explain it to someone, I usually mention the fact that we’re on skates, except our blades are longer than those on a figure skate or hockey skate. The general idea of it is that we go fast and skate in the counter-clockwise direction. The trick is to stay really low on the ice. The more you bend your knees to get down on the ice, the more power you can get out of a stroke.

How did you come across the sport?

I’ve always known about the sport because both my mom and my grandpa did it. But it wasn’t until about a year ago that I started skating competitively. I’d been involved in a lot of sports before I decided to speed skate. I played soccer and rode horses competitively for a while too. But in the end, I chose speed skating because I loved it the most. I actually dropped soccer, which was my last sport, so I can pursue the sport full-time.

What are your plans for the future?

My goal is to qualify for the Junior Nationals team so I can compete at the AM Cup 1 (America’s Cup) and eventually the Olympics.

How do you balance speed skating with school?

I have a shortened school day. Since I train in the morning, I get to miss first period. When I have (t travel to competitions, I usually bring along some homework to finish during down time.

Conner gordon / photo