December 2011

Hi Life Magazine December 20, 2011 Issue 4, Vol.93

What You Need To Know. Now.

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GRAND OPENING SPECIAL

FOR LIFE! 2

HI.LIFE 2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

December Vol. 93 No. 4

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Have any ideas, questions, concerns, or criticisms?

Drop them off at the JLab (room A227) or give them to any staff member.

5 Things You’ll Know After Reading This Issue: - The recipes for some tasty seasonal treats.

-What the foreign exchange students are up to.

-The athletes to watch out for.

-How some of our peers received their creative names.

-What it takes to be in Youth in Government.

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Table of Contents

8) Polar Bear Plunge: Taking the dive to help the Special Olympics again.

21) Placing Names: Where do these interesting names come from?

10) Winter Couture: The fashion that you have to have this winter season.

22) Personality Profile: Get the scoop on Mr.Donahay, a fun teacher.

13) Las Minute Gifts: Forget something?

Here are some good gift ideas.

23) Candle Lighting: A long standing tradition brings new meanings.

15) Jake’s Jamz-Music Review: All of the hits you just can not miss this month.

29) Watch Out: All of the sports players that you need to keep an eye on.

18) Holiday Recipes: Tasty treats that are fun to make with your friends this season.

32) Holiday Concerts: The need to know about what happened at the concerts.

On The Cover:

The holiday season is here. Check out some different season traditions, holiday recipes, and season safety tips. See more on Pg.16.

Picture by Nicole Kelleher

JLABMAG.COM

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HI.LIFE 2011

LETTER

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Helping Hands

It is that time of year again and the weather may be getting cold, but feelings are warming up as the holiday season nears.

During the holidays, the majority of people are privileged enough to enjoy being with their families and be under a roof in a warm house, but there are quite a few people who do not have any of those luxuries. There are many who can not live in a house and get presents and eat with their families. During the holiday season there are many things we can do to help others.

Think about working in a soup kitchen. Working in a soup kitchen would allow one to see the reality of the world outside of their homes. It would also allow them to see how much they are helping out in their community and the smiles they can bring to so many people’s faces.

Another good idea for helping people would be donating gifts to the homeless and needy. There are so many people that can barely afford to make ends meet, let alone get gifts for their family. Can you imagine not getting a single present, a tree, or even a decent meal? I sure can not.

Another thing we all have to be very grateful during this time of year is that we have our families and our lives. Being around the people we love most is often taken for granted. When someone in the family, or one of our friends dies, it is obviously going to be difficult to deal with, but it is even worse when someone dies so close to a holiday.

The holidays are here, so be grateful for what you have, do not worry or get angry about the things you do not have, and remember, there are a ton of people out there needing help. Have a great winter break.

MIKAYLA FROMMER MAKING IT HAPPEN

Editor in Chief: Mikayla Frommer Web Editor in Chief: Kevin Adams Photo Editor: Timmy Snook, Nicole Kelleher, & Zac Harris News Editor: Mary Jo Roccaro and Michelle Hurley Features Editor: Tyler Robertson Entertainment Editor: Haley Gillilan and Shelby McNealy Fashion Editor: Tori Carlile and Jordan Julian Opinions Editor: Jacob Valentine Sports Editor: Nick Rellihan Copy Editor: Paige Seymour Ads Manager: Sierra Lewis Advisor: Marc Russell

Writers and Photographers: Paige Allin, Kaelyn Bailey, Jonathon Barr, Darby Beatty, Taylor Berg, Morgan Bruce, Marissa Corcoran, Samuel Eames, Chelsea Englis,Victoria Gardner, Daniel Graham, Aaron Hagan, Joshua Harris, Andy Jarnevic, Courtney Jeffries, Harlee Kelley, Chloe Maberry, Carly McCarthy, Anna Myers, Ian Nickens, Hannan Nickles, Sydney Nyquist, Taelor Oller, Logan Phillips, Andrew Potter, Matthew Rellihan, Jessica Rhoades, James Ross, Jared Shepherd, Kailyn Smith, Jude Spaulding, Arna Steinarsdottir, Sean Stevens, Megan Terry, Tierney VanMeter, Shelby Wagner, Tristan White, Ashley Hagan, Kimberly Tabe, Aaron Wood, Ashley Burrison, Jacob DePeralta, Timothy Snook, Jesse Butler, Wendy Hayworth, John Wood, Victoria Fangrow JLABMAG.COM

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NEWS

Go Greene

Buy a bracelet; support a family.

T

he Greene family experienced a tragic day Nov. 17. A fatal car accident left them without Waylon, a seventh grader that attended Bernard Campbell Middle School. When Waylon passed away, his friends were devastated and heartbroken.

Around the school, people wore the color green to show support for Waylon’s family, as well as putting together and participating in a candle lighting service at Steppin’ Out Dance Studio.

Among all this support, a fundraiser started up to raise money for the grieving family.

“Most of the money goes to the Greene family as soon as all the bracelets are sold,” Bernard Campell student Nikki Sylsivath said.

The bracelets and t-shirts are a bargain, and are going towards a very deserving cause.

“The bracelets are three dollars. I only got 200 and have sold

80 bracelets or so.” Sylsivath said.

Due to only 200 bracelets being ordered, there is a hurry to buy them before they are sold out. The small amount is upsetting to some because the bracelets are in high demand.

“I’d buy the bracelets if they were sold at Lee’s Summit High School.” freshman Renee Fackler says.

Many students feel the same way and would not hesitate to purchase a bracelet to show their support.

To get your own bracelet, you can contact Nikki Sylsivath for more information about the Support System- Buying one of these sales. bracelets adds your support to this family’s cause.

Purchasing just one bracelet or t-shirt will get you immense gratitude from an entire family.

Story and Photos by Victoria Gardner

Freezing For Fashion

C

ould you guess the average age of a homeless person in Kansas City? The answer might come as a shock; however, in today’s struggling economy this is a harsh reality. To help combat this reality, when the weather gets colder, the hearts of many individuals grow warmer.

On Dec. 9, Tiger Smart held its sixth annual Freezeout to collect clothing donations for Lee's Summit Social Services.

They accepted any new or gently used clothing and the event was open to everyone.

"We hope that we provide Lee's Summit Social Services something to look forward to, but for us, it's more about the fact that we have contributed to the community in a positive way," Freezeout sponsor Kevin White said.

The Tiger Smart members participating in the Freezeout are only permitted to wear jeans and a t-shirt no matter the weather; to stay warm, they must wear clothing that others donate.

"When it's colder outside, it gives us a more genuine experience. Until you do it, you don't have that opportunity to understand and live like some others do in our community," White said.

Resource Officer John Keck, who also helps with the Freezeout, first heard about an event like this a few years back.

Unique at the time, the idea seemed like something fun for Tiger Smart to take on.

"Every event Tiger Smart holds ties back to the community in some way. We try to make a difference while building character.

There is something to be said about doing the right things for the right reasons without reward," White said.

However, the Freezeout does not come totally without 6

HI.LIFE 2011

Cold for a good cause.

Giving Back- Participating in the Freezeout reward. will give students that warm, fuzzy feeling for "You start joking around the rest of the holidays. and having fun dressing up, and you forget how cold it is. Last year someone donated leather pants, and I went around all night wearing them. The kids are able to bond and to have fun outside of school while helping the community," White said.

To answer the opening question, the average age of a homeless person is seven.

Seven years old, an age when kids should be at home watching cartoons, not wandering the streets looking for shelter.

The Freezeout is designed to aid individuals like this, focused on helping those living on the streets during these bitter winter months. December is the season of giving. Follow in Tiger Smart’s footsteps and help out the community today.

story by Shelby Wagner drawing by Jillian Moore

Late Start Wednesdays

Late Start- A lot of people are excited for the extra hour every Wednesday because they will get to sleep in or relax. “The purpose of the late start is to create a time where teachers of like-courses can get together and review and analyze student performance data together,” Dr. Faulkenberry said.

The thought of getting to sleep in for another hour sounds amazing to most students. Well, returning students should feel lucky to know that beginning the first Wednesday of the 2012-2013 school year, that is exactly what is going to happen.

The R-7 School District recently approved a two- year calendar that includes late starts on Wednesdays. “ School will start one hour later on Wednesdays, so 8:35 for students. Teachers will report at the normal time,” principal John Faulkenberry said.

Many students will probably be excited about this change, but there are other students who have to be here at about 7. “ Those students who need a place to be will be able to come at 7 a.m. for structured programming options,” Faulkenberry said.

There a lot of students who come to school early so they can eat breakfast, those students are probably wondering how breakfast will be affected by the late starts. “ The district is still discussing the issue concerning breakfast and the late starts,” Director of Nutritional Services Jane Hensler said.

Many students are also wondering about what will happen with advisory next year due to the late starts on Wednesdays. There is still a discussion going on to determine what

Stay in bed awhile.

day advisory will be on, but the schedule will include advisory on one day of the week.

Many students are also wondering why the late starts are going to be starting just next year when this could have been done for awhile. The R-7 school district wants to eliminate those random days off for collaboration time for teachers and replace that time with the late starts so that the teachers will still have time to meet. “ In doing so, they will plan appropriate instructional responses to the data, implementation of the curriculum will be strengthened, teachers will share ideas that can be used across multiple classrooms,” Faulkenberry said.

Not everyone will like this change and some have already shared their opposition to the late starts. “ There was some opposition, particularly from parents who have young kids. Their primary concern was that their children would be properly supervised/cared for as they went to work. The R-7 administration recently alleviated many of those concerns by approving a plan that will allow any parent to drop their student(s) at their respective school(s) for structured programming options,” Faulkenberry said.

Overall, the late starts are expected to benefit everyone.

Snowday Regulations What makes a snowy day a snowday?

S

tudents in Lee’s Summit wake up extra early on snowy mornings just to check for snow days.

Whenever school is called off, families are notified by 6 a.m. or as soon as the decision is made to close.

Many people are involved when deciding whether or not to call off school. Our superintendent makes the final call, working with our deputy superintendent for operations and our transportation director. He also looks at the decisions other districts are making.

A district is required to make up at least six scheduled make up days, plus half of the additional days lost up to a total of ten make-up days. The remainder of the days and hours lost may be forgiven.

For example, if a qualifying district misses 20 days due to inclement weather during the current term, it would have to make up ten of the 20 days missed. The remaining seven days would be forgiven.

Even though snow days come with regulations, the state has not set a limit to how many days we can have.

“Although wintery weather and snow days can make life difficult for all of us, we have seen progress

NEWS

in recent years regarding snow-day notifications. Just a few years ago, families had just one option – turning to local media outlets – to learn about snow days. We have added a number of communication tools at the district level. These include recorded telephone calls that go to all families and employees, an electronic newsletter that goes to any interested subscriber, R-7 Facebook updates and our district information telephone line,” Superintendent Dr. David McGehee said.

Snow days are enjoyed by just about everyone. Whether they are spent bundled up outdoors or curled up inside, students love having the day off.

Story by Kailyn Smith Photos by Arna Steinarsdottir

Story by Jon Barr Photos by Logan Philllips Winter WonderlandSnow days give high school students the excuse to act like kids again and enjoy the holiday spirit.

JLABMAG.COM

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NEWS

Winter Waltzes

Not everything is cold and lifeless in winter. Lee’s Summit High School comes alive with warmth and dancing during these winter waltzes.

Two dances were in full swing on Dec. 3; National Honor Society’s Dance-a-Thon and the Special Education’s Snowball Dance.

However, there is more to these winter waltzes than dancing.

“The Dance-a-Thon was a charity that raised money for the Be Positive foundation. The B+ foundation gives money to cancer patients and their families and provides money for cancer research. We got the idea from Missouri University, but we did it on a smaller scale,” senior Kristine Conrow said.

Many colleges do Dance-a-Thons like this because they are fun and have great success rates.

“People should attend the Dance-a-Thon because the money went to a really good cause and it was fun,” Conrow said.

The 2011-2012 school year has been the first year that National Honor Society tried the Dance-a-Thon. NHS sponsored and paid for it. They had DJ Sky, a professional DJ from the club Orlando’s, come and provide music for the event. At the event there was a photo- booth and plenty of dancing.

The Snowball Dance held by Special Education is a different story. This dance is not a fundraiser, but just a fun event.

“The Snowball Dance is only for Special Education students, some of our kids who have problems with Homecoming and Prom. It is a smaller group so they can be more comfortable,” special education teacher Kelly Twenter said.

The kids pay $7, all of which go to the dance itself: to pay the DJ and provide snacks and drinks. The really cool thing is that SPED does not really put the Snowball Dance together. It is mostly the parents of SPED students that make the dance happen. SPED just gives them the building for the night. The Snowball Dance has been happening annually now for five-six years.

“Our kids have a hard time going to dances because of large numbers and little support. All SPED schools will be attending. It is cool that SPED get a chance to attend a cool dance. It makes them happy to attend and be with others,” Twenter said.

Two different dances had taken place on the same night and in the same building, and while they may have had completely different reasons to be held, they had one thing in common: they were both a blast.

Story By Ian Nickens Photo By Darby Beatty

Chilled-Down Charity

The Polar Bear Plunge raises money for the Special Olympics.

No matter who you are, everyone wants to be apart of something. Whether it’s playing a sport, instrument, doing art, or even other clubs and activities. The Special Olympics helps support people with disabilities and help get them involved with sports. By participating in the Polar Bear Plunge, you will help to fund this outstanding program.

Everyone wants to be apart of something, whether it is playing a sport, instrument, creating art, or other clubs and activities.

The Special Olympics helps support people with disabilities and help get them involved with sports. By participating in the Polar Bear Plunge, people will help to fund this outstanding program.

So what exactly is the Polar Bear Plunge?

“This is an annual fundraiser, people jump into Longview lake to support Special Olympics.” Senator Bailee Woods said.

Woods has participated in this event for three years.

“We do it as a senate, we just love supporting the Special Olympics cause.”

Student senate president Christina Jones plays a big role in the Polar Bear Plunge and has all of the information that a person could need. “Our team is the Ice Breakers. This team includes, senators and classmates. This is the biggest team this year. If our team meets our goal and raises 6,000, which is roughly about 50 dollars per student, Dr. Faulkenberry will plunge also.” Jones said.

It turns out that if someone does not want to jump all the way in, all they would have to do is just wade in to their chest, and Hi-5 someone or something, like a buoy.

“You do not stay in for long. The Feeling you get is a weird, cold, numb feeling.” Jones said.

If people are going to participate they need to be ready and have the correct gear. Woods says, “To prepare, sign up online, raise money, get the word out there, and wear really warm clothes.”

To get started and be involved, one needs to go to http://somo.org/plunge and set up an account with the Ice Breakers group.

If anyone would like to help someone disabled make a difference through sports, or if someone would like to just help support a fantastic organization that will fundraise for these outgoing people, the Polar Bear Plunge is a great way to help out.

Story By Megan Terry Photo by Victoria Fangrow

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HI.LIFE 2011

BEHIND THE SCENES

Behind the Scenes: Drill Team

Students march down the hallways at arms, ready for the next command.

T

he Lee’s Summit High School’s drill team is a group who practice running sequences of commands in order to perform an exhibition.

“Anybody can come out. There are several different events and if you think you have the skills to do it then you can try out,” drill team commander Bobby Mims said.

These different events are Armed Regulation, Unarmed Regulation, Armed Exhibition, Unarmed Exhibition, and Color Guard. In each you perform different strings of commands.

“In Color Guard, a four man team, two with rifles and two with flags, shows the colors to the judge and the crowd by following a string of commands in a certain amount of time, sometimes a very short amount of time,” Mims said.

Beginners start with a six pound brown rifle known as a Glenndale rifle, but as they advance they receive a black rifle which is about four pounds heavier.

“One of the most difficult parts of being on the drill team is getting used to the different weights of the rifle. Ten pounds doesn’t seem like much but when you’re twirling it around, it’s much more difficult,” said freshman Steven La’Rue. The drill team can also be a friendly environment where members get to meet new people and hang out. The people seem to be friendly and, of course, work well together.

“The best part about being on drill team is that you get to meet new people. Sure you get to win trophies and competitions, but you can also make great friends,” La’Rue said.

Another difficult part about being on the drill team is being a Commander. Your job then is to issue commands to your squad. In order to become a commander you must be selected by the Head Commander, David Skullowski, who then talks to the Colonel and selects who will try out. He then issues a string of commands and if he felt that you were a good fit, then you are given the commands for the next competition.

“It’s great to know you’ll be commanding a squad, but it can also be very nerve-racking as well. You get very nervous your first time, but when you successfully issue that first command you’re confidence shoots up and you feel like your on top of the world,” Said Mims.

The drill team itself does pretty well in their competitions, but

the season has only recently begun.

“We do fairly well in our meets. The last one was Dec 3rd at North, we didn’t take home any trophies but we came very close to winning, and I think as the season goes on we will grow and improve greatly and hopefully take home first place.” Mims Said.

While being a commander is fun, it can also be very difficult, stressful, and quite a challenge. It takes a lot of determination and skill as a leader.

“Being a leader is fun, it’s difficult to become one but if you ever get the privilege of being one, then you learn leadership and what it takes to really be a leader. It’s a great way to learn and hopefully you can keep that skill for the rest of your life so that people will look up to you,” Said Mims The drill team is a great way to learn proper leadership skills, discipline, and integrity. The skills learned while on this group are skills that its members will be able to take with them for the rest of their lives and hopefully lead successful ones because of it.

Story by Jude Spaulding Photo by Chloe Maberry

Fall In! Tim Barrientos makes sure his cadets have their cover. “We learn discipline and integrity. Mainly discipline,” says drill team cadet Becca Engberg. Lees Summit High School is known for their entrances at drill competitions. all In! Tim Barrientos makes sure his cadets have their cover. “We learn discipline and integrity. Mainly discipline,” says drill team cadet Becca Engberg. Lees Summit High School is known for their entrances at drill competitions.

JLABMAG.COM

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FASHION

Winter Couture

WOMEN’S FASHION Time to change wardrobes to warm and comfortable styles. Dresses can still be apart of winter fashion, just add a peacoat, a nice pair of boots and some leggings. It is easy to accessorize with winter fashion, a scarf, a hat and some jewelry can be added to set off an outfit.

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1. Red peacoat with wooden buttons, $89.50, Maralyn & Me 2. Black dress with gold belt, $129.99, Rachel Roy 3. Rounded jeweled necklace, $40, Kenneth Cole 4. Black leather boots, $59.99, Madden Girl 5. Printed scarf, $28, Collection Eighteen 6.

Black hat with cheetah stripe, $38, August Accessories Jeweled ring (top right), $45, Fossil Rounded jeweled bracelet (top right), photos by Morgan Bruce $30, Kenneth Cole 10 HI.LIFE 2011

FASHION

Winter Couture

MEN’S FASHION 1

Men’s fashion doesn’t have to consist of plain, dull colors. If a jacket is apart of an outfit for the day then add a bright colored shirt underneath for a splash of color. With a nice pair of shoes and stylish jeans, there is a complete winter outfit.

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1. Gray and black jacket, $99.99, I-N-C 2. Red v-neck sweater, $89.99, Club Room 3. Denim faded jeans, $29.99, Ring of Fire 4. Gray low top shoes, $55, Polo Ralph Lauren Black fadora hat (top left), $19.50, American Rag Gray fadora hat (top left), $19.50, American Rag

photos by Morgan Bruce

JLABMAG.COM

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FASHION

Best Jeans For You

photos by: Carly McCarthy

Find the perfect pair of jeans that flaunt your body

Petite

Miss Me $99 If you are short and have a small frame, look for jeans that have a slim fit and have a lighter wash near the the thighs and butt area. It gives the allusion of longer legs. The intricate design on the Miss Me pockets fill out your tiny frame.

Find it at: Macy’s 12

HI.LIFE 2011

Athletic

Hydraulic 39.50

If you have thicker, muscular thighs and calfs, a pair of dark wash jeans works best for your body type. The dark wash emphasizes your toned legs, while the light stitching streamlines the parts you don’t want emphasized.

Find it at: Macy’s

Curvy

Earl Jeans $24.50 If you have a curvy type of body, a boot cut pair of jeans is ideal for your body. It gives you a nice hourglass shape without hiding your body. These jeans have a slight stretch to them, so they can fit to your shape in just the perfect way.

Find it at: Macy’s

ENTERTAINMENT

European Pancakes! The famous snack in Europe is becoming more and more known in the States. “I loved it!! It was really really good.

Delicious!” customer Carmen Ward said. It’s hard not to love a crepe!

Crepe Crepe Station Station On Douglas, in that little block of shops across from the movie theater, there is a cool new lace to get breakfast and lunch. It is where the Pita Pit used to be called the Crepe Station. A crepe is sort of like a thin pancake. It is a French invention and it is delicious. Crepes can be stuffed with absolutely anything from fruits and chocolate, to turkey and ham.

The Crepe Station is decorated with with red and orange and green. It has a really calm, warm environment that is pleasant to see when it is too early for lunch, and too late for breakfast.

It is not the largest menu known to man, but everyone will find something they like on it. There is an array of sweet crepes, like the Nutella crepe or the strawberry slice, for people who want dessert for breakfast, and there are savory crepes for those who are feeling more like lunch.

The restaurant is owned by the same person who own Thai Spice close by, so there are also a few appetizers from Thai Spice like crab rangoon and egg rolls. It feels a little strange because it is clearly not an Asian restaurant, but they taste good so one cannot really complain.

It is doubtful that someone would want an appetizer though because the crepes are surprisingly filling. One does not expect

the crepes that filling, but even the humble Nutella crepe can stuff a grown man.

On the less surprising side, the crepes are delicious. Both the savory and sweet crepes are great and you will want to eat all of it. Having been there a few times, I still have not tasted anything I disliked.

The boba tea also comes highly recommended. It is a sweet Thai drink that honestly tastes nothing like tea. It feels more like it is somewhere between a smoothie and juice. It comes in four flavors and it tastes excellent.

It is reasonably priced too. Every crepe is about $6, making it a nice treat that will not make them go broke.

It is not all flawless though. The service is a bit strange. The people are all plenty nice, but the way they go about it is a bit strange.

It is a seat yourself sort of place, but then they serve you like and take your order like they would at a restaurant where they seat you.

It is a tiny compliant though in what is otherwise a very fine breakfast place that really stands out in Lee’s Summit. I have really loved it each time I have been there and I plan on going back. You should definitely give it a shot too.

By Daniel Graham Photo by Harlee Kelley

Last Minute Gifts With Christmas right around the corner, everyone is curious as to what they are getting. Instead of wondering what you are going to be receiving, try wondering what you are going to be giving. There are a lot of good gifts to give. You just have to be sure to pick the right one for your special someone.

If you are buying a Christmas gift for a younger sibling such as a brother, you might consider a popular video game. Some of the most popular games this Christmas season are Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Fifa Soccer 12 which both cost around $49.99. There are also some popular CD’s such as, Take Care by Drake, Blue Slide Park by Mac Miller, Lasers

by Lupe Fiasco, and Finally Famous by Big Sean. If you are buying for a younger sister there are Hannah Montana dolls, Dancing Dora and an iCarly doll.

Some popular movies are Super 8, Transformers: Dark of The Moon, Limitless, Friends with Benefits, The Hangover: Part II, and Horrible Bosses. For younger kids some popular movies are Tangled, Rio, Cars 2, and Kung Fu Panda 2.

These are all great ideas. If you want, you can always do something simple like a gift card to their favorite store or a box of candy.

Another thing you can do during the holiday season is help

Scrambling to find the perfect gift for your loved one? others who are not as fortunate as some of us. You can do something as simple as going to the soup kitchen and telling someone happy holidays. You can also buy non perishable foods and/or toys and take them to a local church to be donated to families. You can also donate money to the Salvation Army.

During the holiday season you do not necessarily have to buy a gift. You can just simply do a good deed.

When looking for the perfect gift, think about what they like and what they would be excited to receive. One of the true joys of Christmas is seeing someone special get excited over a gift that was picked just for them.

Often times, that is better than getting a gift yourself.

Which is the meaning of the phrase “Sometimes it is better to give than it is to receive.”

By Hannah Nickles Photo by Carly McCarthy

JLABMAG.COM

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ENTERTAINMENT

How to...

Take a better picture of yourself Facebook and cell phones are two things that most teens can never live without. Cell phones often give people the golden opportunity to capture moments as they happen. They also provide the majority of profile pictures.

First thing is first. A quality photo will not come from a dirty lens.

Always make sure the lens is clean.

Camera phones often come with built in features such as picture frames and effects. These often take away from the photo itself and reduce the quality.

Lighting is always important.

Each phone varies from each other. It is a good idea to check the lighting and change the phone’s setting based on the light available.

It is a good idea to avoid low light settings along with glares.

Shots taken in the mirror are smudgy and cliche. It is best to avoid these along with shots taken at arm length. Originality is a good thing.

To avoid blurriness, hold the phone steady. Also avoid using the zoom feature as this often blurs the focus of the image.

As with any photography, the more images taken the better.

Photo editing tools such as Picnic are often used. While a little bit of editing could add some extra pizzaz to a profile photo, it is never a good idea to over-edit.

Oftentimes, a lot of thought is put into one’s profile picture, and with these tips one can produce a great image.

by Wendy Hayworth photos by Taylor Berg

Books that should be Movies

Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks: Evil Genius is the story of a child genius named Cadel Piggot, who at age 12 starts attending a college called ‘Axis Institute for World Domination’,a college with courses designed to create future dictators, like “Pure Evil, Forgery, and Assassination.” Cadel eventually finds himself a pawn in a scheme to overthrow the Institute president, and has to choose whether to run away and start a new life or stand by the mad man who calls himself his father. This book seems to take a long time to finish, however, it does not take long at all, Evil Genius can be finished in about a week and a half.

Cast: Cadel-Christopher Mintz-Plasse Thaddeus Roth-Geoffrey Rush Wilfreda-Whoopi Goldberg Dr. Darkkon-Clint Eastwood 14 HI.LIFE 2011

Velocity by Dean Koontz: Ordinary bartender Billy Wiles finds a note under his windshield one day giving him a choice to take it to the police and have an elderly charity worker murdered or to not take it to the police and have a schoolteacher murdered, he has six hours to decide. One of them is murdered and Billy has to find the killer without help from the police before more innocent people lose their lives. The book is very fast-paced and can easily be read in under a week.

Cast: Billy Wiles-Nathan Fillion Lanny Olsen-Dane Cook Steve Zilis-Chris Evans Valis-Hugo Weaving

by Jared Shepard photo by Aaron Hagan

Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer: Artemis Fowl is a teenage criminal mastermind who gets involved in supernatural affairs when he kidnaps a fairy and holds her for ransom. An entire army of fairies then shows up on his doorstep and attempt to rescue their ally. The book takes a fairly long time to read and can be excruciatingly boring at times, despite this, however, it is still a book worth reading.

Cast: Artemis Fowl-Jesse Eisenberg Butler-Hugh Jackman Holly Short-Emma Stone Julius Root-R. Lee Ermey

JAKE’S JAMZ

ENTERTAINMENT

Designed and written by Jacob DePeralta

ALBUM OF THE MONTH ‘Wheels Up Mixtape’ comes with some hard hitting beats and catchy lyrics that will be stuck in your head all day. Kid Ink’s new mixtape is a definite must buy on iTunes.

Key Track: ‘Whoopi’ Childish Gambino Camp Childish Gambino?

Who is that?

Not many people have heard this name, but it is definitely a name that you need to know for the future because this kid is going to blow the roof out of some places. His album has all sorts of beats and his lyrics go harder than most rappers that have been in the game for a long time. Whenever you see Childish Gambino, you better listen up!

Key Track: ‘Bonfire’

DRAKE Take Care Drakes album has been very successful every since his first single ‘Headlines’ came out. The song hit 13 on the Hot 100 List. The album consists of slow beats with more R&B than rap. ‘Take Care’ has sold 631,000 albums in the first week, making it the number one album on US Billboard 200.

Key Track: ‘Marvin’s Room’

COLDPLAY Mylo Xyloto Coldplay is back. They have been out of the music for a couple years since their last album ‘Viva La Vida.’ This album contains more of frontman, Chris Martin’s, lyrics that can make and break a womans’ heart. They also have a surprise featuring song with Rihanna called, ‘ China Princess.”

Key Track: ‘Paradise’

WALE Ambition Arguably one of the best albums of the year, Wale has turned up the beats and has made his mark in the rap game with songs like ‘Lotus Flower Bomb’ featuring Miguel and ‘Ambition’ featuring Meek Mill and Rick Ross. Wale hasn’t had much success with his previous albums but this album is legit of the chain.

Key Track: ‘Chain Music’

Jay-Z and Kanye West Watch the Throne Collaboration of the year?

I think so.

They both bring so many things to the table. Kanye has attitude and swag that just flows with Jay-Z’s genius lyrics and original beats. Their album has hit top charts for top Rap album, top R&B/ Hip-Hop album, US Billboard 200 and many others. Expect more from these two artists in the future and you won’t be disappointed.

Key Track: ‘Who Gon Stop Me’

Mac Miller Blue Slide Park What happened to the Mac Miller that we listened too during the summer of 2011? The album is missing songs like ‘Good Evening’, ‘Senior Skip Day’, and ‘Nikes On My Feet.’ He has a couple catchy songs but he’s becoming way too mainstream and his originality is fading. Hopefully he can bounce back from this album and come up with some more most dope songs.

Key Track: ‘Smile Back’

DUBSTEP UfK Dubstep 2011 This album will leave your head buzzing from all the sick drops and hardhitting beats from various including: Cutling, Skrillex, 16bit, Monstar, Gemini, and so many more. This album doesn’t consist of the same things you hear on other albums by dubstep. They took it to another level and it has revolutionized the sounds that you hear now. Deadmou5e?

No, Dubstep.

Key Track: ‘Still Getting It’

Albums You Should Know About

MGMT Kids Everyone remembers this album because it was nominated for one of the best albums of the decade. MGMT hit the charts with this album and their new genre of 80’s dance/trance music. Their songs will always be on replay on your ipod, thanks a lot MGMT. Key Track: ‘Electric Feel’

Vampire weekend Horchata This one of a kind band came in the music industry with unique vocals, never heard before instruments, and crazy guitar solos. Everything you need for an awesome band. Vampire Weekend makes hits after hits with their California rock n’ roll and fun music. Make sure to take a glance at them.

Key Track: ‘Run’

Kings of leon Only By the night You might have not heard their first three albums, but I know that you have heard about this one. There is not one bad track on this album that was released in 2008.

If you want to win a girls heart put this album in, trust me.

Key Track: ‘Use Somebody’

ALBUM TO GET AMY WINEHOUSE Lioness:Hidden Treasures Key Track: ‘Body and Soul’

JLABMAG.COM

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CENTERSPREAD

A H Y A HOLID

S G N I N E P P

photo by Nicole Kelleher

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HI.LIFE 2011

CENTERSPREAD

Season Traditions From All Around the World The bell rings, and school is out. Weeks of break span out in front of the students, and they run out into the sunshine of mid-December in their shorts, and t-shirts. It may be cold and bitter here in the United States, but in other parts of the world, it is sun-shiney and warm.

In Spain, a predominantly catholic nation, they celebrate Las Posadas, which is the recreation of the nativity scene, with Joseph and Mary.

“Even in my home of New Mexico, people went out in the streets celebrating and making bonfires, which is different than traditional American celebrations. It’s more Spanish feeling due to how close New Mexico is to Mexico, and the Spanish heritage there. They also do a gift giving celebration on January the fifth about the 3 Magi, or the 3 wise men that visited Jesus, Mary, and Joseph at the stable that Jesus was born in,” foreign language teacher David Darmitzel said.

In Germany, they celebrate Christmas too, but rather than stockings, they set out shoes in front of their doors for Saint Nicholas, who leaves good kids candy in their shoes. They also do the Three Magi on the January the sixth, much like Spain.

“In America, we think of Saint Nicholas and Santa as one and the same, but to them, they’re separate. In fact, they have a third person, named Christ Kindl Kind, which is an angelic child that symbolizes Christmas and purity. Every year in the towns, they choose a little girl to play the Christ Kindl Kind, which is a huge honor to them,” foreign language teacher Rachel Reed said.

Their Christmas is slightly different from ours, but only slightly.

“They have it on December the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth. They open presents on the twenty-fourth, then feast on the twentyfifth,” Reed said.

As well as Christmas, Germany celebrates Oktoberfest.

“It started as a wedding celebration for King Ludwig the Second and his wife Maria, but it now symbolizes the coming harvest. It doesn’t have a set date. It follows the season change, but it’s usually around the end of September, and early October,” Reed said.

In China, they do not really focus too much around December, but instead of the coming New Year, and the Stove King.

“Rather than Santa, they have the Kitchen God, also known as the Stove King. They give him candy, and money as offerings, and then he reports to heaven on how good you’ve been all year. At the end of the celebrations, you hang a brand new picture of the Kitchen God on your wall, to symbolize starting over the year,” foreign language teacher Gary Hart said.

So whether people are hanging a hat in China, Germany, Spain, or the United States, at least there will be a great holiday season to look forward to. story by Sean Stevens

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CENTERSPREAD

GREAT SNOWDAY ACTIV

ITIES

Here are some interesting things that can be tried on any snow day.

For some it is fun to just sit around watching movies, but for others, it is fun to be active. If there is a snow day, make a snow angel. There’s never an age to stop playing in the snow.

“On snow days I love to make snow angels,” freshman Kennedy Strain said.

If watching movies interest you, then a good idea would be to wear some pajamas all day, grab a blanket, invite a friend, and have a movie marathon. The Cheetah Girls, may be interesting. Bridesmaids will cause a few laughs, and Paranormal Activity 3 will give you nightmares. Decide what type of movie to watch, then sit back and relax.

“I like to sit, drink hot chocolate, and watch The Cheetah Girls,” freshman Taryn Hatch said.

If making treats is an interest, get a bucket of snow, and make a nice bowl of snow ice cream. Another fun activity would be to pull out an old cook book and bake some fun Holiday snacks.

If sledding or playing in the snow is your passion, then you could make a ramp of snow, and slide down it. Another interesting activity would be to make a snow fort and spray paint it, then have a huge snow ball fight.

“I like sledding in my best friend’s back yard,” freshman Lyric Montgomery said.

If making money is a big interest, then shovel the neighbor’s yard for some extra cash.

“I like snow days because I can sleep in and hang out with my friends,” Montgomery said.

If there are friends over, then play truth or dare. Another suggestion would be to play board games and decide a prize for the winner. Close all the windows, and turn off the lights, light a few candles and then tell ghost stories! If the group of friends are all girls, then have a spa day. Give each other facials, massages, makeovers, manicures, and pedicures.

“I can just sleep in,” Strain says.

Sleeping in is usually something that happens a lot on snow days. Sleep in, but make sure you save time for some of these fun activities.

by Taelor Oller Enjoy the snow day, and a break from school.

DRIVING IN WINTER WEATHER As winter weather becomes a reality, it is becoming increasingly necessary for students to prepare not only their bodies, but their cars for the harsh conditions.

“Winter brings with it a host of automobile troubles,” mechanic Greg Mitchell said.

It is not hard to outfit one’s car with the necessary tools to combat winter weather, but forgetting to do so can leave one in a pinch. Something as simple as keeping a scraper in the glove box can mean the difference between safe driving and a windshield that is nearly impossible to see through.

“Remember, most of the basic car troubles people have during winter are not a result of snow or ice. It does not take an inch of ice on the ground for someone to encounter a relatively routine problem like having trouble getting their car started,” Mitchell said.

Simple maintenance is a great way to prepare one’s car for winter. Checking to make sure the car lights are operational, the tires have tread, and other simple procedures can save someone from the majority of winter’s hazards.

“There are some conditions that cannot be prepared for. Driving in icy conditions is never advisable, and should be avoided if at all possible,” Mitchell said. The reason for this, of course, is the inordinate amount of accidents caused by icy weather.

“Ice is the leading cause of weather-related accidents during winter, and it is better not to take the risk,” Mitchell said, referring to what people’s policy on driving should be when there is ice on the roads.

While it will never be as safe as driving during the summer, the risks associated with driving during the winter can be mitigated. Being cautious and being adequately prepared is necessary and easy.

by Sam Eames

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HI.LIFE 2011

MUST TRY HOLIDAY RECIPES

CENTERSPREAD

Here are some fun holiday snacks, and recipes to surprise the family with!

Puppy chow: 9 cups of crispy rice cereal squares 1/2 cup peanut butter 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar Directions: In a sauce pan over love heat, melt the chocolate; add peanut butter and mix until smooth.

Remove from heat, add cereal, and stir until coated Pour powdered sugar into large plastic bag, add coated cereal and shake until well coated. Store in airtight container.

Fudge: 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme 1 1/2 cups white sugar 2/3 cup evaporated milk 1/4 cup butter 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups milk chocolate chips 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 cup chopped nuts 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions: Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.

In a large sauce pan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat and pour into semi-sweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours or until firm.

Cinnamon Hard Candy: 1 cup water 3 3/4 cups sugar 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup 1 teaspoon red liquid food coloring(or color of your choice) 1 teaspoon cinnamon oil 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar Directions: Line a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with foil; butter the foil and set aside. In a large heavy sauce pan, combine water, sugar, corn syrup, and food coloring. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cover and cook for three minutes to dissolve sugar crystals.

Uncover; cook on medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300 degrees F (hard-crack stage) ,this will take about 25 minutes. Remove from the heat’ stir in cinnamon oil (keep face away from mixture as odor is very strong). Immediately pour onto prepared pan. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.

Break candy into pieces using the edge of a metal mallet. Sprinkle both sides of candy with confectioners’ sugar. Store in air tight container.

Sugar Cookies: 1 cup white sugar 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup butter, softened 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 1 teaspoon salt Directions: Beat the butter for 1 minute add the sugar and beat for another 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and eggs and mix for 1 minute. Add the flour and salt beat for 1 minute, scraping sides of the bowl. refrigerate dough for 1 to 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F(190 degrees C) Oil mold with vegetable oil or spray. Dust mold with flour, then tap mold on side to remove any excess flour. Press dough into mold, scraping excess off with a knife so that dough is flush with the edge of the mold. Loosen edges and let dough fall onto an un-greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees F(190 degrees C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool for a few minutes before removing from sheet.

Now, it’s time to eat! Enjoy.

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FEATURES

Joe Donahay: The interview

An inside look at Mr. Donahay, an animated history teacher.

DONAHAY

T

eachers are able to teach students more easily if they are able to grab the attentions of their students with ease and help those students learn in a fun, safe environment. Those teachers are even more memorable if some of their students look forward to being in their class or even having students who have graduated come back to say hello to that teacher. One of the memorable teachers at the school who has no trouble in keeping their students’ interest is history teacher Joe Donahay.

Even though Donahay is in his fourth year at our high school, he teaches as if he had been here has entire teaching career. Well, full-fledged teaching position because he had been a student teacher at Patton High School and was also a substitute teacher for a semester. He is a teacher that becomes energized about teaching history.

His love of history was as natural to him as breathing is for everyone else.

“For a long time I’ve just really enjoyed history, I had a passion for it from a very young age where I was always drawn to maps. My grandfather was a cartographer, a map-maker, and

his house had a lot of maps. I’ve started with a love of geography and world locations and I’ve just been fascinated by history and social studies for as long as I can remember,” Donahay said.

When a teacher loves what he teaches, one can assume that the teacher is good; for Donahay, this is true. Through the way Donahay becomes animated and enthusiastic in his lectures, he has gotten the attention and interest of his students.

“Students think I’m a likable teacher probably because, of my good sense of humor. I think it’s hard to find a lot of success as a teacher without laughing at yourself and being able to laugh at some of the situations going on. I think humor can diffuse a lot of situations and it can also help us all to take ourselves a little less serious. It doesn’t mean not following the rules, but sometimes to take ourselves a little less seriously,I think that can put everyone else at ease and in a good mood for learning,” Donahay said.

In addition to history, Donahay studied theater in college. Most of his students can see the results of his theatrical studies in his lecturing style.

When students are having a great time while learning, they want to pay attention. Donahay is definitely a teacher who knows how to keep his students in a positive and fun environment.

by Jesse Butler photo by Jessica Rhoades

Buy One Order Of Mozzarella Sticks Get Another Order For FREE 1901 E. Langsford 300 S.E. 3rd St. 1135 N.E. Douglas (Limited Time Only)

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HI.LIFE 2011

Names

FEATURES

How do you get yours?

The first significant moment of a person’s life is when they are given a name. A name is the first thing said when meeting another person for the first time and a name represents what you are remembered as when you die. The name given to a child at birth is one of the only things that stick with them while everything else about them changes.

“My mom picked my name because she wanted something unique, and it’s a mix of her name and my grandpa’s name mixed together,” junior Tavarie Becker said.

Although names seem like nothing special by simple judgement, everyone has a story behind their name regardless of how mundane the name may seem.

“My parents argued forever about what to name me when I was born. My dad wanted to name me Paige, just because he liked the name, but my mom wanted

to name me Corinne after her friend from England, and because it was unique.

When I was born my mom wrote Corinne on the birth certificate even though it was my dad’s turn to write the name on the birth certificate, but, it was already in pen,” junior Corinne Russell said.

Some people hate their names, some people love their names, but either way it is their name and it helps shape them into who they are.

“I hate my name, everyone pronounces it wrong. It was either Tavarie or Christine, I really wish my mom would have chosen Christine,” Becker said.

Not everyone feels the animosity towards their name like Becker does to her own. “ My name is so meaningful to me.

No one else has it. I love my name, and I wouldn’t want any other name. People

AM c i t Sta

The audience bursts into laughter as the actor finally relaxes from the impossible task of creating that last joke spontaneously. This is what they do this for: the enjoyment of the audience and the feeling of relief as their joke cracks the audience up. The curtain falls, and AM Static leaves the stage. AM Static is the school’s comedy improvisation team, and they do this every second Thursday of the month.

AM Static is made up of 12 students, and each brings something new to the table.

“It helps broaden your acting repertoire, and it makes you lose your ‘bubble’, and do things you wouldn’t ever think you could,” senior Brooke Myers said.

Anyone can go see AM Static for a surprisingly small amount of money.

“Each ticket is only $2. It’s really worth it to come see us. We play improv games and just have a good time,” Myers said.

k

oc h s tic a t S

Try-outs happen towards the beginning of the school year, and usually pull in a lot of prospecting teens, wanting to test their skills against their peers.

“It’s something different that you wouldn’t expect the school to be so interested in. It’s cool to see all the people come out. I would definitely suggest it to everyone. It opens a lot of acting potential, you make some great friends that you’d never expect to make, and you get to have a great time,” Myers said.

But, like any other club or activity, you do have requirements to join.

“There’s no age requirement. We have freshmen to seniors on the team this year, but you do have to keep a good academic standing to stay on the team.

I usually don’t allow D’s unless there’s a really good reason, and I definitely won’t allow F’s,” teacher Micah Hensley said.

Just going out to watch them is an

avoid my name because they don’t know how to pronounce it, teachers are always like ‘Core-ine?’” I think it’s funny.

Everyone asks me where I got my name, and tells me how pretty it is,” Russell said.

Some people have common names like Alex, Sarah, Jim, and Emily, but no matter how simple a person’s name is, it is still what people know them by.

by Tierney VanMeter photos by Harlee Kelley

>>

Acting Out- Lois Miller performs at a holiday performance for AM Static.

experience in itself that everyone should experience at least once.

“It’s very audience oriented. Some of the audience favorite games are Beasty Boys, which is an improv rap, and Chain Death Murder, which is pantomiming a murder, where it happened, and the weapon,” Hensley said.

AM Static is just for the fun of it for the troupe.

“It doesn’t really bring in much profit once you look at all the gas costs, and the shirts, and just the general maintenance behind keeping together a good troupe, but it’s fun, and the people in AM Static really enjoy what they do, and the audience has a fun time, as well,” Hensley said.

Watching them create comedy on the spot is truly a great experience, and is suggested to all theater lovers.

by Sean Stevens

photos by Zac Harris

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Mucho Gusto, Maria!

Foreign exchange student Maria Rodriguez !

FEATURES

gives the low-down about life in Venezuela.

U

pon meeting Maria Rodriguez, one might not think that there are a whole lot of similarities between her and the average student that travels through the halls at the school.

For one, she is from a country about 2,500 miles from here, but this Venezuelan student has made herself right at home in spite of the long distance from her true home.

“In Venezuela, school was a lot smaller, like a family,” foreign exchange student Maria Rodriguez said.

Now that she is here at a much bigger school, Rodriguez has gotten involved by being on the swim team, participating in Spanish Club, and making several new friends.

“I came to the U.S. with an open mind. I wanted to come here because of the language and culture,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez has noticed both similarities and differences between Venezuela and the United States.

“The social and political state of the United States is better than it is in Venezuela. There’s also better security here,” Rodriguez said.

Venezuela has many good aspects. The family values are very important there, and people have a lot of respect for their elders, something that many Americans have seemed to have lost. The climate is also a lot different there; the temperatures are often times around 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, even in December. Although the temperature is different during the Christmas season, there is not much of a difference between the way Christmas is celebrated in Venezuela and in the United States. Many homes put up Christmas trees and nativity scenes.

“Venezuela is such a beautiful country with nice people, nice weather, and a wonderful environment,” Rodriguez said.

It almost makes American students wonder why Rodriguez would even want to leave Venezuela if it is such a beautiful country.

“I do miss my family and the weather in Venezuela,” Rodriguez said.

But Rodriguez’s experience in the United States so far has been more than worthwhile, Feliz Navidad- Maria Rodriguez is getting in the holiday spirit for and she will her first Christmas in America! have several lasting memories to take home when the year is over.

With foreign exchange students like Rodriguez, American students are able to recognize how students around the globe are not much different than themselves. Of course, there are differences that allow people to celebrate their diversity, but there are several qualities that bring people together to build unity.

by Sydney Nyquist photos by Jessica Rhoades

What are the foreign exchange students doing over Christmas break?

“I’m going out to eat on the plaza on Christmas Eve.” -Arna Steinarsdottir

“I’m staying home and going to swimming practice.”

-Jonas Bodtlaender -Maria Rodriguez

“I’m staying home with my host family.”

“I’m going to Colorado to go skiing, and I’m hanging out with friends.”

-Pato Vergara 22

HI.LIFE 2011

“I’ll be at home with my host family.”

-Saga Mossberg

“I

might be going to California.”

-Mladen Grgurevic

“I’m going to Las Vegas.”

“I’m going Christmas shopping!”

-Anastasiya Tsirenfhchikova

-Anna Khoperia

FEATURES

By Kailyn Bailey Photo by Timmy Snook

Candlelighting Christianity, Islam, Native American, and Judaism are the four major religions that are the main focus of Candlelighting. Which is a long standing tradition of the high school.

“Candlelighting began fifty-six years ago,” English teacher Stacey Allison said.

During these years, the ceremony is the start of our winter break and gets everyone excited for the holidays.

“Candlelighting is on Dec. 21 from 11 to noon,” Allison said.

This has been a tradition for fifty-six years and each year the ceremony has had a different purpose for each one. The main focus for this religious ceremony is to join everyone together and celebrate different cultures.

“Candlelighting is a tradition here at LSHS. It is a time for the school to gather, to reflect on other cultures,” Allison said.

Candlelighting not only reflects on the differences in cultures it also reflects on everyone from the student body coming together as one to celebrate one another ad give respect to other cultures and beliefs.

“The significance is varied. First, it’s a great way to acknowledge other cultures. Second, it’s a tradition of LSHS. We’ve been doing this for over fifty years, and we’re the only school in the district to continue this tradition. That is very significant in and of itself. Third, it’s a great way to end the semester. Students and staff show respect for the ceremony

by dressing up and remaining quiet from the beginning of the ceremony to the end. It’s an amazing experience to see the school dressed up and silent. It’s a unique experience. People who are not a part of LSHS or the community find it difficult to believe that an entire school can be silent for an extended period of time,” Allison said.

Along with the tradition of the ceremony, there are many student and staff that re involved to make this traditional ceremony a success.

“Only NHS members are involved,” Allison said.

Before the NHS (National Honor Society) members can practice they must first choose what part of the ceremony they would like to be apart of.

We have students sign up for different aspects of Candlelighting. Some will help with the actual putting on of the ceremony. Some will help in other ways like escorting classes to the field house, cleaning up after the ceremony, and cleaning up the candles and holders for use next year,” Allison said.

The NHS takes many steps to complete this ceremony and make sure there is a good turn out.

“We do a total of three hours of practicing,” Allison said.

This ceremony has gone on for over fifty years and will continue this tradition to show respect to the differences in the Christianity, Islamic, Native American, and Judaism cultures.

Coffee House Poetry Some people choose to express themselves through fashion, music, and drawings, but there are some students at our school that take part in a different way of expression; poetry.

“This is the first year we have had over 150 students turn up. We had to keep adding chairs. I was very excited to see so many people,” librarian Sandy Stuart said.

Many people showed up to this year’s Poetry Coffee House for varied reasons. It is a great way for people to express themselves with no worry of being criticized. Some students came to earn extra credit while some just came to read poetry that expressed what they felt or to share what the had written with other people.

Some students read free verse poems, poems that do not rhyme, while othres read rhyming poems. More students read rhyming poems than any other poem. Still, some students read haiku’s, poems that start with five syllables, then seven, then end with five. Haiku’s originated in Japan and were written mostly about nature.

“The atmosphere was quite calm. For the most part; the large part was ver attentive to the students reading ther poems,” Stuart said. “It was easy to see when a student was reading a poem without holding back any emotion.”

Students easily related to the poems being read. The poems other students had written about past experiences and emotions were the poems that caught the most attention.

Many poems were very emotional and the audience reacted

COFFEE, FRIENDS, AND FUN.

accordingly to the emotion of the piece.

“Last year I started writing poetry and joined poetry club because my friends encouraged me to join,” sophomore Coral McLaughlin said.

Poetry Coffee Read it Aloud- All the lights are out as senior James EastHouse has been done for eight years land reads a poem for the large audience. now. Many students who joined poetry club come to this event as a way to share their creativity with more students than the ones who regularly attend poetry club.

Drinks and snacks were served all through out Poetry Coffee House like hot chocolate, cappuccino, tea, soft drinks, and water; a variety of cookies and salty snacks were served as well. There were also door prizes given out, ranging from huge hand clappers to little stuffed tigers.

Poetry, happy or sad, can express a lot of emotion. Whether it is short or long, it gets to the point.

By Anna Meyers Photo by Victoria Fangrow

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OPINIONS

by Opinions Editor Jacob Valentine

Finals are horrible, is it asking too much for students to remember a whole semesters worth of work last minute?

“

S

tudents at Lee’s Summit High School are being set up for failure, and have been for a very long time. Finals are required in each core class and most electives, but what is the true purpose of a final? Sure finals are supposed to be put in place to review everything you have learned that semester, but is it even realistic for students to have to remember a whole semesters worth of work? Some students argue that finals test you over something you already have tested on, and if you did not do well the first time you were tested on the matter, you would get yet another bad grade on the same topic, and that is unfair.

This is were I have to fully agree with most students. This point is very valid that you are getting bad grades for the same subject

Christina’s

HI.LIFE 2011

It would be greatly appreciated if the teachers did not hand out these tests. We are being set up for failure, it’s just scandalous.

the students and taking the same test twice, finals also ruin the students’ daily schedules. Students that keep daily schedules are being affected tremendously when class periods are cut short or extended in order to take the final. These types of students require that stability in their routine to be there for them, and if that is not there they can be pressured and not perform as well on tests or in their classes since it is out of the norm. So as a student body that is widely against finals week, it would be greatly appreciated if the teachers did not hand out these tests. We are being set up for failure, it’s just scandalous.

Column

Throughout my experience in Student Senate, I have been given the amazing opportunity to attend the Missouri Association of Student Council camps. During these camps, they are constantly instilling in us the idea of making every day matter. In the first few months of the school year, this task is relatively easy because everything is new and exciting.

However, as the year goes on, each day of school begins to seem just like any other day. This is the first misconception.

Each day is filled with new challenges and experiences that need to be taken full advantage of. I am looking forward to, and waiting for winter break as much as anyone. These two weeks will be the perfect opportunity to get recharged for an even more exciting second semester for the entire student body. On Jan. 28, every student has the opportunity to take The Plunge for Special Olympics with Student Senate. The $50 required to fundraise for The Plunge goes towards a great cause. To sign up, go to http://somo.org/plungekc and register with The Ice Breakers. The Courtwarming game is on February 10th, with the Footloose dance on the 11th. The excitement will continue in March with Mr. Tiger: Back in Action. Student Senate has been working hard to prepare all of these events to help the entire student body make the most of everyday here at our beloved Lee’s Summit High School. These are the days that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I invite all of you to remember them with me. If you have any questions or comments about Polar Bear Plunge, feel free to e-mail me at ccjones1018@lsr7.net. Have a wonderful break!

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on a test not once, but twice. Another very common topic about finals is that they are only made to hurt your grade, not help it. Finals can drop your grade up 10 percent, which is a whole letter grade. However, if you do amazing on the test, you will hardly see a change in your grade. Additionally to not benefiting

“

Making Things Happen

by senior Christina Jones

OPINIONS

Staff Editorial

Having only three years in high school instead of four would be a very different experience, and that is what a Utah lawmaker proposed.

Twelfth grade is the most exciting year of all four years of high school. It is considered to most, the big finale of high school and the beginning of adulthood. But what if senior year had disappeared? No more senior prom or memories behind this final year of high school. What if the year that every student looks forward to and works hard to reach was being taken away: Tragedy or reward?

Chris Butters, a Republican just south of Salt Lake City, has received some national recognition in his bill to eliminate the 12 grade. In Butters opinion, 12 grade is a time for “nothing but playing around.”

While addressing the Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee, his statement was: “You’re spending a whole lot of money for a bunch of kids who aren’t getting anything out of that grade. It comes down to the best use of money.”

Buttars believes that eliminating this year would save approximately $102 dollars annually.

Twelfth grade year is when students truly mature and began to excel for the sake of their future. Eliminating senior year would not only be tragic, but heartbreaking.

There are other ways that money can be saved: Cutting back on the activities and the unnecessary things that are not needed in high school such as new flat screen TV’s in hallways, smart boards, and remodeling football fields.

We students even pay for more things in school now, sports and other activities that we want to attend, so there are plenty of ways that the state and school districts are receiving money.

The memories that stand behind senior year such as: Senior prom, sports, and the most important thing to seniors, walking the stage, graduating with their friends, and looking out in the audience seeing their parents smile with admiration and appreciation at the sight of their son and/or daughter completing high school are priceless.

Taking away the best year of high school would be like taking the sun out of the sky. The honor and pride of being a senior is what makes the year so special. Do not take away such valuable memories just to save a couple of pennies.

by Kim Tabe

illustration by Jillian Moore

What woud you do to make Man on the StreetQuestion: the school more green ?

“We should put solar panels on the roof to cut down on the school’s electricity bill.” said freshman Aaron Washington

“Teachers shouldn’t print a whole bunch of copies to give to everyone of their students, they should have class sets.” said senior Brandon Roland

“Motion sensors for the lights in the halls and in the classrooms would a good way to go green.’” said english teacher Diana Lehman

“We shouldn’t waste paper on Scantrons, we already have the CPS for test taking.” said senior Emman Wright

“Lee’s Summit should paint the walls green and put plants around in the hallways, give the school some color.” said junior Jaylon Irvin

“Our school should get motion sensors in the bathroom, to turn on the lights when students are in there, and off when they are not.” said sophomore Lindsay Brown

JLABMAG.COM

25

OPINIONS

Editorials

Online Piracy Bill

Switching Up Eating Habits

Over half of you reading this could become a convicted felon in the near future. g Sam Eames

In the very near future, it may become a felony to post a link to a music video on Facebook. The internet is not as unrestricted as it used to be, and a new bill being debated in congress could have serious impacts on how the average person uses the web.

On Oct. 26, 2011, a team of Republican lawmakers introduced a new bill to congress. Titled Stop Online Piracy Act (commonly referred to as SOPA), this piece of legislation, were it to pass, would allow for both the United States Department of Justice and copyright holders to seek court orders against websites they believe are infringing upon their intellectual property. The bill would allow for copyright holders, often large businesses, to take ‘technically feasible and reasonable measures’ to prevent people from accessing sites they deem to be unlawfully using their intellectual property. Perhaps most frighteningly, the bill would make unauthorized streaming of content a felony. Theoretically, a person could be jailed for sharing a link to an unauthorized music video on YouTube.

It should hardly come as a surprise that a bill like this is being proposed when looking at the current state of affairs in the United States. Peaceful protests are being broken up by riot police, cell phones are being monitored by governmental organizations, and insulting a politician on Twitter can land someone in hot water with their school. The Stop Online Piracy Act is just the latest affront to the democratic principles the US is supposed to uphold. Were the bill to pass, the ramifications could be extreme.

“It would undo the legal safe harbors that have allowed a world-leading industry to flourish over the last decade,” CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association Gary Shapiro said in an interview with Ars Technica, a leading online publication. “It would expose legitimate businesses and innovators to broad and open-ended liability. The result will be more lawsuits, decreased venture capital investment, and fewer new jobs,” Shapiro said.

Proponents of the bill argue that it would cut down on online piracy, which is the intentional downloading of copyrighted materials. While this may be a noble effort, the language of the bill is far too open ended, allowing for a myriad of problems.

The combination of the bill’s restrictions on personal liberties and the monetary side of the internet make it one of the most unappealing bills to ever have been presented. While stopping online piracy is in some cases a legitimate cause, the Stop Online Piracy Act is nothing more than another attempt by big businesses to gain more influence in both the government and in the lives of the average American.

POL ICY 26

Congress makes a very odd decision. g Wendy Hayworth It is not a mystery that Americans struggle with their weight.

The government has stepped up their game in order to help combat the growing issue. They have gone as far as changing the iconic food pyramid into a plate so that the people of America would be able to understand the portions of food they should be eating in an easier fashion.

Recently, however, congress got together to vote on school lunch regulations. Originally, 1/8th of a cup of tomato paste counted as a half a cup of vegetables. The Obama administration pushed for half a cup to actually equal half a cup, but congress was not on board with Obama’s suggestions and ended up saying no to the idea, but they did decide that a very common food should be considered a vegetable: Pizza.

The internet has exploded with commentary. Pizza is now a vegetable. Congress’ decision has simply made it easier for pizza companies to sell their products in general, but it has been made extremely easy for them to sell their pizzas to schools all across the United States.

This is not the only way that the government has stepped in on Americans’ not so healthy eating habits.

Recently a child was taken from his mother by his local government. Why? Because the government believed that she was abusing her son. She was not beating him, she was not neglecting him; she was feeding him.

In fact, she fed him so much that this young boy weighed in at 200 pounds at the age of eight.

The boy taken from his mother is currently living in foster care and it is uncertain if and when he will be allowed to return to his mother.

Many feel that it is not the government’s place to say what is healthy and what is not.

However, other people argue that overfeeding is in fact a form of abuse. The effects of obesity may not be immediately evident but they can be deadly in the end.

So, maybe it is a good thing that the government is getting involved with the foods that Americans are eating seeing as obesity rates are going up in most age groups.

Even with all of the regulations and rules that the government creates, people are still going to eat what they please.

It is not a secret that the American people love their food. The likely hood of Americans allowing the government to take over their kitchens is very unlikely.

The Hi.Life is an open forum to provide up to date and pertinent information compiled by high trusted publication that raises the bar of high school journalism. The Hi.Life newsmagazine is a readers is to provide credible, reliable, and unbiased information to the student body. None of the of the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District.

We strive to create a professional newsmagazine that

HI.LIFE 2011

school journalists. We will be a bold and student led publication. Our obligation to opinions in our publication reflect the views provides accurate insights and entertainment.

Signed into Action

CLUB PAGE Story By Andy Jarnevic Photo by Josh Harris

High school students walk in the shoes of elected officials.

Bright Minds- Lit in the night, the capital building in Jefferson City was the host of Youth in Government. “Basically we went into Jefferson City and debated bills to be passed into law,” sophomore Kelly Wells said.

Some may believe that young people’s interest in the government is fading. The students involved with Youth in Government prove that those people are wrong.

“In the first year I did this we had three students. We’ve gone up to fifteen,” youth in government sponsor Joe Donahay said.

Members of the club participate in a three day program in Jefferson City during which they try to get their bill passed into youth law.

“There are typically over 200 bills proposed and about 5 to 10 pass,” Donahay said.

Bills limiting a school library’s right to ban books and making discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal were passed.

“Juliette’s and my bill was about raising the dropout age to seventeen,” sophomore Matti Harvey said.

All of the bills that the members of youth in Govetnment create are debated, amended, and voted upon before they can pass into law.

“There was a law that said you cannot text while driving if you were not above the age of twenty-one. Savanna and I changed it to say you could not text and drive regardless of age,” sophomore Kaley Wells said.

The first step of the process is pushing the bill through a committee.

“There is a committee of about twenty people and we debate the bills and rank them and the highest ranking bills from all the committees got put onto the floor,” Harvey said.

Next, the students vote on the bills that made it through the committee.

Generally Large- In the hall where the Missouri General Assembly meets, students involved in Youth in Government meet. “The bills that are passed are submitted to the Missouri General Assembly,” advisor Joe Donahay said.

“You need to make sure you have justifications, so if people ask questions about your bill, you have answers,” Wells said.

After being passed on the floor, the bill goes to a governor who can choose to veto the bill, or sign it into law.

“Every year the people who want to be the governor next year run for election,” Harvey said.

The students have to do research about bills that are already in effect and that are related to their bills.

“Students have to learn the structure of the bill to make it structurally and mechanically correct,” Donahay said.

The bills that are passed have a chance of becoming actual laws passed in Missouri.

“The bills that are passed are submitted to the Missouri General Assembly,” Donahay said.

It is an experience that students enjoy every year.

“It is a great combination of being both fun and educational,” Donahay said.

Youth in Government is a unique opportunity for high schoolers.

“No one else has the opportunity to sit in the chairs of the state representatives. The only other people who can sit there are the ones who were elected,” Donahay said.

The students who attend the Jefferson City event enjoy their time.

“It is something different from most clubs. You get to go to Jeff city and act like you are a member of congress,” Wells said.

The members of Youth in Government show that students still care about politics and the government.

JLABMAG.COM

27

SPORTS

Inspiring Athlete

Mika Thibeaux wins against the odds.

In a sport made up of mostly boys, wrestling is one major part of our school’s spirit, but not everyone knows that a girl would compete among the rest of the players. Sophomore Mika Thibeaux is a tough wrestler who is able to compete with the boys. She works hard and tries her best to be as good, if not better, than the boys. Thibeaux enjoys the challenge that comes with being a female wrestler.

“It feels good because a woman can be successful in a man’s sport,” Thibeaux said.

Not only has she accomplished things in sports, but her family has also accomplished a lot in the athletic world.

“My brothers have done wrestling, my older sister, she did football, and my mom played basketball,” Thibeaux said.

Her biggest supporters and sources of encouragement are her brothers.

“My brothers wanted me to be in wrestling ,” Thibeaux said, “my brothers help me have courage”.

Thibeaux not only has thoughts about wrestling, she wants to carry over lessons learned from it to her future profession.

“I either want to be a MMA fighter or a cop,” Thibeaux said.

Her family has had a proclivity to being in an active positions and now she is another part of that tradition. Whether she grows up to be a cop or a MMA fighter, she will always be influenced by her family. From her brothers being in wrestling, her mother being in basketball, to her older sister playing football, her family has made her into the young lady she is today. story by Tristan White

photo by Chelsea Englis

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Brittany Lietz didn’t think that indoor tanning could hurt her.

She didn’t know UV light from indoor tanning can actually increase your risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Brittany, a frequent indoor tanner since she was 17, was diagnosed with melanoma when she was 20.

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HI.LIFE 2011

To read Brittany’s skin cancer story or to learn more about protecting your skin go to www.aad.org/media/psa

Winter Sports Watch There are quite a few players to look out for in the up coming sports seasons.

Every sport has it standout athlete. Here are the athletes that people should watch out for in wrestling, boys basketball, and girls basketball.

The first athlete to look out for is Logan Drake. He is one of the biggest wrestlers on the team, size is a great asset in wrestling and helps tremendously. Wrestling is a sport which not many people give an opportunity, but they have to experience it first.

“When I went to my older brother’s wrestling practices and messed around on the mats,” junior Logan Drake said. That is when he started to love wrestling.

Wrestling is different from other sports basketball, football, and baseball for one crucial reason.

“It’s an individual sport,” Drake said.

Make sure you watch Drake this year as he is sure to dominate.

Another player to look this winter is boys basketball player freshman Drew Lock. Lock is starting varsity this year and is doing quite well. To play basketball you have to love the sport to play, one must enjoy it at an early age.

“Sixth grade year it started to get real fun,” Lock said.

Adjusting from eighth grade basketball to high school varsity, and Lock has faced some tough times. Everyone is watching him and he is under a lot of pressure.

“The game is so fast, and sometimes I do feel the pressure, but I think I have handled it well,” Lock said Lock has already had some phenomenal games and is capitalizing on all his game time so be sure to see this talented freshman.

Lastly there is the talented freshman Micah Wilson who is playing varsity basketball this year.

Every star player has to start somewhere and somehow.

“It was fun in the On the Team- junior Logan Drake has worked hard to get rec leagues when you where he is and is not going to back down from any match. had no worries,” Wilson He will continue to succeed and is someone to keep an eye on during the season. said.

One has to train for basketball everyday if one plan on getting better there are multiple things one can do to train for basketball.

“I go to the gym and shoot around 300 shots every week,” Wilson said.

Our girls basketball team is starting off great this year. With Wilson in the line-up, we are due for many wins. Watch for these athletes as they make an impact this winter.

Story by: Matthew Rellihan Photo by: Joshua Harris

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If We Can’t Make You Look Good...

You’re Ugly!

217 SE Douglas Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 816-524-1711 www.johnsbs.com JLABMAG.COM

29

SPORTS

Injury Recap

IT IS DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH BEING INJURED, ESPCCIALLY WHEN YOU ARE AN ATHLETE Playing sports is no doubt dangerous, but it is also very fun. Many people get injured, but that will not stop them from playing in the future.

They will recover and be the same all stars they were before.

“I got hurt the Monday before Thanksgiving,” sophomore Tanner Allin said.

Monday, Nov. 21 is the day Allin’s his knee started having trouble. It popped out of place during class, and at that point he knew something was wrong. Allin then went to the doctor after that and found out that he needed to have surgery because he had a ‘displaced bucket tear of the lateral meniscus’.

Allin is currently off of the basketball team for the season because of his knee. He is usually a forward on the basketball team. He had surgery three weeks ago and is now in a wheel chair.

Allin is hoping to be out of the wheel chair by next year and will then continue the healing process until he is able to play again.

“I don’t know yet if I will be able to return to sports by the time baseball starts, but I am hoping to be healed by then.” Allin said.

Allin has hope of returning to sports by baseball season, after his knee is well enough. Now he is only trying to focus on healing, but says if he is back for baseball season he will be catcher.

Sports are hard and dangerous, but they provide a fun time for people doing what they like to do and competing to get better at it.

Getting Better- sophomore Tanner Allin hurt himself recently and it is very difficult for hime to due anything, let alone play the sports he loves like baseball and basketball. Regardless of his current state, Allin still wants to work hard in order to get better so he can get back to the things he loves to do. “I don’t know yet if I will be able to return to sports by the time baseball starts, but I am hoping to be healed by then.

Story By: Ashley Hagan

NBA Lockout

The lockout is finally over, now what should be expected?

The NBA Lockout has been ended finally. The Players Association and the NBA have come to an agreement that is set to last for ten years. Players are now heading back to their training camps so that they can be ready and in shape. The season is set to begin in a grand fashion on Dec. 25th.

After a 149 day lockout, both sides reached a new labor deal on Nov. 25th. The deal is set to last for 10 years, but either side can option out after 6 years. In the near future we could be facing another lockout. This would not be good for the NBA because the terrible affects are showing. This deal made was for the fans not the league. The fans of NBA basketball deserved better than this and plus the NFL figured out a way to agree on a fair deal.

Players and fans have been affected by the lockout in many ways. Players have gone over to China and Europe so that they could be guaranteed a job. Now with the NBA ready to start, any player that has joined a foreign team cannot play in the NBA this year. Teams have to replace these players, but what better time than the start of free agency that has begun in the last week. Chris Paul was recently traded from the New Orleans Hornets to the Los Angeles Clippers. This is significant for two reasons. First, CP3 is one of the most elite point guards in the game, right now. Second, the NBA owns the Hornets and didn’t want to lose Paul because he basically is glue for the Hornets organization. This shows that the league is becoming friendlier than they have been in the past. The fans have had 30 HI.LIFE 2011

the biggest effect.

Mainly some have lost interest in basketball and gave up on it. Not even the deal being reached can bring them back.

The lockout has not accomplished anything expect driving away players and fans.

The season is going to have 66 games scheduled and the playoffs will start a week later than last year. Teams would play 48 games within their conference and 18 outside their conference. Teams will not visit every NBA city. This will be downer to small market teams because the attention drawing teams will not come as much.

The NBA Finals will end June 26th which is two weeks later than last year. The All-Star game will be held in Orlando just as planned before the season. A date is yet to be made for when this is to occur. Some players agree that the NBA is rushing to get this season started as soon as possible. Either way this NBA season is destined to be a great one.

By: Andrew Potter

photo from Associated Press

SPORTS

Interview with Duke Cullen Duke on his Athletic Career

It is December and wrestling season is starting. These days, senior Cullen Duke can be found in the wrestling room. It is already a busy season and it is far from over.

“I like the sport because it is competitive and individual,” varsity wrestler Cullen Duke said.

Duke has been wrestling on a school’s wrestling team ever since the seventh grade.

“I joined because a few of my brother’s friends wrestled and they convinced me to go out for the team, and I ended up really liking the sport,” Duke said.

Duke has received an honorable mention at All Conference, and he has had some really great moments during his six years of wrestling.

“My proudest moment was this year. I have wrestled this one guy five times. I have wrestled him basically every year since eighth grade, and this year I beat him for the first time. It was not even a close match. I beat him pretty bad. It felt pretty great.” Duke said.

When he is not wrestling, Duke also plays football. He is a defensive end and offensive lineman for the varsity team. He used to play baseball too, but has stopped playing because he has lost interest in the sport.

“I am an offensive lineman and defensive lineman for the varsity football team,” Duke said.

Duke recently received an honorable mention at All Conference, and he is really proud of some of the victories he has during his six years of wrestling.

“My proudest moment has to be from earlier this year. I have wrestled this one guy from Liberty North five times. story by Daniel Graham

Gaining Ground- Senior Cullen Duke has gained a lot of personal ground in wrestling since he has beat a long term foe. “This year I beat him for the first time. It was not even a close match. I beat him pretty bad. It felt pretty great.” Duke said.

photo by Aaron Hagan

Choose RED. of all Lee’s Summit teachers have a degree from UCM.

ucmo.edu/ced JLABMAG.COM

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PHOTO ESSAY

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1 Holiday Concert LSHS

December 13th marked the last concert of the year for band and orchestra. Photos by: Zac Harris

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1. The precusionists started off the night for the band after orchestra completed their concert.

2. From the back the trombonists play their part.

3. The fearless leader, conducting.

4. Senior Alexis Rolls plays the french horn in a sparkling pink santa hat.

5. Sophomore Trevor Todd watches symphonic band.

6. For Winter Wonderland, senior Alex Cusimano plays the two by six’s.

7. Feeling festive, even the band conductor, Mr. Finch, adorns a santa hat upon his head.

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HI.LIFE 2011

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