The Herald by The Har-Ber Herald

the herald Issue 2 - Vol. 8

harberherald.com

Har-Ber High School 300 Jones Road Springdale, AR

Madison Lisle becomes a Certified Nursing Assistant. page 3

FINDING UNDENIABLE

October 16, 2012

Three qualify for National Merit scholarship Ashlynn Mayes Reporter

One of the Undeniable Challenges was posting a picture of the school sign. This picture awarded the school its first badge and 100 points. Last year, the school finished in the top ten, awarding the school with an Undeniable banner hung in the main gym. Photo by Karla Sprague

School aims to win gear for all teams in spirit competition Ethan Wilson Managing Editor

Last year, students competed in Under Armour: Finding Undeniable competition by completing and documenting various challenges and getting students and the community to vote for the school daily online. After a late start and only two weeks of fierce competition, the school managed to land in the top ten. Now that the new year is upon us, the competition has started again. We are already registered to participate for this year’s challenges with the goal of making it to first place. The first place school of Under Armour: Finding Undeniable will receive $140,000 worth of Under Armour brand uniform, gear, and footwear. “The whole trick is to get people to vote everyday and have every student involved, and let it branch out from there to their friends, brothers, sisters, where the student works, and getting the whole community involved,” said Assistant Athletic Director Coach Chris Wood. Another part of the competition are the completions of various tasks, which could require the whole student

body to work together or focus more on a small group of students. While a lot of challenges may require a certain amount of physical ability, creativity is what gets more points. Challenges last year involved the entire student body and will take the same effort again. The awarded would benefit the entire school, not just the football team. “Its for all athletic teams,” said Wood. “Its not about football, this is for all sports. Really, it has nothing to do with football.” “I was under the impression that it only benefited the football team. I think they need to explain it to the whole school better than they did last year,” said senior and dance team member Alex Dudley. Under Armour sells equipment and clothing for many sports such as football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. The Wildcard is a new challenge, and each school must creatively prove undeniable. According to the Under Armour website, they are “looking for the gutsiest. We’re looking for the high school with heart to spare and whose commitment is the stuff of legend. On and off the field.” “If we won, the dance team could

FAST FAST FACTS FACTS How to vote!

1 Like Under Armour on Facebook. 2 Sign into Facebook on your account.

3 Click to support Har-Ber and Tweet for more points!

use some new uniforms for when we play away games,” said Dudley. With that being said, many members of the student body aren’t part of a sports team (or have no desire to affiliate themselves with helping the sports programs). How do you get them to participate? “The students who aren’t interested in athletics wouldn’t benefit directly but I’m sure those students have friends who are in athletics and would want their friends to have better equipment,” said senior Pierce Phillips.

After months of preparation and anticipation, senior Brenden Sorensen made it through the 2011 PSAT with a score of 210. Sorensen’s exemplary performance on the exam propelled him to National Merit Scholarship semifinalist status. Sorensen is one of three seniors to claim the title. “I was really happy. This scholarship means I can go to college. My family’s economic situation would not allow me to go otherwise,” said Sorensen. Senior Alex Stillwell’s performance on the test also allowed him to claim a semifinalist title. “It feels underwhelming because I expected it of myself,” said Stillwell. Senior Sam Rainey also qualified as a semifinalist although his reaction was one of extreme surprise. “My mom and I do not really read the papers so people were congratulating me before I knew,” said Rainey. Across the country approximately 1.5 million juniors complete the PSAT each year. Students who earn a score within their state’s selection index are then awarded a semifinalist title. Less than one percent of students who take the exam actually qualify to become semifinalists. Upon being declared a National Merit semifinalist, students must partake in an extensive application process in order to become a National Merit Scholarship finalist. “[Before this process] all they have is a statistic,” said Rainey. The process includes collecting teacher recommendations, logging service hours, presenting academic and extracurricular achievements, attempting the SAT, and writing a personal essay. Of the 16,000 students selected to become semifinalists, 15,000 are chosen to become finalists. Students who achieve the prestigious title exhibit traits that transcend the academic realm. A student who becomes a finalist is a “good solid person,” according to counselor Colleen Foster. While becoming a finalist is regarded as an individual achievement and is in no way an indicator of an educational institution’s success, the school has been home to six finalists and two semifinalists throughout its years of operation. See “Semifinalists” page 2

S.W.A.T. bridges gap between students, law Club distributes texting driving info Ethan Wilson

Managing Editor

The Safe Wildcat Action Team is a group of students who go beyond the normal bounds of enforcing the rules and reporting suspicious student activity. The organization is advised by School Resource Officer Tommy Wooten and the whole basis behind the program strives to try to bring students closer to understanding law enforcement. “S.W.A.T. is for the group of students who are interested in law, student safety, and working with me and the administration on releasing safety information to the student body,” said Officer Wooten. Lately, the club members have been helping distribute the information regarding AT&T’s initiative to

discourage texting and driving along with general information that students sometimes need to be reminded of – like seat belt awareness. As a jump-start fund raiser, S.W.A.T. recently participated in selling premium parking spots north of Bulldog Stadium at the Har-Ber vs. Bentonville football game. Each spot cost $5, and the organization received half of the profits. By the end of the night, they had raised more than $500. Throughout the year, S.W.A.T. plans to continue this fund raiser during the season for larger games such as the HarBer vs. Springdale, as the availability for those parking spaces only open up where overflow is expected. Officer Wooten also plans on converging fund raising with connecting the student body. They are in the process of designing T-shirts for safety campaigns that are not only targeted to S.W.A.T. members, but the student body as well. “We could even print extras

FAST FACTS

S.W.A.T. was established in the 2011-12 school year to work with students to promote safety awareness, laws, policy, and procedures. The club meets second Tuesday of each month during activity period. To become a member, see School Resource Officer Tommy Wooten for more information. specifically for the purpose of throwing them to the student section at home games,” said Officer Wooten. “We could possibly even throw some from the rotunda during passing periods.” S.W.A.T. is also a way for students to connect with the law in a positive way and become more educated on the position of law enforcers, why laws are the way they are, and reasons why

police officers on occasion may be in the position to override them. “It’s a way for me to connect with students in a positive way,” said Officer Wooten. “When it comes to students specifically, the [police] uniform has an image that is not always good – such as taking away freedoms or charging money for disregarding laws.”

InsideScoop Students gathered for National Day of Prayer. Sept. 26.

News 2

Students leery of legitimacy of paranormal activity in NWA.

Features 5

Sophomore Becca English works diligently at FFA’s dog washing fund raiser.

Features 6

Junior Anna Hudgeons serves the Lady Wildcats as libero.

Sports 11

news

See you at the pole

10.16.12

page 5

Students rise early to share faith under blue skies Joe Burns Reporter

It is 7:56 a.m. Students begin to slowly gather around the flagpole in front of the school. Most students would never dream of being at school before 8:30 a.m., yet over 100 students, faculty, and visitors participated in the annual national event, See You At The Pole. Senior Josh Hoover woke up early on his birthday to come out and participate. “It’s incredible to look around and see all the other believers around you and just to know that you’re not by yourself and that there’s a foundation of other students there that love Christ just as much as you do. It’s awesome!” said Hoover. Students had the opportunity to write down their prayer requests on a board placed outside next to the

“It gathers not just athletes, but it gathers all students,” said Coach Sandra Temple, sponsor of FCA. “[I want] to help share the love of Christ with students and help them have a voice in our student body,” said Temple. SYATP gives students and faculty the chance to openly pray at school because being different or religious can be extremely challenging in high school. “People will persecute you for being different,” said senior Chase Colvin. The event serves as a reminder to students that they are not alone and that there are many others who can help support them. Senior Ty Smolenski signs the prayer board at See You at the Pole Sept. 26. Students Students could also list their prayers woke up bright and early to enjoy student led faith. Photo by Joe Burns on a board for them to be shared. “Teenage pressures make you flagpole. said Hoover. want to conform to the world, and “I was praying for opportunities to be The Fellowship of Christian Athletes it’s hard to overcome that unless you able to share about what Jesus did for (FCA) along with Youth For Christ have a core group that is keeping you me and what Jesus did for everybody,” helped in organizing SYATP. accountable,” said Temple.

Qualifiers complete application process

Sam Rainey, 12

Semifinalists

Brenden Sorensen, 12

Continued from page 1

As for Sorensen, Stillwell and Rainey, all three are currently in the midst of completing the finalist application process. Sorenson and Stilwell have likewise expressed pragmatic aspirations beyond high school. They each plan to attend the college that offers them the most scholarships However, Sorensen revealed the

Alex Stillwell, 12

University of Arkansas as his top pick, while Stillwell mentioned Vanderbilt. Rainey has yet to narrow down his college options but desires to take the steps necessary in order to become a football coach. Both Stillwell and Sorensen possess interest in entering the medical field. Regardless of what they decide to pursue the future is brimming with possibility for these three individuals.

DECA aims to receive grant for school store

Elizabeth Harp

Reporter

He fumbled through his backpack for pencil lead that wasn’t there; he tore through his notebook for a spare sheet of paper that didn’t exist; and he dragged through the day unprepared for his upcoming classes. Junior Will Adams admits that if he had a place to conveniently buy the things he desperately needed, he could have avoided his disaster of a day. “Because of all that, my day was completely ruined,” said Adams. To make the acquisition of new supplies more convenient, marketing teacher Ariana Langford and a new team from the DECA and Marketing classes are working to create a school store. “I would buy pencils, papers, and drinks if they had them,” said senior Andrew Ohnstad. The products sold in the store all depend on if DECA receives a grant. With the grant, the store could have more than just supplies. The school store could also stock school apparel and beverage choices. “Grant provided, we will have coffee, iced tea, school supplies, apparel, and other fun items,” said Mrs. Langford. The store is in the early stages of development. It is expected to open

August or September of next school year. The convenience of a school store would be unmatched, and the money earned will go towards supporting school activities as well as helping through community service. Not only will the store serve as convenience for students, but it will also help school organizations. “We’ll do some community service donations, possible scholarships, and DECA travel fund, provided that we make a profit,” said Mrs. Langford. This program will integrate the entire department of marketing, management, advertising, and graphic design, and DECA. DECA president senior Cassidy Kendrick says the program will provide students with “first-hand knowledge around multiple business concepts such as customer service, inventory management, sales, accounting, budgeting, scheduling, profit/loss, and numerous other concepts.” Not only will the store help the school and community, it will also provide a great learning experience for the students involved. “Having a school store will provide a service that we think will be beneficial to the entire student body,” said Kendrick.

School prepares for ADE scholastic audit Teachers ready lesson plans, professional learning binders

“I’m making sure all of the information is available.” The documentation step has been the The teachers gathered Sept. 28 most taxing part of the preparation for on a teacher’s inservice day and each department. Some departments were informed that in six weeks, have different requirements as well. they needed to be prepared for The “We have more documentation Arkansas Department of Education because of the geometry EOC test,” (ADE) scholastic audit. said math teacher Melissa Waits. “We are going to do the best work we The science department has can, and we are going to have fun doing another specific difference in their it,” said principal Danny documentation as well. Brackett. “Most schools “We also have a have six months [to certain number of labs prepare]. We have six we have to do,” said weeks. And we asked for Mrs. Pitman. “It’s an it.” additional section in the The school district binder.” is funding the audit. A All departments, team from the ADE will including the Career be in the school Nov. and Technical Education 12-13 conducting the classes and Fine audit. Art classes, have to According to the ADE document everything website, any school they are doing in the classified as a focus classroom as well. school is being audited, “We have to document if they have not already also, but most of ours - Danny Brackett is in performance,” been through the process. The audit said Fine Arts lead will consist of three teacher Randy Irwin. components: observation in the “We record musical performances, classroom, documentation of lesson drama is filming, and art is the actual plans and student information, and projects or a portfolio.” the interviews of students, teachers, According to the ADE website, the and parents. audit will address areas to improve “The audit is for [ADE] to give us student learning. an improvement plan,” said assistant The goal is to decrease the gap principal Shannon Tisher. “There are between the Targeted Achievement no penalties, no repercussions. It’s to Gap Group (TAGG) and Non-TAGG see what we are already doing and to students. TAGG includes students who see what we need to do better.” are at an economic disadvantage, who The faculty has been preparing have English Learner status, or who “professional learning binders” school have disabilities. wide, beginning with the lead teachers. “This is not an audit for what you These binders are not just for the did well; it’s for what’s wrong,” said audit, but for all teachers to have the Mrs. Pitman. “It’s a pass/fail, cut and information readily available daily. dry. We can say we’re doing lots of “I have been double wonderful things, but if we can’t prove checking information I have on my it, then we could be lying. It’s going to students and lesson planning,” said lay wide our deficiencies and give us a lead science teacher Leslie Pitman. clear unbiased review.” Alexiss Scott

News Editor

“We are

going to do the best work we can, and we are going to have fun doing it.”

news

10.16.12

Interns gain hands-on experience

page 5

Season of Song

Joe Burns Reporter

The class is silent. Eyes are fixed upon the stranger in the room. No one says a word as the new intern is introduced to the class. During the summer, the University of Arkansas requested that three interns be placed in the school for the fall semester. Physics teacher Greg Simpson, English teacher Katy Moore, and theatre teacher Samantha Brown all received an intern for the semester. The interns are involved in the Masters of Arts and Teaching program at the University of Arkansas. “It gives me experiences that I wouldn’t be able to get any other way,” said physics intern Blake Matthews. “I get to have my own class, but while I’m learning to be a teacher, I’ve got Coach Simpson there to give me advice.” The internship is just the first step in truly learning how to be an effective teacher. “I think the hardest thing for anybody coming in as an intern is classroom discipline,” said Coach Simpson. “[They] may have passed a test here and there along the way, but until you try to teach it and explain it to students, it’s difficult.” Coach Brown also received an intern to assist her in her theatre classes. “It’s breaking down all the components that a lot of new teachers get overwhelmed with,” said theatre intern Jason Bugeja. “It’s not just a theory class, it’s a hands-on experience and it’s given me a lot of opportunities in education.” The interns have really fit in quite well at school. “It feels like a little family,” said Matthews. Students have also reacted positively towards the new interns. “It gives us more one-on-one time with both the intern and the teacher. It helps us get stuff done faster,” said junior Dallas Hines. The interns will only be here for the fall semester. Each intern receives three credit hours for their work at school as well as 12 credit hours for their Friday classes at the University of Arkansas. Immediately following their completion of their internship program, they will have their teaching license. This allows the interns to become teachers following their graduation. “I plan on being a science teacher,” said Matthews. “I haven’t decided yet if it’s going to be middle school or high school.”

Choir director Mr. Randy Erwin conducts the choir Oct. 9. Members of men’s and women’s Camerata chorus gathered in the rotunda to sing for the first time this year. Each choir performed at their concert Oct. 10. Photo by Joe Burns

Student spends summer planning for future Lisle earns medical certifications Becca Fletcher Reporter

Senior Madison Lisle’s alarm goes off at 8 a.m. on a warm summer morning. Instead of going on a fun summer trip or to relax with her friends, she heads to class. Lisle received her certification to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, CNA, and a Patient Care Technician, PCT, this past summer. “It definitely wasn’t easy,” said Lisle, “ -but now that I look back, I’m glad I stuck to it. It’s a huge sense of accomplishment.” A CNA can do the direct and indirect care of patients and can work in hospitals. They normally will be hired in long-term care facilities. A PCT can draw blood and do a few upscale procedures like removing IVs and stitches under the supervision of an RN and work in hospitals. “I absolutely love it,” said Lisle. “This job takes a lot of time and patience and sometimes it’s not the most fun job. But you’re there to help people. That’s what the medical field is about.” Lisle started May 29 and finished four weeks later when she was earning her CNA certification. Her PCT class started July 10 and finished five weeks later. These certifications will put Lisle ahead in her process to start a career in the medical field. “I have always considered going into the medical field, and honestly, getting these certifications is like the first step,”

Senior Madison Lisle draws blood from another person during her Patient Care Technician training. PCTs draw blood and perform upscale procedures such as removing IVs and stitches. Photo contributed by Madison Lisle

said Lisle. “It gives me experience in According to “Arkansas’ Hot 45 the medical field. I get to see first hand Demand Occupation” in 2011-2012, what it’s like to work in 316 annual openings the hospital.” existed for nursing Lisle met people who aides, orderlies, and she can use as references attendants. Lisle ou’re there to and who share the believes though that if same interests as her help people. That’s you’re persistent you while going to these what the medical field will find a job. That if CNA and PCT classes. you’re interested in She made multiple is about.” going into the medical friends, worked with -Madison Lisle, 12 field, it’ll never hurt to many patients, and met get certified. all sorts of different people at these “After spending practically my whole classes. Lisle believes that was the best summer in school and working, I feel I thing to happen to her as a result of her am much more driven and focused,” certification. said Lisle. “I know what I want and “The experience was amazing, and I I plan to get it, no matter what the can’t wait to get a job,” said Lisle. obstacles.”

“Y

10.16.12

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features

10.16.12

Marshall investigates paranormal Language Academy helps activity throughout Arkansas students fit into high school Anny Chen

Rick Marshall, co-founder of Paranormal Ozarks Investigations, stands with wife in front of the Vihisca Ax Murder House. Photo contributed by Rick Marshall

truly believe. “When he watched TV, sat back, and Reporters turned the lights out, he felt people There’s a mysterious laughing noise, touching his shoulder and his wife a flicker of light, or a door that opens wasn’t home,” said sophomore Kayla on its own. Garibaldi about a friend who has had a We find reasons everyday to question paranormal experience. the world around us, but how do you “There’s too much evidence for it. explain the unexplainable to yourself? There’s even evidence in the Bible,” Do you think of ghosts? NBC says said junior Harlee Marcum. While she that one in three people do. does admit that she has never had a “Usually people are very open paranormal experience, she does know to what we do,” co-founder of people who have. Paranormal Ozarks Not everyone is Investigations Rick a believer though, Marshall said. and with good He believes reason. that the exposure Sophomore of paranormal Chance Vancleave investigations says that no he through the doesn’t believe. media helps he’s just seen the people be more movies. understanding of “From a scientific the subject and see standpoint, we what it’s really all have not been about. able to get rock“You may be solid evidence. surprised at how And by rock-solid, I many people mean scientifically have actually -Rick Marshall, co-founder of repeatable. For had at least one Paranormal Ozarks Investigations example, you can unexplained event demonstrate that happen to them over their lifetime,” objects fall due to gravity at 9.8 meters said Marshall. per second. You can demonstrate that And even those who haven’t had over and over in the same place, and things happen to them, can usually every time it is the same,” said Marshall, point to someone they know that has. who also has a degree in physics. Senior Jordan Obana says that “With ‘ghost-hunting’ we never get his mom experiences seemingly repeatable results.” paranormal things at work all the Marshall doesn’t fail to also add time. though that at one point in time “Every time someone goes into someone in the past said that these my mom’s work storage they hear simple things we overlook today were obnoxious music, not like pop or impossible. anything, but symbols and trumpets, “There is nothing wrong with and no one can find the source.” said skepticism, but skepticism without an Obana. open mind is tragic, for today’s ‘magic’ Obana says that he is not too sure or ‘impossible’ just may be the science of his beliefs in the paranormal others of tomorrow,” said Marshall. Elizabeth Harp & Karley Siemons

“There is nothing

wrong with skepticism, but skepticism without an open mind is tragic for today’s ‘magic’ or ‘impossible’ just may be the science of tomorrow.”

Reporter

Sophomore Cindy Hernandez arrived in the United States not knowing any English. Just one year later she has improved her language skills. Hernandez is just one of the many students in Language Academy. Language Academy is for students who do not know the English language and are new to the country. Learning a new language is hard enough, but the students have to adjust to high school life as well. Cindy Edwards, the Language Academy reading teacher, says that one of the major issues is the time frame. “They don’t know that school is every day and that you have to be on time,” said Mrs. Edwards. Before school started, the Language Academy had an orientation to make sure the students knew where to go. Once the students get to school, the goal is to get them through their first day, including eating in the cafeteria. The teachers have to make sure the students understand the lunchroom procedures. Jeanie Nance, the English teacher for Language Academy, took the students down to the cafeteria to show them where to get in line, where to pay, and where to sit. In addition to educating them on lunchroom procedures, the students were given placement tests to make sure that they were compatible and on the same level as students currently in their grade level. “It’s like a one-room schoolhouse. We have a 14-year-old and a 20-year-old. You really don’t know the difference,”

said Mrs. Edwards. Being in this “one-room schoolhouse” situation allows the teachers to address academic issues and social issues. Some Language Academy students are making the transition from school in a foreign country to a high school in the United States. Learning about the culture helps make the transition easier. For example, some of the students have never heard of a pep rally. Sophomore Ran Laibwij had never heard of a pep rally until he came to Har-Ber, but he ended up liking them. His favorite part during the pep rally is when the school sings the alma mater. The cheerleaders and choir members taught the students the alma mater. “I feel happy to sing it because my teacher said I sing good,” said Laibwij. Despite the Language Academy’s efforts to teach the students about high school and its culture, the academy often functions as community of its own. Other than the occasional interaction with clubs, there isn’t much interaction with other students outside of Language Academy. “They date within the Language Academy,” said Jana McVay, the US History teacher for the Language Academy. “Rarely do they find good friends outside the Language Academy.” Within the academy, students develop social skills as well as language skills. These skills allow for their growth in and out of the high school setting. “It’s empowering when we give them language,” said Mrs. Nance. “It gives them confidence to enter into our country.”

Picnic benches soon to receive makeovers Elizabeth Harp

Reporter

A kind donation from the Boy Scouts of America, three picnic benches are going to be given an artistic makeover by Mrs. Dawn Graham’s Art 3 class. Each bench will have a different, individual theme. Junior Tanner Mackey’s group’s table will be about causes going on in the world. Junior Maria Taylor’s group’s table will be about nostalgia. Senior Uriel Lugo’s table will represent unification. “Obviously it’s just a table at a high school, but it could make a big difference if people care,” said Mackey who is involved in the project. He says that the public art is good for our school and hopes that students, after seeing it, can say I’m glad our student body does stuff like that. “It’s something we can all look back on,” said Taylor. Their table portrays things from their childhood that they really like. Their group hopes to illustrate all the pop culture and memorable moments

of their generation’s childhood. Inspiration and thought is what Lugo’s group hopes to promote. Their table hopes to illustrate their united front through hand printing and quotes. They hope they can expand minds to see how well they all stick together even though they are all so different. “We’re trying to get the word out,” said Mackey of his group’s table. His group hopes to shed light on modern causes like global warming and poverty because those are all pretty common and they’re just kind of being overlooked right now. They feel their table can make teens think about things beyond their own high school problems. Ncarts.org defines public art as an artwork or element of design that is either temporarily or permanently located in a public space. “Your thoughts go into an art project and many people see that and maybe they get inspired by your art,” said Lugo.

Choir conquers at All Region

Hannah Ash

Reporter

There’s a moment of silence before the music begins, an orderly count to four; the performer takes a breath, and then the moment occurs. This is the moment that students have been waiting months for, it’s the All-Region Choir tryouts. Each year in October, talented choir students participate in the AllRegion Choir competition, which is the first step in qualifying for the AllState Choir. Many students have been working hard, practicing their music at home and at school, all in the hopes to earn the prestigious honor of singing with students from all over Arkansas. “I’ve been going over the music once a day, if not more. The mental preparation is the tough part,” says senior All-State veteran Aimee Apon. Apon wants to go to college for choir, which is helped by participating in AllRegion and All-State. Not only does the prestigious honor of All-Region look good on a college application, students also receive recognition at school as well. “You get the fulfillment of knowing that you’re one of the best singers in the region. It’s just nice to know that hard work

pays off,” says senior and All-State veteran Chris Clouatre. Junior Ariel Bagwell practices thirty minutes each night, and at school in the mornings, and is hoping to make it into the All-Region Choir clinic for the first time. “I practice because I love choir. It’s a lot of fun, and I have nothing else going on at school,” says Bagwell. Practicing and proper preparations can make or break an audition. “From doing All-Region in junior high, I learned dedication. If you don’t keep practicing, you won’t make it,” says sophomore Gage Lance. Lance went to All-Region in eighth grade after hard work and practice. However, in his ninth grade year, he didn’t practice diligently and as a result, didn’t make it. He’s practiced every chance he gets at school and hopes to redeem himself at this year’s tryouts. All-Region Choir is proof that hard work pays off. 115 students tried out for All-Region from our school, and 52 of those talented students made it into the AllRegion Choir, and many of them are going to soon be busy preparing for All-State Choir auditions.

What do you enjoy about all region? “Going to the clinics and singing with all the people that are as good as me.” -Callie Cannon 11

“I enjoy knowing that all of the hard work I’ve done has paid off.” -Chris Clouatre 12

“The fact that I beat every Bass 2 from Bentonville.” -Jacob Reynolds 11

“Having a life-altering choral experience.” -Zach McGowen 11

features

10.16.12

Enacting Shakespeare in 15 minutes

Right: Junior Jacob Benson battles junior Stephen Burns. Bottom: Jacob Benson is faring the sea with the aide of junior Leighanna Abram, junior Macey Martinez. Far Right: Seth Johnso lies “dead” at Liz Larsen, Bethany Bain, and Ashley Duckworth’s feet. Photo by Karla Sprague

Theatre classes make Shakepeare easy to understand Hannah Ash

Reporter

Shakespeare isn’t exactly the simplest language to understand, but during theatre’s performances of the “15-Minute Hamlet” adaptation, junior and leading actor Jacob Benson

discovered that it’s actually pretty easy for the peasants to understand. “You’re saying a line that you don’t necessarily think that the crowd will appreciate, and when they do, it’s really nice,” said Benson. The performances were Oct. 4 during the school day for English classes and a public performance that evening. “I was looking for a very articulate actor, and they both fit that mold,” said theatre teacher Samantha Brown of the two Hamlets, Benson and senior Ashley Duckworth. “It was both nerve racking and

exciting at the same time,” said Duckworth, who played Hamlet as well. She felt as though it was an intriguing experience and a good story to tell people. “My favorite part of being Hamlet was just being the lead and being more credited for acting in high school,” said Benson. The rold of Hamlet was his first in a high school play. He also does plays at Fayetteville’s Arts Live Theatre. He is currently playing the role of the Beast in Arts Live’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.”

FFA’s dog wash benefits veterinary science team

College visit offers new perspective Features Editor

Driving through the University of Kansas campus, I was hit with several emotions. I was scared, overwhelmed, and intimidated. Needless to say, I did not have a good reaction to it. The campus was massive, and the idea of being on it all alone was intimidating. I went to bed that night unsure that I even wanted to go to my campus visit the next morning. I did though. I got up, and my parents and I drove to the student union where everything was held. I went through check-in and the welcome speech without my previous night’s worries changing. Then we went to our career sessions. I picked education and journalism. When we went to the education session, most of my worries went away. The speaker told us how much attention each individual student in the School of Education received. That made me feel a lot better knowing that I was not alone. The journalism session made me feel even better. Journalism is one thing that I absolutely love to do, and listening to someone who shares that passion made me feel right at home. I realized that going to college alone is not as horrifying as I originally thought it would be. I would make new friends, and I would find my place in that school. This was my first college visit, and it definitely gave me a new perspective on college experiences that I never would have had without the visit.

Students adorn accessories for self-expression Andrea Montes

Regards from Rebecca

Rebecca Fletcher

“Balancing the practices was no big deal, really. We’re just getting into the motions of ‘Beauty and the Beast’,” said Benson. Like most situations, practice makes perfect. With each performance, the actors improved. “The actors became more and more comfortable on the stage at each performance,” said Ms. Brown. The play was overall a great experience for students. “I have a feeling that I gave the audience a great show,” said Duckworth.

Sophomore Becca English dries a dog during FFA’s dog washing fund-raiser Oct. 6. The club raised $1,100 as a result of this fund raiser. Because of this successful fund raiser, students will be able to compete in a national competition at the end of October. Photo by Karla Sprague

trim, a bath, and coat grooming. The cost per dog was $10. “I felt so bad for Dr. Williams and the Dr. Kate Williams served as the lead students because it took three people veterinarian during the Future Farmer’s to hold down my dog Lucy just to clip of America’s dog washing benefit Oct. her toe nails,” said English teacher Karla Sprague. “My other 6. Proceeds from the dog Ribbi did not like the benefit will assist the blow dryers at all.” veterinary science team to The dogs were also raise funds to compete at given personalized the national competition. bandanas that “We raised $1,100, announced their which was plenty of participation at the money for them to get to benefit. attend,” said FFA sponsor “Braden enjoyed Patti Priest. -Abby Sizemore, 11 helping with the In preparation for dogs and getting to the event, FFA students sold tickets and hung up flyers. The personalize the bandanas for Lucy and students were also required to attend Ribbi,” said Mrs. Sprague. “I really enjoyed the dog wash. It was two training sessions at Saint Francis Animal Hospital in order to learn how tons of fun. We had many dogs show to properly restrain a dog. Over thirty up,” said junior Abby Sizemore. As a result of the upbeat event, the FFA members and staff at Saint Francis veterinary science team will be able to facilitated the event. At the benefit canine clients received compete in their national competition nail maintenance, an optional hair at the end of October. Ashlynn Mayes

Reporter

“I really

enjoyed the dog wash. It was tons of fun.”

Reporter

Statement jewelry is always an eyecatching accessory, but even more so when the jewelry is making its own statement. Self-expression runs deep in the halls, and one of the many ways to do so is through jewelry, specifically bracelets. Through trends and special mementos, students like junior Karla Gonzalez have and wear them all. “My aunt brought my bracelet from Mexico, so I think it’s special because she brought it from where I was born and it reminds me of my hometown,” said Gonzalez. Gonzalez adorns her wrist with Catholic saints bracelets displaying different saints on each wood square. Junior Tabitha Lewis wears two rubber bracelets on her wrist from her summer experience. The green one, “First is Third,” and the blue one, “Come to Ozone.” “They’re all from summer camp. This one (green) just means that everyone voted that I was the one who helped out most and was the friendliest. This one (blue) just represents our after school program,” said Lewis. Silly Bandz, a once very popular trend, are still worn by many students. Senior Hannah Martin sports a black Batman logo Silly Band. “I stole it from my friend, Hannah Ash. I’ve had it since ninth grade,” said Martin. Friendship bracelets, the colorful yarn woven and often hand made bracelets represent the bond between two friends, even if those friends have already left high school. “My friend gave it to me. It was Raneesha Brown’s; she was a senior last year. We were really good friends last year,” said junior Jacob Reynolds. Bracelets of all kinds make a statement as to how students want to be viewed, what their interests are, or who they are. “I like bracelets because they represent something about you, they can be fun, and they look good,” said Gonzalez.

a&e

10.16.12

Film

Pitch Perfect gets gravity proves to be “Aca-larious”

BadLipReading

YouTube account, BLR (Bad Lip Reading), pulls in major views with it’s hilarious parody clips from “The Hunger Games” and “Twilight”. Scan the QR Codes to view.

“I’M THE QUEEN”

Sara Lachance

Editor

The perfect mash up of Mean Girls, Glee, (in the musical sense), and Bridesmaids has arrived. Pitch Perfect proves to be just that, perfect. Beca, (Anna Kendrick), is new to Barden College and despite her hatred for the college life and longing to be a DJ in Los Angeles, she reluctantly joins the Barden Bellas, an all-girls a cappella group. Her love interest Jesse, (Skylar Astin), is a part of The Bellas rival singing group, the Trebel Makers, an all boy a cappella group. In the end, the two groups compete in the national championship. I absolutely LOVED this movie. It was one of the funniest movies I have seen in awhile. Fat Amy, (Rebel Wilson), had me laughing till I cried in every single scene she was a part of. Rebel Wilson is one of the most hilarious actresses of our generation in my opinion. Every scene she was in the crowd roared with laughter. She had the best one. liners and facial expressions. The witty commentators Gail and John,

(Elizabeth Banks and John Higgins), provide hilarious adult comedy for the older age group. They reminded me of the commentators featured in the comedy Dodgeball. A large part of Pitch Perfect was the ear pleasing music. The movie included music ranging from the 80’s up until today. I enjoyed the arrangements in Pitch Perfect much more than those of Glee. The musical numbers in Pitch Perfect were better blended and more creative. My favorite part of the movie was the “Riff Off” where a cappella group gathered to compete in a sing off. The contestants were expected to sing songs about a certain category. A group could cut into another group’s song at anytime. I thought it was a clever addition to the movie and it added originality to it. Pitch Perfect provides comedy for teenagers as well as adults. Though the ending was predictable, the inclusion of The Breakfast Club references was the icing on the cake for the end. I recommend this movie to teenagers and adults everywhere.

“Dude... You slapped a fish...”

Willis, JGL collaborate in ‘Looper’

Justin Dhaliwal

Sports Editor

Joseph-Gordon-Levit (JGL) and Bruce Willis came together and created a superb film named “Looper.” The location takes place in a futuristic Kansas where it has became a huge metropolitan state. People who make up the state are extremely poor and begging for money every chance they get. The economy is in bad shape, and jobs are hard to come by. The story line consists of a looper (JGL) whose job requires him to go out to certain locations where he lays a white sheet on the ground and slowly watches his pocket watch. A man then appears with his head covered, hands tied, and a brown sack over his body. JGL then holding his blunder buster (very powerful shotgun) where

he then executes the criminal the mob has sent back from the year 2074 to the present year 2044. Time travel is illegal in the future, and the Mob is the only one that has control over it. The boss that runs the looper organization is an old man sent from the future who makes the jobs possible. After a looper has completed his deed, he rips off the brown sack and takes these silver bars, where you go back to the looper head quarters and exchange them for money. Through out the movie, JGL has done about six or seven normal deeds, until he’s faced with something he has never seen before. JGL always has his stopwatch on him, and when the time comes to execute the time traveler, no one appears. JGL then becomes antsy and sweaty, wondering where the time traveler is. All of a sudden an old man appears with hands not tied and face fully shown. Watching this movie made me

Life Style

Fall Trend: Hot Tea

question what I saw multiple times, because the story line had many twists and turns which could result in many endings. The story was creative and original; it was something I had never seen or heard about, which is what movies lack these days. The cast was well chosen which complimented the movie; JGL and Willis were at their best. The action scenes where great and even gory which I enjoy, but some people may not. I highly recommend you go watch this action packed and mind boggling movie.

Stairs: A love story Jacob Benson

Entertainment Editor

Falling down a flight of stairs can be traumatic to say the least. It can also be wonderfully hilarious. For instance, falling down a flight of stairs with a whoopie cushion in every pocket or perhaps falling down a flight of stairs while carrying a fully loaded diaper might produce the onset of belly laughs. It’s safe to say a majority of the time, falling down a flight of stairs is not fun, but can be. Here’s a tale or two about falling down stairs. It was an average day at the Benson home– fire cracking in the fireplace, unicorns strutting majestically in the backyard, and a fine dinner being cooked in the kitchen. Actually the meal wasn’t cooked, it was brought home from the prestigious Popeye’s Fried Chicken: Louisiana…Fast! Anyways, predictably enough, I was ecstatic. Fried chicken is undoubtably one of my favorite foods. I made my way to the staircase, plate fully loaded, so that I could enjoy this fine meal while separated from living society. I came to the top of the stairs as my sister, trying to be a comedian, cuts me off, and makes her way down the stairs. Her plate was also fully loaded with fried goodness, and she was clutching a tall glass of Kool-Aid. Something wonderful happened. As she’s making her way down the stairs, she steps on her own shoelace and dramatically launches her food in the air as she tumbles down the staircase. The food meets her at the bottom of the stairs and lands on and around her. The scene left by this incident was a messy one. Bits and pieces of breading, chicken, and coleslaw were strewn about all over the staircase. To make it even better, my mother made my sister clean up the mess. Karma at its finest. What a day! As Karma would have it, my sister’s demise in the moment would soon be avenged. It was about a week later. I was in the backyard, getting firewood. I struggled to get an armful of firewood and made my way to my back door. I opened it and approached the stairs. My sister was watching me from the couch. I ventured uneasily up the staircase. All was well, until I reached the middle. As I attempted to scratch my back, I transferred the weight of the wood to one arm so that the other could do such desired action. I relieved the itch of my back, just as the logs in my right hand slipped and landed firmly on my left foot. Instinctively, my hands went down to treat the injury thus releasing the rest of the logs onto my right foot. For some odd reason my instinct was to jump. So, I jumped into the air. I instantly realized my mistake when I landed on one of the logs, causing me to launch back into the air. I landed face down on the staircase and allowed the logs to roll me to the foot of the stairs. It took me a second to realize my sister was howling with laughter from the couch. The event will not be soon forgotten. So, a few tips for those of you who struggle with everyday machines such as the common staircase. 1. Do not attempt using one while carrying heavy objects (if you lack balance.) 2. Don’t try to be funny and cut off your brother at the top of the stairs, because it will only be funnier for him when you fall. and 3. Don’t go down stairs in a wheelchair; it ALWAYS seems like a good idea in theory. And if you cannot refrain from any of the above, stuff your pockets with whoopie cushions in them for a good laugh.

a&e

10.16.12

Life Style

Fire Island Grill Mojo Hot Yoga Studio brings in the catch offers relaxing outlet

Ashlynn Mayes

Reporter

Upon entering Mojo Hot Yoga Studio, one is instantly greeted by an amiable staff member and a calming lavender-esque aroma. Located on 908 Rolling Hills in Fayetteville, the studio offers yoga instruction from a wide array of teachers various times throughout the week. The schedule includes morning and evening hour-long classes and can be accessed at mojohotyogastudio.com. Mojo is reasonably priced and offers multiple payment options. New students may sample a class from each teacher free of charge. Attendance in subsequent sessions are $10 per class. Monthly packages are also available beginning at $45 per month and are more economical than paying per lesson. My experience with Mojo was extremely positive. I found the atmosphere to be quite serene and the classes to be inventive. I attended evening classes led by two different instructors, Brent and Erica.

Gaming

Each teacher had a unique approach to instructing and provided classes that promoted different aspects of yoga. Brent’s instructing was candid and relaxed. His class was comprised of intense stretching followed by advanced core balances and was marked by student vocal involvement, slight humor, and focus on alignment. The class left me aware and rejuvenated. In contrast, Erica’s class was a bit more vigorous and included more cardio inducing sun salutations in addition to arduous balancing poses. The class was set to an eclectic folksy playlist and ended with a calming meditation segment. Both classes were suitable for beginning or experienced yogis. I would definitely recommend Mojo to anyone looking to develop their practice or in search of a relaxing outlet.

Nintendo releases squeals

‘Black 2 and White 2’

Ethan Wilson

Managing Editor

I am not going to lie, and I am going to proudly admit, that I have played every Pokémon game to-date. And now, it is your turn not to lie and to proudly admit, that you have too. There, shameless. I chose White 2 (Black 2 is also available), which leaves off where the Black and White versions took off, except two years into the future. This is also Nintendo’s first release of a sequel for any of the games in the Pokémon series. And, for some reason, Nintendo decided to release the game on a normal 2004 DS format as opposed to the 3DS which has b e e n out

for a while. A s far as it being a series game, it didn’t change much. You start out as a young adventure enthusiast who picks out a starer Pokémon

and sets out to travel the world and discover all of the creatures and battle all of trainers just like you to reach the coveted title of being a “Pokémon Master”. But when it comes to comparing it to other games in the series, this version steps it up a couple notches. Even from the game’s counter part, White, which was released just a year ago, the graphics have been slightly upgraded to give a more dynamic “punch”. Why not just release the game on the 3DS? But other than that, the game’s Pokédex has been expanded so that you can encounter older and more creatures, earlier on in the game (“praise da lawd,” said the hipster scrolling through their Tumblr feed who infuriatingly states that they only like the original 150 when someone slightly mentions anything about the new series). Also, the map has been added onto as well. New regions have been added to the north east corner of the map, and your home town in now located in a new section on the south west corner. Along with that, many of the cities have been rebuilt, gyms have been revamped, and even some of the gym leaders have been replaced. Even though I have not gotten into the game halfway yet, I can already tell that the sequel is going to reveal many mysteries and seems like it is going to avoid any redundancy, which will allow it to fuel many hours of emotional nostalgia for me and any other people playing. Also, the fact that I can get some of my favorite older Pokémon early on in the game does not hurt either.

Ethan Wilson

Managing Editor

When I first heard that Fire Island Grill was located on the edge of Tonitown, I immediately expected a restaurant that would somehow be a combination of a flea market and Olive Garden. Also, all of the servers would be members of the Pianalto family. Think, an Italian Cracker Barrel. Seriously though, that wasn’t the case at all. Upon walking into the building, one is greeted by a classic beach theme, and the staff took no time at all to find us a seat (Of course, I went around two in the afternoon when no one was there, but that’s beside the point.). Our waitress was very attentive and helpful as well. The menu is comprised mainly of semi-exotic pizzas and sandwiches at midlevel prices ($8-$15 for a personal meal). I was fully intent on ordering chicken strips with french fries and then judging the restaurant fully based on that, but nope, none of that. The waitress was quick to point out her recommendation which was the Beach Club, (turkey breast, applewood smoked bacon, provolone cheese, avocado slices, cucumbers, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise) with french fries. The meal was worth the finger-licking.

My friend ordered the calamari, which was (for a lack of words), delicious. Does anyone actually know how to describe the taste and texture of calamari? But whoa! Halfway through my meal, I sensed the absence of turkey breast in my sandwich. Don’t get me wrong, it was a very tasty sandwich without the turkey breast, but that was that main event. I made this evident to our waitress. Embarrassed, she apologized and went to go tell the chef. A brief moment later and she was back. They were going to make me another sandwich, regardless of me assuring them that I was almost full and that it wasn’t necessary (The place opened a week ago, things are going to happen.). Fire Island Grill was not going to and did not let me leave without the proper sandwich, free of charge. Service like that is hard to come by these days. And also, that sandwich gave me something tasty to eat at lunch for the next day. Anyone who gets me out of eating from the school’s cafeteria gets a 5/5 in my book. Seriously, Fire Island Grill is worth a try.

Music

Hannah fangirls for “Skyfall” features raw perfection new ATL album Hannah Ash

Heather Martindale

Reporter

On their fourth full studio album, All Time Low gets down to the point pretty fast, as usual. The group has not changed much since their humble beginnings in Baltimore, Maryland, and the three preceding albums, “So Wrong, it’s Right,” “Nothing Personal,” and “Dirty Work” have the same sound as “Don’t Panic.” They have not really grown as artists, they have just been amazing from the start. As always, the lyrics are witty and flawless, and in the usual style of All Time Low, they tell a story. Their songs tell stories of love, heartbreak, and reckless youth. The first single released from the album was “The Reckless and the Brave,” which was released by the band back in July. The single was performed at Vans Warped Tour over the summer as well, which got hardcore fans super pumped for the album. ATL always has phenomenal song titles and even more clever song lyrics. The new album includes a song called “For Baltimore,” written for their hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. Another song, “The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver” has the funniest title off the album. “You send me reeling, calling out to you for more; the value of this moment lives in a metaphor” is probably one of the most meaningful quotes off the album from the song “Backseat Serenade,” and it is definitely an excellent example of the brilliance of ATL’s lyrics. “Somewhere in Neverland” has proved to be the most popular song off of the album thus far, and I would agree that it is the best. I have a favorite song off of every ATL album, and “Neverland” is the best off of “Don’t Panic”. It is all based on the Peter Pan story of Neverland, Wendy, and the Lost Boys. “Wish that we could start again, Wendy run away with me; I know I sound crazy but don’t you see what you do to me,” sings Alex Gaskarth in “Somewhere in Neverland.” The band’s witty references to the classic story are just really great. Not only do I love ”Peter Pan,” but the song just really gets it and is perfect too. The rest of the album is phenomenal as well, do not get me wrong! I adore every song.

Adele’s new single “Skyfall” is a beautiful but eery song about being able to handle anything as long as you have that one certain person standing beside you. “Skyfall” plays with Adele’s raw perfection of her voice, with the song’s elongated notes and interesting combination of instruments. It has a dramatic yet jazzy feel to it that is very unique but fits her style. “Skyfall” plays with different emotions and is very cinematic. It was made to be the theme song for the new James Bond movie “Skyfall.” Adele’s song flawlessly incorporates aspects of the James Bond original theme song into itself to make a suspenseful yet elegant sound that pleases lovers of multiple genres ranging from soul music to pop songs. The track was co-written by Joel Pott, Paul Epworth (Cee Lo Green, Florence and the Machine) and Adele.

Goulding releases

“Halcyon” Ethan Wilson

Managing Editor

Through out the entire album, Ellie Goulding fires through many different sounds that provoke tribal visions, emulate anything that could be found on the Top 100, and tip toe around different bpms and tones all while staying true to her “folktronica” roots. Hopefully, her recent commercial success with “Lights” helps catapult the popularity of this new work, but it is more likely that “Halcyon” will be one of those albums that stand alone from anything previous but creates a new fan base on a whole different level. Key tracks: Halcyon, Figure 8, My Blood, Anything Could Happen.

opinion Minimum Wage Earner

03.05.13

Median Wage Earner

page 5

Cheif Executive Officer

$16. 25/ Hour $20,160.00/Hour

$7.25/Hour 1 Gallon of Milk: $3.70 Has to Work

1 Gallon of Milk: $3.70 Has to Work

1 Gallon of Milk: $ 3.70 Has to Work

1/2 Hour

13 Minutes

.01 Seconds

For 1 Gallon of Milk

Minimum wage has maximum impact Joe Burns

Photographer

With a rising economic crises, the government is being forced to go to extremes to balance the budget and fix the debt. In his recent State of the Union Address, President Obama has charged Congress to raise the national minimum wage to $9 an hour by the end of 2015. The current national minimum wage is $7.25 an hour with 19 other states who have already increased their minimum. As someone who has been paid minimum wage for nearly two years, this suggestion came with mixed emotions.

Part of me believes the new minimum wage would be a great financial help to many. However, it could also cause greater inflation. So what does this mean for the average student? First, let’s assume that for one time in the existence of the government, a law was proposed, approved, and implemented all within a span of a month or less. We all know that that will never happen, but let’s imagine for the sake of convenience. If I were a sophomore working a minimum wage job right now, and in one month my new wage was raised

to $9, what would I do first? I would spend it, of course. Moving forward with this mentality, people would spend more, thus boosting the local and national economy. This plan does, however, have a few flaws. Business owners and employers would now have to fork out nearly 25 percent more wages for the exact same work. This new wage would force employers to be more strict with whom they hire and whom they keep. As a result, they will not hire as many employees, therefore increasing unemployment.

College choice should be based on best option

“Those kids” ruin all things fun

Elizabeth Harp Columnist

In light of the highly publicized controversy of the Florida teenager, who yearned to go to the University of Arkansas on a football scholarship, and of his mother, who ran away with his signing papers because she wanted him to stay close to home; I’d like to address the questions that occurred to me. How much influence do your parents have on your plans for your future? I want to stay close to my family, but not knowing where I will attend school doesn’t bother me. I will apply to every place that will accept me and hope that someone will give me butttons of money to attend. I also hope for somewhere at least in the South, so if I royally screw up, which is indicative of my past actions, I have a place to fall back on. I hate to break my dearest mother’s heart, but I find that other schools, other than the convenient, fit me better. If I were offered a scholarship to any of these other schools, I would accept in a New York minute! Though my mother will be the hardest one to say “Good bye” to when leaving, I know that it’s a natural part of life. As much as I would love to go to the U of A to study journalism and always have a home down the road to grab a bowl of her “Two-Timing Pasta” and an available and washer and dryer, I know that the U of A can not offer me what other schools can. My future comes ahead of my past. I would love to be coddled by my mother all day, every day. But I know that to grow up. To be able to coddle and care for my own children one day, I must first learn to take care of myself. So while my parents influence me to stay in the South, I will go to wherever the best opportunity to better myself is.

Another alternative that could result is exactly the opposite of what Obama is trying to fix, which is forcing owners to pay their employees more money. Businesses will increase their own prices, thus creating inflation. For me and everyone else who makes minimum wage, this really has no effect on us. If and when this new wage is actually put in place, most of us will be out of high school and hopefully no longer getting paid minimum wage. The only thing that will change for us is that we will have to pay more for everything. Thus is life. This is America.

Becca Fletcher Features Editor

Gas prices guzzle Americans’ paychecks just to fill up the tank Riegen Anderson

way for an average American to afford a $100,000 car. Pushing the #87 button to start the To make matters even better, at his gas pump, I watch in disappointment State of the Union address, President as the amount for my few meager Obama talked about raising the gallons of gas rises at a startling rate. minimum wage to $9 per hour. In the past few weeks gas has Now that sounds wonderful for steadily risen to around $3.62 per people who are working for the gallon. In less than a month, gas prices current minimum wage of $7.25 per have gone up almost an entire dollar. hour, which are mostly high school Well, that grinds my gears so much. students like you and me. Many Americans throughout the In the long run, this is going to do country work extremely hard to get more damage than good. Companies their paychecks each month, and now will have to pay more to their a large amount of it is being used to employees, which will especially hurt fill up their cars. the smaller companies. It is astounding just how much gas In response, those companies will prices fluctuate within a small time have to fire workers in order to save period. money. More jobs will be lost than According to RealClearEnergy.org, helped. the U.S. gets the majority of its oil I want to go back to under $3 gas from Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, please. I’m tired of forking out over and Africa. I believe that the U.S needs $40 every time I go to fill up. to find a way to become completely The government needs to come independent with oil. up with a more affordable way for Companies have created electric average Americans to afford these cars and a few cars that can run on alternative vehicles. different fuel sources, but those cars When that finally happens, the are immensely overpriced! There is no world will be much better place. Opinion Editor

Everyone knows them. Everyone has a class with them. Everyone has felt the punishment of their actions. They are “those kids’ who ruin the few fun moments our school lets us have (and let’s be honest we don’t get many). Recently “those kids” have ruined something which many students put time and hard work into, the lip dub. EAST students have spent long hours getting copyrights, planning scenes, and involving the whole student body in their anti-bullying lip dub to “Some Nights” by Fun. “Those kids” were recorded doing inappropriate gestures or dancing, had inappropriate pictures painted on themselves. EAST students edited the video extensively to eliminate inappropiate elements. “Those kids” also ruin the little things in class too. From personal experience with these types of students, I have gone from watching a movie in a class to writing an essay, from only 10 homework problems to 30, and from no quiz to a pop quiz all because of “those kids.” Their response to all this is they were only trying to make school more fun, but honestly they are only making it worse. I believe that if they just listened to teachers, shut up when asked, and didn’t do inappropriate things, our teachers and administrators might be more open to the idea of fun. Some of you think “those kids” are cool and you should totally strive to be just like them. Just think about it. If they weren’t “those kids,” a lot more people would be saying exactly what I am. Sometimes actually following the rules isn’t such a bad thing.

opinion Minimum Wage Earner

03.05.13

Median Wage Earner

page 5

Cheif Executive Officer

$16. 25/ Hour $20,160.00/Hour

$7.25/Hour 1 Gallon of Milk: $3.70 Has to Work

1 Gallon of Milk: $3.70 Has to Work

1 Gallon of Milk: $ 3.70 Has to Work

1/2 Hour

13 Minutes

.01 Seconds

For 1 Gallon of Milk

Minimum wage has maximum impact Joe Burns

Photographer

College choice should be based on best option

“Those kids” ruin all things fun

Elizabeth Harp Columnist

Becca Fletcher Features Editor

Gas prices guzzle Americans’ paychecks just to fill up the tank Riegen Anderson

sports SPORTS BRIEFS

10.16.12

Unger considers Andrade ‘rare talent’

football

Spencer Jones

>09/14 Wildcats (1-2) went against the Southside Rebels (1-2) winning 10-7 in a nail biter. Senior running back Tucker Lee ran the ball 28 times for 140 yards. >09/21 Har-Ber (1-3) played in a much anticipated game against the Bentonville Tigers (4-0), HarBer lost 7-28. The first touchdown came from junior quarter back Kyle Pinalto on the opening drive on a 53 yard quarterback keeper. >09/28 Har-Ber (2-3) traveled to Rogers Heritage War Eagles (4-1) and won 50-20. Defensively David Karr had 1 interception and recorded 10 total tackles. Offensively Tucker Lee ran for 165 yards in 17 attempts. >10/05 The Wildcats (3-3) went up against the Van Buren Pointers (1-5) wining 48-21. The offense had a great game, junior Kyle Pinalto threw for 227 yards and raced for four touchdowns. Tucker Lee also had a marvelous game rushing for 159 yards on 17 attempts. Andrade gives a high-five as he competes in the Shiloh Christian Invitational on Sept. 1 Photo by Karla Sprague

volleyball >10/02 Har-Ber (8-6) was swept for the second time by the conference leading Fayetteville Bulldogs. (21-2) >10/04 The Wildcats (8-7) fell against the Siloam Springs Panthers (5-9) getting swept (3-0) >10/09 Har-Ber (9-7) played against Rogers Heritage and came out with a 3-1 win.

golf >10/01 The boys golf team traveled to Conway for state, finishing fourth. Junior Rick Wedding shot a 75 his second day and a 78 during his first round, making him an allstate golfer. >09/24 The girls finished 7th overall in state. Freshman Joanna Keck lead the girls, shooting a 95 the first day and a 85 a second day

tennis

>10/08 The Har-Ber tennis team competed in the conference meet. Two doubles teams were sent to state. Lindsey Will/ Blair Breazeale were seeded number 4. They won the first two rounds but lost their last two. Hayden Pennington/ Josh Benford were seeded No. 5 and won 3 out of their 4 matches.

cross country >09/22 The boys and girls cross country teams traveled to Siloam Springs to compete in the Panther Cross Country Classic. Senior Dino Andrade finished 1st place overall with a time of 15:08.82. Junior Abbey Foreman lead the girls with a 2nd overall finish with a time of 19:93.20. >The 24th annual Chile Pepper Festival will be held at the University of Arkansas. The course is a combination of grass, cinder, and uneven terrain.

Reporter

To most athletes, running is either pure torture or a form of punishment. But to senior Dino Andrade, running has quickly become a sport he has fallen in love with and has become very successful in. It became obvious that Andrade was not like “most athletes.” “Coach Unger actually got me into running when I was in middle school,” said Andrade, “and I played soccer too, so I was use to running all of the time.” This cross country season Andrade has led the Wildcats to several victories (both individual titles and team titles). With no surprise, Andrade was elected to be the cross country team captain. “Dino is a leader by example,” stated cross country Coach Unger. “He not only brings a low score (in cross country: the lower the score, the better) for the team, but he also elevates everyone around him to want to run better.” In only the second meet of the season, Andrade shattered the school record for a 5K (3.2 miles) by over 20 seconds. “It is a privilege to coach athletes like Andrade that are not only

Pianalto takes on leadership role as junior Sarah Lachance ‘let’s do it’ and we get the job done.” The scoreboard blares the final note Along with being positive towards his of the game and junior quarterback Kyle teammates, Pianalto receives positive Pianalto looks up to the scoreboard. feedback from his coaches as well. It reads 56-20, a blow out against “He’s really worked hard at improving the Rogers Heritage War Eagles. since we moved him to quarterback The Wildcats had defeated the War in February,” said quarterback coach Eagles, but Pianalto Patrick Scott. “His work ethic is thinks of something very beneficial to us as a team.” else as he glances Clearly, the system of staying up at the score, his positive works effectively. defining role in the During the Heritage game, game throwing for the War Eagles might have an impressive 265 scored first, but the Wildcats yards compared to were the ones who scored 22 yards during the more points, coming away Bentonville game. with a defining victory. -Coach Wood “You have to forget about “We started playing more as a mistakes and go on to the team that game,” next play,” said Pianalto. said Pianalto. “Once “If you keep dwelling on we started playing more as a your mistakes, it just gets worse.” team, we made less mistakes.” As a junior, Pianalto will have the As a quarterback, Pianalto has rest of this season and his senior taken on the responsibility of being year to continue improving his skills. a leader to the team on and off Though it might be challenging to be a the field, a rare role for a junior. leader as a junior at times, the benefits “He plays hard and leads on the field outweigh the negatives for Pianalto. through his actions,” said Assistant “I’m learning from my mistakes Athletic Director Chris Wood. “Kyle’s and getting used to the system,” said very coach able and applies what Pianalto. “I expect us to keep getting he’s taught in practice on the field.” better and win more games this season.” No matter what happens on Last season, Pianalto played defensive the field, Pianalto and the team back as a sophomore for the varsity team. stay positive towards one another. Coaches saw raw talent in Pianalto and “When I know the ball is coming my decided to switch him to quarterback. way, Kyle and I give each other a thumbs “Kyle can make things happen with up,” said senior outside receiver Miguel his feet,” said Coach Wood. “He has Salgado. “Before each play we say strength, humility, and athletic talent.” Editor

“He has

strength, humility, and athletic talent.”

Hudgeons plays unknown role on volleyball team Riegen Anderson Opinion Editor

As junior Anna Hudgeons steps onto the court, she begins to prepare herself mentally for the game. She knows that her role in the game is very important to her team’s success. “There are some nerves, but I’m focused on what I have to do and leave it all on the court,” Hudgeons said. While she plays an important role on the volleyball team, not many people know what that role is. She is the libero. The libero is the defensive specialist, usually the best passer on the team. Being in that position comes with a few special rules as well. “I’m only allowed to pass on the back row,” Hudgeons said. “I’m not allowed to go to the front of the line, up by the net, and play.” Also, she must wear a different colored jersey than the rest of her teammates. Hudgeons is also allowed to substitute in and out for the same player as many times as she needs to. It may seem like a small role, but it is far

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from simple. on the floor constantly and have that “It’s a great amount of pressure, but much more time to play the game you it’s worth it,” Hudgeons said. love,” Hudgeons said. One of Hudgeon’s teammates, junior Kayla Bakker, believes the libero rises to the challenge. “I love Anna! She’s always super Junior Anna Hudgeons energetic and is one of the most has proved to be a positive people on the team,” Bakker great offensive said. “She works hard every day and and defensive always comes ready to give it her asset for the all.” Har-Ber Head volleyball coach, Sandy volleyball Jones, looks for a few special team. qualities in her libero player. She focuses on making sure she has the best player in that position. Photo by “We look at their Joe Burns defensive skills,” said Coach Jones. “She needs to be a vocal person on the team.” Defensive skills, vocals, and energy create the perfect libero player. The pressure is high but the reward is great. “Being the libero, you’re

talented, but 100% committed.” said coach Brett Unger. “He is a rare talent and a very hard worker.” Andrade has become known as “The Machine” by many of his fellow teammates and Coach Unger. “Coach Simmons started calling me ‘The Machine’ all the time when I use to play basketball,” said Andrade. Andrade plans and hopes to be able to compete in Cross Country and Track and Field at the collegiate level. He has received numerous D1 scholarships, but has yet to receive any offers that have really stuck out to him. The Wildcat cross country team and Andrade hope their great success during the season will carry over into the Conference and State Meets. After winning numerous meets this season, Andrade is one of the lead contenders for winning the individual state title. “He (Andrade) is the type of runner you train to be.” said fellow teammate junior Rickey Jones. The Wildcats were one of the pre-season favorites to claim the state title after finishing in the top 5 the last two seasons.

Sports Calender Football:

>10/19 vs Rogers >10/26 vs Fayetteville >11/02 vs Springdale

Volleyball:

7:30p.m. 7:30p.m. 7:30p.m.

>10/16 vs Springdale 4:30p.m. >10/18 vs Neosho 6:00p.m. >10/30 State Tourn. @ Heritage TBA >11/03 State Tourn. @ Jonesboro TBA

Cross Country:

>10/30 7A Conference Meet >11/10 State Meet

TBA TBA

Tennis doubles teams head to state Heather Martindale Circulation and Business Manager

As juniors Lindsay Will and Blair Breazeale survey their opponents, they focused on their goal of making it to state. “It was our goal to get to state this year, so we practiced a lot this past year and over the summer and spent a lot of time on the court,” said Will. No matter how good players cooperate off the court, on the court is a whole different story. Will and Breazeale are a headed to state together. “We have to work on communicating more and learn how to relax. It’s really about being there mentally,” said Breazeale. State is much different than conference. The competition is much more skilled and on a higher level than the players at conference. All players at State are the best in their conference and have had to come a long way to make it to state. Unlike conference, state is more individually focused. “We know there is going to be tough competition, but we are thrilled to know that we have made it this far,” said sophomore Hayden Pennington. Hayden’s doubles partner is freshmen Josh Benford of Central Junior High School. “My goal for the players is to have better communication between the team, not to have any double faults, and to get a solid game plan together,” said assistant tennis coach Sandra Temple. Qualifying for state is a big deal, but the goal at state isn’t only to win. “Some of the main things I want my students to gain from going to state is to experience competing and performing at a high level,” said Coach Temple. “Our goal is either to get second or third place,” said Will. The players who are going to state have anywhere from one to three years left to compete a high scholars. “We are going to state with a freshman, a sophomore, and two juniors, so if we gain the experience this year, we can be an even stronger team next season,” said Coach Temple.

sports

10.16.12

Reed cheers for the Wildcats

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Reed performing a round off backhand spring back tuck.

Photo by Joe Burns

Fan behavior changes game

team does consist of mostly girls, the choreography is tailored to The school gym is abuzz with its fit the squad’s strengths. new sophomores and returning juniors Reed does not perform in the and seniors for the first pep rally of dances and is given a lot of freedom the year, Rock the Rebels. There’s from his coach who is also very excitement in the air as the cheerleaders flexible at modifying routines. begin their routine and there is an Aside from being an inspiration obvious new addition to the team. to other males, Reed proves to “At first I was scared, but after be a very inspirational person I got out there it was just fun and to his fellow teammates as well. exciting,” said sophomore Ryan Reed. “I like having him on the team Reed performed at his first pep rally as because he’s a motivational person a cheerleader, and the crowd went wild. and he wants us all to do our best,” “He’s so awesome and cute!” said sophomore Kacie Jenkins. “He said senior wants us to be the Marian Trejo. best, so he drives Reed began us all to be that.” cheerleading Reed also cheers at the early age on Monday nights of four and has at sophomore and been cheering JV football games. ever since. He has spent time Now, he is a out of school part of the 2012 preparing in order cheer team. to be ready to cheer -Kacie Jenkins, 10 “Tryouts with his teammates. were hard at first because I’m “It’s really fun to cheer at football not a fast learner,” said Reed. games because it makes me feel like I’m It has been four years since the more involved in the school,” said Reed. squad has had a male cheerleaders, Although Reed is cheering at games and he is the first since cheer and performing at pep rallies, he is not leading coach Chantelle Rateliff participating in competitions. Since has been in charge of the program. he is the only male, the cheer squad “I love having him on the team. will compete without him in order I’m really proud of him. I think it’s to remain in the “All Girl” category. great that we have a boy on the “I don’t mind not being on the team,” said Coach Rateliff. “There competition team since I compete needs to be men on the football field outside of school competitively,” and the mat. Times have changed.” said Reed. “I understand Because the cheer leading that it’s best for the team.” Andrea Montes

Justin Dhaliwal

Reporter

Sports Editor

“I like having him on

the team because he’s a motivational person and he wants us all to do our best”

Athletes stretch body, spirit Spencer Jones Reporter

As I began the second lap of the first cross country race of the season, I quickly knew something was not right in my legs. After the race, I contemplated what could have triggered this unusual pain. We stretched for over an hour prior to the race. I was simply over stretched. The different ways an athlete can be “over stretched” is virtually endless. The most common and obvious way athletes can figuratively and literally feel over stretched is the fatigue they feel after months and months

daily practices and workouts. Athletes push their bodies more and more every day trying to make the cut for the sacred varsity squad. The “daily grind” that most athletes endure tends to wear down the body, especially those athletes who have been participating in sports since junior high. Continuous months of workouts not only wears down the body, but it also makes the mind and heart feel overstretched. Having these two vital muscles feel over used is probably one of the toughest obstacles an athlete can face. It’s nearly impossible to push yourself

and get motivated to compete at your peak when you no longer have your spark. By senior year, many athletes find themselves feeling burned out or exhausted of the routine of practices. Most athletes can agree that the best athletes are not just physically strong. Competing and pushing yourself to perform at your best is also a mental and psychological game. The human body is one amazing muscle that can also be over stretched by things in life, besides sports. Everyday life and stress can begin to bring people down after continuous strain or abuse.

SportsRotunda Kaysan Snider Volleyball

Tucker Lee Football

Elizabeth Phillips, Jesse Weir Volleyball Wrestler

Nick Hancock Golf

Who is going to win the World Series?

Cardinals

Yankees or Red Socks

Cardinals

Which NFL team will go undefeated?

Texans

Falcons

Texans

Arkansas football record this season?

3-9

5-7

8-4

7-5

4-8

College or Professional Sports?

College

Pro

College

Being a fan gives you many rights, since you are paying to be a spectator at a game. However, you have to remember that the players are just human like you and me. Recent events make you question what draws the line between being a fan and just being flat out wrong? The National Football League game featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Major League Baseball game of the Atlanta Braves raised a few eyebrows last week. During the Chiefs home game vs. the Baltimore Ravens, the Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel was laid out by defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. While he laid on the turf, defenseless, Chiefs fans were cheering. Just because you can cheer for an injured player does not mean it is the right thing to do. Mike Dittka, an ESPN analyst, said it best by saying “just because you have the right, doesn’t mean it’s right.” Being a fan myself, it is common sense that when a player goes down, home team or away, everyone is supposed to be silent. You do not know what the player’s going through or the extent of the injury sustained. Cassel’s family was probably scared just to see him down. For the crowd to be cheering is disrespectful and a disgrace to the Chief’s fan base and its organization. You should be ashamed if you were cheering during Cassel’s injury. Imagine laying there, knowing you are trying to do your best to win a game, and your own fans are cheering. This behavior is just sickening. Fans were involved in another game-changing event during a National League Wild Card playoff game when the Atlanta Braves went up against the St. Louis Cardinals. A routine pop fly was knocked into left field. The umpire called a preposterous in-field fly rule. For some of you who don’t know what a in-field fly rule is, it’s when a fly ball in fair territory (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second and third bases are occupied, before two are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder who stations himself in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately declare Infield Fly for the benefit of the runners according to the official rules on MLB.com. The Cardinals have a legitimate appeal, due to the fact that the umpire yelled and confused the outfielder, who thought the player behind him was calling him off. The ball fell right between the two Cardinal players. Since it was called an in-field fly, the batter was called out. Braves fans went insane. Fans threw trash onto the field, causing a 19-minute delay. Some fans thought it was disrespectful to trash the field, but I thought it was extremely appropriate, since the call was so horrible. The Braves were basically shooting themselves in the foot, because the pitchers had to warm up again, which played a crucial role in the game. These two incidents showed perfect examples of when it is okay and not okay to abuse your power of being a fan. The behavior at the Chiefs game was despicable. The Chiefs lost the game 6-9. The Brave’s burst of anger also resulted in a 3-6 loss and knocked out of the playoffs.