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NEWS 4
The controversy of lowering the drinking age is assessed, with both sides’ reasoning and predicted outcomes.
OPINIONS 9
Staffers review winter picks: the film Whip It, the TV series The Office, the restaurant Il Vicino and Relient K’s CD Forget and Not Slow Down.
marcella brooks
AFTER MARKET DAY, junior Taylor Floyd picks up pizza bozes Oct. 28. Students
in the Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas class vended food to students. Floyd and his partner junior Marissa Schuett’s business Pizza Planet earned $778.
FEATURE 10
The psychology of handwriting is analyzed, with its significance in legal cases highlighted.
STUDENT 12 LIFE
NEWS briefs Red Ribbon Week
Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) sponsored Red Ribbon Week Oct. 19-23 to inform students about the harmful effects of drinking and driving. During the week, members of SADD made posters and tied red ribbons onto students’ cars Oct. 19.
Powder Puff, Man Puff scheduled
Student Council began to plan Powder Puff and Man Puff at its meeting Oct. 20. The girls of each class will compete against each other in football after school Nov. 10 and the boys will play volleyball Nov. 11. COTY points will be awarded to the winning class.
“Student Survivor” contestants take part in a leaf-pile challenge, in which they searched for an exempt ballot.
Market Day
SPORTS 16
Winter sports teams, including boys and girls basketball, boys and girls bowling, boys swimming and wrestling are previewed.
photo illustrations by emily baudouin; photos by emily baudouin, sean doyle and marcella brooks
paladin
Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas (YEK) held Market Day in the commons during all lunches Oct. 28. The class divided into ten groups that each sold the food and drink of their choice.
Students take standardized tests
Freshmen, sophomores and juniors took either the PLAN or PSAT Oct. 14. The tests are used to help prepare students for the ACT and SAT and to qualify juniors for National Merit scholarships.
Stock Market Challenge
Four teams of students from the accounting and YEK classes participated in the annual Stock Market Challenge held at Wichita State University Oct. 15. A total of 70 teams competed and the team “Vanek’s Angels,” consisting of veteran YEK students senior Jeff Knott and juniors Matthew Hullings, Ryan Zwick and Eric George, placed seventh. The other KMC teams placed 11th, 17th, 24th and 27th.
Quill and Scroll children’s book drive
Quill and Scroll organized a children’s book drive Oct. 26Nov. 9. The club is asking for the students to bring new and gently used books to English classrooms or to Room 215. All books will be given to Head Start and Via Christi charities.
National Hispanic Scholar named
The College Board and The National Merit Corporations named senior Alex Fondaw a National Hispanic Scholar. To receive this honor, Fondaw had to receive a high score on the PSAT test he took in Oct. 2008 and have a GPA of a 3.5 or above. He was one of approximately 5,200 Hispanic scholars to be given this award out of the 200,000 juniors who took the PSAT. news briefs by hillary sevart
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Drama department to perform Lucky Stiff by KATIE GILBAUGH online editor Harry Witherspoon, played by senior Patrick Pirtle, is a British shoe salesman down on his luck. His dull life is interrupted when his uncle leaves him an incredible fortune in his will, but there is a catch. Witherspoon must take his dead uncle on one last vacation, following directions without error. If he fails, the money is given to his uncle’s favorite charity, the Universal Dog Home of Brooklyn. This is the plot for the upcoming musical, Lucky Stiff, which plays Nov. 19- 21 at 7:30 p.m. “Our goal is to take the show to state conference,” Pirtle said. “If we are chosen as one of the three main shows to perform at the Thespian Conference, we might get the opportunity to perform in front of 1,500 people at the Century II Concert Hall.” Two years ago, Nunsense was chosen to perform at Century II. Pirtle said the expectations are high this year. Main characters in this show are Witherspoon [Pirtle], Annabel [sophomore Rachel Conrad], Rita [senior Heidi Hurtig] and Vinny [senior Sean Doyle]. “I think it is going to do well,” Conrad said. “It is my first show, I was shocked I got the role I got.” Songs in the musical range from upbeat to slow and touching. Conrad said it is a great show for both teen and older audiences.
kelsey prather
IN REHEARSAL, senior Dylan Rogerson, sophomore Rachel Conrad and senior Patrick Pirtle check
their lines for Lucky Stiff, the fall musical. Rehearsals started during mid-October. The play focuses on a common Englishman, Witherspoon [Pirtle], who conditionally inherits millions from his uncle and tries to fulfill his uncle’s last wish. Performances will be Nov. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m.
“There are a lot of costume changes which could get hectic,” Pirtle said. “The set is very elaborate and the music will be a challenge. Overall, everyone is fairly optimistic; there is a lot of potential.” This is the second small-cast musical since Nunsense, with a cast of 11 people. The director is Michael Parker and the music
director is Emily Pirtle (class of 2008), Patrick Pirtle’s sister. Patrick Pirtle is excited to have to chance to work with his sister and get to know the cast. “We have a good director, music director and a dedicated and determined cast,” Patrick Pirtle said. “It is a fun show, come see it.”
KMC waits for H1N1 vaccinations; absences continue by EMILY LUTZ asst. copy editor The beginning of October was supposed to be when Kapaun Mt. Carmel was hosting an H1N1 vaccination clinic. Instead, the vaccinations are on delay, and students continue to miss school due to illness. “In August they sent out an e-mail asking if schools were interested in a clinic,” KMC nurse Jane Hagan said. “And of course, we were.” Since then, Hagan has been working to organize the necessary papers that would enable KMC to be a vaccination site. Unfortunately, because of a delay in the production of the vaccine, factories announced that they would be giving out 10 million fewer doses than expected. KMC is now on a waiting list for the vaccine. “Originally, we were supposed to get one shot per student, in addition to extras for others who might utilize the clinic,” Hagan said. If KMC is chosen to be a clinic site, it will set up a day when each student will have
the opportunity to get a shot. From 4-6 p.m., each class period,” math teacher Ryan Burr parents of feeder school children would be said. “The sickness isn’t shutting anything able to bring in their kids to get shots. down, but it is slowing things up.” Principal David Kehres said that Oct. Junior Maria Egger is one student who 1, 128 students were missing due to illness. has missed school because of H1N1. He said that compared to other years, this is “Two days before Homecoming I was an unusually high number of students to be at work and started getting a headache and missing for early October. feeling achy,” Egger said. “This followed a normal pattern of what After returning home, she developed we’re seeing across the a 102 degree fever. nation though,” principal She said that for the David Kehres said. “Other “We’re seeing a few more first few days, she had high schools had many kids gone each class peri- chills and aches. Egger flu-like symptoms early on od. The sickness isn’t shut- also developed a cough like we did.” and sore throat. She Kehres said that ting anything down, but it is returned to school a the information experts slowing things up.” week later. have been giving to math teacher RYAN BURR “I went ahead schools across the nation and got vaccinated for indicates that there will the regular flu even be recurrences of many though I had already students missing throughout the rest of the had the swine flu,” Egger said. “I don’t want winter season and through the early spring. to get sick again.” Teachers, meanwhile, continue to Hagan advises that students be feel frustrations associated with the H1N1 vaccinated for the regular flu. Unfortunately, Virus. it may be a while before an opportunity to “We’re seeing a few more kids gone receive the H1N1 vaccine comes available. paladin
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arthead by sean doyle; photos by emily baudouin
Due to deaths, 100 college presidents argue against current drinking age’s effectiveness by HILLARY SEVART asst. news editor At 18 years old, a United States citizen can legally adopt a child, vote in an election, get married, purchase a firearm and go to war, but not legally drink alcohol. CNN reported that last fall, a group of 100 college presidents – including the heads of schools such as Dartmouth University, Duke University, Syracuse University and Virginia Tech University – signed a petition stating that the 21-year-old drinking age is not successful at preventing underage drinking and has lead to dangerous situations for students. K-9 detective Jesse Hancock of the Wichita Police Department has seen the results of underage drinking. “Teen drinking is a constant problem,” Hancock said. “Literally every weekend somebody’s life is changed because of it. People are affected through drunk driving accidents, DUIs, loss of scholarships and punishments at school.” Although an older drinking age has had positive effects in the past, it is now being scrutinized because of the amount of alcoholrelated problems that society is facing in the 21st century. Although the United States has the highest legal drinking age, it has more
alcohol-related issues than most countries. According to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), in 2008, binge drinking, the drinking of five or more alcoholic beverages in a short period of time, was responsible for over 1,700 deaths of young adults ages 18-24. Drinking was also a factor in 600,000 injuries, 97,000 sexual assault and rape crimes and played a large part in 66 percent of student suicides. People who support an 18-year-old legal drinking age believe that the new law could lead to a decrease in binge drinking because young adults would no longer have to drink multiple alcoholic beverages before going out in public because they are not legally allowed to drink. These people also think that by lowering the drinking age to 18, fewer teenagers would drink for entertainment. “I think that if alcohol is legally available to students it won’t be such a game to them,” junior Katie Marney, president of Students against Drunk Driving (SADD), said. “Right now, teens see drinking as a game where they have to try to not get caught. If there is no danger of being caught, it won’t be so fun so teens might lose interest in it.” Hancock said he does not think a lower drinking age will make teenagers more responsible. “I think that if the drinking age is changed at all, it should be raised,” Hancock said. “This is a general statement and there are a lot of good kids, but I think that our youth in today’s society make enough bad decisions without adding alcohol to the situation. A lower drinking age will only raise drunk driving and binge drinking rates.”
poll of 120 students; infographic by sean doyle; photos by emily baudouin
Staffer considers possible effects of lower drinking age purchase alcohol opposed A bill has been introduced to to just 21-year-olds buying lower the drinking age to 18, and and therefore it would be along comes the controversy. easier for minors to get it Being 18 can mean one as well. With the driving is a mature teenager, but not age being raised to 17 in quite a mature adult. With being Kansas and the drinking 18, a legal adult, one can join age being lowered, the army, purchase tobacco there would be more products and vote, among other inexperienced drivers able privileges. This scenario would to legally drink. be different between certain ERIKA REALS According to the people, but there has to be a line Council, 65 of division somewhere. asst. student life editor Century percent of teenagers get If it becomes legal for 18their alcohol from friends year-olds to purchase alcohol, there would be more temptation to sell to and family. If more of their friends are able to minors. More teenagers would be able to buy it legally, I would not be surprised if the paladin
percentage increased. This bill also comes into conflict with the Kapaun Mt. Carmel Code of Conduct. If alcohol is legal for students, the restrictions will remain the same at KMC. Many seniors are involved in sports teams and activities at the school, and with the Code of Conduct still being enforced, those people will just be hurting themselves as well as the teams and activities they are participating in. The temptation of consuming alcohol will be higher than it already is if it becomes legal. Lowering the drinking age just encourages teenagers that drinking is morally acceptable. With the government saying it is OK to do, more teens will have that mindset.
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infographic by bea tretbar; photos by kelsey prather, marcella brooks, emily baudouin, zach holland; photo illustrations by emily baudouin and sean doyle information obtained by danielle valliere
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news
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infographic by sean doyle; photos by emily baudouin and marcella brooks
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opinions
PALADIN
staff EDITOR IN CHIEF katie moore DESIGN EDITORS bea tretbar, sean doyle ONLINE/COPY EDITOR katie gilbaugh PHOTO EDITOR emily baudouin ONLINE PHOTO EDITOR kelsey prather ADVERTISING/ BUSINESS MANAGER victoria gillam NEWS EDITOR danielle valliere OPINIONS EDITOR meredith osborne FEATURE EDITOR anna le STUDENT LIFE EDITOR alyssa bambick SPORTS EDITOR bailey buer ASST. NEWS EDITOR hillary sevart ASST. STUDENT LIFE EDITOR erika reals ASST. SPORTS EDITOR madeline engel ASST. COPY EDITOR emily lutz CIRCULATION MANAGER katelyn real STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS marcella brooks, tiana chin, anna gonzalez, zach holland, mattie lonergan, cindy nguyen, brian norris, kim pham, alex scobee, maddie sleconich, scott southern, lindsey weixelman, emily wittler ADVISER ashley perkins
EDITORIAL
policy The Paladin is a monthly, student-produced newsmagazine, published to inform and entertain the Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School community and educate journalism students. Each issue is produced with the guidance of a faculty adviser. Student staff members will be offered opportunities to inform, investigate, entertain, interpret and evaluate: all accepted functions of traditional American press. Included materials will be those of responsible journalism, including restraint by the students and adviser in matters such as libel, privacy, obscenity and copyright. The staff chooses to reflect the mission of Kapaun Mt. Carmel, a diocesan Catholic high school, to serve the interests and needs of the community and to provide fair, objective, accurate and truthful materials. Opinions do not necessarily reflect views of anyone other than the Paladin staff. Digital photos have not been altered to manipulate reality. Photo illustrations are labeled to reflect any technical alterations. Anonymity may be given in the following cases: the information is unable to be presented another way, the information warrants anonymity, the source’s privacy and/or reputation requires protection and the source must be protected from damages. A student or faculty member death during the coverage period will be covered with a short obituary. Advertising must meet the same guidelines as editorial content. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the school. Students pictured in advertising must sign a release and accept no monetary compensation. Advertising rates available on request. School organization discount rates are available. Corrections of errors will appear in the appropriate section of the next issue.
PALADIN editorial
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LETTER No use in thinking about what I could’ve done, I have homework to catch up on.
leah grant
Effect of H1N1 on students lasts longer than illness Contributing to several deaths fever to prevent from spreading the flu. across Kansas, hundreds of absences in Above all, staying informed of what can schools and businesses and thousands be done to avoid catching H1N1 is vital. The flu virus also causes students of dollars being spent towards protecting students’ health, H1N1 has yet to scale emotional stress. It is possible that students who get H1N1 could be out back in severity. As November begins, flu season is of school for up to a week. This leads in full swing. This is a problem every to enormous stress on the student year, but the threat of H1N1 makes this to stay caught up with school work, especially for year more severe. honors students. That is why Kapaun Mt. Carmel will “The pressure to stay The pressure to stay caught up be hosting a clinic where people can caught up with class mate- with class material, times receive the H1N1 rial, schedule times to make schedule vaccine. up tests and complete all to make up tests Also, posters homework hardly gives the and complete all have been hung up student time to focus on homework hardly gives the student in the halls, cafeteria time to focus on and bathrooms to getting well.” getting well. remind students To some, it to perform simple tasks to stay healthy, like hand washing. might seem like H1N1 has been given Hand sanitizer dispensers are now more press time than it deserves and in every room. The school has been is not an important issue anymore. doing as much as it can to prevent more The truth is that, according to The absences, going as far as requiring Wichita Eagle, swine flu cases have the football team to drink water out of been confirmed in 71 of the 105 Kansas individual cups instead of water bottles counties and absences in schools have increased. False rumors that KMC because they are more sanitary. Despite the school taking steps would close for a day if there were to ward off the H1N1 threat, students enough absences have started also. are still getting ill. It is important that H1N1 is not an old issue. It is still a students protect themselves from H1N1 threat as it was before. Staying healthy can decrease the individually as well. To prevent from getting sick, one should carry hand risk of H1N1 and student absences. It sanitizer with him especially when he is still important, now more than ever, is in public places where people are to take action and do what one can to more susceptible to germs. Also, when ward off the flu. Acting like it is not a a student is sick, he should stay home real issue does nothing but add to the until he has gone 24 hours without a H1N1 problem getting worse.
from the editor Dear PALADIN readers, The arrival of November brings excitement among students who realize the holiday season is underway. This means one thing — Thanksgiving break. Relaxing images of spending time with friends and family fill one’s head, but something has been forgotten. Not only does November bring about the holiday season, but also preparations for finals. Teachers decide the material for the test, and students realize the need to improve their grades. Now is the time to catch up in classes if one is falling behind or has been ill. It can also be a time to get involved in winter clubs and activities, shown on page 5. As always, we invite your ideas, input and letters. All letters should be under 150 words and signed. We reserve the right to edit or omit any letters. Baseless accusations, libelous statements, insults or unsigned letters will not be considered for publication. Take letters to Room 215 or mail to the address below. Sincerely, Katie Moore, Editor in Chief
KAPAUN MT. CARMEL
paladin 8506 E. Central Wichita, Kan. 67206 Phone: (316) 634-0315, ext. 232 Fax: (316) 636-2437 kmcjournalism@kapaun.org
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cover and photo by sean doyle
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I mostly sleep when I’m home sick because I want to get better, but sometimes I will catch up on homework.
LAUREN GENGLER
How do you spend your time when you are home sick?
senior
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When I’m sick, I like to watch movies and eat.
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TAYLOR CONNOLLY
junior
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When I’m home sick from school, I watch really old Disney movies.
I play Mario Kart on Wii when I’m home sick.
MAX HAGAN
sophomore
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DANIEL HULLINGS
freshman
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information obtainted by madeline engel and and hillary sevart
Overheard in the halls of KMC...
“I always think a good costume for a baby would be a giant bottle.” “Don’t get me wrong, I’m completely straight...” “Does Sr. Veronica have a last name?”
“You know what’s worse than junior year? Being a parent.”
illustration by maria lopez
paladin
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I began to Although boys are usually the ones to call to mind things to be thankful for: spring, reach for their girlfriend before he sends her a good ballpoint pen, sushi, you know, the off to her next block, recently, girls have as usual. My list quickly turned into things I much to do with the PDA problem. am not so thankful for: chapped lips, rainy Girls, whenever you give in to kissing days, reaching the end of a your boyfriend in public, book only to read the awful you are telling him that it’s ending. OK. I suggest taking some No matter how horself defense classes to fend rid those previous things off your partner’s hand sounded, there is one thing when he starts to reach for that tops my list. One thing you, or finding an empty that makes me squirm and janitor’s closet in which to dream of permanently pohide. sitioning myself in a dark Just when I think I corner, gouging my eyes have reached my PDA MEREDITH OSBORNE quota for the day, I walk to out and listening to Nickelback for the rest of my life: the parking lot. As I look opinions editor PDA. around, I see a few couples Public displays of afkissing. I sigh, and get into fection, or PDA, have not always been a my car. major problem for me. I remember in grade I begin to think of all the ways to get school, when I did not have to worry about them to stop: pretend like I am dead, back walking down the hallway and seeing cou- into their car, honk my horn obnoxiously. I ples getting a little too frisky. decide it’s not worth it and speed out of the As I progressed into middle school, parking lot. there was some hand holding at recess, but To all the couples at Kapaun Mt. Carmnothing came close to the horrors I have wit- el: yes, you have a right to be a couple. If you nessed in the halls lately. are doing things in the hallway and/or parkBoys, I know that your girlfriend looks ing lot that you would not want your mom to really smokin’ in her school uniform. It is see you doing, chances are you should not hard to resist that 100 percent polyester skirt be doing them. No one enjoys your publicly paired with an oxford button down. However displayed affection. I have never heard anyheartbreaking she looks in her sweater vest, one say, “Oh my gosh, seeing Joe practically is it really that hard to refrain from giving maul Jane after lunch was so cute!” her an impromptu massage after third block, To those that are able to restrain themespecially in front of a certain senior girl who selves: thank you. is painfully aware of her lack of a boyfriend? Just Smile Back is a monthly column
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Experience November entertainment For months I had awaited Tuesday, Oct. 6, the release date for the sixth Relient K album, Forget and Not Slow Down. With excitement, I opened the album packaging, and placed the disc into my stereo, preparing for the greatness to ensue. Matthew Theissen, lead singer CD and composer, takes the listener on an intense journey. The song topics range from love to break ups; from forgetting regrets to being unsure. The contrast found in the music is refreshing. While some songs have explosive lyrics matched with light music, others have quirky lyrics paired with darker music. No song lacks passion. After journeying through Theissen’s mind in this album, I was speechless. Take the journey with the band. It may be the most insightful 42 and a half musical trip you will ever take.
The Office, a popular TV show since 2005, has followed the love lives of Jim and Pam for six seasons, and their wedding day has arrived. The wedding episode is exciting for even the least romantic viewer. Jim and Pam’s sweet moments mixed in the hilarity of the other characters perfectly complimented the show. TV Show The following episode did not include Jim and Pam, who were away on their honeymoon, and the office did not seem the same. In the next episode, the office was a normal workspace, then Michael revealed to Jim that he is dating Pam’s mother, making Pam very upset. These three episodes of The Office had moments ranging form sentimental to comedic to sad, but the show never fails to entertain the same dedicated audience as when it first began.
review by katelyn real
review by katie gilbaugh
When faced with the choice between seeing the comdedy The Invention of Lying and the roller derby film directed by Drew Barrymore, Whip It, I chose wrong. I wasn’t expecting Whip It to be spectacular, but the movie didn’t even live up to my low standards. The movie follows Bliss Cavendar (Ellen Page) who stops competing in pageants to join a roller derby team. Though the movie was better than expected, a few aspects could have been better. The relationship between Oliver (Landon Pigg) and Bliss was unnecessary. I’m sure this was trying to portray an emo teenage relationship, but the subplot lacked charm. I would recommend this movie to fans of Juno and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist. It isn’t worth the $10 to see it in theatres. Until the DVD release date, I suggest reading the novel the movie was review by katelyn real based on, Whip It by Shauna Cross.
The Il Vicino in Bradley Fair has qualities similar to the College Hill location without being a replica, including its atmosphere and high food quality. Upon entering, comfortable seating, large windows and a wood oven help me feel right at home. Some popular dishes include the traditional wood-oven pizza or a Restaurant panini. I ordered the pepperoni pizza for $6.50, and it did not disappoint. Because of the affordable prices, dessert is a must. Cheesecake or tiramisu is a perfect way to end the meal. Il Vicino serves lunch and dinner, at affordable prices. I would recommend the restaurant for any occasion, it never fails to serve great food in a comfortable atmosphere. I feel lucky to have such a superb restaurant nearby.
Movie
review by katie gilbaugh; photos by brian norris and emily baudouin
Effects of social networking far-reaching It is causing everything to change. Noth- year. ing has had such an impact since the IndusAnother popular social networking site trial Revolution. It is social media. is Facebook. Facebook is my most visited When I first heard of social web site and makes it easy to networking sites such as Youfind and meet new people. Tube, QuestionSwap and Xanga, Obviously, my opinion of FaceI decided to join and was soon adbook is shared by many others, dicted and joined more sites. because, according to socialAccording to http://socialnomics.net, it is the biggest nomics.net,hundreds of millions social networking site in the of people have joined and conUnited States. tinue to join social networking Facebook President Mark sites. MySpace, Hulu, Twitter Zuckerberg said that there are – these sites are attracting more more than 250 million people BEA TRETBAR people than one may realize. The on Facebook. If it were a counnumbers are astounding. try, it would have the fourth design editor According to http://weblargest population in the world. strategist.com, there are 76 milChecking Facebook every lion people on MySpace in the United States. day is routine; however, now I feel that I am Twitter is growing quickly with about 8 just following the popular trend. I pride mymillion new users each month over the last self on being unique. I have been proven to
be just one in the crowd of millions posting updates and adding photos on their Facebook profile. Even though social media is a big part of our world, the repercussions can be scary. Newspaper sales are beginning to decline, email addresses are becoming old standards and people are having less face to face interactions. People are mobile, which means news is able to reach people everywhere. In a way, it is making us disconnected. The rise in social media seems to be changing how we interact with each other. Maybe, I am not just part of a trend. I am just doing what is necessary to stay alert in this century. I am making the appropriate choices. I am just one person in this social media revolution. paladin
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Analysis of handwriting offers insight in court cases, every day life by ANNA LE feature editor A ransom note left at the scene of the crime, the murderer caught and jailed due to the evidence left on the note. The capture of the man was not due to DNA or fingerprints, but the analysis of his handwriting. According to the Forensic Examiner, handwriting signifies negative behavior that might not be detected otherwise. Handwriting, being closely tied to one’s brain and emotional responses, illustrates a person’s state of mind at the moment pen is placed to paper. As mood and circumstances change, so will the writing. “When analyzing handwriting for a case, you are looking at every detail such as size, slant, spacing, connecting strokes, letter construction, punctuation, margins and baseline placement,” forensic document examiner Barbara Downer said. Through handwriting, a person’s personality can be discovered, according to Handwriting Analysis by Andrea McNichol. Junior Katie Staats agrees that her handwriting says a lot about her.
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“My handwriting is pretty unique,” Staats said. “I started writing in all caps about a year ago and I’ve been writing that way ever since. It looks a lot neater and it made it easier to write.” Staats says her handwriting sometimes attracts attention since it does not look like that of a typical girl. “I think my handwriting would say that I am very organized, precise, hard working and like to get stuff done,” Staats said. “This is very true about my personality.” McNichol states that our handwriting reveals who we are, how we think, feel and behave. For example, someone with a lot of pride will write his name big. This person walks tall, holds head high with shoulders back and chest forward. His handwriting will reflect this, for people put the same feelings into their writing. Someone with a lot of vitality will put more pressure in writing; the more intense the feeling, the more he will bear down with writing. Having several hooks and tics at the
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graphics by sean doyle; infographic source from handwriting analysis by andrea mcnichol
“I have testified under oath 35 times, a beginning of many strokes is a sign of inner frustration and overly angular few of these are depositions or arbitrations,” letters is a sign of aggressiveness. Downer said. “Some attorneys will call to let me Facts such as these can be used as a know the judge or jury’s decision and so far, all that have contacted me have reported that my tool to assist in investigations. Downer said forensic document opinion prevailed and that my testimony was the deciding factor in examination helps the outcome.” in court because it Judge William assists the judge or “When analyzing handjury in determining writing for a case, you Kehr, however, believes analysis whether a signature on are looking at every detail handwriting a will, deed, contract, such as size, slant, spac- to be of very minimal value in the courtroom. check, etc. is genuine “It is at best a or a forgery; whether ing, connecting strokes, a document has been letter construction, punc- science in its infancy as altered, by addition, tuation, margins and the standards are not always objective and white out, crossing baseline placement.” there is no consensus out, cut and paste; or identifying the writer examiner BARBARA DOWNER on the validity of the analysis,” Kehr said. “It of an anonymous is worth what weight note. “Document examination is that may be assigned to it by the judge. I have beneficial to the court system and it seen it used in court and it had no bearing actually is the only forensic science on the case. I have had no one present it as that was established specifically to do something for the court to consider.” Handwriting analysis cannot determine so,” Downer said. Other cases that would involve the intention of the writer even if the idea of the handwriting analysis include analysis was believable, Kehr said. I give handwriting analysis the same merit anonymous letters, contested wills/ contracts, falsified financial records, as spells, warlocks, palm readers and other forged checks, graffiti, murder cases snail oil salesman,” Kehr said. and stolen credit cards.
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student life
november arthead by bea tretbar; photo illustration by emily baudouin
Student sacrifices summer, time with family to compete in horseback riding by ALYSSA BAMBICK student life editor Since the age of 10, she has lived away from her family during the summer to train with Olympic riders. At home she is in training six days a week, competing in dressage and cross country all day Saturday and show jumping on Sunday—this is the dedication that sophomore Perri Fisher has to horseback riding competitions. “My mom did [horseback riding] growing up,” Fisher said. “Since I was little, her trainer would put me on the horse with her. I’ve always loved it.” Mary Fisher, Perri Fisher’s mother, said she was competing and showing horses while she was pregnant. When Perri Fisher was born she began riding on horses with her mother. Perri Fisher has been competing in horseback riding competitions since she was seven. She rides her horse, Cinderella, six times a week at her family’s barn. Perri Fisher participates in eventing, which is a competition that includes three phases. The first phase, dressage, is when the rider is given a test and together with the horse must complete the movements of the test. Phase two, cross country, consists of a rider memorizing a course and completing it
in a certain time. A variety of jumps are put together for this stage. “Cross country is my favorite phase,” Perri Fisher said. “I never know what is going to happen. I have that thrill in my stomach.” The third phase, show jumping, takes place in a more scenic jumping setting. There are fewer jumps in this stage and they are closer together. Horses are collected in between jumps. Since there are not many eventing competitions around Kansas, Perri Fisher competes on the East coast with a trainer that lives in Virginia. “There is not the opportunity to be successful around Kansas,” Mary Fisher said. “All of the top Olympic riders live in Virginia.” Summer 2009 was the first summer that Perri did not go away for competitions. She, however, has high hopes for 2010. “I am in the training level/pre-lum and I am trying to make it to Young Riders,” Perri Fisher said. Perri Fisher said Young Riders is the young Olympics of horseback riding. The best 16-21-year-olds are eligible to be part of the competition. Cinderella, Fisher’s horse, may be too small to take her to Young Riders.
“In [other] sports it is just up to you,” Perri Fisher said. “How you do in this competition depends on the horse.” She said horseback riding is her passion and she enjoys the friendships she has made at competitions. She has also had some frightening experiences. During one competition, Cinderella slipped and Perri Fisher rolled into a ditch with Cinderella’s front feet on top of her. Ultimately she was eliminated because Cinderella was scared to jump over the ditch, therefore, could not complete the event. “Some [competitions] have been so much fun when I’ve won,” Fisher said. “Sometimes it can feel bad [losing]. It is heartbreaking because you spent all the time and money.” Perri Fisher plans to compete in East coast competitions during summer 2010. By this time she hopes to have made it to Young Riders. Beyond Young Riders, she does not know if she will pursue the career of horseback riding. “There are not a lot of chances to do amazing in Young Riders,” Perri Fisher said. “If I do well I would like to go to the Olympics.”
For this month’s “Student Survivor,” six students participated in a physical challenge to get one step closer to the title. An exempt ballot was buried in a pile of leaves, and the student who found the ballot first was safe from elimination.
Say goodbye to Bobby Moore, who was eliminated this month. Who do you think should be eliminated? Bring this ballot to Room 215 by Nov. 13. Mesfin Small
Laurel Lujano
ShaNiece Pyles
Sam Wescott
Sarah Frangenberg paladin
IN, “Student Survivor” participants compete in an elimination round. Students had to dig through leaves to find an exmept ballot. “It surprised me,” freshman Sam Wescott said. “But, it was pretty fun.” DIVING
SENIOR SHANNON O’NEILL
celebrates finding the exempt ballot. This was the second month that O’Neill was safe.
november
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marcella brooks
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kelsey prather
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marcella brooks
emily baudouin
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1. FOR TOGA DAY, sophomore Charlie Brooks recites lines from Julius Caesar.
zach holland
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The sophomore Honors English class said Antony’s famous “Friends, romans, countryman...” speech in various classrooms Oct. 27. 2. DECORATING BOXES, seniors Madeline Hesse and Zack Reed prepare for the annual Quill and Scrool children’s book drive Oct. 21. The drive started Oct. 26 and all books will be donated to Headstart and Via Christi. 3. RED RIBBON IN HAND, junior Kealy Tully puts the finishing touches on student cars Oct. 19. Red Ribbon Week was Oct. 19-Oct. 25. This is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country according to http://www. Imdrugfree.com. 4. WITH SCHOOL SPIRIT, students participate in the “blackout” during the Kapaun Mt. Carmel vs. Bishop Carroll football game Oct. 9. “I think [the team] did well on executing the plays,” senior Chase Dempsey said. “The defense really stepped up.” 5. IN CERAMICS, seniors Heather Connelly and Sarah Long and art teacher Lori Sprague experiment with the pottery wheel Oct. 22. “We jump in and start the projects,” Sprague said. “The students have to be hands on to learn.” paladin
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sports
november
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INSIDE THE LINES HILARY COSGROVE
ACTIVITY: Senior Hilary Cosgrove dances with the pom squad in their routine at the football game Oct. 2.
emily baudouin
On the pom squad, senior Hilary Cosgrove is not only known as being a leader, but also as a confident dancer and a dependable teammate. “Hilary is always very enthusiastic about dancing,” coach Tiffany Cohlmia said. “She is always very upbeat. I think this makes the girls feel like they can approach her at anytime.” Cosgrove had been dancing for about 10 years at Movement Authority in Wichita, but she has not always been as enthusiastic about it as she is now. “When I was little my mom put me in tap and ballet classes,” Cosgrove said. “Back then I didn’t have much of an interest in it, so I quit. I grew up watching my older sister perform and that made me want to do it again.” Junior Leslie Carrillo said she can tell Cosgrove is doing something she loves when she is dancing. “Hilary has a way of presenting herself when she dances,” Carrillo said. “People can tell that she is truly enjoying every moment.” Being a senior, Cosgrove has a major role in preparing the squad for routines, including making up dances, teaching and making sure everyone is prepared for games. Colhmia said Cosgrove brings a lot of experience, talent and personality to the squad along with her leadership skills. “She knows when it is time to be a leader, and when she needs to be a part of the squad,” Carrillo said. madeline engel
Boys Wrestling Boys Basketball Girls Basketball 12/3 7p.m. @ North 12/5 Southeast JV Wrestling Tournament 9a.m. @ Southeast 12/10 7p.m. @ East
12/4 7:30p.m. vs. Southeast @ Southeast
12/4 6p.m. vs. Southeast @ Southeast
12/8 7:30p.m. vs. West @ KMC
12/8 6p.m. vs. West @ KMC
12/11 7:30p.m. vs. Heights @ KMC
12/11 6p.m. vs. Heights @ KMC
infographic by sean doyle; photos by emily baudouin and marcella brooks
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arthead by bea tretbar
Coach’s outlook
Games to watch
Key players
2008-09 record
Boys Basketball
“[I expect] an improved season with experienced players,” Bernie Pearson said
Heights Dec. 11 and Bishop Carroll Jan. 5
Seniors Mesfin Small and Dyllon Knox, junior Keaton Lewis and sophomore Michael Martin
Second in sub-state
Girls Basketball
“[We’re] a young team,” Damian Smithhisler said. “It’s hard to tell where we’re going to be.”
Heights Dec. 11, Bishop Carroll Jan. 5 and the new Topeka Seaman tournament Jan. 28-30
Senior Alexandria Rodriguez, junior Emily Lantz and sophomores Katie Anderson and Courtney Gahagan
Second in regionals
Boys Swim
“We have a strong team,” Chris Erickson said. “Expectations are pretty high.”
East Dec. 3
Seniors Zack Reed, Christian Kehr and Cody Lonergan and juniors Matthew Louis and Ryan Zwick
Third in City League
Boys Bowling
“It will be a rebuilding year,” Marie Thomas said. “We need to find players fill the shoes of the bowlers we lost.”
Carroll Jan. 9, Heights Feb. 3 and Northwest Feb. 16
“We are starting form scratch at the varsity level,” Thomas said.
Third in regionals
Girls Bowling
“The girls here are good to work with and a lot of fun,” Thomas said.
Bishop Carroll Jan. 9 and Heights Feb. 3
Senior Alison Huffman and junior Lauren Baker
Sixth in City League
Wrestling
“[How we do this season] is up to the boys,” Tim Dryden said.
Northwest Jan. 16 and Carroll Jan. 21
Seniors Jonathan Truman and Dylan Matheny and junior Tyler Dryden
Fourth in City League
Sport
Varsity Quotable
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We have everyone returning, and a lot of boys practiced over the winter. We did well in city and should do really well in state.
CHRISTIAN KEHR senior swimmer paladin
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LAUREN BAKER junior bowler
I expect that returning players [will improve]. It is hard to tell what the season will be like because I’m not sure how good the incoming players are.
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Most individuals have been working hard. I hope we can become a force in City League - beat Carroll, beat Northwest and win City League.
DYLAN MATHENY senior wrestler
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sports
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andrea munevar
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emily baudouin
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kelsey prather
emily baudouin
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andrea munevar
perry tretbar
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Athletes recognized at senior nights
CRUSADER
scores
w
boys FOOTBALL
Opponent
VARSITY West 10/2
Arkansas City 10/16 Winfield 10/23
lindsey weixelman
girls VOLLEYBALL VARSITY
1
0
63
36
34
14
71
21
28
Bishop Carroll 10/9
KMC
Opponent 2
0
East 10/6
0
2
Southeast 10/8
0
2
North 10/8
1
2
Bishop Carroll 10/6
KMC
South 10/13
0
2
Northwest 10/13
2
1
West 10/20
0
2
Heights 10/20
2
1
boys SOCCER VARSITY
Opponent
Heights 10/1
4
East 10/6
3
North Cup 10/17
West 10/22
KMC 1 2 Second
0
7
girls TENNIS
KMC
VARSITY GWAL Tournament 10/3 Class 5A Regionals 10/12
Second
Class 5A State 10/17
Sixth
girls GOLF VARSITY
2
lindsey weixelman
3
marcella brooks
First
KMC
GWAL Golf Tournament 10/6
First
Class 5A Regionals 10/12
First
Class 5A State 10/19
Second
team CROSS COUNTRY VARSITY
Boys
OSU Cowboy Jamboree 10/3
Second
El Dorado Invitational 10/10
Twelfth
GWAL Meet 10/17
Fourth
Class 5A Regionals 10/24
Third
Girls Second Eleventh Third Second
4
lindsey weixelman
1. ON SENIOR NIGHT, seniors Jonathan Truman and Dylan Knox kneel at Cessna Stadium
Oct. 23. KMC beat Winfield 28-21. “I’ll miss the experience,” Knox said. “It taught me a lot of life lessons -- be on time and do things the right way.” 2. SENIOR JOHN DOAN plays during senior night against West at Stryker Oct. 22. KMC won the game 7-0. 3. THROWING HER HANDS IN THE AIR, senior Leah Grant celebrates on senior night Oct. 20 at KMC. The Crusaders won the match against West but lost versus Heights. “It seems like I was just a freshman,” Grant said. “It hasn’t set in that I’m a senior yet.” 4. GATHERED TOGETHER, the senior soccer players pose for a picture with their parents at Stryker Oct. 22. paladin
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