March 11, 2010

the

Vol. 41, No. 7

Image

Lafayette High School 17050 Clayton Road Wildwood, MO 63011

what’sinside

March 11 2010 www.lhsimage.com

Girls swimming wins State Photo Finish

After touching the wall just 0.35 seconds ahead of Glendale High School’s swimmer, senior Shannon McCoy looks up to realize she’s won the 400 freestyle relay.

The relay winner determined who would win the State Meet, at the St. Peters Rec Plex on Feb. 20.

“I touched [the wall] and saw the clock and looked over at the team was screaming and jumping. It was all pretty exciting,” McCoy said.

The winning relay team also included seniors Ashleigh Grammar, Jessi Holz, and Sam Wright.

“Watching the race was extremely nerve-racking,” Holz said. “When we finished first, though, the entire team was so excited. I was a little surprised since we had been down by so many points going into Finals, but I knew we could do it before the meet even started. Winning the championship was a feeling like no other.”

The Lady Lancers won with a score of 227, just three and a half points ahead of Glendale.

(Photo courtesy of Michelle Cox)

Repeat Boutique Girls donate their gently used Prom dresses to charity cause.

See page 4

justaglance Pros and Cons of Rings: With the tough economy surprisingly ring sales have gone up. But are students buying into this trend?

See page 7 One Acts: Students have a chance to direct their own plays.

Seniors get to experience being directors.

See page 10

Synthetic drug sparks debate K2, what some call a legal alternative to marijuana, has caught the attention of law enforcement and legislators due to its potential health risks. Several states, including Missouri, are working to take it off store shelves.

Alicia Mestre / Asst. News Editor

A new drug has surfaced in the U.S. recently and is getting a lot of attention. It is commonly referred to as “fake weed.”

K2, and other similar substances, has spread around the St. Louis area in what has been called a legal alternative to marijuana.

K2 is a mix of herbs that have been sprayed with the synthetic chemical JWH-018, which has

similar effects to THC, the main component in marijuana.

“It definitely affects you physically. Literally you can feel it throughout your body. It affects the way you move, and the way you drive,” John*, Lafayette student and K2 user, said.

It is sold as incense in bait shops around Missouri for half the price of marijuana.

Lisa*, a local bait shop owner, said the packaging actually says ‘not for consumption’, but she knows people smoke it regardless.

“That’s what they did in Europe,” Lisa explained.

K2 has been smoked in Europe for the last decade. And, 14 ma-

jor countries in the region have already outlawed it.

Very little is known about the drug, including any possible side effects.

“Nobody really knows [about any side effects] because it hasn’t really been known for that long,” John said.

John continued, “You don’t know what it does.”

Rep. Ward Franz, (R) West Plains is sponsoring a bill to make K2 and similar products illegal because of potential health risks.

“Studies show that there is three times more of this chemical that gets into your blood stream [than marijuana],” Franz said.

continued on page 6

Bracketology: March Madness is upon us. Make your picks and predict the winners.

March 14 is the official “Selection Sunday.”

See page 13

comingsoon March 11 3rd Quarter Ends March 12-19 Spring Break March 26 Variety Show 7 p.m.

March 27 Repeat Boutique 10 a.m.

April 1 Staff Development Day April 2-5 No School April 6 STUCO Meeting 7 p.m.

April 8 Ring Ceremony 7 a.m.

Percussion Concert 7 p.m.

April 10 ACT April 15-16 One Acts 7 p.m.

April 16 GSL Jazz Festival

*The Editorial Board made the decision to change source names to protect privacy

2

Opinion

March 11, 2010

2009-2010

Image Staff Courtney McBay Editor in Chief

Print Edition

Chelsea Coleman Managing Editor Max Thoman News Editor Alicia Mestre Asst. News Editor Rachel Brown Opinion Editor Kara Campbell Campus Editor Adam Harris Feature Editor David Adams Entertainment Editor Andrew Martin Sports Editor Ian Bernstein Asst. Sports Editor Santi Diaz Artist Jessica Zadoks Business Manager

Online Edition Mina Yu Managing Editor Max Thoman News Editor Mia Schenone Katie Jardine Lifestyles Editors Gian Wessel Sports Editor Nancy Smith, MJE Adviser

Staff

Teresa Avila, Kelley Bauer, Leanne Beasley, Grace Bueckendorf, Mary Buttram, Caleb Cavarretta, Daniel Clutter, Dominic Corvington, Misha Emanoil, Ashlyn Goldston, Sarah Greenlee, Christine Jackson, Maddie Johnson, Alyssa Knowling, D.Anne Vollmayer, Alex West, Molly White

Information

The Image is published 10 times a year by the Newspaper Production Class.

Subscriptions are $30. Free issues are distributed on campus. The 2008-2009 Image received a rating of First Class with two marks of distinction from the National Scholastic Press Association.

Philosophy

The newspaper’s primary obligation is to inform its readers about events in the school and community and of issues of national or international importance which directly or indirectly affect the school population.

The newspaper, while serving as a training ground for future journalists as part of the school curriculum, recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment.

Operating as a public forum, student editors will apply professional standards and ethics for decision making as they take on the responsibility for content and production of the newspaper. While the student staff encourages constructive criticism of any part of the newspaper, authority for content rests in the hands of the student members of the newspaper staff. Students will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, or libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process, copyright infringement, or unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Contact Us

Located in Room 213 at Lafayette High School, 17050 Clayton Rd., Wildwood, MO 63011. Our phone number is (636) 733-4118 and our email address is smithnancy@ rockwood.k12.mo.us Visit on the web at: www.lhsimage.com

Policies

Opinions expressed on the editorial page do not reflect the viewpoints or official policies of the school administration. All editorials (unsigned) represent a majority opinion of the Editorial Board. Signed editorials, columns, editorial cartoons and reviews reflect the views of the author and not necessarily those of the Image Editorial Board. Participation through letters to the editor by students, faculty and the community is encouraged.

Letters must be signed but names will be withheld upon request and with the concurrence of the Editorial Board.

Letters should be limited to 300 words. The Image reserves the right to reject, edit or shorten letters. Letters may be submitted in writing to Mrs. Nancy Smith in Room 213, or to any Image staff member, or via e-mail to smithnancy@ rockwood.k12.mo.us.

Even legal drugs are a bad idea K2, an herbal supplement similar to marijuana but sold as incense, is making headlines.

Sold in 3 gram packages with labels like “Pink,” “Cintron” and “Summit,” this weed-like substance is flying off the shelves in smoke shops all across St. Charles County and Florissant.

K2 is three times as potent as weed (according to police). It’s currently legal, and it’s making its rounds in the high school population.

Parents and police are panicking, begging for laws and insisting that K2’s use will cause drug dependency and wide-spread, red-eyed, drooling teenage delinquents who will bash in the windows of cars for a fix.

However, the concern of parents and officers is not slowing kids down, and it never will.

When I walk through Lafayette’s halls on a Monday morning and hear snatches of what happened over the weekend I hear a lot more of, “Dude, I was so wasted,” and a lot less of “Hmm, I wonder what kind of toll this excessive drinking will have on my liver?”

I hear a lot more “Man, I got high on that K2 stuff” and a lot less of, “Are K2’s active psychedelic compounds JWH-018 and JWH073 going to present any long term effects on my memory and learning abilities?”

Really, when it comes down to it, I don’t object to people partying every now and then. If you want to have a drink or smoke a joint, it’s no

skin off my back unless you either somehow involve me or get behind the wheel of a car, at which point it becomes personal.

What I do object to however, is people having no knowledge and no discretion over what they are putting into their bodies, or ever worse, believing because something is legal, it must be okay.

To me, K2 is a particularly excellent example of this “No Discretion phenomenon.”

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch quoted a pharmacist as saying, “Nobody knows what this K2 stuff does.” It’s only been around commercially for a few months: not enough time to run extensive tests or make pass laws.

But just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s good for you.

Maybe K2 causes some tar buildup in the lungs. Maybe it causes depression or other serious chemical imbalances. Maybe it causes irreversible brain damage or birth of two headed babies.

And then again, maybe it doesn’t.

This is exactly the problem: nobody knows exactly what it does, and they won’t until some serious experiments have taken place.

This lack of discretion doesn’t end with K2. It carries over into alcohol as kids tell themselves that since drinking is legal for those over 21, it can’t be so bad, even in excess.

And lately, I have seen this mind-set even bleed over into marijuana users.

I’ve seen attitudes towards weed be-

Rachel Brown, Opinions Editor come much more relaxed as many states (New Jersey is the 14th) making it legal to treat cancer, AIDS and other chronic diseases with, well, Chronic.

The effects of these decisions can be seen in the emerging outlook in my generation that “If it’s okay for a multiple sclerosis patient, it’s okay for me too,” and moving forwards the acceptance of casual, or not so casual, marijuana use.

What everyone needs to keep in mind is that changing feelings and laws regarding controlled substances only affects the legal status of the drug in question, not its chemical makeup.

Man’s ideas regarding mind altering substances may shift, but the molecules will retain the same properties.

No matter how the letter of the law changes, alcohol will still blur motor skills, psyclobin will still cause visual distortions and opiates will still numb the body.

Simply because weed is becoming more widely accepted as a legitimate pain controller, does not mean

it should become more widely accepted as a recreational activity.

Simply because K2 is currently legal, doesn’t mean it’s harmless.

When we all turn 21 and become legal drinkers, does this mean we should drink ourselves into the hospital just because we can?

Cigarettes are legal and they kill 5 million people a year, and prescription painkillers like Oxycontin have unraveled the lives of hundreds of thousands of addicts.

Salvia Divinorum, a psychedelic plant with effects comparable to LSD is legal in the majority of states (but not Missouri).

“Robo-tripping,” paint sniffing and nutmeg eating are legal, but their legal status does not indicate harmlessness or acceptability.

I am not saying that the government needs to invent more laws and penalties.

I’ve always thought it was goofy to put someone in prison for years for drug possession, as that punishment is more life destructive than the original crime.

I do not urge the government to make more silly laws.

No, I urge you to have a sense of self preservation, a shred of common sense, and the motivation to do research and develop firm ideas about exactly what poisons you are willing to put into your body, and ultimately, your mind.

Thinking something is okay simply because it’s legal is a pipe dream.

Literally.

Stereotypes, video games, cell phone policy

Dear Editor, A while ago, I’m not sure when, you touched on using the word “Jew,” as an insult.

I just want to say that as a Jew, this is extremely insulting and hurtful, even if whoever says it means it as a joke.

The thing is that insults aimed towards Jews are frequent at Lafayette.

I’ll hear insults like, “Oh, he has such a Jewish nose.”

Jewish nose? What is a Jewish nose?

So do we all have them?

That’s like asking a Catholic if they all have blonde hair; Catholic hair.

It seems like if you are Jewish, it’s a bad and demeaning thing. I want to say to my fellow Jewish students, never let a Jewish joke slide by.

Please, please say something and speak up for yourself.

Be proud of who you are!

Rebecca Ferman, 9

Dear Editor, Ever since I played Pokemon on my brick-sized original Gameboy, I knew that I wanted to design video games for a living.

Usually when I tell people this, I am met with an overall tepid reaction, as many believe that video games are simple entertainment, uncomplicated amusement without substance.

But I beg to differ.

Today’s video games are no longer just games.

Today they are a form of interactive media, participated in by audiences across the world, tackling moral and political dilemmas, shaping the next generation’s viewpoints and concepts.

In these games I have learned the implications of Objectivism and Collectivism, made moral and ethical decisions, and been exposed to ideas and insights that I would not have met outside the game.

I write this because I wish to encourage gamers and non-gamers alike to recognize the important role that this high grossing art is playing in our society, and to realize the impact these games have in shaping the perception and world view of America’s young minds.

Lucas Klein, 12 Dear Editor, We stopped texting long enough to realize that the staff editorial in your February issue incorrectly portrays our school, mainly our administrator, Mr. Dale Menke.

The editorial refers to Rockwood Summit as being the only high school in the district “blatantly disobeying the letter of the law.”

Although there is some truth to this statement—we are allowed to use cell phones during lunch and passing periods—it is not deliberate neglect.

Our principal recognizes his stu-

dents’ habits, and he understands that no matter how much students’ texting privileges are limited, they will still find a way to use their cell phones.

Mr. Menke has bent the district’s policy regarding cell phone usage, which has had an effect on all four of the high schools.

As you stated, Eureka and Marquette see the logic behind Mr. Menke’s rule and want a change in policy to make it similar to Summit’s.

However, you later declare that you agree the policy needs to be changed in order to “adapt to our generation’s culture.”

We agree that the district needs unity in policy as well as enforcement, but is it necessary to criticize our student body and principal for being lax when you want the policy Mr. Menke currently implements?

The Talon Staff, Rockwood Summit High School

AP classes are taken for wrong reasons To say Lafayette is a competitive learning environment would be an understatement.

Many students have grade point averages (GPA) skyrocketing over 4.0, due to multiple weighted-grade and Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken as early as sophomore year.

It isn’t a stretch to say the top five percent of LHS would easily hold Valedictorian status at any other high school.

A Lancer in the top 25 percent of his class could fit right in the top five percent anywhere else.

So why is the bar for academic achievement set so high here?

The reason is weighted grades.

Although the GPA system runs on a 4.0 scale, AP classes run on a 5.0 scale, and thus skew the entire formula.

Unfortunately, many students take advantage of the weighted grades and choose to pile AP classes onto their course load with the sole purpose of pumping up a GPA. AP classes are meant to challenge students.

There are a variety of them of-

the

Image

STAFF EDITORIAL fered to suit the tastes of different individuals.

Whether it be AP Art Studio, AP World History or AP Biology, there are classes available for students who want to broaden their knowledge in a subject of interest.

Their weighted grades are meant as a reward for students who took the risk to challenge themselves.

Classes with a “WG” beside them in the course description booklet are not meant to be collected simply to boost a GPA. Because so many AP classes are taken only to impact a GPA, studies show many students are not actually retaining knowledge from lessons and therefore failing exams at the end of the course. But, at least their GPAs were fluffed up.

AP classes need to be taken seriously.

Sure, the weighted grade is nice.

But students need to understand the point of the class, which is to expand their knowledge and broaden their perspective.

AP courses require a major time commitment. To succeed in the course, students cannot just slide by while regurgitating surface level information.

The curriculum must be applied in order to be completely soaked into our minds.

Apparently, this key component is missing from the AP course equation.

Students who are overloaded by a challenging schedule are wasting their time and effort, especially if their classes do not hold any importance to them.

Instead of taking every AP course possible, students should focus on courses which interest them.

Many students use their heavy course load to measure their intelligence.

They sign up for the course, aware of the time and work commitment.

Then, more often than not, the spend as much time complaining as

they do studying.

Claiming survival of a semester with a demanding schedule has become a twisted badge of honor. But taking AP classes does not necessarily make anyone smarter than anyone else.

Not everyone takes this approach. Because they enjoy the challenge of their AP courses, they use their heavy work loads as an avenue to expand their knowledge.

While they may be worth all of those sleepless nights, hours of stress and lack of a social life worth for people who enjoy their class, but for an extra tenth of a point on a GPA? Maybe not.

The bottom line: don’t force yourself into classes you don’t care about only to boost your GPA. Use your high school classes to pursue your personal interests.

If you can leave high school with real knowledge to help you with your future, your years were a success.

If all you leave with is a boosted GPA, you will have wasted your time and efforts.

What’s a GPA in the real world, anyway?

Buying Power: Being a conscious consumer Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

We hear it almost everyday.

But do we actually know how much of an impact our so called reducing, reusing and recycling has on our daily lives?

REDUCE According to the Worldwatch Institute, the world’s electricity demand is expected to double between 2000 and 2030.

The greatest increase will occur in the developing world, and the most rapid growth will occur in people’s homes.

Electricity production is the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the U.S. and is responsible for 40 percent of the country’s carbon emissions, without much hassle.

By reducing the amount of energy we use everyday, we can eliminate almost half of our carbon emissions.

Reducing the amount of energy we exploit is honestly a simple task.

It could be as easy as turning off a light when you leave the room.

Switch off the TV when you leave the house.

It’s really not that hard to press one button for an action which literally helps save our planet the second we press it.

Consumers are in control of our own carbon foot prints.

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3

Opinion

The Image

?

Now I admit, when you’re late for work or late to school, the last thing you are thinking is, “How is leaving this light on going to affect my planet?”

Most likely you’re thinking, “Will my boss fire me if I am late for the third time this week?”

However, when you rush out the door, you still put on your shoes, get your keys and shut the door behind you during your mad dash.

All of these things have been made habits, and actions so common place they are second nature.

If everyone could make turning off the light, pushing the power button on our TV or turning off the radio a habit, the U.S. could largely reduce the amount of electricity wasted in this country.

REUSE Next time you eat lunch in the cafeteria, look around at all the tables.

Notice how almost every single person is carrying their lunch around in a brown paper bag.

After the bell rings for class, they will all get up throw that paper bag away and bring a new one tomorrow.

There are about 2,000 kids at Lafayette. All of those bags will then sit in a landfill after serving absolute-

It’s My Turn [A Rotating Column] This Month: Alex West

ly no purpose other than carrying a kid’s lunch one day out of the 365.

I realize we carry them because lunch boxes are “dorky.”

But if we could all get over our self-consciousness, we could save a lot of paper. That saves an extreme amount of trees.

One tree makes approximately 8,333 sheets of copy paper. A school our size uses that in a day or two.

So if we are already using that much paper in school, why can’t we save some trees by carrying a reusable lunch container?

I’m not saying to go buy a Superman lunch box with stickers on it.

A Tupperware container would be fine, and that’s not necessarily “dorky.”

Reusablebags.com has bags that would be easy to carry and save the environment as well.

RECYCLE I applaud Lafayette for implementing the Itty Bitty Trash Can into our schools.

However, it seems as though

many students do not use it correctly.

I saw a student in my math class get up to throw away a crinkled up piece of paper.

Though the recycling bin stood right next to the trash can, he put the paper in the trash can anyway.

Why he didn’t put it into the recycling bin, I don’t know, but my best guess would be out of habit.

Just like the light switch, it is simple to make recycling things a daily habit in our lives.

It saves our planet and, in the long run, may save ourselves.

Reducing, Reusing and Recycling is not just a phrase adults pester you about.

Anytime you implement one of the three R’s into your life, you become a part of saving this planet.

The fate of our Earth is in our hands.

So next time you are rushing out of the house, turn off the lights, and turn on your devotion to saving our world.

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This Month, the?Image asks...

Do you think K2 use is a big issue for students at Lafayette?

Opinions expressed are those of the individuals interviewed, and not of the Image staff.

“Yes, because all drugs are bad. Legal or illegal.”

“I haven’t heard so much about it, I don’t think it’s as bad as people say it is.”

“I don’t think it is as big as other drugs, but is more accessible because it is legal.”

“I don’t know yet. It hasn’t been a big issue here yet, but we are aware of it in the community.”

Willie Gates, 10

Kelli Brennan, 12

Greg Huxen, 12

Matt Dieckhaus, Staff

stars & gripes stars to: Yahoo! and Twitter announced they have struck a content sharing deal, sharing Twitter’s real time Tweets with 600 million users in Yahoo’s global network, making it easier for users to check on the people they follow.

Off the shore of Oahu, a single wave energy buoy, placed by Ocean Power Technologies in partnership with the U.S. Navy, will deliver enough electricity to power 20-25 homes on the Marine Corps base in Hawaii.

The Olympics went beautifully, bringing America a number of shiny metals, down from our hat, Canada.

Farewell for now to this brief time of peace, sportsmanship and serious athleticism.

Lady Gaga, known for her skimpy outfits and bizarre performances announced it’s all for show, and she is single and celibate. “You don’t have to have sex to be loved,” the star said.

gripes to: According to a report issued by the International Conservation, half of the world’s primates are in danger of extinction due to tropical forest destruction and commercial bush meat hunting. We are certainly going to miss those monkeys.

More than a dozen land and waterscapes in 11 states, some larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined, are under consideration by the Obama administration to become America’s newest National Monuments, without any local input or congressional approval.

Johnny Depp has begun to advocate the release of three men convicted of murdering three young boys in what is thought to be a satanic ritual, who he says were convicted because of their love for heavy metal and Stephen King. This misled star may have fallen through the rabbit hole.

Home sales recently plunged to a record low, with a glut of foreclosed homes sagging in on the market. There has been an overall 6.1 percent decrease in sales since January, the Census Bureau said.

A new recently passed credit card bill is prompting some experts to predict higher interchange fees will be put into place, harming businesses big and small everywhere.

4

Campus

March 11, 2010

Repeat Boutique:

Other Places to Recycle to benefit Circle of Concern Clothing Girls donate dresses “That’s when I thought ‘Okay, college come to look for dresses.

Kara Campbell / Campus Editor

Avalon Exchange

Clothing, shoes and accessories can be bought, sold and traded. *6388 Delmar Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63130

Goodwill

Not only accepts clothing but computer equipment, toys and vehichles. *17355 Edison Ave. Chesterfield, MO 63005

Play It Again Sports

Buys and sells quality used sporting goods.

They also have fundraisers for sporting teams. *1677 Clarkson Rd. Chesterfield, MO 63017

Plato’s Closet

When in need of extra money, Plato’s Closet buys and sells gently used clothing. *1674 Clarkson Rd. Chesterfield, MO 63017

The Salvation Army

The thrift store offers a variety of good deals. *2700 Droste Rd. St. Charles, MO 63301

Every girl has that sad dress in their closet that’s dying to be worn again, that doesn’t fit or that doesn’t look good anymore. So why keep it hidden in the closet taking up space?

Old Prom, Homecoming, Turnabout and Pageant dresses, shoes and handbags can move to a new home March 27 at Repeat Boutique.

Repeat Boutique takes donated formal wear and resells it for a fraction of the original cost.

All proceeds will go to Circle of Concern, a county food pantry and assistance program for people in need.

Guidance counselor Deborah Parker and Lacey Parker, Class of 2001 are a mother-daughter team hosting Repeat Boutique.

“Mom calls me a co-sponsor, but really she deserves all the credit. She is the one who truly made this happen,” Lacey said.

“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time, but I always thought someone else would put something like a Repeat Boutique on and I would be able to help,” Deborah said.

“One day, I was talking to my daughter about a bridesmaid dress she had hanging up that she said she would never wear again,” Deborah said.

this is it’ I’m really going to put Repeat Boutique on.”

That bridesmaid dress was the first to be donated.

Deborah continued, “Times being what they are, I think Circle of Concern has an even greater need for assistance right now.”

Anyone interested in donating these items should bring them to the Counseling Department, Room 123, from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 23-25.

A card with a brief description of the item, material and original cost must be attached.

Items will then be evaluated and sold at a fraction of the original price.

Chance Tickets will be sold at all lunch shifts from March 22-26 for an opportunity to win a Prom updo at Metro Design Studios. One Chance Ticket is $1 and six Chance Tickets are $5.

The day of Repeat Boutique, the chance winner will be announced.

Mary Kay Representative Karen Landwehr will also be there for makeup tips and demonstrations.

The goal is raise at least $1,000.

“I will be very happy if we make more than that,” Deborah said.

She also suggests any senior girls considering rushing for a sorority in

15505 Manchester Rd. Ballwin, MO 63011

636-386-8266 (Across from Royal Gate Chrysler, next to Imo’s)

Have a special event coming up?

Why not walk in with a Hollywood Tan…

Prom Specials:

6 visits + 6 packets of lotion $35 30 days unlimited + bottle of lotion $45 1 mystic + packet of lotion $10

Student Specials: 1 Mystic Tan $15 3 Regular Tans $15 10 Regular Tans $35 *With Valid High School I.D. **Reg beds only

Want a free upgrade? Text “tan” to 91011

What Are You Waiting For? Check out our other great specials online www.hollywoodtanco.com

“There will be many different functions and formals to attend, getting a dress or two here would help them be prepared and the money will go to a good cause,” Deborah said.

To get the word out, Deborah and Lacey have used an e-mail campaign.

Deborah e-mailed all Rockwood middle and high schools. She’s also e-mailing friends in hopes that the e-mail chain will continue on.

Deborah said, “It would be great if when teachers get my e-mail they would tell their students and e-mail any people they think would be interested.”

“I’ve realized this year there’s a big need to help people. I think it will be fun, fun for the girls to donate and fun for the girls to purchase,” Deborah said.

Lacey agreed. “I went to Turnabouts, Homecomings and other events and was always amazed at how much money my parents would shell out for me to get all dolled up for a night of fun. The price tags are astonishing.”

She continued, “The Repeat Boutique offers a chance for girls to glam it up for only a portion of the retail price. And the fact that all this is being done to help the community is really a no-brainer.”

Now H

Spring Weekend and

Strike a Pose

Modeling the first donated dress is junior Kendal Rothschild.

The dress was donated

by Deborah and Lacey Parker. (photo courtesy of Deborah Parker)

iring

Summer Positions

Available

Apply Today at SixFlagsJobs.com Whats in it for me? Free Tickets Unlimited Admission for You and a Friend Competitive Wages Flexible Scheduling Scholarships and Paid Interships Where can I work? Hurricane Hardor Park Services Food Service Admissions Games Rides Call Human Resources:

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Entertainment Merchandise

News Briefs Email Accounts

To log in for your student email account: 1. Go to outlook.com.

2. Enter your username, which is your school username (first initial, last name, last three digits of your student number) followed by @student. rockwood.k12.mo.us.

3. Enter the initial password for all students, “student09.”

4. Log in to the system and change your password.

Variety Show tickets on sale after break The Variety Show, an annual event sponsored by vocal music for students to showcase their talents, takes place on March 26 at 7 p.m.

Tickets will be sold for $5 beginning on March 23, and will not be sold at the door. Attendees should expect to see many live musical and

Business Management Shorts Sales

The 6th Hour Business Management class is selling shorts as a part of its curriculum. The class requires students to make a company with Junior Achievement and to make a product to sell. The company’s name is Lancer Performance-Wear Inc. The girls’ shorts are either a pink or black cotton fabric with a logo on the thigh that says “Lancers” in a graffiti font for $13.

The boys’ shorts are a black moisture-wick fabric with “LHS” on the thigh for $18. Sales end March 23.

Look for student representatives during lunch or go to Room 223 to see Betsy Rivas to order shorts.

Cookie Bake

The annual cookie bake, sponsored by National Honor Society, will take place in April. Anybody is welcome to attend the event, which will use the FACS room to bake hundreds of cookies in a twohour period. The cookies will have a spring theme and are being baked for service organizations in the area, as well as Renaissance sponsors.

5

News

The Image

New Superintendent:

Borchers to join Rockwood School District Sarah Greenlee/Reporter

Dr. Bruce Borchers has officially been hired as the new Superintendent of the Rockwood School District.

The Board of Education voted 7-0 to grant Borchers a three-year contract worth $230,000 per year.

Borchers is bringing 18 years of experience to this position.

Since 2008, he has served as the Associate Superintendent for Secondary Schools for the 40,500-student Anoka-Hennepin School District in Coon Rapids, MN. He, his wife and two children, will move to Missouri before his term starts in July.

The selection process was difficult, according to board member Kim McGuiness.

“The Rockwood School District hired a firm that did a national search. Then, out of that national search we received over 100 applications. They looked at those and identified 40 [applicants] that met the qualifications and requirements,” McGuiness explained.

“From that 40, they narrowed it down to 15. At the board meeting we saw seven of those candidates and then we interviewed five of those top candidates and narrowed it down to the top two,” McGuiness said.

“Then we selected Dr. Borchers as our finalist,” she added.

There are many qualifications to be hired as Superintendent.

McGuiness said, “They first have to have the appropriate degrees.

They also have to have experience in some kind of leadership role.”

She continued, “When we started our search we put together a leadership profile of all of the qualifications and we identified our top 10 that we thought would be important to be able to be successful in Rockwood.”

“That leadership profile was put through the candidate selection,” McGuiness said.

Principal John Shaughnessy had a very brief meeting with Borchers shortly after he was selected, and gave him a tour of the school.

“[Borchers] seems very nice, welcoming, warm, friendly. He’s very knowledgeable in Professional Learning Communities, which is big here in our school and our district,” Shaughnessy said.

“He spoke the language that we spoke. His discussions were similar to the ones that I have with our current superintendent. He seemed to be a well-spoken gentleman,” Shaughnessy said.

In response to the question of what changes are to come with the new superintendent, Shaughnessy said, “We went out to find somebody who didn’t have a lot of differences, and we were able to sustain and keep

going with things we already have in place here. I don’t see a lot of things changing at all.”

Borchers’s contract will begin July 1.

“There are so many good things in Rockwood already. The culture and climate is very positive,” Borchers said.

He said he wants to spend time observing any current problems before he comes up with new solutions.

Before making any changes, Borchers wants to get to know Rockwood. So, he said his first job will be to learn as much as possible about the district.

Then, he can take on his goals as an educational leader.

Borchers said, “I want to serve as an educational leader for this dynamic school district because I share the district’s commitment to academic excellence, accountability and increased student achievement for all students.”

He continued, “My passion is continuous improvement for myself, students and staff members. Focusing on collaboration as we work together to determine the most appropriate goals for our schools and students will be one of my first priorities.”

Borchers concluded, “In the end, student learning depends first, last and always on the quality of teachers, administrators and support of staff in out schools.”

high schools.

“We have changes within the Parent Education Program, which would account for four of these points, and the remaining eight would come from the system that we currently use for staffing high schools,” Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Kelvin McMillin said.

In this system, a point equals one teaching, administrative or support staff position. Every year, each high school receives a certain number of points, which the building administration then allocates to departments according to school enrollment and scheduling requests by students.

They also chooses to hire staff new staff members based on how many points they have been given.

“Every teacher in our staff is equated to one point. But, not all points are the same. They’re based on your hours, your requirements, and whether it’s a certified or a noncertified position,” Principal John Shaughnessy said.

There is a certain formula used to decide how many points each school receives, with the key component being student enrollment.

Since Lafayette’s enrollment has actually gone up for next year, it has only lost approximately one point for the upcoming school year.

“We’re not going to lose anyone,” Trotier said.

The new point distribution across the schools has not yet been made official. This will come during meetings between the principals Rock-

wood’s Director of Human Resources Katie Reboulet.

“It is my understanding that these meetings have not yet occurred,” McMillin said.

In addition, cuts in teacher points will be made not only in the high schools, but also in elementary and middle schools.

Reducing teacher positions, although undesirable, is all part of the district’s effort to cut $5 million from its budget.

“You really can’t say how long these budget cuts will have to go.

We are hearing from the state that next year’s economic situation may be bleaker than this year’s was, and then these cuts may not only occur next year but the following year,” McMillin said.

Meeting His Public

Shortly after being named the finalist for the Rockwood Superintendent position, Dr. Bruce Borchers gets to know some Rockwood patrons at the Feb. 11 Board of Education meeting. (photo by Sarah Greenlee)

Budget cuts could impact high school staffing Teresa Avila/Reporter

The effects of the Rockwood School District’s $5 million budget cut have already been anticipated in areas such as Driver Education and school bus routes.

But, despite cuts in the district’s employee positions, Lafayette shouldn’t see any significant staffing changes, according to Associate Principal Renee Trotier.

“We have made reductions in staffing for next year within the administrative ranks, among support staff, and in some teaching positions,” Superintendant Craig Larson wrote in a mass e-mail to Rockwood teachers and staff.

Overall, the district will have to cut 12 ‘staff points’ across all four

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News

March 11, 2010

LHS AP students break trends Caleb Cavarretta/Reporter

A national trend is being established concerning Advanced Placement (AP) classes.

According to a College Board report from 2009, more students are taking these classes for college credit as an increasing number of students are also failing.

What the report fails to point out is while the passing rates among the student population, even those not taking the exam, are rising, the passing rates among students that actually take the test are declining.

Nationally, the rate of students that passed the exams out of the number of students that took the exam was 63.8 percent in 2004, while it has gradually dropped down to 60 percent in 2009.

In Missouri, the decline has not been as significant, but still follows the same trend.

In the state, the average score of students who took the exams in 2001 was 3.44, 3.27 in 2004 and 3.03 in 2009.

This decline is associated with several theories, some saying that too many students are getting into AP classes but are not strong enough students, some others saying that the teachers do not adequately prepare the students.

Language Arts teacher Dawn Indelicato-Faw believes even though students have the door open to take AP classes, it is more realistic to think that as more students take the classes, there are going to be some failures.

“The reality is that not everyone is necessarily cut out for AP, either because of their skill level, or because other things going on in their lives that take up their time,” Indelicato-Faw said.

She added, “We are doing as much as

we can to get students as ready as they can be and giving them opportunities to be prepared.”

She also believes a large portion of the responsibility falls on the students in the sense that they should be doing as much as they possibly can to pass the exam.

Unlike most schools however, even though the number of students at Lafayette taking AP classes has risen, AP exam scores has been relatively the same.

“One of our goals has been to increase the number of kids taking AP courses, but the data shows that the percentage of students passing the AP exam has stayed the same. For the last three years it has stayed at about 89 percent,” Principal John Shaughnessy said.

He also said teachers have many different tools they use to help students do well.

“We spend a lot of time allowing our teachers to train and learn strategies to teach AP courses. We do a lot of pre-assessing of the AP format in those classes to give kids the opportunity to learn that format along the way. I also think we have really good teachers that spend the time that is takes to prepare a plan for successful lessons so that kids do well on the exams,” Shaughnessy said.

“One of the things that we have been tracking, maybe the past two years, has been how well do students do in class, how well do they do on the practice exam that they give in the spring, and how well they do in the actual exam,” Indelicato-Faw said.

When it comes to AP Literature and Composition, this data was typically “apples to apples”, but there were a few students who had scores and grades that did not match up.

Breaking the Trend

AP classes all across the United States are facing lower median test scores, but AP students of Lafayette, such as those of Dawn Indelicato-Faw’s AP Literature and Composition class, have proven the statistics wrong. (photo by Caleb Cavarretta)

“That was what we suspected, but we were able to prove that from the data we have gathered from the past two years,” Indelicato-Faw said.

Junior Chris Davis, who is taking an AP class for the first time this year (AP Government and Politics), believes the AP classes are definitely more difficult than regular classes, especially for someone who did not take an AP class their sophomore year, but

that a student should be able to overcome it with work outside of class.

“There is a lot more and it is harder, but I think I will still do well on the test,” he said.

What Lafayette is focusing on now for AP is not necessarily increasing the number of students in AP courses, but rather making sure that more students in the classes take and pass the exam.

K2 sparks debate (cont. from p. 1) Franz continued, “It has been proven marijuana can cause cancer so when you have something three times the strength of marijuana in the blood stream, and it breaks down into the same types of carcinogens, it has to be a health concern.”

“There is no way it can be good for you,” John said, “it’s not something I want to do long term.”

However there are two sides to this issue.

“There has not been one side effect documented with the case of K2,” Lisa said.

“I personally haven’t had any bad times with it,” Chris*, Lafayette student and K2 user, said. “It’s just a good legal alternative to get buzzed other then marijuana or alcohol.”

“We have had people in here who have had rheumatoid arthritis and have had cancer to where they are always sick, and when they use K2 then they said that they

feel perfectly fine,” Lisa said.

Franz disagreed, saying, “That’s just an excuse to smoke it because there are plenty of medications through legal channels that an individual can take to ease their pain.”

However, the possibility of medical consequences has been overshadowed by the plain fact that it is legal.

John believes people only smoke K2 because it is not against the law to do so.

“People would rather buy [K2] than get [marijuana] illegally,” he said.

Though John uses it, he realizes that the cons of smoking K2 outweigh the pros.

Lafayette students have also started smoking K2 because it does not show up on a routine drug test.

“Until they develop a new drug test, there’s nothing to stop every kid from smoking on their way to school,” John added.

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The uncertainty of this subject has already caused the United States Armed Forces to prohibit the use of K2 while enlisted in the military.

Following suit, Missouri’s Pettis County officials also took the law into their own hands and banned K2 from the area.

Chris does not want K2 to become illegal, but John is torn on the subject.

“It should be illegal, but I don’t want it to be,” John said.

If Franz’s bill passes it will also forbid use of the chemicals found in K2.

St. Charles County has also taken action to outlaw the substance.

On March 8, the County Council voted 7-0 to make it as misdemeanor to possess or sell any herb mixtures laced with chemicals that mimic marijuana.

Guilty parties would face the county’s municipal court and receive a sentence of up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Until then, there is nothing law en-

forcers can do about student usage.

School Resource Officer Ollie Helbig said. “I couldn’t arrest them for that, because it is not an illegal substance. I could call their parents and notify them what is going on because that stuff is potentially harmful, but it has not regulated yet in this state.”

Principal John Shaughnessy said K2 would fall under the substance abuse section in the school policy, which includes controlled substances, counterfeit substances, or imitation controlled substances. The punishment would be decided at the time of the violation.

Whether or not K2 remains legal, the choice to smoke it is up to the consumer. *Names of students interviewed for this story have been changed.

Festival of StudentDirected

One Acts

•March 15th and 16th in the theatre •There will be different plays each night.

•Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.

News

The Image

Class Rings:

Student opinion split over high school jewelry tradition

Kelley Bauer / Reporter

Each year, sophomores are taken out of class for a special ring promotion.

The presentation is as flashy as the jewelry itself, leaving students with packets of brochures and an overwhelming pressure to buy specialized memorabilia with what can be a hefty price tag.

But, this high school tradition that originated in the 19th Century is losing its appeal. Across the country, many students make the decision not class rings.

Jostens has the contract to provide class rings to many schools across the country and the St. Louis area, including being Lafayette’s official ring company.

Larry Glennon is the local sales representative for Jostens who directs everything from class ring sales to team’s state rings.

“Usually class ring sales [at Lafayette] stay pretty constant, although this year sales have increased significantly,” Glennon said.

However, the recent downturn in the economy has played a factor in some local area schools.

“The economy has affected sales especially in schools with families in the construction trade,” he said.

Unfortunately, Jostens has seen a change in gold sales since prices have increased over the past years.

“Gold rings have gone up along with gold prices, currently gold is $1,199 per ounce,” Glennon said.

Still, he proudly endorses his company’s loyalty to American business.

Glennon said, “The rings are made in Denton, TX. There’s no middle-man.”

Although some students believe Jostens prices are overpriced, rings are available for as low as $75.95. And, four different payment plans are available to students.

The J Pay Program includes payments divided into specified intervals to save students from one big payment.

The reason students buy rings, Glennon said, is usually out of school spirit, He explained, “It’s mainly the pride factor also it’s a tradition and life-long memory.”

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Sophomore Millie Kessinger is one such student.

“I wanted to remember high school and a lot of my friends bought rings, too,” Kessinger said.

For her individualized ring, Kessinger included her graduation year and school initials which cost her $250.

“I believe it was a little overpriced,” she said but she is still excited to receive her class ring in April.

“My parents still have their high school graduation rings so I did feel some influence from them to buy a ring,” Kessinger said.

FACS teachers Karla Johnson and Becky Lawrence as well as health teacher Ashley Lewis all remember their high school experience fondly by their class rings.

“I have had mine 23 years. It was a great memento of high school,” Johnson said.

Lawrence agrees her ring brings back memories.

“In my high school, we had turnable rings,” Lawrence said.

She continued, “Supposedly, the last person to turn your ring was your best friend or soul mate,” “Mine brings up sport team memories since it has engravings of some the sports I played in high school,” Lewis said.

Though some people stop wearing their rings after high school, Johnson continues to wear her ring as fashion statement.

“It’s gold with diamonds around it and often looks good even as an accessory,” she said.

On the other hand, sophomore Emilie Mulholland is among the 50 percent of students who aren’t buying a ring this year.

“The rings look cheap. They don’t even look real. It’s a fad. Not many of the people I know are buying them,” she continued.

Mulholland said she would buy from another company if they appeared more traditional.

As of now, Mulholland will receive a substitute class ring for a graduation present. In regard to cost, she finds the rings overpriced.

Still, Glennon stands behind the significance of his rings.

He said, “I believe what I say influences students to not just buy the most expensive ring. I try to instill the representation of the ring itself is most important.”

8

Feature

March 11, 2010

APA 2010: The Louies Assembly highlights academic achievements 1.

1. In her Kanye West moment, science teacher AnneMarie Gilman is unmasked.

2. The Jabawockeez open the March 9, Academic Pep Assembly.

3. DeQuan Haynes. senior, gets his time on the spotlight as a member of the group portraying the Black-Eyed Peas.

2.

3.

5.

4.

4. The cast of the APA gather around senior Graham Lauff as he acts out a scene from the movie The Hangover.

5. Receiving his medal from language arts teacher Jean Peters, sophomore Richard Lu is recognized as an academic class leader.

6. Chelsea and Lucas Shapland took on the role of hosts for the assembly filling the personas of Miley Cyrus and Ryan Seacrest.

7. Cierra Ross-Porter is recognized as being one of the most improved students in the Class of 2011. (photos by Ali Balducci, Chelsea Dysko and Alex Vanderheyden) (design by D. Anne Vollmayer)

6. 7.

The Image

Cadeting:

9

Feature

Students step into teachers’ shoes Maddie Johnson/Reporter

There are teachers students see each day in class. Sometimes the class is taught by a student teacher, and once in a while a substitute teacher takes the lead. All of these are familiar to all students.

Yet there is a type of teacher not all are familiar with, and only some may see them in class: Cadet Teachers.

The Cadet Teaching program, taught by language arts teacher David Choate, is a class which allows students to observe a teacher, learn and acquire teaching skills and put them to use. “[The students] come to Zero Hour class, and during that time they get instruction from me. We talk about anything from the brain to classroom management to how to make lesson plans,” Choate said.

During the week, cadet teachers attend a class taught by the teacher of their choice. Students keep a weekly journal, observing actions and teaching methods. Additional responsibilities are decided by that particular teacher.

“The only requirement I specifically have is they have to teach one lesson during the course of the semester, other than that, it’s up to the teacher,” Choate explained.

“The teacher can have them grade papers, work in small groups with kids, run errands, make copies and they can have them teach more than one time, though one is the requirement that I have,” Choate said.

Seniors make up the majority of the Cadet Teaching class, with the exception of two juniors.

Junior Rena Black cadets in Honors Biology for science teacher Ginny Colombatto.

“I really like Mrs. Colombatto, and I thought it would be helpful if I was a cadet for Honors Bio because I’m taking AP Bio next year,” Black said.

“Also, it looks better on your resume than taking a study hall,” she added.

During her cadet hour, Black performs multiple odd

jobs, as well as assisting in instructing the class.

“I’ll go get her mail or she’ll have me cut out stuff for activities, or she’ll have me help kids with worksheets or tutor them before quizzes,” Black said.

The most involved aspect of the cadet teaching program is teaching a lesson.

Senior Waymond Johnson is a cadet teacher for science teacher Shannon Campbell.

Campbell had Johnson in class for the past two years, so he thought, “Why not make it three years? So I helped her out because she was one of my favorite teachers.”

With teaching a lesson comes planning as well.

“First, you have to look at what you’re going to teach and what your objectives are, and then you’ve got to fill out a lesson plan as to how you’re going to teach [the students],” Johnson said.

When he taught a lesson, he chose to use a Powerpoint.

“I showed them how to do it, then I did an example with them. Then, I gave each individual student a question to do on their own,” he added.

Though it can be stressful, Johnson was calm in front of the class.

“You actually get to know the kids a lot and since they are high schoolers you kind of know them more, so I guess its pretty easy,” he said.

Though cadet teaching is a valuable program for students, it is also tremendously helpful for teachers.

Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Becky Lawrence has had multiple cadet teachers in her years classes.

“The assistance with running cooking labs is a great help to me and the students in the class,” Lawrence said.

She continued, “Our cadets help answer the students’ questions, perform demos, assist me with my recipes, observe the safety skills of students during labs and check the sanitation of equipment when labs are complete and assist with grading labs.”

It is also very helpful when the student has a legitimate

Mon-Thurs Fri-Sat Sun

First Time

Using the whiteboard to show a compound, cadet teacher senior Waymond Johnson takes over class for science teacher Shannon Campbell. Teaching a lesson is a requirement for the program. (photo by Mary Buttram)

interest in the field.

“I appreciate it when my cadets have an interest in the culinary field as well as the teaching field. It is not expected to have that to be my cadet, but it’s definitely a bonus,” Lawrence said.

Overall, the program is seen as a benefit for all involved.

“Most [cadet teachers] come back and are amazed at how much kind of goes into teaching; they don’t think that there’s that much going into it really,” Choate said.

He added, “So that’s kind of the goal at the end of the year–that they kind of appreciate what it is that teachers do.”

8am-10pm 8am-8pm 10am-6pm

March 11, 2010 10 Feature Student directors showcase talent in One Acts D.Anne Vollmayer / Reporter

With yet another Lafayette Theatre production right around the corner, One Acts is taking a bit of a turn this year.

For the first time in years, drama teacher Natasha Toro is directing a One Act play with the senior directors of the other one acts as he cast.

The seniors who are directing shows include David Adams, Emily Burgess, Jessica Cohen, Cecilia Dorhauer, Luke Klein and Chris Pavlack.

All are excited to direct their own show and are looking forward to Toro directing them as well.

“I think Ms. Toro directing is a great idea. And it lets seniors have their own learning experiences as actors and onlooking directors.

The One Act she has picked was picked to be challenging. I’m excited to get started,” Cohen said.

Cohen directed a One Act during her sophomore year and said she learned she had a passion for directing.

“The first time I directed it was the single most meaningful learning experience of my life. It helped me understand so much more and improve not only as a leader but also as a performer,” Cohen said.

Her show this year has a small cast and she is looking forward to working on character develop-

ment and bringing together all that everyone has to offer.

For Klein, he is most looking forward to working with his cast on a story he wrote that deeply connects to his life. Also, he wants to gain a deeper understanding of theatre.

“It’s very different to be directing instead of acting, because you have to focus on each character, and the big picture of the entire show,” Klein said.

Pavlack said he is looking forward to seeing all of the shows at the end and how the different directors decided to do things.

The general consensus was that casting and directing were the two most difficult parts of One Acts.

Dorhauer said her difficulty came when she saw how much talent there really is at Lafayette.

Many new people came for auditions and it made her decision as a director even harder.

Klein wanted to make the right choice with his casting because he didn’t want to base his decisions solely on his friends that auditioned.

He said he wanted to give off a professional feel and choose the right actors that wouldn’t lack respect because they are friends outside the theatre.

Working with new people is what Pavlack is looking forward to, but he’s worried about getting everything the way he wants and feeling confident in the show.

One Step At A Time

For the first time, senior Cecilia Dorhauer tries her hand at directing. “Directing a lot of fun, and I really like having final control over what is said and done,” she said. Her play is called Conflict by Wade Bradford. The play covers varying conflicts in life. (photo by Alex Vanderheyden)

Cohen is also worried about directing because it is so much work.

“I am hopefully going to gain a stronger respect for directors and what they go through to put on a show. They do so much that a lot of people don’t realize,” Dorhauer said.

“It’s going to be a lot of hard work and take a lot of discipline

but I’m willing to work hard to have a great show,” she added.

On the other hand, Dorhauer and Pavlack are excited to be in charge. Dorhauer said she has a lot of fun ideas and is eager to be able to put her ideas on stage.

All the directors agree, students should come see the show because it has a wide variety of talent and show styles.

Also, because the majority of the shows are student directed, they think a lot of students will be able to go to One Acts and relate to what they’re seeing.

“It gives people a chance to do something out of the ordinary. Instead of saying ‘Hey want to come hang out at my house?’ they can say ‘Hey let’s go see One Acts!’”

Dorhauer said.

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Features

The Image

Foundation for learning:

LHS houses preschool program for local families, staff Leanne Beastly & Grace Bueckendorf/ Reporters

Lafayette isn’t just about the students. It’s not all about the teachers, staff or the administration.

Looking deeper into the school community, smaller, unrecognized roles begin to surface.

Unknown to many, Rockwood’s high schools also play host to a community preschool that benefits not only surrounding residents, but is also a vital part of the school.

The preschool is a fee-based program that allows for safe day care and early childhood education service for the local residents.

“I think it is very beneficial to families that have young kids that are in our school community,” Principal John Shaughnessy said.

Shaughnessy said programs such as Child Development classes gain hands-on experience with the young children who learn and play at Lafayette’s facility. And, the preschoolers are able to utilize many facilities to expand their program education.

With the class being located within Lafayette’s walls, the preschool program must center their schedule around Lafayette’s so as not to interfere with classes.

“They’re able to use our facilities during the day, and they have to schedule what they do around when space here is available, like the Gym and Upper Shelf,” Shaughnessy said.

Even so, they manage to take a field trip to the library once a week.

About three years ago, Shaughnessy and ­­­­librarian Nichole Ballard-Long decided to set aside a small section of the library for the preschoolers.

“I read three or four stories to them and they get a book a week and it sort of teaches them the responsibility of what its like to have a library book, how you pull books out and look at them, how you treat the book and not bending the pages,” BallardLong said.

Playtime

Young community members learn the value of cooperation while attending Lafayette High School’s community preschool, headed by full day preschool teacher Jenny Swihart. (photo by Dan Clutter)

Going to the library every week and learning to manage their own books is a simple way of teaching library etiquette to the next generation of readers.

“The nice thing is it’s these little people who love reading because no one ever makes them, so when they come up it’s with complete joy and wonder of the library and reading,” Ballard-Long said.

“We bought furniture and a big mat and really created an area for them that was centered around early childhood,” Shaughnessy said.

The preschooler’s personal library is located toward the back of the vast, new library with shelves of children’s books lining the walls and world map mat ready to greet them.

But this library section benefits more than just preschoolers.

Eventually teachers began to send

Attention

weaker readers to read to the preschoolers to help boost their scores and also become more comfortable with reading aloud to eager listeners.

“Struggling readers would read to the kids and it became an integral part of our library, and when we built the new library, it was really important to us, so we created a whole piece of the library just for the early childhood kids,” Shaughnessy said.

Full day preschool teacher Jenny Swihart manages the preschool and focuses on constructing a positive group of young learners in the healthiest ways possible.

“The preschool focuses on fostering positive lifelong attitudes toward learning. We emphasize helping children develop social and self regulation skills to engage in learning,” Swihart said.

There are 19 students who attend the preschool depending on the day and family

schedule.

The preschool classroom is part of the Rockwood Early Childhood Program with one certified teacher and three classroom assistants.

“Our preschool is different than others in the area because our curriculum is approved by the Rockwood Board of Education and the children are taught by a certified Early Childhood teacher,” Swihart said.

The program doesn’t only center their days around Rockwood’s curriculum, but the children attend outside school events and activities.

“We love being a part of Lafayette and involve our children in a variety of age appropriate activities. We have attended a Jazz Band concert, Children’s Theater performance, hosted a story time during Teen Read Week.” Swihart said.

She continued, “[The preschoolers] soon will have students from the Sign Language Class visit out classroom for an activity,” Not only do surrounding families send their kids to Lafayette’s facility but teachers also utilize the program and keep their children close to them.

So far, three of Krista Silvernail’s children have attended Lafayette’s preschool and her last child will be sent next year.

“I agree with the preschool philosophy of learning through play,” Silvernail said.

“I think it is extremely important that kids have time to be kids,” she continued.

Although Silvernail loves the program, she does not like the fact that the children are sometimes exposed the poor behavior of teens as they walk through the halls.

At the same time, she said it opens their eyes to a more diverse society and culture.

“My children benefited by learning how to socialize and interact with kids who are different from them,” Silvernail said.

Shaughnessy said, “They are a part of our school, and we want to be able to utilize what they do to help our programs and what we have here to help their programs.

It’s a win-win for everyone.”

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A True Fan:

Features

March 11, 2010

79-year old woman decorates home to show support for Cards Mary Buttram/Reporter

It’s easy to tell it’s Cardinal’s season when the white house on Strecker Road turns red with the overflowing amount of Cardinal decorations.

During the last week of Spring Training, the lights go up and so do baseball spirits.

On such a treacherous road, be careful to slow down around the curves to view the sight.

For the past seven years, Wildwood resident, Pat Whittenberg, has been putting up her Cardinals baseball memorabilia up for everyone who drives by to see.

However, the 79-year-old couldn’t do it without help from her daughter, Carolyn. Carolyn helps bring down all of the Cardinal gear that helps turn Whittenberg’s house into Cardinal city.

“Right now, we’re bringing stuff downstairs for the living room. [Whittenberg] decorates her whole living room,” Carolyn said.

Whittenberg has lived in the old farm house for 60 years, the majority of those with her husband. She only recently became such an adamant fan of Cardinal baseball.

It began when her husband passed away.

“Since then the Cardinals are what has kept her going.

She never misses a game,” Carolyn said.

Her favorite all-time Cardinals player is Stan Musial and she has an autographed picture of him.

“The best Cardinals player she has ever met is Mike Matheny because he was a wonderful player but even a better person who loves his family and his faith. He [Matheny]

sent my mom flowers when my dad died,” Carolyn said.

Whittenberg has five grandchildren who graduated from Lafayette including, Carolyn.

Unfortunately, Whittenberg’s leg is in poor condition and she is unable to attend the games, thus giving her all the more reason to decorate her living room so she is surrounded by Cardinals spirit as she watches them on TV. “She goes to a few games, but it is hard for her to walk so far. People have stopped and given her Cards tickets and they don’t even know her,” Carolyn said.

She hopes to win the lottery so she could go to Cardinals games at all the different stadiums.

Whittenberg has over 30 items that she places around her front yard. The last week of Spring Training is when they’ll start to show up.

“We have outside signs, a baseball guy that lights up and flags that we put up on the house,” Carolyn said.

Not everything stays up year-round, but signs that point to “Albert Pujols Rd.” are posted throughout the year.

Whittenberg doesn’t want anyone to lose sight of what team in which his or her faith lies.

“We’ve had a lot of deaths in the family and the Cardinals games are what keep her sane. She looks forward to watching every single game,” Carolyn said.

The white house is home to the Griswold’s of Cardinal Baseball and is something that many people look forward to seeing.

The house is a fun way to spread the baseball spirit, for those living in West County.

Cardinals Superfans

Decked out in Cards gear, Pat Whittenberg stands with a fan dummy. Whittenberg has dedicated her entire front yard to the baseball team. (photo by Mary Buttram)

Spring training breathes life into St. Louis after hard winter Molly White/Reporter

Spring Training is the time for baseball players to get back into shape and to get ready for the season.

Some students and staff members will be lucky enough to spend their Spring Break watching these players and trying to get autographs from their favorites.

Driver Education and business teacher Matt Landwehr is excited for his first trip to Jupiter, FL to watch the Cardinals during Spring Training.

“I’ve always wanted to go because I’ve been a die-hard Cardinal’s fan my whole life,” he said.

Spring Training has two leagues. The Grapefruit League takes place in Florida and the Cactus League plays in Arizona Each league includes two different setsone for the major leaguers and one for the minor leaguers.

“Right now, the major league camp is in session. The minor league camp starts next week,” Landwehr explained.

He continued, “They’re all together, but the minor leaguers will be in a separate part of the complex,”

If a minor leaguer is good enough, he may have the opportunity to come up and play with the major leaguers.

Students go to the training for various reasons, whether it’s a surprise trip, a need for the tropical location, or because they’re dedicated Cardinal’s fans.

Sophomore Katelyn McConnell went to watch Spring Training last year.

“I got to go before the game and watch batting practice and then I got to go see the players and get autographs,” she said.

Despite the intense baseball atmosphere, the games are more relaxed than during the regular season.

“It’s a lot less formal than a real game because you’ll see people running in the outfield to warm up,” McConnell said.

Fans also come to Spring Training in hopes of getting autographs.

“If you’re lucky you can get close enough where they’ll sign stuff, but they do that after the game, too. Getting autographs is very hectic,” McConnell said.

While some people may choose a more tropical location with beaches and oceans for Spring Break, McConnell prefers the stadium setting.

“I’d rather go to Spring Training than some place else because I enjoy baseball and it was fun to be able to see my favorite players in the off-season,” she said.

McConnell almost caught a foul ball on her trip.

“I was right behind home plate and it was a pop up,” she said. “The guy behind me caught it because he threw peanuts to distract me.”

Senior Jordan Shelton has taken a more traditional approach.

“We go every year because my family is huge Cardinal’s fans,” Shelton said.

She continued, “[We’ve been doing this] since the year after I was born,” Shelton has a timeshare in Florida, which makes traveling much easier.

“Our timeshare is on the beach so we go down to the beach sometimes but we pretty much go to the games every time there’s one around us,” she said.

Another student traveling to Florida for Spring Training is sophomore Maggie Bowman.

“My little brother’s really into baseball and we’re going down to Florida to visit my grandparents anyway, so we’re going to go

surprise him and go to a game,” she said.

Although she’s not a huge baseball fan herself, she’s still hoping to grab a few autographs.

“I’ll try to get autographs from the big guys like Albert (Pujols). I’ll just ask my little brother who I should go for,” she said.

Sophomore Erica Hoeferlin has gone to Spring Training twice before and considers all the players to be very nice people.

“The players are really kind because there are a lot of little kids and they give them all autographs,” she said.

Hoeferlin has also experienced Spring Training from a close distance.

“Once we sat on the grass and it was really cool because you got to see the players close-up,” she said.

Hoeferlin’s family loves watching the game and deciding who the next Albert Pujols will be.

She said, “My family kind of judges the new players and will say, ‘Oh they’re goodI hope we see them in St. Louis.”

Spring Training brings fans together with its exciting entertainment and lets the enthusiasts enjoy America’s past time.

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Sports

The Image

Bracketology:

How to prepare for the Madness

The inexact science of March Madness

March Madness top picks, players and teams to watch as college basketball’s biggest event gets underway.

Dom Corvington / Reporter

As teams look to secure their spots and others try to get their tickets punched for the “ Big Dance,” March Madness hype has already begun to build. With elite programs fueling the competition for college basketball’s grandest stage, this year’s NCAA tournament will be loaded with heartache and triumph.

The nation’s top teams including Syracuse, Kansas, Kentucky, and Villanova have already caught the eyes of many as the potential number one seeds, but like all sports, anything can happen. Upsets and come-back wins have become a sort of tradition in Division I basketball, which makes Final Four predictions a difficult matter.

“There’s 65 teams in the bracket and picking four out of the 65 is hard,” senior Chris Lenz said.

However, what really makes the March Madness such is big deal is the involvement of fans to direct their own path way for teams with tournament bids.

“It’s like a tradition and its fun to compete with your friends and family that know about basketball,” sophomore Blake Stonecipher said.

Fans are let in on the action with make-shift brackets that allows them to predict who will make through to the national championship game.

When choosing the placement of teams, many fans intend to make game outcomes as accurate as possible. They take the time to break down top contenders and Cinderella hopefuls and place them where they may fit best.

“It’s a big tournament and it’s a way for teams to represent their school and fans,” freshman Niles Burdell said.

Still, many unranked teams remain on the bubble when it comes down to tournament selection. Collegiate programs that hold long traditions of tournament success may not even be considered for tournament selection this year unless they are able to come out with a conference tournament win. This includes North Carolina and UCONN, both of which remain unranked.

Whether it is the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, or Final Four itself, there’s always room for uncontested teams to make a great impact, and much of country’s mid-major teams have stepped up their

game to gain footholds in the “Big Dance”.

When breaking down tournament picks, it’s never out of the ordinary for top teams to be considered as national title candidates, but sometimes it doesn’t play out as expected.

While the event is in progress however, be sure to keep close watch of ESPN/USA Today top 25 teams. In difference to past season, the league is now seeing the likes of small conference teams as newly formed powerhouses.

Besides elite programs of the ACC, Big East, and Big 12, underrated teams like the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP) and New Mexico have forced their way amongst the best teams in the country.

The tournament will take place from March 16 until April 5 in Indianapolis as the 65 selected Division I college teams will compete through four rounds for one ultimate goal; a national championship.

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Final Four Favorites: 1. Syracuse (#3) Backed by junior transfer Wesley Johnson and the nations top shooting team.

2. Kansas (#1) The Jayhawks return with a consistent offensive force.

3. Kentucky (#2) Freshmen John Wall and Demarcus cousins lead a high flying offensive attack.

4. Villanova (#10) Behind senior leader Scottie Reynolds, the Wildcats will come out with dominant guard play.

Sleeper Special: Maryland (#19) Senior Greivis Vasquez leads a surprising Terrapin squad with scoring, assists and defense.

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March 11, 2010 14 Sports Lancers’ close call wins swim State title Christine Jackson / Reporter

The tension was high as the Lady Lancers moved into their final race of the State Finals on Feb. 20: the 400 freestyle relay.

Senior relay swimmers Ashleigh Grammar, Jessi Holz, Shannon McCoy and Samantha Wright not only had a title to defend- they also had the weight of an entire team on their shoulders.

“My emotions were high and I was very nervous and excited about the race,” Coach Todd Gabel said. “I was thinking they could win because the same four girls won that race last year.”

They won the event and set a new school record last season, making them favorites to win this year.

“All of us were really excited, but a little nervous,” Grammar said.

She said, “The talk throughout the season of us being favorites to win definitely made us anxious, but we had been training hard all season for this meet and were ready to compete at our best.”

Even Coach Todd Gabel was on edge before the last race.

“My emotions were high and I was very nervous and excited about the race. I was thinking they could win because the same four girls won that race last year,” he said.

Though the Lancers had an early lead at the start of the race, the win and the State Title, came

down to a split second victory.

McCoy swam anchor for the team, so she was the final racer to swim.

In what may be one of the most dramatic moments of Lafayette swimming, McCoy out-touched Glendale High’s swimmer by only 0.35 seconds. That’s all it took to push Lafayette over the top.

“I touched [the wall] and saw the clock and looked over at the team was screaming and jumping.

It was all pretty exciting,” McCoy said.

The Lady Lancers won their State Title with a score of 227, just three and a half points ahead of Glendale High School.

Not all of the credit can go to the relay team, though.

Many individuals also racked up points during the meet.

Wright placed second in the 200 individual medley and third in the 100 backstroke.

McCoy placed fourth in the 100 butterfly and junior Alyssa Shaw picked up a point in diving with a score of 307.35.

The only first place individual finish was Holz’s win in the 100 freestyle with a time of 52.18 seconds. She also placed second in the 100 backstroke.

“Winning the 100 freestyle was an amazing feeling,” Holz said.

She said, “I still can’t really wrap my head around it. Not only was it a huge individual accomplishment for me, but it helped

Thrill of Victory And Agony Of Defeat

After winning the 400 freestyle relay, senior Shannon McCoy looks on as Glendale’s swimmer bows her head in defeat. The 400 free relay determined the outcome of the Feb. 20 State Finals. McCoy’s split second victory pushed the Lady Lancers ahead enough in points to place first in the meet with a final score of 227 points. (photo courtesy of Michelle Cox)

the team out a lot with the overall championship. It was a very exciting race, and I’m very proud to be a State gold medalist.”

Winning a State Championship was the ideal end to the Lady

Lancers’ perfect season.

“I was a little surprised [the team won] since we had been down by so many points going into finals, but I knew we could do it before the meet even start-

ed,” Holz said.

She continued, “Winning the Championship was a feeling like no other; I think everyone on the team is going to remember it for the rest of their lives.”

Wrestling team takes 8th place at State; Early, Black place in Top 6 in events Ian Bernstein / Asst. Sports Editor

Wishing Well

Senior Andy Early shakes his father’s hand on Senior Night. (photo by Dan Clutter)

After having 10 of its wrestlers qualify for the State Championship at the University of Missouri-Coumbia, Lafayette finished a perfect season with two wrestlers placing in the top six and the team as a whole placing on the top ten.

Senior Andy Early and junior Kyle Black brought home individual honors for the Lancers.

Early placed second in his 171-pound

weight class, losing to Columbia-Hickman High freshman J’Den Cox. A minor decision of 5-0 concluded the match.

Black placed sixth in the 135-pound weight class, falling short to Francis Howell Central senior Sean Melson by a decision of 5-3.

Park Hill won its fourth straight Class 4 title with a score of 202.5, beating Blue Springs by nearly 70 points.

The Lancers placed eighth overall in the competition.

Despite high expectations and an undefeated dual meet record, the intense atmosphere of State gave the team an unpredictable outcome.

Of the 10 State qualifiers, five were seniors including Chris Cooper, Early, Connor Edlund, Vince Farinella and Nate Perry.

With a good showing at State, Lafayette displayed their talents in wrestling and a potential to further excel as a program.

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Sports

The Image

As one door closes another one opens After Miller’s retirement, new coach steps up to the plate Ian Bernstein/ Asst. Sports Editor

Seventeen years. That’s how long former Head Coach Steve Miller served as one of the coaches for the baseball program.

But, for the 2010 season, current softball Coach Scott DeNoyer will be taking over as head varsity baseball coach.

DeNoyer admits filling the void for a veteran like Miller will be challenging.

“I have learned a great deal from Coach Miller in my tenure as the Head Softball Coach, and since I joined the baseball program a couple years ago, I have learned even more from him,” DeNoyer said.

DeNoyer joined Lafayette in 2004, and has been head softball coach ever since. In 2005, the team received a third place finish, and in 2007 they won State.

“Coach DeNoyer really pushed me to become not just a better player, but a better leader,” senior Anne Park said.

Park has played three years of varsity softball and was a part of the team’s 2007 State victory.

For DeNoyer, experience gained coaching softball will be just as helpful during the baseball season.

“Both programs have very successful traditions; they both posses elite athletes pursuing the ultimate dream within their sport, and both sports require similar

skills,” DeNoyer said.

One difference between the teams is pitching. Softball pitching is underhand and at a shorter distance. This allows a player to pitch a whole game.

Baseball however, is much more stressful on the pitcher’s arm, and multiple pitchers are necessary for a game.

“Baseball requires a pitching staff to complete not only a game, but a season,” DeNoyer said.

Baseball players who were coached

by Miller also appreciate the lessons they learned from him. “[Coach Miller] taught me how to be a better person on and off the field and to always hustle,” sophomore Will DuPont said.

Regardless of who is at the helm, though, the players are ready to show what they are capable of. Three significant players graduated last year, including Nate Goro, Tyler Boraz and Luke Voit.

“My expectations for the team this year is to win Districts and to win Conference,” senior Brandon Graft said.

He added, “This might be difficult since we lost some great players from last year, but we still have good enough talent coming back this year.”

When it comes down to raw coaching, the styles of Miller and DeNoyer are very

Boys of Summer Start In Spring

To get back into the swing of things, senior Brandon Graft catches relay throws from the outfield during practice. The team looks to repeat the success of last year by winning Conference. (photo by Andrew Martin)

similar, as both treat players with respect and encouragement.

But, DeNoyer hopes to add a more assertive edge to the team.

“The X’s and O’s of the game will be to be aggressive, take chances and never hesitate to say we want to be the best team in the state,” DeNoyer said.

A change of coaches will certainly force adjustments, but the core values of the baseball program will remain the same.

“I expect them to put the team first, wear the Lancer uniform with pride, and pursue excellence as all that have worn the uniform before them have done,” DeNoyer said.

Second string: It can be a team’s magical element

When it is the final seconds left in the A positive attitude by Andrew Martin / Sports Editor plays help run- encourage and fill in for a player when that game and the home team is killing the visi- can go a long way for a ning different for- time comes. tors’ by 20 points, there is only one thing team and a player. mation all for one When a player is to fill in for an injured left to do.

If an athlete has the thing the team. teammate, the players do try to do their Put in the bench warmers, pine riders, mind set that he or she The kids are best and when performing they may surreserves, whatever you want to call them. may not start or even willing to sac- prise fans.

Those players work hard and make a play very much, but rifice their free The most memorable second string to difference, not just fill up extra seats on will give all their effort time to help the star player that everyone knows in St. Lou   the bench. in practice, not just be apart of a team is’ own Kurt Warner.  Respect is shared throughout a whole makes someone a betand win.

Before Trent Green, the starting quarteam, if you do not have a good standing ter player, but the team That attitude terback went out with a torn ACL Warner all players’ the chemistry can break. better overall. is what helps a was just a regular old second string quar with  Solid team morale can help bring playCoaches do not just team build confi- terback who just got done bagging grocerers up when they make a bad play or just notice the hustle and dence out on the ies.    get a team excited for important game. effort on the court or field; players apprecicourt.  The coaches know who has the talent When making cuts for a team coaches ate the hard work and feed off the intensity Every time there is a good play the first and who has the work ethic to fill in for      people  have tough decisions to make whether to brought  to the team. to stand up and cheer are not su- a fallen teammate and make a difference keep a kid or to send him on his way.

In practice bench players are used as a perfans or parents, it is the players on the on a team.   When a head coach keeps a player on scout team to help better prepare the team bench.

Just because you don’t start does not  his team that he knows will not play very for the game ahead.

The bench players want the victory just mean you do not have skills. Bench players  much, there was a reason why he kept that Without them the team would be un- as bad as the ones on the court. They are are a valuable part of a team and without player on the team. prepared for the task ahead. Calling out willing to risk everything and anything to them no team could even touch victory.

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March 11, 2010

infotainment There’s No Place Like CoMo Columbia provides a fun ‘daycation’ with fun restaurants, shops, theatres & concert venues David Adams / Entertainment Editor

Many people choose not to go to school in Columbia, MO because they think it’s too close to home and too similar to St. Louis.

While it is close to home, there are so many differences between the two that make it a perfect road trip destination.

Columbia is the quintessential college town; full of great restaurants, eclectic shops and fun entertainment venues.

Best Place to See a Concert: The Blue Note Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, The Blue Note is a restored vaudeville theater that’s been a concert venue for 25 years.

Upcoming shows include Luke Bryan on March 13 and Saving Abel on April 5.

Best Ice Cream: Sparky’s Sparky’s is home-made ice cream known for their interesting and fun flavors. These include Pineapple Upsidedown Cake and Green Tea. Make sure to visit the bathroom here as it’s been voted the best decorated bathroom in all of Columbia.

Hottest New Hang Out Place: Yogo Luv New to Columbia in November, this frozen yogurt shop is comparable to the Loop’s FroYo but even better.

At night, this very small shop is filled to the max. Each cup is 40 cents an ounce and there are a huge variety of flavors and toppings.

Best Movie Theater: Rag Tag Cinema This is the go-to destination for independent movies in Columbia. Make sure to arrive early to snag one of the comfy leather couches in front.

It’s located right next door is Uprise Bakery making dinner and a movie as easy as ever.

thingstodo Film Releases

March 12 Green Zone Remember Me She’s Out of My League Our Family Wedding March 19 The Bounty Hunter Diary of A Wimpy Kid The Runaways Repo Men March 26 How to Train Your Dragon-3D Hot Tub Time Machine March 31 The Last Song April 2 Clash of the Titans-3D Why Did I Get Marry Too? Furry Vengeance April 9 Date Night Letters to God

Concerts

From Low Brow to High Brow

Columbia offers such “hole in the walls” as the Broadway Diner (pictured) to classier places like CC’s City Broiler and the independent RagTag Cinema. (photo courtesy of Katie Adams)

Best Cheap Eats: Sub Shop Forget all other sandwich shops in Columbia. Sub Shop, open since 1975, is without a doubt the best.

The made from scratch bread seals the deal. Just thinking about it will make your mouth water. There are three locations to choose from.

Best Mid-priced Restaurant: Flat Branch Pub and Brewing Voted “Best of Columbia 2010”

by Inside Columbia Magazine, Flat Branch has great burgers, sandwiches, salads and pizza.

As far as appetizers go, try the Chokes & Cheese, a creamy artichoke dip served in a bread bowl.

Best High-priced Restaurant: CC’s City Broiler The best steak in town is great for a romantic evening or special occasion.

Great sides and salads will compliment your wonderful meal.

Best Columbia Classic: Broadway Diner Open for 32 years, After going out for a night on the town, the Diner is the perfect end to an unforgettable evening.

Get the Stretch, a wonderfully messy blend of hash browns, eggs and chili, though it may just be the reason for the freshman 15.

Most Interesting Shop: The Peace Nook Ignore the “tobacco only” pipes; this hippie haven is full of fun gifts, books, clothing and trinkets sure to turn heads and spark conversation.

Best Late Night Snack: Hot Box Cookies Hot Box Cookies is the perfect cookie shop because they deliver to

satisfy late-night cravings.

Open until 2 a.m. on weekends, these cookies can be customized.

You can choose from four types of dough and 23 mix-ins.

You can even get ice cream sandwiches made with the cookies of your choice.

Best Pizza: Shakespeare’s A Columbia original, Shakespeare’s has great crust and sauce that makes it worth going back time and time again. It’s no wonder its been around for over 30 years.

Shakespeare’s pizza is also served here in St. Louis at Harpo’s Bar and Grill.

Instead of just staying home and doing the same old boring routine in West County, take a day trip to Columbia.

March 18 Five for Fighting @ The Pageant March 19 Jay-Z @ The Scottrade Center April 6 Daughtry @ The Chaifetz Arena April 2 Tegan and Sara @ The Pageant April 5 Train @ The Pageant April 11 Arctic Monkeys @ The Pageant

Album Releases

March 30 Usher -Raymond vs.

Raymond Drake- Thank Me Later April 6 Dr. Dog-Shame, Shame April 13 MGMTCongratulations Coheed and CambriaYear of the Black Rainbow

Picks of the Month

Alyssa Knowling gives her top entertainment choices for March

Movie: The Runaways Starring Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart, this rock biopic is about the 1970s Joan Jett group that quickly rose to fame. The girls get taken over by the sex, drugs and rock and roll lifestyle. Fanning and Stewart both received the best reviews of their careers after the Sundance premiere.

Album:

Transference by Spoon This 15-year-old indie band released its seventh album, Transference, in January. Spoon produced the album their selves, giving the songs a stripped down feeling. Favorites on the album are The Mystery Zone and I Saw the Light. This album impresses in both its uniqueness and rawness.

Concert:

John Mayer With his new album Battle Studies released only a few months ago, John Mayer’s concert at The Scottrade Center on March 20 is much anticipated. The California-rock essence of Battle Studies and Mayer’s diverse guitar skills will make the concert both entertaining and impressive.

Play:

Legally Blonde The Musical Though the origins of this three year old musical come from the plot of the movie Legally Blonde, the dancing, singing and comedy give a fresh look on the story. The hilarious and entertaining Legally Blonde the Musical will be playing at the Fox Theater on April 8-11.

Book:

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery This novel entails the lives of a twelve year old suicidal genius and a middle aged concierge. Both characters hide their brilliance and sophistication, until a Japanese man uncovers their secrets. This well written novel may just grasp at your heart.