Oct. 12, 2007

[the]image Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 [Vol. 39 Issue 2]

STOP LIGHT w w w.lafayet te p u b l i c at i o n s. co m

Lafayette High School 17050 Clayton Rd., Wildwood, MO 63011

[Oct. 26] No School

brookethibodaux Consistent traffic flowing di[newseditor]

traceycarpenter

[Oct. 18-20] Fall Play, 7 p.m.

[Oct. 24] Key Club Meeting, 7 p.m. in the Commons

GREEN LIGHT “The thing that really topped it for me was that I happened to be there when the pedestrian got hit at the football game last year.

I think potentially something very serious could happen there.”

[Oct. 17] Early Dismissal Day

[Oct. 23] Sophomore PLAN Testing

gets the

rectly in front of the school’s entrance has created one of the most difficult intersections to pull out of.

Concerns of drivers, pedestrians and parents have pushed the city of Wildwood and Rockwood School District to begin preparation for a new traffic light on Clayton Road.

Curving of oncoming traffic, a hill and traffic backup are the main problems that student drivers face with the Clayton intersection. Due to blind spots and poor visibility of other cars, the area has become a ‘hot spot’ for accidents.

“The only reason I got in an accident is because someone was going and they didn’t look to see if another car was coming. If a light was there, there wouldn’t have been an accident,” junior Brianna Youngberg said.

Not only is the area unsafe for drivers, pedestrian crossing is risky as well.

With the result of the pedestrian accident last year, the new crosswalk has been beneficial for people’s safety.

But a new traffic light would further ensure the safety for the pedestrian crossing, as well as drivers.

The light would allow drivers the full confidence of knowing when it is safe to turn without hesitation.

“At this point I think everyone just punches and goes whenever they can,” resident Tracey Carpenter said.

Carpenter and Debbie Sterobl, who also lives near Lafayette, are both concerned with the lack of safety of the intersection.

Carpenter and Sterobl wrote letters listing hazardous problems drivers experience.

Director of facilities, David Blickenstaff, will help direct the project.

The light is expected to cost a total of $150,000 for the signal and $11,250 for the design. The cost is to be split, 50-50 between the school district and city.

Traffic engineers are going to survey the area and traffic flow out of the campus to ensure the best design is chosen.

“The signal is going to allow traffic to

comingsoon

[Oct. 15] NHS Meeting, 7 p.m.

Safety concerns prompted Rockwood and Wildwood officials to approve funding for a traffic signal for the front entrance. The work begins this winter and should be completed by April.

[Oct. 27] ACT Testing, Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival [Oct. 29] Winter Sports Begin [Oct. 30-Nov. 1] Hearing Screening in Room 108 [Nov. 2] Senior Lunch on the Shelf [Nov. 7] STUCO Meeting, 7 p.m.

[Nov. 8] Early Dismissal Day [Nov. 9] No School

what’sinside

French teacher Gina Luerding and junior Kelly Flynn tell how breast cancer has affected their lives. [see p. 7]

flush out of the school in a more organized way than it does now,” Blickenstaff said.

The signal for traffic leaving campus at the end of the day will be timed for the buses and cars to move out quicker.

Initial design has begun this month and will continue until the construction is completed in April or March of 2008.

In the meantime, preparation for the lights will include replacement of a sidewalk along both sides of the main drive, cutting down of the trees (five of which are rotten) on the drive and planting new ones, and finally cement foundations for the lights.

The end result is intended to be a safer, hesitant free experience for students when the light is completely finished.

“We all know the traffic signals and if there is a red light there, then the student’s going to stop, allow traffic to pass safely down on Clayton and then when the student gets a green [light] they will have a safe chance of making their left onto Clayton, or if they are going to turn right and proceed down the other way,” Carpenter said.

But many students views of the stoplight are divided.

Youngberg said the light was a good idea because, “it’s really hard to get out of the school with all the cars coming and it’s practically impossible to get out, and left turns are the hardest.

Sometimes I make right turns into

photocredit[alexerdman]

neighborhoods just to get out easier.”

Senior Emily Black said the light would improve student safety. “I think it will help with less accidents,” she said.

However, others believe that the light will be an annoyance as it is unnecessary and will hold up traffic instead.

“It just seems like too many lights in a row. You got one there, you got one at St. Albans, you got one at the three way intersection; it seems ridiculous,” senior Marc Polaske said.

The idea of a stoplight seems to, “make students more angry and they won’t be as patient,” senior Katie Strike said.

Construction should not interfere with traffic, since pipes that will carry the wiring are already under the street so there would be no need to trench across the intersection at all.

Blickenstaff said, “There will be times when there are trucks out there putting a concrete base to mount a traffic signal pole, but I’m pretty sure were going to control that contracted work to keep them out of your way during arrival and dismissal.”

Officials hope the stoplight will improve safety once the work is complete and the traffic pattern is established.

“It probably will make it (traffic) a little bit slower, but accidents will be less so it really depends what everyone wants,” senior Olivia Jarboe said.

Want to relive the memories? A treasure chest full of photos appears inside. [see p. 8]

Athletes of a different type take to the lanes and fields every week.

Find out about a variety of aternative sports. [see p. 11]

imagestaff

[people & policies]

[two] imageopinions

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

Brooke Thibodaux newseditor Aaron Casias asst.newseditor Nick Elwood opinioneditor Sydney Miller featureseditor Kendall Brewer in-deptheditor Nicole Castellano entertainmenteditor Ryan Bueckendorf sportseditor Alex Davis asst.sportseditor Jared Anderson copyeditor Sarah Calhoun admanager Krista Hines photoeditor Mrs. Nancy Smith advisermje Staff: j.p.bartmess mikebujnak erikdauster bretthamlin kathleenwaddell ninawalters minayu Information

The Image is published 10 times a year by the Newspaper Production Class. Subscriptions are $25. Free issues are distributed on campus. The 2006-2007 Image received a rating of First Class with three marks of distinction from the National Scholastic Press Association and was named a national Pacemaker Finalist. It was also named an International First Place winner from Quill and Scroll, and Gold Medalist by the Columbia 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

We are located in Room 213 at Lafayette High School, 17050 Clayton Rd., Wildwood, MO 63011. Our phone number is (636) 458-7200 ext. 2338 and our e-mail address is smithnancy@rockwood.k12.mo.us Please visit us on the web at www. lafayettepublications.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. Members of the Editorial Board include all staff editors. 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.

Poor timing lets Bright Flight drift away, students feel a savage burn

[

]

Students, beware of change! Grim news arrived from state headquarters through a series of phone calls not too long ago. Twenty-five of Lafayette’s brightest students felt it the heaviest.

Dr. Tim Jones revealed that the Bright Flight scholarship program, traditionally awarded for an ACT score of thirty, has retreated to thirty-one.

There was a significant flaw in timing, and timing is crucial when dealing with the schedules of others.

Herein lies the problem: because the judgement had not occurred prior to the new school year, previous achievers are left high and dry, knocked off the winner’s block without warning.

Twenty-five students have had their spirits crushed, forced to regain their momentum for, “a game they didn’t even think they had to play,” according to Assistant Principal Tim Jones.

Many have slipped into insanity, little more now than anxious time bombs of frustration and angst. These shaken souls have developed extremely feeble nerves.

Lafayette has lost, more-or-less, over $150,000 of potential scholarship funding for collegebound seniors, the very test-takers who, after accomplishing their goals of academic excellence, concluded that they were absolutely finished with the dreaded test, vowing to never lay eyes on it

staff editorial

Revolving Door:

again.

Something here is seriously wrong. The state department’s efficiency is questionable. Their inconsiderate actions show a blatant disregard for all those at the receiving end of this bureaucratic nonsense. Had this new standard been initiated timely and properly, the whole mess could have been avoided. Why not enact a new year’s policy before the commencement of that year? It makes no more sense than a snake with sneakers.

As a staff, and a filter of information, we find this news disappointing. Bold as it was, this move serves no real purpose, short of aggravation, due to its poorly timed enactment.

The students of this district and state should not be at the receiving end of administration, and action toward any form of progress should aid in the education of the people. Therefore, why strip these bright, young students of their rightfully obtained college scholarships?

However, regardless of any inconvenience, the new standard has been set and the deed is done.

Yes, it’s a pain to be thrown off-guard and forced into a bind, but obstacles are merely opportunities for achievement, for glowing success that would never be attained without some initial setback.

Now, all must pause for a moment of reflection. Those directly affected should consider their options, for there are several.

First, there are the natural reactions as stated before, like insanity, re-examination, or failure.

Second, there is the option of Mary Mueller, a part-time Lafayette employee who specializes in boosting ACT scores. It is her duty to review your personal needs and provide specific assistance tailored to them.

Next, there are prep courses taught by Lafayette, which have been statistically proven to improve scores. These extra-curricular classes are available for this exact purpose, and are another valid resource to be taken advantage of.

And finally, there is the ultimate, universal solution. This bit of advice, the end-all-be-all problem solver, is simple: put forth your greatest effort to improve and grow with confidence and focus. If you fall off the horse, climb back up and be fierce. Tenacity, endurance…That is what it will take. True grit.

Wipe the dirt off your face and try again, try harder. Anyone who was cheated out of the Bright Flight money, although wrongfully denied something meaningful, has the potential to transcend their old scores, to replace them with a higher mark that will earn them scholarships and medals and awards.

Robbed, teased, and misled, all those who sat comfortably in their ACT scores must tread on with dignity, determination, and a powerful academic momentum. The time has come for bright students to shine even brighter, and, after a long day of highly successful testing, perhaps even, at long last, earn a conclusive sigh of relief.

Faith better suited with daytime Emmys In 20 years, a new religion will surpass Christianity, Islam and Judaism. It will convert even the most ample atheists and agnostics. Replacing the lifestyle of Zen Buddhism, it will unite and save the world. It’s called Oprahism.

Oprah Winfrey, media tycoon, the most important woman in recent history, and arguably the most influential woman in the world is an inch short of Heaven, or so it would seem.

Women flock to their homes for the 4 p.m. showing from Chicago’s magnificent mile to listen to Oprah’s advice, to see what books they should read, to see how they can make their life better.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Oprah is an amazing figure for both women and philanthropy. Her charity works have no end.

Oprah’s Angel Network, to date, has raised $51 million, 100 percent going to charity. Oprah has built schools in South Africa for young women.

bretthamlin [staff reporter]

Overall, she has been estimated to giving $303 million.

However, the school that she has opened in Johannesburg, South Africa, The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, has the somewhat luxurious surroundings of a Spa and Resort than the practical and specifically educational surroundings of a school.

The school has a maximum enrollment of 450 young women and includes the necessary commodities of a beauty salon, an indoor and outdoor theater and a yoga classroom. $40 million was spent to build a resort for 450 impoverished kids. That same $40 million could have been spent to educate and save thousands of children.

Oprah’s Book Club, which started in 1996, has made best sellers out of every book introduced; every book that Oprah mentions encounters the “Oprah Effect,” as it’s known. Oprah essentially decides what goes on the New York Times Best Seller list.

However, the selection method has encountered criticism lately due to James Frey’s “A Million Little Pieces,” which was presented as a non fiction biography of Frey’s drug and alcohol addiction; turns out it was false to an unknown level.

The fact of the matter is that Oprah, like all people, believe it or not, has flaws.

There is nothing wrong with the person that Oprah is. She is one of the most amazing women in all of history; she is the Susan B. Anthony of our time and most likely of the future.

The problem isn’t with Oprah as much as it is with the fans of Oprah. Oprah’s fans seemed to have convinced themselves that whatever she says is not only correct, but the right thing to do.

Oprah did this, so I should. Oprah gave to this charity, so I will. Oprah says to do this, so I listen.

Oprah cares about this, so I care.

Oprah is the good shepherd, but would you really want to be her sheep?

imageopinions [three]

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

studentperspective

Try opening your eyes to another side of life Dear Editor, Some mornings, I dread reading the headlines about Iran — afraid and tired of what journalists and politicians have to say about my country. Words get twisted, photos photo-shopped, and stereotypes are in this way fostered by the media and officials of both countries.

I wish that, to counter these misconceptions, Iranians and Americans would swap stories.

I’ll start.

In Iran, there is a large alternative music characterized by wailing guitars and biting lyrics. Mostly rock, metal, and rap, these concerts are genuinely underground — illegal but very popular.

Iranian culture is very social, with parties abundant

in food, people, and noise. Iranian weddings, in particular, are a real hoot.

Usually lasting deep into the night, they end only after everyone has chased the bride and groom’s car — speeding, blinkers flashing, shouting and tirelessly honking down the highway.

In Tehran there is Park-e-Mellat, a large beautiful park comparable to our own Forest Park: with playgrounds, pedal boats, and a miniature zoo.

Summer nights the park holds concerts of traditional Persian music beside the boat dock, while on the opposite side of the park, dramatic, popular TV shows are shown on large screens. Iranian culture is very social, and parks are a place to gather and gossip

while children play soccer and chase each other with water guns.

Beside Park-e-Mellat’s colorfully-lit waterfall, kids on roller-skates and skateboards scream as they let gravity pull them down the hills. They swerve around other children vigilantly holding bastani-bollands — translated as “tall ice-cream” the tops of these frozen treats usually hover above the heads of the children attempting to eat them.

There’s so much focus on what divides us. My people, both Iranian and American, are great people of proud nations. I only wish they could see the reflection of themselves in each other more often.

Ghazal Ghazi, 12

Aid to Africa:

Do your donations do harm or good Giving money to those less fortunate than you in Africa is an admirable undertaking. AIDS victims deserve support and health care just like Americans with the disease receive.

I have no problems with giving my money to causes in Africa. But before you give money away, find out where it is really going and if your donation is useful!

Some of the money sent to Africa goes straight to banks and is never spent. The money simply overwhelms politicians who sometimes spend the funds inappropriately or feel rushed to spend the money.

Or it ends up in the hands of corrupt government candidates who use it for campaign funds in excess.

Still worse, money often goes to corrupt governments who use it for a wide variety of things ranging from purchasing weapons to killing innocent people.

Relief workers from organizations such as the United Nations World Food Program are certainly needed in some African nations.

However, these workers face a difficult choice: help the citizens find food or lose their job. Work-

ers lose their jobs when they eliminate hunger because there is no work left to be done.

Some of these relief organizations accidentally ask for too much food.

The extra supply ends up in corrupt political candidates’ hands. These highly questionable candidates distribute the food to voters for support.

The organizations also harm local farmers.

The farmers cannot compete with the larger, more corporate organizations.

Local farmers are out of luck because they cannot sell their crops at a low enough price to compete with the cheaply acquired foreign aid.

If the organizations left, African nations would not starve. Rather, they would be forced to trade with each other, stimulating the market economies.

Local farmers would also benefit as they would again be able to support their countries.

Similar to farmers, textile workers are harmed by clothing donations. Donated clothes eliminate jobs for these citizens: in 1997, 137,000 people were workers in Nigeria’s textile industry. By 2003, 57,000 had jobs in textiles.

Not only is the need for a surplus of clothes obsolete, (as very few Africans freeze to death each year) the donations given to Africa cause more harm than good.

Sadly, AIDS is a prominent problem in Africa.

In 2005, an estimated 2 million people died from

“Are you okay?” Baffled by the unprovoked questioning, I turned my head to discover the heavy eyes of an administrator studying me. I faltered momentarily, then returned, “Yes I am. Are you? What’s the problem?” As Assistant Principal Matt Dieckhaus investigated my ‘suspicious’ appearance, I began bracing myself for conflict. You see, my eyes possess a slight, 100 percent natural squint, which I have donned every single seven-hour school day for over three years. Had he not recognized me?

Moments before, I had left my usual lunch table, headed for a moment of solitude and music away from the noise and chaos of the Commons. My progress was quickly impeded by the upper-hallway’s door guard, who questioned my destination, ready to deny access. I explained my position, willing to turn back if necessary.

Suddenly, Dieckhaus intervened and I was seized, taken to the senior office for close inspection. Dr. Tim Jones, summoned via radio, greeted the situation with a puzzled expression, familiar with my clean record and solid GPA, assessing the peculiarity of my detainment. Reputation is crucial.

And for the record, I was in possession of nothing, wasn’t stoned or drunk, but I was extremely bothered by this unnecessary hassle. After all, no waste of time is acceptable in my book.

But sure enough, after Jones was informed of my ‘suspicious behavior,’ he stated, “Well, Nick, I’m gonna have to ask you to empty out your pockets.”

Forced submission is always degrading, make no mistake, but my margin had shrunk to nothing, and I was cornered. Dieckhaus, prodding my nerves, explained, “If we’re wrong, then I’ll apologize and you can get going.”

Insubordination is a heavy offense around these parts. Anywhere that there’s authority, their will be strict punishment for those who do not obey its will.

I was feeling that iron grip of rigid policy as I pulled out my pockets and removed my shoes for close inspection, as Dieckhaus stripped my backpack, removing all of its contents. Then, as the backpack was found clean, my wallet was investigated.

After it was all over, I could hear Jones mutter,

“Nick here is the Opinions Editor for the school paper.”

But I already knew this was the spark for my next story. It was obvious, a heinous display of ruthless paranoia. Why had this happened? Was it worth my distrust, discomfort, and absence from fifth hour? I wondered how the administrators would justify such a disheartening experience, they had joked to one another about how it was no big deal.

I was still unsure of why the administrator had felt it necessary to come hassle me. I was surprised, too, that after attending this school for so long, my face was unrecognized by an administrator, who, upon slight suspicions and serious profiling, decided this unrelated case was worthy of threatening a student with bothersome, trivial accusations. Should any free man be searched for contraband without creating a drug-related issue?

The interview with Jones came first, several days later. He spoke of policy, explaining the urgency of a potential drug bust, stating that it was imperative to strike the scourge without hesitation.

Drugs are to be hunted like a dog, utilizing feeble suspicions and hounds themselves to sniff it out.

Police searches, planned by the county police upon availability of K9 dope dogs, are executed at random, and lockers may be torn through at a whim.

After a short wait later that day, I was greeted cheerfully by Dieckhaus, as if he’d been waiting eagerly for an interview.

He was completely confident in his view, which was, by all means, logical. I interpreted from his statements that drugs and booze were seen as a destroyer of lives and friendships, and many times they are. It was indicated, too, anyone who is caught with an illicit substance needs help with their ‘drug problem,’ and is therefore is worthy of harsh punishment. Reform through isolation is absolutely necessary for these scum, for they are wrong and do not conform to the policies loosely stated in the Student Handbook.

Six of every 10 searches uncover an illicit substance, and administrators are “surprised to do 30 searches per year.” I did the math: 18 of 30 search-

jaredanderson

the disease on the continent.

However, reports about the disease have clouded my mind. Some statistics about the disease reveal a modest percentage of a 6 percent death rate for adults in Africa.

Other stats from the UN in 1999 project Africa will “lose one fifth or more of their adult population within the next decade from AIDS alone.”

Seven years later, in 2006, only 2 million Africans died from the disease. Out of the 680 million people living in Africa in 2006, 2 million AIDS deaths affected a mere .0029 percent of the continent’s population.

So stop trying to help those less fortunate than us? No; be smart about aid to Africa.

Stop sending a surplus supply of clothing to the continent. Extra clothing does more harm than good as it takes away local jobs.

Do not believe that AIDS will wipe out significant portions of Africa’s population. It is a problem, but not one of extreme proportions.

Support organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. This large organization helps teach Africans to feed and support themselves and their communities without foreign help.

If you have the time and money, do some research and possibly take a mission trip to Africa to help build up infrastructure in poor nations.

But whatever you decide to do, simply be informed of your good choice to help out.

Dope dog drug hounds take human form Social Decadence nickelwood

es are punishable. Therefore, I was one of, at most, twelve ‘failed’ searches. Twelve searches and one of those is because of my everyday eyes?

The administrators had explained their sides logically, I knew this. The trouble was they felt their views to be right and true, the Only Way. If the real problem was the threat of drugs and their impact on society, punishment of the ‘wrongdoers’ will not solve a thing, only hold a student back. The event of a ‘failed’ search is natural in the weeding-out process of potential threats within school, but the weeding-out is unnecessary.

It is not the school’s job to intervene in a student’s personal business, especially when the administration does not have enough background to assess the issue as a whole. There’s a serious lack of trust. Students are not treated as equals, but rather are viewed as statistics, problems to be dealt with and solved.

“The school’s number one priority is safety.

Number two is education,” explained Dieckhaus.

This may be true, but are squinted eyes so great a threat to the safety and well-being of the student body, that it merits the degradation of an innocent man and an assault on his freedoms? These policestate tactics, excessive use of the Big Hand of Authority, are a far greater threat.

Remember now, that although we are within the walls of a school run by administrators, and are at the whim of their control-freak rules, we are still free Americans, withholding every right bestowed to us by the United States’ Constitution. They are no better than us.

[stars & gripes]

stars to: • The voice of Nick Gass echoes through the intercom once again!

Announcements are finally back.

• Senior Women thrash like wild beasts & Male Escadrille dances like fools. Powder Puff is a glowing, ridiculous success, but where was the streaker?

• The administration gives a thumbs up to student wearing pirate hats in school on Pirate Day. They have spirit, yes they do.

• Latin teacher Jeff Tamaroff and French teacher Emmanuelle Echave are engaged.

You know, Latin is the root of all the romance languages.

• The Island of Misfit Class Gifts has been discovered. The Class of 2006s benches are out front, and the marble sign from 2005 will soon be raised • Mizzou is undefeated.

99.99 percent of the graduating class is ecstatic • Britney Spears loses custody of kids to Kevin Federline

gripes to: • Kevin Federline gains custody of kids.

• Progress in theatre construction continues to obstruct student progress in the hallways.

• The St. Louis Rams get slammed again & again.

Most recently by their former quarterback.

• The Cardinals fly south for the winter, only this time, Walt Jocketty won’t be with them.

• Homecoming Hall Decs take nine hours to put up & only 30 minutes to tear down (after 2nd Hour).

• TKO DJs knock out sound systems by blasting single-minded music after they turned down James Brown.

Put us in the DJ booth!

• With Homecoming over with, school is back to normal. So, how long until Thanksgiving break?

newsbriefs [four] imagenews

National Merit

Congratulations to the 2008 Commended Students for National Merit. They include Caren Abraham, Mayank Agarwal, Elizabeth Angelo, Ryan Conde, Ryan Craven, Cole Donelson, Megan Drissell, Sarah Frueh, Erin Gardner, Charlotte Gaw, Kelley Hamrick, John Hardin, Lara Herzog, Alexandra Icet, Michael Izuchukwu, Daniel Jackson, Brooke Kinsaul, Kasey Klimes, Jared Legenzoff, Brandon Linn, Eric Lutz, Ryan Maddox, Eleanor Martin, Shannon Miller, Andrew Nandor, Alexandra Nunn, Stephen Pan, Andrew Petry, Jessica Philbrick, Michael Rudd, Erica Shannon, Eric Vander Weerd and Tracy Wang.

Alert Now

More than 56,000 calls were made to parents and staff members of the District on Oct. 1 to test the new notification system.

Alert Now, will send announcements and emergency notifications to deliver reminders, announcements and school closings due to weather.

Bright Flight

On Sept. 16, the Missouri Department of Higher Education changed the cutoff score from 30 to 31.

At Lafayette alone, 25 seniors have lost their $8,000 as Bright Flight Scholars.

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

Software gives staff additional eyes

[ ] The new surveillance software installed throughout computer labs is getting mixed reactions from students, but staff members find it useful for monitoring and teaching students.

You are being watched.

C r o s s Te c SchoolVue, a new surveillance software program, has been installed on school computers in the Library and in Technology and Business classrooms throughout the school.

This software enables instructors to monitor students’ actions on computers and can be used to help teach students.

CrossTec SchoolVue is displayed as a toolbar on all log in screens on Library computers.

Once students log in, the program shifts: on some machines, it moves to the top of the screen on a toolbar.

On other computers in the library, the software appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as an icon next to the clock.

CrossTec SchoolVue has student uses in addition to its monitoring capability.

Students can request assistance from their director or join a registered class using the program’s toolbar The software can also be accessed from the start menu if the toolbar is not available on the machine.

Librarian Nichole Ballard-Long said, “It is helpful, but it might make kids nervous about using computers.”

Freshman Charlie Frail said of the new software, “I don’t care that it [the software] is there because I am not doing anything I shouldn’t be doing on the computers anyway.”

jaredanderson [staff reporter]

[A Different Look]

Graphic Design 2 students’ work is displayed on teacher Bill Senti’s computer using CrossTec SchoolVue. The toolbar at the top of the screen can be used by Senti to monitor and teach students. CrossTec SchoolVue is also installed in the library and in other business and technology classrooms in the school. [billsenti]

However, sophomore Kevin Dunn said it “makes me pretty nervous. It’s kind of an invasion.”

So far, the software has taken effect, as students and teachers begin to notice it and put it to use.

“Students have more awareness this year. Having it prevents student from visiting inappropriate web sites,” Ballard-Long said.

We can also take over the computer to help students out with class work if necessary,” Ballard-Long added.

District policy states, “All users granted access to the District’s technology resources are expected to maintain a high level of professional and personal responsibility.”

The software was implemented, “Mostly to make sure we follow the district’s Internet Acceptable use policy,” Ballard-Long said.

Student fines cover the $34 cost

per machine of CrossTec SchoolVue. Dunn said that the software is, “a waste of money, I think.”

Junior Jake Welchans thinks the payment for the software is unfair.

“I had to pay a book fine, but the book was in perfect condition. I’m pretty sure I only had to pay the fine to help pay for the spying software.

Fine Arts teacher Bill Senti finds the software useful.

“When my room gets crowded, I can help a single student solve a problem remotely instead of having to drop what I’m doing to walk over and help the student,” Senti said I can also send files to students and send instant messages to them using the software,” Senti added.

The software also enables Senti to share students’ work with each other.

“If a student is doing good work on a project, I can show everyone

without causing a crowd around one computer,” Senti said.

Senti thinks the software is useful for security purposes as well as teaching.

“I can look at each computer to make sure students are not doing inappropriate things on their computers and make sure they are on task.

The software is not just useful for catching wrongs, but it’s also useful to help teach students,” Senti said.

Business teacher Terry Hayes has CrossTec SchoolVue installed in his classroom.

“I haven’t been trained on the software, but it has good uses,” Hayes said.

“It can be useful in terms of monitoring students and sending homework to them. Once I get trained to use the software, it will be more useful,” he added.

2008 Legend Now On Sale

www.lafayettepublications.com

Senior Photo Deadline is Jan. 11!

Insideout Youth Ministry Sundays @ 6pm Wildwood Christian Church 16717 Manchester Rd Wildwood, MO 63040 (636)458-2989

GLAMOUR NAILS

NAILS SPA

125 Long RD Chesterfield, MO 63005 Telephone: (636)536-2206

Full Set $20.00

imagenews [five]

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

Perk Up

[Mock Schedule]

New program offers privileges

Here’s a sample of what to expect next year:

erikdauster As students ule is designed and built. Each choices outside as well. “[If a student can say] ‘I’m [staff reporter] become more building will work out the speeffective decision-makers, it is logical that they should earn greater freedoms within the school.

Thus, an assumption is made that students will benefit if they are given more responsibility to determine the mapping of their school day.

This is the rationale for a proposed incentive program that will be implemented in the 2008-2009 school year.

Students accepted into this program will have the opportunity to enjoy special privileges throughout the normal school day.

Principal John Shaughnessy said potential incentives for students may include free time in the Library, Computer Lab or Writing Center, time for enrichment activities and parking privileges.

“The logistics [of the program] will be developed second semester after the master sched-

411

cifics for each individual school, according to their needs,” Shaughnessy said.

In order to be accepted into this program, a student must meet several specific requirements which will be determined later in the year.

The proposed eligibilities require that the student meets a set number of credits (6 for sophomores, 12 for juniors and 18 for seniors), has no behavior issues or ISS/OSS the previous semester, has parent permission and does not have any failing grades or unexcused absences from the previous semester.

The district is also considering having students enroll in a voluntary drug testing in order to qualify for the incentive program.

District officials said a drug test may be a prerequisite because it makes sure students are not only doing well during school, but making the right

doing well academically and behaviorally and I don’t mind participating in a voluntary drug test to make sure everything’s fine,’ he or she is a good candidate for the incentive program and deserves special perks built into their school day,” Shaughnessy said.

Even though the district has a lot of interest in pursuing this option, the decision has not been finalized and won’t necessarily be the only way a student can participate in the incentive program.

It is also too early to know how the drug test would be implemented next year or how everything will be conducted.

“It is important that students are aware of these potential opportunities. They will have a major impact on our school climate, our school schedule and the way we have daily operations around Lafayette,” Shaughnessy said.

Zero Hour: 7:08-8:10 1st Period: 8:16-9:05 2nd Period: 9:11-10:00 3rd Period: 10:06-10:55 4th Period: 11:01-12:20 (Includes Lunch Period)

5th Period: 12:26-1:15 6th Period: 1:21-2:10 7th Period: 2:16-3:05

Student A 1: Algebra III: 8:16-10:00 (A/B) 2: AP Lit: 8:16-10:00 (A/C) 3: AP Gov: 10:06-10:55 (A/B/C) 4: Spanish IV: 11:01-12:20 (A/B/C) 5: Guitar I: 12:26-1:15 (A/B/C) 6: Chemistry: 1:21-3:05 (A/B) 7: Drawing II: 1:21-3:05 (A/C)

schoolstore

The school store opened Oct. 4. Run by the Lancer Parent Organization, Lancer Landing sells school supplies and snacks.

The school store from here on out will be selling tickets for dances and other events. The school store is located in the old nurse’s office.

It is open on 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Mondays and 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays to Fridays.

newsbriefs

Amnesty International will hold a Darfur benefit on Oct 27. in the Commons. Local high school bands will be performing and students are invited to come and discuss human rights violations.

Valley TIF

Rockwood will start to receive all the incremental taxes from the Chesterfield Valley Property TIF (tax increment financing). During the next budgeting cycle, Rockwood could receive nearly $6 million in additional funds.

clubnews Film Club

Why are we moving to a new schedule?

Missouri has new graduation requirements starting with the Class of 2010, requiring stu dents to earn 24 credits instead of 22.

Are all classes blocked?

No. Classes will be designated as st andard only, blocked only or either. Students may elect to take 2, 4 or 6 blocked classes per semester.

What does a typical week look like?

Monday (A Day)

All seven classes meet.

Tuesday/Thursday (B Day) Blocked classes meet for two consecutive periods plus passing time. Standard classes meet in an identical pattern as on A Days.

Wednesday/Friday (C Day) Blocked classes meet for two consecutive periods plus passing time. Standard classes meet in an identical pattern as on A Days.

Why are some classes only offered blocked?

Most science classes must be taken blocked because most labs cannot be finished in 49 minutes. Some art classes must be blocked to allow time for their in-depth work.

When are blocked classes offered?

Blocked classes are offered 1st/2nd periods, 3rd/4th periods and 6th/7th periods. Both Zero hour and 5th period are always standard classes.

When will students register for next year’s classes?

Counselors will begin meeting with students individually in their Language Arts classes in January. Students will begin online registration for next year’s classes Jan. 18 and will continue until Jan. 28.

[Information was collected from a Rockwood School District pamphlet and Guidance Department Chair Marybeth Desloge]

Film Club, sponsored

by Steve Klawiter, meets once a month on Wednesdays after school to watch and analyze films from a particular genre. Pick up a permission slip in Room 128.

Book Club

Book Club will meet Oct. 30 in the library with sponsor Nichole Ballard-Long.

Latin Club

The Latin Club will be going to Eckert’s Farm for apple picking this month. For more information contact Jeff Tamaroff.

Marching Band

On Sept. 22 the Lancer Regiment placed 3rd at Farmington High School. The band will compete on Oct. 13 at Francis Howell.

Tanning Spa

The Best Tan for Less!

]

Amnesty International

Stumbling Block?

Schedule Q&A

Will there still be Zero Hour and Flex?

Both will still be implemented as normal. Zero Hour will be kept for two years and then will be reassessed afterwards.

[

Show me the money

Student Specials: Regular Tan $2.50 Bronzing Tans 3 for $10 WILDWOOD (636)458-2400 Manchester Rd. at Westglen Farms By Imos

selfexam [six] imagein-depth [Five Steps] Every three minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Women should start performing breast exams by age of 20 at the very latest. Here is how to do it.

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor’s attention: •Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin •A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out) •Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you’re at the mirror, gently squeeze each nipple between your finger and thumb and check for nipple discharge (this could be a milky or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast.

Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together.

•You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts is when their skin is wet and slippery, so they like to do this step in the shower.

Information was found from www. breastcancer.org

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Staff member, student share their trials with breast cancer kendallbrewer “She was an as though she was in an automobile [in-depth editor] impact in ev- accident. The broken bone was re-

ery part of my life. Everything I am today is due to her. She will always be the biggest part of my life. I admired her strength; she never complained and was always thinking about us. She would talk to me about death too. If she didn’t go through what she did, I have no idea who I’d be today,” junior Kelly Flynn said.

Flynn’s mother passed away in the summer of 2005. Her mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer when Flynn was three-years-old.

She was treated and deemed cancerfree. There was only a five percent chance it would come back. It did.

Flynn’s mother battled cancer again for four years, starting when Flynn was in fourth grade.

This month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) organization is comprised of several national public service organizations, professional medical associations and government agencies. These groups work together, increasing awareness of breast cancer issues, such as the importance of early detection.

Breast cancer is one of the top three deadliest cancers in the world.

It may be hard to understand the effect and the way this disease has impacted people close to home. Right around the corner in these hallways, unexpected students and teachers have dealt with breast cancer’s toll.

Three-Time Survivor French teacher Gina Luerding is a three time breast cancer survivor, dealing with the disease since she was thirty-four years old. She was surprised the first time she was diagnosed, because the surgeon didn’t think anything was wrong.

“The surgeon decided to biopsy the lump from my breast, but didn’t think it was anything. The cancer didn’t show up on the mammogram.

After the surgery, when I woke up, he told me I had cancer and to see him at 3 p.m.,” Luerding said.

The experience was almost surreal for Luerding. She remembered thinking that she wasn’t afraid to die, but had no desire to pass away.

“I didn’t get upset when I found out I had breast cancer, but I looked at it very logically and matter of fact.

The hardest part was telling my dad I had cancer because he cried. I had to be strong for him, because his baby girl had cancer,” Luerding said.

Two years later, the cancer reoccurred in a different place. It went into Luerding’s neck, crushing one of the bones like a soda can.

The doctors told her it looked

moved from Luerding’s neck and replaced with a metal plate.

“After my second experience with cancer, my goal was to be at school teaching full time, which would be three or two months after my bone marrow transplant. Basically, you are poisoned till you are at the brink of death, and then given your own bone marrow and blood for life. I was pooped after the treatment, but back at school. I looked like a mess, but I was back,” Luerding said.

Luerding’s final experience with breast cancer was in 2002 when the doctor found a little spot of the cancer in her back.

“I am a lot more afraid of death now than I was five years ago. I feel confident death isn’t near, but there will never be a certainty. I see the oncologist every three months, even though the cancer hasn’t returned since 2002,” Luerding said.

Luerding was extraordinarily lucky to survive this disease three times, which is something she has split feelings about.

“I am tremendously grateful and proud I survived. Not proud in the boastful sense, but a humble pride. I wondered why me and not someone else. I use my survival in helpful ways because I believe God has a purpose for everything,” Luerding said.

An Unforgiving Disease Unfortunately, not all stories have a happy ending. Although statistics show that death rates due to breast cancer are actually dropping, and the American Cancer Society reports only about 1 in 35 women with the cancer die from it, that number was still too high for Flynn.

“The doctors said everything would be okay, but it wasn’t. When you see all of these statistics proven wrong, you start to give up hope. I wondered why my mom had to go through all that pain. It can happen to anyone. Breast cancer is not a statistic, it’s real,” Flynn said.

When the cancer returned, it had entered her bones, and could not be removed.

“I remember my mother sat me down and told me. You cry, but you don’t really understand. I asked if she would die. She told me the cancer grows slowly in the bones, so she would make it. The fatality of the cancer didn’t hit me,” Flynn said.

The breast cancer didn’t become serious until the summer before Flynn’s freshman year. At this time, the cancer had entered her brain and her liver. She was becoming weaker and weaker, often going in and out of the hospital.

[Pretty in Pink]

Donating money to NHS for breast cancer research, senior Theresa Hibler and junior Jessica Weingarten dig through their purses for change. October, breast cancer awareness month, is used as a tool, educating the women who are at risk for breast cancer and increasing their awareness of the disease. [kendallbrewer]

“Everyone was always there for me. I’ve got really great friends.

Ten minutes after my mother died I called them and they came over. My friend’s mother’s helped a lot too, taking me to places and shopping with me,” Flynn said.

Flynn’s mother passed away at the age of forty-six. After two years, Flynn is going through high school with a brave face and maturity.

“One thing I don’t regret is the past because my mother and I talked all the time about everything. I wish she could be there for me in the future; I wish I could do things with my mother you are supposed to. We can’t go dress shopping, she won’t be at my wedding, become a grandmother, she wasn’t even able to see me enter high school,” Flynn said.

Both Luerding and Flynn are grateful, and have learned the importance of love, but obviously, for different reasons.

“I don’t know who’d I’d be if I hadn’t experienced this. I look at everything differently. I may take some things for granted, but I am grateful for the time I had with my mom.

You never get over these things, you just adapt to them,” Flynn said.

“I had an attitude of faith during my cancer. God is in control. There were certain things physically I could

do to help myself, but I accepted the outcome was not in my hands.

I wanted to live life as normally as I could,” Luerding said.

Raising Awareness Luerding, Flynn and many other women around the world have battled this cancer, this war of disease.

For the year 2007, it has been estimated that 180,510 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women. While the disease is the leading cause of cancer death for women, there is a cure: early detection.

NBCAM focuses on building breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection. Studies show that regular breast self-exams, combined with an annual exam by a doctor, improves the chances of detecting cancer early.

For anyone who is dealing with breast cancer or watching a loved one suffer, Luerding and Flynn agree that it’s best to stay positive and find hope.

“Find someone to talk to about your feelings. Don’t bottle it up inside. You have to face it, because breast cancer is not a death sentence. Most importantly, be in control. Cancer does not define you,” Luerding said.

Plan ahead for your future Open a Savings Account today!

Bremen Bank and Trust Company 16024 Manchester Rd. Ellisville, MO 63011 (314) 446-3100

imagefeatures [seven]

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

[What About Halo?]

MSNBC stated Halo 3 earned approximately $170 million on the first day of sales. This topped the Spiderman 3 debut which took in approximately $59 million.

Halo 3’s sales also broke Halo 2’s record of $125 million.

Halo and Halo 2’s first sales combined sold 15 million copies Information from XBOX. com said Sept. 25 was the most active Xbox LIVE gaming day in history.

[Holding the Helmet High]

Joseph Longo, freshman, opens the first Legendary Edition of Halo 3. The special edition cost $130 and included an art book, bonus content and a collectible Master Chief styled helmet. Gamers waited for more than three hours for their chance to get ahold of their copy a day before its actual release. [mikebujnak]

Finishing the fight: Halo 3

Final Halo is met with hype from millions and the revenue to back it up Believe. This is one word that

mikebujnak is used to sum up Microsoft’s [staff reporter] third installment in the Halo

series.

On Tuesday, Sept. 15 millions of gamers were finally granted their wish with the release of Halo 3. Moms were immediately buying bags of Doritos and cases of Mountain Dew to fulfill the cravings of basements full of kids.

According to Xbox.com, Halo 3 “has officially become the biggest entertainment launch in history, garnering an estimated $170 million in sales in the United States alone in the first 24 hours.”

This topped the 2004 release of Halo 2 which had $125 million in sales.

Both Halo 2 and Halo 3 had thousands turn out for the midnight releases.

“I worked for the busiest district during the Halo 2 launch. There was a line of over 700 people,” said GameStop employee Jason Thurston.

Security is upped at the releases, but for the most part, there weren’t any problems.

“All of the workers have to be watching and they always bring in extra security, but everyone has already pre-ordered their copies so it isn’t going to turn into a brawl like there was over TickleMe-Elmo’s,” Thurston said.

Die hard fans wait for over three hours to get their games.

“I’ve been playing for about three and half years,” senior Jeremy Studt said. Junior Adam Vinson said he’s played for over four years.

The game offers both online play and a campaign.

“I like the story, I play the campaign more than I

play online,” said Vinson. “I actually prefer playing online, in three and a half years of playing I’ve never even beat a campaign,” Studt said.

“I play custom [online] games instead of ranked games. Most people that play the ranked games suck anyway,” said Studt.

The release has gamers anxious to see what’s new.

“I’m hoping for everything to be better,” said Vinson. “I really want to see the campaign more Earth-based than the other Halo’s.”

Studt said, “I really want to see new weapons.

In previous games everyone stuck to the battle rifle. I want to see more close range weapons, not rockets and other cheap ones. I also hope to see new, smaller levels. Previously, the levels were all fun and stuff but they were always too big or just weren’t that great.”

Microsoft previously released a Beta version to give players a taste of what was to come.

“I liked the fact that they released a Beta version so we could see what was going to be in the new game, but that lost some of the hype,” senior Eric Strobl said.

Even without all the hype, the game has people talking.

“It’s all about the maps, man. In Halo 2 everyone got so bored of the maps that you just played anyone for the stats,” Strobl said.

“One of the best new features is the ability to save film. You can replay anything you want from anyone’s perspective. Also, since it’s so new, there’s hardly any cheating at all,” Strobl added.

The game does have one fault though.

FACS Recipe of the Month

Coffin Sandwiches

2 slices whole wheat bread 3 slices Oscar Mayer Smoked Ham 1 Kraft Singles 1 Tablespoon Miracle Whip Dressing 1 lettuce leaf 1.Cut bread slices into coffin shapes.

2. Layer with sliced meat, Singles, dressing and lettuce. Spear each sandwich with plastic toothpick to hold it together, if desired.

3. Cut sandwich into coffin shape using coffin template and sharp knife. For an even stronger template, trace the template onto a piece of cardboard and cut out.

Makes 1 serving.

Nutrition: (per serving) Calories 250 Total fat 11g Saturated fat 4.5g Cholesterol 50mg

Sodium 1360mg Carbohydrate 19g Dietary fiber 2g Sugars 4g Protein 18g Vitamin A 8%DV

[The Waiting Game]

Hundreds line up at the Chesterfield GameStop’s midnight launch of Halo 3. Stores nationwide stayed open late to get some of the games profits. [mikebujnak]

Halo 3 is supposed to push the Xbox 360 to its limits. That is good for players, but some say it’s only worth it with high-definition TV. “HD is everything, that’s the only way you can really tell the difference from Halo 2’s graphics,” Strobl said.

After a hyped up release, a small fault like that will not stop the Halo 3 players. Game on guys, game on.

More than 10,000 retailers hosted Midnight Madness events to celebrate the launch of this third installment in the billion-dollar franchise.

More than 1.7 million copies of Halo 3 were pre-ordered in the U.S. before a single store opened its doors, making this the fastest preselling game in history, surpassing the previous record-setting pre-sales of Halo 2.

[eight] imagefeatures

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

eventwinners

Moments To Treasure

[Hall Decorations]

Freshmen-Princess Bride 4thplace

2007 Homecoming features traditional favorites, silly shenanigans and an overall Senior Class victory in class competition

Sophomores- Treasure Island 3rdplace Juniors- Peter Pan 2ndplace

kristahines [photo editor]

Seniors-Pirates of the Caribbean 1st place

[Pie Eating Contest] Sophomores 4thplace Freshman 2ndplace Juniors 2ndplace Seniors 1stplace

[Buried Treasure]

03.

02.

Freshmen 4thplace Juniors 3rdplace Sophomores 2ndplace Seniors 1stplace

[Gladiator Joust] Juniors 4thplace Sophomores 3rdplace Freshmen 2ndplace Seniors 1stplace

01.

[Dress Up Day Winners]

05.

04.

Teacher Day

Mikerudd

Facsdepartment Pirate Day

Graystamulus

Lauriefay PJ’s Day

Adamgoldberg

Pattymabie Black, White and Gold Day

Kyleolney

Kathysoucy

[Fun Run]

Freshmen- 36 people

4thplace Juniors- 46 people

3rdplace Sophomores- 82 people

2ndplace Seniors- 84 people

1stplace

07.

06.

01.

03.

Down 2 Coachesting event,

r jous of the gladiato oyd Manning Near the end B d an er ey Beckm . As they were Coaches Greg ow sh al re a r fo es lv se em d fell to the prepare th both gave up an d inflate. ey th , ke ri st to cushione about

Splitting Fin Flexible Eugene Ki m, senior, hits a ja ale w-dro ping split at the en d of the Male Esca pdrille routine at the Hom ecoming Pep Asse Kim and the rest m bly. of senior men perfo rmed for the students who missed out on the Powder Puff halftime even t.

04.

ncer Victory

La

rs root for , the cheerleade lle 27-0. am te e th ng gi d Oakvi Encoura cers demolishe an L he T . in w a

02.

y tor Vic Kyle

g d ginder an ey hade n i l h B T on oe

r y in. y.

Sch tor onl ily to vic with the w m E in ns re Hoe iors r toes ld coi captu o n v Y e s o o ei o- iors harah nch ig th and g foot t H

u l a .

Yo ol sen and S s up 06During erger edcklace s o b n r sch laske er dre t Day. be ct a e a h o i h t r H olle rc P s. Ot Spi t of res er, Ma irate y and to c e p th a ll ing Bossa p like ma D

w . o a u j 07 Sh Karen dress d Pa it, nd lude spir hapla ys inc S da

08.

08.

Dom the inatin Cla g th ss o e ju f 20 nio 05.

09 rs, th

by a e 0 Unk sco Senio 8 Do n r e o rW fiel own m d nua f 26-6 omen inate said the n prank l Po dur defe s the ight sters ate wde ing hoa befo pla A d t r h n xw e P P uf an as c re the ted a lant tree ed f game our big . tesy gam in P of s e Oc the f rank ome t. 5 ootb . a Oak Marq Rumo ll ville uett rs stud e or ent s.

School Seniority A chorus of scream s and ch

eers broke out as the seniors claim their victory at th Seniors won near e ly all of the Homec assembly. oming Week events, which mai ntained the long tr adition of Senior Class vi ctories.

One Mile Walk

Brentfolan

Annarector

Kirtimehrotra One Mile Run

Dannykenney Five K Walk

Alexmace

Erinpetry

Diannetinnucci Five K Run

Aaronkirk

Maddieconklin

Johnshaughnessy

[Homecoming Court] Freshmen: Knight Maid

Thomasswoboda Megankelly

Sophomores: Knight Nickgoldstein Maid Mollybrand Juniors: Knight Maid

Ianmoore Konnakandeh

Seniors: Maid Maid Knight Maid Knight

Otislewis Gabrielademos Megandrissell Brianfercho Laurensanguinet Ericbarford

King Queen

Ryanconde Elisewashington

imagefeatures [nine] coolwebsites

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

Yonkers adjusts to venue change kristahines Struggling with the [staff reporter] unfinished the-

ater construction, drama teacher Gary Fishgall chose a one set play, Neil Simon’s Lost in Yonkers to accommodate with the undersized platform in the Commons.

Usually the dinner theatre occurs in the winter, the musical in the spring and the play in the fall, but this year, the Fall Play will be a dinner theater event.

“It’s not a theater, it’s not a stage,” Fishgall said describing the platform in the Commons. “It doesn’t have any room.”

By the time Fishgall selected the play, Lost in Yonkers, he knew it would have to take place in the Commons.

Due to the informal setting, Fishgall wanted to work around the disadvantages and transform the show into a dinner theater.

“I picked the play [by] Neil Simon, America’s most popular playwright, because it has a mixture of comedy, so it kind of works in the informal setting,” he said.

The entire play takes place with an interior set. This is one reason why this specific play fits well in the Commons.

“A play like Picnic, that we did last year, could not have been done in the Commons because the set was so elaborate,” Fishgall said.

Not only is the set small and fairly easy, but the cast is considerably small as well.

There are only four leads, played by seniors Cassie Michel, Shannon Nicholson, sophomores Lucas

[Putting on a Show]

After two hours of after-school rehearsal for this year’s fall play, Lost in Yonkers, seniors Aaron Casias, Sarah Luedloff, Cassie Michel, Shannon Nicholson, Chip Pavalack, sophomores Lucas Klein and David Adams strike a pose. The cast has had to deal with problems ranging from stage size to noise level in the Commons, due to the ongoing construction on the Theater. [kristahines]

Klein and David Adams. There is a total cast of seven.

Klein said, “The small cast will be cozier, because with a big stage it would feel empty.”

Since the show will be in the Commons, the rehearsals have to

take place in the Commons as well.

Stage manager, senior Mayank Agarwal said, “There have been a lot of interruptions. On College Night we couldn’t have practice because people were there.”

In fact, the cast and crew have

had a hard time working around the noise and special events in the Commons, but it must be shared with other clubs and activities.

Klein said sports teams would come in the Commons and “talk really loud.”

Not only has after school noise been a problem to overcome but Fishgall said “the quality of the sound in the Commons is not particularly good.”

Fishgall said it isn’t as clear as he hoped but the cast will just have to work around it.

He had moved all the lights that were in the Theater into the Commons.

Therefore, the ceiling in the Commons is filled with high quality lighting units.

Sound and light crew aren’t the only crews dealing with challenges.

The set crew has also run into a few obstacles, such as struggling to find room for storage.

The stage in the Commons is used for various purposes before, during and after school.

Each set piece that the cast rehearses with has to be brought back to the Theater room as soon as rehearsals end .

“Generally it’s just a lot harder because we don’t have a place to put the set and props,” Agarwal said.

Technical rehearsals began yesterday and the show will open Oct. 18 and run through Oct. 20.

The curtain is 7 p.m., but a dinner buffet is served at 6 p.m. The package costs $15.

NOW OPEN Unique Boutique

10% off

*Your Entire Purchase*

Offer expires November 15

Must present coupon at time of purchase

16739 Main St. Wildwood Town Center Wildwood

636-458-8588

2445 Taylor Rd. Wildwood, MO (636)405-0025 embroidmewildwood.com

www.letssingit.com “It has a bunch of lyrics and bands, and people comment. It’s good to see peoples’ perspectives and what [the lyrics] mean to them.”

-carissasanchez, 10 www.postsecret.com “People mail in their secrets and a guy puts them up. Some of them are really emotional.”

-jillcherkas, 11 www.guimp.com The Smallest Website Ever: “If I’m in class and I don’t want a teacher to see it I get on it because it’s so tiny.”

-joshcavarretta, 12

grammargeek [Fewer and Less] Each issue, language arts teacher David Choate will provide some helpful hints to improve your use of the English language.

Remember: Fewer refers to numbers.

Less refers to quantity, extent or degree Fewer students are taking Senior Comp due to Mr. Choate’s scathing red pen.

Mr. Senti drank less coffee today because his girlfriend told him caffeine makes him goofy.

[ten] imagefeatures

emoticonbirthday ;-) :-) :-\ :-( :-0 Twenty five years ago, Carnegie Mellon University professor Scott E. Fahlman invented the “Smiley” in a computer message. Let’s review the sometimes, not-so-smileys

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

More Money, Less Problems

Students rely on parents, themselves to pay for rising tuition costs

:-) This is the universal “Smiley.” Depicting the eyes, nose and mouth smiling. This is a positive smiley. ;-) This is the “winky smiley.” The same as the universal smiley, but with a semi colin for eyes. This is also a positive smiley, some times too positive. :-\ This is the “awkward smiley.” The mouth on this smiley is at a slant to emphasize awkwardness. It is most commonly a negative smiley. :-( This is the “angry smiley.” The mouth on this smiley is upside down, as if it were a frown. This is a negative smiley. :-0 This is the “shocked smiley.” It can be positive or negative.

“A man who has

ters, but it’s all good because I don’t

from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.”

That was an easy statement for Theodore Roosevelt to make. Roosevelt graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard, which was all paid for by the wealthy Roosevelt family.

Today, some kids have it easy when it comes to paying for college, but the majority has it tough.

Senior Sean McGuire knows that all too well. McGuire has to pay for college all by himself.

“My siblings have all paid for college, so I know I’m going to have to,” McGuire said.

Over the summer, McGuire worked two jobs, laying down marble counter tops, and also working at the Chinese restaurant Hunan Express.

McGuire saved up $2,000 for college, but the money he earns doesn’t only go to college. He also paid for his car, and pays for his gas, insurance and clothes.

“I’ve even loaned money to my sis-

McGuire moved in with his recently married sister while her husband finished school. Sean now relies on himself to wake up in the morning and buy food for himself.

“My parents were okay with it.

It’s helping me live my own life. It’s tough, but it’s fun too, he said.

McGuire is looking to college at either Missouri State University or the College of the Ozarks. Missouri State’s tuition alone is $5,000 per year for in-state, not including room and board and food.

McGuire’s 3.8 cumulative grade point average (GPA) should help him attain some sort of an academic scholarship. McGuire scored a 22 on his ACT, he will be taking the ACT on Oct. 27 in hopes of raising that score.

In a report by CNN, the average cost for a four year private university topped $30,000 in 2006. However, 65 percent of college students attend institutions that charge less than $9,000 for tuition and fees.

bretthamlin never gone to have an immediate need for the [staff reporter] school may steal money,” McGuire said.

“I chose Truman

because, for me, Truman’s campus is just the right size. I love walking around campus and seeing people I know.”

ALISON STIEHL Lafayette H.S., 2006 Business

Senior John McCutchen is taking a different route as far as financial aid goes. McCutchen is using a website called www.fastweb.com. Fastweb. com is a website that helps filter scholarships for students after they fill out a detailed questionnaire. The opportunities aren’t always practical, however.

“I got some weird scholarship offers,” McCutchen said. “The weirdest one was ‘Design the Border Fence’ contest. Literally, all you had to do was draw and design the border fence, it was for $500.”

McCutchen is applying to Baylor, Vanderbilt, Alabama and Missouri.

McCutchen has a 3.8 cumulative GPA and 30 on the ACT. His scholarship towards Missouri took a hit when the Bright Flight Scholarship requirements were raised from 30 to 31.

“I have to take the ACT again at the end of the month. It’s all to get money back for [Missouri],” McCutchen said.

“I’m angry, that’s $10,000 that I had earned, not to mention my entire Saturday is going out the door.”

Picture Retakes Are Monday!

Make An Appointment in Room 213

16497 Clayton Rd Suite 101 636-273-1900 www.annamariesicecream.com

Truman State University FOR A PERSONAL VISIT CONTACT

admissions.truman.edu • 800.892.7792 • Kirksville, MO

imagesports [eleven]

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

Off Campus:

Athletes still show dedication while playing off beaten path

j.p.bartmess Fall brings the beat us because we are Lafayette. We [staff reporter] gridiron of foot- should have a successful season as ball. Winter brings the buzzer beater of basketball.

Spring brings America’s pastime of baseball.

These represent the conventional sports of each season. But in the depths of Lafayette, there are those sports which don’t get much attention or participation, but have plenty of dedication.

“From end of September to the playoffs in April, we have practices once a week, meets almost every weekend and take a one two week break in December for Christmas and New Years,” Head Coach Patti Elwood said of Lafayette’s bowling team. “It’s three seasons, so we have the longest season of any sport.”

With its 12 members, who include seven seniors and five underclassman, the bowling squad can make up two teams with one varsity squad and one junior varsity squad.

With such a long season, the team has a while to mesh together and get accustomed to each player.

“It is definitely a team sport, but there is some individuality in it as well with personal defeats and personal triumphs,” Elwood said.

The team is lead by seniors Jeff Bohling, John Curley, Nick Elwood, John Ferry and Mickey Luberda. All these players are returning from last years team that finished with a record of 15-13 last year and has a lot of potential to do well this year.

“We are going to have a pretty good team. The other teams we play will be solid, but everyone wants to

long as the boys work hard and have a will to win,” Elwood said.

The team plays local public school teams like Rockwood Summit, Marquette and Parkway South.

Along the same lines of bowling, there are other students who participate in sports not associated with the school.

Down the street at St. Alban Roe, there is a high school soccer league.

Many students participate in the league and practice and play games every week. Even though the competition may not be as tough as high school soccer, they still play hard and with a lot of passion.

“I have been playing with my friends in this league since seventh grade and we have stuck together for five years playing together,” senior Steve Lacour said.

Lacour, along with other students who either didn’t make their team or decided they didn’t want to play high school soccer, practices once a week and plays up to two to three games during the weekend.

“It is, surprisingly, just as competitive as high school soccer, but the kids are a little more laid back.

The games are really fun and the teams play really hard. Both teams have a will to win,” Lacour said.

Even though the game may not mean much, guys on the team still pull for one another and want each other to succeed.

“We pep each other up and don’t choose favorites. We all are equally good and know we can’t just rely on one player to win. We need every-

[Turkey Hunting]

With a face etched in concentration, senior Nick Elwood displays perfect form as he bowls for Lafayette’s bowling team. Bowling is among the alternatives students are choosing over school sports such as baseball and football. [j.p.bartmess]

one to contribute in order to win,” Lacour said.

Lacour encourages other students to join if they still have a passion for soccer, but got cut from their high school team or didn’t try out.

“We have some really good soccer players who didn’t make Lafayette’s team and it is a good way for kids to improve their skills and go out for the team next year,” Lacour said.

Both teams have openings for interested athletes. The bowling team is looking for more underclassman bowlers to be on the team. It costs $15 to play. Lacour said the soccer team can still take players on the team.

Whether you’re in the business of shooting off game-fowl on the bowling hardwood or game-winners on the soccer Bermuda grass, there’s a spot for you on these teams.

Girls tennis team prepares for State run j.p.bartmess Consistency on [staff reporter] a sports team is

[Getting Low]

Junior Rachel Bailey reaches down to return a volley during practice. The girls tennis team finished the season 13-1, with their only loss to St. Joseph’s Academy. [alexdavis]

key.

And when it comes to Lafayette’s girls tennis team, it is the focal point.

“We were very consistent in the season throughout, especially in dual matches, but we struggle with consistency in tournaments,” said Head Coach Donna Stauffer.

The team finished the regular season with a 13-1 record, but failed to win a single tournament.

They came in third at the Parkway Doubles tournament, second in their Conference tournament and second in the Rock Bridge tournament in Columbia, MO. “Even though we didn’t win the [Conference] tournament, we ended up winning our Conference since we did so well in our dual meets. Tournaments tell a lot about how strong our doubles teams are and help us

“Do Something With Your Hair” * * * *

Latest Styles & Trends Colors/Highlights Up Do’s Yeah, we have stuff for you guys, too...

15% off

15% off Services

173 Long Road Next to Wildhorse Grill Chesterfield, MO 63005 (636) 536-HAIR (4247)

make a decision on our lineup for upcoming matches,” Stauffer said.

The team made a change in their second and third doubles teams after the Parkway Doubles tournament and it made a big difference in their upcoming dual matches.

“We defeated Ladue 5-2 after the tournament the week before and the change in the second and third doubles team served as the difference in the match. Without those two teams winning, we would have lost 4-3,” Stauffer said.

This change helped the Lady Lancers defeat John Burroughs in a dual match. Burroughs defeated last years State champ, St. Joseph, who the Lancers will have to defeat in order to make it to State.

“We have the physical and stroke game to beat them, but we just need to work on the mental toughness.

We need our players to step it up and perform,” Stauffer said.

racepace [girls cross country] ryanbueckendorf [sports editor] If you’re going to run cross country, start with a small country.

This adage is featured on the backs of many team shirts around the Suburban West Conference. Not that Lafayette’s girls cross country team would know.

Given Lafayette’s blossoming success within that same Conference, the back of the competition isn’t something the Lady Lancer cross country team has been seeing a lot of recently.

Success within Conference is fine, but with several big wins at meets against top opponents, these runners have their eyes set on something larger.

“I could picture us as Top Ten in State,” senior Hayley Olson said. “Actually, I can’t picture us not getting there. ” This year, infused with the running prowess of senior Cheryl Held and sophomores Carly Michaelis and Jordan Taylor and reinforced with the returning talent of seniors Katy Cover, Olson, junior Brooke Thibodaux and sophomore Elizabeth Worley, the team is turning the heads of many.

“Our team works really well together,” Olson said, citing this teamwork as one huge reason the team is enjoying the success they are.

As usual, another reason is their longtime coach, Scott Brandon.

“Coach Brandon has supported us a lot,” Olson said. “He wants to make sure we don’t mess things up. ” The Lady Lancers run at the Conference meet tomorrow at Jefferson Barracks.

Districts takes place Oct. 27 at Washington.

Working harder, running farther and having fun in the process, this is a new era for girls cross country.

insidelook [boys soccer 2007] Starting off the season with a record of 12 wins and two losses is the way to go.

“We are off to a good start and are learning each game,” said Coach Tim Walters.

These wins didn’t come cheap. One win was over Oakville 3-1 and another was over Marquette 1-0.

The team was on an eight game winning streak until the finals of a tournament.

Losing in penalty kicks to Howell North was a hard way to go, but after that loss they bounced right back with three more wins.

Walters said they are looking to finalize a few positions, but hope to keep improving.

With the whole team really coming together as a whole, he remains optimistic.

“You can’t isolate one person. It has been a team effort,” Walters said.

Points- wise, the team is led by senior Stephen McMahon with 11 goals and five assists giving him 27 points overall. Right behind McMahon is Sean Butler (17 points), Harrison Grubbs (16 points), Matt Bleazard (14 points) and Zac Walters (12 points).

Out of the 37 goals scored, there are ten different scorers. The defensive players have only allowed nine goals in 15 games.

In the Suburban West Conference, McMahon is second for most goals trailing by only two and fifth for leading assist.

Senior Eddie Gaines is fourth in assists in the Conference.

In goal, Mike Hamilton has come up big. Hamilton routinely makes huge saves in some games, and has the least amount of goals scored on so far this year.

Coming up are key conference games vs Lindbergh on Oct. 16 at home and at Mehlville on Oct. 22.

On Oct. 25 they will get the opportunity to take down Fort Zumwalt West following a 3-1 loss earlier this month to that same team.

The soccer team is performing at the same click as last season’s State Finals team, but this time they are taking no one by surprise.

“Once we convince everyone we are a team and not a bunch of individuals,” Walters said, “We will go far.”

[twelve] imagesports [Beyond the Stats]

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

McMahon tears up slopes, stats sheets To put a spotlight on the student-athletes at Lafayette, the Image sports staff will select one athlete to be the Athlete of the Month.

These athletes represent the finest Lafayette has to offer, in terms of their athletic prowess, their leadership presence and their unstoppable will to win.

An Image sports staffer will interview these athletes in a Q and A format to introduce those individuals who represent the Lancers in athletic competition.

ninawalters [staff reporter]

Senior Stephen McMahon has been playing soccer almost as long as he has been walking.

McMahon saw time on varsity as a sophomore before jumping into a full time starting role last season as a junior. His speed up the wing made him a dangerous attack option to compliment All-State forward Sean Butler.

This season, he has broken through. Early on, he had to fill the shoes of Butler, out with mono, but he hasn’t slowed down since Butler’s return early last month.

Through Oct. 8, McMahon had already matched his goal total from last year with 12 of them of the game-winning variety. His 27 points are just four less than his 31 from last year As McMahon continues to take his play to new levels, the Lancers continue to follow suit as the team takes aim at another Final Four.

Losses to Francis Howell and Fort Zumwalt aside, the Lancers have lived up to the hype they received following a State Finals loss to Chaminade in 2006.

They were ranked 7th in the area prior to the Oct. 3 loss, behind only CBC, Chaminade, DeSmet, St. Louis University High School (SLUH), Howell North and St. Mary’s.

McMahon is also an avid snowboarder, but knows that soccer comes first, at least during season.

If Lafayette is to make it a reprise of a historic 2006, McMahon and his teammates will have to make an effort, but a repeat of history is well

within their grasp.

Q. Who is Stephen McMahon?

A. I am a snowboarder who plays soccer in his free time.

Q. If soccer wasn’t a part of your life, what would you do with your spare time?

A. I would say I probably would snowboard all the time.

Q. What about snowboarding do you like?

A. I just like going to different parks around the country.

Q.: When and why did you start playing soccer?

A. I started when I was young. My dad signed me up so I just started playing.

Q. What level did you start playing at?

A. I was three when I started playing soccer for Eureka’s team.

Q. How has the support of your parents and coaches influenced you?

A. My parents drove me to everything. Every practice and every game, they were there. Coaches influenced me by telling me not to quit when I was going through a slump and having a tough time playing.

Q. What is your first memory of soccer?

A. My first memory of playing soccer is when I always got to play in the rain at Lion’s Park in Eureka.

Q. Whose style of play to you imitate?

A. I try to imitate Ronaldinho (of Brazil) but it doesn’t always work out for me.

Q. What about Ronaldinho’s style makes his the style you imitate?

A. It has to be his moves. They’re incredible. They are really good.

Q. If you could play with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

A. I would want to play with Barcelona (Ronaldinho’s club team), because they have an entire roster of world-class players on their team.

Q. What has been the highlight of the season so far?

A. The highlight for me was when I scored five of our team’s six goals in our 6-1 victory against Troy. Being our team’s leading goal scorer and second in Conference is definitely another.

Q. Who is your team’s biggest competition in the area?

A. Christian Brother’s College (CBC) is our team’s biggest threat because they are in our District. For

[Wing Man]

Senior Stephen McMahon sprints past a defender to receive a pass against Pacific Aug. 28. McMahon has played a major role in the Lancer’s ascent to the top tier of area soccer teams with 27 points at press time, leading the Lancers to a 12-2 record as of Oct. 7. [j.p.bartmess]

me personally, all opposing defenders are my competition.

Q. What about CBC makes them a threat?

A. CBC works well as a team.

Q. What are your plans for college?

A. I am hoping to go to University of Missouri- St. Louis (UMSL) and figure it out. I hope to go there

and decide what career I want to pursue when I get there. I do plan on playing soccer in college. I am interested in going into business management as a career.

Q. Do you see yourself playing soccer in the future?

A. I do plan on playing soccer in the future, for UMSL.

Softball tames Mustangs in District, looks to State ryanbueckendorf On Oct. 5, a Lafayette [sports editor] team played a game upon which their season depended; a game which if they were to lose, as they did last year and the year before, it would spell the demise of their season.

Could this story be about the LHS football team?

Possibly, but this Lancer team did their damage with bats and gloves, no shoulder pads required, as the Lady Lancer softball team downed Marquette 3-1 for the District championship.

The Lancers are elated to have broken through; most were not on the team that last beat Marquette.

“We worked really hard as a team,” senior Allison Krebs said.

The win was no easy task, as it required defeating a dangerously talented Marquette squad for the second time in the same season.

That Marquette had held the gun responsible for their early exits the past two years made it sweeter for these new-era Lady Lancers.

“Marquette beat us last year in the District Finals, so we were definitely out to get them,” senior Felicia Roberts said. “It was awesome.”

Up next for the team was Sectionals, which took place earlier this week. The team is confident that they have the players, mojo and coach to get them as far as they want to go.

Make no mistake about it, they will accept nothing less than State.

“Coach [Scott] DeNoyer has us saying we should be thinking we’re going to win State,” Krebs said, “so that’s our state of mind.”

Roberts agreed, again citing DeNoyer as one source for the confidence sprouting like figurative crab grass on the Lancer softball diamond.

“Coach is confident in our team,” she said. “We plan to win State.”

The team emphasizes that they are starting anew in Sectionals. No team’s record, their own included, means much on this stage.

“We have a clean start,” Krebs said. “Games in the past don’t matter.”

Perhaps those games don’t matter, but don’t tell the Lancers that.

Still stinging from the blows inflicted by Mustang hooves of years [Armed And Ready] past, the victory last Friday was as With junior Meghan Lamberth on the mound, Lady Lancer fielders prepare to defend. sweet and soothing as any salve The Lancer softball team is 19-7, with a key victory over Marquette on Oct. 5. They ever was. won 3-1 to take home the District Championship. [alexdavis]

imagesports [thirteen]

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

ondeck

Photo Finish: Fall sports hit stride

Boys Swimming: 10/24- Ladue @ Affton Field Hockey: 10/15- @ Pkway West 10/17- vs. Villa Duchesne 10/18- @ Marquette 10/22- vs. Riverview Gardens 10/23- @ Nerinx Hall

Brian Muench [alexerdman]

Brooke Boggs [alexdavis]

Steven Stallis [ryanbueckendorf]

Sarah Whitman [prestige]

Molly Brand [alexdavis]

Sam Collier [camibird]

Soccer: 10/15- vs. Pattonville 10/16- vs. Lindbergh 10/22- @ Mehlville 10/23- vs. Washington 10/25- @ FZ West

Boys Swimming

Field Hockey

Golf

Cross Country

Volleyball

Football

Swimming is once again performing well in the Suburban West Conference.

Lancer swimmers are in the top five in seven of the eight swimming events, with senior Nathan Rahe holding three marks.

The team are favorites to win the Conference, and thanks to freshman diver Ori Ptah they have recovered from an earlyseason swoon due to the absence of a diver.

They have a key upcoming Conference match vs.

Parkway South Oct. 16.

The Lady Lancers round out a solid season with several key games, including two against Villa Duchesne and Nerinx.

The Lancers haven’t faired well against the private schools this year, with a record of 1-4.

They played against Ladue on Oct. 10, with Public High League Title implications on the line, as the Rams and the Lancers ranked Nos. 1 and 2.

Also, they play at Marquette in the classic “Marquette-Lafayette” rivalry game next Thursday at 4:15 p.m.

The Lady Lancers took second at Districts with a score of 380 on October 3, as sophomores Lindsey Carper and Sarah Whitman qualified for State with scores of 86 and 92, respectively.

State takes place this weekend in Springfield, MO. Whitman competed in the event last year while Carper is a first time State competitor.

The team was undefeated in Conference, beating Kirkwood, Marquette, Mehlville, Northwest, Parkway South, and Oakville.

The boys took home first at the Fred Lyon Metro Invitational at Jefferson Barracks last week, defeating the defending State Champ Fort Zumwalt West, along with Francis Howell, Lindbergh, Parkway South, and Parkway North.

Senior Eric Lutz took fifth, junior Steven Stallis took sixth and senior Drew Stiehl took seventh.

The team will compete in the Conference meet at Jefferson Barracks tomorrow at 10 a.m.

A No. 23 national ranking to open the season may have been the cause for some early losses, but the mettle of the Lady Lancers came through during an 11 game win streak.

With another 20 win season assured, they turn their attention to the postseason.

Standing out from their wins are victories against Howell Central and Eureka, who eliminated them last season.

They still have one more conference game at Senior night at Lafayette vs. Parkway South.

The Lancers improved their record to 3-2 after a big Homecoming win over Oakville 27-0 last week.

The team is fourth the Suburban West Conference, but their offense and defense are both ranked third.

They play unbeaten Fort Zumwalt West (50) tonight at home, the second of a four-game homestand.

District play begins next week with home games vs. Parkway South and CBC, and then away at Marquette.

$=` ` N

< =I

Tennis: 10/9- vs. Troy 10/13- vs. St. Josephs Football: 10/12- vs. FZ West 10/19- vs. Pkwy South 10/26- vs. CBC 11/2- @ Marquette Volleyball: 10/16- vs. Pkwy South Cross Country (Boys and Girls): 10/13- Conf. @ Jefferson Barracks 10/20- Dis. @ Washington 10/27- Sect. @ Jefferson Barracks 11/3- State @ Jefferson City Softball: 10/13- State Quarterfinals Golf: 10/15-10/16- State @ Springfield

<

È_fnËj `k ^f`e^6 f ]

i ^

X e

n_`c\%É X _

\ d f Z

EFN FG<E )+/' KXpcfi IfX[ N`c[nff[# DF -*'+' -*-%).*%+'.'

J_fn pfli jZ_ffc @;# Xe[ ^\k (' f]] pfli gliZ_Xj\ 9i\Xb]Xjk CleZ_ KXb\$Flk

nnn%i`j\[`e\%Zfd

bigleagues

[

stats, standings & stories

]

Cardinals Following a September implosion, the Cardinals fell to a third place finish and their worst record since 1999.

General Manager Walt Jockey was fired last Wednesday, with a decision by manager Tony La Russa soon to follow.

Rams

The Rams, now 0-5, continued an incredible freefall to the doldrums of the NFL with losses to the Cowboys and Cardinals.

The Rams play the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 14.

Blues

The Blues opened their season last Thursday against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Rookie D Erik Brewer, the top overall pick in 2005, scored his first NHL goal last Saturday night against the LA Kings.

The Blues play tonight against the Colorado Avalanche, and Wednesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Mizzou Football

The Tigers have ended the first half of the college football season with a perfect 5-0 record, notching a huge victory over Nebraska.

Mizzou plays Oklahoma tomorrow.

Mizzou Basketball

Mizzou basketball gets an early start tonight with Mizzou Midnight Madness, offering anxious fans their first glimpse of Mizzou’s 2008 basketball squad.

The Midnight Madness is popular among recruits interested in the school’s basketball program.

The event takes place at 9 p.m. at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.

[fourteen] imagesports

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

Opposing Viewpoints

Rankings expose the best, forget the rest The dream was born in the humblest of settings.

In living rooms across America, entranced by a glowing screen, we watched as our heroes played the game our fathers taught us to love.

We watched as they heaved touchdown passes across generation gaps and high-stepped their way to history, and a desire to follow in their hallowed footsteps took root in our hearts.

The dream continued in the backyard after the game, as we played Johnny Unitas, airing one out to our best friend’s Jerry Rice, just past the desperate, outstretched hands of our little brother’s Roger Wehrli.

This pickup game of the greats continued into the brisk November evening until a call for dinner broke the reverie and we headed in for a hearty Sunday meal. Like so many young Americans, we were hooked.

Like many dreams, this one is not limitless.

Most of us have traded in our footballs, jerseys and pads for equipment less glamorous; we will watch from the sidelines as new heroes emerge from the masses, bringing up a new generation in the tradition of the game we love.

Some among us have the talent to turn that dream into the reality we all crave. Physically, mentally and emotionally, they separate themselves from the crowd with feats of athletic skill.

They have done what we could not; perpetuate the dream we all share as far as they could. Like a fullback barreling between hostile tackles, they refused to fumble the dream to those who wanted

to strip them of it.

These players electrify scoreboards across the area. They carry the weight of a community upon their shoulders, every play of every game.

We know they’re good. They know they’re good. Why should a cold, calculating website tell them, or us, otherwise?

Rivals.com and Scout.com have made a business of telling the world who’s who in the world of high school and college prospects.

Certainly, those players chosen as the top prospects are legitimate. Woe to the sportswriter who attempts to tell Terrelle Pryor (Consensus No. 1 on both Rivals and Scout) he’s overrated.

Obviously, this site is for the best college football and basketball players in the land; I’m not disputing that the athletes they have selected are anything less.

The issue with Rivals and Scout lies not in those who they list as the best, but with those who are left out.

The very concept of a site which ranks the best players in the country is flawed in that for each of the Rivals 100 or Scout Top 150, there are thousands of unranked players who have done everything right with nothing to show for it.

Technically nothing is wrong with this ranking system. It serves the purpose for which it was intended. The coaches, players and fans all get what they want while Rivals and Scout make money off of the process. No complaints are coming from their corner.

In so many ways, people say that you cannot predict a player’s future performance at the high school grade level. Many people think that just because a player is greatly hyped, it does not necessarily mean that he will excel at the next level, due to comparison of intensity.

But, for me, being able to judge a player’s performance on a five-star grading system is all you need to weed out the rest from the best.

Rivals.com and Scout.com, two high school football and basketball recruiting databases, both judge high school player’s on performance, and scale all the players to each other using a five-star grading system.

This system has been great for the time it has been there. For the most part, the top 25 players all make impacts on their college team, and the top players of each class all tend to take a little part of the national spotlight.

Rivals and Scout have both featured players like LeBron James, Vince Young, Adrian Peterson and Greg Oden as the consensus number one of their respective classes.

Being able to access information such as this has drastically changed the way that these sports go about their business.

Being able to watch recruiting this closely has been a huge catalyst for those looking to jump to the NBA, or for where in the world they will attend school.

For football, it definitely increases the amount of hype a player has, and changes up practice schedules, and even game days.

What players are able to do is set up what they call an “official visit.” This is an NCAA regulated visit that a player gets to a certain school. Having something like this play a part in recruiting is huge.

This allows players to see how they like the feel of the school’s game day atmosphere. Something like that is significant, and can be a deciding factor in how players come to their ultimate decision.

Recruiting, however, is intensely regulated by the NCAA. Coaches are not allowed to make any contact with a recruit until their senior season, which is absurd.

A coach should be able to talk to a recruit whenever he feels like it. Now, granted, he shouldn’t be going around to recruits’ houses at 10:30 p.m. on a school night to chat, but when a player is getting ready for a game on a Friday afternoon, a coach should be able to call him up and wish him good luck.

However ridiculous that is, it is even more ridiculous that the NCAA recently banned coaches from contact ranging even to text messaging recruits at any time.

Again, a coach shouldn’t be texting a high school student 10 times a day, but every now and then, an uplifting or hintful text is not a big deal.

All that does is build good relations between a recruit and a program.

I can see where the NCAA is getting off though. Using limitations like these will prevent the game of recruiting from turning into a head coach on the side of a 5th grade recess football

contact the Image at smithnancy@rockwood.k12.mo.us or visit us online www.lafayettepublications.com

ryanbueckendorf

]

At the same time, everything is wrong with a system which has redefined a dream generations old, and not for the better.

30 years ago, high school football and basketball were all about snatching a piece of glory for yourself and your school, wearing a letter jacket and winning State.

Now, those sports have devolved into crucibles of pressure as players who merit a ranking are swept up into an upper echelon of unrealistic expectations at the expense of players who are playing at the height of their sports careers.

Such an experience can be the ruination of both types of players, and an obsession with rankings, scouting and college is largely to blame.

There is no easy solution to this issue; it is no fault of the websites that they rank the best players. Still, we need to remember that high school football and basketball are more than just a preview for colleges and scouts.

For some, it’s still about following the dream as far as it will take them, and it is in these players that the dream we all grew up with lives on.

Finding gamechangers early changes game for better

Your Ad Should Be Here

[

Swinging for the Fences

$1

Taylor Rd. 2432 Wildwood MO 636-458-3443

Off Any Smoothie

Expires 11/13/2007

[

Third and Forever alexdavis

]

game trying to see who has the fastest 40 time.

There are many players locally who are listed down in Rivals or Scout, and are getting some minor attention.

There are a few, however, that have been receiving some major national attention.

Seniors Blaine Gabbert (Parkway West) and Wes Kemp (DeSmet Jesuit), are both ranked in the top 20 players in the state, and Gabbert is actually in the top 15 players in the country.

Gabbert, who has made a verbal commitment to Nebraska, was scheduled to have his game against Parkway North televised on ESPNU, but suffered a shoulder injury before the game and did not play.

Kemp has also made his decision, and is headed to No. 15 Wisconsin.

Although it may not seem like everyone is covered nationally, in my opinion Rivals and Scout both do a great job of covering the players who will end up making an impact in the future.

Sarah’s Café & Bakery 505 Strecker Road Wildwood MO 63011 636-405-0014

Cupcakes For A Cause October 15-21 Sarah’s will donate proceeds to Cancer Care For Kids Indulge in a sweet treat while making a difference Stop By or Call For More Information Open For Breakfast & Lunch Monday- Friday 7-3 Saturday 8-3 Wednesday open for dinner until 8 p.m.

imageentertainment [fifteen]

lafayette high school [oct. 12, 2007]

Music to do your homework by Motion City Soundtrack: Even If It Kills Me

Matchbox 20: Exile On Mainstream After a five year break, nicolecastellano the boys are finally [entertainment editor] ready for something

Even If It Kills Me opens with

mikebujnak line ‘last night I fell in love with[staff reporter] out you.’ Perfect. Motion City Soundtrack brings back all elements that have brought them popularity so far. This album is chock full of great riffs and Justin Pierre’s boyishly pop oriented voice. Previous MCS fans will find home in “Fell In Love Without You,” “This Is For Real” and “Point Of Extinction.” The only track that let Even If It Kills Me down is “The Conversation,” which comes off as filler.

new. Each song has a catchy toe tapping beat, and “All Your Reasons” will be stuck in your head for days. Listening to the album takes you on a musical journey. Through this ‘newer’ sound you can still find old tunes because the second disc contains a greatest hits album.

Kanye West: Graduation Chi-town’s finest Kanye aaroncasias West is back with Graduation, [asst. news editor] his follow-up to the criti-

The Foo Fighters: Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace

This shows listeners the Foo

mikebujnak Fighters are still a musical force [staff reporter] to be reckoned with. The first single “The Pretender” is the best rocker on the album. The only problem is that it dwarfs the rest of the album and should’ve been put more in the middle. Foo Fighters bring all genres into one of their best laid out albums yet. Fans of the previous album In Your Honor can find similar sounds in “But, Honestly” and “Statues.”

Foo Fighters:

Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace

Dashboard Confessional: The Shade of Poison Trees

50 Cent: Curtis

This October finds Dash-

aaroncasias board Confessional front-man [asst. news editor] Chris Carrabba releasing his

latest work titled the Shade of Poison Trees. On Trees, Carrabba returns to his roots, focusing more on vocal-driven acoustic songs that are a pleasant surprises to older fans of the band. While better than recent full-band releases like A Mark a Mission a Brand a Scar, and Dusk and Summer, it still does not impress quite as thoroughly as older releases. Key tracks include the Title Track and “Little Bombs.”

cally acclaimed Late Registration. On Graduation, West is at his finest producing toe-tapping hooks and string samples to accentuate his soulful HipHop and R&B blend. While not quite as accomplished or focused as his previous efforts, stand out tracks like “Good Life,” “Homecoming” and “Stronger” make the album a solid, memorable release from the artist.

Kanye West: Graduation

The results are in and by nicolecastellano listening to this album [entertainment editor] it’s easy to see how 50 lost his ‘battle’ against Kanye West. The first few songs include gun shots and beats that sound monotonous. Okay we get it, you’re a gangster; how about being a musician? His collaboration with artists like Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige and more are better than him alone. The only song worth listening to is “Ayo Technology” which is on the radio.

spookyfun CreepyWorld features: haunted hayride, cornfield and mansion, ending at Silo-X hours: 7:30-10:30 p.m.

(Sunday-Thursday) and 7 p.m.- 1 a.m. (Friday and Saturday) where: Fenton ticket info: (314) 6318000 The Darkness hours: 7:30- 10:30 p.m.

(Sunday- Thursday) and 7 p.m.- 1 a.m. (Friday and Saturday) where: near Soulard Market ticket info: (314) 6318000 Mr. Bill’s Thrills features: 19-room haunted barn, threeacre walk through a “Trail of Terror” and “The Black Zone” hours: 7- 11 p.m.

(Friday- Saturday) where: Troy, MO ticket info: $12 “Tour of the Unexpected and Unexplained” features: cemetery tours, ghost dinner tours, “the Exorcist Tour” hours: time vary where: the Arch garage and the Feasting Fox Restaurant ticket info: (314) 8450522

give me the tools to succeed

I’ll launch my career

just watch me Join us for an Open House Saturday, November 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Schaumburg Campus 1400 N. Roosevelt Boulevard

Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Chicago Campus 430 S. Michigan Avenue

Roosevelt offers degrees in Biomedical Sciences, Business, Communications, Education, Performing Arts, Psychology and Sociology!

To register: 1-877-APPLY RU www.roosevelt.edu/openhouse applyRU@roosevelt.edu

flagthese The Pageant

onArt

Candy looks as good as it tastes when photographed just right

Senior Kylie Chi has been interested in photography since her sophomore year. This picture was taken for a digital rhythm assignment in Lauren Sakowski’s Photography 2 class. “I wanted to do something colorful because everything we do in class is black and white,” Chi said. She has her own darkroom at home and is a member of Photo Club.

[info]tainment Back In The Day

Friday, Oct. 12, 2007 [sixteen]

Favorite costumes bring out a little character

Oct. 16 at 8 p.m.

Brandi Carlile w/ A Fine Frenzy $16 Oct. 20 at 8 p.m.

Henry Rollins Spoken Word $22 Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.

HIM $28.50 Oct. 27 at 8 p.m.

Stephen Lynch $28

Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Avenged Sevenfold $27

Pops

Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

Underoath $20 Oct. 19 at 6 p.m.

VIVA LA BANDS feat.

Cradle of Filth w/ GWAR and CKY $28 Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.

Chiodos w/ Emery, Scary Kids Scaring Kids $15

Scottrade Center

Oct. 13 at 8 p.m.

Rascal Flatts $49.75

[Ryan Benthall, 11] Age: 4

Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Van Halen $47

Family Arena Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

Casting Crowns $17-42

[Jenny Helderle, 10] Age: 6

Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

Lithium: Tribute to Nirvana w/ Even Flow: Tribute to Pearl Jam $10

[Anna Maness, 9] Age: 12

Did You Know?

•93 percent of kids trick or treat •Halloween is one of the oldest celebrations •A pumpkin is in the same family as a cucumber •The largest pumpkin is 1,446 pounds from Ontario, Canada •Orange = the harvest and Black = darkness and death •Magician Harry Houdini died from a ruptured appendix on Halloween in 1926 •The Irish started the tradition of Trick-or-Treating

The Fox Theater Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.

Widespread Panic $32.50

[Lucas Klein, 10] Age: 3

Classic haunts will never go out of style The style of costumes has changed over the years. Instead of the traditional white sheet with holes in it, costumes have become more creative and detailed. According to Kristen the assistant manager of the West County Johnnie Brock’s the most popular costumes this year are pirates and the Playboy Bunny for girls. As for the guys; gangsters and pirates are the trendiest. Costumes have even jumped in price ranging from $50- $100 each.

[ ] Who’s Who?

1.

3.

Oct. 25 at 8 p.m.

Carlos Mencia $37.50-45

New to CD

Oct. 16 Avenged Sevenfol Self Titled

1. Jeremy Clark, senior.

Age: 4

Jimmy Eat World Chase the Light

2. Kelsea Roccia, junior.

Age: 4

Oct. 23 Angels and Airwaves I- Empire

3. Emily VonGruben, senior.

Age: 3

2.

Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.

Bob Dylan w/ Elvis Costello $57.50-77.50

nicolecastellano [entertainment editor]

Coheed and Cambria No World for Tomorrow Serj Tankian Elect the Dead