Sept. 14, 2007

Page 1

[the]image Friday, Sept. 14, 2007 [Vol. 39 Issue 1]

www.lafayettepublications.com

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

Students, staff react to new Lab

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The newly implemented Academic Lab was designed to give teachers extra time to aid students, yet some are questioning its effectiveness.

aaroncasias [asst. news editor]

The Academic Lab. As those words are read, several of you roll your eyes or turn to the nearest person to rant about the distress it’s caused. However, before conclusions are drawn, administrators say everyone needs to give the innovative schedule time to work. Principal John Shaughnessy said the Academic Lab (AL) period was the result of a meeting between 28 teachers (including Cheryl Hermach, language arts teacher) and administrators who met last year to discuss a book called Whatever it Takes. “The premise of that book,” Shaughnessy said, “was to take a look at our school setting and our offerings and programs to see if we’re meeting all the needs of our kids.” “In talking about the book and what we got from the chapter, we said [the school being discussed in the book is] really doing a lot of intervention and a lot of catching students who are falling by incorporating some type of Academic Lab guided study,” Hermach said. Shaughnessy said the group looked at how they could offer support for students during the day instead of as an after school activity or before school activity. The teachers and administrators present decided the best way to go about offering this support would be to allow extra time during classes in the form of an Academic Lab period in order to avoid lengthening the regular school day. So how exactly is the Academic Lab supposed to meet the needs of students? “The Academic Lab provides 25 minutes extra a day where kids can do a number of things for support,” Shaughnessy said. “The Academic Lab was really addressing three [student] areas: at risk, traditional and accelerating,” Shaughnessy said. “We tried to find some time to provide additional resources for our students that would meet specific needs, whether that be extended time on an assignment, make-up work, redoing assignments or one-on-one time with teachers,” he added. The teachers, just like students, have been attempting to cope with the new schedule and the freedom it grants them during the allotted 25 minutes. “We were given a lot of latitude when it comes to the Academic Lab,” Jean Peters, language arts teacher, said. “I might be a little more uncomfortable with that if I were a newer teacher, but as an experienced teacher, I love having that power.” Students will not refute that Academic Lab is used differently from class to class. And, teachers have come up with some interesting ways to spend their extra 25 minutes. “[Academic Lab time] varies a lot. That’s part of what I want to keep doing. I’ve done yoga. In AP Art History classes, we did statue games,” Peters said. Also like the students, teachers are having some frustrations and difficulties adapting to the new schedule, with the class times and bells altering daily. “It catches me off guard. I don’t have it in my pattern to plan for it yet. Those are things I need to get better at,” Hermach said. “I will never remember the bell schedule. I have to look every hour to figure it out,” Peters said. For teachers, there is also the matter of dealing with shortened classes and planning the curriculum around the new time restraints.

what’sinside

Parking rules and regulations differ at the four high schools districtwide. [see p. 7]

Though extremely dangerous and illegal, the lure of speed racing is causing some teens to spend thousands of dollars on their cars. Police are concerned about the popularity among high school students. [see p. 10]

[Study Habits]

Using some extra time, senior Amber Clay spends Academic Lab working on a personal narrative in language arts teacher Laurie Fay’s Senior Comp class. Fay spends her Lab doing SAT preparation or continuing longer lessons or writing assignments. kritsahines

“It’s an unresolved issue. I ask myself, ‘Am I utilizing the Academic Lab time as well as I would be utilizing those extra minutes of class time?’” Naturally, students have their own views on the Academic Lab schedule and how thoroughly unprepared they were for the implementation of the new schedule on their first days of school. “I don’t think we were told in advance, and even if we were it wasn’t really explained to us what the Academic Lab was,” sophomore Nicholas Goldstein said. Students, like Goldstein and junior Robby Campbell spoke out concerning the frustrations the new bell schedule has caused the classes. “I don’t know when any of my classes end. I don’t know what time lunch ends or when I need to be in my classes after lunch,” Goldstein said. “It gets a little confusing. You get the hang of it after a while, but it [Academic Lab] always seems to come at a bad time, like during the wrong class on the wrong day,” Campbell said. The frustration, for the most part, comes from students feeling their Academic Lab time is not being used effectively. Students have made claims that games or busy activities are taking up most

of the time. “We’ve done ‘Simon Says’ in Spanish,” he said. “It’s not really useful when your teachers don’t really know what to do with it,” Campbell said. “I think that [the Academic Lab] could be effective, but as of right now it’s definitely not because teachers aren’t using it in a way that would make it effective,” Goldstein said. All student opinions aside, teachers are working to make the Academic Lab successful and something that will be fully functional for the 2007-2008 school year. While there are still plenty of skeptics, even among teachers, there is a definite feeling of perseverance and determination to make this concept a success amongst the faculty. “At this point I’m going to say I’m not a believer yet, but I’m going to try hard. I’m not going to give up on it,” Peters said. “I think we’re just heading into where [the Academic Lab] could be useful,” Hermach said, “Even after first quarter, I don’t think it’s going to be long enough to really tell anything, because it’s our first time through. The teachers have to learn it as well.”

Ahoy! The Pirate themed Homecoming is only three weeks away. [see p. 14]

Soccer’s All-State forward Sean Butler is back from a bout with mono to join a team returning its top offensive players from a year ago. [see p. 15]

comingsoon [Sept. 17] District College Fair, 5 p.m. [Sept. 18] Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:30-8 p.m. [Sept. 19] Early Dismissal Day/ National “Talk Like a Pirate” Day [Sept. 20] Variety Show, 7 p.m. [Sept. 27] Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:30-8 p.m. [Sept. 28] Senior Lunch on the Shelf [Oct. 1-6] Homecoming Week. See p. 14 for events list [Oct. 9] Jazz/Chamber Choir Concert, 7 p.m.

[Extra Attention]

Math Department Chair Dana Phillips offers individual help to students during Academic Lab. kristahines

[Comparing Notes]

Seniors Cody Griffin and Jonathan Bierey use Academic Lab time to discuss an assignment. kristahines

[Oct. 12] First Quarter Ends.


[two] imageopinions lafayette high school

imagestaff

[people & policies] Brooke Thibodaux   newseditor Aaron Casias   asst.newseditor Nick Elwood   opinioneditor Sydney Miller   featureseditor Brett Hamlin   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   kendallbrewer   mikebujnak   erikdauster    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. The 2005-2006 Image was named an International First Place winner from Quill and Scroll, and Superior by the Sponsors of School Publications of Greater St. Louis. 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.

Jury is still out on Academic Lab’s ability to fulfill its original purposes

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As with any major reform, analysis of the change’s success or failure is imperative and the newly conceived Academic Lab is no different, without doubt worthy of reappraisal. In this circumstance, one must question the intent of such a bold move, a move forcing students to bend their routine class schedules without warning. And yet, next year’s proposed block scheduling should prove an even more fierce challenge, a tremendous shock to familiarity. The Academic Lab provides a rotating block of 25 additional minutes to each class, depending on the day of the week. It reduces all other classes by several minutes, making day-to-day schedules inevitably mind-boggling and entirely too complex to keep track of. Through these warped schedules and long hours, the students have pressed on, naturally assessing the usefulness of such a thing, whether or not the allotted time is being successfully applied. It’s a clear dilemma, whether the confusion and mess is fulfilling its initial purpose: free time for individual studies, one-on-one help and playing catch-up; or perhaps, if it possesses any bit of merit. Still, the concept of Academic Lab, though

inconvenient and initially challenging, is theoretically sound. It’s creation was founded upon a seemingly genuine desire to achieve greater success within the classroom. Principal John Shaughnessy said, “The Academic Lab was actually formed by a group of 28 teachers and administrators who did a book study on Whatever It Takes. By reading this book and discussing the best practices in education, we tried to look at another way to offer support for our students during our school day, as part of our school structure, and not as an extra after or before-school activity.” He added, “By discussing the best way to meet the needs of kids at Lafayette, we decided we could work with the time frame we already had built into the school day, between the hours of 8:28 a.m. and 3:04 p.m. and we could alter each class a little bit and create an extra piece of time during the school day to meet our needs.” This new piece of time’s early hang-ups is very real, consisting of many trials and even more errors, but that is to be expected with such a drastic change. The general consensus is that it is simply too early to properly assess this alteration’s successes and failures on any deeper level than impression. Students waltzed into this strange trap unaware, forced to just deal with it, but the teachers

The hot months are here. Waves of humidity settle into the Midwest’s stifling atmosphere. It’s September now and with it the dawn of another school year has arrived. This is a difficult realization to accept for face value, with the three month period of rejuvenation and independence finished. However, a closer look reveals something that goes unnoticed by far too many. I have seen the blank stares that adorn the sagging faces, the tired eyes that spell out restlessness. I have seen the masses drift aimlessly, existing but seemingly non-living. These weary souls flood the hallways of Lafayette each year and 2007-2008 is shaping up to be no different. But why such a zombified state? Too many of us fall victim to the schedules, deadlines, and pressures thrust upon us at this time each year. But why? Is there nothing worth smiling about? Is this truly purgatory, just some dusty roadstop along the way, something simply to tolerate? It’s as if all enthusiasm to learn has died, or that the student population has taken their education for granted,

classifying all school hours as wasted time, just sort of dazing through it, accepting it, grimly, as some mandatory void with nothing to offer, but a bridge to the final bell. Well, I say, “Wake up!” Carpe diem. Seize the day, for it is yours to make. There is no sense in bitterness without action. One can complain all day long without making a bit of difference, without a single ripple of change. The issue transcends apathy or ignorance, scraping the bounds of unconsciousness. Students are sleeping through this crucial time. Instead of analyzing a situation’s drags, we should all find the good. Instead of fading into stress and chaos, we should set goals, encourage one another and simply appreciate the availability of an education. There will always be strife; the presence of trouble is not a new concept. However, progress is impossible when hung up on this old evil. So shake it off. Shake off your neurological illness, your preconceived notions of negativity.

staff editorial

too, went in nearly blind. We must keep in mind one notion: everyone is new to this. Neither the student body, administration, staff, nor teaching force is experienced in the realm of the Academic Lab and we must progress accordingly, with forgiveness and flexibility. So far, it seems that every teacher acts upon this time aggressively and uniquely, teaching straight through the absence of a bell declaring the lab’s start and not yielding until the time is finished. It seems that without declaration of this period, all are left taking shots in the dark and floundering like gasping fish in an attempt to squeeze out some kind of substance. We are all left blind to the daily routines and bell schedules. And although it is important to worry less about time and more about one’s focus, it is equally as important to plan ahead. And so, with clarity of intention secured, we may find it easier to coast into the sporadic scheduling of this new year. Forget not, we are all students to the teachings of this reform, and with the proper attitude it may pay off. As for fulfillment of its prospected goal, it is far too soon to say for sure. The only thing to do now is to sit back, think long and hard, and try to remember the real reason all of this awkward molding is taking place: for our own good.

Apathy is out of style in new school year Social Decadence nickelwood

That’s all it takes, just an opening of the eye, allowing the realization of awareness to occur. Make the day yours, make it the best you’ve ever had. Realize that with each wasted moment, your life slips further from your loose grasp and rise above apathy. Hatred toward school has been done; it’s time to try appreciation and independent drive. Educate yourself on your own terms. And now, as the days grow shorter and the morning’s kiss begins to cool, summer’s tantalizing allure slowly slips away. Soon, the leaves will fall for autumn.


imageopinions [three] lafayette high school

[stars & gripes]

studentperspective

Student letters express views Dear Editor,

At the start of every day for the past three years, I knew I could always rely on the morning announcements. Although many in my classes ignored these announcements and talked, I tried my best to listen, as many of the announcements for athletics applied to me and my announcing schedule. With the start of this year, membership in clubs such as Key Club has dwindled (according to advisor Mr. Jay Buck) because of the lunch announcements on the television… which brings up another issue. I would much rather be watching ESPN or Fox Sports or the news than be seeing the day’s announcements. The announcements in the morning were more effective because a teacher could tell a class to shut up and listen. In the Commons, however, people can talk freely (and loudly) and not have to listen to the seemingly endless drone of announcements. I’d like to encourage the administration and all others involved to please reinstate the announcements to the beginning of 2nd hour. While I realize that this does remove instruction time, I feel that it is better to have the entire school listen once than have the announcements repeated thrice a lunch when hardly a soul listens anyway. Missing ESPN, Nick Gass, senior

Dear Editor,

The present state of Lafayette and of the entire

world, for that matter, may not be our “fault” but it certainly is our responsibility. It doesn’t have to be so divided. White students and black students don’t have to act like oil and water. We’ve all seen the sharp segregation at lunch! In case we’ve forgotten, skin color is only a color and we don’t have to accept any stereotypes or judgments we have been taught. It is within our power to break the chains of racism that clearly live in our society. While we’re on the subject of stereotypes, let’s talk about the developing image of women in our society. Women are just another group in society and it has become a trend in media and in a great deal of the Hip-Hop industry to degrade and objectify this group in society as nothing more than a sex object. I was under the impression that a goal of democracy is protecting the self-worth and dignity of every individual! “With liberty and justice for all…” How many times have we repeated those lines? “All” includes men, women, homosexuals, heterosexuals and people of every ethnicity, every belief-system and any walk-of-life. While we’re at it, why don’t we include the whole world in this “all”- after all, the border of a country are only lines on a map. It’s time we all stepped out of the “St. Louis Bubble” and opened our eyes to the bigger picture of reality. It may seem like a cliché, but we are the future- is this all really what we would choose? One person truly can make a difference on every level from Lafayette to the entire world.

publicopinion This month the Image asks “What is your goal for this year’s academic venture?” “To get straight A’s.” -Luci Murphy, 9

“Going for a 4.2 GPA.” -Jack Hoover, 10

“To get through my OSEP 30-mile hike and gain the experience.” -Nancy Pappas, 11

“Stay in my class top five percent.” -Ryan Conde, 12

“To know every freshman and help them become a part of Lafayette.” -Renee Trotier, freshman principal

There are plenty of opportunities at Lafayette to get started: Diversity Alliance, Black Student Union (open to all races), Earth Club, Amnesty International, etc. The future is in our hands; what kind of school do you choose- what kind of country do you- what kind of world do you choose? Keely McCaskie, junior

Dear Editor,

Our country’s children risk and even sacrifice their lives in defense of our freedom, but there are other sons and daughters risking their lives and civil liberties. Their incarcerated faces stare, begging for the opportunity to speak like we can. And as you value just your natural rights, question if you could deny humanity’s essentials to a stranger. And while someone in this world cares about you, remind yourself of how quickly you could be the one grieving. And if you cannot honor those who have passed, think instead of those left behind, so that when a faceless brother or sister needs you to demand that liberties are due to every gender, race, and religion, the real question is simple. Are you going to make the difference? Your means are unique. It is your given duty to demand change. It is your right to insist not only a better world, but on the natural rights of all-the right to Amnesty, International. In peace, Taylor Paglisotti, junior

Better move it or lose it, ace jaredanderson

I fear for my safety each day when I drive and then walk into school. One of these days, Mrs. Cadillac Escalade will not see me and hit me; I’m convinced of it. Or I’ll get run over by one of my peers and rushed off to the ER because the radio is much more interesting than looking through the windshield. The speed limit in the parking lot is 10 miles per hour. Why not enforce this rule? At least 10 times a day someone exceeds this limit. I’ve been known to get a lead foot now and then; who hasn’t? But for drivers who show blatant disregard of anyone’s safety by going 30 miles an hour through the parking lot should probably be punished. Nonetheless, I have never seen nor heard of anyone getting a speeding ticket or even a warning about excessive speeding in the parking lot. So why not have an attendant on duty warning, or if necessary begin fining speed demons? Some students somehow find a way to park in the same spot or area daily. Unfortunately for late sleepers, this is not the case. So why get punished for some shuteye? I think assigning parking spots is a great idea. First choice should go to Renaissance seniors, followed by non-Renaissance seniors. Renaissance juniors should get second pick, and so on and so forth. What a great way to dish out something most students care about, while still respecting seniority and grades. This will also make life easier for attendants as they make the daily rounds to ensure we all properly display our passes. If students don’t display their passes in the right way or commit another violation, Halloween comes early. Yes for a trick, we get a treat: that wonderful orange violation sticker. And it doesn’t come off. Using water, an ice scraper, good old fashioned elbow grease and finally Windex to get a violation sticker off seems to be the best method. Good luck. Perhaps a decal might do some justice for students who forget to put up their pass. Decals are easy to get off and also collectible, for those of you who are notorious rebels. Ah, leaving school. It’s a wonderful thing for everyone, but why not make it faster? Three lanes of the parking lot are allowed to exit each day. The problem with this is in order to exit, the attendant in front of you must move. Using only one lane would make the leaving process quicker because the line would only stop when the buses leave. This way, students who must run out to their cars to avoid getting stuck behind the buses could actually beat the buses. Every time. And finally, the (walkway) into school needs some altering. First, why not use some of the $100 from parking pass sales to paint more cross-walks in the parking lot? But that’s not enough; we need stop signs too because using a cross-walk is pointless: in West County, pedestrians yield to cars. One other thing: to make the campus look better, make a sidewalk on the barren island by the pool side entrance. I enjoy driving to school, but when I get there, my joy turns to dismay. A few simple changes in the parking lot would really do some good for safety and time. So why not keep our standards high for the parking lot as well as the inside of the building?

stars to: • Shiny new tiles provide a welcoming feel to a seemingly new school. But were they necessary? • The new minute bell provides elevator ambience, one step closer to genuine melody. Maybe ‘Mary had a Little Lamb’ will come next year. • They didn’t invent the chicken, just the chicken sandwich. Chikfil-a opens in Chesterfield valley. • Construction workers’ botch in snipping wires triggers fire alarm. Shorter school day, suckas! • The 2006-2007 Image was named a Pacemaker finalist for the third time in four years. We’re kind of a big deal. • The Class of 2008 has 31 National Merit Recognized students, soundly whipping the Class of 2007. Beat that ‘09. • Journalism teacher Nancy Smith was one of six finalists for Missouri Teacher of the Year. Unfortunately, she was defeated by a middle school history teacher. Go figure!

gripes to: • The Senior Hall leaks water from the ceiling. How about a little maintenance priority for the Class of 2008? • Parents continuously drop off their kids in front of Welcome Center mucking up the works. • Pavarotti sings his last note. Opera tenor bites the big one. • Britney Spears grows some hair for her new CD release on Nov. 13. Gee, we hope it’s as great as her VMA performance! • Farewell to gun purchase waiting period allows instantaneous action in murderous frenzies. • Misspelled parking passes proudly display ‘Lafaytte.’ It’s comforting, too, how long it took for everyone to notice. • The rise in lunch and cookie prices swindles students out of their money. Revolt! Brown bag it! • Rick Ankiel is accused of taking HGH in 2004. We knew it was too good to be true.


newsbriefs Announcements

Last year, 2nd Hour was interrupted each day for the morning announcements. They are now aired over the televisions in the Commons before school and during lunch. Administrators are also considering distributing paper copies to all teachers to post in classrooms and creating bulletin boards or message centers for announcements. Teachers also have the option of tuning their televisions to Channel 96 where the announcements can be accessed during the day. The Pledge of Allegiance will still be recited over the intercom once a week in order to meet state law. sarahcalhoun

Senior Finals

Last spring, some seniors created a petition fighting a rumored final exemption change. However, according to Assistant Superintendent Kathy Peckron, these rumors are false. Rockwood’s policy concerning senior exemptions is as follows according to the Board of Education Regulation 6451, “During their final semester, seniors may exempt from final exams in all courses in which they are earning an “A” at exam time.” sarahcalhoun

Light Switch

The newly installed censor-controlled lighting system are a district wide energy conserving measure. As part bond issue, these motion-controlled lights were installed in all district schools to help conserve energy. Any five-minute break in motion, however, will leave working teachers and testing students in the dark. sarahcalhoun

Tax Levy

The Rockwood School District recently approved a tax levy that represents the lowest rate in 13 years. The levy was approved at $3.9987 for 2007-2008, which is a decrease of 41.90 cents from last year’s tax levy. brookethibodaux

[four] imagenews lafayette high school

Long lines, prices create frustration

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Students experience the frustrating problems of long lines and underestimated food purchase and preparation. With lunch times varying every other day, due to Academic Lab, the cafeteria staff’s job is even more challenging this year.

kristahines At 11:10 a.m. each day, students [staff reporter] swarm through the hallways,

down the steps and into the long line of grumbling stomachs. By the time senior Julia Jonczyk went to her locker, walked downstairs, got her food and sat down she only had 19 minutes to eat her meal. The lines seem to getting longer. In the first few weeks of school problems with food distribution and long lines not only frustrated the students but the lunch administration as well. “The 9th grade is eating us out of house and home; I don’t know what it is. They’re just eating more and more,” cafeteria manager Wendi Bening said. In the second week of school some students were turned down when they asked for hamburgers or cheeseburgers because the cafeteria had completely run out of buns. On another day that week, the deli line ran out of meat. “We never used to make as many sandwiches; on Friday we made more than 200,” Bening said. Problems like this are typical for the beginning of school years because the staff is adjusting to a new student body, and the students are adjusting to new lunch shifts and food lines, or sometimes a whole new school. In comparison to last year, it seems the numbers of students in each lunch shift have risen dramatically, but Associate Principal Jodi Davidson said the numbers have stayed pretty close to what it was in the previous years. Davidson said the lunch lines appear longer this year because more students have decided to buy lunch rather than bring it from home. Another reason for crowded lunch lines is on three out of five days lunch is 30 minutes later. The time difference is due to the new Academic Lab time. On Mondays and Tuesdays Academic Lab is at the end of the day. But on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, the lab takes place before lunch. Not only does this affect student’s appetites, but also the cafeteria staff must have the food ready sooner on Mondays and Tuesdays. Bening said, “It makes us later and we don’t get out of here until 15 minutes after we’re suppose to be leaving, but once it all gets adjusted to, hopefully by next week and early September it will run smoother. Then I’ll be able to sit back and say, ‘I did okay today.’” The schedule of which classes eat different shifts was also adjusted this year. The language and foreign language department chairpeople talked with Davidson and requested that they be moved from second lunch shift. Originally the Family and Consumer Sciences Department (FACS) was scheduled for second

[Impatiently Waiting]

Students congregate while waiting in long lines during the third lunch shift. At the beginning of the school year, third lunch is known to run out of food, since it is the last lunch shift. The job of coordinating the amount of food that needs to be ordered is a difficult job, which takes a few weeks to determine, as cafeteria manager Wendi Bening has acknowledged. [kristahines]

lunch, but teachers were concerned that they would have to stop for lunch then refocus on their projects and not have enough time. The FACS teachers had a meeting with Davidson and brought up the idea of transferring to first or second lunch shift. Davidson decided to try a new plan and on Sept. 27 and 28 FACS classes moved to first lunch shift. Then, Davidson made the final decision to keep the FACS in first lunch shift. “Things will work out better this way because we won’t have to start a project, stop to eat lunch, and then return to sewing,” senior Julia Mulhall, a student in 4th Hour Fashion Design said. Administrators and cafeteria staff said the scheduling issues and food availability should be better by now and will continue to improve as students settle back into their routines. Another thing that has caught the attention of

students are the lunch prices. The prices of school lunches continue to grow each year. This year, junior Seth Larsen spends $7 a day buying a cheeseburger, Funyuns, pop tarts and PowerAde. That’s $35 a week, just for lunch. Bening said most of the price changes are due to inflation. The school is paying more money for items like milk and PowerAde which means the school is charging a higher price. “The smoothies went up 25 cents, but they’re being put into bigger cups,” Bening said. However, at a table of juniors nobody noticed the size change, but they did detect the price difference. Students can’t fight the prices for lunch because they have to eat something. The possibility of bringing lunch to school could save money, but students said it is a hassle.

Wildwood Town Center

Every Tuesday in September Is Lancer Night! Ice Cream Eating Contest & 25% Off All Student Purchases

New Student Discounts


imagenews [five] lafayette high school

newsbriefs Speech, Debate

Go With The Flow

clubnews

[Ongoing Construction]

As cars continue to pass by, another bridge goes up near the Brentwood exit before Hanley Road. After the Hanley exit, interchange 170 has been redesigned to make traffic flow more smooth and efficient. The area was hazardous previously due to traffic lights and stop and go traffic. That has now been alleviated. betsyrivas

Construction could impact travel times brookethibodaux [newseditor] “In the mean time, it’s really painful,” social studies teacher Vince Deblasi said about the construction on Highway 40(I-64), that stretches from Spoede Road to Sarah Street. Currently the major problem that MoDOT is attempting to fix is the 40 and Brentwood interchange that previously caused traffic congestion. “One big improvement just outside our neighborhood is the connection from 40 to 170 (also known as the innerbelt),” business teacher Betsy Rivas said. Planned to be finished by the end of 2009, the construction has been making productive progress, but not without sacrifices for locals, a total of 170,000 commuters a day according to MoDOT. The construction has not only impacted the more central St. Louis area, but locally, our teachers, buses, students and sports teams are affected as well. From the teacher perspective of those who live closer to the downtown area, traveling a time consuming distance to Lafayette has created many headaches. For instance, finding new routes, leaving enough time to get to school early and braving the traffic are common dilemmas these teachers face. “It has forced me to find alternate routes on a daily basis. I take 44 now which is six miles out of my way,” language arts David Choate said. Depending on where teachers live, the delay time varies. For Rivas the delay is only about 5 minutes of re-routing since the ramp outside of her neighborhood was closed this past spring. On the other extreme, math teacher Kathy Soucy said it took her 15 minutes to move a mile one day. She said typically she gets up early enough to make it to school even if she experiences delays. “I have a feeling that if I’m not running real early I’m going to have to go a completely different route and get on 40 in a different place,” she said. “Once they shut it down completely I’m really going to be bumming.” In order to try and put one less car on the highway, Soucy is trying to figure out a schedule for some days to carpool with language arts teacher Jean Peters, who also lives in the city. “Where I live is University City, so right at Hanley and 40 it’s kind of become a problem because I can’t get on to Westbound 40 from Hanley anymore. That’s kind of an issue. But honestly, it hasn’t been so bad just yet. But once they start closing down more of the bridges and overpasses, it’ll get worse for sure,” Deblasi said. Teachers aren’t the only ones who are feeling a migraine. Bus drivers have been trying to get their kids to school on time, but traffic has made it difficult. “Instead of getting on 40, we have to go all the way to 44 and then get here probably 5 minutes late. Normally (meaning last year) I got here about 8-8:05 a.m. to sign in, because we are supposed to be here by 8:10 a.m. But now I’ve been getting here 8:15-8:19 a.m. due to the traffic on 40. It’s horrible,” bus driver Lawanda House said.

The speech and debate class was cancelled on the first day of school after only two students enrolled. Asst. Speech and Debate Coach Donald Kreienkamp said the low numbers were a result of reduced interest for the speech and debate class and students who were interested, but could not find room in their schedules. However there will still be a speech and debate team that will meet on Tuesdays in Room 148.

However, another problem with the construction arises since Highway 44 is “starting to get congested because that’s where everybody else is going to,” said House. A total of 11 buses bring inner-city kids to school every morning. “It’s difficult because there is too much construction going on,” Senior Jerwane Alexander said. Many students complain of arriving late to school. Senior Leea Reid says she “arrives 20 minutes late to school everyday, missing half of her first hour.” When asked if Highway 40 has impacted her life, she said, “Oh yes, because every single day I miss part of class and I miss half the lecture. I have psychology first hour and that’s just a lecture class, so now I’m going to end up failing.” She has to spend extra time after school figuring out what she missed during class. Not only is the frustration of arriving to school posing a problem, but re-routing due to construction is confusing. “Yesterday I decided to go to the mall and my dad got lost trying to go there. And he always takes that highway and now he gets lost. We went all the way to St. Charles trying to get there. And we had to make a real big circle just to get back,” freshman Virjinia Boston said. In the sports aspect, teams leaving school to go and compete have to depart early to avoid traffic. Since Lafayette gets out fairly late in the afternoon, “traffic is starting to build up a little bit anyway, ”Activities Director Steve Berry said. “And with having the construction at the same time as well … means that we’re pushing all of our start times.” This means that starting next year sport activities will have to be scheduled for 4:30 p.m. instead of 4:15 p.m. When asked whether or not the delay of construction will hurt any Lafayette teams, Berry said, “I don’t think so and I say that primarily because we’ve contacted the other schools and already told them that we’re going to be pushing it and because we’re pushing it they’re going to need to

Reserved Officer Training Core (ROTC) will be hold a “Picnic in the Park” at St. Louis Creek Forest Park next month. Lafayette Theatre Company will present Lost in Yorkers for the Fall Dinner Theater in the Commons on Oct. 18, 19 and 20. “This year we’re doing a dinner theater instead of the traditional fall drama,” Alexandra Vranas, Thespian president said. French Club will meet in Room 229 every Thursday for all interested students. The Computer Club meets in Room 257 every Thursday after school at 3:15. The Ultimate Frisbee Club gets together to play Frisbee at Babler State Park every Wednesday. Any student is welcome to join. The CARE team is open to all students. The group works to better the school community and support school values. In the past they have painted trash cans and murals, planted flowers and selected Men and Women of Character each month.

understand that we need appropriate warm up time.” Although many cons can be listed about the current condition of the highway, the benefits will be numerous, when all is said and done. There will be “less commute time, more direct route, better bridges… It gives you a little bit more comfort knowing the bridge won’t fall on you,” Deblasi said. Hopefully the new improvements won’t put the $535 million project to waste. “From what I’ve seen in MoDOT’s plan, I actually know somebody from MoDOT, I’ve noticed that it looks like it will open up,” said Deblasi. Soucy had the enjoyment of experiencing a previous reconstruction of Spoede and Clarkson. “I think the highway will be a lot better, I’m thinking it’s going to be wider,” Soucy said. “Our neighborhood and the adjoining neighborhood to our West approved for a soundwall construction,” Rivas said. Right now Rivas’ house has been on the market, since April, due to the highway. “They (buyers) love the house, love the neighborhood, but we just don’t know what’s happening with the highway so they’re reluctant to make an offer.” The project seems to be running smoothly and scheduled to finish on time. As of now, “life is very slow,” junior Raphell Keeton said.

The Anime Club, meet every Wednesday after school in Room 150 until 4 p.m. They will be enjoying Japanese culture and food. They may attend anime conventions. Fellowship of Christian Athletes will meet at Alex Johnson’s house Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, see sponsor Brittany Trott. The Film Club will have its first meeting in Room 129. It’s open to all, but requires parent consent because some of the movies are Rated-R. Key Club will meet the last Wednesday of each month in the Commons. Some of its upcoming events include, “The Rally in the Valley on Sept. 29,” Jay Buck said.


clubnews The Graphic Design Club will meet in Room 211 on Mondays or Wednesdays. Watch for flyers with additional information. National Honor Society will have its first meeting in the Flex room on Sept. 24. Upcoming projects include repainting and rebuilding St. Louis homes, Rockwood Reading Week and later on helping with Operation Christmas Child. The Robotics Club is competing against other teams to build a robot that has to meet certain requirements and go through obstacles. “It’s a great club for everyone even if you’re not into technical stuff,” sponsor Paige Hereford said. “Teenage Health Consultants” and “Teens against Tobacco Use” are accepting applications. These can be picked up outside Room 112 in the FACS hallway. Please return to Becky Lawrence in Room 110 or Mandy. Regina in Room 112 by September 19. Applicants that have been accepted will be listed on the bulletin board outside Room 112 on September 21.

[six] imagenews lafayette high school

Wildwood voters shoot down Proposition 1 erikdauster [staff reporter] Shall the city of Wildwood replace the current leased buildings and police facility with a new city hall and county police precinct facility for a sum not to exceed $8 million? On August 7, about 61 percent of Wildwood voters said, “No.” “I don’t think many people are against a new city hall for Wildwood, there just wasn’t enough public input on the proposition before it was time to vote,” junior Justin Davies said. Opponents of city hall’s construction said the proposed building too much resembled Chesterfield’s city hall and that too much money would have been taken away from other city projects. The dominant reason many voters opposed the proposition, though, was the building’s potential cost. There was the possibility that the new city hall would not cost $8 million, however, it was just guaranteed not to exceed that amount. City Council Member Ron James (Ward 6) said, “Even the city didn’t know what it was going to cost. They hadn’t gotten that far along with the plans. They just said it would cost less than $8 million. No one really knew.” “$8 million is just too much for a building. It would be better to fund community projects with the money,” freshman Dylan Albers said. The new city hall and precinct facility would have been constructed on land already owned by the city

of Wildwood, at the far west end of Main Street. The current city hall is being leased at 16962 Manchester Rd. and the city is also leasing space in the Metro West Fire Protection District Headquarters on Highway 109 for the county police precinct. The current situation, James said, is inconvenient. “You cannot take a building built in the 1800s and make it efficient. What we have right now is the old Funk’s grocery store. It really wasn’t designed to be a city hall.” Wildwood also rents space behind the current building plus three lockers for storage space. Leases for both the city hall and police precinct end Jan. 1, 2008. By then, the police precinct will be moved from Metro West to another undetermined location because of insufficient space. “The police should have their own place to go. We should be honoring them for everything they do for us instead of taking away their right to have their own building,” sophomore Jenny Helderle said. The lease for the police precinct will be higher since they need more room to carry out their work. This just means that the city will be digging deeper into its pockets paying rent. “In the last 10 years, we have spent over $1 million leasing a building, and I believe we need to own our own building where the money is

[A ‘Funk’y Situation]

Wildwood’s current City Hall, located at 16962 Manchester Rd. in what used to be Funk’s Grocery. Because the city voted against the construction of a new building, Wildwood’s City Hall will remain here until the lease runs out. erikdauster

going into equity and not just paying rent,” James said. “We think we can build something that would function better for the city. Plus, over a period of time, we own it. All we’re doing when we rent is giving money to the landlord.” Once the city hall is paid off, the money that would be used for rent could be put to improvements in roads, bridges and recreational parks.

So when can Wildwood residents expect a new city hall? James thinks as early as three years from now. He said that the city will go back to the drawing board, design a new city hall and have open houses so the people can look at it before they get any farther along. Lafayette parent Judy Nicholson said, “Wildwood is new, upscale town. We need a new city hall building that reflects that image.”

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imagenews [seven] lafayette high school

Committee of 520, OSEP to merge minayu [staff reporter] A long standing program is undergoing change due to new social and financial situations. The Committee of 520 (C520) had 140 students last year, but years ago, C520 only had 20 students. In 1994, then-Principal Dan Edwards began the Committee of 20 (C20) to build leadership and ease cultural and racial issues at school. “We’ve got four walls and 2,200 people inside these walls, all of whom have equal access to everything that’s here. That means you’re going to interact with people, whether you want to or not,” Edwards said. At the time, Lafayette was one of the biggest schools in the state of Missouri. Diversity greatly contributed to uneasy tensions at school. Today, racial, cultural or any other kind of discrimination are not nearly as bad as in the past. “There were significant racial problems: there would be about two-three racially motivated fights every week,” Edwards said. Edwards created C20 with the purpose to ease tensions and help students encourage each other by respecting, understanding and accepting each other despite their differences. C20 would select 20 male and female students each year, all from very diverse and broad backgrounds. Like C520 today, C20 went on a few outdoor trips each school year. With 20 staff-selected students, the students didn’t know or trust each other, but as the school year progressed, C20 created unlikely friendships and helped the students to talk, trust and rely on each other. A few years later, C20 became so successful that more students were added. Twenty students were still selected every year, but those students were able to pick five of their friends to be in C20. This system of networking created C520. A few years later, C520 was open to all students. C520 became successful as well due to the variety of students. “The goal was to help everyone have one voice. Although there were other clubs like Student Council (STUCO), they only represented one clique of the school; everyone from STUCO had similar backgrounds. But C520 brought together 100 students from all different types of

[Rest Stop]

A group of C520 members head down river while looking for markers. The group went down to Carbondale, IL. Aug. 4-5 on a canoe trip where members learned leadership skills and discussed problems at school. OSEP Picture

cultures and backgrounds,” Edwards said. This year however, C520 will go through a slight name change and merge with Outdoors Skills Education Program (OSEP) next fall. “After the early success of the C520 program, administrators also determined it would be further beneficial to support a more extensive series of leadership experiences to support these student leaders, thus giving rise to the beginning of our Outdoor Skills Education Program or OSEP,” Assistant Principal Matt Dieckhaus said. OSEP is a secondary group of C520 that was created in mind to have the same goals and purposes as C520, but more selective. “This is a natural fit, since the OSEP members are chosen from C520 members,” Dieckhaus said. This year, however, the number of selected students will be expanded for each grade level. Another reason for the change is a lack of serious racial issues at LHS. Since the school has become more aware of the cultural differences

around them, administrators feel that other clubs such as STUCO, Black Student Union, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Care Team, STAR, Gay-Straight Alliance and Diversity Club can also support the same goals that C520 did. In addition, C520 is a costly program. To pay for outdoor equipment, food, gear replacements and the trip itself, expenses range from $12,000$15,000. As C520 takes two trips a year, anywhere from $24,000-$30,000 is spent annually. OSEP is just as expensive; around $35,000 per year is needed to fund the trips. Although the name C520 will no longer exist, its goals and purposes will still be carried on; in fact, they will be supported greater than ever. Dieckhaus said, “In reality, over the past four years, these groups (C520 and OSEP) have performed the same function in our school; the time now has come to gain greater clarity in our vision. OSEP will continue to promote the goals of C520, just without the name C520.”

Parking procedures vary district wide jaredanderson [staff reporter]

At Lafayette, anyone with $100, a license and a schedule can purchase a parking pass at any time during the year until they sell out. However, at the other district high schools, the rules and regulations for obtaining passes are not the same. Dr. Kevin Keltner, Eureka’s principal said, “In short, we are very limited.” Due to this shortage, only seniors are allowed to purchase individual passes at orientation in August. In order to be eligible to buy a pass, seniors need to have 16 credits. Juniors and sophomores are not allowed to purchase individual passes. However, if underclassmen students are willing to share an assigned parking spot, they may purchase a pass for $50 a student. Juniors can share a spot with another junior, or with a sophomore. Sophomores can also share a spot with other sophomores. In order to be eligible to buy a pass, juniors must have earned 10 credits, while soph-

[

Show me the money

]

parkingpasses

The $100 from the sale of a parking pass is divided between the school and district. The money goes to, “the [Rockwood] district for parking lot maintenance and payment towards parking lot attendants,” Junior Principal Matt Dieckhaus explained. “Some of the money was recently used to re-paint the lines in the Lafayette parking lot, and the money is typically spent for repainting and re-paving the parking lot. The other half stays at LHS and goes into funds for activities and athletics. Grade level principals determine what the money is used for each year.” -jaredanderson

Pass Misspelling

Students who purchased parking passes at registration received misspelled decals that read “Lafaytte.” New decals were ordered as soon as the error was detected. Assistant Principal Matt Dieckhaus said, “It’s kind of embarrassing for us, because we are a top performing school. The passes, shipped from Rydin Decal were distributed at lunch on Sept. 7-8. Dieckhaus called this redistribution, ‘just a pain in the rear.” Despite the mishap, Lafayette plans to keep using Rydin Decal in the future. -jaredanderson

Pass Revocation omores need to have earned five. Daily parking may also be bought for $5. Rockwood Summit gives out passes in a format similar to EHS, except dual enrollment and COE seniors get passes prior to everyone else. Violation fines are $30 for the first offense. All parking lot rules at Summit are the same as the rest of Rockwood. At Marquette, parking space is also limited. Principal Paige Muench said, “We have many more requests than parking slots.” Only seniors and juniors are permitted to purchase a yearly parking permit, but seniors buy the passes first. Up to three seniors can share one spot, but sharing is not required for seniors. Remaining slots are given to juniors by lottery. Juniors are encouraged to share spots, as students who share a spot are picked first in the lottery. MHS junior Scott Lindquist said, “The rules are fair because the seniors get first priority.”

Wildwood Town Center

Every Tuesday in September Is Lancer Night! Ice Cream Eating Contest & 25% Off All Student Purchases

Rules regarding the purchase of a parking pass are similar at LHS, but assignments are different. At MHS, spots are assigned. Here, students are permitted to park anywhere but the staff lots, assuming all rules of the parking lot are obeyed. An office pass is required at all schools to exit the parking lot during school hours. Also common among the schools is a no tolerance policy on loitering and speeding in the parking lot. Lost passes are not refunded; rather the student who lost the pass must pay for a new one. The rate for a violation at LHS is $5 for each violation. At EHS, the fine increases $5 for subsequent offenses. All schools in the district have a parking attendant and staff to ensure safety in the parking lot for students, teachers, and parents. Junior Kyle Lindner said, “The rules are not fair. The pass is too expensive, the violation sticker is way too adhesive, and the pass isn’t even spelled right.”

“If you drive to school, we can revoke your pass. The secretaries have more important things to do than keep track of tardies that first hour students have. If you can’t get here on time, then we will take your pass’,” Assistant Principal Matt Dieckhaus said. This punishment for being late is not a new practice. Dieckhaus said, “When we have tried it in the past it has worked. We only revoke the pass for one or two weeks, and it seems to solve the problem.” -jaredanderson


[eight] imageads lafayette high school

Hide your backpacks… Protect the freshmen…. Pirates are invading Lafayette

Student Council presents A Pirate’s Life For Me Homecoming 2007 Scheduled Activities Sunday:

Fun Run 1 p.m. (First 225 contestants get a free T-shirt)

Tuesday:

Dress Like Your Favorite Teacher Day @ Lunch: Pie eating contest Hall decorations after school

Wednesday:

Dress Like A Pirate Day @ Lunch: Find Buried Treasure, dance tickets on sale

Thursday:

Pajama Day @ Lunch: Inflatable Fun, dance tickets on sale Powder Puff Game 7:30 p.m.

Friday:

School Spirit Day @ Lunch: Jazz Band performs, dance tickets on sale Homecoming Parade 5 p.m. Homecoming Game vs. Oakville 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Night: Homecoming Dance 7:30-10:30 p.m. “A Night to Treasure”

*During The Week: Penny Wars during Lunch Raffle prizes during Lunch *The Week Before: Homecoming T-shirts on sale Canned Food Drive


imagein-depth [nine] lafayette high school

[

]

facts you should know

• six million accidents occur a year in the United States

[Getting Well]

[left] Junior Kelsey Calvert reads senior Emily Leeker get well cards. [above] Calvert and Leeker at Prom in 2007. Leeker and Calvert were in a car accident on July 26. Leeker suffered significant injuries that kept her in the hospital for nine days. The two girls are best friends and star athletes on the varsity field hockey and soccer teams. While Leeker’s injuries will end her field hockey season, she is expected to be back at full strength when the soccer season comes around. Leeker is a four year varsity soccer player.

Best friends face true test Car accident sheds light on friendship, life bretthamlin [in-depth editor] Walter Winchell once said, “A real friend is one who walks in, when the rest of the world walks out.” In the last month and a half, it’s easy to say that Emily Leeker’s friends have all walked in. Junior Kelsey Calvert sits outside on senior Emily Leeker’s porch, in her soccer shorts, shirt and sunglasses, looking ready for anything as her best friend comes outside, sitting down awkwardly without relaxing her back. “Throughout this whole thing, you realize who your friends are, like as to who calls and who comes to visit,” Leeker said. On July 26 around midnight, Leeker was riding with Calvert near Shepard Road when a bat flew in the car, causing Calvert to lose control of the car and crash into a tree. Leeker received lacerations on her spleen and liver, a bruised lung, two fractured ribs, a broken rib and broken vertebrae in her back, though you’d never know by talking to her. Calvert suffered a broken nose, bruises from the seatbelt and a minor concussion from the wreck. Leeker, after being pulled from the car, was immediately taken to meet an ambulance with her mother. “Right when it happened, I didn’t feel anything, but when I got out of the car and my mom saw me, she knew I needed an ambulance,” Leeker said. At the hospital, Leeker stayed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for five days and stayed four days afterward in a regular room. Calvert’s injuries didn’t require days of care at the hospital, but that didn’t stop her from spending most of her days there with Leeker. “Kelsey was the first one in when I was in the ICU. And every time that someone walked in after that, I just started crying,” Leeker said. “It’s the worst feeling of my life, to sit there and watch my best friend go through that, and feel like, ‘You did that,’” Calvert said. “I was in the hospital every day like, ‘Oh my God, I did that to somebody,’” she added. “I take my blame for it, and I wish it wasn’t my best friend. I hate that it happened to somebody that I just absolutely love,” Calvert said. “The first time they had left Emily alone in the room, I was in there talking with her, and suddenly she started like having this attack. I was pressing the nurse button and she wasn’t coming. I just remember her throwing up into this bucket I was holding for her, I almost broke down into tears during that. It was the worst moment in my life,” Calvert admitted. “I was an emotional wreck that whole week,” she added. For an accident that could have torn their friendship apart, it has done nothing but bring the two even closer together. “When I talk to Emily now, the conversation has changed. We talk about things that aren’t as, I guess ‘plastic.’ I think we’re talking about things that really matter now,” Calvert said. Last fall, Leeker and Calvert had both switched their fall sports from volleyball to field hockey, excelling in field hockey immediately. Leeker and Calvert both played varsity and Leeker became the team’s leading scorer in her first year of play. This fall, Calvert is still playing field hockey, despite receiving yet another concussion in the pre-season after being hit in the head with the ball, and was hit by a ball again in a tournament on Sept. 2. However, Leeker’s field hockey days are over.

“I didn’t think I was going to want to play field hockey in college, obviously it’s not an option anymore though,” Leeker said. Leeker is a four-year starter on varsity soccer. She hopes to be back to 100 percent when soccer starts in the spring. Leeker went back to the doctor on Sept. 12, to find out when she comes back to school. Since being released from the hospital, she has spent most of her days at home wearing her back-brace. “My friends have been amazing through this. They’ve sent me ‘get well’ cards and flowers, they come over and stay with me and bring me food instead of going out some nights. It’s weird to see who calls. At the hospital I had calls from people that I would never have expected,” Leeker said. “This all just really sucks,” Leeker said. “I want to go back up to school and see everyone so badly.” “The teachers have been real great about the whole thing,” Calvert said. “Even teachers we had in the past. I’ve gotten to know my parents real well too.” “My teachers, principals and the Welcome Center have all sent me get well cards and notes,” Leeker said. “It’s like freshman year all over again, I get dropped off, every time I go to Lafayette for a field hockey or soccer game, it’s just like ‘Emily, where are you going? Where are you sitting? Walk slower. Watch out for that hole,’” Leeker joked. “My mom has said, ‘Emily, don’t fall down the stairs.’ I’m just like, ‘Mom, I love you to death, but I’m not going to fall down the stairs,’ Leeker said. “The first time I went out [after the accident], I can count literally 17 calls from my mom,” Calvert said. While a back-brace and rest will help Leeker back to regular life, the same can not be said for the bat, which was killed at the scene by Officer Tom Garrett. “I figured it needed to be brought in for testing, so I gave it a pretty good whacking,” Garrett said. “The officer joked he was so happy that he finally was able to use his baton for something,” Calvert said. Although neither girl was bitten, Leeker and Calvert both had to receive a series of rabies shots, despite the bat testing negative for rabies. “Oh my God, [the shot] hurts so much,” Calvert said. Leeker realizes how fortunate she was to come out of the accident, and how much she misses her regular life. “I’m not taking anything for granted,” Leeker said. “Right now, being stuck in my house not being able to do anything is awful.” “I’m a changed person, I’m more cautious of my surroundings and the people I’m with. I’m not a better person from the wreck, just more cautious. I won’t take anything for granted now,” she added. Leeker’s back-brace will most likely be removed closer around November instead of October, as it was originally planned. When the back-brace is removed, Leeker will undergo physical rehab. The doctor for her internal organ damage has concluded that her liver and spleen are healed, which leaves Leeker sitting around, waiting for her back to heal. Leeker won’t be taking her friendships with anybody for granted, and least of which with Calvert, as the two already have big plans for the fall. Leeker joked, “We’re going to be batgirls for Halloween.”

• three million people are injured due to car accidents

• two million of those injuries are permanent

• there are 42,000 deaths from accidents each year

• 30 percent of injuries are sustained by not wearing a seatbelt

• every 12 minutes, one person dies in a car accident

• every 14 seconds, someone is injured from a car accident

• for people between the ages 1-30, the leading cause of death is car accidents, ages 15-24 are most affected

• 25 percent of all car drivers will be involved in a car accident in a 5-year period

• 75 percent of animal related accidents are caused by deer

• 81 percent of crashes are caused by talking to passengers

• 25 percent of car accidents are caused by the driver talking on their cell phone

• in 2005, the cost of the years car accidents tallied up to over 230 billion dollars

information provided by www.lawcore.com and www.car-accidents. com


coolsites www.vicfirth.com “I can relate to it. It’s a drumline site.” -blakewilloughby, 9 www.cliffnotes.com “Sometimes when I don’t read my book when I’m supposed to, it’s like a study guide for me to use.” -cameronaho, 10 www.lolcats.com “It’s a bunch of pictures and videos of cats doing funny stuff.” -joemiller, 11 www.imdb.com “I like to keep up to date about what’s going on in the film industry.” -garretttripp, 11 www.1morelevel.com “Because it’s better than keyboard & business class.” -ericpowers, 12 www.soapnet.com “I go and check out my soaps everyday.” -lorizang, AP Gov teacher www.meebo.com “I use it for IM stuff.” -feliciaroberts, 12

grammargeek [Affect/Effect]

Each issue, language arts teacher David Choate will provide some helpful hints to improve your use of the English language. Remember that “affect” is almost always a verb that means to influence. Ex: Not laughing at Mr. Choate’s jokes will not affect your grade. But “effect” is usually a noun that means a result. Ex: The effect of not reading the material in Mr. Choate’s class is a failing grade.

[ten] imagefeatures lafayette high school

Pushing the [Speed] Limit:

[

Local restaurants attract swarms of teens looking for a quick adrenaline rush. But this need for speed has increasing dangers for these young drivers.

Editors Note: An asterik (*) signifies the source’s name has been changed.

]

mikebujnak [staff reporter] A car to the left, another to the right. All three engines hum and rev. The driver shouts out to the car on his left, “Stay at 45 around this corner, on three honks, punch it.” Thirty seconds later, they’re lined up at a steady 45 miles per hour. First honk, breathe deep. Second honk, bring it all in. Third honk, get ready. The speedometer rises to match the driver’s heartbeat. Two minutes and 120 miles per hour later, there is a loss by half a car. That’s the better part of it. But that loss by half a car could’ve been the loss of one or more lives. “I’ve seen cases where two cars have lost control and collided,” Officer Ollie Helbig said. “In another case a car was driving through the city of St. Louis at about 85 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone. This resulted in a high speed pursuit where the driver eventually lost control and slid on to the median,” he added. According to evostreetracers.com, “An average of 135 people in the U.S. die each year in street drag racing accidents and 51 out of every 1000 racers get hurt.” Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the death rate doubled between 2000 and 2001. CBS News ran a story linking the 2003 release of “2 Fast 2 Furious” to the increase in deaths involved in street racing. The cost of racing alone is enough to avoid it. “I bought my car for $12,000 and I’ve put another five grand in it in the past year,” Josh During* said. “I’ve put in a new intake, a full exhaust system, and better electronic shifting. The sound system cost a little bit too,” he added. Another racer, Steve Stram* said, “I’ve been pulled over about 30 times and have gotten tickets ranging from moving violations, to blinkers, to seat belt violations.” Former area racer Anas McQueem said, “I was going 33 over and got caught by the police. That got me two points on my license. That’s too much to deal with when you haven’t even been driving that long. That’s the reason I stopped racing.” Steven King, a college student from the area, who admits to racing in the past said, “My closest call happened a few years ago. I was going 21 over next to another racer and police chased us. We split up and went different directions. We both got away, but I learned my lesson.” Punishment for participating in street racing is harsh due to the extreme danger of the activity.

[Too Fast, Too Furious]

An Evo stares back, ready to kick it into high gear. With a top speed of over 150 miles per hour, this car has the dangerous potential of traveling up to three times the speed limit on most highways. mikebujnak

[Lined Up]

Over 20 cars fill all the spots at a local restaurants. The cars draw in curious customers and car lovers who want to check out what everyone has under the hood. As long as the drivers buy something to eat, they’re allowed to continue hanging out. mikebujnak

“We handle each case individually and punish on the merit of what they’ve done,” Officer Dave Weiss said. “You can lose your license immediately,” Helbig added. Local restaurants tend to be the biggest hot spots for racers. Racers meet and open their hoods. Within 10 minutes they’re bragging about how much they have in their car and another minute later they’re lining up to race. However, not all of the drivers go to these restaurants to race. The restaurants offer a fun place to hang out

and show off the effort you’ve put into your ride. But, police tend to patrol these areas. “It’s great for the business; it brings in a lot more people that just want to look while they eat. As long as they stay under control, the drivers can have their fun, too,” Weiss said. Illegal street racing has been a favorite past time since the first high performance cars. The problem is, many newer cars have drivers traveling upwards of two or three times the posted speed limits, causing dangers to them and everyone around. In the end, it’s a question between $600 or six feet under.

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imagefeatures [eleven]

newfaces

lafayette high school

What Would You Do for $10 Million?

Lots of new staff members have joined the Lancers this school year. Here’s a brief introduction:

Fine print reveals shady deal

Steve Berry is in his 20th year of education and is the new Activities Director. He previously worked in the Hazelwood School District.

sydneymiller [features editor] Reality TV junkies were foaming at the mouth when a press release announced the airing of a new reality show, Tontine, in June. The lure of the new show was the prize money- $10 million- the most ever won in reality show history. “I am a reality junkie. I like the [shows] that are problem solving. My favorite is Amazing Race, because you have to think and travel. That’s what I liked about [Tontine],” Diane Tinucci, instructional technology teacher, said. Tinucci first heard on St. Louis radio station KTRS about Tontine’s tour through eight cities to audition a mass of eager contestants. At first, Tinucci was only interested in meeting Rob Mariano, also known as “Boston Rob”- an alumnus of several reality shows, such as Survivor and The Amazing Race, who was announced as Tontine’s host only a few weeks earlier. Even the definition of a tontine- “An investment plan in which participants buy shares in a common fund and receive annuity which increases every time a participant dies, with the entire fund going to the final survivor”- hints toward the premise of the show. The show was designed to be an elimination game. Tontine would begin with 15 contestants, each with a symbolic key to “unlock” the prize money. The show would end with one contestant holding 14 other keys and a check for $10 million. According to Tontine’s official site, jointhetontine.com, contestants would visit all seven continents while participating in “mental and physical challenges” over 100 days. “I thought, ‘What the heck, I’ll go see [Mariano] and get his autograph,” Tinucci said. When Tinucci arrived at Galleria on July 25, she signed paper work “loaded with lawyer language” which required Tinucci to give sign the rights to her audition video over to the producers. Tinucci was video taped during a 10-minute interview, when she was asked questions such as: “What’s your most prized possession?” “Would you mind taking someone’s possession from them?” and “What would you do for $10 million?” Tontine continued touring throughout the United States and ended up extending the audition deadline due to overwhelming interest. Casting Director Tad Frank then contacted Tinucci, asking her to participate in a Youtube. com contest. The 15 winners of the Youtube con-

test would continue on to reality show history. Tinucci said, “Tad [told me] I was very interesting to talk with. At that point, I didn’t know anything. I was thinking, ‘Oh great. Is this just another contest for everyone?’” But as Tinucci worked on her Youtube entry video, some facts about Tontine were discovered that ultimately led Tinucci to drop the contest. As the Image researched the show, an interview done by The Botonist was discovered in which Mariano revealed, “The $10 million that’s up for grabs is not coming from the network. It’s coming from the contestants.” Several articles published since then also said the $10 million is comprised of the contestants’ life savings. Casting Associate Phil Gunters confirmed this, when he told the Image, “In order to be considered as a contestant on the show, every applicant must be willing to risk his/her life savings as requirement of participation and the prize money will be funded from these assets.” “I will be stunned if they get people to be a part of this,” Tinucci said. Although this new twist makes for good publicity, many question how the $10 million will be paid. $10 million 15 ways is roughly $666,666, an amount most do not have saved. If the network does not contribute to the prize money, the winner may find their prize will come up short. “We are considering applicants from all economic backgrounds, from recent college graduates to high net-worth individuals who have assets several times greater than [$666,666],” Gunters said. Tinucci recalled a part of the legal documents which appeared vague as to how much money the winner would actually get. “In the fine print of the original document I signed, it says the producers reserve the right to change the prize money,” Tinucci said. Tinucci searched the web for information on the show’s payment. However, Tontine’s official site states nothing about gambling for life savings.

Tracy Boothby will be working as a Special School District resource teacher. She is in her 7th year of teaching. Before becoming a teacher, Boothby served in the U.S. Army. Jon Bunyard is a 2005 Missouri State graduate who is the new R-PAC supervisor. Bunyard loves exercising and playing all types of sports.

[Type Away] In order to add to her life savings,

Diane Tinucci works in the media center as an instructional technology teacher. Little did she know, when she applied for the new hit show, Tontine, that the prize money was funded from the life savings of the contestants. kristahines

Ann Burton has been teaching for 17 years; however, this year at Lafayette will be her fourth at the high school level working for Special School District.

“It feels so much to me like they’re making it up as they go along, or that by giving out little pieces of information they will bring viewers,” Tinucci said. In fact, one aspiring Tontine contestant punched Mariano at a San Diego audition after learning he had to sign over his life savings to producers. Also, tontines are illegal in the United States and France due to murders and manipulation in order to obtain the money involved. “The thing that stops me from putting the [Youtube] video up is this legal document that says [the producers] have the right to use your biographical information. It’s not that I have anything to hide, but it feels like an intrusion,” Tinucci said. “It feels like they’re holding all the cards.” Despite Tinucci’s distrust of Tontine, she said this experience will not stop her from possibly auditioning for shows in the future. “I don’t want to be a star. I just like to do crazy things,” Tinucci said. “To be honest I felt, ‘How stupid am I?’ I think it’ll cause me to be even more careful.”

Shannon Campbell is in her first year teaching Chemistry and AP Physics at Lafayette. Campbell worked as a scientist for 15 years in Research and Development. She lives in the Lafayette district with her husband and three children.

“I don’t want to be a star. I just like to do crazy things.” - dianetinucci

Melissa Davis comes to Lafayette with a bachelor degree in science from SIU-Edwardsville. She will be teaching Ecology and Biology. Vince DeBlasi did his student teaching at Lafayette and joins the staff this year to teach Sociology and World History. Before Lafayette, DeBlasi served in the military. Alex Fehling who teaches for Special School District, has received degrees from California State. She taught in California for five years. Emily Hause teaches Spanish. She loves to travel, try new foods and spend time with animals.

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[twelve] imagefeatures newfaces Ted Hotfelder loves to play golf and supports all St. Louis athletic squads. He will be teaching in the language arts department this year.

lafayette high school

Blue Angels take to the sky

Kathy James is teaching Social and Communication Skills and Speech Therapy. James plays the piano and her husband sings in a band called “Sh-boom”. Jennifer Keillor has taught for four years and is now teaching Biology and Ecology. She likes to travel, watch sports and spend time with her husband. Don Kreienkamp is teaching Senior Literature and Debate and helping coach the Speech and Debate team. Christina Marasigan is new to Lafayette, teaching Biology. Marasigan said she enjoys science fiction and action movies. Kim Maricic previously taught philosophy courses at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Maricic is teaching Math & Computer Sciences. She is married with three daughters. Donna Meyer is in her sixth year as a math teacher and is teaching Algebra I and II and Geometry. She is married with eight children.

[High Flyers] The U.S. Navy Blue Angels performed in three separate air shows at the St. Louis County Fair over Labor Day weekend. Their mission is to enhance recruiting and serve as positive role models for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. During the 2007 season, the six pilot team is scheduled to fly 66 air shows at 35 different sites across the nation. Since the Blue Angels got their start in 1946 they have performed for more than 427 million fans. alexerdman

Christine Oswald is new to the Foreign Language Department and teaches Spanish. Oswald is a Parkway West graduate and loves to volunteer at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Ashley Ruggles is a proud Lafayette graduate who teaches HAL and Health. She is also helping to coach both the softball and girls basketball teams.

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Gateway Outfitters 3808 W. Clay St. Charles, MO 63301 636-916-0242 Store Hours M-Sat 9am-9pm Sun 11am-5pm Preferred Customer Discount Card now available for all In-store purchases! Visit www.gatewayoutitters.com to Sign up or visit our store to sign up.


imagefeatures [thirteen] lafayette high school

Peace, Love & Vietnam

1967 vs. 2007 Cost Then

Mustang Convertible: $2,968.14 New Home: $24,600 (Average) Regular Gas: $0.33

Now

GT Convertible: $31,700 New Home: $300,800 (Average) Regular Gas: $2.77 (Average)

Entertainment Then

Movies: Dirty Dozen; You Only Live Once; Casino Royale; A Man of All Seasons; Thoroughly Modern Millie; Barefoot in the Park; Georgy Girl; To Sir With Love; Grand Prix; Hombre Music: To Sir With Love -Lulu; Happy TogetherThe Turtles; Windy- Association; Ode to Billy JoeBobby Gentry; I’m a Believer- The Monkees

Now

Movies: Spider-man 3; Shrek 3; Transformers; Pirates of the Caribbean 3; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; 300; Ratatouille; Bourne Ultimatum; The Simpsons Movie; Wild Hogs Music: Crank That- Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em; Stronger- Kanye West; How Far We’ve ComeMatchbox Twenty; Rockstar- Nickelback; Bubbly- Colbie Caillat

Nicholas Tygesson is a Northwestern University graduate who will be teaching in the Social Studies Department. He loves to spend time with his wife and playing various sports.

Style Then

Amy Vandelicht has grown up in the Rockwood School District. This year she is teaching 9th Grade Reading Strategies, 9th Grade language arts and 11th Grade Language Arts. Vandelicht also coaches freshman cheerleading in her spare time.

Women: Long, straight hair; bell bottom jeans; bold and floral patterns, faded colors mustard yellows, mango orange; mini dresses Men: Long hair; bell bottoms; floral shirts; platform shoes

Now

Women: Wavy hair; skinny jeans; widelegged jeans; leggings; baby-doll tops; wide belts; round toe shoes; mini dresses; patterns; tights; empire waist; stripes; plaids Men: Light denim jeans; collared or polo shirts; short or shaggy hair; logo tees

Katie Vargas has taught special education and middle school social studies and language arts. Now she works in the College and Career Center. Vargas enjoys spending time with her husband Carlos and her pets, Jack and Reggie.

Events Then

Martin Luther King Jr. spoke April 4, “Why I Oppose the War”; First ever Super Bowl; First heart transplant; Detroit “Black Power” riots; The Soviet Union forbids satellite states from forming relations with West Germany.

Katie Whiteside teaches PE/Health classes. She attended Missouri State and earned her Bachelor of Science degree there. Besides teaching she loves to scrapbook, run, play sports and sleep.

Now

Lewis “Scooter” Libby is found guilt of obstruction of justice in March; Democrats win majority in Congress; 33 people killed during the Virginia Tech shooting ; Karl Rove resigned August 31; 6 year anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks

From the “Red Scare” to “the War on Terror” events that characterized the time of peace and love have come and gone. Forty years later, the outward appearances and policy agenda of the United States has been changed but the essence has remained intact.

Julie Spina will be teaching in the FACS Department and will also sponsor FCCLA.

Renee Trotier is the new Freshman Principal. She previously taught language arts and journalism at Marquette. Most recently, she was the Language Arts Resource Teacher for Rockwood.

How can two generations be so similar and yet so different? Both years faced war, and strong divisions due to opposing views of the war. Vietnam and Iraq are said to be identical; both fighting for other people’s freedom, and the goal of giving a country the opportunity to experience freedom. In 40 years, different blockbuster movies topped the charts, the fashion industry was altered and a drastic change in living cost. kathleenwaddell [staff reporter]

newfaces

leannetracy

David Wicks specializes in visually impaired, orientation and mobility, and technology specialist. He has taught blind and impaired for 34 years and been with Special School District for 13 years.


homecoming

[Activities] Sunday: Fun Run Tuesday: Dress as your favorite teacher day. A pie eating contest will be held during lunch. Hall Decorations will take place after school Wednesday: Dress like a pirate day. Find the buried treasure at lunch. Thursday: Pajama Day. Inflatable fun at lunch; Powder Puff Game at 7:30 p.m. Friday: School Spirit day. Jazz band will perform during lunch. The Homecoming Parade will be held at 5 p.m. At 7:30 p.m. the Homecoming Game will take place. Saturday: Homecoming Dance from 7:30-10:30 p.m. The theme is “A Night to Treasure.”

[Other Info] During the 2007 Homecoming Week, Penny Wars between classes will take place during lunch. A Canned Food Drive will be held and T-shirts will be on sale the week of Sept. 24-28.

[fourteen] imagefeatures

lafayette high school

Dance, Dance: Styles change by era kendallbrewer [staff reporter]

Ballet Ballet began with Renaissance spectacles, and quickly moved to France, where the foundations of classical ballet were laid out at royal court. “Ballet builds your core and basic techniques and makes you stronger,” sophomore Tori Rigman said. The dance is based on the classical school technique, and is presented with elements of music and design to add a dramatic effect. “It looks easy but it is really hard,” Rigman said.

Tap Dance Tap dance is a cultural product of the slave trade and Irish jigs, but heavily influenced by the African tribal dances. Senior Elizabeth Angelo, who has been doing tap for 14 years, said, “A sense of rhythm is necessary in tap. You must have the ability to see and do.” The dancers wear special shoes with metal cleats, so when the toe or the heel is tapped on the floor, a distinct sound is made. “The challenge is fun because the complexity of the choreography. Tap dance is so different from any other style of dance that it makes it a bit more difficult,” Angelo said.

Hip-Hop In hip-hop, movement is focused on the beat of the bass. Dancers move to the beats behind the main tempo. “I like dancing because I look cool doing it. You definitely have to make everything over dramatic,” senior Jake Balkenbush said. “There is a lot of coordination involved in hip-hop, because it is necessary to know what every part of the body is doing at the same time,” Balkenbush said.

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Jazz Jazz was developed during the early 1900s in the United States. The dance draws on African rhythms and techniques which isolated different parts of the body for movement. “Jazz involves kicks, turns and leaps. You have to be flexible and have a good sense of rhythm,” freshman Claire Thibodaux said. The name jazz was first used during World War I, and by the 1920s jazz had been taken up by the white society. “You can put your own style into [jazz]. I like it because it’s my own,” Thibodaux said. Jazz has been introduced in show business through exposure in films, television and Broadway.

Ballroom The Tango, Salsa and Waltz are only a few of the several types of Ballroom dance. “You have to be very patient with ballroom dance because the dance comes from fundamental steps,” junior Jackie Maeseen said. “You have to memorize these basic steps and then build off them depending on your level of skill.” The Salsa and Tango are both characterized as sensual duets, with fluid movements and intricate footwork. Authorities in German-Austria tried to ban the Waltz because of the closeness it required between men and women. “For me, Sinatra is definitely fun to watch. I like old movies on Channel 9 and try out the steps, which are much more difficult,” Maeseen said. Today, Britain leads the world in ballroom dancing with their annual Open British Championship. [Everybody 1,2 Step]

Escadrille member sophomore Evy Dick demonstrates a classic jazz pose. Escadrille performs routines that feature a variety of dance types from jazz to hip hop. kristahines information from the Oxford Dictionary of Dance

Renaissance Thanks Our Century Club Members: All-Star Distributing Co., Inc. The Century Club was founded to support academic recognition Apple Spice Junction for Lafayette students and staff Ballwin Glass Company members. Each Century Club member has pledged to contribBRI, Inc. ute $100 annually for 10 years. Cartridge World The entire contribution will be used to develop an academic Casual Tees recognition Wall of Fame and to Cold Stone Creamery support Renaissance at Lafayette. For more information. Dr. Dan Edwards please contact us at 458-7200. Drs. Michael and Tracey Katsev EBY Treat, LLC dba Ben & Jerry’s Frailey’s Pub & Grill Mr. & Mrs. Terrell Crews Frank Bommarito Oldsmobile, Picante Mexican Food GMC-Mazda, Inc. Plato’s Closet Herzog Homes, Inc. Prestige Portraits Hidden Valley Gold Course, Inc. PROforma M & M OneSouce Jill Y. Rector & Martin A. Rector Randy Blount Lincoln Mercury Jostens Reliant Financial Services, Inc. Kent Plumbing, Inc. Schaefer Total Auto Care Lancer Parents Organization Smoke House Market McDonald’s St. Louis Pizza & Wings- Ellisville Missouri Foot Care Centers, Inc. St. Onge Management Missouri 81st AFJROTC & Exchange Corp. Mr. & Mrs. Gary Erler Stegmann Agency Mr. & Mrs. Brett Begemann Stillwell & Associates- Nartionwide Mr. & Mrs. Brian Spanel Too Creative Mr. & Mrs. Don Hardaway Vantage Credit Union Mr. & Mrs. Joe Yates Word of Mouth Speech Mr. & Mrs. Rick Tinucci & Language Services


imagesports [fifteen] lafayette high school

Soccer shoots for second State finals ninawalters [staff reporter] Returning the top five scorers from last season will be a huge help for varsity soccer, however the entire defense was lost except for the goalie. The teams leading scorers include seniors Sean Butler, Stephen McMahon, Eric Fink, Harrison Grubbs and junior Kyle Biernacki. Butler led in both goals and assist last season having 24 goals, six being game winners, and 16 assists, and while the team lacked Butler’s firepower for the first month due to mononucleosis, he is now back at full strength. McMahon was right behind Butler in 2006 with 10 goals, four being game winners, and 11 assists. “We lost our defense [to graduation], but Mikey will be key this year,” McMahon said. Considering the team’s tough opposition this year and having no returning defenders, it will be a challenge to do well this season as Coach Tim Walters gets the backfield sorted out. Last year saw the graduation of second team All-Metro player Brad Schweizer who contributed to 18 shutouts. But there is no shortage of untested options on defense. “By the end of the season we will have it figured out and be strong. In back we’ll have seniors Jake Enright, Fink, Eddie Gaines, and Mike Hamilton in goal along with juniors Danny Kenny and Kyle Leonard,” Walters said. This season is expected to be very difficult having Marquette and Oakville as key opponents. The past two seasons the Lancers have come up short against Oakville, and both defeated and lost to Marquette. “[They] are always challenging. They are top teams in our conference. Marquette has always been a huge rival to the school,” Walters said. On top of having few returning defenders, they were without Butler for the first game of the season, but are taking it in stride. Butler, an All-State forward last year, missed the first game this year. He only played a small amount in the second game of the season while he recovered from being out sick with mono. “Without having Butler, we took advantage of the opportunity to see someone else shine. Sean missed the right part of the season. He didn’t miss anything big, and is back for the time he is really needed,” Walters said, “He is just starting to come back and you can tell he hasn’t been playing. Right now we are just getting his feet wet and get ready for a healthy season.” Having to step up this year with Butler is Fink, junior Matt Bleazard, and sophomore Javier Igle-

scoringsix Lafayette’s hopes for a second straight State Finals appearance will be fueled by the same offense that powered their first one. The Lancers return last season’s top six scorers but lose the majority of their defense. Goalkeeper Mike Hamilton, an AllMetro Honorable Mention in 2006, provides solid play between the posts. He is spelled by Joe Weis, who is a capable backup. Defense The major question mark of 2007 after the loss of three senior captains, is left to Jake Enright, Danny Kenny, Eric Fink, Kyle Leonard and Eddie Gaines to answer the bell. The defense has to hold opponents down for the offense if this team is to win. Kenny and Leonard, as juniors, must adapt to more playing time and tougher, larger competition.

[Cutbacks]

Putting on a hard stop, sophomore Javier Iglesias works the ball upfield with quick feet and quicker moves. Iglesias and the rest of the soccer team are aiming for their second State finals appearance. j.p.bartmess

sias. They will be key to the success of this season. Also the team playing together well is going to be a huge key to success. “I’d have to say Javier will be helping this year. He is a good player who will get a lot of attention, but this year will be harder since everyone will be gunning for us,” Bleazard said. Iglesias has a lot of skill that will be put to use. “Javi will be the playmaker. We just have to find where to put him that will be beneficial to him and the team,” Walters said. Not only will Iglesias be a new player that con-

tributes a lot of skill and ball movement, Kenny and Leonard will hold off attackers, while freshman Zac Walters puts the ball in the net. Kenny and Leonard were pulled up for the playoffs last season, but didn’t see much playing time. “They will be critical,” Walters said. Kenny and Leonard make up half of the backfield and need to learn fast and prove what they have learned. “It’s good having Mikey behind them bringing confidence and experience,” Walters said. “He is a veteran that will help our defense.”

Offense This seemed as close to a sure thing as possible, and then All-State forward Sean Butler was lost to mono. Butler, however, only missed one game due to the timing of his diagnosis, a game the Lancers won 5-1. Now Butler’s back to join McMahon, Fink, Gaines, Iglesias, Bleazard and Biernacki in an offense sure to light up scoreboards across the league.

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oldschool

[homecoming stats] With Homecoming 2007 fast approaching, here’s how the Lancers have fared in past games.

1963-64 No Game 1965- vs. Wentzville Tie, 6-6 1966- 68 No Stats 1969- vs. Clayton W, 26-13 1970- No Stats 1971- vs. Clayton W, 27-16 1972- vs. Maplewood W, 21-0 1973- vs. Eureka W, 34-0 1974- vs. Brentwood W, 34-0 1975- No Stats 1976- vs. Parkway West W, 26-18 1977- 78- Loss 1979- vs. Pkwy North L, 10-0 1980- vs. Mehlville W, 13-0 1981- NW House Spngs W, 34-0 1982- vs. Pkwy North L, 6-7 1983- vs. Fox W, 14-8 1984- vs. Kirkwood L, 42-16 1985- No Stats 1986- vs. Fox W, 35-14 1987- vs. Fox W, 27-0 1988- vs. Mehlville L, 6-5 1989- NW H Springs W, 22-0 1990- vs. Fox W, 26-14 1991- vs. Mehlville L, 13-6 1992- vs. Fox W, 40-19 1993- vs. Kirkwood W, 33-23 1994- vs. Fox L, 17-9 1995- vs. Lindbergh L, 34-31 1996- vs. Mehlville L, 38-3 1997- vs. Kirkwood L, 43-41 1998- vs. Lindbergh L, 21-14 1999- vs. Lindbergh L, 20-14 2000- vs. Lindbergh W, 42-19 2001- vs. Fox W, 31-18 2002- vs. Lindbergh W, 13-0 2003- vs. FH Central W, 19-14 2004- vs. Pkwy West W, 22-7 2005- vs. Northwest W, 42-13 2006- vs. Mehlville L, 17-14

[sixteen] imagesports lafayette high school

This is Sparta? DeSmet cancels game week after Lancers fall to Kirkwood alexdavis [asst. sports editor]

A Lafayette team looking to test their grit had ample opportunity to do so in their first three weeks playing Kirkwood, DeSmet and Mehlville consecutively. Or so they thought. Mother Nature combined with DeSmet to deny the Lancers a chance to prove themselves in week two. Game one opponent Kirkwood ended last season 10-2, with their only two losses coming from the post-season, against Webster Groves and Raymond Peculiar [at Edward Jones Dome]. The Pioneers proved their championship pedigree as they downed the Lancers 27-13. “C-” [Manne rated his team] after game one. “We need to execute more in the red zone, and stop people with our defense,” Manne said. There have been a few position changes to this defense. Senior Matt Brewer is starting at middle linebacker and senior Carl Dick moved to cornerback. Dick’s move to corner is now allowing junior Jordan Kreienkamp to get the start at safety. “Our players compete each day at practice to earn spots,” Manne said. So, with that mentality, if the defense lets up another 500+ yard game like they did against Kirkwood, don’t be surprised to see any other players step up. Brewer and senior Brandon Linn both have been “leaving a good impression,” according to Manne. Brewer put up 105 yards on the ground against Kirkwood. His two touchdowns were the team’s only two scores of the game. Senior quarterback Brian Muench also put on a show both in the air and on the ground. Muench racked up 57 yards on 11 rushing attempts, and was 6 of 12 passing for 64 yards. However, it was the defense’ lack of tenacity

[Numbers Game]

Planning their next move, the kickoff team huddles around Assistant Coach Steve Miller in their game against Kirkwood. Football was forced to cancel their game against DeSmet on Sept. 7, much to the disappointment of players and fans alike. alexerdman

that brought about this team’s struggle. The Lancers were gouged for over 500 yards on defense, and couldn’t find a consistent answer to stop the Kirkwood passing attack, as Kirkwood quarterback Michael Harris put up 251 yards on 25 attempts passing. While the Lancers fell to Kirkwood, they were licking their chops at the prospect of facing DeSmet, another talented area squad.

Their hopes were dashed after last week’s rainrelated cancellation of the DeSmet game prompted disappointment among the players “We were ready to play and come out strong. I think they just didn’t want to face us,” Muench said Senior Ryan Conde agreed. “It [stunk]. We had a good chance of winning and we didn’t get an opportunity to prove ourselves.”

Golfers’ ages almost as low as their scores Young girls golf team play beyond their years, peers ryanbueckendorf [sports editor] Relationships with golf are often love-hate affairs. Golfers’ skills often increases with inverse proportion to their age. Teenagers in their physical prime waste these golden years on poor technique and garish overswings. Older individuals, having learned the technique, cannot capitalize on their newly acquired skills as physical decline takes its toll. Sophomore Sarah Whitman is currently enjoying the best of worlds. As she competes in her second season of competitive high school golf, Whitman is currently saddled with the responsibility of being the

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394-1400

team’s number one player. This may seem like a bit much for someone who can’t get into an R-rated movie without an adult, yet Whitman feels comfortable in the role. This comfort comes from an athlete confident both in their abilities and in those of the team around them. Whitman is both. “I think we have a very good team,” she said. The numbers back that statement up, as the Lady Lancers have had several strong showings as a team. In a match against a tough Mehlville squad, the Lancers came out victorious. Perhaps more significant, the Lady Lancers also downed rival Marquette. In a series of tough tournaments featuring some of the most talented competition the area has to offer, the Lancers placed second and fourth. Whitman took second overall. They took second in a smaller tournament featuring four schools from around the area.

One important ingredient for a young team to be successful is an experienced coach. Without a guiding hand, young teams can fall apart when the going gets tough. With the caliber of teams this area features, such guidance is sure to be needed before the season reaches its close. Coach Gaylen Laster fills that role admirably, having shown he can be a strong coach for a veteran team in years past just as well as he can pilot a young team. “He is very good,” Whitman said. “He’s very helpful. He is good at golf, so that when something is wrong he can tell and help us.” Whitman returns as the sole golfer on the team with State title experience. She feels as though she has grown both as a golfer and as a person since then. “I am shooting in the 80s now, and was never able to do that last year,” she said. This year, she hopes to return there- only this time, as part of the team.


imagesports [seventeen]

titletalk

lafayette high school

National Merit: Chard named Coach of Year Swimming Coach Jean Chard caps storied career with his second national award

Baseball: 1971, 1972, 1973

ryanbueckendorf [sports editor]

Girls Track: 1989

Coach Jean Chard has become a fixture for virtually every student at Lafayette; his trademark has been cool wit and an easy-going demeanor as a physical education teacher. For many, this is the only Chard they’ll ever know, which is fine with him. Just don’t catch him in the pool. Here, in this cathedral of aquatic achievement, he transforms into one of the most winning swimming coaches in Lancer history. It is here, with the remnants of State titles past adorning the walls, a different side comes out. Now, he has been recognized as one of the best swimming coaches in the country, as recipient of the National High School Coaches Association (NHSCA) National High School Girls Swimming Coach of the Year for 2007 after a State title in what could be his last year coaching. The recognition is certainly not undeserved, but the self-effacing Chard, as is his nature, is quick to direct the honor to those who made him into what he is today. “I’m as good as the people I have around me,” Chard said, “and that’s been the great thing about working in this building. I’ve been surrounded by outstanding assistant coaches, and have gotten student-athletes to buy into what we’re trying to accomplish here.” Chard is never short on praise of the athletes he has coached over his nearly three decades of service. A note of pride swells in his voice as he recalls the students who climbed out of his pool and continued on to Stanford, to Texas, to the Naval Academy. “I can’t tell you how many hundreds and hun-

Football: None Softball: 1978, 1980, 1982, 1987, 1997, 2000, 2001 Girls Cross Country: 1988

[Photo Finish]

Coach Jean Chard poses with the 2007 State Champion girls swim team after celebrating their win. Chard has been recognized by the NHSCA as National Girls Swimming Coach of the Year for 2007. kristengrott

dreds of students I’ve come into contact with,” he said. “I’ve got attorneys out there, I’ve got doctors out there, I’ve got nurses out there. I’ve got mothers and fathers out there today.” He also credits the mentors of his past as keystones in the successful program he has constructed. “In the sport of swimming, I’ve been around some of the best [coaches] anywhere,” he said, and he continues to recognize the herculean efforts made by the parents of his athletes. Of course, despite his best efforts, some of the credit must invariably be sent his way. A walk through the gymnasium, and it becomes obvious why. There, where the State title banners preside over everything from a causal gym class to a rollicking Conference title game, Chard’s banners

are unquestionably king of the court. For those who are counting, his name appears no less than 12 times between boys and girls swimming, with 30 individual titles coming during that time. Those 12 titles are just two shy of the total for all the other sports combined. He has done so while keeping his athletes focused on what is truly important in life. “I’ve always told my kids to put family first, academics second and swimming third in their lives,” he said. He said it was this motivation, applied to his own life, that forced him to take a step back from coaching to spend time with his family. Chard holds no regrets for his time around the pool; he instead cherishes athletes whose lives he has touched during his three decades as coach. “That’s what it’s all about,” he said.

Gamemaster …PC and Video Gaming at its best.

September / October Sept. 9

10

11

12

13

14

Member Night

Sept. 16 17

Sept. 23 24

15 All Night LAN Party

18

19

20

21

22

Early Release RW

Early Release RW

Early Release RW

Mid-Night Mad

Halo 2 Tourney

25 26 27 28 29 Game Showcase - "World in Conflict" - 1 Hr Free Halo 3 Release Party

All Night LAN Party

Sept. 30 Oct. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Game Showcase - "World in Conflict" - 1 Hr Free PGR4 Release Party

Oct. 7

8

Here’s how Coach Jean Chard’s 12 titles stack up against some other Lafayette sports.

9

No School RW & Battle of Mid Mad the Schools

10

11

12

13

Game Showcase - "Enemy Territory" - 1 Hr Free Member Night

All Night LAN Party

Girls Soccer: 1997 Basketball: None

Wrestling: 1992

Girls Swimming: 1992, 1993, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004. 2007 Boy’s Swimming: 1995, 1996, 1997

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Halo 2 Tournament Saturday, September 22nd 2 v 2 Double Elimination 1st Place Team Wins 2 Copies of Halo 3 on Launch Day

Battle of the Schools 4 Schools, 4 Games, 1 Winning School Saturday, October 6th. Winning School will get a free day at Gamemaster for all students.

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friends) You can play up to 1 hour of the Showcase game on the house.

Help us celebrate the release of new games. Play the newly released game for free and have some pizza on us.


WrapUps [Spring 2007] The following sports saw action after school let out May 25.

[eighteen] imagesports lafayette high school

Volleyball makes national leap alexdavis [asst. sports editor]

The varsity baseball team made it to the District Championship game against rival Marquette. The team would advance no further, however, as the Lancers fell 10-7. They rebounded to take down Lindbergh, becoming co-Conference champs with Marquette. Tennis, with the addition of a pair of nationally ranked brothers, advanced to Districts but were unable to advance due to illnesses to several players. Boys track saw success on a team-wide level, but the real flash came in a handful of events advancing all the way to the State tournament. The team’s 4x800m team blew through area competition. They secured an 8th place finish at State and with it the coveted All-State status. Girls track took almost everyone by surprise in winning Conference in 2006 and in sending events through Districts to Sectionals, but were able to advance only four athletes to State. Boys golf sent only one senior to State but had numerous sophomores and juniors get a taste of varsity, which hints at good things to come in 2007. Overall, spring 2007 promises more anticipation than just the seasonal greenery that accompanies the change of season.

[Double Team]

Junior Morgan Geile and sophomore Abbey Meier attack the net together. The Lady Lancers took St. Joe’s to a three set match in their season opener. j.p.bartmess

What would you say if your team, from one season to the next, jumped five spots in the national rankings? Ten spots? 20 spots? Well, what would you say if the girls volleyball team jumped approximately 400 spots… nationally. At the end of last season, Coach Steve Burkard’s girls volleyball team leapt from 451, to as high as 23 [according to prepvolleyball.com] in the national rankings. The team jumped ahead of local rivals Incarnate Word and St. Joseph’s, who the team lost to in their season opener in three games. A big help for this year’s team, and a reason why this team has jumped so high, is the leadership and overall dominant presence of seniors Casey Chernin and Natalie Emro. When Burkard was asked if he could explain the jump to 23, he answered, “Casey [Chernin] and Natalie [Emro]; there it is right there,” But, when a team jumps that far in the rankings, it’s more than just the star players that play a role in that. Junior Brooke Boggs is finally starting a season healthy, and able to play along with the rest of her team. “She started out the season on fire,” Burkard said. “She has a phenomenal hitting percentage.” “[It’s] Exciting to be able to come back and play. We love our team and love being around each other,” Boggs said after the St. Joe’s loss, “we

need to keep progressing.” Hopefully the team can progress enough to reach their goal of State for the first time in school history. “My goal every year is to win State, but I think we have a great chance this year,” Burkard said. At the beginning of the season, there was much excitement around the team, but after the losses to St. Joe’s and Borgia, Burkard thinks that the team is “under control.” “After the loss, the girls have calmed down and are now under control,” Burkard said. “We are all kind of glad it is over with. It is a sigh of relief.” Burkard did mention some areas of the team that could use improvement. “I would like to see us serve receive better. And as a team, I’d like to see us at 100 percent, which is definitely possible.” “There is lots of fire and intensity,” Burkard said. “The play from Casey and Natalie is outstanding.” Chernin and Emro have been getting attention from colleges. “Casey has accepted an offer from SLU (Saint Louis University) and Natalie has verbally committed to Michigan State,” Burkard said. “And it wouldn’t surprise me if Brooke [Boggs] gets some attention.” The team played Incarnate Word Sept. 13, and begins play in the Kickapoo Tourney tomorrow.

Graduation: Boys’ pain, girls’ gain

Team loses key seniors to graduation, Lutz Addition of Held helps a veteran girls cross country team break through to mono as Stiehl, Stallis shine j.p.bartmess [staff reporter] With his top runner, senior Eric Lutz, out of the First Capital Invitational, Coach Randy Seagrist needed some of his runners to step up. In came in senior Drew Stiehl and junior Steve Stallis. “Drew Stiehl and Steven Stallis have stepped in to lead the team. We also have four other guys who ran varsity last year and are very experienced. Even without Eric, we are doing okay,” Seagrist said. Stallis finished 22nd overall at the Invitational, but the team finished 11th overall out of 16 teams. “I wasn’t happy. I was disappointed in how our team did as a whole,” explained Seagrist on how he thought his team did at the Invitational. Seagrist, however, has yet to play his full hand. He has several ‘secret weapons’ in the form of underclassmen he figures to have an impact sooner rather than later. “We have three underclassman who are looking promising in sophomore Andrei Wood and freshmen Christian Followell and Mitchell

j.p.bartmess [staff reporter] Porter. I expect all of them to be running varsity before the year is over,” Seagrist said. Lutz’s diagnosis could spell as many as four weeks away from cross country, but no one has counted the Lancers out yet. As for the team, they still have high standards for themselves. Lutz, Stiehl, Stallis and senior Jared Legenzoff all competed on the 2005 State team, and that experience didn’t graduate with last year’s seniors. The team wants to emulate last years team and get this one back into the promised land. The result of grizzled experience coupled with fresh-faced youth equals a team which could be tough to contend with when October and November roll around. Stiehl, in particular, wants to get back to Jefferson City in his final year of high school cross-country. “We want to beat Marquette, get first in Conference, and be top four in Districts and Sectionals, which would get our team into State,” Stiehl said.

Rain didn’t bring sorrows to everyone last weekend. While soaking conditions put a damper on many teams, it spelled victory for the Lafayette girls cross country team. The girls placed first in the Stan Nelson Invitational at Northwest. The girls’ varsity and junior varsity both finish first out of seven teams, which included Eureka’s varsity squad. The team always relishes the chance to beat Eureka, who perennially fields a State-caliber group of runners. The varsity team placed seven girls in the top 30 and senior newcomer, Cheryl Held, placed third overall. Held, who played field hockey as a junior last year, decided to come out for cross country following a highly successful track season last spring which saw her make it to State in the 3200m run. “She is an independent runner who likes to stay in front of everyone else. She makes it her own personal goal to get a medal at each

meet,” senior Katy Cover said. Cover placed 13th at the Invitational with a time of 18:19. Cover, along with many other returning varsity members, feel that this team is stronger than last year’s. “We are all pretty close- knit. We like running together and encouraging one another at meets,” Cover said. Cover joins fellow senior Hayley Olson, junior Brooke Thibodaux and sophomore Elizabeth Worley as returning runners joined by several talented sophomores in Jordan Taylor and Carly Michaelis. Cover and Worley were the only two runners to make it to State last year, due to Thibodaux’s ankle injury, but all are intent on changing that this year. The addition of Held and the continued performance of team veterans turned a State appearance from a distant dream to an increasingly viable reality. “We all have a goal of making it as a team to State because we haven’t in two years,” Cover said.

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imagesports [nineteen]

insidelook

lafayette high school

[Beyond the Stats]

[girls tennis 2007]

Demos heads into season at top of her game j.p.bartmess [staff reporter] 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.

[Rip it]

Forehanding a ball to her opponent, Demos competes in one of her tournaments over the summer.. She has been playing in tournaments since she was four and has excelled each year since. peterdemos

Senior Gabby Demos has been the girls tennis team number one player since her freshman year. She has advanced to State in two of her three years, having been sidelined sophomore year due to a shoulder surgery. Her coach, Donna Stauffer, isn’t short on praise for Demos. “She’s the best player I’ve ever coached,” Stauffer said. Together with junior Anna Prasch, Demos forms one of the better singles tandems in the area as they take aim at State. Q: Who is Gabby Demos? A: “Tennis is a big part of

who I am, but is not exactly who I am. I am a very fun-loving person, love hanging out with my friends. I am very dedicated to school and life in general. I just love having a good time.” Q: What has been the highlight of the season so far? A: “I have to say my match against (sophomore) Rachel Stuhlmann from Kirkwood. It was a huge match and everyone was there to support me and my team. It was amazing.” Q: Who’s your biggest rival? A: “My biggest rival is sophomore Michelle Kedzierski of St. Joe’s. She beat me at State last year. I really want to go back to State and beat her this year.” Q: When did you start playing? A: “I started off when I was really little. Apparently I loved it when I started. I watched a lot of tennis when I was younger, went to big tournaments when I lived out in California. My Dad got me into it and I loved it right away.” Q: How has the support of your parents and coaches affected you? A: “My Dad is definitely my biggest supporter in tennis. He started me when I was 4-yearsold and has really pushed me to play more and more. My Mom

is there for the emotional support and picks me up when I am down. My coaches have been so inspirational to me and strive me to do better.” Q: Who do you think you most play like? A: “I would probably have to say [Maria] Sharapova just because she is a gunslinger and so am I. She makes stupid errors sometimes like me and hits the ball as hard as she can just like me. Q: If you could play one match against anybody in the world, who would it be? A: “I have to say John McEnroe just because he has a temper like me so it would be fun and a battle. It would be a lot of fun. Q: If you didn’t play tennis, what would you do with your spare time? A: “I used to dance when I was young so I could do that or play some other sport. But I wouldn’t be as driven, competitive, dedicated or as independent as I am now.” Q: What are your plans for college? A: “I have five visits to go on. I want to go to a Division I, big school. I am thinking KU, Mizzou, Iowa State, Drake and some schools on the East Coast.”

Shake ups immediately preceeding the Sept. 10, Ladue match have changed the landscape of the Lady Lancers 2007 tennis team, but the goal remains to have a solid season. “They have a commitment to play hard as a team even though they play hard as individuals or with someone else,” Coach Donna Stauffer said. The top four varsity singles players are 231 as of press time on Sept. 10, and the three varsity doubles teams are 13-2. The team headed into a run of matches which will set them against some of the area’s best teams in Ladue, Nerinx Hall and St. Joe’s. The team features remarkable depth, headlined by senior Gabby Demos and junior Anna Prasch. This depth will help them against the tough competition they will soon face, no matter who is on varsity. They have many junior varsity players who can compete on a varsity level.

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OnDeck

[sports calendar] Football

Sept. 14 - @ Mehlville Sept. 21 - vs. Northwest Sept. 28 - @ Lindbergh Oct. 5 - vs. Oakville Oct. 12 - vs. FZ West

Field Hockey

Sept. 17 - vs. Ursuline Sept. 24 - @ P. North Sept. 26 - vs. Clayton Sept. 27 - vs. Visitation Oct. 3 - vs. U. City Oct. 8 - vs. Oakville Oct. 1 - vs. Kirkwood Oct. 10 - vs. Ladue

[twenty] imagesports lafayette high school

Do or die in Public High Field hockey plays it tough against the best j.p.bartmess [staff reporter]

Being the eight-time Public School champs, this year’s field hockey team has a lot of pressure to repeat this feat. “We should repeat, but Clayton, Ladue, Kirkwood and Marquette should give us some good games. It is not going to

Soccer

Sept. 24 - vs. Howell Sept. 25 - @ Fox Sept. 26 - vs. Marquette Oct. 9 - vs. P. South Oct. 11- @ P. North

Softball

Sept. 17 - @ P. South Sept. 19 - @ Marquette Sept. 20 - vs. Fox Sept. 24 - @ Kirkwood Sept. 25 - @ P. Central Sept. 26 - vs. Lindbergh Sept. 28 - vs. Mehlville Oct. 2 - vs. Howell North

Volleyball

Sept. 19 - vs. P. West Sept. 20 - @ Oakville Sept. 24 - @ Marquette Sept. 25 - vs. Fox Sept. 28 - vs. Eureka Oct. 3 - @ Westminster Oct. 9 - @ Kirkwood Oct. 11 - vs. Lindbergh Oct. 16 - vs. P. South

Golf

Sept. 17 - vs. Kirkwood [at Links of Dard.] Sept. 19 - vs. Parkway South [ at Links of Dard.

Tennis

Sept. 21 - @ R. Summit Sept. 24 - vs. Lindbergh Sept. 25 - @ Marquette Sept. 26 - @ Mehlville

Boys Swimming Sept. 20 - vs. DeSmet Sept. 28 - vs. Ladue Oct. 2 - @ Lindbergh Oct. 4 - vs. FZ West Oct. 9 - vs. Kirkwood

Cross Country

Sept. 22 - Hancock Invitational @ Jefferson Barracks Sept. 29 - P. West Invitational at P. West Oct. 6 - Fred Lyons Metro Meet @ Jefferson Barracks

[Full Extension]

Deftly dribbling away from her opponent, Kelsey Steis negotiates a tough stretch of defenders. Steis and the Lancers play against many of the top teams in the St. Louis area, public and private. alexdavis

be a cakewalk like it was two or three years ago,” Coach Kelly Yates said. But the real challenge on the girls schedule this year comes from all the private girls schools they play. The Lady Lancers have home games against Clayton, Kirkwood and Ladue and have to travel to Marquette in the later half of the season. But they can’t focus on those games just yet. “We played Cor Jesu close in our first game, losing 4-1, but they haven’t lost a game since 2005. Then we play MICDS who was a state semifinalist last year in the first couple games of our season,” Yates said. Even though the quality of teams between the private schools versus the public school might be one sided, teams don’t take our girl’s team lightly. “The Villas [Duschene], MICDS, Cor Jesu, Nerinx [Hall] and Ursuline [Academy] all want to beat Lafayette because we are the best public school. Every game, each team is up for us and we have to get up for them,” Yates said. Playing against this competition takes a lot of dedication at practice and the players feel that their strengths will carry their team through the season. “We have a solid defense. Each area has solid players that we can count on,” said captain Taylor Stellern, who is one of the key stoppers on defense. The defense has only let up six goals in their first six games. Junior goalkeeper Stephanie Weider has issued three shutouts and 27 saves with a goals against average of 1.18. On the

offensive side, the team runs through junior center midfielder, Nina Walters. “We have a solid center mid in Nina Walters who can give it off to our quick fowards up front,” Stellern said. Walters leads the team and the Conference with seven assists. She has tallied one goal as well. Sophomore Christine Hibler leads the team with five goals followed Stellern and junior Katherine Weider, twin sister of Stephanie, with three goals. Sophomore Hillary Lawless and junior Britt Donaldson have two goals a piece as well. The team lost their top points and goal scorer from last year, senior Emily Leeker, who is out the entire season due to a car accident. Even with the loss of Leeker, the offense and defense haven’t lost a step. “We have to prepare for each game both mentally and get pumped up because every team wants to beat us because we are Lafayette and have a tradition here,” Stellern said. Under Yates, the Lancers’ field hockey team has sent 14 girls to play field hockey in college. In addition to that, Yates has had four girls receive All-American honors, including her two daughters, Kate and Meg O’Connell. Both daughters received scholarships to play field hockey at the University of Indiana, who was ranked number 15 in the preseason poll by National Field Hockey Coaches Association. Over the Labor Day weekend, the team participated in the Gateway Classic which displayed some of the top teams from around the nation. In their pool, the girls went 2-1, defeating Ballard High School from Louisville, Kentucky and Harvard-Westlake from Los Angeles, California. Their only loss came to MICDS, 1-0. With a solid team and a tough schedule, each game will be contested. “It’s going to be a battle for whoever we play, public or private,” Yates said.

Back from the depths: New diver primes team for State ryanbueckendorf [sports editor]

In a quarter of astonishing change, from Ronald Reagan in the White House to Whitey Herzog managing the Cardinals, at least three things have remained constant: death, taxes, and Lafayette swimming’s domination of the Suburban West Conference. Repeating this task will be made more difficult with the departure of double State champion Sean Matthews as well as several other State competitiors to college, but the holdovers are up to the task. “We have plenty of experience,” senior Patrick Gronemeyer said. “We have a lot of kids who can swim.” They make no bones about the difficulty of accomplishing this goal.

“It’s been tough this year because we only had two seniors,” junior Joe Davenport said. “We had a rough start.” Following a stellar 2006 which saw them reach as far as fifth in State, their strength this year must rest in their two seniors, Gronemeyer and Nathan Rahe. “[Both] of us have to step up,” Gronemeyer said. “We have a lot of experienced juniors coming up, too. Rahe, for his part, has been among the fastest in the Conference thus far in the season. He owns the best times in Conference for the 50m Freestyle, 100 Butterfly and 200 IM. Gronemeyer can lay claim to the fifth best 50m freestyle and sixth best 100m freestyle.

Junior Matt Welsh has also swam his name into the Conference honor roll in the 100 and 200 freestyles, while sophomore AJ Bennett leads the Suburban West in the 100 backstroke. For the most part, however, the underclassmen who make up the bulk of the team have yet to put it all together. The team knows they have talent, but thus far the problem has presented itself in how best to bring that talent out. “We have a bunch of young swimmers who are really good,” Davenport said, “but we don’t have enough people stepping up.” The team overall has been solid at times but has lacked consistency, as evidenced by their 1-2 record at

time of publication. Much of this can be attributed to the absence of a diver for several early meets. But, freshman diver Ori Ptah has since solved that problem, “In some of the meets, if we would have had a diver, we would have won the meet,” Gronemeyer said. Even with the slow start, Gronemeyer and the Lancers are optimistic about their chaces. With four relays and four individual events already qualified for State, with several on the way, it’s hard not to be excited. “I think from here on out we should have a pretty good season,” he said.


imagesports [twenty-one]

[ Starting strong behind strong seniors lafayette high school

]

people you should know

Softball knocks home early wins, Troy tournament championship ryanbueckendorf [sports editor] High school sports are an interesting phenomenon. Four years suddenly becomes the difference between teenagers being called hardened veterans or inexperienced rookies. Inevitably, with the same regularity as the changing of the seasons or the swinging of a pendulum, they all must take their game off to college-for better or for worse. The 2007 softball team, like every other squad in the area, had holes to fill left by the departure of seniors. In this, the Lancers were not unique. Their holes, however, were suffered from the loss of standouts Sarah Bieser, Chelsey Carmody and Shelby Krammer, among others. For some programs, the loss so many high caliber players would be a fatal shot to the jaw. For a program with the depth of Lafayette, it’s quite the opposite. “Our players are on the right track to putting it all together,” Coach Scott DeNoyer said. “Last year we had some veterans with an enormous amount of Varsity experience. This year many of our players are still making adjustments.” Junior Meghan Lamberth returns as the staff ace, after offering a scintillatingly dominant performance while sharing that role with Carmody. She will anchor a staff along with fellow junior Jana Winckel. “Our pitching will be strong again,” DeNoyer said. Lamberth has backed him up with a sterling 0.67 ERA, amassing 68 strikeouts in only 63 innings pitched. Her strikeout total is more than double her closest competition within the Suburban West conference, and her seven wins are good for tops in Conference as well. Lamberth ranks in the top three Conferencewide in every major pitching category.

Meghan Lamberth

[Hardware Hug]

The Lady Lancers celebrate after taking home the Troy Tournament Championship Aug. 25. The team has gotten off to a quick start behind a strong crop of seniors and a dominating starter. donnalamberth

Several players have shown signs of busting out offensively, and many of the newer varsity players have shown significant promise at the plate. Speed-wise, the Lancers have lost a step, but they haven’t let that slow them down in the win column. Defensively, they’re right where they want to be. The result is a team brimming with mojo as fresh as their new threads, and ready to show them both off. “Everyone is so supportive,” Lamberth said. “It’s like a family.” Taking home first place in the Troy Tournament (August 25-26) was a major boost of confidence, but DeNoyer cautions that the toughest stretches are yet to come. “The Troy Tournament win will be a time that we reflect on to build confidence,” he said. “Our opponents in that tournament were tough and it

is a nice reassurance to know we can do it when the stakes are high.” As to whom their top opponents will be within Conference and Districts, DeNoyer has eyes on the whole group. “The entire conference is tough, with many of the teams capable of beating each other on any given day,” he said. A tough loss to Eureka brought the team down to Earth somewhat, and a 2-0 shutout loss against rival and perennial power Oakville showed the team just how far they had to go, but hopes remain high for 2007. With an energetic group of seniors taking charge and Lamberth picking up where she left off in 2006, DeNoyer knows that he has a special group of athletes on his hands -- talented competition and growing pains aside. It’s just a matter of bringing that talent out.

Hey Class of 2008

Junior Megan Lamberth, pitcher on the varsity softball squad, has made quite an impact in her first few years at Lafayette. Her softball education, however, started sooner than that. “I lived in Colorado and my neighbor was a pitcher,” Lamberth said. “She led me along when I was four or five.” Her favorite part of high school softball is all the different tournaments and the girls on the team. It is truly a unique experience. When asked what place softball might hold for her in the future, Lamberth remains undecided. “I know I want to play in college, but I don’t know after that.” Lamberth cites the seniors on the team and her coaches as her most valuable mentors. Softball takes on Parkway South on Monday at Parkway South.

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[twenty-two] imagesports lafayette high school

bigleagues

[

] Optimism rules start of season, until reality hits

stats, standings & stories

Cardinals

The Cardinals remain a handful of games back of division leaders Chicago and Milwaukee as their lackluster starting pitching returns to plague their hopes of a division title. OF Rick Ankiel’s name has surfaced in connection to a shipment of HGH he received in 2004. The Cards kick off a weekend series with the Cubs that will perhaps decide the winner of the Central.

Rams

The Rams lost to Carolina last Sunday 21-13 in a lackluster performance on both sides of the ball. RB Steven Jackson had a tough day, fumbling twice, as the Rams mounted less and less against a Panther team touted by some as an outside Super Bowl contender. LT Orlando Pace sprained his right shoulder in the game. The Rams play NFC West rival San Francisco on Sept. 16 at noon.

Mizzou Football

Missouri won its second game against Ole Miss, cramming 28 points into a big second quarter. Mizzou enjoyed a good day on offense, but defensively they allowed Ole Miss RB BenJarvis Green 226 yards on the ground. MIzzou plays Southern Michigan at Faurot Field tomorrow.

This year things will be different. Keep saying it. It sounds good, doesn’t it? We’re not sure what, exactly, will be different, but in that wonderfully ambiguous sense this year will improve upon the shortcomings of last year. It rings true in so many places, whether it’s the student needing to make the grade or the athlete needing to make the cut. Until the first snap, the first pitch, the first bell, anything can happen. And it usually does. This year, things will change. This is where it all happens. This year, softball makes it all the way. Megan Lamberth won’t look back as she makes good on her burgeoning reputation as one of the best pitchers in the State, and a fresh crop of seniors will take the reigns on an exciting softball juggernaut waiting to happen. This season signals a return to glory. This season, our football team takes back Conference on the back of Matt Brewer smashing home another touchdown. Did we really have a losing record last year? Who’s counting? Anticipation is perfection. This year, things will be different. Sarah Whitman is poised to make a triumphant return to State, this time with the entire team at her side. The youth movement in Lafayette girls golf is in full swing. This year, the pressure’s on. The target on the back of the volleyball players couldn’t be bigger, whether it is their pair of 6’2” seniors or their

national ranking, but equally large is their desire to prove last season was a fluke. Was it? We’re about to find out. This year, it’s for real. This year, we rebuild. Can boys cross country get it done after losing three of their top seven runners, one to mono and three to graduation? Can the girls improve after returning all seven of theirs? In the distance of exactly five kilometers, these questions and more get answered. For now, we’re as good as we make ourselves to be. This year, things will get done. The bar couldn’t be set any higher for soccer, but this six-shooter has a top scorer from last season loaded in every slot, and you know they aren’t gunning for another second place trophy. These bullets are for Bruins, Billikens and Red Devils, and they’re aiming to kill. This season, perfection is the only answer. This year, everything’s hyped up another level.

The matches last longer (see Demos, Gabby vs. Kirkwood), the shots are harder and the competition is tougher. At the start of the season though, it doesn’t matter. Just ask tennis. An Anna Prasch serve can leave quite a mark. Woe to St. Joe’s if they get in the way this year. This is the year. Or, rather, it is the 25th year. Swimming, led by battle-hardened seniors, looks to extend the run of successful Conference assaults to a quarter century. The last time another school held that title, some of our teachers weren’t even born. Needless to say, smart money’s on Lafayette to make it a cool 25. This year, nothing can stop us. Not even a near-tragic accident. Field hockey looks to continue their run of dominant league play without Emily Leeker, out due to injuries sustained in a car accident. Nine straight Public School Championships are within their grasp, but looming large in their rear-view mirror is the loss that ended last season with a jolt. This year, we make amends. The drama’s there, the star power is there, the powerhouse opponents are there. Sports make the best storylines. Lancer mojo is seeping in across the board. Until October hits, the cruel reality isn’t. It’s a beautiful thing.

I don’t want to rant. I don’t want to seem biased. And I don’t want to be subjective. But, when it comes down to it, there is no way for it to sound like anything else. So, when I say that I can’t see Missouri [Mizzou] taking the Big 12 North over Nebraska this year, I hope you can understand. As many of you know by now, Chase Daniel appears to be the real deal. He’s got two years of playing time under his belt, including a full year of starting and a Sun Bowl performance. Sure, he led the team to an 8-5 season, which for a team like Mizzou isn’t bad. The way I look at it, however, he was 1-5 against the tough games on his schedule, with focus on an Iowa State loss. If Daniel can’t lead this team past Iowa State then I am not sure why there is so much buzz around the Nebraska game on Oct. 6. I hear a lot about how Mizzou “should” have won the Iowa State game, but when a team that ended the season 4-8, and last in the Big 12 North, there is no reason why the game should have been close in the first place. To be fair, it is not all Daniel’s fault. Daniel could be the quarterback everyone thinks he is. Who knows? It may just be this Defense’s complete lack of consistency, or coach Gary Pinkel’s play calling. I mean, come on. Going for two that early on almost cost them the game if Illinois would have scored on that last drive. After watching the Mizzou-Illinois game, and comparing it to how Nebraska played in their season

opener, the clear favorite should be Nebraska. Illinois, a team that went 2-10 last year, put up 34 points and only lost by six against Mizzou. And Ole Miss, a team that went 4-8 last year, and only beat Memphis by two in their season opener, only lost by 13 and put up 25 on the Tigers. Nebraska, on the other hand, won 52-10 against Nevada, who went 8-5 last season, and beat the ACC Champion Wake Forest 20-17 last week. A 4-0 Mizzou going into the game Oct. 6 would really not be saying much, especially when analysts have them picked to take the North this year. A 5-0 Nebraska, however, would be. Nebraska plays top ranked USC tomorrow, and had to play the ACC Champions last week. Mizzou’s first two opponents had a combined record of 6-18 last season, and then play Western Michigan tomorrow and Illinois State after that. Yes, Mizzou has real talent and depth. Martin Rucker, Chase Coffman, and Will Franklin to boot. Also, with Tony Temple starting in the backfield, this offense has some serious offensive threats. It is the defense that worries me. A fairly young line-backing corps, along with an extremely questionable secondary, has me thinking - why the hype? It seemed as if the second-string quarterback for Illinois, freshman Eddie McGee was easily ripping apart this non-existent Mizzou Defense. It doesn’t really make much sense to me, as a Big 12 fan, that Mizzou is touted as they are. I see the talent that Coach Bill Callahan is bring-

ing in at Nebraska. And now that Callahan has been signed on for five more years as the head coach in Nebraska, the recruiting is only going to get better for the Huskers. Nebraska has been recruiting multiple five-star recruits, followed by a swarm of four-star recruits a year. Mizzou, on the other hand, has only really brought in about a handful of four-stars altogether in the past three years. And this Nebraska team with former pre-season All-American quarterback Sam Keller, 6’4, 220 pound California receiver Maurice Purify, and the nations third leading rusher, Marlon Lucky all starting on this offense, it seems to me that this Nebraska team is being way overlooked. Basically, I am trying to say on paper what statistics already indicate. Taking all this into account, my pick to appear in San Antonio for the Big 12 title game is a rematch from 2006; Oklahoma and Nebraska.

ryanbueckendorf

The Big 12 North: Not really as close as it seems

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imageentertainment [twenty-three] lafayette high school

[that’sentertainment]

Bursting the Bubble:

Cartel fails to deliver on sophomore release aaroncasias [assistant news editor] Cartel, the pop-punk quintet from Georgia, may be well-known for their ability to craft toe-tapping yet technically demanding pop rock songs for the masses. However, they will almost undoubtedly be remembered best by their reign as the guinea pigs for Dr. Pepper’s reality series concept known as “Band in a Bubble.” The decision was made by the band to participate in this experiment required them to remain within the confines of a glass “bubble” for 20 days where they would write and record their new album. Fans could access the bubble at all hours of the day via 23 (supposedly the number of flavors in Dr. Pepper) strategically placed cameras within. To long time fans of the band, this move may as well have been treason. A band so firmly rooted in the music scene subjecting themselves to the manipulative strings of a corporate sponsor? Unheard of. Naturally the questions surfaced as to why Cartel would do such a thing. Of all the questions and hateful comments on message boards, news thread sites and blogs, one of the most frequent concerns was what the album would sound like with its recording process being rushed so much. To answer, the album sounds just that. Rushed. This is not the Cartel fans know from their successful 2005 debut Chroma. Rather, this sounds like a Cartel that was put in a compromising position and did the best they could under the restrictions of sponsors and anxious fans. The problem with this sophomore self-titled release is not the production or the musicality. On the contrary, the band definitely pulled a one-up on themselves, taking their musical talent to the next level. The problem with the songs on this release is, simply, that they don’t go anywhere. Songs lack dynamic quality, defined structure, and notable hooks or melodies. One of the album’s openers “Tonight” has the same dynamic contrast throughout its three minute duration: loud and utterly bland. The choruses are notably different from the verse portions or the barely noticeable bridge section. The same could be said of almost every song on the album. The single “Lose It” is an extraordinary example of this, with its two and a half minutes of noise and singer Will Pugh’s choosing to not exercise his masterful control and understanding of complex vocal melodies. There’s really nothing more to say about this album. Plenty of four-letter words come to mind when listening. The only one allowed in print is “weak.” Perhaps if they had been granted more time or if the band had focused more on the musical aspect than on the exposure this album would have been stronger, but as it is there just isn’t enough memorable work to give this a positive review. Of course, there are stand-out tracks such as “Wasted” and “This Is Who We Are,” but overall it doesn’t make for a great listen. This album really isn’t worth your time if you want a great listen that you can enjoy over and over again. It’s hard enough to get through it the first time. So keep your wallet full, pop Chroma in your CD player and try to pretend this sophomore slump doesn’t exist.

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pointfest

Five great songs get reduced by commercialization mikebujnak [staff reporter]

“29 bands for 29 bucks” Sunday, Sept. 30 marks the 21st Pointfest. This musical extravaganza is held at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater with the gates opening at 10 a.m. Here is the list of bands performing this year.

Main Stage

A great oldie with an excellent riff comes on the radio and you rock out. Then you go turn on the TV and you hear the same song in the background of a commercial selling “Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles.” How depressing. This list contains five great songs reduced to commercialization: 1.“Smoke on the Water” by Deep PurpleThe riff. Every guitarist wants to be able to play “Smoke on the Water” and usually is the first song they learn. Now the clip is looped and added to every car commercial. Used by: Dodge, HP, Nissan 2.“Born to be Wild” by Steppenwolf- A biker’s anthem. As soon as this song starts the listener is immediately filled with thoughts of motorcycles and long desert highways. Or diet soda. Used By: Diet Pepsi, The Foundation For a Better Life, Apple 3.“Slow Ride” by Foghat- “Slow ride, take it easy.” The lyrics encompass the very reason it was a hit. This is the only song on the list that I’m not complaining about. Something about a hit song being played while an attractive girl eats a burger and rides a mechanical bull just makes the day that much better. Used By: Hardee’s and Ace Hardware 4.“Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin- An excellent song with a great guitar part and awesome vocals to compliment it. Or an Escalade, either way. Used By: Cadillac for almost every ad 5. “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones- Arguably their most famous song, “Start Me Up” contains an easily recognizable introduction and great lyrics. It’s convenient that the ads always lose the vocals right around, “You make a grown man cry.” Used by: Ford There comes a time when every great song is forced into submission by the power of advertisement. The only thing to do is to hope that your favorite song is played behind a sports car (or an attractive girl on a mechanical bull, you know, whatever.)

Breaking Benjamin Three Days Grace Sum 41 Chevelle Seether Saliva Finger Eleven Sick Puppies Evans Blue The Starting Line (hed)p.e. Hurt Mute Math 12 Stones

Pop’s Local Stage Behind the Blindfold Brookroyal Derailed 13 Days Blinded Black Allusive Soul Descenders Social Slave Leo Lapush The Daybreak Boys Shaman’s Harvest

The Point’s own Jeff Burton shares his Pointfest highlights. “One Pointfest happen to land on my 30th birthday and the whole crowd of 20,000 people sang Happy Birthday to me while I was on stage!” “Introducing the Ramones was definitely a career

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[info]tainment Friday, Sept. 14, 2007 [twenty-four]

Up

[ Up & Away

]

The Forest Park Balloon Race turns 35 this Saturday. Thousands are expected to attend this yearly event.

Creepy Crawl

Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. Aiden w/ Drop Dead Gorgeous, Still Remains $15 Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. Family Force 5 w/ Jonezetta $10

The Pageant Sept. 14 at 8 p.m. Bloc Party $22 Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. The Used $25

nicolecastellano [entertainment editor]

Bright, colorful hot air balloons will cover the ground of Forest Park tomorrow at the Great Forest Park Balloon Race with 70 participating balloons. One of those balloon pilots is senior Krista Hines’ father, Frank Hines. “I’ve been a hot air balloon pilot for 31 years,” he said, “This is my 18th time racing for the Forest Park race.” ‘Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning, sailor’s warning’ is an old phrase that many sailors have lived by. Hines has an enormous passion for sailing; therefore his balloon is called The Sailors Delight. The same phrase also applies when flying a hot air balloon. The Sailors Delight is an Aerostar Corporation and its 90,000 cubic feet. When asked how Hines got into such a unique hobby he said, “I saw it on TV and instantly fell in love.” He started his training right away in Illinois. The whole concept of the balloon race is to ‘catch’ the Energizer Bunny balloon. First the hare is sent up to begin the chase and 15 minutes later the other balloons or the ‘hounds’ follow. “In 2003, I won third place,” Hines said. Another exciting tidbit of information about him is that in 1989 Hines won a brand new 1990 Pontiac Grand Am in a key grab. In this competition, he had to fly up to a 30 foot pole and grab the key. Not only does he compete in the Forest Park race, but does five other races around the country. “The Great Forest Park Balloon Race started off with just four balloons that decided to fly starting at Forest Park, and how has developed into a popular St. Louis event attracting about 120,000 spectators,” race coordinator Susan Schettler, said. Along with the race there are many other exciting things to do such as an entertainment stage with performances, a parachute demonstration and a photo contest. “The designs of the balloons were inspiring and it was awesome to see so many objects at once fly up into the air,” junior Rob Eames said An additional event added to the race is the Balloon Glow. It happens tonight before the race tomorrow. “The Balloon Glow attracts many teenagers because they can walk up to all the inflated balloons,” Schettler said.

flagthese

Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. Common $27 Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. Hanson $25

The Bluebird

(2706 Olive downtown) [18+]

Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. Tree Heart Orchestra $7 Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. Gentleman Auction House $7

The Gargoyle (located at WashU) [18+]

Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. Animal Collective $15

Additional Information: • It’s FREE •Bring your pets! There is a Purina Area with water bowls for dogs. •Parking is FREE and located at the Muny lot. •Balloon Glow at 7 p.m. •Balloon Race entertainment begins at noon.

Sept. 25 at 8 p.m. The Good Life $10

Family Arena Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. Blue October w/ Yellowcard, Shiny Toy Guns $22

Coming to CD

Sept. 18 Motion City Soundtrack- Even If It Kills Me New Found GloryFrom the Screen to Your Stereo Part 2 Nelly- Brass Knuckles Sept. 25 Foo FightersEchoes, Silence, Patience, and Grace Iron & WineShepherd’s Dog Rascal FlatsStill Feels Good

uniqu t. The o l i p eir hines es th boliz ble. krista m y s red] designs memora ns i-Colo nd [Mult the balloo catching a f e o y e l e Al rns ar patte

e

Oct. 2

Dashboard ConfessionalThe Shade of Poison Trees

Matchbook 20- Exile On Main Stream Oct. 9 Kid RockRock & Roll Jesus


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