The Paw Print - 2010 February Issue

The Paw Print

Overpowering, Attractive, Charming, Hot, Interesting, Pleasure, Delight, Joy, Glee, Bliss, Contentment, Gladness, Stunning, Gorgeous,

v e

Eye-catching, Fascinating, Concerned, Glamorous, Committed, Appealing, Alluring, Overwhelming, Obsession

Craze, Excitement, Kind, Thoughtful, Gentle, Helpful, Compassionate, Loving, Considerate, Admire, Worship, Stuck-on, Beautiful,

Lo

Love, Happiness, Kisses, Hugs, Chocolates, Flowers, Roses, Hearts, Passion, Adore, Caring, Irresistible, Tempting,

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Valentine’s Day Post it

Who is your Celebrity Sweetheart?

Steffan Mews, Freshman

Candice Nelson, Sophomore

This Valentine’s Day in History In Japan, women are expected to give chocolate and other gifts to men on Valentine’s Day. This tradition was started as a marketing campaign by Japanese chocolate companies.

Men are not off the hook.

They are expected to return the favor on March 14th, commonly known as White Day.

Famous Valentine’s Day Weddings: Elton John and Renate Blauel Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid Jerry Garcia and Deborah Koons Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee

February 14...

Mike Jones, Senior

Mrs. Prado, Math teacher

1859 - Oregon became the 33rd state in the United States.

1912 - Arizona became the 48th state in the United States.

1920 - The League of Women Voters was founded.

1929 - Members of Al Capone’s gang killed rival gang members in the St. Valentine’s Day massacre.

1929 - Penicillin was introduced to the world.

1989 - Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini issued a fatwa, calling for the death of Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses.

2001 - The Kansas Board of Education reversed its 1999 ruling and restored evolution to the state’s science curriculum.

2003 - Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal, was euthanized because of incurable lung cancer.

Valentine’s Day

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4

Awareness

Black

By: Kailee Griffis

The commemoration of Black History Month is owed to Carter G. Woodson. Woodson initiated “Negro History Week” in 1926 to remember the important events and people of the African American culture. To some, Black History Month means freedom, to others it means tribute, but to Mariah Christopher, Senior it means “to celebrate the great things all the great African Americans have done for this world and how they’ve changed it.”

Black History Month is a time to recognize the contributions of African Americans throughout history. All through the nation there are many ways to observe this celebration. “They have a big parade in Little Rock for Martin Luther King and everyone else who is in Black History Month,” said Christopher.

There are many past and present African American icons from Rosa Parks, who held her beliefs as she sat in her seat, to the great Martin Luther King Jr., who promoted a peaceful co-existence with other races. Christopher’s favorite past icon is “Madam CJ Walker because she invented the perm and all the black hair products.”

Today there are countless black role models that anyone could look up to. This Presidential Election celebrated the first black President, Barack Obama. Christopher’s current icon is Alicia Keys. Keys’ ability to sing has given her the opportunity to help kids in Africa, who are suffering with AIDS. African Americans have made many important contributions to society throughout history by taking a stand during the civil rights movement, inventing new and improved things and by being in the medical field to help save lives everyday.

This month, take a moment to reflect on their efforts and where life would be without their determination and drive for equality.

History Month

Awareness Cookies for

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HAITI

By: Sara Sample Demolished buildings, the cries of trapped newborns and displaced families were all results of the massive 7.0 earthquake that shook the ground beneath the Haitian people.

Though many miles separate the U.S from Haiti, students at LHS are not letting the distance keep them from lending a helping hand.

The Haiti Relief Group, founded by Torshika Brunson, Lauren Allbritton, Erin Yeargin, Gabby Charles and Alexis Donahue, all sophomores, is donating their time and energy to help the Haitian people recover from this catastrophe. “I was sad when I heard about the disaster and just to know that we can do something to help them made me want to give this a try,” said Charles.

After much thought and consideration, the group pulled the idea from dosomething.org, a website aimed toward sparking volunteer based projects. “Everybody loves cookies! Why not cookies?” said Allbritton. The group then began to draw money from their own pockets and bought all the materials they needed to cook up some relief for the Haitian people. “It’s important to [help] the Haitian people suffering. We need to care for them as Sophomores Gabby Charles, Alexis Donahue, if they are family,” said Brunson.

Torshika Brunson, Lauren Allbritton and Erin Yeargin take time to raise money for their Haiti The Haiti Relief Group began selling cookies on January 25th, relief fund.

Photo by Kaitlyn Tate in Mrs. Harness’ room after school. They plan to set up a booth at the basketball games in order to raise more money. They are selling chocolate and sugar cookies. Each flavor is sold two for a dollar. These are not just any cookies.

They are shaped like rabbits to symbolize Lonoke pride and are wrapped with a red ribbon to represent Haiti’s colors.

All of the money that the Haiti Relief Group raises from selling cookies and donations will be sent to Haiti through the World Vision program. The group hopes to raise as much money as possible. “I want to gain the feeling of hope and the ability to help somebody,” said Yeargin Help join in this effort to relieve the Haitian people. Stop by Mrs. Harness’ room after school to support the cause, one bite at a time.

VOTE FOR PROM

SENIORS DON’T FORGET

Remember to vote on www.stumpsprom.com for money.

Turn in your Senior Survey to your English teacher or Mrs. Jones in the Distance Learning Center. If you have not received one yet please stop by the DLC and have it returned as soon as you can.

1. Go to www.stumpsprom.com 2. Click the Proms Across America box on the far left 3. Click vote 4. Point to Arkansas, vote Lonoke High School 5. Scroll to the bottom, type in the code and email then click vote

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Junior Testing l Editoriaalmer gan P

By Me

Making YOU accountable will make YOU care

As a junior who has gained a lot of information means possible to raise the scores.” about the Literacy End of Course Exam, which I If the school had started the advisory practice our must take, I will honestly say that I don’t care if I, as freshman year, we would not be complaining or feel an individual, fail or pass this exam. This exam has like it was punishment because we would have been no personal effect on me. I won’t die or receive used to it for so long. In addition to that, wouldn’t it permanent damage if I fail. It’s just not important. make us even more prepared for this exam?

Saying this, I also don’t care if my class The purpose of this exam is to determine passes or fails. We are going to be seniors how Lonoke High’s students are doing, how and graduate next year. We’ll be gone! Of the system is working and “to be sure you course, since I must spend hours taking this have the skills that you need to do well at exam anyway, I guess I will try on it. your next level,” said Mrs. Julia Fletcher, L.H.S I would actually care about this exam and counselor. try my absolute best if it went into our actual This exam also has a lot to do with school grade. This exam doesn’t harm whether I improvement. “The state department issues graduate or not. Yes, I do care about all the a very large book of things the school needs other tests that I take throughout the school to do because it hasn’t met Adequate Yearly year, but that’s because it determines if I pass Progress, AYP, in the past,” said Mrs. Murtha. that grade or not.

There are at least eighteen different things If students individually received $100.00 that the school has to do because they did or a free day once a month senior year, the not meet AYP requirements. Junior classes test would then be important to me. Then must make a certain percentage gain, which I would really try. I realize that if we make Dustin Rhodes increases year to year, two years in a row to “Dreams” above proficient we do get the privilege of about passing his get Lonoke out of school improvement year EOC test. senior out to lunch once a month. But I can Photo by Dustin Rhodes three. So, not only does our class have to go out to eat on the weekends, and besides, pass this EOC the class below us does too. we don’t get to actually enjoy our lunch because of Passing this exam should be important to each the time frame. of us. “Whatever you choose to do in the future The only consequence of failing this exam that [whether it’s] military, a career or college, there will is set in stone is that you must be remediated in always be things that aren’t your favorite things to some way. You might have to take another course do,” said Mrs. Fletcher. “But it means something, or do extra work. An example of this could mean not just to your professors or your employer, but to something as small as after school tutoring such as yourself . . . to know that you’ve done the very best R.A.B.S. However; I’m not really scared that I’ll make you can.” below proficient because I never have in the past.

This statement is indeed very true, but why do Twenty-five juniors were surveyed, and 100% we still not care? “You should always want to do of those feel that the advisory English practice that your best at whatever you’re doing, no matter what LHS juniors are required to endure on Tuesdays and it is,” said Miss Carrie Holt, L.H.S counselor. She Thursdays is a punishment for the failure of last also says students should be doing their best for year’s juniors. Juniors also feel like they shouldn’t be themselves rather than the school. But, we are not the only ones to have to do this punishment, because the ones who are really affected by failing to do well. it wasn’t our fault that they failed.

This school is.

“I don’t think of it as a punishment, although you So, how can the school and the Department of can think of it that way,” said Mrs. Sheryl Murtha, Education make this test important to the students English teacher. “I see it as a necessity. We’re trying taking it? Perhaps the answer is in accountability. to think of any way we can to get those scores up, If we are held accountable, we may begin to because the state in effect punishes us, and thereby take the test more seriously. punishes you if we don’t. So we’re just trying every continued on page...15

One of Our Own

7

Ryan {

It got to the point where when he got out of bed, I had to lift his leg for him - Mrs. Hobson

Hobson

On November 19th, 2009, tragedy struck the Hobson home when Ryan Hobson, Lonoke Alumni and son of Mark and Elise Hobson, was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML).

“It was very upsetting,” said Elise Hobson, Librarian. “I wanted to trade places with him.”

None of the Hobsons could have imagined Ryan would Photos courtesy of be diagnosed. “I’ve heard Pam Steele Photography cancer stories, but I’ve never related to them because no one in my family has cancer,” said Todd Hobson, senior. “It was a shock.”

The only warning sign was a pain in Ryan’s hip, something anyone would overlook as a simple muscle strain. The pain, however, grew until he could not walk. “It got to the point where when he got out of bed, I had to lift his leg for him,” said Mrs. Hobson.

After many doctor visits and medical exams, Ryan was diagnosed and admitted to the University of Arkansas for Medical Science (UAMS) where he began chemotherapy treatment on November 20th.

His first week of treatment lasted seven days. “His second treatment lasted for six days,” said Mrs. Hobson. Ryan will now have chemotherapy every 28 days.

As with any household handling Leukemia, the Hobson home has changed to protect Ryan’s health. “[We] keep it clean, germ free,” said Mrs. Hobson.

“We have to keep people away because we can’t have visitors that could carry germs. His immune system Pam Steele Photography is at zero and he can’t fight

Leukemia Nearly 1.4 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Leukemia is one of the many forms of cancer, covering approximately 35,000 new cases yearly.

Leukemia forms when “blood cells in the bone marrow don’t mature into the cells they should,” said Dr. Brooke Brander, hematologist and oncologist of the oncology clinic at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science (UAMS).

Symptoms of Leukemia include “problems with bleeding, bruising easily, bruising in weird places and infections,” said Brander. Patients also experience constant fatigue.

While some cancers are passed on genetically, Leukemia “usually just happens by chance,” said Brander. “It occurs most in older people because they’ve been exposed to something in their past.”

Leukemia may be more common in mature adults, but any age group can be diagnosed, even infants.

Gender does not necessarily effect one’s chances of getting Leukemia, but statistics show that more males are affected nationwide. “Here at UAMS, we see about 50/50,” said Brander.

Like other cancers, Leukemia is treated through chemotherapy, a process that uses medicine and chemicals to get cancer cells into remission. The amount of time patients are in treatment depends on the type and aggression of the Leukemia they have. “The first step is chemo to get it in remission,” said Brander.

“After chemo, most people stay in the hospital and could have repeated chemo sessions.”

Some patients with a more severe diagnosis may also need a bone marrow transplant to fight the cancer. continued on page...15

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It only takes one person, one decision to save a life

ad on page 15

continued on page...15

By: Amanda Conner

Clubs

C

A

This past year, Fellowship of Christan Athelets, FCA did a number of events. Some of them included: See You at the Pole, Fifth Quarters, a UCA game day, Fields of Faith, a Powder Puff football game and attending a Razorback football game. They will have more things to do this year so just listen for announcements!

FCC

L

A

Band

Family Career Community Leaders of America, FCCLA is selling Crushes for $1.25. They are hosting a Valentine’s dance February 12th from 8pm-12am, in the Lonoke High School cafeteria. Admission is $5. FCCLA members attended its district meeting Feburary 10th and they will attend the FCCLA state meeting March 16th through 17th. The fee is $25.

The high school band has a few more notes left this year.

They will be going to the Region Concert Contest March 4ththrough 6th where they will compete against other bands around the state. They will also hold the annual Spring Concert on March 16th. Then, they will have the Pops Concert on May 6th that will be for Jazz Band members.

Come watch the LHS band perform somewhere other than football games.

Photo by Sara Sample

Kelsey Best, ART CLUB

F

Schafer Bourne, FCA

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Photo by Amanda Conner

Art Cl

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The Art Club sponsored Adopt a Kid. They bought outfits and presents for children who would not otherwise receive any kind of gift for Christmas.

All of the art classes are having a Spring Art show. It will be a judged competition in April that will be held in and around the auditorium. The Art Club is working and trying to develop plans for Valentine’s Day.

The choir is holding one more concert this school year, the Spring Concert. The choir plans to go to the nursing home and other places around the community to sing. “It will be good for the choir and will hopefully bring joy to the people in the nursing home that normally don’t get the chance to get out much. It makes them happy to see young people doing things for old people,” said Lani Noah, freshman choir member.

Choir

Sadie Pasley, BAND

Clubs

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Jordan Anderson, FBLA

Photo by Megan Palmer

Photo by Sara Sample

F

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panish

The Spanish Club will take a trip February 20th to Pulaski Academy to compete for different prizes.

Students can perform in a skit, vocabulary bee, culture games and much more. Also, the Spanish classes and the Spanish Club will celebrate Cinco de Mayo coming up in May.

LA

The Lonoke High School Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America, FBLA, attended the annual District V Spring Leadership Conference at UCA in Conway Thursday, January 21. There were 45 LHS Chapter members that attended the conference with most participating in competitive events. There were 40 schools total at the conference. LHS FBLA brought home several Chapter awards. Lonoke was awarded Largest Chapter Membership placing first. Also, Lonoke placed fourth in Largest Chapter Membership Market Share.

There are many students who placed at district and are now going on to state. The close of the District V Leadership Conference marked the end of the term for Reporter, Allison James, junior.

James was installed as District V Vice President and will serve during the 2010-2011 school year.

T.O.T The Teachers of Tomorrow, TOT are going to visit a couple of colleges. The students will visit UALR and Pulaski Tech. “This trip allows a great opportunity to the students that would like to learn how to be a teacher,” said Ellen Hope, TOT sponsor. To be eligible to explore the colleges and their campuses, students must be a TOT member, preferably a senior with no discipline problems.

By: Journalism Staff

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College COLLEGE vs. NO COLLEGE Food on the table, a warm place to sleep at night and being able to make ends meet are all made easier by a college education.

While family is one of the most important things to society, the ability to provide for that family is equally important.

According to the Wall Street Journal, “college graduates earn 75% more than high school graduates.” Students who graduate high school and head straight out into the work force can expect to only make about $27,915 yearly. Those who choose to further their education to at least a bachelor degree can expect to see about $51,206 rolling their way annually.

Tiffany Hunter, office secretary, has had a taste of life with and without a college education. “I attended college at UCA for a year and a half,” said Hunter. After that first year and a half, Hunter found herself leaving college due to financial hardships. “What I think started all of my financial problems was credit cards,” said Hunter. About 83% of college students have their own credit cards and on average owe about $885 on their cards.

The biggest obstacle without having a college education that Hunter faced was “finding a good job that paid enough to pay bills.”

Even though she put her college education on hold, her financial obligations continued to follow her. Paying bills, putting food on the table and providing for a family caused financial difficulties based on a low salary. Hunter decided that the best option for her and her family would be to go back to school where she would have a greater opportunity to increase her salary.

Financial difficulties were not the only reasons to go back.

Setting a good example for her son was most important. “I wanted to set an example for him. Education is important and I believe I should practice what I preach.”

The decision to go back was not easy though and there were other obstacles she faced. Hunter was now the “old” kid on the block and had to withstand the awkward first time student stage as a mature adult. “Being older than all the other students was kind of weird,” said Hunter. According to the Lumina Foundation, “more than 40% of today’s college students are adult learners.”

Hunter’s goal oriented attitude and the well-being of her young son ultimately finalized her decision to return to the classroom. “It has always been my goal to have a degree, set a good example for my son, and it’s hard to have a decent life without a degree,” said Hunter.

Now, as a part-time student, Hunter hopes to “provide a better life for [my] family.”

By: Sara Sample

College

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In State or Out of State?

C O L L E GE

IN STATE: - In state tuition is usually between $5,000 and $10,000 annually.

- It is far less expensive.

- When you stay in state, it is easier to go home for the weekends to catch up with old friends and laundry.

HOW TO CHOOSE

YOUR COLLEGE CAMPUS

OUT OF STATE: - Out of state tuition is usually between $15,000 and $25,000 annually.

- You have to pay extra taxes for being an out of state student.

- It is far from your family and friends.

- Some people see it as a fresh start.

Community College

- Not all public colleges are community colleges.

- Community colleges usually offer two years of schooling where students can then choose to switch to a four year degree at an accredited college or university or just go straight into the work force if they wish.

- Community college tuition is about $2,076 per year.

- Going to a community college instead gives you a chance to get good grades so that you can transfer to a very good four year college.

- You can stay at home, so it is it cheaper since you do not have to pay for room and board.

Public vs. Private

PUBLIC COLLEGES: - Do not just accept anyone. You have to apply for admission by sending in an application.

- Most public schools have standards for admission.

- Public schools tend to be cheaper, bigger, have more community outreach and host public programs.

- It is funded by the government.

PRIVATE COLLEGES: - Is often seen as being one of the most expensive ways to earn an education.

- The classes are smaller which means more individual attention and more financial aid offerings.

By: Raegan Pack

UCA Profile:

The University of Central Arkansas is a four year public college that offers a lot of scholarships. A few benefits Mrs. Harness, UCA alumni, saw at UCA was the fact she did not have to pay, due to scholarships, and they offered a good education program. Mrs. Harness loved her English professor and the student life. She became involved in the ministry group on campus called Chi Alpha and the classes in the dorm. Mrs. Harness visited two other colleges. She chose UCA because of the size and how friendly everyone seemed. It was a bonus that she already had friends that went there.

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Military

Arkansas

Army National Guard

Arka

nsas

RMY NATIONAL GUARD

Beginning in the 2010-2011 school year, students will have the opportunity to enter the Junior Recruit Officer Training Corp, or JROTC. This is a program aimed at developing one’s leadership skills, military training and discipline. JROTC also has scholarships that are awarded based on a student’s merit. These include two, three and four year scholarships, full tuition scholarships, option for room and board in place of tuition and additional allowance for books and fees. If a JROTC member chooses to pursue a career in any military branch, she/he will be promoted automatically upon entering that service up to an E3, which means more money and responsibility.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, is a test that matches students to ideal jobs based on scores and their own particular interests.

It tests several different areas such as math and science to show students their understanding of that particular skill.

This test is designed to help students learn more about themselves in an attempt to distinguish several careers of interest. This is a military based test that the armed services use to help recruit students who are interested in the military.

Taking this test does not mean you are joining the military. The ASVAB is given every year here at Lonoke High School, but you can also take ASVAB practice tests at www.military.com or www.baseops.net.

A

JROTC

ASVAB

SSG Billy Sheets 676-5215 ~ 676-8074 ~ william.sheets1@ar.ngb.army.mil

The Army National Guard is a part-time service within the 50 states and territories composed of Guardsmen, civilians who serve their country, state and community.

The National Guard has a dual mission that is both state and federal. The National Guard can be called into action for local or statewide emergencies, such as earthquakes or fires. In addition, the National Guard can also be activated by the President of the United States to take part in federal missions like stabilization operations in other countries.

“We have an obligation, a mission, to protect the community and help its people,” said SSG Billy Sheets, a Recruiting and Retention NCO for the Arkansas Army National Guard.

The National Guard has many benefits such as 100% tuition assistance for college, affordable health insurance, job training and guaranteed retirement.

Entering the Army National Guard allows students to serve the country, state and community while obtaining a quality, college education.

This is a service that allows member’s to have a full time job and/or go to college full time while living close to home.

As students inch closer to graduation, entering this program is a great option to consider if they have even the slightest military interest. For more information go to www.1800goguard.com.

By: Cheyenne Lee

Ba

l l a b sket

The Lady Rabbits Basketball team currently has a conference record of 110, meaning that they have eleven wins, and zero losses. They are the 2-4A Conference Champions. The Lady Rabbits take on the Heber Springs Panthers February 12th for senior night.

The games begin at 6:00p.m. Come out, and support the Lonoke Lady Jackrabbits!

Boys

Gir l s

RECAP

NFL

Sports

Baske

By: Storm Beeler

The 2009 NFL season was a record setting season. Peyton Manning won his record fourth MVP. Chris Johnson passed Marshall Faulk for more yards from scrimmage in a season.

Brett Favre passed Jim Marshall for the most consecutive starts. Darren Sharper broke Ed Reed’s record for most interception return yards in a season.

The Colts and Saints got off to the best start in franchise history. Houston got their first ever winning season and Atlanta had back to back winning seasons for the first time.

Just like the last time the Steelers won the Super Bowl, they missed the playoffs the following season. The Raiders had 11+ losses for the seventh straight season. The Rams one win was the worst in franchise history and gave them the number one pick in the draft.

Matt Schaub led the league in passing yards, Chris Johnson led the league in rushing yards, and Andre Johnson led in receiving yards.

Patrick Willis had the most tackles and Elvis Dumervil’s 17 sacks were the most in the NFL. Ten quarterbacks threw for over 4,000 yards.

15 running backs ran for over 1,000 yards. A NFL record 23 receivers had over 1,000 yards.

There are only three teams that repeated as division champions. Six teams made the playoff’s

13

tball

The Lonoke Jackrabbits are 7-6 in conference play. With one game to go Lonoke is in third place in conference 2-4A. Senior night is Friday night, February 12, staring at 6:00.

The Conference tournament starts next week.

this year that did not make it last year. The Giants and Broncos went undefeated the first third of the season and each missed the playoffs.

Charles Woodson was named Defensive Player of the year. Tom Brady won Comeback Player of the year. Percy Harvin and Brian Cushing were the Rookies of the year. Chris Johnson was the Offensive Player of the year.

In the Wild Card round, the Cardinals beat the Packers in a 51-45 shootout, the most points in a postseason game. The Cowboys, Jets and Ravens also advanced to the next round.

In the Divisional round, there were two 31+ beatings. The Saints beat the Cardinals and the Vikings crushed the Cowboys. The Jets and Colts also won. It was the first time since 2004 that both number one seeds had won.

For the first time New Orleans was hosting a NFC Championship game. The Saints beat the Vikings in overtime to advance to the Super Bowl. The Colts beat the Jets in the AFC Championship to go to their second Super Bowl in four years. continued on page...15

14

Suicide Prevention

How to Save a Life “...But I never thought anyone I knew would commit suicide certainly not my best friend.”

These are the words that J. Brent Bill wrote years after his best friend committed suicide. “I learned a lot of things later I wished I had known before Greg killed himself...I would like to have known what to look for, so that I might have prevented it.

If I had only known, Greg might be alive today!”

Someone committing suicide is not your fault, but you could be the one to stop it. “What could I have done so that he would be alive today?...

Why didn’t I see it coming?...I should never have gone away... If I had only seen it coming, I could have tried to prevent the suicide, and maybe even succeeded...that time, but since I hadn’t noticed any of the danger signs, how could I have done anything?” Many people see the signs, but do not realize that they are indeed the signs of suicide.

Depression carries a high risk of suicide.

Recognizing the warning signs and knowing the risk factors for suicide are the best ways to prevent it from happening. “He stopped eating and started losing weight. He had to buy a lot of new clothes, because he kept getting thinner,” said Bill. A change in eating habits is one warning sign. Trouble sleeping, deep sadness and losing interest in things one used to care about are a few more, but it gets worse from here. Always talking or thinking about death, having a “death wish” and tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death occur too. “On the few times he would get the Honda out he’d come home after zooming down unlit, gravel country roads at over 100 miles per hour without a helmet or jacket. Sometimes he told me he even played Russian roulette,” said Bill. Making comments about being hopeless, helpless or worthless, putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will, saying things like “it would be better if I wasn’t here” or “I want out” and sudden, unexpected switches from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy all step into the picture too. “He would have outbursts of rage. He would pound on the wall in anger, lashing out at the world. Then he would immediately calm down and be O.K.,” said Bill.

By: Megan Palmer

Talking about suicide and visiting or calling people to say goodbye are more of these signs. These are signs to be aware of if you think someone may be thinking about suicide and are very important to recognize.

The risk factors of suicide vary with age, gender and ethnic group. Many of these factors occur in combinations. Family histories of suicide, mental disorders or substance abuse are a few risk factors.

One or more prior suicide attempts, exposure to the suicidal behavior of other family members, physical or sexual abuse and keeping firearms in the home all play a role in suicide. Sharing these clues may prevent you from losing your best friend too.

“In spite of all the signs, even in spite of the gun, I never thought he’d really kill himself. I thought I would have the power to save him by just being there. I didn’t.”

Suicide is a potentially preventable public health problem.

It accounts for more than 1% of all deaths in the U.S. each year.

In 2001, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. Among young people aged 15 to 24, suicide is the third most common cause of death.

Four times as many men die from suicide as women.

Over 90% of people who die by suicide have clinical depression or another diagnosable mental disorder.

Many times, people who die by suicide have substance abuse problems.

Adverse or traumatic events in combination with other risk factors may lead to suicide.

Suicide and suicidal behavior are never normal responses to stress.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, between 20% and 50% of people who commit suicide have had a previous attempt.

Jumps anything.”

When news hit of Ryan’s condition, the community of Lonoke took action to help the Hobson family. “So many people have wanted to help,” said Mrs. Hobson. “They’ve sent cards and money. It’s just amazing.” On January 8th, a blood drive was held at the Lonoke Baptist Church in honor of Ryan and 44 units of blood were donated to the American Red Cross.

“People are very faithful he’ll be ok,” said Todd.

“Everyone’s really upbeat and it’s encouraging.”

“I feel like this whole town is behind us cheering us on like at the State Championship Football Game,” said Mrs. Hobson. “We’re so thankful for the love and support we’ve been shown. Keep praying for us.”

Leukemia continued from page...7

Many people want to help loved ones suffering from Leukemia and one way to help is to donate blood or bone marrow. Donating bone marrow “is like donating plasma. It’s easy to do and there is a national registry online where you can register to donate bone marrow.” With any medical procedure there are always risks and/or symptoms. According to the National Marrow Donor Program, “the risk of side effects of anesthesia during marrow donation is similar to that during other surgical procedures…sore throat (caused by breathing tube) or mild nausea and vomiting.” Those who donate can expect “lower back pain, fatigue, stiffness when walking and bleeding at the collection site.” These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The donation process may not be easy,. but it could give hope to someone suffering with Leukemia.

To register to donate bone marrow and help those in need, go to www.marrow.org and sign up. It only takes one person, one decision to save a life.

Send ideas and comments to: lonokepawprint@gmail.com

Junior Testing Editorial continued from page...6

This article was written January 26th before a junior meeting was held that informed us of new benefits for passing the Literacy End of Course Exam. After hearing these new benefits, it has now changed my editorial. Yes, now I do care about this exam, NOW it is important to me. Hmm…I wonder what may have triggered the minds of those on the Leadership Team to officially have these new incentives? These new incentives include the already senior out to lunch once a month along with a senior skip day that will be pre-scheduled on the calendar. Also, no matter what E.O.C exam you take your name will be put in a drawing to receive $500. Not just the juniors, but anyone Eighth through Twelfth grade can have their name in this drawing if they score proficient, but if your score is advanced your name will be entered twice. Your name can go in this drawing multiple times if you take more than one EOC exam. I greatly appreciate these new incentives which have now changed the way I will do on this exam.

NFL recap continued from page...13

Super Bowl XLIV featured the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts. Drew Brees tied a Super Bowl record with 32 completions and was Super Bowl MVP. It was the first time the Saints had ever won it all.

Pam Steele Photography 501-831-2752

Ryan Hobson continued from page...7

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Ideal Dreams

Jokes

In Ideal Dreams of long ago I imagined my true love.

A perfect match, a soul mate, An angel from above.

Now you’re here and now I know, Our love will stay and thrive and grow.

1. What did the paperclip say to the magnet?

2. What did Frankenstein say to his girlfriend?

3. Why didn’t cupid shoot the arrow at the lawyer’s heart?

1) I find you very attractive!” 2) Be my valenstein!”

3) Because even cupid can’t hit a target that small!

Answers:

By: James Brown, Senior

Word Search

Guess Who? Which four students make up this celebrity?

Bill Gates

Love Romance Roses Sweet Valentine

Comic Strip Look, my girlfriend sent me a Valentine’s Day card!

Answers:

1)Tranice Scott 2)Lydia Evans 3)Darius Scott 4)Tripp Weaver

Flowers Gift Heart Hugs Kisses

Notebook Artwork

By: Cheyenne Lee You’re just upset because you didn’t get a card! See you later!

She’s just That’s a playing restraining hard to order. get!

It says stay 500 feet away.

See you in thirty minutes when I’m bailing you out of jail!

By: Danielle Jones, Senior

Candy Chocolate Cupid Date February

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