MHS Mirror
Mattoon High School
“Striving to reflect the MHS community”
APRIL 2013
VOLUME 3 | No. 6
M AT T O O N H I G H S C H O O L MHSMIRROR.ORG
MHS showcases students’ talent CONTESTANTS EXPRESS INDIVIDUALISM
By Sydney Edwards, Advertising Manager
PHOTOS BY AMBER DIAMOND
Top: Senior Trent Black, second-place winner, beat boxes for the audience. Second: Junior Kylon Weaver and senior Hannah Wilson preform during the talent show. Third: Sophomores Christin Watkins and Sarah Hardin perform “Catch My Breath” by Kelly Clarkson. Bottom: Senior Doug Daugherty plays his guitar.
From a bunch of senior boys in swimsuits to talented Mattoon High school students, the MHS Key Club’s Mr. Awesome Contest and Talent Show had twists and turns that ended with a prom proposal. Caroline ZuHone, senior and Key Club president, said the Mr. Awesome contest and talent show was a success, as well as an event where an abundance of MHS talent was shown. “Melinda [Holmes, MHS senior]’s dance was really good, but I thought there were several singers that were amazing, and Trent [Black, MHS senior]’s beat boxing was really cool,” said ZuHone. “I just think it’s really neat to see how much talent our school has that many people may not usually see.” Holmes was the winner of the talent show, senior [Trent] Black came in second, and Matt Calio and Luke Young, MHS juniors; came in third place for “I thought we had a lot of really singing and playing guitar and keyboard. Brock Taylor, MHS junior, performed in the talent amazing talents and that all show as well, and he said he enjoyed singing “It Takes Two” from the musical “Hairspray.” the boys in the Mr. Awesome “It was spectacular to perform in front of my peers. contest were so much fun Everyone was very supportive,” said Taylor. Taylor also had his favorite picks of the night out of and really good. I’m sure it the performers in the talent show. “Melinda did a great job, and I was really impressed was really hard for the judges by Trent’s beat boxing,” said Taylor. The Mr. Awesome Contest was also a success with to make their decisions.” Austin Sherman, senior, stealing the crown and Mr. Awesome title. Senior John Olmsted took the title of Caroline ZuHone, Mr. Congeniality. Sherman said he appreciated the talent show also MHS senior and had his own opinion on the performances. “I think Matt Calio’s stood out because you knew when he started singing why he was doing what he was doing. It was great to visualize his reasoning for preforming,” said Sherman. Calio said his reason for performing was to have fun and to show his love to God. Sherman said he was surprised when he won the title of Mr. Awesome, but he was humble toward his competition. “After Johnny and Ryan [Croy. MHS senior] did their dance routine, I was pretty confident that one of them was going to win,” said Sherman. Taylor said he was also impressed by the performance done by Olmsted and Croy. ZuHone found delight in the routines done by the seniors in the contest. She said it was a tight competition. “I thought we had a lot of really amazing talents and that all the boys in the Mr. Awesome contest were TALENT/ 2
MHS ADMIRER AND MHS CONFESSIONS AFFEC T SCHOOL
Social media accounts target MHS students PHOTO ILLUSTR ATION BY EMMA DILTZ
By Emma Diltz, Business Manager
branding the names of “MHS Admirer,” “MHS Confessions” and the “If the situation and what With the advance of the age like, the administration was quick to comes the advance of new and find out what the conversations were people are posting drives improved technology, which people to harm themselves about. affects people in all aspects “By the end of the school day, of their lives. In particular, the we had students and faculty reor others, then the police constant use of social media, porting [the page] had disrupted such as Facebook and Twitthe classroom. By the next day, we have to get involved.” ter, also contributes to what knew who had created the pages and happens in people’s lives evKasey Alexander, worked with the student to get it deery day. activated,” said MHS Principal MiRecently at Mattoon High MHS resource officer chele Sinclair. School, and schools all over the At all Illinois schools, there is country, there has been an outbreak of pages targeted at ha- a law book that the administration is obligated to uphold, rassing students and interrupting the school environment. according to Sinclair. With all the talk of the ever-growing Twitter pages “We have the “Illinois School Code,” which is SOCIAL/ 2
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THE MHS MIRROR APRIL 2013
Page Designer Riley Trotter
From One
PHOTOS BY SYDNEY EDWARDS
Top left: Seniors Ted Myers, Ryan Croy, Austin Sherman, Justin Gordon, Colton Anderson and John Olmsted prepare for the Mr. Awesome competition. Top right: Luke Young, a junior at MHS, plays piano as his talent for the contest. Bottom left: Senior John Olmsted asks sophomore Sarah Jensen to prom during his interview portion for the Mr. Awesome contest. Bottom right: Senior Melinda Holmes performs a dance during the talent show.
Talent
From Page 1 so much fun and really good. I’m sure it was really hard for the judges to make their decisions,” said ZuHone. The judges consisted of Margaret Warrem, MHS
chemistry teacher, Laura Roberts, MHS graphic arts teacher, and Kaleigh McRoberts, MHS English teacher. ZuHone said the event was a joy to everyone who attended it, and more than $500 was raised toward Spastic
The MHS Mirror
is produced by the students enrolled in the Journalism II and I courses at Mattoon High School.
Kaylie Homann Justin Gordon Emma Diltz Riley Trotter Molly Dotson Sarah Foster Destinee Anderson Paige Jordan Jacob Harris Sydney Edwards Lane Plummer Wyatt Jones Albert Henderson Jarett Martin Fancie Lewis Jenna Butler Rhiannon Douglas Amanda Bright
Editor-In-Chief Managing Editor Business Manager Design Editor News Editor Features Editor Opinion Editor Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Advertising Manager Online Editor Multimedia Editor Multimedia Editor Distribution/Promotion Manager Photographer Reporter Contributing Reporter Adviser
Mission Statement: We, the staff of the MHS Mirror, strive to be a public forum that evokes individual high-level thinking and sparks conversation in a way that defines high school journalism, while maintaining a high ethical journalistic standard.
The MHS Journalism Program 2521 Walnut Ave. Mattoon, IL 61938 (217) 238-7877 mhsmirror@gmail.com Visit us online! mhsmirror.org
Social
From Page 1 school board policy and we’re obligated to follow it,” said Sinclair. “These policies are quoted in the school handbook. If whatever happened creates a disruption to the educational environment and students are upset about it, then we must investigate it.” Sinclair also noted that a connection with the school itself can cause action. “School officials are legally bound to investigate the situation if it’s in any way affiliated with the school. This includes having ‘MHS,’ ‘Green wave’ or having an actual wave that’s the school symbol. In this case, the police were then notified because some things said could have been criminal,” said Sinclair. Officer Kasey Alexander elaborated on how the police are able to
Paralysis. The event even went out with a pleasant surprise when Olmsted asked MHS sophomore Sarah Jensen to prom as part of the contest. Jensen said yes.
be involved. “If the situation and what people are posting drives people to harm themselves or others, then the police have to get involved,” said Alexander. As far as punishment goes, the criteria for suspension and expulsion (which was considered in this case) falls under five different considerations: Nature of the act, student’s previous school history, the effect of the conduct on the delivery of educational services to other students, the interest of the student, including but not limited to, his age or maturation and the severity of the punishment taking into account any mitigating circumstances. “No one else will probably be disciplined from this situation,” said Sinclair. “Every situation is different, and some students were concerned with what was or going to be said about them through this. It was and is important for us to teach students about this.” On a more personal level, Sinclair conveyed her reaction to this situation. “The main reaction was disappointment. There’s always a shock with what kids say on these accounts. Nobody is perfect, but when you have pictures that can be posted, it never disappears. There’s no getting rid of it,” said Sinclair. Although some students may claim they had no recollection of these acts being illegal, and that it wasn’t fair to exert a punishment for a rule they didn’t know existed,
it is stated in the MHS handbook that it’s not allowed. “The laws are in the handbook,” said Alexander. “The handbook is for students and parents to go over together, so the students should have known that it wasn’t and isn’t allowed.” Sinclair agreed on what Alexander said. “Electronic harassment has been included in the handbook for several years,” said Sinclair. “Students should know better.” Although the pages caused harm, that wasn’t the original intent. “The page was made to mock the [Eastern Illinois University] Confessions page,” said MHS junior Ashley Purvis. “It wasn’t intended to be bad. It was intended to be funny, and it wasn’t intended to make fun of anyone.” While the pages did cause harm and humiliate to some students, it also presented itself as a teachable moment for everyone. “Treat others as you want to be treated,” said MHS Spanish teacher Amber Behrends. “Don’t put anything online that you wouldn’t want your grandparents to know about. It’s silly to do something in the spur of the moment that could sacrifice your entire career.” “For advice to people who are on social media: don’t make anything related to school in any way,” said Purvis. “Whatever you put online can be found. Don’t say anything you’re going to regret, and think before you put anything on there.”
3 Coles County affected by hunger
News
THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
Page Designer Jarett Martin
By Jarett Martin, Distribution/Promotion Manager
Hunger is a problem all around the world, and many don’t realize that it is not as bad in the United States as other countries. However, it is a big issue in America because there are millions of people who are impoverished and can’t provide for their families. This issue has spread everywhere including Coles County. However, assistance for people in need is provided by the food center in our community, and although this place is beneficial for many, recently it has begun to lack food. To help out people who are hungry through food donations, the Mattoon Community Food Center helps many in poverty. This is where they get their food daily. Executive Director Janet Clark said she believes that many people in Coles County do not know that there are so many in poverty in the towns where they live. “I have been closely involved with Mattoon Community Food Center since it began 30 years ago. Mattoon is a very caring community, but most people don’t realize how serious the problem is here,” said Clark. Volunteer worker at the Mattoon Community Food Center Joe McKenzie believes although some are aware, others are not. “I think some of the community knows that hunger is a problem in the community, but there is also another part of the community that doesn’t notice that hunger is a serious issue,” said McKenzie. Clark also agrees and knows there are hungry people around the world, but it is a big issue in Coles County. One might not know it, but someone one knows might be in hunger. “I think that there are probably many who at the very least have neighbors or people in their family who are in hard times. So many people have lost their job or had hours cut,” said Clark.
The Mattoon Food Center is not the only local organization helping the hungry. Lane Vanderslice, editor of the Hunger Notes organization, informs people of this problem through their website called worldhunger.org. They have been around for years, informing the general public and large groups in the United States on hunger issues all around the world. With internet, they can expand to inform more on the issue of hunger in the United States and in other countries. “[We] inform and educate people about hunger and poverty,” said Vanderslice. Beyond information, it takes people to help battle poverty. Clark said the food center in Mattoon does receive support from volunteer workers, and others give food and money from within the Coles County community. “We have almost 200 regular volunteers plus hundreds who contribute money and food to the food center,” said Clark. MHS senior Lacey Solomon, who
INFORMATION COURTESY OF JANET CLARK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MATTOON COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER INFOGRAPHIC BY JARETT MARTIN
is also Key Club vice president, said there are many people who volunteer around Coles County, and even students help out and volunteer. “The amount of people I saw volunteering at the Rotary Food Drive was amazing. People of all kinds and all ages were there to help. Also, the student groups here at the high school really get involved in volunteering, especially Key Club and National Honor Society,” said Solomon. “Also, I feel like many students do it because they truly do care and want to make a difference – it’s not just something to put on a resume for them.” Solomon also said the Key Club helps out with people who are hungry. “With Key Club, I have helped out with the Rotary Food Drive and the Salvation Army Mobile Food Unit. The Salvation Army Mobile Food Unit, or ‘Food on the Move,’ is a pro-
gram that’s number one goal is to make sure the children of the community receive the food that they need when school is not in session,” said Solomon. “During the summer, the mobile feeding unit visits about six different locations in the Mattoon community where need has been recognized, and it serves about 100 meals every day during the week.” Solomon said that when the units arrives “At each location, children excitedly wait to receive a sack lunch supplied by the school district.” However, there is also a stark reality to the food service. “Sadly for many children, this is their only guaranteed meal for the day,” Solomon said. Others agree that feeding the hungry can lead to seeing painful realities. “[The saddest thing I have ever heard was] babies die from hunger as their mothers watch,” said Vander-
slice. Not only Vanderslice, but also Clark has witnessed some heartbreaking events when she is working at the food center. “I had an old man pass out in line because he had not eaten. [Also, there was] a mom [who] feeds her little kids popcorn and puts them to bed, and this is just some out of hundreds of sad stories,” said Clark. McKenzie said he too has seen some dreadful sights at the food center, but it is something that he will always remember. “There was a person who came to the food center one time who was on a walker and on oxygen tank, so that they could put food on the table,” said McKenzie. Solomon also has seen sad things while she has been volunteering with Key Club. “I saw hungry children while working with the Salvation Army Mobile Unit; it broke my heart, but luckily, we were there to give them food,” said Solomon. Even with all the sad moments for hunger, McKenzie says that they get help from a lot of rural business in the Coles County community. “We have some key business that help out, and we also get food donations and money from the community, and that we use the money that we get to buy more food for the Mattoon Community Food Center,” said McKenzie.
Accepting Donations Mattoon Community Food Center is taking food donatations Monday-Thursday from 8-11 a.m. and on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30-4 p.m.
Giving blood for a good cause By Destinee Anderson, Opinion Editor
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMBER DIAMOND
Above: Junior Clayton Tucker talks with a nurse while getting his blood drawn in the new gym. Below: P.E. Teacher Angela McQueen gives a thumbs-up on giving blood.
If someone knew he was able to save another’s life, would he? Many students and teachers at Mattoon High School did just that by participating in the Community Blood Drive on March 28. One may ask why our school is using the Community Blood Service instead if the American Red Cross this time. According to Vince Walk, key club sponsors, Community Blood Service was used because they are actually the organization who provides the blood for our local hospitals such as Sarah Bush Lincoln. According to those who donated, giving blood is beneficial in many ways. “If someone was like my mom and needed a blood transfusion due to the loss of blood in surgery, then it will help them. It helps more people than what we know,” said Megan White, an MHS senior. Although the giving of blood is beneficial, there are many requirements before one can give the gift of life. One requirement is age. You must be 16 with a parent’s permission or 18 and do not need a parent’s permission. Some students would be more than willing to give blood, but they are not old enough when the time to give blood comes around. MHS junior Morgan Vancil said this will
be her first time because she wasn’t old enough before. Walk who is sponsor of the Key Club and is involved with the Community Blood Drive, and also an economics and sociology teacher, said this time around, the need for blood is high. The goal was to at least get 75 people to donate. There were 93 that registered and 13 temporary deferrals. “From my conversations with the blood coordinator, blood demands are higher due to illness and traffic accidents with the poor
weather,” said Walk. However, Walk also said that MHS has switched from having blood drives on half days to full days. Because of this adjustment,the number of donors has increased significantly. Choosing to give blood is a choice someone gets to make when one turns the age of 16 and is in general good health. Blood is vital to people all around the world. An accident or illness can happen at any moment, and one can save a life.
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THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
Page Designer Molly Dotson
News
Work Co-op instills work ethic
Hard work pays off By Destinee Anderson, Opinion Editor Work Cooperative is a class that strives to provide useful skills for future jobs and careers for Mattoon High School students, all while earning paychecks. The class is meant to create “strong sense of work ethic, responsibility and accountability and the people and problem solving skills that will carry into your future career or any line of employment,” said Natalie Ambuehl, MHS psychology and work coop teacher. Ambuehl said students can benefit from the program in a number of ways. “The skills they learn at work are reinforced by the things we talk about in class and vice versa. Topics discussed have immediate reference. The question ‘When will I ever need to know this’ does not apply,” said Ambuehl. Many of the students in the work co-op class can receive many advantages for future jobs or careers. One such advantage is learning “how to make good investment choices,” said Evan Dodson, senior at MHS and worker at Domino’s Pizza. Michael Allen, another senior in the program at MHS, said that out of the class he can receive more experience in the workplace that will in turn be beneficial. However, there are also many qualifications to be accepted into the Work Co-op program. Students “must have a secure job, work minimum number of days, hours per week. At least 10 hours during the week. You must be a senior on track to graduate and have transportation to and from work,” said Ambuehl. According to Ambuehl, from these qualifications, students learn about interview skills, job skills, career opportunities and the understanding of paychecks, taxes, bonding, credit, budgeting finance, insurance and citizenship. “An obvious perk is a shortened school day; this does allow them time for homework and other errands, even if they aren’t scheduled right away,” said Ambuehl.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATALIE AMBUEHL
Work co-op students leave school early daily in order to better understand the working environment and earn money. Top left: Senior Brody Warren drives a combine to pick corn in his family’s field. Middle left: Senior Jesse Gray cleans the pizza oven at Pagliacci’s. Bottom left: Senior Katelynn Sanders presents a sweet tea to customers at the drive-thru. Above: Senior John Poorman welds at a company located in Arcola.
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Features
Page Designer Jacob Harris
THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
Build from bottom up
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In Building Trades, everything needs to be perfect
By Kaylie Homann, Editor-in-Chief
All year at Mattoon High School, students interested in constructing and building a house to be sold in the community partake in the Building Trades class. Toward the end of the house’s building process, it is put up for auction, and people of the community can bid on it. This year it was sold for approximately 135,000. Building a house has taught MHS students everything from useful constructing skills to what career they may be interested in going into. “We started from the floor up,” said Hannah Lovell, MHS senior. “I enjoy it.”
Although Lovell is the only female in Building Trades, she doesn’t receive any different treatment from the others. “They don’t pick on me, but they thought it was weird because I am cute and innocent,” said Lovell, followed by a laugh. Not only has Lovell found a hobby that she is accepted into and she enjoys, it also has provided a career option for some. “I plan on doing this when I get out of high school,” said Dustin Temple, MHS senior. “I’ll probably stay around here for a few years and go somewhere else.” It has also given Temple confidence for the real world. “I can achieve what I need to get
done,” said Temple. Students in Building Trades class have some favorite aspects about the construction of a house. “I like building the structure of the house,” said A.J. Nichols, MHS senior. “Nailing boards together is fun, too,” added senior Michael White. Although some parts of building a house may seem fun, other parts are less desirable. “Dry walling [is less desirable] because you have to get it perfect, and it’s annoying,” said Nichols. Lovell agrees with the burden of getting everything perfect. “You have to make sure everything is perfect and if one thing is messed up, the whole thing is,” said Lovell.
PHOTOS BY K AYLIE HOMANN
Mitch Godden junior and Hannah Lovell senior working on the building trades house to put it up for sale.
Left: A common scene in the building trades house includes equipment and materials staged for work. Right: The front door of the building trades house awaits its first owners.
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Features Happy tears shed for hall of fame THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
Page Designer Sydney Edwards
By Paige Jordan, Entertainment Editor
Grace Croy also believed Smith had potential to be chosen for the When someone thinks of an honor. award, one might think of a big “I thought the minute we were and shiny trophy, but it can mean with her that she would win,” said much more than that. Croy. Mattoon High When Smith School’s dance won the award at team coach Mathe state, MHS lia Smith, who redancers reacted cently won the with cheers and Best Coach of the tears. Year award in the “There were Illinois Drill Team some tears; they Association Hall are a very supportof Fame held at ive group,” said the state dance Smith. competition at the “We screamed Assembly Hall in and clapped for Champaign. her, and she cried, Smith never exGrace Croy, so we started crypected to receive ing,” said Artis. the award because dance team member Although Smith of the amount of won an award for years she has been coaching. her coaching, her dancers don’t “Traditionally, it’s coaches that feel any different than before. have been coaching for 20 years, “I have always had respect [for and I have not,” said Smith. her]. She has always been there, MHS sophomore and dancer not just as a coach, but as a famiLex Artis said she thought Smith ly,” said Croy. had the potential to win the Best Croy said she believes that Coach award. Smith really deserved the award. “She has good sportsmanship, “Of course she deserves it beis always happy and is very deter- cause she is such a great coach, mined to help us win,” said Artis. and she has also been doing it for MHS sophomore and dancer so long,” said Croy.
“I have always had respect [for her]. She has always been there, not just as coach, but as a family.”
PHOTO BY PAIGE JORDAN
The Plaque Smith received during her induction and is now displayed in her classroom.
Father-son team coaches MHS athletes By Jacob Harris, Sports Editor
Running track and being athletic may run in one’s family, but teaching it to other people is a challenge that Merlyn Hood, a retired track coach, has excelled in. “I like to see kids improve,” said Merlyn, father of James Hood, who is Mattoon High School’s head boys track coach and woodshop teacher. With the student athletes going through highs and lows, Merlyn has had very successful track experiences. He earned a full-ride schol-
arship to the University of Tennessee for football and track and field. At Tennessee, one can say Merlyn was quite successful; the first time he touched the ball on the football field at Tennessee, he scored a touchdown, which was a great way to start a career. Merlyn also tied the world record in the 50-meter dash and won state in the 100 and 220-yard dash his senior year of high school. These experiences have helped Merlyn help James become a better coach and athlete, too. “There is no better track coach
“There is no better track coach than my son, James Hood.” Merlyn Hood, Coach Hood’s father
than my son, James Hood,” said Merlyn. With Merlyn having a great career, James also had a good run as a track coach and athlete. He went to Eastern Illinois University for track and field. Although he quit track after one year to focus on school, he still was a great athlete. James focused more on school to become a teacher and is now the head coach of the track team and production teacher. From his experiences and what his father has taught him, he has Project4_Layout 1 9/28/2011 4:27 PM learned a lot.
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“One thing I have learned is that he allowed me to pick my own path. He didn’t make me be something I’m not. He let me do what I want,” said James. `When picking what he was going to do in sixth grade, James said he wanted to be a high jumper, and his father told him he should try long jump. James’ senior year track season he jumped 23.8 feet in long jump. Longing jumping around 20 feet is decent for a male that age, and that’s why both Merlyn and James Page 1competed to win. Hood
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PHOTOS BY MACIE DRUM
Above : Merlyn Hood talks to team members at the girls track meet. Left: Hood writes down scores at the g invitational April 17.
Feature
Page Designer Sarah Foster
THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
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WYSE team proves to be just that By Jarett Martin, Distribution Manager Annually, teachers are encouraged to submit their top students who deserve various awards and honors. There are several of these academic honors around Mattoon High School, but one of the most prestigious is the WYSE team. The Worldwide Youth in Science Engineering is international; it was originally based on science and engineering, but now it tests a wide range of subjects. This season, not only has the team gone to sectionals and regionals, but they had a team member, senior T.J. Holmes, advance to State. Adviser for the WYSE team and MHS chemistry and physics teacher James Sparks said students cannot just join WYSE; they have to be recognized by someone to make the team. “For WYSE, you would be nominated by a teacher on the subject that they teach,” said Sparks. One of those nominated, junior Leah Buck, did biology and chemistry at regionals and said she really enjoyed going to WYSE sectionals. “[It was] pretty cool. There were about 300 kids there, and they are as dedicated as you are, and it was better than being in class all day,” said Buck. Holmes, who did engineering graphics at the competition, said there was a little variance between sectionals and regionals. “There was a silent difference in competition, but we grow from regionals [to] sectionals,” said Holmes. MHS senior Melinda Holmes, who competed in English and physics, said she also enjoyed going to WYSE. “[It was] cool seeing all different kinds of students taking the tests,” said Holmes. Sparks said this has been the best
team he has ever had. “We placed third in sectionals, and this is the first time we ever placed in the top three. [It was] also the first time we got a trophy. Overall, they did good as a team,” said Sparks. Buck said she really liked being in WYSE. “It is different in a way because you meet students that are like you, and you also get to meet students that you don’t have class with,” said Buck. Sparks said that in WYSE, practice is mostly on students’ own time. “Sometimes we do practices, but mostly you are on your own. You should ask for help on the subjects that you are doing by going to teachers to see if they could help you on that subject,” said Sparks. Buck said she remembers perfectly what they did and what happened when they got to regionals. “We had an opening ceremony and had two tests that were about 40 minutes long. [We] had lunch, and then we had the awards at the end,” said Buck. Regardless, Buck also thinks they could have done better in WYSE by studying more. “I think we could have been better prepared. Other teams had a private study, and we just practiced before we started the test,” said Buck. Sparks said one student went to state. However, Sparks believes the whole team had potential to go to state. “T.J. Holmes is going to state at the U of I on April 9, and he is doing Engineering Graphics. We probably could have all gone to state if we placed in first and second because if we ranked higher, they would to have the most first
place and second-place students,” said Sparks. T.J. Holmes said he was excited that he went to state for WYSE. “I placed first in both sectionals and regionals. When I heard that I was going to state, I felt very special. No one else has gone to state for many years, and I also felt honored going to state for engineering graphics,” said Holmes. T.J. Holmes said he prepared by getting help from his family and teachers at the school before he went to state. “I am referring to my dad for help in wiring and plumbing from what Sparks and Brown have not taught me yet,” said Holmes. T.J. Holmes said that he had a fun time at state for WYSE. “I didn’t place in state, but I did better than I thought I would,” said Holmes. Melinda Holmes has advice for students that are going to be in WYSE next year. “Prepare and look at past tests and prep on the subjects you are doing by going to teachers that [teach] that subject when you need help,” said Holmes.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JAMES SPARKS
Some of the MHS WYSE team members pose for pictures before, during, and after their testing sessions. The MHS team placed first at sectionals.
Teacher, coach Troy Haacke finds balance Man of many responsibilities tackles life one day at a time By Jenna Butler, Reporter
PHOTO BY K AYLIE HOMANN
Troy Haacke helps junior Mitch Godden measure and prepare a closet doorway for Building Trades.
One would think it would be difficult, even stressful to manage multiple responsibilities such as being a building trades teacher, coaching the JV boys basketball team, coaching the girls track team, and still carrying out the duties as a parent of three young children, but somehow Troy Haacke, Mattoon High School staff member, manages. “My wife helps me out a lot. I do a bit of work at home, too, and the experience of doing it for all three years; the longer I’ve been doing it, the easier it gets,” Haacke said. With so many responsibilities, it’s hard for Haacke to find time for himself. “I do a little running and go workout. I went deer hunting, too, not that long ago, but I don’t get much time for myself,” Haacke said. Even though it’s very time consuming, Haacke finds all his activities rewarding, for example, the building trades house. “The construction is neat to see how far the students come along; they are proud of the work they’ve done,” Haacke said. “Students come back years after graduation even, and a lot of them make it as their occupation.”
Haacke also finds it rewarding to see improvement and growing success within his athletes. “For coaching, seeing the success, seeing them achieve and move onto a higher level is rewarding,” he said. David Vieth, MHS assistant principal and athletic director, is aware of the work Haacke puts forth. “He wants to make each athlete better on and off track. He is very dedicated to the track program. He has a lot of enthusiasm,” Vieth said. Ryan Heuerman, MHS senior, notices Haacke’s strive to lead his students towards success as well. “He teaches us lifelong skills. He teaches anything from carpentry to drywall to finishing work,” Heuerman said. Although Heuerman thinks he could manage the responsibilities of Haacke with experience, he admits it’d be stressful. “Not many students can do what Haacke does to teach the students, but with the two years of building trades and the two years of construction working for Curry outside of school, I could get the job done. Haacke has a lot of experience with the building trades, though, and knows what he needs to do exactly and how to do it, so it would be stressful for me to do what he does,” Heuerman said.
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Page Designer Kaylie Homann
THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
Centerspread
CONCERNS RAISED OVER By Emma Diltz, Business Manager All over the country, the issue of violence-and particularly gun control- has been getting a lot of attention. Mattoon has been experiencing the shock of violence like never before, as well. Recently, there have been several cases where victims have been stabbed, shot or assaulted in Mattoon; therefore, some are beginning to question the safety of this small, central Illinois town.
Crimes in Mattoon
PHOTOS BY K AYLIE HOMANN
“I don’t feel safe here anymore,” said Mattoon High School junior Ashley Purvis. “It seems like people are going crazy, especially with the stabbing and shootings.” Although lately it seems that crime rates are increasing with more severe violence, that isn’t necessarily the case, according to of Mattoon Police Department Chief Jeff Branson. “Mattoon has an average of about one homicide per year, and it’s usually domestic related,” said Branson. “It’s very rare that there is a homicide like we had a couple weeks ago that is a robbery-homicide.” Instead, the crimes more typically seen involve alcohol, drugs and domestic issues. “Our biggest call to serve is domestic and drug/alcohol related crimes. We had an increase in DUI arrests this year,” said Branson. “We wrote 82 DUI tickets so far this year, and we usually average around 50-60 tickets per year. We increased by about 13 percent, which is good to keep motorists safe.” Also, the amount of gang violence has decreased. “Gangs have really had a lull. One thing that has declined in town is there used to be major recruitments from other cities coming to Mattoon for gangs,” said Branson. “We tackled it and mostly got it wiped out. It’s here, but it’s very, very subdued.”
Technology & crime
There’s speculation on whether there has actually been more violence, or if it has been blown out of proportion. “I do feel like there has been a lot more violence,” said Purvis. “But, there has also been a lot of talk over social media like Facebook and Twitter, which may also be a contributing factor.” With social media, technology has become a main component of the changes between 20 years ago and now. “The biggest change is now when something happens, people find out about it so much quicker. With the homicide that happened a couple weeks ago, it was on Facebook, and everybody knew about it within an hour,” said Branson. Not only has social media ramped up the knowledge of crimes, but other sources of technology have been proven useful by both criminals and police officers. “Criminals have become more tech savvy, but so has the police department’s CSI,” said Branson. “It used to be that the CSI team wouldn’t be at the crime scene but for maybe an hour or two, but on Broadway Avenue after the homicide, they were there for 12 hours. Still, Mattoon leaders such as Mayor Tim Gover don’t really see a change in the amount of violence experienced. “I haven’t really seen a change in the past couple of years,” said Gover. “We seldom have unfortunate events like we did Monday [April 18] evening. It’s very random, and it’s not like we have any drive-by shootings like other towns. We have a good police department that keeps things under control.” Branson feels the same as Gover. “There hasn’t been a whole lot of change in the crime rates. There are up and down periods,” said Branson. “There’s about an average of one homicide per year, which is right on target for a town of Mattoon’s size.”
Drugs & pursuit
While it doesn’t seem that the amount of crime has increased, the police department fights an everlasting battle: the drug war. “Our biggest battle is drug activity. We now have people experimenting with bath salts and incense, and they don’t know what they’re doing, and different drugs are altering people’s minds. In the past 12 months alone, we’ve had two deaths related to heroin,” Branson said. Because there have been a few criminal outbreaks within the past couple of months, the MPD is taking measures to ensure a safe environment. “We’re currently going to get two warrants for two individuals for lying during the homicidal investigation that happened a couple weeks ago. We’re going to make an example of them,” Branson said. “We try to be fair and give breaks where we can, especially to the youth, but we also have to know when to make an example. A man got killed; and these men lied, so they’re going to have consequences.”
By Fancie Lewis, Photographer With all of the violence and crime going on these days, some students and teachers are growing apprehensive about the school setting. The National Rifle Association has even suggested every school have armed personnel days. “I feel much safer with Officer Alexander at our school, but a lot of students do not pay attention to the fact that he is here, so a lot of violence and bullying are still going on,” said Craig Graham, junior..
Although some may not recognize the fact that Officer Kasey Alexander is present, he does many duties to look out for the school. “I do patrol every morning through campus and the neighborhood. I help with traffic and the middle school, and I do walk through. I also speak with students and faculty about what’s going on,” said Alexander. Most think having the security we have is a privilege; however, some think one officer may not be enough to keep a school in check. Many believe
MHS should enlarge its system. “We may need to somewhat expand; however, I’m not sure the school can afford another officer, nor do I think MPD can afford to give the high school another cop,” said Alexander. Expansion may be needed, but for now the job that needs to be done is getting done. “An expansion on our security system would only help us, and with seeing multiple officers patrolling our campus may scare some student into actually behaving right,” said Allie Gonzalez, sophomore.
PHOTO BY FANCIE LE WIS
Officer Alexander watches the monitor of cameras throughout the school building to ensure the safety of students.
Crime prevention
Gover feels that how he and others are ensuring safety will help prevent further incidents from occurring. “Our police department works with the schools district to ensure safety,” Gover said. “We have a police officer in the school permanently, and the teachers and administrators have been trained if there is a safety issue.” Branson agrees with the safety Gover discusses, but with assistance from the community. “The community it always willing to step up and help the [police] department. The community has stood together side by side when things get hard, for the most part,” said Gover. Even though there may not always be visible danger, people should always know what’s going on around them. “Always be conscious of your surroundings no matter where you’re at,” said Branson. “It takes all of us to do the right thing, and treat others as you want to be treated. People will respect you more, and you’ll respect yourself.”
It takes all of us to do the right thing, and treat others as you want to be treated. People will respect you more, and you’ll respect yourself. Jeff Branson, chief of Mattoon Police
Centerspread
THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
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SAFETY IN MATTOON By Sarah Foster, Features Editor The 26 students in a classroom begin to tap their feet at the end of sixth hour on a Friday afternoon. Each reverberated noise clashes; statements of anxiousness and anticipation are hidden within the resonations. Though it seems the sluggish second hand on the clock will never strike 2:43, it finally happens. Kids rush to their lockers, fill their hands with homework assignments and make their way outside of Mattoon High School’s circle drive in a hurry to see the horizon of a stress-free weekend. The overflow of students who rush to their designated parking lots are small fish in a big sea as the wave of cars, trucks and Volkswagen Beetles are in a race to exit the lot. Teenagers stuck waiting in rush-hour-parking-lot traffic on a Friday afternoon begins to suffer from the anticipation all over again. The ingredients for an accident are now baking; all that’s left is the ding of the oven.
Driving distractions
INFOGR APHICS BY SAR AH FOSTER
“[The traffic situation] is bad. Students are trying to show off and drive recklessly to look cool,” said junior Chase Branson. “We need more enforcement.” Junior Ian Grzelak shares these feelings. He agrees that more enforcement of traffic laws is needed around MHS’s boundary. “[It’s] the problems of teenage drivers. They’re either texting, talking or getting distracted,” said Grzelak. Grzelak was in a recent accident because of a teenager’s negligence. “They were distracted. It wasn’t bad, but it was enough to make me mad about reckless driving,” he said. Finally, Grzelak insisted, “something needs to be done.” The dangers of teenage driving don’t only endanger the people sitting in the passenger seats of the car; pedestrians are often cautioned to be on the lookout for oncoming traffic. Junior Sarah Etchison parks in her relative’s nearby driveway; after school, she walks from the school to her car. “I almost get hit every day,” she said. Sophomore Ellie Bradbury is new to the road; however, as a driver who recently turned 16, Bradbury does not feel blind to the dangers, abuses and neglect of other drivers. She has her own ideas for fixing the problems occurring around the school. “When students get pulled over for driving recklessly, they should be stricter about it. There have been multiple students pulled over for the same things and have not gotten in trouble for it,” said Bradbury. “It’s not a safe environment. People need to slow down and think before they do things.”
Safety of drivers
On the contrary, in every circumstance, perfection isn’t possible. Junior Amanda Kriesel said she is not displeased by the driving of her classmates. “I don’t think it’s bad. Everyone drives how they’re supposed to,” said Kriesel. However, there is one change she wishes would be made. “In the junior parking lot, people go in and out the wrong way. We need to inform people which way is in and which way is out,” she said. MHS’s traffic and parking regulations are under the guidance of three men: Officer Kasey Alexander, the school district’s assigned officer; David Vieth, the MHS athletic director; and Michael Shaffer, assistant principal. All are committed to bettering the safety, lives and traffic regulations of MHS’s student population. “The safety of students is my main concern when it comes to parking lots and drivers. As we are taught in driver’s ed, we are driving around a 3,000 pound weapon, and we need educated on how to use it properly,” said Shaffer. Alexander and Vieth are both on the same playing field as Shaffer; for Alexander, a main concern is the lack of available parking space. “It’s an overall issue with the number of students we have. We have restricted parking and predisposed issues are all in at the same time,” said Alexander, who feels the problems with teenage driving at MHS are not because of lack of experience, but because of the way the system is set up.
How to prepare
Avoiding the accident Another concept Vieth has examined is staggering the dismissal of all students. “Less traffic, less chance of somebody in an accident. The only concern is the interruption of other classes,” he said. If dismissals were limited to one hallway at a time, students who have lockers in the 300 hallway are taking the chance of disturbing the students in those classes; thus, the students peering through the window at the students who are allowed to leave before them grow anxious. Shaffer stresses the importance of driver’s education; however, he believes it isn’t just the responsibility of these teachers. According to Shaffer, parents are the biggest teachers in a teenager’s life. It is a parent’s job to teach their child how to drive safely and cautiously. “[We rely] on parents coming to help us with this issue to discipline accordingly,” he said.
Shaffer estimated that there were between 15 to 20 traffic violations each year; Alexander reports that he has had “five accidents” during his time as an officer at MHS. These aren’t including accidents on Marshall Avenue. This also does not include the tickets administered by the school administration. “We try to get out once a quarter, a couple times this spring. I write about 15 to 20 tickets each time I’m out generally for not having a permit or being parked in the wrong lot,” said Shaffer. Alexander adds to this list what he feels is a major problem among teenagers: texting or cell phone usage. “Most of the time, I’m doing the cell phone in a school zone, which is illegal. Officers on the road do radar and speeding issues,” he said. These administrators do understand the dilemma of the teenage years: the lack of experiences to fall back on. Teenagers are learning in every aspect of their lives, which includes driving as well. “Minor accidents are always going to happen, even as cautious as we want to be, it still happens,” said Vieth. Shaffer agrees. “In general, kids do a good job. We get compliments from people who do walk through, and they go on about how well-mannered the kids are,” he said. The one piece of advice the administrators give is to be fully aware. “Be aware as you drive of where pedestrians and cars are. Be cautious; don’t get in a hurry. Go slow,” advised Shaffer. “It doesn’t matter who is right or wrong. If someone is injured, it is too late.”
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Page Designer Paige Jordan
THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
Entertainment
By Paige Jordan, Entertainment Editor
Reviewer’s Rating
What do you want to do before you die? It’s a question that has been through everyone’s head at some point in time. Some may have a bucket list, and others might just go with it. From skydiving to meeting your real parents, everyone has something he would love to do. “What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?” is a book by four authors: Jonnie Penn, Duncan Penn, Dave Lingwood and Ben Nemtin. These four guys are from Canada and are also known from the MTV show “The Buried Life.” The show is about them going around the country, crossing activities off their list and helping others do the same. There are two seasons of the show. In the show, they have no boundaries, and they will do whatever it takes to get activities off their list. They made the book because of an item on their list, to write
a New York Times best seller. There are some articles, but it is mostly art. Almost each page has a great meaning. The art is in the background and explains what’s on their list further. The book is based on the bucket list of random people and some of the author’s as well. At the beginning of the book, everything from their bucket list is written, and a lot is marked off. Some things on their list are: No. 59 Ask out the girl of your dreams; No. 89 Play ball with the president;No. 50 Streak and get away with it; No. 122 Send our book to space; No. 24 Go to a rock concert dressed all in leather, and many more. There is a list of over 100 that they have. For example, some goals in the book are “to interview a killer” or
PHOTOS BY RILEY TROT TER
Bucket list items fulfilled in book “to pay my parents’ debt.” Some goals are more heart-wrenching, like a story about a son wanting to meet his dad, while the other page is the dad wanting to meet his son. The beginning pages of the book are about how they met and how everything got started. When looking through the book, it doesn’t take very long because it is mostly pictures. There are also quotes all throughout the book that have good meanings by people that most of us all know. For example, there are quotes by Kurt Cobain, Notorious B.I.G., “The Buried Life” members and many more. The book is very unique, cool and inspirational; it also influenced me to make my own list. This book also makes one think life isn’t as long as one thinks it is. I recommend that if you need a book to look at, you should check it out. Also, I recommend checking out the TV show “The Buried Life” on Netflix.
Small town band to big city Los Angeles By Riley Trotter, Design Editor
A band that was first formed in Champaign, Illinois, is moving on to bigger and better things as small-town band Vanattica is now hoping to make it in the big city of Los Angeles. Vanattica is a four-part pop, rock, metal and alternative band consisting of lead singer Travis Leonard, drummer Tyler Tarquini, bassist Jaron Lancaster and guitarist Steven Hopkins. Although the band consists of these four now, it has changed over the years. “The band formed in 2005 when
Cal Joslin (currently the bassist in Sidewalk Prophets) and I decided to make a band. We were high school buddies and picked up two other high school friends to join us,” said Leonard. Each band has a reason for the name they choose, but for Vanattica, the name is very personal for one of the members. “I named the band after my best friend who died when he was 15, Tyler Van Atkins. Vanattica is a play on words to honor his name,” said Leonard. Throughout the years of the band, many complications have
For More WeAreNorthridge.com or on instagram @ WeAreNorthridge been met. “Flat tires, broken engines, dead batteries, sickness. You name it; it has happened,” said Leonard. Although Vanattica no longer plays any shows in the area, they still have many fans at Mattoon
PHOTO COURTESY OF VANAT TIC A
High School. “I was super sad [when they moved to L.A.] because I love them to pieces, and I didn’t want them to move away. But they’re starting their big adventure, and I wish them the best of luck,” said MHS sophomore Jordan Snyder, who has known the members of the band since a very young age. Not only is Snyder a fan of Vanattica, but MHS senior Anissa Swearingen is as well. These two MHS students were some of the few who got the chance to see Vanattica before they moved on to L.A. “I think it was pretty cool that I got to see them before they headed for L.A. because I got to see them as this little small town band before they became such a huge success,” said Swearingen. If given the chance, both Snyder and Swearingen would jump at the opportunity to see Vanattica again. “I would definitely go see them again because I love the lyrics they incorporate into their songs and, in general, they perform
quite well on stage; it was fun going to their concert last time,” said Swearingen. Swearingen and Snyder have similar reasons for wanting to see Vanattica again. “Of course I would go see them again, and I most likely will see them again in the very foreseeable future, and they’re a great rock band that’s sure to rock the stage,” said Snyder. Although the band has been Vanattica for quite some time, they are currently going through some changes. “The band is transitioning into a Christian Pop Rock band called Northridge right now,” said Leonard. “The band’s first album is almost complete and will come out this year.”
Entertainment
Page Designer Justin Gordon
THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
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Tarantino kills it twice with ‘Kill Bill’ By Justin Gordon, Managing Editor
Reviewer’s Rating
Editor’s note: This the third part to a four part Quentin Tarantino retrospective. After the massive box office and critical success that was “Pulp Fiction,” Quentin Tarantino reached A-List in Hollywood. He had single handily revolutionized crime movies in the 90s. By bringing the importance of dialogue to the forefront and made it the “hip” concept to do in the 90’s. He had done with just two movies, what takes many directors volumes of movies to do. His next project would be crucial to his career as it would solidify him as either a truly great director or a fluke. His next project was “Jackie Brown:” A very good movie. However, it wasn’t a major box office success. It wasn’t panned by critics, but it wasn’t beloved like “Reservoir Dogs” and “Pulp Fiction” were. I would highly suggest giving “Jackie Brown” a look. I feel its Tarantino’s most underrated flick and worth a view even if one isn’t a Tarantino fan. Anyway, after Jackie Brown didn’t as great as Tarantino may have hoped for, he took a couple years off and put his next project in the works. It was originally going to be a single film about a bride’s revenge. However, after noticing the incredibly long running time, it was agreed by Tarantino and producers to split it into two films and what came of that split was “Kill Bill Volume One and Two.” I shall review “Kill Bill,” as it was intended to be: one film. Part III: “Kill Bill” This movie asks a very serious question: what one would do if mauled by ninja thugs on ones’ wedding day by the fiancé causing him to lose a baby? The movie’s answer is to kill Bill. “Kill Bill,” is unlike any big budget blockbuster one will ever see. It’s a story of female revenge done in a very unique way. It has a stylistic edge that may confuse most movie-goers unless they understand what Tarantino is going for. Although it is Tarantino’s more crazier films, it is executed in an entertaining and beautiful way. The plot is basic, yet complex. Uma Thurman play’s “The Bride,” a woman who was
brutally beaten on her wedding day by her fiancée Bill’s thugs. Then when she announces that she is having Bill’s baby, Bill shoots her in the head and leaves her to die. The bride miraculously survives and receives training from a Ninja and goes on a manhunt for Bill’s thugs, vowing to Kill Bill. The plot is nothing new. Female revenge movies had been around years before “Kill Bill.” However, Tarantino gives this one a sizzle by giving it outlandish characters and amazing action. Even though the plot may not sound like something new, “Kill Bill” is definitely a breath of fresh air. The performances are like any Tarantino flick- really incredible. Academy Award nominee Uma Thurman gives her best performance to date in this. She has brilliant comedic timing when it calls for it, a hard edge for the action scenes and a very genuine sensitive side for all the softer scenes in the movie. This movie really is hers, and she takes full advantage of that. David Carradine gives a menacing and charming performance as the lead antagonist Bill. Lucy Liu, Vivica Fox, Daryl Hannah and Michael Madison do splendid villainous roles as the bride’s targets. A concept I have held off on in this retrospective was Tarantino’s soundtracks. Tarantino let one of his friends, RZA, compose the soundtrack, which upon retrospect was a great idea. Every song and music sting is so expertly placed that it truly is groundbreaking for a musical score in a movie. Tarantino has always had a knack for placing the right music at the right time. He often picks outlandish songs that should not work in his movies, and they always work. An example being every time the bride and one of her targets see each other this loud and abrasive music sting hits, and it works. Usually
kid comes home. Than the two combats stop and go have coffee. On the surface that is bizarre and even off the surface it’s bizarre, but Tarantino makes it work because this was meant to be hilariously bizarre. Another example of the style in this flick is the fact that there is a 10 minute Katana fight shot in black and white that is full of blood and gore. Right after the fight scene there is another stylistic Katana fight scene in the snow. Tarantino purposely gave this film a Japanese animation feel, which makes it all feels so outof-this-world; it really brings the substance to this story. The gore and violence in this is also unbelievably cartoonish. Blood goes flying in every direction. The bride’s signature Katana cuts through limbs like bread and butter. At one point, an eyeball gets ripped out of a characters head and is left to be attacked by a Black Mambo snake. All of this may sound gruesome and horrible. However, it is done so outlandishly, that it’s safe for any audience member to watch. However, I fully believe that if Tarantino wasn’t the one who made “Kill Bill,” I would PHOTO COURTESY OF FANART.COM not have liked it as much as I the sound Tarantino used for the moment would do. It’s just not my cup of tea, be incredibly annoying. Yet, in this it added a but Tarantino adds so much style and level of intensity and gives the audience the feel- creativity that it was an interesting movie ing that something crazy is about to go down. to watch and has a ton of re-watch value. The visual style Tarantino brings to this is Topped off with excellent performancoddly cartoonish. All his movies previously es and soundtrack, Tarantino truly killed had been somewhat grounded in reality. This it with “Kill Bill.” Join me next month one is off the charts in absurdity. There is a for the finale of my Tarantino retrospecgiant Kung-Fu fight to the death in a moth- tive with a film that is off the chain with er’s living room that suddenly stops when the “Django Unchained.”
Bioshock raises the bar and takes to the skies in ‘Infinite’ By Wyatt Jones, Multimedia Editor
Reviewer’s Rating
When first leaping into “Bioshock Infinite,” I didn’t know what to expect, but by the time I had finished, I knew this game was a force to be reckoned with. As I sat down and began my journey, the opening instantly drew me in. The game immediately acquaints the player with the protagonist, Booker Dewitt, who is being taken by boat to a lighthouse on a small island, something very reminiscent of the first “Bioshock”. We soon learn he is wanted by an unknown group of people, and the only way to make them stop is by giving them a girl named Elizabeth who is held captive in the massive flying city of Columbia. Columbia was created in an alternate version of the United States and showcased at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. It was hailed as an American monument but later seceded from the Union and floated away, avoiding detection from the citizens below. After the fantastic intro ends I am introduced to the massive and beautiful city, which almost feels like a living, breathing character itself. We also learn of the antagonist, Zachary Comstock. Comstock is a self-proclaimed prophet and is the one responsible for the holding of Elizabeth; he uses religious ideals and political propaganda to manipulate people into his twisted vision, although we don’t know the motive
yet. At this point, I’m already sure that this is one of the best looking games I have ever seen. With a unique art style and fantastic graphics, the atmosphere it provides is perfect for the setting. Walking through the city, you will notice that it is teeming with activity: a boy selling newspapers, vendors selling goods, a couple enjoying a picnic, and even a barbershop quartet performing a show. After a few minutes of soaking in all that is going on, you learn Comstock has posters plastered around the area claiming you are a “false shepherd” and you are there to bring their society to a halt. Soon afterward, you find your way into a raffle, and a very controversial one at that. It’s here that the situation begins to go downhill and jumpstart your journey into motion. The combat in “Infinite” is an addicting combination of frantic gunplay and strategic thinking. There are many ways to take down your opponents, including an arsenal of weapons and the returning “vigors.” Vigors are found in bottles and have been a part of the “Bioshock” series since the very beginning. When acquired they give the player a special power used to devastate the poor souls on the receiv-
ing end, ranging from being able to hurl balls of fire to unleashing a horde of blood-thirsty crows. Soon enough, Booker has fought his way through the city and gotten a hold of Elizabeth; her accompaniment opens up a whole new method of gameplay. While playing with Elizabeth by my side, the option of opening tears becomes available. Tears are rips in our dimension that Elizabeth has the power to open, which in turn take objects from other dimensions and put them to our use. Some examples being cover, automated turrets, ammo and health. Elizabeth handles herself very well and never needs to be babysat. In fact, she is more help than a burden, often throwing you useful supplies. AI in “Infinite” is superb. Enemies are relentless, and it creates an actual challenge, which only increases the satisfaction felt when victory is achieved. As the game progresses, Booker and Elizabeth become involved in an adventure of epic proportions; they assist a rebellion in fighting a civil war, face an assortment of intimidating enemies, and learn more of Booker’s dark past, just some of the parts that make this such an enthralling story. Although “Infinite” is by far one of the best games that has come out this year, it doesn’t come without flaws. A big problem I had is quite a common one in the video game industry today, DLC from the getgo. Day one downloadable content seems like a cheap marketing scheme by publishers to make mon-
ey off of something they could have just put in originally. Another problem is the length of the campaign. It took me around 10-12 hours to get through, which is a pretty average game length, but without multiplayer or alternative game modes, it just leaves the player yearning for more. It does give the player the option of playing the game through on 1999 mode, a difficult system unlocked after beating the game. In this mode it is locked on the hardest difficulty and respawning costs a large sum of cash; if one doesn’t have enough, they
are kicked to the main menu and forced to restart the last checkpoint. Although 1999 mode is a fun addition to the game, it doesn’t make up for the lack of replay value. From start to finish, “Bioshock Infinite” kept me on the edge of my seat. With a beautifully crafted story to go along with the gorgeous visuals and attention to detail, the few mistakes it does make are easy to look past. “Infinite” soars high above expectations and is one of the few games out there that fit the true definition of “interactive experience.” PHOTO COURTESY OF NAVE360
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THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
1. Grand Theft Auto IV Never in my life could I have imagined a game to sweep me off my feet with such force. It reminded me of how I felt after watching “The Godfather”. I couldn’t do anything in my life without wandering into a daydream about it. I wanted to drop everything and play it again. To experience the compelling story again. To live in a world that is so alive and paralleled to our own. I could split up individual segments of the game and create $60 games out of them. The shooting was better than most shooters. The driving was greater than most racing games. The little things like watching Republic Space Rangers on TV at my safe house to browsing hilarious celebrity blogs in computer cafes are even better than most real-life counterparts. It also featured a dark and mature storyline that revolved around Serbian immigrant Niko Bellic. For Niko, the American dream is to escape his past, to build a life he never had. American reality sets in soon as Liberty City engulfs him in an underground crime ring, and the story takes you on a tour de force of gripping set pieces and unforgettable moments of character growth, loss and extreme violence. “Grand Theft Auto IV” raised the bar for gaming, and every game released afterward owed something to it. I knew it would be good, but I didn’t expect it to shame every other game created in its generation. 2. Bioshock The world of Rapture is one that I treaded lightly and haphazardly, one that I would never forget. Leave it to Irrational Games (System Shock 2) to create a game so ambitious, so full of mystery and grandeur that it left every game before it in its dust. Characters like Andrew Ryan haunt my memory today, which is one of the most memorable characters to be in a game, because he invaded my bubble of comfort like no villain before. Bioshock was the first venture into a vision for a game that defines contemporary storytelling and atmosphere, and what a masterpiece it became because of it. 3. Uncharted 2: Among Thieves “Uncharted 2” wasn’t an ambitious game to begin with: it was a game that defined the standard of the AAA-produced game in this age of gaming. Console defining graphics, a compel-
ling storyline and the best cast in videogame to date, “Uncharted 2” bested its predecessor in every way. I grew attached to the cast of fleshed-out characters and truly cared about their ad-
Page Designers Lane Plummer & Albert Henderson
tertainment. “Infinite” ditched the multiplayer to solely concentrate on a bombastic single player that is a result of a man’s restless pursuit of his vision of what a game should be. 5. Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess It’s not often we get to say a console is able to launch with such a beautiful game. It’s never been said that no other game in the console’s history would best it. We saw a more mature link for the first time. So much replay value seeped out of “Twilight Prin-
Opinion
City” was the five-finger flex. Rocksteady clearly knows the Batman universe inside-out, and it shows well with the cleverlydevised plot. “Arkham City” also features the greatest riddle-solving enigmas to date. It’s an understatement to say “Arkham City” is the best superhero game ever created. More fitting would be one of the greatest games ever created. 8. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Ever since “Call of Duty 4”, every modern shooter has strived to be “Call of Duty 4.” The cam-
game before it had a more addicting and rewarding online experience that is more comprehensive that its competitors. It all wraps up in an unforgettable shooter that cannot be passed. 9. Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword By the time “Skyward Sword” came to fruition, it was well apparent that the Wii didn’t excel with third-party games, but by god if its first-party games weren’t. If “Twilight Princess” was the opening love note, then “Skyward Sword” was its emotional close. “Skyward Sword” redesigned the game to accommodate to the best of the Wii’s motion controls and capabilities and expanded upon “Twilight Princess’s” mature ambience. Simply put, there wouldn’t be a better Wii game since it. 10. Mass Effect 3 Not only the greatest sci-fi universe in gaming but the greatest by any entertainment medium, “Mass Effect” proved it could live up to and exceeds its hype upon the release of its first two entries. What BioWare created with the third and final entry in Shepherd’s adventure would prove to be the most memorable entry. The By Lane Plummer & Albert Henderson whole time, the inevitable battle Online Editor & Multimedia Editor with the looming Reapers daunt ed every decision and action I The most evolving generation in the video game industry’s history, the seventh generation of gaming, has took. “Mass Effect 3” featured played host to hundreds of memorable games, moving out of its console and PC origins, spreading to tablets and what I loved about the first and phones. It became the birthplace of arcade games and more complex downloadable content. The biggest change second, combined the two and was its refinement of online play, which has become a staple in the industry and essential to most titles. It changed added more features I enjoyed. so much, and the definition of what a video game is has been altered with it. Conclude the experience with Many innovative titles came out in the past eight years, making it difficult to craft a list comprising the an innovative cooperative online 10 greatest. These 10 games not only were masterpieces of art, but mediums of unparalleled entertainment and love note and “Mass Effect 3” craftsmanship that elevated the idea of a good video game. These 10 titles are not to be missed, and should be ex- can rest easy as a sure placement perienced by all. With the next generation around the corner, it is important to remind ourselves, the games that on this list. cannot be missed in the present one. Here is the list of the 10 best video games of this generation.
10 games to define a generation
ventures like no other game. Also, the engaging gameplay was tightened to perfection over the first. “Among Thieves” is still the pinnacle of video game perfection when it comes to just making a great game without the need of innovation, which is an innovation of itself. 4. BioShock Infinite If the first “Bioshock” was meant to introduce us to Ken Levine’s first visions of the game he wanted, then “Infinite” was the final copy of that perfected vision. Not only was Infinite the true successor, it was better. “Infinite” engorged the gameplay to make it as grisly and rewarding as possible. Complementing all of the gameplay is the enormous world of Columbia that is without a doubt one of the most grand and alive backgrounds in any medium
of en-
cess,” and new welcome gameplay mechanics ensured the game would be engraved as another Nintendo classic. “Twilight Princess” was truly the Wii’s first swan song, and no other title in the console’s disappointing life could ever hold a candle to it. 6. Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots “Metal Gear Solid 4” was the masterful conclusion to one of gaming’s most beloved series. Playing through Snake’s final story served to be emotionally evocative throughout, aided by the expertly-crafted storyline by Hideo Kojima himself. “Metal Gear Solid 4” was easily the most accessible entry for newcomers and was also more fun to immerse into for series-long fans. Aided by innovative boss battles, “Guns of the Patriots” was the denouement that the franchise deserved and the game I waited years for. 7. Batman: Arkham City Until “Arkham Asylum,” the idea of a superhero game was hardly plausible. Leave it to Rocksteady to create an immersive and intriguing game that makes you truly feel like the bat himself. If “Asylum” was the opening orchestra, then “Arkham
PHOTOS COURTESY OF IGN & GAME INFORMER
paign had an immersive, explosive single player complemented by a comprehensive and unforgettable storyline and characters I enjoyed fighting along with. The 60 frames-per-second has now become a staple for the most popular franchise in video game history. The area where the game excels in is its innovative multiplayer. No
Opinion
THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
Page Designer Fancie Lewis
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Digesting the idea of food in class School: a place where students can learn about anything from math to art. However, how much learning is taking place while students are thinking of other needs? Many students at Mattoon High School may get hungry or thirsty sometime during the school day, and they deserve the privilege of eating and drinking during classes. Students who come from physical education may become dehydrated or hungry from the amount of exercising they do. After stu-
Jarett Martin Distribution Manager dents have been exercising so long, it could make them hungry from the calories they burned. Students can also become thirsty if they are running most of the class hour. This can lead to sleepiness in class if students have a lack of fluids in their system. Sometimes, it is even harder
for students to obtain a drink after P.E. because they have to go outside for class. It becomes a task to get a drink, and the teacher has to let them back in to get one from the water fountain. However, school sports let students have drinks outside and inside. If coaches are letting students have drinks with them during practice, why can’t the physical education classes do that, too? In the real world, people who go to college are able to have snacks and drinks while they are working and even when they are in class.
Those people who work are able to eat snacks and have drinks during their work hour. Students in college can bring snacks and drinks to their classes. Many students bring snacks with them because they are sitting for a long period of time, and they know it could help them focus more. If colleges are allowing students to have snacks and drinks in their classes, why can we not do the same in high school? Students should be able to have snacks and drinks in class. If we want students to experience what
the environment would be like after they leave school, they should let them have drinks and snacks in class and learn how to handle it responsibly. It could help improve their learning skills and also help them experience what they can expect in college and at work. The government should provide more healthy options at school and give the students the knowledge on what is healthy to eat. Students should than have rights like any other citizen in the United States and should have a choice on what or when they can eat.
Talking Heads: If given the choice, would you rather be given the privilege to eat During Class or eat Outside At Lunch?
“I would like to eat snacks during class because you eat lunch during the day and that you are hungry before and after lunch and that people are hungry.”
“I don’t want to eat outside because the bugs will eat my food. I don’t even like picnics.” Sophomore Allie Gonzalez
Freshman Levi Griffin
“I would like to eat outside because it gives kids more freedom and a break from the cafeteria.” Junior Breanna Davidson
“I would rather eat outside because that way we don’t have to stay here all the time.”
“I wouldn’t mind if the kids ate in my class; my only concern is that they clean up after themselves.”
Senior Michael Jean
Teacher Laura Roberts
Outside lunch: Too difficult to stomach? Students would have to sacrifice to start eating outdoors
It’s a beautiful day, so students decide to eat outside of the school. It’s so nice to get some fresh air and not have to sit in a stuffy cafeteria, and they’re getting a chance to clear their minds of stresses from school. They are enjoying their lunch hour in nature with their friends and refocusing their minds. This scene is not seen at Mattoon High School; however, it is a privilege students should be able to earn.Many students become anxious and antsy sitting in a classroom seven hours each day. A break from this setting could do the students good and help their concentration.
Fancie Lewis Photographer
According to Breanna Rhodes, MHS junior, “it would give us a chance halfway through the day to recuperate and refocus.” There are counter arguments to giving MHS students this kind of freedom and responsibility as well. Students may take advantage of the privilege, or they may be more tempted to leave campus when not allowed. They could even be de-
structive toward school property. Perhaps the best counterargument has to do with supervision. If MHS allows students to eat outside on campus, the school is then responsible for supervising them as well. That means extra funds during a time when state funding is being cut. However, if given the chance, most students would be so thankful to be able to have this opportunity. One option would be to use supervisors from other areas when the weather is nice, such as the gym. Students could also come up with a plan to sacrifice something
else in the budget in order to gain the privilege. Regardless, even though there may be some complications and
kinks needed to be worked out, having the privilege of eating outside during lunch would benefit the students rather than hurt them.
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THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
Page Designer Emma Diltz
Opinion
Editorial
Appreciation for publication You are walking down the hall right after getting out of your favorite class. As the school year ends, you rest assured that the same great class is waiting for you next time. This hasn’t been the case in recent times though; schools everywhere are cutting publications classes due to budget cuts. Stan Zoller, a well-respected journalism teacher in Rolling Meadows, Ill., was let go this year due to the tight budget. With his departure from the school, the journalism program he taught could be abolished from the curriculum. This year, Mattoon High School journalism and yearbook were some of the classes reviewed due to tight budgets. Luckily, members of the MHS administration such as Principal Michele Sinclair ensured that they will be available next school year. These classes will have to stand the test of time as the years go on, and it’s an ever-growing possibility that they could be cut. The staff of the MHS Mirror has come up with our own idea. We firmly believe that it could help keep classes going as long as possible, while helping the school save money that could be used to improve the quality of MHS as a whole. The Mirror considers the possibility of being funded independent-
EDITORIAL C ARTOON BY K AYLIE HOMANN ly as a viable option for classes everywhere. A good method of earning money for the courses would be through advertising. Advertising is when a business owner or company purchases ad space. For schools, it especially applies to student publications that reach many people, such as a yearbook or newspaper. Another method of income would be the selling of class-made items to students and others interested in buying them. Programs such as graphic arts and design
could make merchandise such as tshirts, apparel and a variety of other items to help keep them afloat. Fundraising is another alternative that classes can take a part of to bring in money flow. These are just a few methods, and the list goes on; there are countless ways to ensure that your favorite classes stick around to be enjoyed by everyone as long as they can. To make this possible, school administration would have to approve the option of creating independent courses.
The MHS Mirror Editorial Policies
Opinions in editorials reflect the consensus decision of the newspaper staff and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mattoon High School. Opinions expressed in columns are solely those of the author. To submit a letter to the editor, email mhsmirror@gmail.com The staff of the MHS Mirror agrees that independence could save existing classes and create a diverse
array of new ones, while increasing the overall quality of schools and the student experience.
Movie theater manners: An idea lost in time Allow me to paint a picture: it’s 1977 and “Star Wars: A New Hope” has just been released. The theater is packed full of people. When the movie starts, the audience is pulled into a fantastical world of adventure. The crowd is captivated by the plot, the characters and the ground breaking effects. When the movie ends, the audience erupts in applause and wants to see more from Mr. Lucas; it has successfully won over the world. Now, let’s say the same movie was released in 2013. Instead of being mesmerized by Han Solo shooting first, the focus of the crowd would be the light of somebody’s cell phone or constant rude commentary. Today’s movie-going experience has been ruined by a lack of movie theater etiquette. One of my biggest pet peeves is obnoxious behavior at the movies. I am an inspiring filmmaker/director, and I love movies. I love being taken to marvelous places like Oz or a high-rise skyscraper in “Die Hard.” I also feel that by going to a movie, viewers are there to respect a creative work. However, I am finding it harder to be invested in a film when audiences seem to become more insufferable each passing year. Now, there are some cases where audience participation can be good. When seeing “Paranor-
Justin Gordon Manager Editor
mal Activity” we expect the audience to get involved. That is part of a horror movies’ charm: freaking out and laughing because we got freaked out. Another example would be movies like the Twilight series. The reason I was excited to see those movies isn’t because of the content. It’s for the Twilight fans in the audience who squeals when Jacob takes off his shirt, or gasps when the leads kiss, or screams obscenities at the ending fight scene of “Breaking Dawn Part II.” The audience makes the movie. However, these are rare examples. I don’t want to see a film like “Argo” and hear commentary or stupid jokes the entire runtime. When I was at a screening for “Oz: The Great and Powerful” on opening night, the crowd was huge and full of children, as expected. Everyone was quiet during the trailers. Yet, around the 15-minute mark, a character said the word “damn.” An audience member a few rows behind me was offended by the use of that word and for the next 20 minutes
yelled, “This is a Disney movie. That word has no place here” or something stupid like that. So, when James Franco actually made it to Oz, I couldn’t be pulled into the universe. We were there trying to enjoy a movie, not announce our opinion. Another annoyance I have is when people talk about topics not pertaining to the movie at all, such as their social life. This is happening more and more. People will talk about their lives audibly for most of the crowd to hear. It’s not only disrespectful to the people who made the movie, but it is also disrespectful to the audience who came to see a movie. Texting is also a major problem. One could be watching an intense action scene where Bruce Willis is trying to escape from a burning building, while the audience is feeling every bit of tension that Bruce is feeling. Then, a light goes off in the seat in front; the source is someone’s cell phone ruining all suspense and tension. You would think after the abundance of promos before the movie and trailers saying “please turn off your cell phone” the audience would take the hint and actually turn off phones. At midnight screenings of movies, the manger actually comes out and asks for the crowd to be courteous and turn off cell phones. It real-
ly should be common knowledge for everyone. Yet, people still use their cell phones and provide personal commentary. So, I can’t really blame her for doing so. Cell phones are bad, but talking can be 10 times worse. I was at a screening of “Movie 43” recently. Even though it wasn’t a very good movie, the small audience was still trying to watch it. They were obvious middle school kids in the theater without parent supervision, which means they may have snuck in considering “Movie 43” was rated R. They sat down a couple of seats away from me, and all they did was talk and make jokes. There was a middle-aged couple behind me, and at some point, the male asked the three boys to politely be quiet. The boys then went on to ridicule and mock the couple, which caused more talking and a loud argument ensued. While I did not like the movie, I really didn’t need to have an argument taking place so close to me while watching it. All I kept thinking was that the couple wasn’t helping the matter, and I was extremely annoyed with all of them. One may ask, why not ask the theater workers to come and intervene? The crew can only do so much. Once they get a complainant they have to actually see the person talking or texting to offi-
cially kick them out. The crew will stand in the theater and observe for a bit of time, and when nothing occurs, they go back to work, and the audience goes back to texting and talking. If the crew actually tells them to stop talking, most people will probably just continue to talk anyway. Can I go to the movies anymore without getting angry at the audience’s behavior? Does one really need to text and the entire movie? I am sure one’s entire personal life isn’t going to collapse in 90 minutes. With the way things are going right now, it’s not worth spending money on movie going if I can’t get fully into it because the audience will not allow me to. It truly is getting worse with each passing year. I go to the movies to watch a movie. So, please allow me and others to do so.
Sports
THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
Page Designer Jenna Butler
Baseball team starts wet season
By Sydney Edwards, Advertising Manager
Mattoon High School’s baseball team has had a chilly start to their season. Even with several cancellations and about eight inches of snow, the team is still holding to on hopes for an Apollo Conference win. Baseball coach and MHS driver’s education teacher Mark Jackley said he is excited to get the season started, but he is looking forward to the upcoming games most of all. “On Saturday [March 30, 2013] we are going to Peoria for a showcase tournament and playing against a lot of teams from the Peoria area that we have never played before,” said Jackley. “The game at Bush Stadium is also a game to look forward to. Both JV and Varsity will play,” on June 2. JV baseball coach and MHS physical science teacher Michael Carter said he is looking forward to playing Normal. “I always look forward to playing Normal Community. They are well-coached and always play at a high level. Playing teams like that challenges us to play well in the future and prepares us for competitive games,” said Carter. Rhett Farmer, MHS senior, said he is looking forward to playing Mt. Zion and Effingham for a chance of an Apollo win. “I’m most excited about state and playing at Bush Stadium. Playing Effingham also; I don’t for their future in baseball. “At the freshman, sophomore level, I enjoy seeing a player’s development. My goal every year is to prepare each player for his varsity experience,” said Carter. Coach Jackley said any team is equal competition. Just because they were weak last year doesn’t mean they can’t bounce back this season.
Carter agreed. “No win is ever guaranteed. Anytime we overlook another team, then we don’t have the correct mentality to execute what we need to do win and to improve,” said Carter. A.J. Diepholz, MHS junior, is confident about the team and has no doubt they will have a successful season. One of the reasons the boys are confident is because of their relationships with each other. “The guys have fun at practice and games. They work hard and are close knit with each other,” said Jackley. Besides having fun at practices, Farmer said he knows what it means to be on the MHS baseball team. “Playing a game I love with my friends and representing my school,” said Farmer. PHOTOS BY SYDNEY EDWARDS
Both the JV and varsity baseball players practice inside to prepare for a winning season.
MHS Olympians take home gold medal By Molly Dotson, News Editor
Every year, students at Mattoon High School participate in the Special Olympics for track and field, basketball and many other sports, but unlike other years, on March 17 Mattoon brought home the first place title in the basketball division. According to MHS freshman Katie Cherrington, this goal was not easily obtained, but after all the difficult practices, their hard work was rewarding. “I tried doing my best, believing in my team and myself, and the hard work paid off,” said Cherrington. Cherrington has been attending the Special Olympics for four years, and feels the people and the experience are the best part about these events. “We get to meet other kids like us and experience what other athletes get to experience,” said Cherrington. Her teammate Drake Helmuth, freshman at MHS, agrees and also said he likes spending time with his own team because they have several great moments at practice and on the court. “We always laugh at the things people say and at our own mistakes,” said Helmuth. Their coach Crystal Sparks, a teacher at Mattoon Middle School,
“I tried doing my best, believing in my team and myself, and the hard work paid off.” Katie Cherrington, freshman believes they deserved more than just a medal for all of their time and effort put forth. “They wouldn’t settle for less than first place. Their hard work at practice showed when they played against the teams from the other schools,” said Sparks. Cherrington learned several valuable lessons from playing on this team. “Don’t lose hope, learn how to protect [your teammates] as if they are your family, and just have fun,” said Cherrington. In addition to his medal, Helmuth also took home advice for future Olympians. “Listen to your team and play the basketball game like your life depends on it,” said Helmuth.
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THE MHS MIRROR A P R I L 2013
Page Designer Wyatt Jones
Sports
Students enjoy new YMCA By Jenna Butler, Reporter
PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIE L ADING AND BRIANA NE VIUS
Winterguard perform their routine at Eureka High School in Missouri. Below: MHS senior Kalee Kasey tosses her flag into the air.
Winterguard takes second By Rhiannon Douglas, Contributing Reporter
their director and her blinding excitement, Black was not the only one with the jitters. “I was like so happy; I didn’t know if we could scream, so I was squeezing Carly Laiding’s hand,” said sophomore Jazmyn Maggit. “It was an amazing experience, blew all other years out of the water,” said senior Kalee Kasey, a four-year guard member. Although the team took second in their division, they remain as humble as day one of the season. “With us, it’s never been about winning,” said junior Kaitlyn Chambers, who has been in guard for three years. Now that the winterguard season has closed and the flags have been put away, everyone has started to look back on this year’s season. “It was great; we all wanted it [this year], and I loved it,” said Maggit. Kasey agreed. “Out of all four years, this has been the best,” said Kasey. As the seniors leave, one idea with this guard will always remain true, according to its members. “The winterguard is a family,” said Kasey. “We stick up, support and love each other through everything.”
Throughout the years, the Pride of the Green Wave Winterguard has made a home and a statement within the halls of history. However, this season, the girls have triumphed over every accomplishment the guard has ever made. Under the direction of choir teacher Angi Black and Allison Christian, “Come Fly With Me” has been the most award-winning show in the guard’s history. The show, portraying what happens in, around and outside of an airport, took second place in Scholastic Regional 1A at the Ozark County High School Championships on April 6. “For us [this season], the ultimate achievement was to medal,” said Angi Black, director of MHS winterguard. “There are schools from other states, so this win was a big accomplishment.” The guard girls share the enthusiasm their director has as well, particularly when they gained the silver medal. “When we were standing there in the top three, we were expecting third,” said MHS junior Katie Diener, a guard member for the last two years. “Angi was shaking so hard she couldn’t put our medals on our necks.” Although the girls giggle at
Drum breaks school pole vault record FIVE-WAY TIED RECORD FOR FIVE YEARS IS BROKEN
By Kayile Homann, Editor-In-Chief Macie Drum, sophomore at Mattoon High School, stares down at her grey and purple Puma spikes planted on the black, bouncy runway that leads up to the pole vault pit. The butterflies in her stomach flutter as she recollects on the fiveway school record in pole vault that sits at eight feet. She lifts her white pole in the air, glares at the bar that is set at nine feet and sprints toward the pit. Drum drops the pole in the pit, uses her arm and abdominal mus-
cles to become inverted, manipulates her torso to turn, clears the new school record and falls back to the mat. A shriek of joy can be heard by her teammates and coach who proudly watch Drum conquer the new record. “It didn’t even feel like it was real life,” said Drum. “I didn’t expect to move a whole foot in one day.” This moment from Drum didn’t come easily. “I did extra lifting before the season, a lot of work in the sport center to work on my form, a lot of
running and ab workouts at home,” said Drum. Obtaining the new record gave Drum a sense of closure. “I felt like everything I worked for finally paid off,” said Drum. “I was happy and had a huge adrenaline rush.” Although Drum is historically the best vaulter who has walked the halls at MHS, her goals are still prominent. “My first goal is to get nine foot nine inches because it’s qualifying for state,” said Drum. “But I’m also really determined to get 10 foot this year.”
“It didn’t even feel like it was real life. I didn’t expect to move a whole foot in one day.” Macie Drum, sophomore
Mattoon High School students have been attending the YMCA more often this year in Mattoon since it has been renovated offering more room, equipment and opportunities according to the students. “I like the equipment and how it’s cleaner,” said Emmy Conyers, MHS junior. Michael White, MHS senior, also takes more interest in the remodeled YMCA. “I like how much room there is now,” White said. With the additional room and equipment in the renovated YMCA, more students involve themselves in activities there. “I run, do aerobics and zumba every week,” Conyers said. White also participates in activities at the YMCA. “I lift and run almost every day,” White said.
Youth sports give positive lessons By Molly Dotson, News Editor
It’s an early Saturday morning, and an 11-year-old boy is about to head to baseball practice; he is one of many children who enjoy the physical activity and camaraderie sports have to offer. “I like playing sports because I get to be on a team, make new friends and learn new skills,” said 7-year-old Kelli Watson who participates in basketball and soccer at the local YMCA. Tony Simmonds, the father of three sons who all take part in several different sports, believes being an athlete is a great way to prepare for the future. “Sports can be a great metaphor for life because you learn how to obtain a goal, how to compete, how to win and how to lose. Sports give you the chance to experience the emotions and situations that happen in life,” said Simmonds. Simmonds is not the only parent who believes sports are important. Hilary Rawlings, coordinator for the baseball and softball complex and mother of three young children, sees the benefits of enrolling children in these physical activities. “It’s great exercise for the child, and parents get highly involved in their kids’ games. It makes me smile to see all of [the families] watching and supporting from the bleachers,” said Rawlings. Simmonds and his family are often these people watching from the sidelines because his sons are all involved in at least two sports each. “We’re always on the move. My poor wife is outnumbered,” said Simmonds jokingly. Although all of Simmonds’ sons are highly involved in sports, he believes self-motivation is important. “I don’t push them because that can turn them away to it. I always tell them if you don’t want to go out and hit, we don’t have to,” said Simmonds.