MHS Mirror November Edition

MHS Mirror

Mattoon High School

“Striving to reflect the MHS community”

NOVEMBER 2012 VOLUME 3 | No. 2

M AT T O O N H I G H S C H O O L MHSMIRROR.ORG

MHS tackles hunger issues

By Kinsey Stapleton, Opinion Editor

Whether students realize it or not, eating a meal every day is a privilege many at Mattoon High School take for granted. Most don’t realize that hunger isn’t just an issue happening in third-world countries, it’s happening at MHS as well.

This privilege is especially taken for granted in the MHS cafeteria, where it’s common to see students throw unwanted food away.

While it may seem like part of the routine to some, throwing away rejected lunch items is seen as a waste by others because of the options to donate food, including here at MHS. The awareness regarding food began for many students when after seeing food in cafeteria trash cans, MHS lunch supervisor Pam Heaton decided to start collecting the fruits and vegetables that students were not eating in hopes to donate the food to the Salvation Army.

During the lunch hour, Heaton walked around with a bucket and asked students if they wanted their required side of either a fruit or vegetable. If the students didn’t want the sides, Heaton would collect the food.

FYI

For information on donating to or receiving food from the MHS Food Pantry, contact Tammy Munyon at 238-7811.

“I hated seeing all of that food go in the trash,” said Heaton. “It’s awful that our food goes to waste; a lot of people could use it.”

However, after just one day of doing so, Heaton was told that she couldn’t due to a federal law. According to Heaton, students and faculty cannot take food out of the cafeteria.

Heaton was disappointed that she could not collect food but her idea began a discussion on the issue for students and staff.

Some students agreed with the concept behind Heaton’s efforts, such as MHS junior Lacey Miller.

“I get a juice every day, but I don’t drink it, so I think it was a good thing that Pam decided to do that,” said Miller.

Yet, even though Heaton’s idea HUNGER/2

PHOTO BY MOLLY DOTSON

According to Tammy Munyon, discipline secretary at MHS, peanut butter is the most commonly picked and donated item at the high school’s food pantry.

Grade policy affects students, teachers

By Kaylie Homann, Editor-In-Chief

A change in the Mattoon High School grading system has been implemented this school year that consists of making tests, presentations, quizzes, essays and the like worth 90 percent of the student’s total grade, while homework is worth 10 percent. This change was made by the PLC Focus Group, which is a group of teachers who represent each department in the school.

According to Michele Sinclair, MHS principal, the result of the new policy is that the student is graded on what he knows and how he can apply this skill into a test, not a homework estimate.

“Homework is practice,” said Sinclair. “It’s not a true assessment of what a child knows.”

One goal for this new system is that the grade will reflect what the

“Homework is just practice. If we were to put a high percentage on practice, it wouldn’t be fair to students.”

Deanna MacDonald, zoology and biology student understands more accurately.

“We’re basing student’s grades GRADING/2

PHOTO BY SAR AH FOSTER

These medals show the achievements of veteran Donald Foster, a World War II veteran from Mattoon. Veterans will be honored at an MHS ceremony on Nov. 9 for Veteran’s Day.

Mattoon community veterans reminisce

By Sarah Foster, Features Editor

Day by day, student by student.

Each has a different life, journey and goal. Some want to heal, some plan to teach, some are entrusted to lead and protect. These qualities must be constantly utilized in the armed forces, along with courage, strength and reliability. Soldiers must be brave in high-pressure situations and remember what they were taught.

The military is a job like no other and not for the faint of heart. This upcoming Veterans Day, Mattoon Community family members and veterans alike reminisce on their war-time experiences. Each veteran has a different set of recollections, and a different set of experiences, which has led to a different lasting effect on their lives. These are their stories.

Teacher, Leader, Protector – Major Todd Baughman Meet Maj. Todd Baughman, one of the leaders of the JROTC program at Mattoon High School.

Baughman experienced active duty in Iraq as both a recruit and an officer, where the risk of the military was a way of life he had become familiar with.

Baughman recalled his decision to join the military as a way to seek out “something bigger.” “[I didn’t have] one reason. It’s a great investment, if you like camaraderie, a team. Be a part of something big and do something for a cause. It was an important role, and I wanted to be part of it,” Baughman said, as he sat straight up in his chair.

The essential responsibilities of the military are not to be dealt with alone. The decisions, the stress and the risk these people deal with are only possible with teamwork, according to Baugh-

Veterans Ceremony Mattoon High School will honor veterans during a ceremony in the main gym on Friday, Nov. 9 from 10-11 a.m. The community is welcome and will be seated in the south balcony. man.

“Combat was difficult. I was honored to have the folks on my left and right,” Baughman said.

During his time with the military, Baughman described his obligation as an “armor officer.”

He was stationed in Germany for four years as well as located in “six or seven states” in America. Being surrounded with heavy training, he was required to undergo extensive periods away from home.

The distance makes the common aspirations of raising a family and being married difficult to come by. “[Baughman’s family supporting him] was a tough job; it was harder than the job I had. My wife was awesome; she raised three kids, many times by herself.

I’d be gone for three-plus years, plus training,” said Baughman. “[She was] supportive and understanding. I missed a lot of anniversaries and birthdays.”

Despite the difficulty, when there’s a will, there’s a way.

Baughman and his wife have been married for 25 years.

Now that Baughman is home, he believes his protection of this country has been appreciated and

recognized.

“I’ve been to Iraq three times, and each time, there are groups of people standing in airports patting our backs and congratulating us. I’ve been out eating with my family, asked for the check, and someone had already paid it and walked out.”

Hugs, encouragement and brief pats on the back can be the most meaningful admirations to a soldier. The little things to some people are the most momentous to the brave.

However, despite all of the recognition Baughman has received, he’s humbled.

“I didn’t do it for recognition,” Baughman said.

An Image Still Remains – Mike White A person with differing experiences to that of Baughman is 66-year-old Vietnam veteran Mike White. America, at the time, was in crucial need of soldiers. Because of it, he and a few of his friends decided to enlist in the Marines. White explained that if he didn’t sign up willingly, he would’ve been drafted.

“I didn’t have a choice,” White explained. “It was a two-year hitch. Front-line city.”

He speaks about his work with hardness in his voice.

White explained that his Military Occupational Specialist, or M.O.S., described his appointed task as a “rifleman on the front lines.”

Because of his task, White saw the scary, alarming details of the Vietnam War that are sometimes disregarded. The images he experienced were so disturbing that they kept returning long after the war ended. Because of his involvement, White was haunted by VETERANS/2

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THE MHS MIRROR NOVEMBER 2012

Page Designer Riley Trotter

Veterans From Page 1

alarming dreams for 20 years after the war.

“My biggest dream was going back,” White said.

Talking about the war was tough for White. At first he said he “wouldn’t like to get into war stories.” However, White did mention an alarming event briefly – when he was shot.

“I almost gave my life. When I was shot, I was out there [in the middle of the war zone] for five hours before they could get me.

Bullets were showering over my head, shooting at helicopters and others,” White explained.

White, to this day, remembers the exact date he was shot, “the 15 of July, 1967.” And to this day, he remembers when his involvement in Vietnam began.

“I went over there in ’66 and got out in ’67. I was in Vietnam for 13 months and two days. And they told me I could’ve gone back,” he said.

Ironically, the memories one wants to forget are those that are remembered.

According to White, life in Vietnam was relentless. However, White’s family understood and tried hard to support him during the demanding time. White explained that the family support he was given was very good.

“We really needed socks; it rained every day. My family sent goodies whenever they could,” he said. Vietnam was notorious for its monsoons. This war was tremendously different than any other because of the unpredictable weather in that part of the world.

White, who was 20 when he enlisted, admits that the work required was a lot to ask at the time because he was

Grading

From Page 1 on what they know and what they’ve learned,” said Sinclair.

“We’re talking departmentally about ensuring that students are assessed in a variety of ways - not just paper and pencil tests.”

Member of PLC Focus Group, zoology and biology teacher Deanna MacDonald explained why the group wanted to make this change.

so young. That age is often the time when students are freshly out of high school and beginning college – the period where they discover their callings and ardors and extending their life, not ruthlessly fighting and making decisions that could risk it.

“I saw myself as young,” White said. “I did what I had to do for the country. It was too much to ask of kids this age.”

The recollection of White’s wartime experiences is intense, and so are the details after returning home because he didn’t receive much recognition after his military career ended. It was a common belief at the time that America’s relations in Vietnam were uncalled for.

“They spit on us in California, which was where they dumped us [after the war.] It was by a bunch of those teens going to these rock concerts that were against us,” he said.

However, White explained that the hate against the relations lightened up over the years, and eventually, White’s work changed the lives of millions.

Support Our Families – Noel Gorden On Her Father There are signs everywhere across Mattoon reading “Support Our Troops.” It is often disregarded by people that war is tough on family members of soldiers as well. After all, they have a difficult job to fulfill – they must help their soldiers grieve during and after combat.

Noel Gorden, daughter of World War II P.O.W. and veteran, recalls her father’s experiences from her perspective.

Her father, Donald Vincent Foster, often known as D.V., was a premed student when Pearl Harbor was bombed. The following week, he was recruited.

“He was allowed to finish that year of school. Because he was so smart, he tested very well and was going to a special training program

at Stanford. He had his orders and a train ticket. The day before he was to leave, the War Department canceled the program and sent their very best and brightest into the infantry. He landed on the Normandy Coast shortly after D. Day. Watch Saving Private Ryan, that’s how he came ashore,” Gorden said.

Gorden was in constant search for answers about her father’s past.

It was a difficult task for her, however, as her father never spoke about his contribution.

“He was very withdrawn. He didn’t talk about it much,” she said.

“The only time Daddy ever spoke to me about the war was late at night over the Thanksgiving Holiday. He and I were the only ones up. I asked him how he had been captured. Without any anger, he told me that shortly after his platoon had landed, they made radio contact with someone claiming to be a Free French Agent. This person told them that there was a ragtag German platoon that was starving and wanted to surrender. It was a set-up, and shortly, D.V.’s platoon was surrounded by Germans,” explained Gorden.

“They had a fire fight that lasted 17 hours. Finally, his platoon leader surrendered. He actually stood and waved a white flag. The Germans cut off his legs with machine gun fire. DV said this was just a reflex; by then everyone was shooting at anything that moved. They were held in a German War Camp. He said they were not treated badly, but they were starving. An old farmer used to bring the prisoners apples. My brother later told me that anyone who looked or claimed to be Jewish was taken out at night, never to return.”

A prisoner exchange then occurred between German and American forces. That was how Gorden’s father returned to his team. Because Gorden’s

father never spoke about his experiences, she had to piece together information that she acquired on her own. The quest required broad research, and Gorden recalled that info on her father “was not easy to find.”

“What I pieced together from his letters and from war documents was that he was captured in October 1944 and repatriated in January or February 1945. He was taken to a hospital because he was starving, and his feet had frozen. After he recovered, he was sent back to the front lines. That is how he earned two purple hearts. He was shot again,” she explained.

As it was difficult to uncover information about Foster’s capture, it was difficult to discover his appointed task.

“I suspect that his job was a sniper, but I have not been able to prove that. He was in the 94th Infantry Division. I hate that I don’t know more about this. It wasn’t until we looked at his Veteran’s papers for his obituary that we knew he had earned three Bronze Stars,” said Gorden.

Gorden believes that her father received a lot of recognition from American citizens, as well as other World War II veterans. However, similar to White, Gorden’s father mourned for the rest of his life. He was a likely sufferer of PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. Gorden believes that relationships her father had after his experiences were affected.

“My brother told me that he [Gorden’s father] had briefly gone to EIU when he returned home. He had stepped out of class to have a smoke. It was a habit he picked up during the war. When the cigarettes first came, the prisoners were so hungry they ate them. One of his professors had, as a friendly gesture, slapped him on the back. Daddy turned around and decked him.

He was asked not to return. They didn’t have a name for it back then; now we would call that a sign of PTSD,” said Gorden.

Donald Foster died on Nov. 5, 1992. He is held in high regard by colleagues and friends, and former veterans who worked by his side.

Gorden smiling, says, “I see him as a hero.”

A New Hope – Senior Kyle Crary With the influence of veterans like Baughman, White and Foster, as well as the inspiration of the JROTC program, MHS senior Kyle Crary will to follow in these men’s footsteps. Crary is joining the military after high school.

“I love the feeling of belonging to a family and also this is my home. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect it and everyone that lives in the U.S., no matter what the cost,” said Crary.

Baughman feels that the JROTC program teaches students right virtues and values. He believes it’s a great thing for young males, as well as women.

“If I had my way, I would make every male serve. It’s more than being educated; it builds better citizens, builds a better society, especially for males. It makes a better society overall. Our grandpas all had to do it, and they’re good people. Time will tell; we’ll see if it’s the same for our generation,” said Baughman.

War is scar, evoking fear inside citizens but bravery inside soldiers.

Without their protection and their courage, it’s questionable where America would be. They sacrifice themselves for the good of the citizens and this nation.

The military is not for the faint of heart. It requires perseverance, dedication, and bravery, but more important to the veterans of the Mattoon community, heart and soul.

“Homework is just practice. If you were to put a high percentage on practice, it wouldn’t be fair to students,” said MacDonald. “Let’s help [students] before we take the test, then put more points on tests.”

Some teachers said they agree with the new policy and feel it helps students as well as teachers.

“It benefits students because their grade is based on what they know, not assignments that can be copied in the cafeteria,” said Ryan Ghere, MHS math teacher. “In the long run, it benefits teachers because we can

see what they [students] learned and haven’t learned.”

Although Ghere agrees with the new grading system, other teachers at MHS may still have some misgivings about the policy.

“I believe the number should be more than 10 percent [for homework],” said Margaret Warrem, MHS chemistry and biology teacher.

“Some kids aren’t good test takers.”

However, Warrem said she respects the change made by the PLC Focus Group.

“If my superiors have told me to do something, I will conform,” said Warrem.

MHS chemistry and physics teacher Jim Sparks thinks the grade

shouldn’t be split 90 percent, 10 percent, but the grade should be broken down into more categories.

“Homework is 10 percent, labs are 25 percent, quizzes are 30 percent and tests are 35 percent,” said Sparks. “Parents like that break down. Ninety percent and 10 percent is not much of a break.”

Sparks is starting to see a change in his student’s behavior due to the change.

“Students are taking quizzes and tests more seriously because homework isn’t carrying them,” said Sparks. “It made it more challenging for them.”

Freshman Zoey Taylor agrees with Warrem. She said she has

problems taking tests because she feels they may not accurately assess what a student knows.

“People aren’t at the same level,” said Taylor. “I think it’s bad for bad test takers. When they’re under stress, they do bad on tests.”

Other students at MHS, however, feel as if the new system is beneficial to students because they don’t waste their time on homework if they already know the material and don’t need more practice.

“You shouldn’t have to do homework if you know it [the material] thoroughly,” said Briana Nevius, senior at MHS. “If they know the material, they shouldn’t have a problem [taking tests].”

Hunger

themselves, the organization wanted to teach high school students to shop and make healthy food choices for themselves.

The MHS food pantry was then formed. Several faculty members at MHS have taken leadership roles with the food pantry, including MHS Discipline Secretary Tammy Munyon, who helps students in the pantry weekly.

When students come into the pantry, located in the main MHS office, they are able to take a bag of food home with them by using the “Point System.” This system was created to help high school students make better choices when shopping for food and is also used to help develop better eating habits, by offering healthy choices for students to choose from when shopping.

“Kids feel good coming in here and taking a bag home with them,” Munyon said.

Having the opportunity to receive food at no cost can affect students in and outside of school. Mu-

nyon said that eating a meal before school is what makes students more prepared for learning.

“If kids can eat, they can focus better and get along more with their peers,” said Munyon.

Although Heaton’s efforts were short-lived in the MHS cafeteria, her efforts did help raise some awareness of how much food is being wasted every day at lunch, and how many students would appreciate it. Still here, the MHS food pantry is an opportunity for kids in need to receive food, and a chance for students and faculty to donate.

No matter how old or mature a student may seem, according to Munyon, every student who walks out of the food pantry leaves with a sense of happiness and comfort.

“The food pantry provides a wonderful opportunity not only for the student receiving the food, but also for the student bringing in the donation,” said Munyon. “This sense of worth is shared by the receiver and the giver.”

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 Kinsey Stapleton Paige Jordan Lane Plummer Jarett Martin Amanda Bright

From One

Editor-In-Chief Managing Editor Advertising Manager/ Sports Editor Design Editor Photo Editor/News Editor Features Editor Opinion Editor Entertainment Editor Online Editor Distribution/Promotion Manager 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

From Page 1 didn’t work, there is an even better option at the school, which is the actual food pantry at MHS. The pantry was started by the Salvation Army and was originally called the “Backpack Program.”

The Salvation Army would provide food and prepare bags of food for students in need, handing out the bags on Friday afternoons for students to take home for the weekend.

Recently, the “Backpack Program” is only happening through the Mattoon Middle School and both Riddle and Williams elementary schools, providing students in kindergarten through eighth grade with food.

This decision to change tactics was made by the Salvation Army because rather than just handing food to high school students and not letting the students choose for

News

THE MHS MIRROR N O V E M B E R 2012

Page Designer Molly Dotson

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Attendance improves due to incentives

By Molly Dotson, News/Photo Editor

Monthly attendance percentages have been increasing substantially since last year at Mattoon High School.

Reasons for this improvement are a combination of positive incentives and the result for truancy instilled this year, according to MHS Assistant Principal Michael Shaffer.

“Components that drive students are the positive incentive program, the privilege of final exam exemption and the consequences that require those who are truant to pay a $177 fine per truancy and to make an appearance in court,” said Shaffer.

It is the second year of the pos-

itive incentive program at MHS. According to Lynn Darimont, English teacher and positive incentive committee member, the goal of this program is to reward students who participate in school and make good choices on a regular basis.

“We wanted to spend more time acknowledging the kids who engage in the educational process,” Darimont said.

These incentives, provided by the school, include a pizza lunch, a free visit to the movie theater, and a trip to Six Flags at a reduced price.

However, this year the required point percentage for eligibility increases by 5 percent as the year goes on, making it so students must receive 70 percent of the points to

attend the pizza party, 75 percent to go to the movies and 80 percent to earn the trip to Six Flags.

“We wanted to set the bar higher, so it is still achievable, and continues to encourage students to make good decisions,” said Darimont.

Although this system is a good way to motivate students, some argue students should not be rewarded in this way.

Some believe doing well in school is expected, and in the future they will not receive enticements. One of these people is MHS junior Courtney McFarland.

“I’m not complaining, but when these people enter the work world, they will be expected to show up and do their job without these pos-

itive incentives,” said McFarland.

However, Darimont said adults receive compensated for their good performance in the work environment as well.

“Adults get bonuses for their good work and school is a student’s job, so to me, these incentives are like their bonus,” said Darimont.

Some owe the attendance improvement solely to positive incentives such as final exam exemption, but according to math teacher Susan Hutchinson two months is an inadequate amount of time to fully determine the purpose for the raise in student attendance.

“Statistically speaking, two months is not enough information to make a valid conclusion,” said

Hutchinson.

Another possible reason for the higher attendance percentage is the Mattoon City Truancy Ordinance, or the result of truancy, established this year.

According to the MHS Student Handbook, “the city of Mattoon has enacted a truancy ordinance that when applied includes fines and a required court date for truant students and their parent/guardian.”

The reason for this citywide law is because, according to Shaffer, the city has become aware that education is the foundation of a prosperous society.

“The city has recognized that education is the key to our city’s growth and success,” said Shaffer.

A CHILD CARE HALLOWEEN

PHOTO BY EMMA DILTZ

Child development holds a Halloween party for children in Mattoon High School cafeteria. High schoolers provided activities such as coloring, mummy wrap, obstacle course and other spooky games.

Graphics arts program teaches real-world skills

By Justin Gordon, Managing Editor

Mattoon High School has a variety of classes one could chose to take. Down the 400 hallway is a classroom full of graphic design and communication. It is a class where there are products made by students, for students.

Graphic Arts II is a dual-credit class with Lake Land College where students make T-shirts, car window decorations and do all the printing for the Mattoon School District.

“I am bindery, so I package things,” said senior Jackson Tinch.

“To be honest, it is probably the easiest job in the class. However, it is still rather difficult.”

Graphic Arts teacher Laura Roberts, who worked in graphic design before becoming a teacher, has bestowed upon her students knowledge of the craft and why graphic communication is important.

“With 18 years in the industry, it helped give me experience. So, I know what it is like in the real world,” said Roberts.

This real-world foundation has given students a sense of gratitude towards Roberts.

“Mrs. Roberts is awesome. She really has prepared me for the outside world,” said Tinch.

Tinch is not the only graphic arts student who feels this way.

“I like Roberts because not only does she push us, but there is a lev-

PHOTO BY MOLLY DOTSON

Senior Keith Royse uses the press to print papers. This is his “job”, and he is paid “money” that will determine his grade in Graphic Arts II.

el of trust there that most teachers don’t have in their students. It makes me feel like an adult,” said senior Ryan Croy.

Roberts’s goal with putting them

into departments and giving them quotas is to prepare them for the real world. One group could be designing a product, while another would be cutting the designed product.

“I think overall the students enjoy the process. I try showing them that the workplace can be fun and not a bad place to be,” said Roberts.

Roberts said she feels she is leaving some impact on her students by providing such an environment.

“I hear all the time that they have Facebook discussions about graphic arts. I don’t have a Facebook account, so I just assume it’s all positive,” said Roberts.

Tinch said he made the right choice in taking graphic arts.

“It is honestly harder than my actual job, but I love being in there,” said Tinch. “I get to work with my friends, and I am getting ready for life after high school and even college.”

Not only do students have a workplace feel, they participate in class competitions, such as the

homecoming hallway and door decoration contest. Roberts is always sure to reward the students for their success.

“When we win competitions, we always celebrate. Usually it’s a pizza party. However, with our recent victory, the students decided they didn’t want a pizza party. They decided they wanted an ice cream social,” said Roberts.

So, whether they are working hard printing everything for the Mattoon School District or winning an annual decoration war, Roberts hopes her overall lesson is learned.

“As I have said before, I have 18 years of experience in the industry. I hope with all that I have taught them, they could have years of experience in graphic communication after high school, too,” said Roberts.

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Page Designer Sarah Foster

THE MHS MIRROR N O V E M B E R 2012

Features

Mole Day makes learning enjoyable Students arrive at 6:02 a.m. in celebration of the mole

By Lane Plummer, Online Editor

To a select group of Mattoon High School teachers and students, chemistry is more than another subject with a large textbook to use as a pillow. In fact to this group of people, chemistry is worth showing up to school two hours before the educational day begins.

“Mole Day is a gathering of chemistry students that’s really a celebration for chemistry students,” said MHS biology teacher Margaret Warrem. “It’s an idea to get these kids together and be proud to be chemistry students.”

Mole Day is an annual celebration of Avogadro’s number, 6.022 E23: the bloodline of chemistry and its mathematical core.

Students willing to wake up early enough to rush over to school at 6:02 a.m. were well equipped with activities and school-encompassing games.

“Here at this year’s Mole Day, we have two new activities. There is the fishing pond game and the obstacle course,” said MHS chemistry and physics teacher Jim Sparks.

In addition to the new games were the copious amounts of activities and challenges that attendees tackled and participated in with

groups of friends or solo.

Returning games included Mole Toss, the H2O drinking contest, a candy guessing game and plenty of other amusements.

The celebration was alive, even in the very early morning.

There were several students at each of the stations throughout the entire celebration as well as many students walking around with confused, puzzled faces.

It wasn’t because of a sudden lost sense of direction, rather a treasure and scavenger hunt.

“They can understand that chemistry can be fun,” Warrem said “They can tackle and accomplish these challenges. They also can realize that the subject isn’t all hard stuff.”

Every year since 2005, Sparks and the Chemistry II students of MHS have been forming these events, and every year brings even more students than the last. The teachers, looking around and observing these students, reflected on this.

“Right now they look like they’re trying to wake up,” Warrem said with a laugh. “But they’re getting involved. Everyone’s in it, and I think they’re honestly trying to enjoy it. 6:02 a.m. is early, but this is one of the biggest groups yet.”

PHOTOS BY MOLLY DOTSON

Above: Sophomore Hayden Jerka attempts to throw a stuffed mole into a crate during the game Mole Toss. Right: Sophomores Gunner Davis, Shawn Plankey and Jerka guess how many candies are in the jar and then convert it to moles.

MAT TOON REMEMBERS ROBERT REESE

Missing a familar face

By Emma Diltz, Sports Editor/Advertising Manager

PHOTO BY PAIGE JORDAN

The sign, located in the front of the Coles County Animal Shelter, denotes the home of animals that are for adoption.

These animals are found throughout the county, and some MHS students volunteer their time there.

MHS students help shelter animals

By Paige Jordan, Entertainment Editor

“Life is full... Of second chances...” says the sign outside. The Coles County Animal Shelter is an organization that offers second chances for animals.

There are seven full-time employees, but volunteers are highly encouraged, too.

According to animal shelter supervisor Julie Deaters, any volunteers are welcome on the weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Many people volunteer because of service hours, but Mattoon High School sophomore Hunter Levingston did it for other reasons as well.

“I volunteered for NJHS, but it sounded like fun, and I like animals,” said Levingston.

MHS sophomore Cassy Ramsey

helps out at the shelter every Thursday because she loves animals.

“When I volunteer, I clean the kitty litter, sweep, play with the puppies, and clean food and water bowls,” said Ramey Levingston did similar activities when he volunteered.

“I took all of the dogs on a walk then played around with them in the fences,” said Levingston.

Deaters highly encourages people to volunteer because the animals need it.

“Yes, animals need to be taken out and played with; we just don’t have enough time,” said Deaters.

Levingston agrees with Deaters about volunteering.

“There is always a cause that needs help no matter what you’re doing,” said Levingston.

Winding streets are lined with faces, some familiar, some not, but all are waiting for the doors of the funeral home to open. A feeling of nostalgia and remembrance is in the air for those reminiscing on their past experiences with a well-known weather man.

Robert Reese, WCIA 3 meteorologist, died on Oct. 9, at a hospital in Chicago, according to the WCIA-TV website.

Reese had been battling esophageal cancer for many years and ultimately died of pneumonia.

Instead of dwelling on the loss of Reese, many in the Mattoon community are fondly remembering the type of person he was.

Michelle Englund, fourth-grade teacher at Williams Elementary School, said “he [Reese] was a lot of fun.”

She knows that because eight years ago Reese was the announcer of a talent show that Williams was hosting.

“He was a natural at being an [announcer] and made the kids feel natural and comfortable,” said Englund.

Not only did Reese report the weather for WCIA 3, he also reported on WBGL, a local Christian radio station.

“He had a lot of energy, and I really like[d] listening to him on WBGL,” said Englund. “He was just an overall great, fun person.”

Part of Reese’s contributions to the WCIA 3 news out of Champaign involved the Kid Caster program.

This is a program devoted to younger children who are interested in becoming a meteorologist or a broadcast journalist. They tell the news and the weather the same way as the professionals—through a green screen.

Sara Stremming, Mattoon High School sophomore and former Kid Caster, remembers Reese affectionately.

“He was really nice and made me feel less nervous and more comfortable [on the set,]” said Stremming.

Like many others in the area, Stremming was impacted by Reese’s death.

“I was really sad about it, and I would’ve been anyways, but it was especially hard because of my personal experience with him,” Stremming said.

Perhaps one of the biggest groups of people Reese’s the loss affected were his co-workers.

Rameen Karbassioon, producer/ director of WEIU TV, first met Reese in 2002 when he worked at WCIA 3.

“Robert was an easy-going person and had a dry sense of humor, but he was very funny,” Karbassioon said. “He made a lot of odd-ball comments, but he was great to be around, and he was a genuine people person.”

Along with being so personable, Reese, a meteorologist, led many to depend on him for their weather updates every morning.

“Robert told the weather as good as anyone ever did. People trusted him with it,” said Karbassioon.

Many can understand the stress any career brings, but Englund, a cancer survivor herself, had a better understanding of the strain Reese was going through.

“Being a cancer survivor, I understood the journey he was on,” said Englund.

“I really liked Robert, and when I saw him near the end [of his life], I was nervous about how he looked.”

Kabassioon saw Reese’s fight with cancer as an unfair battle, but one that was used for good.

“Robert never showed what he was going through. He took his celebrity and put it to good use through Relay for Life and Ribbons for Robert,” Kabassioon said. “He tried to be there for others and was very strong through his years fighting.”

Regardless of how well everyone knew him, it was still hard for even those who had never met him, but watched him or heard his voice as part of their daily lives.

“It was like everyone lost a good friend,” Stremming said. “Even if not everyone personally knew him, it was like they did.”

Rabassioon lost not only a former co-worker, but a friend as well.

“He [Reese] was just another person that got the short end of the stick,” Rabassioon said. “There wasn’t a nicer person that I’ve ever worked with. We lost one of the really good ones.”

Entertainment ‘Don’t Panic’ intrigues

THE MHS MIRROR N O V E M B E R 2012

Page Designer Paige Jordan

The album “Don’t Panic” is definitely one of the best albums that All Time Low has ever produced. Alex Gaskarth, Jack Barakat, Zack Merrick and Rian Dawson, are the four talented guys who make up the band All Time Low. “Don’t Panic” is All Time Low’s fifth album. The CD’s title is a reference from the book “Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy” by Douglas Adams. The album was released on October 9 and streamed on YouTube days before.

“The Reckless And The Brave,” the first single, is a song about making it in the real world, even when everyone is saying you’re not going to make it.

The only problem I have with this song is when it first came out I got so excited that I over-played it. So now, it is hard for me to listen to it. Other than that, it is a very good song.

The second song that was released as a single was “For Baltimore.” It has a slow, acoustic feel at the beginning, and then it gets a faster as the song progresses. This song like many others is catchy and makes it easy to sing along with.

“Somewhere in Neverland” was a song that was first leaked onto the internet. Then when the band found out, they made a lyric video and just went with it. After hearing “The Reckless And The Brave” and “For Baltimore,” I knew this song wouldn’t fail.

This song’s lyrics have a Peter Pan twist to them, when Gaskarth sings “Wendy run away with me” and just the title “Somewhere in

Reviewer’s Rating

‘¡Uno!’ sets great start for trilogy

Reviewer’s Rating

Neverland.”

The last single that was released was “Outlines.” This song was cowritten with “Fall Out Boy” vocalist Patrick Stump. It also features Jason Vena from “Acceptance.” This song is another one of my favorites next to “To Live And Let Go” because both have strong lyrics and a good rock feel.

“Don’t Panic” is a fantastic album. I wasn’t disappointed at all. Even though there are twelve songs, I wish there were more. It seems like they used a lot more guitar in this album than they did in their last album, “Dirty Work.”

Also, the album art is very cool, and it is all cartoons. The art portrays the world ending and the whole band is cartoons. This is where the album title comes in “Don’t Panic.”

If you haven’t yet, check out All Time Low’s latest album, “Don’t Panic.”

By Lane Plummer, Online Editor

PHOTO BY SAR AH FOSTER PHOTOS BY RILEY TROT TER

By Paige Jordan, Entertainment Editor

‘The 2nd law’ is sustainable

Reviewer’s Rating

PHOTO BY PAIGE JORDAN

By Sarah Foster, Feature Editor

The rock trio, Muse, has existed for more than a decade now, and they’ve managed to hook a variety of listeners during their musical evolution. They are known for their singer/songwriter Matt Bellamy’s hysteric use of guitar pedals and Rachmaninoff-Gershwin piano melodies, as well as his sudden abruption into a falsetto singing voice. The rhythm section is equally phenomenal.

Over the years, their sound has shifted due to aging; singing of teenage woes and playing energetically as they had in the beginning is no longer possible because they simply aren’t adolescents anymore.

The band, as well as their music, was hyper, but time has brought about a sense of mellowness. This drew new pools of listeners, who were lured because their sound became more common.

Because of this, when “The 2nd Law” hit stores, I was hesitant. I approached the music store covering my eyes with my hands, but peeking through the spaces between my fingers. I had low expectations for this album because I didn’t want to be disappointed. I was so attached to the band’s hyperactivity when they were young.

However, after listening, I am thrilled.

In “Supremacy,” there is a string choir and guitar riff that almost mimics the band’s old sound. Bellamy interrupts the song and goes into falsetto like he used to. His voice has changed, but no artist is guaranteed to sing like they were when they were 20 – when vocal chords age, one’s range becomes limited.

“Panic Station,” is accompanied by a simple, yet awesome, slapbass refrain by bassist Chris Wolstenholme.

The first single off the album, “Survival,” was the official song of the 2012 Olympics, which guaranteed it to be a little overdramatic and stereotypical because of the event it represented. However, Muse does it well. Bellamy composed a simple, catchy piano arrangement, and drummer Dominic

5

Howard does an impressive performance.

Toward the finale of the song, there is a bass and guitar-heavy section marked with a falsetto attack by Bellamy, where he manages to surpass all other female singers of the decade with the last note he reaches. Muse sounds like they are having as much fun as they used to.

Their commercial hit and second single off the album, “Madness,” was a weaker link. The song incorporates few instruments besides an electronic drum and synth track, and features a few second guitar solo. The band, which is musically gifted and able to improvise for long periods of time in concert, is capable of doing more than pushing buttons on an electronic computer set.

A new revolution in Muse’s evolution is the introduction of the bassist and harmonizer, Wolstenholme, as a lead singer in the songs “Save Me” and “Liquid State.”

He meaningfully sings to loved ones about his alcoholism. He apologizes for his past behavior and thanks his family for supporting him. His voice is hauntingly beautiful and pitch-perfect. “Liquid State” has a guitar pattern similar to that of “Queens of the Stone Age,” and “Save Me” is a slow walk through Wolsteholme’s past regrets. These songs are arguably some of the best on the album and give Wolstenholme time to shine.

Muse has changed dramatically over the course of their career and has produced a variety of sounds that have enraged, but also enthused, listeners. They have not entirely bid their old techniques goodbye, however, and their new album “The 2nd Law” proves it.

The band members aren’t teenagers anymore. Though they aren’t as wild, they are still passionate.

The best long-time Muse listeners can do is enjoy this album because “The 2nd Law” is unequivocally worth a listen.

In a trilogy of albums, “¡Uno!” is a promising start for Green Day. What the album lacks in variety and originality it makes up for with nonstop thrills, similar to Green Day’s Grammy award-winning major “Dookie.” “¡Uno!” resembles the band’s earlier works. Songs like “Nuclear Family” and “Let Yourself Go” are very similar to albums like “Dookie” and “Kerplunk.” This album has rapid pacing to all of its songs compared to Green Day’s last two albums, where it was a pretty equal balance, if not leaning towards a slower pace.

The first song, “Nuclear Family,” is a quick song with a touch of subliminal message. “Like a Chinese company conspiracy, it’s the death of the nuclear family staring up at you,” displays how our family traditions being controlled by what we see on television. The song results in one of the catchiest on the album.

The other three songs on the album that are worth your attention are “Carpe Diem,” “Kill the DJ,” and “Oh Love.” “Carpe Diem” is one of the slower songs, but is also one of the strongest. “Carpe Diem” is Latin for “seize the day,” and the song examines how life goes on, and to just take full advantage of the cards you’re dealt, no matter who is looking down on or judging you. It’s a subtle and strong social examination.

On a different spectrum, “Kill the DJ” is the most unique song on the album. Green Day hasn’t ever really made a four-on-the-floor dance anthem before, but this song is as unique as it is catchy. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it several times, and the lyrics hint at something less overt than murdering a music player.

Finally, “Oh Love” is the slowest song on the album, but also the most touching. The lyrics seem to reflect on the band’s long-time running career and that times are changing their way of expressing their love for music. They grew up with punk rock and alternative, so it’s like times are trying to change their musical nature. It’s quite meaningful to listeners who have grown up with the band since they could flail their arms with a beat.

The album is plagued with a common issue: a lack of wholeness.

Whereas great albums like “American Idiot” are best experienced from the first song to the last, this album is more focused on the handful of solid singles. They’re fantastic, but many filler songs exist, songs that should have more originality, but feel more like reruns of Green Day’s earliest works. “¡Uno!” ends up being more of Green Day reflecting on old times and styles, with some occasional altering of their established formula.

The album is a solid start to improve upon with their following albums, “¡Dos!” and “¡Tré!”

6

Centerspread

THE MHS MIRROR N O V E M B E R 2012

Who will

How to vote for the 2012 Presidential Election

PHOTOS COURTESY MIT TROMNEY.COM

If you’re 18 years or older and have registered, you can vote for president in the 2012 election on Nov. 6. Visit elections.il.gov to find the location of your polling place.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.

By Lane Plummer & Sarah Foster Online Editor & Feature Editor Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts, is the Republican candidate running for the presidency of the United States this week.

According to Biography.com, Romney was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 12, 1947, into a politically minded family. His father was a former Michigan governor, and with his father’s work, Romney gained an interest in politics.

Romney attended the prestigious Cranbrook School prior to receiving his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University with highest honors in 1971. He was named a J.D. and cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1975.

Other Romney accomplishments include founding Bain Capital, being elected governor of Massachusetts in 2002, and hosting the 2002 Summer Olympics. Romney ran as a Republican candidate for president in 2008, but was defeated by Republican candidate John McCain.

Despite losing to McCain, Romney kept his focus and continued to actively participate in Republican politics.

Now it is 2012, and Romney is one step away from becoming the next president of the United States. He has been actively running against President Obama vying for the Oval Office since June 2011. Along with his appointed running mate, Congressman Paul Ryan, Romney has been running an aggressive campaign that has been pleasing his supporters.

MHS junior Ben Righter is one of Romney’s advocates.

“Romney is very smart in terms of economy and very good with business,” said Righter. According to him, all are important qualities of an aspiring president.

Economics teacher Vince Walk solidly agrees. “If Romney is elected president,” said Walk, “there will be more movement in the business world.”

Walk believes that Romney will benefit the economy through business expansion in America.

Walk and Right also mentioned that they are looking forward to the sudden lowering in this nation’s debt. Social cuts will be made and loopholes closed under Romney’s program. “[To close the trillion-dollar deficit] Romney will make budget cuts definitely,” said Righter.

Romney said he plans to bring down tax rates, while maintaining government revenue, by opposing lower taxes for the high-income class.

“Romney’s looking to simplify, which will help auditing, and he’s going to make a lower overall rate. Overall, he’s going for simplification – as an upcoming tax payer, this sounds good to me,” said senior John Righter.

Romney also plans on bringing along his health care, which he implemented in Massachusetts, called “MassCare.”

Obama’s opposing health care, ObamaCare, has sparked controversy amongst some like junior Leah Buck. She opposes the Affordable Health Care Act because she believes it breaks the First Amendment.

“I don’t like that [ObamaCare] force religious groups to provide contraceptives in health care plans,” Buck said. “It interferes with freedom of religion.”

Romney is also planning to tackle the education system. Based on politicalguide.com, he has supported merit pay for teachers and charter schools in the past. He also supports standardized testing, merit-based scholarships for students, and English immersion.

Mitt Romney has his focus on winning this election, and has put forth a formidable effort, much like his opponent, President Barack Obama.

MHS junior Kaleb Pollum notices Romney’s advantages over Obama, however.

“Federal spending has increased nearly 20 percent, his [Obama] failure to confront China’s economic policies has cost us millions of jobs, he has raised taxes twenty-one times, and our national debt has increased by trillions of dollars since he took office. Mitt Romney, on the other hand, plans to open new markets for American services and level the playing field for trade. He also is going to decrease our dependency on foreign oil, which will help our economy tremendously because we won’t be sending billions of dollars overseas anymore,” said Pollum.

This week, millions of American voters and people around the world will be anxiously waiting for the results of the election of 2012, along with the MHS community.

“I feel more comfortable with him being chief; he’s a smart guy,” said John Righter.

Centerspread

Page Designer Kaylie Homann

THE MHS MIRROR N O V E M B E R 2012

7

It be?

By Molly Dotson & Emma Diltz News/Photo Editor & Advertising Manager/Sports Editor

Mock Election by MHS Honors Government On Election Day, Nov. 6, the MHS Honors Dual-Credit Government class will come to your third hour with ballots. Prepare to have an opinion and a candidate to vote for! The winner will be announced by the end of the day.

PHOTOS COURTESY BAR ACKOBAMA.COM

President Barack Obama has decided to run for re-election on Nov. 6.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on Aug. 4, 1961, Barack Obama was raised by his maternal grandparents, according to biography.com.

Obama graduated from Colombia University-New York in 1983 with a degree in political science. After this, he then attended Harvard Law School and graduated in 1991.

Obama was an Illinois senator for about four years before he was inaugurated to be president on Jan. 20, 2009.

Now, in 2012, the president’s goal is to move “forward” and onto his second term in office in order to fulfill his goals as president.

Our current president acquired office promising change among the nation.

According to Jeremy Gibson, Mattoon High School government teacher, the economy is showing gradual improvement.

“I believe our economy is not a short-term fix, obviously,” Gibson said. “But, there seems to be job creation, and the unemployment rate is going down.”

In fact, Mattoon Democrat Tammie Mayhood feels strongly about this economic enhancement, and she compared Obama to former president Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

“Franklin Roosevelt took presidency in the Depression and turned [the economy] around in eight years. He got people back to work,” Mayhood said.

Other changes Obama has made include the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act signed into law in 2009, supporting gay marriage, ending the war in Iraq and concluding the one in Afghanistan, according to sophomore Albert Henderson, who believes these changes are for the better.

“He has done a good job overall on equality and social issues in the United States,” said Henderson.

Mayhood agrees with Henderson and also states social programs are the main issue regarding her support for Obama.

“To me, the social programs Obama provides are the biggest reason for him having my vote. When voting, I think about the elderly, poor, students and people who need help,” said Mayhood.

Like many other aspects, the economy is a main issue that is handled by both candidates and parties differently.

Another controversial issue, among Republicans and Democrats alike, is health care. Obama has created a new health care system for the nation dubbed ObamaCare, which is a medical plan aimed to provide all United States citizens with affordable medical coverage.

“I like that [people] are going to be able to obtain [health care], even if they have preexisting conditions,” Mayhood said.

Matt Haeger, senior at MHS, agrees with Mayhood, and feels Obama is trying to help the nation by making health care more affordable and available among citizens.

“He’s [Obama] been trying a lot by making ObamaCare to help the lower class,” said Haeger.

Another policy, the Lilly Ledbetter Equal Pay Act is a bill Obama pushed to limit discrimination while earning payment.

“I’m a big advocate for equal rights, and this is a step in the right direction,” said Henderson.

Not only do these issues of interest include minimizing bias payment, but foreign policy as well.

Haeger believes compared to Romney, Obama has more experience with foreign policy.

Also, Haeger believes Obama “knows what he needs to do to get [issues involving foreign policy] done.”

Henderson agrees with Haeger, and strongly believes Obama covers foreign policy well. Ending the war in Iraq was a good decision, according to many.

“War is not something to be taken lightly. Thousands of people died from the Iraqi war alone, and it’s nice to see it end,” said Henderson.

Several other issues are covered by these two potential presidents, and before voting, it is important for one to prioritize before making a final decision.

“When voting, find the issues that are most important to you, and see who you think carries them out best,” said Mayhood.

8

THE MHS MIRROR N O V E M B E R 2012

Page Designer Lane Plummer

E8ntertainment THE MHS MIRROR M AY 2012

‘Glee’ season 4 merely mediocre ‘Cabin in the Woo

By Justin Gordon, Managing Editor

This is probably the weakest beginning to a season “Glee” has ever had. It’s not that any episode was bad; it was just mediocre. Whether it’s the new additions to the cast or the plot points, it’s all been just OK. As a disclaimer, season 4 has only begun. However, seeing as the show is on a four-week hiatus after a major plot element, it’s fair to review the episodes so far.

The previous three seasons have set a bar so high it would hard to reach new heights, let alone match the marvelous run the show has been on. So, maybe this was to be expected that it would drop in quality with the new cast and some key characters moved onto college.

Whereas seasons 1 through 3 started out really strong, season 4 just feels like the writers are playing it safe by going back to familiar territory. The fact that they did a second Britney Spears tribute show already might be a sign that the writers are out of ideas, which is upsetting considering this would be the perfect season to try something different.

It just feels like more of the same with a new set of faces: Melissa Benoist as Marley Rose, Jacob Artist as Jake Puckerman, Becca Tobin as Kitty, Sarah Jessica Parker as Isabelle Wright and Kate Hudson as Cassandra July. With the exception of two, most are sleepwalking in their roles and are OK. This

By Hayden Rawlings, Online Editor

Reviewer’s Rating

“The Cabin in the Woods” was an interesting movie, incomparable to any other I have previously watched. A combination of humor, jumpy scenes and gore made this one of the best movies I have watched this year.

The plot of the film involves five friends, Dana, Curt, Jules, Marty and Holden, who use their break to visit a remote cabin in the woods where they get more than they bargained for. Together, the group of friends must work together to survive and discover the truth about the cabin in the woods.

On the way to the cabin, they stop at an old abandon gas station in an attempt to purchase some gas. A creepy, rude man appears and foreshadows the cabin. Yet the group still goes. I never understand this part of horror movies, I PHOTO BYmyself K AYLIEthinking HOMANN always find that

club, but on a former glee member I would immediately turn around Rachel (Lea Michelle).

She still theBerry characters always continisue. having rough time movies in New would York I feela like horror asbehera teacher, Kateviewer Hudgreater played scare by if the son, is harsh.

She istoalso romanticould relate more the characters cally tempted by another man, deor situations. spite the they fact she is still ina small love Once go through with FinnaHudson (Cory Monteith). tunnel, bird flies the same direcMy next biggest problem this is tion to the cave with and smashthat we are supposed to sideinvisiwith es into a honeycomb-like Rachel, thethis fact that her ble forcedespite field. At moment the teacher believable as an instrucmovie isprogressively shifts from tor a performing artsmood, school.toThe itsinhappy vacation the writers tryingtotobemake us hateA horror are waiting unleashed. logic.

I can’t sympathize Ra-an painting of weird beasts with killing chel. animal occupied a wall in HoldThere have a couple en’s room.

Hebeen quickly decidesofit standout songs.and Theremoves cover of it“Call is too creepy only Me was fun and very well a to Maybe” find himself gazing through performed, and theinto performances in one way mirror the room next the second Brittney Spears tribute door. show were generally very good.

A cold slushy splashes on Justin Gordon’s face in reference to the new season of “Glee.”

However, the songs in the third isn’t really the actors’ fault; they really his fault as much as it is the get a job somewhere else. Marley episode, “Makeover” were forgethave yet to have anything interest- writers’, but still a little more ef- couldn’t make friends because of table. ing to work with. fort would be nice. However, he her mother, and all the students So, the start of “Glee” hasn’t Bythe Justin Gordon, The two exceptions are for two has a really great voice. The sea- make fun of lunch lady. been as ground breaking as I Opinioncould editorhave been thought it would be, but I will completely different reasons. The son is young, and he does have me This character first cast member that stands out is curious as to where he will go as a cliché boring;that however, Ben- keep my hopes high that the strong It’sand no secret many movie Jacob Artist. He isn’t really click- character. For the time being, how- oist brings a come lot of and heartgo. to this role. franchises Some are musical performances will coning with me because the writers de- ever, it isn’t working.

She is likeable, audience based on horrorand withthe a killer run- tinue, and that the new characcided to make him related to one Conversely, the second new cast roots her and herothers mother. will break through take ningfor amok, while are based ters nowhere temp job.

Kevinand is scared of my favorite characters on the member, Melissa Benoist, is interpast the cast,tothe new to new heights.

HopefulonGoing an action heronew trying save the the by show the resurgence of feelings he has show. He does not feel like he is esting, and her acting goes hand story lines areevil nothing to sing justschool a speed bump toVicki an world, one genius at aabout time. lyforthis his ishigh sweetheart “the same family”; he seems like a and hand with that. Marley is new either. season of a being show married. that reHowever, one film franchise in par- amazing (Tara Reid) despite cheap imitation of what his broth- at William McKinley because her The major plotmisunderstood element has notas taught to “Don’t Stop ticular is often Oz is aus successful sports TVBelievpersoner, Noah Puckerman, was. It’s not mother, the lunch lady, decided to been the actual glee ing.” just afocused gross-outoncomedy and forgets ality but wants to settle down and that each movie in this series has a start a family. Yes, his fast paced ton of heart. The franchise im talk- lifestyle and girlfriend prevents him ing about is “American Pie.” from doing so, and finds love for his “American Reunion,” is about ex-girlfriend Heather (Mena SurTHE MHS MIRROR Jim (Jason Biggs), his wife Mi- vari). Finch is a self-proclaimed M AY 2012 chelle (Alyson Hannigan), and his traveler seeing the sights and sound friends from high school Kevin of the world while trying to find (Thomas Ian Nicholas), Oz (Chris love with someone other than StiKlein), Finch (Eddie Kaye Thom- fler’s mom. as) and Stifler (Sean William Scott) “Reunion” has many subplots trying to have a good weekend be- and this is kind of a problem. Jim By Hayden Rawlings, Page Designers Paige Jordan fore their reunion while and Michelle’s problem is the main Byhigh Laneschool Plummer, MHS MIRROR Online Editor Amanda Kriesel solving mini-conflicts Online Editor they are in- focus, which is how it should be Y 2012 “The in.

Cabin in the Woods” volved Jim and Michelle arewas try- considering he is the main characan interesting movie, incomparaBen latest directioning to Affleck’s bring back the spark in their ter. Surprisingly Oz’s subplot is the tolife. any“Argo,” other have previousalble effort, much more love Stifl er isI is working in a go second most fleshed out. They focus

By Kaylie Homann, ly watched.

A combination of of hu- the I would immediately turn than his best movie yet.

It is one stressful undertaking of around rescuEditor in Chief mor, jumpy scenes gore stillsix therefugee characters always in continthe best movies of theand year, andmade the ing Americans Iran. this one of the best in movies I have None ue. I feel likeconflicts horror movies would Beatrice most moving thriller a decade. of the become melyden Rawlings, My first predication arose at this toys that they found. watched this year. be anor greater scare ifand thehold viewer Prior walks Argo is a historically-accurate low unnecessary, my nline Editor point. I just knew that someone The horror part of The the movie plot of the theKeating, film embassy involves attention could relate more to themovie. characters By on Austin through film based U.S. throughout the a stereotype that comes to mind, n in the Woods” was was going to be killed and Holden starts to take its tollfive when Dana friends, Dana, Curt,ofJules, situations.

Design Editor a broken hostage crisis in the heart Teh- or What lendsakin the movie breath something to the the audience/ g movie, incomparawould be forced to watch it help- finds a very detailedMarty book and about Holden, whoFifty-two use their Onceatair they go through a issmall “Dude, this 4, is 1979. awesome!” said ofsinger down, worn ran, Iran on Nov. fresh scene-by-scene the the concert I mentioned ther I have previouslessly. One of my favorite parts the killing of a family.

At the end a remote cabin in the tunnel, a bird flies the same direcbreak to visit my friend as we taken entered the gates. out ChicaAmericans were hostage in clever, humorous and well-written before; unenthusiastic and meloA combination of hu- I would immediately turn around about horror movies is predicting of the book, a Latin saying was in- they get more than tion next to the cave and smashwoods where “Yeah,” I but saidsixwith a daze, esmy dialogue. go. There are no cars, and the streets show the embassy, Americans Christhat Terrio and dramaticWriters teenagers express scenes and gore made still the characters always contin- how people will be killed. Once scribed within. Nowthey whobargained would for. Together, the es into Bearman a honeycomb-like invisieyes before fixatedtheonmilitants the performers they’ve not been taken care of. Instead of thousands caped reached Joshuah crafted their a script so themselves through dark he best movies I have ue. I feel like horror movies would they settled into the house and say the Latin phrase, honestgroup of at friends mustdirectly toble force field.

Atwhiny, thiswould moment playing the refuge stage in unique of people we are used to seeing in Chicago, the popthem, and found inwork the Cathat thethe movie be the so fashion and soft-core year. be a greater scare if the viewer spent the remainder of the day at ly that’s like askinggether to be killed. tous. survive and home discover the much movie progressively shiftsa wide from front ofambassador’s ulation is small, and the people wear the clothes that nadian in the without musicless they listen it. to.I found of the film involves could relate more to the characters the lake, they pop open the beers Marty the stoner triedtruth to warn her about the cabin in the woods. its happy vacation mood, to the The lead singer of the band show to which faction they belong. Five factions are same city. However, they weren’t spectrum of that evocative The idea struck emotions me in that , Dana, Curt, Jules, or situations. and play the cliché game of truth not to read the phrase because he to the cabin, they horror On tothe way tothat be unleashed.

A present in this city: Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite, going be safe forsetlong.

Someone from thewaiting writing, from side-splitstarted off their with an elonpit of death is today’s emo Holden, who use their Once they go through a small or dare. started hearing things.

Howevstop an oldthem abandon gas station painting of to weird beasts killing an Candor and Amity. The citizens must chose when had toatrescue before the milting humor inescapable tension. gated wail followed by a sudscene doesn’t fi t into that stereotype a remote cabin in the tunnel, a bird flies the same direcAs the party intensifies, the er, she continues toinread it and to purchase some animal occupied a wall in Holdan found attempt they are 16 which they will live in for the rest of itants not all guitar the house writing meexpression; to witness den ofout inaudible riffs. The in that it’s engaged not about e they get more than tion next to the cave and smash- movie flashes to a group of techni- raise the dead familygas. she crash had read Awere creepy, rudecolored en’s room.

Hethe quickly decides it their lives. The only catch: families often turn their guests checked inman theirappears brand events through hostages’ eyes.

I His greasy, skunk hair reit’s about dressing the way the lead ed for. Together, the es into a honeycomb-like invisi- cians taking bets on what appears about. Meanwhile the technicians and foreshadows the cabin.

Yet rarely issinger too feel creepy andso removes it only backs on the children who change factions. new home. forand an on-screen characmained motionless as he jumped of so does. ends must work to- ble force field. At this moment the to be a list of nightmares: fore- are mad because theythe had lost still the goes. I never under- to find himself gazing through a group The protagonist is Beatrice, a 16-year-old in Abnestory continues a brisk ter, Let’s but the personality-driven writinThe his tight jeans and with his earlobes take a minute and look at it vive and discover the movie progressively shifts from shadowing at its best. When the bet, but the other laboratory workstand this partpace of horror movies, one way mirror the room gation, who is required to take the aptitude test. This yet relentless towards acrackstun-I ing pushed forth into anperspective urgent sensenext of (gauged the size of Ritz from a historical with he cabin in the woods. its happy vacation mood, to the smart, innocent Dana’s turn comes ers are celebrating. always find myself thinking that door. test requires the teenager to undergo a simulation, ning and suspenseful denouement. emotion into mysome relationship with ers) shook as he landed on his torn the help from all-knowing ay to the cabin, they horror waiting to be unleashed. A around, she is pressured into dare.

Overall, I was extremely pleased and the choices made determine the factions. Most of Stand-out scenes include a down- the characters that grewfrom and adaptChucks. musical masterminds allmud abandon gas station painting of weird beasts killing an Jules was interrupted by a cellar with the outcome of the movie and the teens get a result of one faction, but Beatrice gets town visit deeppredominantly within food stands ed in front of me.

The crowd, made sic.com. pt to purchase some animal occupied a wall in Hold- door automatically opening in the I would definitely recommend that three. This makes her Divergent. and a tripcopies to theof basement of Leaps Affleck’s twostill priorin up shops, of thriller carbon the singer, Whilebeyond kids my age were y, rude man appears en’s room. He quickly decides it house, which was work of the two anyone who likes horror, In my opinion, this book was fantastic. It drew me the overrun and embassy, and aensued. paradirectional efforts, “The Town” and screamed moshing diapers, bands like Sunny Day Real PHOTO BY AUSTIN KEATING dows the cabin. Yet is too creepy and removes it only technicians. Dana was dared to go or even funny movies go see “The in from the first page, and it was impossible to put noia-inducing airport.

Even these “Gone Baby Gone,”Like Affleck amazEyeliner was smeared, vibrantEstate and Drive Jehu made By Justin Gordon, ll goes. I never under- to find himself gazing through a into the cellar which she did. After Cabin in the Woods.” The scare down. It was a new story that was unlike anything scenes don’tsquare complete the whole on his third attempt masly colored sunglasses were esedgy, expressive musicwith withafreneteditor rt of horror movies, I one way mirror into the room next she safely made it, the group came factor was lacking a little, but a Opinion lot I’ve read. Also, it was the perfect balance of action movie, asflannels so many smaller, more terpiece.

Any doubts of acting/dibroken, were ripped and I ic passion that, while intensely cremyself thinking that door. down also and began playing with of jumpy scenes made up It’sfor noit.secret that with a little bit of a love story between Beatrice and subtle moments the movie comin the should just stood therein in themany chaosmovie struck recting ative, did not same meet movie with great sucfranchises come and go. Some are be Tobias. prise of my enjoyment. wiped away.

“Argo” is sureby anmost epiphany. cess outside of their cult-like folbased on horrorthe with a killer run- lylowing.

However, a few criticisms dull my obsession with Ben Affleck has successfully going to be a hit at the upcomHowever, train of thought ning others nowhere temp job.

Kevin istoscared this book. Beatrice is a brave but insecure character, pulled Oscars.

The movie, w as amok, soff o o directing/acting n while e n d ed w h eare nbefore, Ibased w a s ing Skipping forward a bitwith apretime on an action hero trying to save the by the resurgence of feelings he has but these are the only traits the author showcases. She give me true break from the constant hardships Beaand “Argo” exception.

Easi- cision and stand-out performancpushed intoisa no circle pit and forced when kids my age were rocking out world, one evillife. genius athisabumps time. es, for his highMouth schooland sweetheart Vicki isn’t very well-developed, which is problematic con- trice has to face. I would have liked to see more comely his best acting to date, charstands above any nationwide to run for my A few to Smash learning how ustin Gordon, more on Oz than the other friends humorous scene where Jim is givHowever, onewith fiI lm franchise inemopar(Tara Reid) being sidering she is the protagonist. Also, she is very unlik- dy between Beatrice and her friends, or maybe a character filled depth and this year, resulting in one and is bruises suffered that day release to write in despite cursive, emomarried. was beinion editor which I really enjoy. Considering ing his dad a “make-over.” ticular is often misunderstood as Oz is a successful sports TV personable and frustrating when she doesn’t express her true acter whose sole purpose was to provide comic relief. tion.

Tony Mendez, a CIA exfiltraofcoming the most nail-biting and pulsemake it hard to recall exactly what its own specifi c genre beret that many movie Oz wasn’t in the previous sequel, That was unbelievably clever comedy and forgets ality but wants to settle down and just aexpert, gross-out feelings to Tobias.

Besides these few flaws, it was a great book. I tion is battling internal afpounding movies in years.

Simthoughts caused me to freeze up hind the scenes of the music indusme and go. Some are it was great to catch up. However, and funny. It’s small jokes like that that movie in this start a family. his fast The story also lacks comic relief. There are a few would highly recommend it to everyone. fairs, balancing the demanding jobaI ply “Argo”Yes, is why we paced go to in aeach pitThere of angsty emoseries kids;has but try.put, ror with a killer runFinch, who played a prominent part give these movies anton edge. of heart.

The franchise im talklifestyle and of girlfriend prevents him undertones of it, but they’re not developed enough to ofdobeing a responsible parent and the movies. still remember the general idea.

Dozens bands like Jimmy while others are based nowhere temp job. Kevin is scared in “American Wedding,” gets lost are also numerous jabs at shows ing about is “American Pie.” from doing so, and fi nds love for his WhenOz you hear emo, there’s Eat World, Weezer, Saves the Day, hero trying to save the by the resurgence of feelings he has in the shuffle and barely gets any like “Dancing with the “American Stars.”

Reunion,” is about ex-girlfriend Heather (Mena Survil genius at a time. for his high school sweetheart Vicki screen time. You kind of forget he was on a show just like that.

WhenBiggs), his wife Mi- vari). Finch is a self-proclaimed Jim (Jason

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‘Argo’ confirms 8 Affleck’s talent ‘Cabin in the Wood

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American Reunion: Reviewer’s Rating

merican Reunion: the fourth piece of pie Reviewer’s Rating

9

Page Designer Kinsey Stapleton

THE MHS MIRROR N O V E M B E R 2012

Opinion

Voting this November: Will it matter?

When one turns 18, a lot of big responsibilities come his way. The biggest responsibility in my eyes is one most don’t use; the responsibility of voting for our nation’s leader.

I am voting for the first time this year, and I want to make it clear that at the time of writing this, I have no idea for whom I am voting.

In my opinion, both candidates have strong points and weak points, but this isn’t an opinion story bashing either side. This isn’t about being a Republican or a Democrat.

The biggest reason I am having a hard time deciding is that I somehow feel both men are unfit to be our leader because of all the negativity they bring about.

Not agreeing with each other is healthy in a Democracy, but when both Obama and Romney are

Justin Gordon Managing Editor complaining about trying to make change and the other parties are stopping them in their tracks, it tells me that without any agreement or middle ground, no progress can be made.

This isn’t just the presidential election either. You can’t turn on the TV without seeing a political ad bashing the competition. For most, it is just routine.

It really shouldn’t be this way.

I interpret it as the person running

for office trying to showcase his competition’s flaws, in hopes that the public won’t notice his own.

I feel there should be a sense of unity to get our country on the right track, not the schoolyard tactic of bullying.

I honestly don’t want to be swayed by “this man running for senator didn’t budget his money in the right places; he is a joke, vote for me.” It makes me feel like I am supporting negativity and not what’s best for our country.

Anybody running for office should only present what he or she is planning to do and how these policies will better our state or country. However, I feel if that if a candidate were to do that, he wouldn’t receive any votes.

It is as if our country is fueled by

negativity.

This may make me sound unrealistic by shouting “Why can’t we all just get along!?” Yet, I don’t know how all the fighting and slandering is going to help America rise out of the rut it’s in.

Much more would be accomplished if we respectfully agreed to disagree.

We should not be focused on the flaws of the other party and instead focus on making our party the strongest. That is how a candidate should win votes, not the sleazy route.

I am not saying Republicans and Democrats have to absolutely agree with each other. We are human beings; we are born with different opinions. I just feel it shouldn’t be cut and dry.

It just makes me feel that whoever my first vote goes to, I would have

given it to a sleazy crook.

Alas, I will be at the polls, casting my vote. It is a responsibility I feel I should follow through on, even if I don’t feel right doing so. I am casting my vote in the hope that change really does occur because I really do love my country and want it to thrive.

However, to those people saying this election is pivotal and will be a game changer, I must say you are mistaken in my opinion.

No matter who is living in the White House next year, nothing is going to change. I’ll be voting for the man I feel has the most chance of making a difference.

Whether they really do make a difference is unlikely, but as I said before, voting is a responsibility I intend to follow through on.

Editorial

College preparation should go beyond ACT MHS Mirror editorial board encourages tighter deadlines, more study skills

Testing, studying, homework and more testing. Preparing for college in high school can be a stressful and scary task for students. While the attempt to strengthen our testtaking skills for college is appreciated, we, the staff of the MHS Mirror, believe that Mattoon High School should more fully prepare students for the actual college experience, particularly concerning deadlines and study skills.

In order to be accepted into a reputable college, a higher ACT score is a huge factor. During the short years students spend at MHS, there seems to be more than enough ACT preparation. These preparations consist of 10-minute reads, which include ACT style questions.

Also, there are the EXPLORE and the PLAN, which are practice for the ACT itself.

To be successful for testing, a student must have great knowledge on the subject, have the ability to focus and the skills for testing. The weeks spent preparing for testing can prepare a student for the ACT, but not necessarily the work ethic and responsibility that is needed while in college.

We feel there is too much focus on being accepted into college, rather than how to survive the amount of work and studying that comes with college.

Teachers can often be too lenient with homework due dates, which is certainly not going to

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 help students in college because classes are more strict than they are in high school.

Even though making the homework assignment dates more strict may cause students’ grades to fall, it will help prepare them for what college and even the real world will be like.

In fact, many professors don’t care if their students aren’t turning in assignments and will let students fail, and this is an issue for which students at MHS need to be prepared and learn to take more responsibility.

We also realize that if students’ grades were to fall because of stricter homework rules, it could make the teacher look bad or at fault, but we feel that the disciplined homework system would help us as students the most, and that is the most important consideration.

Having a class at MHS that focuses on teaching students time management, as well as study habits and stricter deadlines, or weav-

ing these skills into required courses would be strongly beneficial to MHS students. If students had an opportunity to learn how to actually study while still in high school, the work load that comes along with college wouldn’t seem as intimidating.

Generally, teachers don’t inten-

tionally teach study skills to high school students that will help them in college.

But if students were taught different ways to study that are fit for college curriculum, it would strongly benefit all students once they are in college.

The ACT, as important as it is, is only one part of what it takes to succeed after high school, and it shouldn’t be the main focus of MHS’ college preparation.

Alternatively, we feel that MHS should introduce students to better study habits and a more strict homework system in order to help students realize what they will need in order to truly be successful in college and beyond.

Express your views!

Write a letter to the editor for the December edition.

Letters should be 300 words or less and signed by the author.

Send letters to mhsmirror@gmail.com

10

Page Designer Justin Gordon

THE MHS MIRROR N O V E M B E R 2012

Opinion

Music in 2012: From adult to child

If you have been singing along to either “Want U Back” by Cher Lloyd or “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” by Taylor Swift, you may have been singing some of what I believe to be the worst songs of the year because music today has become quite juvenile.

Now, this lack of maturity hasn’t been all across the board. There have been a couple of good songs.

Maroon 5 is still turning out really inspired hits. Fun is still the little indie band that could, Adele created an amazing “James Bond” theme, and even Neon Trees made a return to the charts this year. It has not been all bad.

Yet, 2012’s music has been generally negative. The year started with an odd transition from the big club smash hits of 2011, such as “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO or anything Pitbull does artistically, to somewhat of an uprising of socalled indie darlings, like “We Are Young” by Fun and “Somebody

Justin Gordon

Managing Editor That I Used To Know” by Goyte.

Whether one liked either of those songs isn’t the point; I can’t deny they were something different from the usual, “I am going to the club, I got money and I got women.” These hits used non-computerized instruments, the lyrics had deeper meaning and they felt human, not robotic. Even though I wasn’t particularly fond of Goyte’s mainstream debut, I had a great appreciation for what his music was doing. He made an interesting break-up song that had a weight and significance to it.

Then, “Call Me Maybe” by Carley Rae Jepsen took America by storm. My problem really isn’t with the song in question. I think it’s just an average song that peo-

ple found catchy. My problem is with what it represents: it lacks depth and is a shallow, unintelligent way of talking about a crush. You can even look at the lyrics and see that there is nothing to this song.

“Your stare was holdin’, ripped jeans, skin was showin’ hot night, wind was blowin, where you think you’re going, baby?” It’s the equivalent of overhearing a conversation between seventh-grade girls about a boy. It lacks the maturity and effort it takes to be a hit song.

Yet, ever since “Call Me Maybe” became an overnight hit, the pop charts have been looking like one of those teen magazines you pick up at Wal-Mart.

The biggest example of this is Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” (The title itself is proof of this.)

Swift was never the beacon of maturity. However, at the least she had a high school level of mental development, not the junior high or elementary school maturity she

presents with this song. It is exactly what a kid in sixth grade would say after his or her first break-up.

I am positive that was not her intent, but the way it is sung and written, it can only come off as that. “I say, I hate you, we break up, you call me, I love you. Oooh we called it off again last night. but Oooh, this time I’m telling you, I’m telling you. We are never ever ever ever getting back together.” This is immature because I’ve never heard a high school student say this without using it as satire. It is something you would hear while in the sandbox with your grade-school friend.

Another song that screams preteen is that new Cher Lloyd song, “Want U Back.” It’s about a break up, go figure. However, “Want U Back” is a mean-spirited breakup song about a girl who breaks a guy’s heart. The guy dates another female, and she wants him back because he is with someone else.

Not only does this come off as something a little kid would do, but

it’s also mean. The lead singer is outing herself as a vain, jealous and selfish human being.

In essence, almost every major hit this year has been a breakup song. Starting with Goyte’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” and continuing on to Kelly Clarkson’s “Whatever Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger).”

Even some of the bands I thought put out quality work this year, such as Maroon 5, have been all about break-ups, with “Payphone” and “One More Night.”

Here is what the year of 2012 will be remembered for. It started off as a transition from one overused brand of adult music to a new brand of adult music than quickly morphed into junior high drama.

If this trend continues, I am afraid that 2013 will be filled with songs straight out of pre-school.

Flo Rida’s next hit will be “Wheels on the Bus Go Right Round” and Nicki Minaj will top the charts with, “The Teletubbie Shuffle.”

Weighing in on the issue of weighing P.E. students

It’s typical to expect exercise in P.E. class. After all, the point of the class is to keep students active and in shape.

However, recently at Mattoon High School, as decided by the MHS P.E. Department, students have been required to be weighed as a part of fitness day to help students keep track of their health.

While there may be good intentions behind this choice, weighing students in class is not the best option.

The purpose of P.E. class is to keep students who may not be active outside of school fit and healthy. Although it isn’t assessed, in order to make sure this is actually happening, P.E. teachers will

Kinsey Stapleton Opinion Editor

ask students to weigh themselves and have that student write down his or her in order to keep track of that weight.

Self-confidence issues are very common among teenagers, and having to record their weight would certainly not help. P.E. teachers do not intend to harm a student’s selfconfidence, but being weighed in class could potentially do this.

Having to be weighed with a

teacher nearby cannot be a comfortable situation, especially doing it with peers in the same room. If a student is overweight or underweight, he most likely knows it already and doesn’t need to be reminded of it in P.E. class.

Fitness day shouldn’t be dreaded because of the reminder that the weight a student has isn’t where it’s supposed to be, and that the student needs to gain or lose weight before the next fitness day.

The focus should be more geared towards teaching students tips on how to stay healthy and active, rather than just focusing on a specific weight in order to be considered “healthy”.

Alternatively, if teachers want

to keep track of students’ weight, they could ask students to record their weight more personally without being weighed at school. While students may still not want to do this, it would be much less public.

If students were able to track their weights at home, for example, they wouldn’t have to worry about feeling self-conscious in front of their teachers and peers.

Also, although other students are not within the range to witness the scale, students could be taken into a separate area away from other students and be weighed in order to provide a less public setting.

Unfortunately, there is always a possibility that students would lie about their weight if they were to

record it themselves, which would defeat the purpose of tracking students’ weights.

Still, regardless of the fact that students may not take this option seriously, it’s still a better way to check a student’s weight and improve overall health.

School just isn’t the place to be weighing students like they’re at the doctor’s office. Of course P.E. is about being healthy, but that shouldn’t involve the possibility of making students feel uncomfortable.

Checking students’ weight in class isn’t necessary, and the goal of keeping track of students’ weight can be done in a different and more private way.

Sports

THE MHS MIRROR N O V E M B E R 2012

Page Designer Emma Diltz

11

Volleyball makes it to Sweet Sixteen

By Riley Trotter, Design Editor

Throughout the 2012 MHS volleyball season, many records have been set. This year, the team was 31-4, which is the winningest season in MHS volleyball historyand in the Sweet 16.

The season went just as they had hoped.

“We wanted to avenge last year’s regionals,” said Jamie Packer, senior member of the team.

Now reflecting back on their winning season, each had a different reason for joining volleyball.

“My mom was in volleyball, and I wanted to follow in her footsteps and be as good at sports as she is. Also, all of my friends were in it,” said Samantha Thompson, sophomore.

Though the reason may be family-related for Thompson, it’s different for other members.

“I wanted to try something new to stay active. It also looked fun,” said junior Riley Phipps.

For some members of the team, there may not be one exact reason for why they joined the team.

“I really didn’t have a reason.

I started in sixth grade in intramurals and had a good time, so I stuck with it,” said junior Carley Leitch.

There are also various favorites for each member about the sport itself. “[The best feeling is] being on the court and feeling that rush of adrenaline when I go up to spike,” said Leitch.

Though for Leitch it may be the rush of adrenaline, for Thompson it’s the fun of the sport.

“We all click,” said Thompson.

“It’s fun competing with other teams, and winning the Apollo Conference made it even better.”

Regardless, the volleyball team agrees that the season went well and was a great experience for all of the members.

“We got a lot better and played well as a team, which was shown through our record,” said Packer.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MACIE DRUM, MHS YEARBOOK

Above: Shelby Cox, junior middle hitter, serves the ball.

Right: Katelyn Fisher, sophomore libero, sets the ball in the senior night match against Paris.

Starwalt headed to Butler University for softball

By Jacob Harris, Contributing Reporter

For most high school athletes, their sports career ends at the high school level, but for Mattoon High School senior Kacey Starwalt, her sports career is advancing to a Division 1 University. She will be signing in the second week of November to the Butler softball team.

According to Starwalt, Butler’s “great academic program and topnotch business program” have driven her towards going to that school.

The business program made in-

timidation a factor during Starw a l t ’s f i r s t trips to Butler.

“I was intimidated at first, but it was less intimidating the more I went to the campus,” Starwalt said.

STARWALT Friend and teammate, junior Kaitlyn Bath, is positive that Starwalt will rise to the challenge as a student and

Managers help pave way for MHS football players

By Sydney Edwards, Contributing Reporter

Mattoon High School’s students and staff love the football season, but Lindsay Spitz, Meghan Emmett, John Campbell, Bryan Lundsford and Kelsey Wilford are the ones behind the scenes who help make the football season possible.

“They manage supplies for the team, not just water. If a helmet breaks, they have the parts.” said David Vieth, assistant principal and athletic director at MHS. The athletic director isn’t the only one who appreciates the work the managers do; the coaches said they need them, too. “[They] take a lot of the work off of the coaching staff,” said Chris Brown, vocational teacher at MHS and freshman football coach. “The managers are just a part of the team as the players,” At practices, the environment includes both the players and the managers. The players feed off the energy of the managers, as well as the way they encourage the players to keep going, even when they are frustrated.

At the request of coach, a player is running laps for his behavior, when a manager gives him a pep talk to keep going. That player takes the pep talk to heart, running faster until he is back in the game.

Derek Brown, sophomore at

MHS, also agreed that the team needs the help of the managers.

“Without them, everybody else would have to do [the tasks] for themselves,” Derek Brown said.

Other players, like senior wide receiver Skyler Hartbank, enjoy having the managers’ company while out for an injury.

The managers make conversation with the senior as they go along with their duties. Hartbank talks about his surgery and his ripped tendon, and takes off his bandage to show his stitches.

All the managers share a minute of disgust, showing the relaxed relationship the managers and player share.

“I got to know everyone,” said freshmen John Campbell, MHS football manager.

Campbell also said [he] learn[s] more about football and plans to be on the team next year. He wants to be on the football team but was unable to this year due to a heart condition.

“I didn’t want to keep the team waiting,” said Campbell.

Campbell still wanted to be a part of the teams so he joined the managing staff, and he said he is enjoying every moment of it.

The managers are at every game, devoted as ever, with their supply boxes and their water bottles ready for a Green Wave victory.

member of the softball team.

“She is going to do awesome there,” said Bath.

Starwalt is less confident than her teammate; she isn’t sure if she’ll start in games at Butler, like she did at MHS. “I’ll have to work hard to earn my spot,” Starwalt said.

Bath said it will be different not having Starwalt around the team anymore; Starwalt and Bath have been together for a long time.

“It will be pretty weird not playing together anymore since we’ve

been playing together since we were 8 years old,” said Bath.

For Bath, losing a good friend and a great teammate is hard, and it will also be difficult for MHS varsity softball coach, Nicole Trower, to see her go. “[Starwalt] has grown mentally and matured a lot,” Trower said.

“She helped out as a freshman throwing in some varsity games when Reynae Hutchinson [former MHS pitcher] was out,”said Trower.

Trower thinks Starwalt will grow from her MHS experience and

greatly improve, and several factors will help her to be prosperous.

“Butler has a great coaching staff. They will help her gain the skills she needs to become very successful,” Trower said.

Starwalt said she is very fortunate to have had the assistance at MHS, as well as the help of others along the way.

“There have been many coaches who have helped me to become better as a player,” Starwalt said.

“They’ve helped me to adapt to different styles of coaching.”

Season ends in playoffs for MHS football

By Emma Diltz, Advertising Manager / Sports Editor

The Mattoon Greenwave football team hasn’t seen a playoff game since 2007 -- until this year. Even though the team put its heart into the game, they fell to Jerseyville, losing 39-7 in the first round of playoffs on Oct. 27.

Derek Pierce, MHS junior safety, was proud of the effort his team showed, but he said he wished they could’ve done more.

“We played good in the first half, but we let the game get away from us,” Pierce said.

Jeremy Woodyard, MHS senior linebacker/fullback, said the game fell through with the offense.

“We played really well on defense, but our

offense was a struggle,” Woodyard said. “We had a few breakdowns [in our offense], and it hurt us when Mitch Hirsch got injured.”

Even though there was a solid amount of effort given, there were still mishaps throughout the game.

“People were messing up, and it wasn’t just a single person,” Pierce said. “We made mistakes that shouldn’t have happened this late in the season.”

Yet, during the entirety of the game, there were positive aspects in addition to the negative ones.

“We never gave up,” Pierce said. “We never stopped fighting.”

The Greenwave ended their season with a record of 5-5.

See the May edition of the MHS Mirror for an updated

list of athletes signing at colleges.

12 Sports MHS soccer ends successful season THE MHS MIRROR N O V E M B E R 2012

Page Designer Jarett Martin

PHOTOS BY K AYLIE HOMANN

The MHS soccer team kick starts the last game of the 2012 season against Highland. MHS lost to Highland in the sectional match, 0-3, but ended season 14-7.

By Jarett Martin, Promotion/Distribution Manager Soccer is more than just a sport at Mattoon High School.

It’s a competition between two schools to see who has the better soccer team at each and every game.

This year’s post-season for MHS soccer has shown that Mattoon players are some of the best out of high schools in the state of Illinois.

According to MHS soccer players, the sport is not about one member; it is about working as a team.

Freshman Zachery Lensink

Cross country excels to State

By Sarah Foster, Feature Editor

It’s a great feeling when a successful season has come to an end, but for senior Cassy Shaffer’s last year of high school, it’s even better when her whole varsity Mattoon High School Cross Country Team has endured their way through numerous competitive teams and is going to state.

“It’s pretty darn awesome. [The girls] ran awesome all season.

Most of us have been working toward this since the end of track season last year,” said Shaffer.

The team, who only had one state competitor representing MHS last season, had to rethink a few strategies in order to reserve its spot, according to Shaffer.

“We’ve been more careful this year. The week of sectionals last year two of our varsity runners got hurt,” Shaffer said.

Preventing injuries can sometimes be hard when the team must

said they work well as a team, and communication skills are essential.

“We work as a team really well; we trust each other on the field,” said Lensink.

Junior Dylan Wolf said the players have to be close to be a better soccer team.

“We are friends on and off the field,” said Wolf.

Even with the team mentality, soccer coach and math teacher at MHS Ryan Ghere said that last game of the season against Highland was simply against a tough team. “[We] played a team that was better than us,” said Ghere.

Winning Team The Mattoon High School girls cross country team members who are headed to state include: Megan Shaffer, Cassy Shaffer, Victoria Drake, Michaela Drake, Lexi Kremer, Melinda Holmes, Whitney Maninfior and Hunter Worthey (alternate). put its all into practices. However, the girls have managed to do so and have had one of the most successful seasons imaginable.

“We worked hard all season. We ran so many races. We’re tougher mentally than a lot of other teams,” Shaffer said.

The MHS girls team competed last Saturday morning at Detweiller Park in Peoria. Before Shaffer unleashed her team at the statewide competition, she said she wanted competitors to know her team’s secret.

“We have depth. We have seven really good runners. Other have three or four and that’s it,” she said.

The results of the competition weren’t known as of press time.

After the soccer season ended this year, some of the team members have reflected on their best moments. “[My best moment was when I] scored my goal against Effingham St. Anthony,” said Lensink.

Not only does Lensink have some best moments in soccer, but Wolf noted some memorable moments, as well. “[My] best moment was when [we played] Charleston to send us to the regional championship,” said Wolf.

Senior A.J. Nichols shared his best moments in soccer, which included breaking a school record.

“My best moment was when

I scored the 29th goal against Charleston in regionals and that it was my fourth goal [that game],” said Nichols. Nichols also broke the school record this year of 31 goals in one season.

Ghere said that this is not first time the MHS soccer team has had a winning streak.

“Our best year was in 2003, when we went to state,” said Ghere.

Nichols said he thinks it has been this team’s best season. “[I] think that it has been my best season overall as senior and in my four years playing soccer,” said Nichols.

Ghere hopes that they have a

good team next year.

“We will have a new group next year. This year, seniors made 61 goals out of 85 goals,” said Ghere.

Nichols said he hopes that after seniors leave, that the juniors will pick up where they left off.

“There are eight seniors on the team and I hope that juniors return for next year,” said Nichols.

The soccer team’s future plans are to take it easy.

“We will take some time off and do three days a week practice in the summer. Then, we’ll take some summer camps and get ready for August,” said Ghere.

Second-string players still important part of teams

By Emma Diltz, Advertising Manager/Sports Editor Spirited crowds roaring, cameras flashing and players on the court are often expected, but one aspect of the game that is frequently overlooked is the players on the bench. Just as there can’t be a singer without a band, there can’t be a team without support.

Hannah Pruden, junior right side hitter on the MHS volleyball team, is a long-term volleyball player who has a passion for the game.

“My love for the sport keeps me playing volleyball, even though I don’t get that much playing time,” Pruden said.

She has been playing for six years, and even though she doesn’t see much floor time, she preservers because of her teammates.

“I have the best team,” Pruden said. “They make it worth playing.”

Jessica Taylor, a junior defensive specialist for MHS volleyball, agrees with Pruden’s logic.

“My passion for the sport and my teammates keep me playing,” Taylor said.

As a volleyball player since seventh grade, Taylor said she understands how much the word “team”

“The team has a really strong connection. I love supporting my team, even if I don’t play a lot.”

Jessi Taylor, MHS junior

means when playing sports.

“The team has a really strong connection,” Taylor said. “I love supporting my team, even if I don’t play a lot.”

While the stars of the team are in the spotlight more than not, the “second team” players tend to boost the morale of the team.

Clay Warfel, senior starting short stop for the MHS baseball team, said, “they’re the cheerleaders, and the cheering helps the starters. It boosts the morale of the team.”

Ryan Hutchinson, MHS junior guard, agrees with Warfel.

“When they’re happy with not getting minutes and just glad to be there, they make the atmosphere more positive to be in,” Hutchin-

son said.

Not only do they keep up the confidence, but they also aid each other in improving their skills.

“They give the starters more practice since they’re [at practice],” Warfel said. “Without them, it’d be hard to get better.”

“They’re really helpful in practice because when we scout other teams and see what their offense and defense are like we can play our offense and/or defense like we would against another team,” Hutchinson said.

Even if playing time is lacking, there’s always a reason to stay faithful to the sport they play.

“No one should ever let anyone get in their way of doing what they love,” Pruden said.