MHS Mirror
Mattoon High School
MARCH 2013
VOLUME 3 | No. 5
M AT T O O N H I G H S C H O O L MHSMIRROR.ORG
“Striving to reflect the MHS community”
“I FEEL THAT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO VOLUNTEER EVERYWHERE YOU CAN BECAUSE EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS OUT THE COMMUNITY.” HANNAH PREVO, MHS SENIOR
MHS provides volunteers to community By Sarah Foster, Features Editor
tance of volunteering within the community and the commitment NHS members accept to better their town. The crisp, humid summer air is noiseless in the ear“It shows you are a caring and kind person. It makes ly hours of the morning. Students free from the stress- people feel good when they do things for people other es of school and relieved by the ease of summer choose than themselves,” said Taylor. to lie in their beds and remain in that position until the Taylor has spent numerous hours volunteering at the approach of midday. But, there are others to be found Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital through the Volunteen in different locations. program, as well as opportunities given through school In the Mattoon community, there are students occu- and church-related functions. pied with the tasks of volunteering and thrilled to conPrevo understands the importance the same way. tribute a helping hand. These are “I feel that it is very important to volunteer everythe students of National Honor where you can because every little bit helps out the Society, and alcommunity,” she said. though Prevo offers her help at the Mattoon Community Food Center and Douglas-Hart Nature Center. She notes how much she enjoys her involvement as a way to help people in every way that she can. Taylor and Prevo admit that participating in volunteer activities is a way to build character, and to Krista Jackley, MHS guidance counselor and NHS adviser, this character development is not the only resource to gain through extensive hours of volunteering. they accept the “It’s very important,” possibility of sumsaid Jackley. “It makes kids betmer stress to comter-rounded when they get to see what it’s plete their 26 hours, like to do things and not be paid.” the smile of those Jackley, too, participated in a volunteer they’ve helped after a program at the hospital when she was in rewarding day of volhigh school and mentioned how much unteering reveals that it she loved working and spending qualiis a task worth the presty time with patients. She also found sure. herself participating in activities at For Mattoon High animal shelters around the town School junior Brock she resided in during her high Taylor and senior Hanschool years as well. Jackley exnah Prevo, this donaplained that volunteering is an tion isn’t haltimportant aspect of characPHOTO BY ing. They unter because of the work that derstand is required without payK AYLIE HOMANN the imment – but what does Michael Jean, NHS mempornot present itself ber and senior at MHS, volunin dollar bills teers at a dodgeball tournament to arrives in satraise money for Spastic Paralysis. For more isfaction. on the tournament see pages 4-5. NHS/2
PHOTO COURTESY OF VOLUNTEEN
MHS sophomore Whitney Meaker volunteers at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital during summer break. By Riley Trotter, Design Editor Although there are many different opportunities for volunteering in the area, one of the places many students from Mattoon High School volunteer is at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital. “The first year [I volunteered], I was in special procedures, and I did paperwork and filing for the nurses. I was also in central sterile; I wrapped surgical towels and made trays for the surgeons to use during different surgeries,” said MHS junior Sarah Etchison. “Last year, I was in women’s and children’s; I was getting drinks and nurses for the patients and helped with the newborns when needed. I also assisted the nurses in cleaning the C-section room and the hospital rooms.” MHS sophomore Whitney Meaker, another volunteer, worked her designated departments as well. “The main things I do when I Krista Jackley, volunteer are put up files, make packets and do some copies. I also MHS counselor do whatever they want me to help out with. I’m pretty easy to work with,” said Meaker. Students who volunteer at the hospital find themselves as help for the several doctors and nurses on a busy day. But help is the common goal for doctors and students alike. “We help out the people who help people. We’re kind of secondary; everyone else has a degree,” said MHS junior Kyle Dawson. For Etchison, Dawson and Meaker, this will be their third year volunVOLUNTEERS/2
“It makes kids better-rounded when they get to see what it’s like to do things and not be paid.”
School budget cuts effects Mattoon, other schools Funding Per Student at MHS By Emma Diltz, Business Manager
Since the start of the recession, many states have made education budget cuts in order stay afloat and reduce their debt. Illinois has begun to mandate hefty cuts to school funding all over the state, and the counties around the area, including Mattoon, are feeling the effects of it. Schools such as Arcola, Neoga and Teutopolis are cutting back on the amount of teachers they are keeping on staff and the amount of extracurricular activities offered to their students. While it has distressed schools around the area, Mattoon High School is one of the schools that has had better luck in the area when it comes to a decreasing amount of revenue. “[MHS] is fortunate because the upper administration in the district has made very wise moves over the last five to ten years, which has saved the district,” said principal of MHS, Michele Sinclair. “No programs have suffered
Robert Lockart, science teacher at MHS, agrees with Sinclair. “We’ve had it pretty good from when I started teaching in 1979 to now,” said Lockart. “Times are tough, but we can all adapt.” Though Mattoon has been one of the more fortunate districts when it’s come to cutting funds, it has still felt a great deal of loss. “Each year our district receives $6,119 per student based on attendance, and this year the state only funded 89 percent of that,” said Sinclair. “Next year we may only receive 82- 83 percent, and that is a loss in revenue of about $1.1 million to the Mattoon School District.” The money schools have seen in the past is very much different than they have seen in recent years. “Though this year ’s budget hasn’t been set yet, predictions are made by schools so they can prepare for the worst. The cuts will be made in the first of March, and the teachers can get jobs back if their school passes a good budget,” said Regional Superintendent Dr. Bobbi
$ INFORMATION COURTESY OF MICHELE SINCL AIR, MHS PRINCIPAL INFORGR APHIC BY EMMA DILTZ
Mattingly. A major portion of the school district’s budget goes toward people working to make students’ education possible. “Over 80 percent of the school’s
budget goes to the people that work there,” said Sinclair. “But, [the administration] has been asked when teachers retire or leave to not fill those positions in order to save money.”
Because of the amount of money being cut in the education fund, schools have to become innovative on ways to conserve money. “Each administrator is given a BUDGET/2
N ews Catholics reflect on Pope Benedict XVI’s departure 2
THE MHS MIRROR MARCH 2013
Page Designers Molly Dotson & Fancie Lewis
By Sydney Edwards, Advertising Manager
Pope Benedict XVI is the first pope in 600 years to resign from his position. While some members of the Catholic community were surprised, many approved of his decision due to complications with old age. Rev. Dennis Kollross of the Immaculate Conception Church in Mattoon said the members of his church understood the Pope’s decision and are generally accepting of it. “I believe most of the parishioners of Immaculate Conception Church understand and are sympathetic to Pope Benedict XVI, they understand that he is 85 years of age and that he has a very demanding job,” said Kollross. Melinda Holmes, senior at Mattoon High School also said his decision was the right one to make. She currently attends Immaculate
Budget From Page 1
budget, and this year, it was decreased by 7.5% percent. We are going to have to get creative on ways to save money, such as not sending midterm grades to students’ homes anymore, and we have to make choices about class schedules, since we don’t have unlimited options about things like that,” said Sinclair. Lockart agrees that there are certain ways people will have to adjust tion. “We will all have to give a lit-
Volunteers From Page 1
teering at the hospital. “I started volunteering the summer of my eighth grade year, and I hope that I can do it in the summers to come if I’m not too busy,” said Meaker. Many of the students have a similar reason for wanting to volunteer at the hospital: the opportunity to help people. “My grandma told me about the program [volunteen], and it sounded like a lot of fun. I also love being able to help people,” said Meaker. While Meaker’s reason for volunteering is to help people, Dawson’s revolves around his desire for employment as an adult. “I think it would help with a fu-
Conception Church and is a part of the Catholic community. “It wasn’t a surprise. He was old, and he did an amazing job,” said Holmes.
Margaret Warrem, chemistry teacher at MHS and Catholic who also attends the Immaculate Conception, said for her, the resignation was a surprise. “I couldn’t believe it. They usu-
ally just die to get out of office,” said Warrem. As a priest himself, Kollross also said emphashizes with the Pope, knowing he has a very demanding job that he just could not fulfill at his age. “Today, the Pope cannot sit in his office in Vatican City. The Pope must travel extensively in order to bring the Word of God to people. The Pope, who is the Vicar of Christ, must be Christ’s presence, and as such, he must be present to others,” said Kollross. There is much stress that comes with being a leader of a great amount of people. “The Pope alone leads a huge organization. Regularly, he meets with groups of bishops from all over the world. He gives speeches on almost a daily basis. He works long hours every day,” said Kollross. “At 85, the pope said that he no longer has the physical and mental strength to carry out those
tle,” said Lockart. “We’ll have to be more adaptable, and we will have to find ways to be more creative to get information across in a variety of ways without money.” Since there stands to be a lack of incoming money, schools may have to find ways to bring their own income in. “The school may have to find creative ways of bringing in money, such as charging fees for certain things, like extracurricular activities,” said Sinclair. “If the state doesn’t meet its financial obligation, we will have to make cuts and/or find other ways to generate revenue.”
Though budget cuts lessen the material items schools are granted, it also demoralizes everyone that is affected, according to Mattingly. “Budget cuts devastate the morals of students, teachers and whole communities,” said Mattingly. “There aren’t as many opportunities for students, such as the amount of subjects they are able to take.” Cuts are taking a toll on schools now, and will continue to do so in the future. “Schools are using up all their savings because of the cuts. It’s forcing schools to close and that takes schools out of the community, which takes jobs and activities out of schools. It’s causing schools to lose their individuality,” said Mattingly. While money doesn’t always make up good education, it is a large part of it, according to many. “The quality is in teachers and parents. It takes money for people to have a direct affect basis because the good role models, the adults, are out of the classrooms,” said Mattingly. “Because of this, there are fewer good relationships.” Sinclair agreed with Mattingly’s logic about the direct affect revenue has on the quality of education. “Money really affects the education if there is none,” said Sinclair. “It’s like home finances—when it’s there, it’s not noticed, but when it’s not there, it’s clear how much it really matters.” Lockart has a different perspective to the quality of education based on funding. “Pumping more money isn’t the answer to getting kids to achieve a higher level of learning,” said Lockart. “We have to be willing to work together for the benefit of the whole.” Even though money is in the pro-
cess of being cut from educational funding, there are still measures being taken in order to ensure schools stay in their budget. “There are economic factors in it, but [the Regional Office of Education] is fighting hard and talking to legislators about how free public education is the key to democracy,” said Mattingly. Generally, there is a great deal being done for schools all over the region in order for them to continue receiving the proper amount of funding. “Ultimately, the government decides on the budget. We have to make them understand that the future is limited without proper education,” said Mattingly. “Education is a priority, and we have to convince the political people that education is where the money needs to go.” Though Illinois is affected greatly, Lockart said there is more to it than that. “It’s all about socioeconomics. [MHS] is only a small microcosm of what’s going on outside of the school building,” said Lockart. Though there is still a long way to go before there’s a chance of increase in the education budget, there are still plans for a brighter future. “If the budget gets balanced and we receive the proper funding, I would like to see that money go towards people,” said Sinclair. “People would be hired, so we could continue to offer the great programs and curriculum we have at MHS.” While money is a large part of what teachers and faculty are capable of teaching the students, there is something that everyone can learn from this. “The greatest thing to teach anyone is to be adaptable,” said Lockart. “Better things in life are more simple.”
PHOTO BY SYDNEY EDWARDS
Immaculate Conception, one of the Catholic churches in Mattoon, prepares for the newly elected pope.
ture career in medical research,” said Dawson. For some volunteers, the hospital work went beyond simple assistance. A number of exciting and life-changing experiences occurred for Etchison. “The best part of volunteering was when I was on the women’s and children’s floor and got to see newborns and got to see a birth while I was there,” said Etchison. Although Etchison loves having the opportunity of seeing the newborns, Meaker said a love for all types of people keeps her volunteering. “The best part about it is you get to help a lot of people and making new friends during the process,” said Meaker. “I also know that I am helping with tasks that need to be done in order to help.”
The MHS Mirror
is produced by the students enrolled in the Journalism II and I courses at Mattoon High School. Kaylie Homann Editor-In-Chief Justin Gordon Managing Editor Emma Diltz Business Manager/Photo Editor Riley Trotter Design Editor Molly Dotson News Editor Sarah Foster Features Editor Destinee Anderson Opinion Editor Paige Jordan Entertainment Editor Jacob Harris Sports Editor Sydney Edwards Advertising Manager Lane Plummer Online Editor Wyatt Jones Multimedia Editor Albert Henderson Multimedia Editor Jarett Martin Distribution/Promotion Manager Fancie Lewis Photographer Jenna Butler Reporter Amanda Bright 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
duties.” The Pope officially retired on Feb. 28, but will satisfy the duties until another pope is chosen. After he is completely out of office, he plans to escape from the public eye and dedicate his life to prayer, according to CNN.com. Due to all these factors, Warren said she understands why he needed to make the decision to step down, but it has left her now pondering who will take the position of the Catholic Church’s leader worldwide. “If he was sick and was unable to do the job, then it was correct. The question is who is going to take his place,” said Warrem. The answer to Warrem’s question was declared on Mar. 14. The new pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, with his chosen alias Francis is the first South American to lead the church.
NHS
From Page 1 “[It’s] the feeling that you get at the end of the day when you help someone,” said Taylor. “It’s validation for your character.” This satisfying feeling after a day of volunteering affects all the people involved. Community-wide benefits are produced, and for NHS, this is the goal. “We live in a selfish and selfcentered society. [Volunteering] renews everyones faith because [NHS members] want to help for free,” explained Jackley. Jackley expressed the pride she feels in her students for going above and beyond the 26-hour requirement; there are students in the Mattoon NHS program who volunteered for 80 hours and up to 130. “I’m so proud of these kids. [They] are busy, and they still find time to volunteer. It’s humbling,” said Jackley. Toward afternoon, the noiselessness has ceased. Students thrilled to lend a helping hand offer their time and effort on a hot summer afternoon – but, for every minute they spend working in the overpowering sunlight, a new satisfaction arrives – joy of helping others. For the several NHS members of MHS, there is no better rewarding feeling.
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Petals of Imagination
Paint Your Own Ceramics & Gift Shop Now Open 1516A & 1518 Lake Land Blvd 11am to 8pm Tue-Sat Mattoon, IL 61938 Noon-6pm Sunday (217) 235-5150 There are several different items to choose from to paint.
Don’t want to paint? Visit our Gift Shop for prepainted items, embroidered and hand-painted shirts, quilts, place mats/table runners, bingo bags, and misc. home decor, and photo quilts. We can also personalize a wall hanging by transferring your favorite photo to fabric, or add a name to personalize a stocking. We can even host birthday, bridal, and graduation parties, too! *Bring this ad into the shop and it will count as a 10% off coupon!
Feature
THE MHS MIRROR M A R C H 2013
Page Designers Emma Diltz & Sarah Foster
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Military Ball brings unique fun for JROTC By Jenna Butler, Reporter
If one were to mention a ball, boys in suits and girls in dresses waltzing across the floor would come to mind, but to the Mattoon High School JROTC, there is more meaning to their annual military ball. “There is a guest speaker. It’ll go dinner, the unit ceremony, the guest speaker, the first half of the dance, the coronation and then the last half of the dance,” Dakota Couch, MHS junior said. Although prom and the ball are similar with having a court and dancing, MHS Senior Megan White prefers the military ball because of what is provided. “The military ball is more formal than prom. We are having a dinner, guest speaker and it’s not divided by age like prom is,” said White. Not only does the military ball differentiate from the variety of events taking place from any other dance event, it also has a specific dress code. “Girls have to wear dresses longer
than their knees, and the boys have to wear their uniform with a white shirt and bow tie,” White said. Regardless of the difference between military ball and prom, the ball is something to look forward to. Haley Ingram, MHS freshman, said that she looks forward to “getting to spend a super fun night with friends and my boyfriend, also seeing all the hard work the JROTC puts forth.” With it being White’s last year, she also has been looking forward to the ball.
ACHIE VING DREAMS:
Righter takes on West Point, Fall 2013 By Destinee Anderson, Opinion Editor
Whether you share a dream that runs in the family or you have built one for yourself, it is worth the gamble to follow it, and that’s exactly what Mattoon High School senior John Righter did. He was recently accepted to West Point Academy, located 50 miles north of New York and overlooking the Hudson River. According to its website, the Academy’s mission is to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character, committed to the values of duty, honor and country. Righter said he hopes to aid his country in this way one day. “[I like] the aspect of going to college for something more than just an education--serving my country,” said Righter. When receiving the news, not everyone’s reaction would be the same after seeing his or her dream come to life. Righter said he didn’t jump or scream. “I forgot all about my homework,” he said. “They mailed me this big cardboard letter, and I immediately knew what it was.”
However, his parents, friends and family had different reactions. “My parents were proud but nervous. Everyone has been congratulatory,” said Righter. His high school sweetheart, senior Micaela Polston, has also been supportive. “I was upset but very proud and excited for him,” said Polston. Righter said he wants to major in accounting, and after graduating, he plans to serve as an officer. Righter has always stood out as a student for MHS government teacher Jeremy Gibson. “Since his father is in state politics, he is more connected with state politics in class,” said Gibson. Thirty to 40 years down the road, Gibson said he thinks Righter will be in law or government. Similar to Righter’s reaction, Gibson wasn’t surprised. He had heard that this was the route Righter was going for. “It’s good for military training and has been a good place for people who go into the life of government,” said Gibson.
“I look forward to seeing all the younger cadets just experience the last military ball I’ll have,” White said. Not only have they looked forward to this year’s military ball, but they have reflected upon past balls also. “Probably being on court my freshman year [was one of my favorite moments],” Couch said. Not quite sure how exactly this big tradition came to be, Couch said, “It’s a requirement by cadet command, so we host one.”
PHOTOS BY MOLLY DOTSON
Above: Seniors Jazmin Katz and Dalton Shaffer are welcomed into the ball. Above Left: The Military Ball court awaits awards.
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Page Designers Kaylie Homann & Jenna Butler
THE MHS MIRROR M A R C H 2013
Centerspread
TOONERS VERSUS CHUCKS AT THE
HIT ME WITH
PHOTOS BY K AYLIE HOMANN
The MHS Student Council lines up before the match.
By Wyatt Jones, Multimedia Editor A roaring crowd, friendly competition and burning intensity are what swept up anyone who came to MHS on Feb 27. The first ever Tooners vs. Chucks Dodgeball Tournament was the source of all this excitement. Held at MHS in the north gym, a series of matches took place, pitting rival schools, the “Tooners” (Mattoon High School) and the “Chucks” (Charleston High School) against each other. Th e id ea f o r th e to u r n ament was conceived at a Powder Puff game between Mattoon and Charleston, as a way to raise money for researching spastic paralysis, a type of cerebral palsy in which the muscles are affected. One of the creators and organizers of the event, MHS senior
Caroline Zuhone, believes that the event is a great way to help people and have fun at the same time. When first entering the gym, those that went saw that the bleachers are divided, Mattoon on one side, and Charleston on the other. Team spirit was almost a requirement, as an array of students, teachers and other spectators on both sides were riled up and ready for the matches to start. As the first match began, the mood was only amped up more. The teams that played consisted of the Mattoon National Honor Society, the Charleston National Honor Society, MHS Team Massive, MHS Student Council, Charleston High School (CHS) Grateful Red, MHS Key Club and the CHS Freedom Writers. The matches were set up so that winners faced winners, and the
teams that lost were eliminated, raising the stakes and eventually leading to a single champion. As games went on, the audience grew more anticipated. Mattoon was leading in the number of games won but Charleston was still holding strong. Many close calls and thrown balls later, the championship game was approaching. When the championship match finally came, the only teams left standing were the CHS Grateful Red and the MHS Key Club. An all-out battle ensued. The teams were almost neck to neck the entire game, but there had to be a winner. After the buzzer rang and indicated the end of the match, the crowd wasn’t exactly sure who had won. Everyone in the gym eagerly anticipated the announcement of
a winner, and after a few seemingly endless seconds, the judges had made their decision. The Charleston High School Grateful Red were declared the champions by one point ahead. Although a defeat for MHS, it was still an incredible match for a good cause. MHS didn’t lose it all though; the Mattoon teams walked away with a plaque awarded for winning the most games overall. That wasn’t the end of the tournament though, as the CHS Grateful Red would now face the MHS Teachers. Bursting through the doors and shining in the spotlight, each of the teachers were announced and ready to get down. The game was only for fun though and nothing was on the line. In the end, the teachers beat the Grateful Red, and went on to
consecutively play all the MHS teams, losing only one game to Team Massive. After everything was said and done, MHS Key club sponsor and co-organizer of the tournament, Vinnie Walk, believes that the turnout was very good. “This is the first time we have done this and people seemed like they had a good time,” said Walk. Overall, with no set goal, around $650 was raised for spastic paralysis research. Walk thinks that the dodgeball tournament was a success and would like to keep it going. “If Charleston agrees, hopefully we can do it again next year,” said Walk. An intense and fun competition with good intentions, the Tooners vs. Chucks dodgeball tournament was something everyone should check out if it is brought back next year.
CHS players strategically sprint to the line of dodge balls in an attempt to capture one in and get MHS players out.
Nelson Chauffering Mattoon, IL
A CHS player tries to get a Mattoon player out.
Centerspread
THE MHS MIRROR M A R C H 2013
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DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT
YOUR BEST SHOT What was the best part about playing dodgeball against Charleston?
Sophomore Joey Allee “Words can’t describe.”
Senior Ryan Paige
Senior Meghan McCain
“Being on the same team with the gorgeous Meghan McCain and throwing balls at people’s faces.”
“My favorite part about playing dodgeball would be winning against Charleston teams and playing with the boys on my team because I don’t have that option because I’m a girl.”
Junior Ashley Purvis “Getting to hit them, meaning Charleston people, and playing against teachers. That was fun.”
Math Teacher Ryan Ghere “I just had fun being on a team with other teachers and playing against students; everyone had a good time.”
PHOTO BY K AYLIE HOMANN
MHS Team Massive runs to the center line to obtain a dodgeball.
PHOTO BY MOLLY DOTSON
MHS senior John Olmsted catches the dodgeball and gets a Charleston player out of the game.
PHOTO BY K AYLIE HOMANN
MHS senior Clay Warfel tries to snatch a ball from a CHS player.
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Page Designers Justin Gordon & Albert Henderson
THE MHS MIRROR M A R C H 2013
Editorial
Opinion
Re-informing MHS on homework
It is 5:30 p.m. She is just arriving at her house after an exhausting track practice. Before practice, she went to school from 8 in the morning until 3:43 p.m. While there, she was assigned homework for nearly every class. English: read three chapters of “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley and write journal responses for each. Algebra: complete 25 problems. Chemistry: balance 30 chemical equations showing all work. Spanish: study vocabulary for tomorrow’s test. These are only a few tasks she is prompted to do before the night is over. She also must complete chores, such as washing her work uniform, cooking supper for her siblings and vacuuming the house, all before her mother comes home from work. Every day, high school students are faced with responsibilities outside of the learning environment. They are forced to balance these duties and cumbersome homework assignments, which can be overwhelming. Some nights, homework is not an issue. The next, an enormous load is assigned and due the very next day. We, the MHS Mirror staff, believe a homework reformation is crucial. The cause of a massive homework load is due to several factors including the pressure placed on teachers by the state expecting exemplary scores on state tests such as the ACT and by parents wanting their children to succeed in school. Yet, giving excessive amounts of homework can cause anxiety, and on some occasions, not teach students necessary concepts. This is the reason quality, as opposed to quantity, should be considered when distributing assignments. For example, a student rushing to complete his 30 algebraic equations because he has four other assignments might consistently make a mistake on each problem. This could cause his brain to cement this incorrect knowledge, and in turn, cause him to flunk his test on this information. If fewer problems are assigned, the teacher could look over homework more thoroughly. The student will not hastily complete them, and if a mistake is made, the teacher can correct this before it is concrete in his brain. Although it is argued several homework assignments at once prepare students for college, many college students working toward a major find their workload subjects related to their career choice. This makes doing the homework easier because
EDITORIAL C ARTOON BY MOLLY DOSTON
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 their assignments are about the same topics. To clarify, a student majoring in history will take Cultural Geography, Modern World History and Modern World History U.S. This means they will often cover the same topics in each class, making this knowledge already obtained and their assignments less difficult. Also, students in college usually attend fewer classes at different times of the day. The same class is only twice or three times a week, so completing these as-
signments is less difficult due to their extended amount of time spent outside of the classroom already. A solution to the overpowering amount of homework on solely one night could be as simple as collaboration among core teachers. If World Cultures requires an hour of a student’s time after class and English requires one as well, then biology won’t require any more than 20 minutes. This will, in turn, unify the school and stop overworking students, thus resulting in a higher quality of education.
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor: I’ve noticed a lot of volunteer work on campus. It’s good for character, yes, but is it good for our economy? This is a complex problem that we can solve by simple means: offer pay. Volunteer work is fine and dandy, but our time is valuable and must be bought as such. Our economy is in collapse. The recession worsens, and it seems that Americans must buckle down and save ourselves. Those with good hearts would never ask for pay. Menial jobs such as those with good minds have to stimulate the economy we mustn’t waste our time doing menial jobs for free; we should do them for recompense. Look at it like this, if people volunteer to do work others would do for pay, then that is potential funds being prevented from going to our economy, and potential man hours wasted. There is nothing wrong with the action of volunteering, but the effect isn’t so great. If you were to look at how much a real volunteered job saves a “company” (it’s really a program disguised as a company,) it plays in comparison to cash flow provided to other companies, in turn, coming full cycle. Some works are spared from this idea, such as ultimately Godly and religious work. Feeding homeless and cleaning a church often are rewarded with a good feeling and a spiritual recompense. Some that are not spoken, such as, cleaning trash, or mowing public areas should be given to those who want and need pay. All in all, this is my opinion, and I want those around me to look at this like an informative letter, not a rude, solvency and lazily motivated cause. Most may agree and would provoke one to write such a letter. ~Alexzander Jones, junior
Entertainment
THE MHS MIRROR M A R C H 2013
Page Designers Paige Jordan & Destinee Anderson
Fans on front line for Sidelined By Paige Jordan, Entertainment Editor
Sidelined is a band from Newton, Ill., formed in 2004 that has been on tours locally and throughout the United States and has even recorded. This four-man band consists of vocalist Ryan Millsap, guitarist Adrian Swisher, bassist Broc Hemrich and drummer Nash Swisher. Hemrich thought of the name Sidelined when he was younger, and it has quite a meaning to it. “I actually came up with the name when I was fairly young before I was playing in any serious bands,” said Hemrich. “I had kinda put off using it. “I guess I was waiting for the right time, you know, a special moment between four best friends or something cliché’ like that. The name was sort of derived from feeling like there is something in your way that is stopping you from doing something important to you. It also reflects feeling like and outsider or like you don’t fit in.” Sidelined has toured in the Northeast and Southeast from New York to Florida, but each member has a favorite place to play. “My favorite is North Carolina. We have a good friend there, and he treats us well,” said Nash Swisher. “He took us swimming at a bridge that we ended up jumping off of into the water. We always have good turnouts and make money there as well.” Adrian Swisher also has a few places he favors over others. “Hometown shows are always fun. It’s always great getting to see all of our family and friends,
Tarantino gives dialogue some pulp, Pulp Fiction that is. It is rare for a director’s directorial debut to be as good as Tarantino’s was with “Reservoir Dogs.” He has shown he knows how to write and direct with the pros. That was more or less an “indie” movie, but it was successful, so studios decided to let Tarantino have free reign on his next film. Who would have guessed that his second movie would have been as monumental as “Pulp Fiction”?
Part II: Pulp Fiction
There are many characteristics that can make a movie well-made. It could have an amazing plot, the acting could be phenomenal, and it might just be an all-around good time. “Pulp Fiction” has all of this. However, the reason “Pulp Fiction” is widely regarded as a masterpiece is because of its dialogue, which is the best in any movie in history. All of it is fluid and interesting, and most times, downright hilarious. Tarantino has a knack for creating very real conversations between his characters (as mentioned in Reservoir Dogs retrospective.) However, “Pulp Fic-
From underdog to topdog Reviewer’s Rating
By Albert Henderson, Multimedia Editor
Upcoming Shows March 23: Arthur April 12: Charleston May 24: Effingham and we usually play for an hour and a half to two hours, so that’s a plus,” said Adrian. “At the same time, we have made a lot of friends on the East Coast, Michigan and in Tennessee. Getting to catch up with those longdistance friends is always a good feeling.” At local shows, many fans go to see them, including Mattoon High School junior Kailey Yates, who has liked Sidelined for about a year. Ya t e s ’ f a v o r i t e s o n g s a r e “Body” or “Innisfail Drive” be-
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER SMITHEY
cause of all of the energy the band and the crowd has when they played live. When Sidelined plays at the local shows, Yates finds that there are moments that she especially enjoys. “I like how everyone gets into a crowd around them and takes the microphone and sings,” said Yates. There have also been some unique fan experiences for the musicians as they’ve traveled around the country. “We signed a pregnant girl’s stomach and have had some wild fans while playing. We make it a point to have at least one crazy moment per day,” said Millsap. Nash is also aware of three Sidelined tattoos in the world. Even though there are great moments for Sidelined, some moments have gone wrong. “We’ve almost been shot, our trailer tire fell off in Michigan,
attracted a group of homeless in Memphis. Every day on tour is pretty nuts, and you have to plan for anything,” said Millsap. Nash also remembers some crazy experiences. “We’ve had numerous show cancels. Ryan kicked my basketball into a river one time. That’s about the worst of things,” said Nash. As far as the future for them, they hope to have some kind of plans for Sidelined. “As long as we have any kind of plans for Sidelined, I will be a very happy person,” said Adrian. “There’s no other group of people in the world I’d rather make music with. I expect scattered touring throughout the country and a whole lot more music. We are all writing constantly, and I personally want to put out the best music we can and as much of it as we can.”
‘Pulp Fiction’: Tarantino’s masterpiece By Justin Gordon, Managing Editor
7
Reviewer’s Rating
tion” is his shining example of this. This movie takes a conversation about a foot massage that goes on for a five minutes, and it never stops being interesting. One is hooked on every word. The plot is difficult to pinpoint. The best way to describe it is a series of stories about gangsters in L.A. who are somehow intertwined. At some points, you are following the story of two hit-men played by John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson. Then at some points, you are following the story of a boxer played by Bruce Willis who is trying to escape mafia attack after not throwing a fight. That’s just two stories; there are many more. I am not complaining about this. I actually find it a very interesting and fresh take on how to make a movie. There is plenty of time given to each story and development given to each character. Tarantino also makes sure that even though the stories that take place in the movie are shot out of order, viewers
never become lost. piece. When a person thinks of The acting all across the board a Quentin Tarantino movie, nine is perfect, not one weak link on times out of ten they will probathe chain, from Travolta to Quen- bly think of “Pulp Fiction.” tin Tarantino himself. However, That is not without cause. It the stand-out has a star-studperformance ded cast, an incomes from ventive plot Samuel L. s t r u c tu r e a n d Jackson as the the greatest dioverdramatic alogue in the mafia hit-man history of movwho is starties. ing to rethink It was so his career opgood and tions. revolutionIt’s not ary that eveven the typery movie that ical over-thecame out after top Samuel L. “Pulp Fiction” Jackson pertried to copy formance (exits formula. cept for the Some worked infamous Biand some ble verse f a i l e d m i s e rscene). It’s acably. Howevtually really er, “Pulp Ficsubtle and betion” will allievable perPHOTO COURTESY OF ways hold the formance. He FANART.COM d i s t i n c t i o n f o r well deserved changing the way that Oscar nomination he got for we view the importance of dithat role. alogue in a movie. Join me next “Reservoir Dogs” may be my month when it’s double the Taranfavorite movie of all time and fa- tino fun, when I will review Tarvorite Tarantino flick, but I will antino’s most stylish and violent admit whole heartily that “Pulp movie(s) with “Kill Bill Vol. 1 Fiction” is Tarantino’s master- and Vol. 2.”
In the world of gaming, handhelds are considered to be the underdogs. They aren’t as popular or considered “cool.” It also doesn’t help that there are only a few notable games for them. This year, however, a touch of greatness came to pass: the Nintendo 3DS: “Fire Emblem Awakening. Intelligent Systems’s “Fire Emblem Awakening” is a perfectly crafted masterpiece. It transitions between events smoothly and has wonderful character development throughout the story. A perfect part of the game is the story line. The events take place between two wars with a two-year skip between the conflicts. The first war is against the Mad King Gangrel of Plegia, who will do anything to acquire the Fire Emblem and rule the known world. The time-skip ensues immediately afterward, and the new war is against a man who completely overshadows the feats of the Mad King. Another feature this game perfected is based around friendships, and it’s completely up to the player: the support system. It allows one to make characters friends by having them pair up and battle together throughout the story, paralogues and challenges. The more friendship the units have (characterized by an A, B, or C), the better they work together. Eventually, characters can even get married. This support mechanic is one that makes this game truly a polished gem. It makes the player choose who becomes friends with whom, and really gets the player involved in the game, something a lot of games don’t do anymore. Clever mechanics and storytelling isn’t all that’s required to make a good game; graphics are also important. Although graphics don’t make the game, they can make a great game even better. This is the case with “Awakening.” Throughout the game, there are anime-style cut scenes, which are somewhat sparse but absolutely fantastic. In battle, however, the graphics are much different. The camera view is above the battleground, and battle sprites replace the anime-style art design. Games that go for a more realistic art-style, such as “The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind,” were great at the time, but were quickly outclassed. While a game from the same year, “The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” has graphics that still look respectable even for today’s standards. Visually appealing and storytelling beyond the norm, “Fire Emblem Awakening” is one of the best hand-held games I’ve ever played and will stay on that way for a very, very long time.
Sports 8 Community appreciates Bob James Page Designers Jacob Harris, Lane Plummer, and Jarett Martin
THE MHS MIRROR M A R C H 2013
What he means to MHS Greenwave
“He’s always there; he always cheers for people,” Cassy Shaffer, MHS senior
By Kaylie Homann, Editor-in-Chief
PHOTO BY KAYLIE HOMANN
Bob James helps out by giving basketballs to basketball players during the 3-point shooting contest against Mt. Zion.
When Americans retire, they may envision moving to Florida, sun bathing and fishing occasionally. However, Booster Club president, Nights of Columbus member, active member in church and supporter of Mattoon High School sports Bob James has a different look on retirement. For the past 20 years, James has supported MHS sports by making it to the games, cheering on the athletes and providing anything the team needs. “He’s always there … He always cheers for people,” said Cassy Shaffer, MHS senior and co-captain of the girls track team. “He’s genuine. He wants you to do your best … Before the mile last year, I was warming up and Bob told me ‘I know you can do it; I have a good feeling about tonight.’ Because I have known Bob for so long, I value what he says because if it doesn’t have a good feeling, he won’t say it. He’s genuine and a good guy.”
James not only benefits the athletes, he helps the coaches, too. “The question is how hasn’t he [benefited the team]. He goes to all our meets, and if we’re late he checks us in,” said McLain Schaefer, MHS social science teacher and cross country coach. “He’s in the Booster Club and always advocates getting us money for the kids. He’s very selfless, always thinking of the team.” James is also thankful to be a part of the sports department at MHS. “I appreciate the athletic directors and coaches because they let me be a part of it,” said James. “I’ve seen a lot of good athletes.” Not only does James help by being there and providing what he needs for the athletes, he also helps by being professional when it comes to his job. “He is serious about what he does. He shows up with tape measure; if the [high jump bar] is bowed, he makes sure the middle is the height,” said Shaffer. “He is very official.”
Hacky sack takes over as MHS pastime By Jacob Harris, Sports Editor
Junior Robert Potter kicks around a hacky sack after school in the cafeteria.
One kicks the hacky sack; he kicks it higher and higher and lets it rest on his chest. It rolls down his body, waits for it to hit his foot and goes back and forth until it hits the ground; then it starts over. This hobby (hacky sack) has played a big part of some students’ after-school routine at Mattoon High School. “I like to hacky sack because it is good exercise and relieves stress,” said Lennon Wildman, a junior at MHS. Kicking that little ball could wear one out and even relieve
stress, and some people may try to say it could be sport. However, Jesse Gray, senior at MHS, considers it just a hobby. “I’ve been playing for four or five years now,” said Gray. Gray said he has been kicking the hacky sack longer than Wildman, who just started this year. Pam Heaton, a lunch supervisor at MHS, said she thinks hacky sack does not cause any disruption and every chance Heaton gets she “likes to throw a foot in.” Heaton said she thinks it is fun for the students who participate in hacky sack. Different players enjoy various
aspects of the game. The best part of playing is “the awesome moment when the ball is in the air for like 30 seconds and doing a trick,” said Wildman. With all the fancy tricks that the after-school hacky sack crew does, Wildman said MHS senior Wyatt Jones is very good at hacky sack. Jones disagrees and believes there is not a best in the group, but in particular, he said senior Gavin Lewis is pretty good. Putting time and effort can make one good. That’s why Wildman likes to play a couple times a day.
P H OTO S BY A L B E R T H E N D E R S O N
Sophomore Aaron Wiebking playing hacky sack with friends after school in the lunch room.
LEFT: PHOTO COURTESY OF TR AC Y COLLINGS
Junior Copper Collings competes at state.
RIGHT: PHOTO BY EMMA DILTZ
MHS senior Creed Janes matches with Charleston during season.
MHS wrestlers make it to State By Fancie Lewis, Photographer
Wrestling is not just a high school extracurricular for the ones participating. It’s passed down from their fathers, or for others, it is a huge part of their lives that they’ve been involved in since they were very young. This year, two Mattoon High School wrestlers, Cooper Collings and Creed Janes, achieved their lifelong goal of making it to State. “It’s more than a sport to me. It’s progressed to more, and it has had more of an effect on my life than I
ever thought it would,” said MHS senior Creed Janes. Throughout the entire season, these athletes worked toward the goal of progressing to finals. Even if they don’t place, many say it’s still an accomplishment to be there. “In sectionals, I got third place, but I only qualified for state; I didn’t place,” said MHS junior Cooper Collings. While some have the honor of going to state, the members of the team who did not advance will be working toward their goal for yet another season. “I think Cooper Collings will ad-
vance to state next year. He has a really bright future. He may be little, but he’s a monster,” said Janes, with a laugh.
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