MHS Mirror October Edition

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Students prepare for homecoming week at MHS Page 3

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Opinion Column: Lack of fried food won’t make us healthy

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MHS Mirror

Mattoon High School

“Striving to reflect the MHS community”

Sense of family drives MHS cooks It’s slightly after first hour on a Friday morning at Mattoon High School. All is quiet, but a few sounds of teachers instructing their classes manage to escape and fill the desolate hallway. There are sounds of clashing keys, located on a janitor’s belt, while he briskly walks down the hallway, preparing for a new day of work.

Yet another sound lurks; it is a sound that is rarely heard throughout the halls of MHS and can only be distinguished while walking toward the cafeteria.

Some words can be made out, sounds of teasing and laughter.

The creators of this noise are not quiet in volume, but unheard in the amount of recognition received. They are the cooks of MHS. Even though they don’t administer the school or teach a challenging chemistry class, the work they do is equally important and benefits students just as much.

Walking into the kitchen, a

Page 12 OC TOBER 2012 VOLUME 3 | No. 1

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

Special education makes changes

L AUGHTER AND SMILES

By Sarah Foster, Features Editor

Sports

cheerful environment is produced by the way the cooks interact – hitting each other with plastic gloves, smiling from ear to ear.

It’s apparent that all of the women involved in food production at MHS are close. They have a process of entertaining themselves while getting the job done, as though they’re the seven dwarfs from Snow White who whistle while they work.

“Five cooks have been here for eight or more years, and there are new ones each year. We’ve become a family here. Since we’re all family, it helps in the process of cooking,” said Lisa Moritz, head of the cafeteria staff.

Two juniors at MHS, Brock Taylor and Hayley Boehm, said they witness the effort of the women behind the cafeteria on a daily basis.

“They seem like hardworking, nice ladies. They always have a smile on their face. They’re polite,” said Taylor.

“I know one of the lunch ladies; she’s very nice,” said Boehm.

By Molly Dotson, Photo Editor/ News Editor

COOKS/2

PHOTOS BY SAR AH FOSTER

Debbie Reinhart, Paula Spivey, Amy Hudspath and Jenny Kater prepare food for hungry students at MHS. They have a way of entertaining themselves while working.

Several changes in the special education curriculum have been issued this year at Mattoon High School in response to the graduation rate of special education students. This rate is not at the school’s desired level, so a revision called “looping,” according to special education teacher Tami Hampton, has been instituted. “[Special Education teachers] are now taking a grade level, and we are going to be their case manager for all four years. The reason for this new approach is because the graduation rate is not where [MHS] wants it to be,” said Hampton.

Hampton believes this modification will be an improvement because it provides more planning time for the teacher, and it will help build teacher/student connections. “[Looping] helps with our preparation period because we will already know the student,” said Hampton. “I think it is going to benefit the teacher as well as the students because we’re building relationships.”

Although hopes for this alteration’s success are high, Jake Gravil, sophomore at MHS, said the effects could be somewhat negative because he believes students with behavioral disorders are unable to coexist, without irritation, in the same classroom for more than one school year.

“When people are in that kind of environment, they can get angry at each other, and the longer they are in that, situation the worse it gets,” said Gravil.

Another debatable change regarding the special education department is the eradication of “coteaching,” a learning method where CHANGES/2

Consequences affect MHS students who make bad decisions

By Kaylie Homann, Editor-In-Chief For many years, the American culture has experienced problems with drugs and alcohol. This has also been a problem for a handful of Mattoon High School students.

Some of these students have come to school or a school activity under the influence, and these incidents have made the school’s policies and

student behavior a topic of conversation.

The rules state that “If a staff member finds a student to be in the possession of, under the influence of, or distributing alcoholic beverages, drugs or look-alike drugs … the student may be suspended or recommended for expulsion,” according to the MHS student handbook.

In order to put these discipline actions into effect, the school has to have a “reasonable suspicion,” said MHS Principal Michele Sinclair.

With reasonable suspicion, the administrators have a right to use a breathalyzer and a search if they think they will find the person under the influence.

“If [the administration] smells it, that’s all it takes, and it’ll hold up in

court,” said Sinclair.

Not only do students face consequences from the school, but will face criminal prosecution as well.

This suspension that results includes 10 school days, but the students do have make-up privileges.

Many seem to agree with the discipline system MHS has made for this issue.

Sophomore Jacob Wagner said

the policy is “fair.”

“If they come to school, it disrupts the environment. They can’t learn, and others can’t, too,” said Wagner.

Not only does Wagner feel like it disrupts the learning atmosphere, he also believes it could put others in harm.

DECISIONS/2

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THE MHS MIRROR OCTOBER 2012

Page Designer Riley Trotter

From One

Cooks

From Page 1 Yet not many know of the hard work and skill the women behind the cafeteria exert. In total, the cooks prepare food for a thousand students at MHS, as well as food for TLC and Hawthorne schools, which is packed in insulated boxes and delivered after it is finished baking.

“We each have different jobs for our own areas. One person works the pizza line, one person works the deli sandwiches and salads, one person works the taco line,” explained Amy Hudspath, as she prepared hard-boiled eggs for the salads that day.

In addition to serving the food to students, the cooks aid in the preparation process. Hudspath fixes the food for the salad and deli line and continues to do this specialty job every day. “[The cooks] get in the habit after doing it over the weeks,” said Hudspath.

Recipes and pre-made items make the process of cooking easier and faster.

“The parfait cups are made from scratch every day; the hardboiled eggs are already boiled; the cookies come premade,” said Hudspath.

When under a time limit, the task of arranging a meal for students can be tough. Being able to put a dozen cookies on a tray and baking them in a large oven with other items can save time and make the process faster.

There are always critics, but students may not realize the work the ladies behind the food put in each day. Although menu has been a point of contention this year, the cooks don’t decide the variety of

food that is cooked for the students.

The school must follow what the company, Aramark, instructs.

“The main office of Aramark does the menu, and we follow [it],” explained Hudspath. Aramark then orders its food from Sysco, and it is shipped to MHS by truck. The food is used until its entirety has been consumed.

This cafeteria work has been adjusted every year. The current assembly line and system that the cooks of MHS use to bake food isn’t the same system that existed decades ago. Several alterations have been made in order to perfect the food business and deliver the healthiest food to students.

“There are changes in menus, the school system; we used to get our food from a company named Sedesco,” explained Moritz. “Aramark is in charge.”

Just like the menu items, the careers of Hudspath and Moritz are not set in stone, and the production of food in the cafeteria has strict guidelines. Each must possess a drive in order to continue her career path.

Hudspath, who has worked at MHS for a year, listed her previous jobs in the food business.

“I work in Charleston as a cake decorator, and I’ve worked with food since I was 16,” she said.

Hudspath has been a cake decorator for 11 years, and has made cakes for her friends, family and a wedding for a church friend.

For cooks like Hudspath and Moritz, who have other cooking activities on the side, it can be reasonably inferred that they keep a passion for cooking with-

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

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

PHOTO BY SAR AH FOSTER

Amy Hudspath, a member of the cafeteria staff, prepares meals for students at MHS for the day. Hudspath has worked in the MHS cafteria for a year. in their heart. It doesn’t happen often when people find themselves committing to a job that has been a hobby they’ve possessed their whole life. The rewards are high when people love their job, and this is exactly how the cooks of MHS are able to serve the school so impressively.

The simple fact that the family of cooks at MHS are passionate about what they do may make students feel more comfortable when walking up to a line and ordering their lunch. In fact, they treat the

Decisions From Page 1

“If they’re driving home from the games,” said Wagner, “or if they’re in woodshop, they could chop someone’s arm off.”

Some students, however, feel the consequences are a little too harsh.

According to Justin Waldrop, a senior at MHS, the suspension shouldn’t be as long as it is.

“Maybe not 10 days, maybe five.

Ten is a little much,” said Waldrop.

Some feel coming to school under the influence is not for a good reason.

“In a way it’s for attention. If it

Changes From Page 1

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 defies 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

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students with individual education plans, which are for students with learning disabilities, are taught in a traditional classroom by two teachers, for all grade levels. Students with learning disorders are now offered a study skills class as

students of MHS like their own children.

However, the children at MHS aren’t the only ones the cooks mother. Moritz and Hudspath both have a family of their own and serve them with equivalent commitment. Having a job that allows them to be active in their kids’ lives means a lot to the two of them.

“Being here Monday thru Friday, I can go to church on Sundays and my kids’ activities,” said Hudspath.

The rooms behind the cafeteria are far from a nothing zone today. Dedicated women take care of the students at MHS, one meal at a time.

Leaving the kitchen is hard; the cheeriness of the women is contagious. Seeing the women behind the cafeteria in their natural environment doesn’t happen very often. The laughter, the enjoyment . . . suddenly, when seeing this interaction, the cooks aren’t the only ones with a smile on their face.

“It’s not a good thing, they’ve got such young minds, and they need to focus on school.”

Pam Heaton,

MHS lunch supervisor wasn’t, it wouldn’t have gotten out [into the public],” said Josh Forsythe, Alternative Education Room supervisor and head boys basketball coach.

Because of the severity of the problem, Forsythe agrees that some extracurricular should be taken away as a part of suspension.

“If your athletes are caught under

the influence, it’s fair to say they can’t attend games,” said Forsythe.

Some believe students aren’t only receiving external consequences such as suspensions, but internal as well.

“It’s not a good thing,” said Pam Heaton, MHS lunch supervisor.

“They’ve got such young minds, and need to focus on school.”

an alternative. According to English teacher Malia Smith, this is a disservice to all students.

“Co-teaching was really beneficial to several students because they had two people to go to,” said Smith. “It was an extra layer of help for all of the students.”

Tori Cullen, a junior at MHS ,agrees with Smith because she believes the extra teacher gives

support needed in the classroom.

“Having two teachers in the classroom is better because one teacher may not be as experienced as the other,” said Cullen, “and even though not having a co-teacher gives students more independence, some people will struggle because there will only be one teacher and several students.”

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News

Page Designer Molly Dotson

THE MHS MIRROR O C TO B E R 2012

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MHS student fends off dog attack

By Emma Diltz, Sports Editor/Advertising Manager

Day by day, there are people who stand by and watch some of the horrors of the world around them; some, like senior Kyle Crary, step up and take what’s happening into their own hands, as when Crary saved a man in his Mattoon neighborhood from a dog attack on Sept. 4.

“It was all a matter of being at that right place at the right time,” said Crary, who was sitting in his house when he heard the man next door screaming.

Crary admits to not doing much in this situation, but this isn’t out

MMS adds Spanish classes

of the ordinary for him, according to his friends.

“I’ve known [Kyle] for as long as I can remember and this is just like him,” senior friend Jeremiah Pugh said. “He’s just the kind of person to see someone in trouble and help.”

The victim, a neighbor of Crary’s, was rushed to the hospital after the attack, where he had punctured bite marks on his upper arm, upper thigh, and pelvic bone.

“I didn’t do much,” Crary said.

“I just prevented the dog from coming back.”

Kyle stayed with his neighbor until emergency personal was able

to come to the scene.

Contrary to that fact that Crary believes his contribution was minimal, his former psychology teacher Natalie Ambuehl says otherwise. “[Kyle] didn’t do it to be recognized; he did it because it was the right thing to do,” Ambuehl said.

Ambuehl said she felt sympathy for the victim, but was glad Crary was within ear shot of the attack.

“He was very brave in what he did,” Ambuehl said. “There are a lot of people standing on the sidelines just watching. [Kyle] stepped up and did what was right.”

PHOTO BY K AYLIE HOMANN

Senior Kyle Crary stands in the MHS hallway. Crary saved a man from being attacked by a pit bull on Sept. 4.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

THE MHS HOUSE IS OPEN

Athletes, volunteers help out at Festival

By Paige Jordan, Entertainment Editor Now that the year has started, there have been some changes in the middle school. There is now the option for seventh and eighth graders to take Spanish.

Mattoon Middle School Spanish teacher Anne Stolz finds great aspects about Spanish in the middle school.

“I think it is really good to start early, the earlier the better,” said Stolz.

Stolz also said there are some challenges with starting a foreign language earlier.

“Something bad would be kids maybe getting overwhelmed by the amount of vocab we do,” said Stolz.

Mattoon High School junior Makayla Burtcheard also found some pros and cons for the new class.

“A pro is you will already have background going into Spanish I. And a con is it doesn’t count as a credit right now,” said Burtcheard.

High school Spanish teacher Randy Krepel also noted some benefits of the new program.

“It’s a very good idea. And I think it’s for kids to find out whether or not they want to take it in the high school. Also, for those who do take it in middle school, it allows them to be ahead a little,” said Krepel.

Since this class is new, there are still rules that they are discussing, like if their quarter or semester will go towards the two years of a foreign language a student needs to graduate.

“As of right now, this will not count. We are still deciding since it’s new, so that could change,” said Stolz.

Burtcheard would have liked to have taken Spanish in middle school because it would have helped her in Spanish I. She would have already known a little bit.

Some people would think that a quarter or semester wouldn’t be enough to learn what they need.

But Krepel, said that it would be determined by what they taught.

“It would depend on what they cover. It would depend on how much grammar they would use I think,” said Krepel.

By Kinsey Stapleton, Opinion Editor

PHOTO BY MOLLY DOTSON

Physical Education teacher Angie McQueen greets a student’s parent during MHS Open House on Sept. 19, where parents and teachers got to interact.

MHS students, teachers reflect on abrupt changes in weather

By Justin Gordon, Managing Editor

As a student sits in class, she may look out the window; it’s nothing unheard of. This year, however, when a student looks outside, she may see a really sunny day one minute and a tornado striking the next.

Certain students have reacted to the weather behaving a bit more bizarrely than usual.

“I am not going to lie; it has kind of freaked me out a little, but I am loving that we are having 70-degree weather,” said Mattoon High School senior Amber Diamond.

Diamond is not the only one who has observed the drastic changes.

“The unpredictability of how the weather is really does kind of scare me,” said MHS senior Vannessa Tipton.

MHS senior Taelor Tiffin took a more optimistic perspective in the inconsistencies in the weather.

“I like it, mostly because you don’t have to wait so long for seasons to change. Every other day is different,” said Tiffin.

Teachers at MHS also have not let the unconventional weather go unnoticed.

“We are really having very unseasonable weather, which I don’t have to tell you is unusual,” said MHS biology teacher Yoo-C Park.

When asked about which weather they prefer, MHS students responded differently.

“I may enjoy the 70 weather we

PHOTO BY K AYLIE HOMANN

Clouds cover the sky after a storm on Sept. 21. Changes in weather have been occuring frequently this year. are having now, but I really like the storms we have been getting.

It helps me sleep better, and I always get real excited when I see a storm is approaching. A nice thunderstorm makes me feel a bit calmer and content than sunny weather,” said Diamond.

Tipton agrees and disagrees with Diamond.

“I love both. Sunny days give you a chance to have fun and experience nature. Stormy weather, on the other hand, gives you a chance to relax,” said Tipton.

Tiffin also enjoys walking in the sunlight, which has been available occasionally this year.

“I am more of sunny person. All through my life, my nana used to sing ‘You are my sunshine’ to me all the time. So sunshine and I have a

sentimental connection,” said Tiffin.

Teachers at MHS also have a preference regarding weather.

“I really can’t do rain; I am much more a warm weather person,” said Park.

Students at MHS also weighed in on why the weather might be acting the way that it is.

“I think it’s because the climate has different cycles. The same thing probably happened before. It’s just a bit more noticeable now,” said Diamond.

Environment wasn’t blamed by only one student.

“Nature itself is the cause,” said Tiffin.

Tipton, however, places the blame for this on society.

“Nobody takes care of the earth, so the earth isn’t taking care of us,” said Tipton.

Creating great opportunities and providing a fun and friendly environment, the Special Olympics Family Festival opened its doors for athletes on Sept. 15 in Mattoon at Lake Land College.

Since 1984, Consolidated Communications has been putting this event on for the Illinois Area 9 Special Olympic Athletes, drawing around 800 athletes from east central Illinois. Held every third Saturday of September, athletes and their families all come together for a day filled with fun, food, entertainment and music. With numerous chances to complete in multiple activities, the Special Olympics offer the athletes who participate a wonderful experience and a chance to have a good time and meet new people.

Among the many athletes who have participated in the past is Katie Allen, a junior at Mattoon High School. Allen said she has competed since elementary school, and often took part in the assisted run.

“I’d have to say the softball throw was my favorite,” said Allen.

Along with the hundreds of athletes, there are also many volunteers who helped out including students from the Key Club and other students from MHS. There are opportunities to serve as Friends-ForA-Day and also general event volunteers. Key Club president and a volunteer of many years is senior Caroline ZuHone, who enjoys helping out when she can.

“I like seeing all the Olympians and having a good time, as well as bonding,” said ZuHone.

Starting as a small local event, the Special Olympics Family Festival has turned into a great and beneficial event, helping hundreds of athletes and their families have a rewarding and enjoyable day.

With chances for students and other members of the community to help out, the Special Olympics doesn’t just benefit the athletes; it benefits everyone who participates.

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Page Designer Lane Plummer

THE MHS MIRROR O C TO B E R 2012

Features

Johnson: Portrait of an MHS coach Inspiration through perspiration, from football to P.E.

By Emma Diltz, Advertising Manager/Sports Editor

PHOTO BY EMMA DILTZ

Troy Johnson, left, calls to his players on the field at the EIU football stadium during the Coles County Clash.

It may just look like an abundance of grass with some white stripes placed haphazardously throughout, but to some it’s so much more. To Mattoon High School’s varsity football coach, Troy Johnson, it’s a home away from home.

Growing up in Marshall, Ill., a love of football started early for Johnson.

“I started playing football in fourth grade,” said Johnson.

Johnson said he was always passionately involved in sports, and as an all-season athlete, football happened to be what was taking place first in the school year.

However, football remained an avid part of Johnson’s life as he grew up — through high school, continuing in college and even after that.

“I went on to play college [foot] ball at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, and then signed a freeagent contract with the New York Jets, but was cut the first year,” said Johnson.

Though Coach Johnson has a lot of be proud of, he portrays a great deal of modesty for his many athletic accomplishments.

According to the Indiana State

Homecoming starts this week

By Riley Trotter, Design Editor

Homecoming is a time of each year that students at Mattoon High School anticipate.

Each year, there is a different theme for homecoming, and this year it is “Out of This World.”

“Basically the theme was decided on by several student council members who came up with ideas, and then all of student council voted,” said Vinnie Walk, MHS student council sponsor.

Student council has high expectations for homecoming this year, according to Walk “Their expectations are to develop activities that get everyone involved. That’s why the homecoming tickets are cheaper here than they are at many schools, so more

people can go,” said Walk.

The festivities of this year’s “Out of This World” themed homecoming don’t necessarily just begin the night of homecoming; Oct. 1 marks the beginning of homecoming week. Also, this year, the donations going toward teachers/ staff running for King and Queen will go to the Mattoon Food Center. lMonday: Tie-Dye Day -7:45-8 a.m. door decorations and hallways will be judged -JV Football vs. Salem at 6:15 p.m.

-Homecoming Dance Tickets available - $10 per student lTuesday: Camouflage Day -Volleyball vs. Mt. Zion 5, 6, 7 p.m. (Freshman, JV, Varsity) -Homecoming Dance Tickets available - $10 per student

lWednesday: Ugly Sweater Day -Girls Tennis vs. Charleston (Senior Night) at 4 p.m.

-Homecoming Assembly from 6-7 p.m.

-Homecoming Dance Tickets available - $10 per student l Thursday: Generation Day-Freshman: Babies, Sophomores: Punk Teenagers, Juniors: Adults, Seniors: Senior Citizens -Volleyball vs. Effingham at 5,6,7 p.m. (Freshman, JV, Varsity) -Homecoming Dance Tickets available - $10 per student lFriday: Green and Gold Day -Varsity football vs. Effingham (Senior Night) at 7 p.m. lSaturday: Homecoming Dance in the Main Gym 7:30-10:30 p.m.

-MHS Homecoming Court Coronation at 8:30 p.m.

Jazzing it up, MHS style

Jazz choir means more than music to its singers

By Riley Trotter, Design Editor

For many students, jazz choir is a way to sing, dance and have fun without having to position the class into an already cluttered school schedule.

“We mainly just do some fun concerts for some groups around town and one big Six Flags concert at the end of the year,” said Allie Betts, a sophomore at Mattoon High School, and member of the MHS jazz choir.

Even though the performances are the same, jazz choir has a different meaning to all of the students who participate.

“It’s a great way to sing and dance in front of people while

bonding with your friends,” said Brock Taylor, a junior at MHS, and member of the jazz choir.

Different students have similar opinions of the jazz choir.

“To me, it means a good way to have fun with my friends while doing something I love,” said Betts.

Students in jazz choir see it likewise.

“I would say that it’s just that I’m about to go out and be with people that enjoy something that I myself like to do, sing,” said Lawrence.

In order to enjoy themselves and perform for others, jazz choir has big plans throughout the year.

“We’re going to be doing some really fun, new music this year and

trying out some different styles,” said Betts.

Although students’ opinions of jazz choir are similar in ways, they each have a different reason for joining jazz choir.

“I joined because I had liked choir in middle school, but my schedule all four years of high school has never let me make room for the actual class,” said Lawrence.

The reason for students joining jazz choir is similar for all in one way. It’s a chance to have fun singing, dancing and to just enjoy themselves.

“I love singing, it’s my favorite thing to do. And I really have a lot of fun,” said Betts.

University website, Johnson performed as a star linebacker and helped lead his team to the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Playoffs in 1983 and 1984. In 2002, he was inducted into the Indiana State Athletics Hall of Fame.

That experience he gained at the collegiate and professional level helped to ignite his career as a coach.

“I coached at Terre Haute South Vigo High School as the defensive coordinator, and from there, I went to coach at Marshall High School as a defensive coordinator and a linebacker’s coach,” said Johnson.

While at Marshall, Johnson led his team to an Illinois Class 3A Elite 8 finish for only the third time in the school’s history.

Obviously, Johnson has had his share of coaching positions, but he said he certainly likes it here at MHS. “We [Marshall football team] would play a 7-on-7 game here, and I liked the area and the facilities,” Johnson said. “I had a friend tell me when a position opened up, and I took it.”

Coach Johnson isn’t the only one who is glad he’s at MHS; the players he coaches are also inspired by him.

Ryan Paige, senior lineman, said he loves Johnson, and he’s a great

coach.

“He’s turned me into the football player I am today,” said Paige.

Derek Pierce, a MHS junior safety, agrees with that opinion of his leader.

“He’s a really good coach, and he gets us where we need to go,” Pierce said.

Pierce also added that Coach Johnson connects morals and life lessons to football, which seems to be a goal for Johnson.

“Something I always tell my players is to ride that roller coaster. Nothing is ever real great and nothing is ever real bad,” Johnson said. “That’s something my college coach would always tell me.”

Not only with his players, but with his P.E. students as well, Johnson drills a work ethic based on that philosophy.

Sophomore Jackson Berg said he really likes Johnson as a teacher, and Johnson makes him dread taking P.E. a lot less.

That is all part of Johnson’s plan, to see students enjoy taking his class and staying active.

“Not every kid loves to play basketball or football, or likes to run, but if they can find something to keep them active, that’s my goal,” Johnson said.

“I just want them to have a more productive life.”

Homecoming Week Schedule Monday - Tie-Dye Day Tuesday - Camouflage Day Wednesday - Ugly Sweater Day Thursday - Generation Day Friday - Green and Gold Day

Buy 1 steak dinner or Entree, get 1 equal or lesser value w/ free (of purchase of 2 soft drinks.

Not valid with specials)

Offer Good For Dine-In with this ad thru10/22/2012

• Grilled Chicken • Angus Burger

• Seafood • Steaks

• Salad Bar & More!

Make your Homecoming Reservations now!

Entertainment

THE MHS MIRROR O C TO B E R 2012

Page Designer Paige Jordan

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By Lane Plummer, Online Editor

Some of the most anticipated movies throughout the year are charted for a summer release date.

This year had a plethora of movies that you wouldn’t be blamed for obsessively thinking and talking about, and a handful of those were released between the summer months of May and August.

Some were disappointments; some were underdogs. I present to thou a list of the best five known and unknown summer films.

5. “Side by Side” In one of the most sweeping documentaries in recent memory, “Side” represents the film industry’s controversial swap between original and digital filmmaking and screen production. Expertly identifying the key points throughout the movie thanks to legendary and skilled directors such as David Fincher and Martin Scorsese, it is a strong and meaningful movie because it is boldly truthful and experimental with the concept of what the industry has gotten into, where it is now and what the future holds for it. First-timer Christopher Kenneally has painted a perfectly sourced and entertaining picture for both longtime industry audiences and newcomers, and it is worth the time to try and find.

4. “Oslo, August 31st” This quiet and profound Norwegian drama focuses on a young man named Anders and his constant struggle with drug addiction.

The movie launches as he visits a clinic and admits to being a drug addict. Storming out, he then ventures into the city for the rest of the day. In an honest and provocative portrait of what may be one of the most relatable characters of the year, the drama is never mellow, and the acting is unflinching.

Its aid to the whole picture is monumental, and I couldn’t tear my eyes off of the wonderful and horrifying visions Anders experiences within the city, trying to fight for a love life and revisit some old friends (for better or worse).

“Oslo” is a fine backbone to the body of indie films, and shouldn’t be passed up.

3. “Moonrise Kingdom” Wes Anderson is well known for some of the most creative and daring movies in the industry, so all of the hopes and expectations that led to it (partially from “Fantastic Mr. Fox”) were almost overwhelming.

It surpassed those expectations, and then some. Through a relentlessly interesting plot about a couple, a young boy and girl, running away in love with the town quickly to go find them, torches, forks and all, the movie soars above anything Anderson has put out since “Rushmore.” The exceptional actors are expertly implemented (special honors to Bill Murray and Bruce Willis). It seems as if the roles were perfectly built around them, allowing them to be flexible where they needed to stretch their acting finesse. Many were as passionate to watch the film as I was,

GR APHIC BY K AYLIE HOMANN

Unknown films are summer’s best

and there is no reason not to be.

2. “Beasts of the Southern Wild” I have never been so emotionally moved by a performance from a young actress in my entire life.

“Wild” is a stirring film about the fictional survival of a young girl named Hushpuppy caring for her father in an eroding paradise nicknamed The Bathtub. Soon, she finds her lost mother in it. It is a provocative portrait of the strenuous responsibilities that are thrown on a child’s shoulders when tragedy strikes. The tragedy of loss “Wild” relentlessly strikes you with is a realistic depiction of the similar horrors New Orleans endured. Ditching clichés and magical black heroes, Quvenzhane Wal-

lis is such a talented and promising actress that is so relatable that it is easy to mistake her for her character. This is a possible start of one of the most promising young actresses since Jennifer Lawrence sizzled in “Winter’s Bone.”

1. “Elena” All four other films have reached me in different ways and mean something to me. “Elena” has a stoic atmosphere to it, one that won’t move, compensate, or negotiate with my emotions, and I love it for that. Two older people, Elena and Vladimir, meet with different pasts behind them and troubled children. Vladimir soon suffers from a sudden heart attack and falls deathly ill, bringing together the whole unfortunate family.

A tender and emotionally striking connection that has never formed between Vladimir and his daughter does form, and he announces she will be the heiress of all of his possessions. Elena realizes all hope to aid her begging son is gone, and the movie rockets off.

Not one scene do you see any act underperformed, underwhelming, or melodramatic. Pulling at the heart strings is an understatement.

With great ferocity, the film moves gracefully to its stunning and condemning conclusion, scene from scene, dialogue to notion. I haven’t ever been graced with such a foreign indie film in a long time, and am easily proud to announce it as the best movie of the summer of 2012.

a generic slasher movie in space, which tried to play as an intelligent sci-fi action flick. We, as an audience, are supposed to believe these scientists would do the stupid things they do. When I say this movie was trying to be smarter than it actually was, I’m talking about raising the specter of religion. It’s hard to buy this as a smart movie discussing faith, when just a few seconds ago people were acting un-characteristically dumb. This movie fails on scares, being smart and being a good time at the theater.

However, it succeeds on being a major failure and let down. Just watch “Alien or Aliens.”

2. “Battleship.”

When pop star Rihanna has more screen-time than Liam Neeson, you know this movie has issues. I, in no way, shape or form, thought this was going to be a good movie. Yet, I never expected it to be as bad as it was.

The acting throughout is abysmal at best. The Aliens never felt like a legit threat and came off as laughable.

The effects were mind-numbingly bad. It is the start of a very bad trend: making Michael Bay action movie clones. After viewing this abomination, I honestly felt dumber for having sat there and watched it. This is not entertainment; it’s just computer generated image vomit on screen.

The fact that this movie bombed at the box office gave me hope for mankind.

1.“That’s My Boy.” Rest in Peace Andy Samburg’s career; you were funny once. I could rant and rave about what makes this movie wrong on every level. Why is the subject of incest and pedophilia in a comedy? This movie was offensive and disgusting. Adam Sandler does another very annoying voice that wasn’t necessary. Andy Samburg was wasted and wasn’t funny. Pointless cameos from celebrities make you wonder just how much Sandler

and company paid them to be in this movie - the worst being former rapper Vanilla Ice, who is humiliated so badly that I honestly felt bad for him. What makes this movie worse than Battleship, and all other movies I saw this summer, is the fact that it’s an Adam Sandler movie. Growing up, I loved everything Adam Sandler did. His recent movies, however, just show a man who does not care anymore. Little to no effort is put into his movies, and it’s just hard and depressing to sit through. Oh how the mighty have fallen, I have no idea how this movie got made or how anybody thought that the subject of pedophilia would be comedic gold.

Let this be a message to Happy Madison Production Company: Learn to tell Adam Sandler “no” when presented with these ideas. Also, Andy Samburg, please go back to “Saturday Night Live” and make better career choices. You are better than “That’s My Boy.” Everyone in the whole human race is better than that.

GR APHIC BY K AYLIE HOMANN

‘That’s My Boy’ declared worst movie of season

By Justin Gordon, Managing Editior Now is the time where we reflect of the top five worst pieces of cinema in the summer of 2012. Speaking as an amateur film critic, I have to say the hit and miss ratio of movies this summer has been very decisive. Either the movie was really good or really bad. There really wasn’t a middle ground, so here are my Top 5 worst movies of the summer starting from least awful to abomination of cinema.

5. “The Apparition.”

It has not been a good year for horror in 2012. It’s sad when a kid’s movie like “ParaNorman” is the scariest film in theaters this entire year.

This so-called horror film delivers no scares; it carries no suspense and is an all-around boring experience. It does not even have the “it’s so bad, it’s funny” factor to it. Early warning signs that this would be bad included the fact that it was a PG-13 horror film, and it came out in August. All the good horror films appear in the fall. The actors, including Tom Felton and Sebastian Stan, were atrocious in this movie. The supernatural villain

was not fleshed out and made little to no sense, and the plot was tedious.

This movie should only be viewed by people taking a horror movie classes to learn how not to make a scary movie.

4. “The Dark Knight Rises.”

Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight” are astounding pieces of filmmaking, so what happened? “Dark Knight Rises” had tremendous build up and delivered on very little of it. The plot was riddled with holes, the ending left me angry, and worst of all, much of it was very boring. When watching the first 45 minutes of this movie, you’ll see some of the most boring minutes ever in a superhero film.

I didn’t care about the Bruce Wayne/ Batman struggle throughout the movie. Ann Hathaway as Catwoman was useless. Bane had shown promise as a villain until his anti-climactic death at the end. The twist of Joseph Gordon Levitt as Robin was not done well, as you could tell early on what it is he would become.

Also, you lose a lot of characters in the shuffle, including Alfred, Com-

missioner Gordon, and at one point, you even lose Bruce Wayne/Batman.

I also found it an unfit ending to the trilogy considering you could easily skip the second movie to know what is going on. It is as if The Joker never existed. An end to a trilogy should make each movie before it feel important. For a trilogy, by definition is one giant story that must take its course in three movies. “The Dark Knight Rises” fails at this with thunder.

3. “Prometheus.”

Speaking of wasted potential and being underwhelming, Ridley Scott’s sci-fi return to the big screen “Prometheus” has to be one of the most underwhelming movies to ever hit the big screen. The filmmakers tried to tell audiences that the film is smarter than it actually is. Going into this, I was pumped. Then, I watched the movie. The only three good pieces of this movie are the performances of Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender and Idris Alba, as well as the visual effects and direction. The problem was the script. It raised more questions than it answered. It was

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THE MHS MIRROR O C TO B E R 2012

Centerspread

Mattoon vs.

MHS M P H O T O S B Y K AY as ball pla sive cheers on L I E H O M A N N ye r s. Le t h e fo o ft tcheerle aders a : Balloons from re relea the MH the se S playe rs on th d to welcome MHS W e fie av fans du ettes enter tain ld. Above: ring th Massiv e game e and .

During the Coles County Clash, dance and cheerleading teams from both Mattoon and Charleston came together on the field during halftime.

“We’re telling them [the fans] we’re here together, and we don’t hate them [CHS team].” - Whitley Cline, and MHS freshman cheerleader “It’s a lot of fun; we have a big kickline with 42 girls.”

-Sasha Edwards, CHS senior dancer “It’s pretty nice. There [are] new people to dance with, and it’s a new experience.” - Shay Martin, MHS sophomore dancer

MHS senior Kalee Kasey of the colorguard performs with the pride of the Greenwave Marching Band for the half time show at Coles County Clash.

Centerspread

Page Designer Kaylie Homann

THE MHS MIRROR O C TO B E R 2012

Charleston

By Molly Dotson, News Editor/Photo Editor

After a postponement of over two hours due to lightning, a deafening roar ascends from a crowd of an estimated 5,000 on the west side of Eastern University’s O’Brien Field.

The reason—a highly anticipated Apollo conference game titled “Coles County Clash.”

The rivalry between neighboring towns Mattoon and Charleston was reestablished after 25 years on Sept. 21.

“We tried to stress that it was just another game, just another step towards our goals, [and we] couldn’t let all the hoopla get in the way of our preparation,” said assistant football coach Jarad Kimbro. “With this intense crosstown rivalry, you have to take the emphasis off the emotional aspect, and place it on the game plan.”

The game concluded in the Trojans defeating the Green Wave, with a difference of 26 points (5529).

“Even though it didn’t end in

A Charleston football player glances back while watching the game.

our favor, the boys played a great [game],” said freshman and football enthusiast Blake Raboin.

This particular outcome was surprising to several, including some Charleston fans.

“After the rough start, I did not think [the game] would end like that in terms of what I predicted the score would be,” said spectator and Charleston High School senior Jelani Hurtault.

Despite the combination of bad weather and defeat, many Mattoon supporters do not regret attending the game.

Raboin is among the fans that stayed from kickoff to the moment the buzzer sounded Saturday morning.

“I wouldn’t have missed it for anything [because of] the fact that we finally got to play Charleston in football after 25 years,” said Raboin. “I was excited to see how the game would play out.”

Although it has been more than two decades since Mattoon has played Charleston, this vast rivalry is still pronounced.

According to Skyler Hartbank, a senior defensive linebacker and

P H OTO

Charles S B Y K AY L I E H OM to football n fans cheer o A N N n t leaps o eam. Right: M their ve at the firs r Charleston t toon t to u c h o make d ow n o night. f the

Below: Two MHS football players try to keep warm while watching the game.

Left: After the game, the two teams low five to show sportsmanship.

7

offensive wide receiver, “talking” between the opposing teams while on the field occurred more than other games they have played.

Indeed, insults were spewed by both teams during this game, but according to Kimbro, coaches tried to moderate this.

“I think our coaches and [Charleston] coaches made a conscious effort to stress that [kind of behavior] is not acceptable,” said Kimbro.

The sentiments during this game were certainly overwhelming. In fact, Hartbank said all emotions were incorporated while out on the field.

“It is an emotional game both physically and mentally, especially during this game,” said Hartbank.

Though rivalry between the two teams is strong, people of both towns can still coincide outside of sports games, according to Hurtault.

“As far as I am concerned, you guys are still our neighbors down the road, [and there is] nothing wrong with Mattoon,” said Hurtault.

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THE MHS MIRROR O C TO B E R 2012

Page Designer Jarett Martin

Entertainment

No shortage of great summer games

By Lane Plummer, Online Editor

In case you didn’t make a trip to the movies over the summer, chances are you were playing games in your private cave. This summer had (as summers normally do) a slight lack of game releases compared to this fall or last winter. If you haven’t already, set your wallet to DEFCON 1 for this autumn. Then, you’ll want to look back at these overlooked games that are well worth your time and money.

5. Mortal Kombat PS Vita owners would be forgiven if they felt unsure about the game library of the Vita. Yet, of the pool of games out currently for the handheld, this game stands as the most solid handheld fighter I’ve ever played. The addition of content not found on the console versions add incentive to buy, and the

console-quality gameplay piles on more reason to keep playing. Include the custom battle background mode where you can use the camera on the back of the Vita and use what is projected from the camera onto the screen as the fighting background provides endless entertainment. Watching a four-armed behemoth decapitate another man on the streets of Chicago, as an elderly man walks by in the background, might just be the best thing I’ve ever done.

4. Diablo III Over a decade of waiting for one of the most-anticipated PC releases of all time kept many fans anxious, and it was worth it. Some found the streamlined classes and inability to play offline as a turn off. Looking past that, the game had endless replay ability, enough to last the whole summer. Endless grinding has been a series standard, and

Douglas Hart: a true escape

By Kaylie Homann, Editor-In-Chief

My car rolls up to the Douglas Hart Nature Center parking lot, and instantly, I’m in a whole new world. Opening my door, I notice the crickets chirping in the tall grass while the cool, crisp air chills my skin. In the field in front of me, children run and squeal with bright butterfly catchers in their hands.

The green and brown blades of grass grow well over their heads. Shutting my door, the slam is out of place in the peaceful environment. While walking toward the wooded area, my brother runs off, grabs a stick that is sturdy and claims it as his “walking stick.” We begin to walk down the trail, and the tiny rocks under our feet crunch with every step. Around us everything is shaded, but beams of sun reach the rocky walkway through the tree branches filled with bright green leaves.

According to Jennifer Tariq, the education director of Mattoon’s Douglas Hart, the idea of this place of serenity was created 50 years ago, but the building has been around since the 1980s. It contains a one-way mirror for bird watching, a small bat cave with fast facts about the little creatures, and different sizes of bird eggs so one can see the contrast between an ostrich’s and hummingbird’s. Also, for the younger ones, Douglas Hart offers a play area filled with an x-ray with pictures of a variety of animals, a miniature campout set with a small tent and a place to put on a puppet show

for their parents.

Outside, Douglas Hart has trails and bridges to be walked over, labeled trees to study, and insects to inspect. Also, many love to visit the pond. Before going on the trail, one can get free fish food available inside, walk to the pond and feed the fish. The fish are far from shy and will come to the surface to be viewed and snatch a tasty treat.

Since there is much to offer on the inside and out, people “come even if it’s sunny or raining,” said Tariq.

Some love how Douglas Hart gives them a place to get away from the difficulties of life.

Bob Lockart, biology teacher at Mattoon High School, loves the “peace and tranquility when you get out and walk the trails. You get away from the fast pace of life and everything slows down.”

Not only is this a place of calmness, but Lockart also sees it as a way for students to learn about their surroundings.

“It’s what we’ve lost in science,” said Lockart. He feels school “concentrates more on standardized tests, and got away from students going out and seeing what is around them.”

In the fall, Douglas Hart offers activities such as monarch tagging, a family friendly Haunted Hike on Halloween weekend, and Fall Fest is the second week of October. This free event includes pumpkin decorating, scarecrow stuffing, apple cider, kids crafts and carnival rides.

this successor is a jump forward.

It’s everything Diablo II was, but better. It’s a rare occasion you see a developer craft a game with this much care.

3. Ratchet & Clank Collection When I heard that three of my favorite childhood games were being remade for the PlayStation 3, I flew across the room. You can’t do much wrong with making great games look better than before, and this is no exception. The first time you turn an enemy into a sheep, your childhood memories will resurface.

It’s a blast even several years after the games’ release dates. They have aged well with uniquely crafted dialogue and witty characters. The inventiveness lives on, and not even these days do you often get to feel as compelled to move forward in a story as this. Even if you haven’t experienced these games yet, picking them up will do you no harm.

For three full games on one disc remade to a crisp high definition for $30? That’s about as good as deals get.

2. Orcs Must Die! 2 OMD2 was everything a sequel to a mediocre game should be; the inclusion of original concepts and brilliant levels makes the experiences as addicting as its predecessor. I was surprised to not see this on Xbox, but tower defense games feel more natural with a mouse and keyboard anyway. Piling on impressive graphics, an exhausting fast-paced gameplay style, and the three-dimensional approach gives an incredibly well-executed sequel and an overall worthy game.

1. Max Payne 3 I could have never asked for a better way to launch a summer that with Max Payne 3. I waited seven years for a sequel to a series for which I deeply care. Beating the

game, I was absolutely stunned.

The characters that you become familiarized with are being thrown into situations that engorge you into a world of lies, booze and sadness.

The story is the standard for Rockstar, which means it is the standard for the best of Hollywood. I have never been so torn apart watching the protagonist of a game ripping himself apart with the violence, the death, the midnight overdoses and carnage. It is truly a new benchmark in video game storytelling. The gunplay is incredibly sadistic and stylish, and by itself gets you into the game. The multiplayer is also incredibly fun to jump into, applying innovation where it’s needed and injecting intriguing elements where they are wanted. This was the defining moment for games of the summer of 2012, and I will be shocked to see another summer top this off.

PHOTOS BY K AYLIE HOMANN

Top: A path leads through the woods at Douglas Hart in Mattoon.

Right: Douglas Hart also has a nature center that is educational and kid friendly.

Slender man becomes great hit game on PC

By Paige Jordan, Entertainment Editor

Scared, running through the woods in the dark while something is chasing you is what my character was doing through the game “Slender.”

“Slender” is a game based off of a Youtube channel called Marble Hornets. They’ve been making videos since 2009. The videos are about a very tall man called Slender man. Slender man has been following a guy named Alex, and Alex videotapes everything that’s going on. After something weird happened, Alex doesn’t want to continue with the videos. His friend Jay takes over after noticing some-

Reviewer’s Rating

thing weird was going on, and he find out. There are 66 videos, and they are still making them. These videos seem so real and are actually quite interesting and very scary.

The game Slender is only for the PC, and there is a certain website to download it from.

So, the point of the game is to get eight notes that are scattered through the woods and in random places like a shower house or a giant tree. Your character just has

to wander through the woods until you find where you need to be.

Sounds easy, right? Well, the catch is that Slender man is following you, and all you have is a flashlight.

At random points as the game progresses, you can see him. The music also gets more intense when you get further through the game or if he gets closer. You can only run for so long before your character runs out breath. You also have to keep as quiet as possible by not running and use your flashlight as minimally as possible because if you don’t , then he finds you easier. If your character looks at him too long, he will come up to

you, and the game is over. Before he gets you, the screen, gets kind of staticy. When he gets you, his face is in the screen, and there are loud noises. Then it gets becomes like static on a TV when the game ends.

It’s a very scary and nervewracking game because when you get about four notes it gets intense.

But, I would recommend that if you like scary games or shows then you should check out the Youtube channel and the game.

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Page Designer Kinsey Stapleton

THE MHS MIRROR O C TO B E R 2012

Opinion

Eliminating fried food doesn’t help health

Whether it’s the quantity of an item, the price, or what is being served, over the past few years there have been many changes to the Mattoon High School cafeteria food.

H o w e v e r, d u e t o M i c h e l l e Obama’s Let’s Move! Campaign along with Aramark’s new Healthy for Life menus, the MHS cafeteria food has undergone a more distinct change this year, of which the MHS cafeteria cooks and administration have no control. While there may be good intentions with these new federal and corporate policies, the expected impact may not be successful.

There are several menu changes taking place this year, but the one that’s causing the most fuss with students is the elimination of fried foods.

This means that the ever-so-popular chicken baskets are gone. The baskets were many students’ favorite because even though the baskets

Kinsey Stapleton Opinion Editor

weren’t so healthy, in some students’ minds they were one of the best choices the cafeteria had to offer.

Also, the changes add a rule that every student must have a fruit or vegetable in order to receive lunch.

This is simply a waste of food because many students who are forced to take a serving of carrots aren’t going to eat them.

While this isn’t the school’s fault, it doesn’t change the fact that hardly anyone is actually eating a “healthier” lunch because it isn’t appealing.

The biggest conflict with the new food policy is that students

EDITORIAL C ARTOON BY MOLLY DOTSON

still have to access to vending machines where they can buy as much junk food as they want, not to mention that there’s always an option to buy cookies or Hostess cakes along with a student’s meal.

This seems to eliminate the pur-

pose of Michelle Obama’s plan.

Even without fried food and the addition of more fruits and vegetables, there is still just as much fattening food in the cafeteria.

There are also a lot of students who now just eat out of the vend-

ing machines every day because they don’t want to eat what is being served to them. Even though this may make students happier, it’s not making us healthier, which makes Michelle Obama’s plan useless.

The idea of wanting a healthier youth isn’t a bad one, but these policies don’t seem to be effective. The reason we have an obesity problem in our country isn’t just based on what kids eat at school.

It goes way beyond that, and the government’s policies aren’t going to work in a nation that eats as much fast food as we do with as little exercise. If a student wanted to be healthier and make a difference in how he eats, he would do it on his own time because he wants to, not because he is being forced to eat a certain food at school.

The idea may sound nice, but when put into action in cafeterias, it most likely won’t ever be effective if there is always an option to do otherwise.

Editorial

MHS library rules aren’t as effective as hoped The MHS Mirror Editorial Board takes a closer look at the issue

As the new school year begins, many policies are being discussed. One policy, not included in the Mattoon High School student handbook, involves library use.

Any student who goes to the library during lunch or before school is obligated to stay until the next bell rings.

When students went to the library at beginning of the year, however, this policy was not known by all.

At first, many students were naive to the fact that they would have to stay in the library until the bell rang before school and during lunch. Despite the rule, students were able to leave the library before the bell rang during this time.

However, the librarians warned students that they wouldn’t be able to leave next time.

Yet even now, not every student in the school knows about the library rule, and when they go to the library before lunch to get a book, they have to stay in there until the bell rings and may miss lunch.

We, the staff of the MHS Mirror, believe the library policy is not an effective rule and should be reconsidered.

One of the reasons why the rule was created was to cut down on traffic in the hallways. However, it has not stopped most traffic because some students say they are going to a teacher’s room or their locker, but they may not go to that

place and instead walk around in the hallways.

Therefore, the library policy has not helped the problems in the hallway much, and it has caused more problems in the library itself.

There is now a buildup of students in the library, which makes it harder for students who need to do their homework because there is less room in library and less computer access.

The library rule also makes it more difficult for students to study.

The library is often full of students, and even if they are quietly talking, it can be a distraction. This overabundance of students then leads to a blockage of the door in the library when people try to get out at the same time. Everybody wants to leave before the bell rings so that they are able to get to lockers. Now students have to wait until it rings, and everybody tries to get out at the same time.

With these concerns in mind, the staff of the MHS Mirror also brainstormed solutions. For the hallway traffic issue, we believe the strong enforcement of planners in halls would help, so no students are allowed to walk around the hallways without a purpose.

Perhaps we could also get responsible students to patrol or monitor the hallways during high traffic times, thereby cutting down on students abusing the privilege, yet not requiring a supervisor to

Express Your Views!

Send a letter to the editor of the MHS Mirror.

Email mhsmirror@gmail.com with your ideas.

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watch each hallway every day.

For the library, we propose that students not working on something specific should be asked to leave, which would help with the build up of students there. Then, the librarians could use the planner system diligently, so students who are only using the library for a short time could still have access.

We understand wanting to prevent too much hallway traffic, but we do not think it can be solved by keeping students in the library.

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

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THE MHS MIRROR O C TO B E R 2012

Page Designer Justin Gordon

Opinion

Battle of the summer superheroes

By Sarah Foster & Justin Gordon, Features Editor & Managing Editor

“The Dark Knight Rises” may have the acting talent of Sir Michael Caine, but “The Avengers” has a Hulk.

The year of 2012 has been a comic collector’s dream. In our humble opinion, “The Avengers” was not only better than “The Dark Knight Rises,” it also made a joke of it.

“The Dark Knight Rises” possessed more flaws than qualities.“The Avengers” was basic, yet intricate and compelling. “The Dark Knight Rises,” on the other hand, tried to be too complex – throwing in so many plots that it ended up making little to no sense in the end.

Question upon question appears throughout the movie; questions all with illogical explanations.

How did Bruce Wayne get back to Gotham after Bane had blocked off the entire city, and Bruce didn’t even know what prison he was at? How did Batman get the giant bat symbol on the bridge? How did Batman survive atomic blast at sea with or without auto-pilot? How did Batman manage to eject himself from the bat and get away from the blast radius in enough time before the bomb detonated? Why did Bane make such a big deal about the wealthy in Gotham being evil in the first half of the movie and suddenly forget about it in the second half? And how could Gotham be so unaffected by the Joker?

The more you think about it, the more it doesn’t make sense.

When the director himself doesn’t have a logical explanation for how his hero survived at the end, you know that ending was rushed in script writing.

In the “Avengers,” viewers also grow to like every single member of the team. They may be unrealistic, but we can relate to each of their struggles. Thor has to join strangers to fight his own family, and Ironman simply has to deal with his ego.

The hero in “Rises,” has a struggle that isn’t as relatable. Getting your back broken by a meat head terrorist, left in an abandoned prison, healing your back within the span of two months, and losing your billions of dollars: which one was the fantasy movie again?

Every superhero movie needs a good villain, in this case, the terrorist Bane vs. the God of Mischief Loki. Tom Hiddleson as Loki stole the movie with his wickedness.

Loki is not your average villain.

He is scrawny and quiet on the outside, but not within. He is not a physical threat, but a magical and intellectual threat. The plans that he schemes not only confuse the Avengers, but the audience as well. His evil goodness (or badness) is one of the best elements.

Because plans are enough to neutralize a group of the earth’s greatest heroes, no one sees it coming.

He assembled an army under their noses. Everything he did, from bringing the people of Germany to their knees to battling The Hulk, was special. It was a Brilliant character performance backed up with excellent writing and direction.

Bane, on the other hand, seemed great. He was genuinely intimidating and was a fitting villain for Batman until the end, where he dies an anticlimactic death that ruins all sense of dread and fear he had spent the whole movie establishing. A very rusty Batman decides to take on the supposedly resilient Bane, who injures the Batman so devastatingly

that he is placed in a prison in a far off country. Bane holds the city of Gotham hostage, threatens nuclear attack, and unleashes anarchy upon the city – only to be killed by Catwoman in a poorly conceived joke. Way to ruin a character’s intimidation factor, Nolan!

What truly makes “The Avengers” the better movie is the fact that the probability of it not working was greater than the probability of it succeeding.

There were a lot of characters with giant backstories and a lot of plot that had to be jammed into one movie. It could have been a giant disaster. However, it wasn’t a disaster, but it also became an achievement in movie making. It a real life success story, and that’s special.

“The Dark Knight Rises” was a disappointing end to a fantastic trilogy. It just felt thrown together at the very last minute. From the characters not being fleshed out, to the plot being one giant hole, the solution to its problems is simple. It honestly had felt like Nolan’s heart was not all there, and the movie suffered because of it. So in the end, “The Avengers” didn’t break the Bat. Christopher Nolan himself did.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN GORDON

By Lane Plummer, Online Editor “The Avengers” and “The Dark Knight Rises” were worthy movies of top dollar, and no article should deface that fact. However, I do believe that “The Avengers” falls short of the platform “The Dark Knight Rises” sets.

The most prominent flaw that has been put against “Rises” is the plot holes. I’ll take the gut punch to admit it is unknown how, in the middle of “Rises,” Bruce returned from a strenuous and extensive adventure from a random deserted jail to America.

However, plot holes like these are the kind that should be easily looked over. Showing the journey or wasting time discussing it would distract too much from the main struggle of the movie.

Another flaw is the ending of “Rises.” As much criticism as it has garnered, it is controversial because it relies on the viewer’s perspective. During the middle of the movie, Alfred mentions to Bruce in Wayne Manor that he sometimes imagines he will sit down near him at a local restaurant and envision Bruce who

is sitting at a table with a wife.

In the denouement, Alfred sees just that; Bruce is sitting at a table with what can be inferred as his wife. Like Nolan’s last thriller, the ending is subjective. Is Alfred imagining this, or did Bruce truly just escape the blast radius? Audience perception is never something to overlook, which is exactly what the argument against “Rises” is doing.

Also, I would like to present the difference in character. “The Dark Knight Rises” has a gloomy, darktoned atmosphere and the complexity that light-hearted movies cannot replicate. A cinematic, cultural and personal triumph, “The Dark Knight Rises” is emotionally inspiring, aesthetically significant. To say it had nearly no emotions is ridiculous. The performances in “Rises” are more memorable. I cared for the characters and what would happen to them, thanks to its astounding predecessors.

It’s not that I didn’t feel for the characters in “Avengers,” but I can’t say I saw the characters changing over time; they will always remain heroes who will always fight the bad guys. With the characters of Marvel’s universe, I know there will be several sequels.

The conclusions were incredibly predictable, thus the biggest flaw I saw in “Avengers.” “Rises” was the Hamlet of modern thrillers; “Avengers” was more eye candy for comic fans.

Another conflicting issue is the stark contrast of realism between both films. It’s an area both movies change in; “Rises” aims for a more down-to-earth approach to a comic. Avengers aims to keep the more comical aspects in line from the comics themselves.

Calling out the flaws on the realism in “Rises” calls for the bashing of the absurdity of “Avengers”.

“The Avengers” is childish compared with the meditation on moral loss and heroic frailty that Rises presents to the audience.

Rises is a masterful denouement of a trilogy that out-entertains and out-inspires any of Marvel’s series.

“The Avengers” may stand as a great superhero movie, but “The Dark Knight Rises” stands as a monument to modern filmmaking.

7th hour: It’s time for a change of course For the majority of students at Mattoon High School, these four years are a time when they discover their passions. Many times, students discover these ardors through the electives a high school has to offer. However, with the already long list of prerequisite classes, fitting an elective into one’s schedule can be difficult. With the optional seventh hour class period, fitting electives into a schedule should be possible.

Unfortunately, MHS has a limited selection of seventh hours.

Advanced P.E., regular P.E., and ROTC are available to all grades and can be taken more than once.

Health and drivers education are dependent on one’s age and can only be taken once. Economics and government are only available to

Sarah Foster

Features Editor

seniors.

According to Principal Michele Sinclair, the school has tried its best to establish a better assortment of seventh hours. They’ve attempted to incorporate Honors American History into the system. However, due to the lack of students enrolled, another seventh hour wasn’t possible.

If more students decided to challenge themselves, it would open up several new doors. Possibilities such as graduating early, making college applications more intrigu-

ing or preparing for college are all advantages to taking seventh hours.

If they would do so, the desired class list could be presented.

Deciding what to do for the rest of one’s life is a difficult task. A mass of questions appear. Is this field practical financially? Are there jobs available? Will this be something I will enjoy?

The answer to all of these questions can be answered by taking electives. Electives are a way for students to see what a job would be like. Health Occupations, journalism, zoology; all of these jobs are a perfect representation of real-life occupations. What if I want to be a nurse, but can’t take Health Occupations because a fourth year of English or P.E. are required in my schedule?

When it’s time for me to sign up

“If students decided to challenge themselves, it would open up several new doors.” for college classes, what if I realize I don’t enjoy nursing as much as I thought I would? That’s a lot of time and money already wasted.

Graduating early has been an option for several years at MHS. It’s an opportunity for those who have already gone through the discovery period and are ready to work for their careers and start their lives.

The requirement is to take a class in the summer, as well as a seventh hour, which seems simple.

However, with a limited variety of seventh hours, graduating early is harder to come by.

This is why more MHS students need to step up to the plate and take more seventh hours. MHS would add more variety to their class list; they would make it possible for students to take beneficial electives as well as prerequisites, and still graduate early. Students’ discovery processes would be aided.

Life as a high school student always comes to a halt, and if the student works hard enough to achieve the privilege of graduating early and discovering their calling, they would receive a more suitable, constructive class list.

Sports

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Page Designer Sarah Foster

THE MHS MIRROR O C TO B E R 2012

MHS Cross Country reaches new heights

By Sarah Foster, Features Editor

Stampedes of racers with amazing speed can be heard throughout the cross country course. It’s as though they’re airplanes taking off for flight. Running on all types of terrain — grass, hills and pavement — makes this sport immensely different than any other.

With heavy training and abundance of meets, the Mattoon High School Cross Country team gives the phrase “up, up and away” a whole new meaning.

The MHS Cross Country team endures extensive training in order to be in perfect shape for the several types of surfaces on which they compete.

They train on five different courses, each specifically designed to prepare them for the meets, and ground, ahead.

“We train at Lake Land, Eades Hill, Lytle Park, Lake Paradise and the high school,” said junior Dakota Couch.

One of the most challenging paths for cross country practices is running up the notorious hill, “Anita.” “[Anita hill] is extremely steep and long. The joke is that when we run up it, we say, ‘I need a drink,’” said Luke Young, junior.

“I need a ride, I need a break, I need a stop!” added Cassy Shaffer, senior, smiling wryly. “It’s any excuse to stop running.”

“By the time you get to the top of the hill, you’ve already ran six miles,” said Young.

The team is trained by vigorous practices, such as on “Anita” hill, throughout the week.

“We train six days a week. Prac tice is from four to however long it takes to finish the workout,” said Young.

PHOTO BY SAR AH FOSTER

MHS senior John Righter and MHS junior Ben Righter are among many as they prepare at the starting line for a cross country race at Lake Land College. The girls team placed first out of fifteen teams that day.

During this time, there are several training exercises that the team has to accomplish. Young explained that there are three workout routines – speed days, endurance days and easy recover days.

It’s important to stay in shape not only during the season, but all throughout the year, said Young. If the body’s shape isn’t maintained, it will take longer to build up endurance. The runners note that these training exercises aid the process.

“Speed days are where we build speed and decrease time. Endurance days are longer and not as quick,” said Young. “It’s a long period of time tempo run, and every mile is faster than the other. We

start with five miles.”

Recovery days are used to let the bodies of intense runners mend. Young expressed the importance of having recovery days to prevent the body from exhaustion.

“It’s a 45-minute run. Recovery days are supposed to be nice and easy,” said Young.

Unlike other sports, winners are not marked by how many goals are made. The system is set up by points, the team with the least amount of points being the winner.

“A good time for guys is between 16 to 18 minutes for three miles,” said Couch.

Those three miles are a bit different this year due to the recent conference change all sports at

MHS underwent – from Big 12 to the Apollo. Andy Bell, MHS junior, described the change the team experienced. “[One difference is] we have meets and invitationals during the week, but we face all the same teams [as we did in Big 12].”

Bell said the teams that MHS competes against are as close as Charleston to as far as Springfield.

Assistant Coach McLain Schaefer, said there were really no important changes in the Apollo Conference, which he felt was good.

Even though all sports at MHS are now participating in a new conference, cross country still is a sport unlike any other. Bell and Young said they believe cross

country is tremendously different than other sports.

“There’s no favoritism. If you run your hardest, you do well.

Then you’re put on varsity,” said Bell, who has been on the MHS team for three years.

“In other sports, running is punishment. Our sport is other sport’s punishment,” said Young.

It wasn’t hard for Young and Schaefer to come up with reasons why they love cross country.

“I like how healthy the lifestyle is. You stay in so much shape in the physical aspect,” said Young.

“The goal isn’t to beat teams; the goal is to improve within own team. The dedication and effort of the team is not about individuals; it’s about the entire team acting in that way,” said Schaefer.

Schaefer listed the accomplishments of the team.

“Two years ago, both [girls and boys teams] teams went to state, and last year, Megan Shaffer went to state. The girls team almost did, too,” Schaefer said.

For a team to accomplish such rewards, they must work hard and continuously exert dedication.

“This year, the kids have been working harder than ever. Hard work is the biggest thing. If you don’t reach goals, [in this case] a state medal, the hard work shines more,” added Schaefer.

The girls team this year has placed first in six out of seven meets.

With the several hours included at practices and meets, the team has a connection with each other.

“The team is more like a family. It’s good to have the bond with each other. If you’re not running well some days, it’s tough not to have a teammate to back you up,” said Schaefer.

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Page Designer Emma Diltz

THE MHS MIRROR O C TO B E R 2012

Very Sports-stitious:

By Riley Trotter, Design Editor

From spirit sticks, to lucky socks, to praised game balls, every athlete has his/her own game day superstition.

May athletes do something different to help them stay focused before or during a sporting event.

For Mattoon High School sophomore, Debbie Focht, a member of the MHS soccer team, it’s wearing

a certain item of clothing.

“I always have to wear my lucky headband,” said Focht. “I was wearing it when we won our first game of the season.”

For some people, it isn’t necessarily wearing a certain piece of clothing or something physical that helps them prepare for a game or race.

“Other than warm-ups and stuff like that, I pray for a bit,” said Ben Righter, a junior and member of

Sports

Players reveal game-day customs to block bad luck, stay focused

the track and cross country teams at MHS. Another student with similar rituals is Taylor Beason, a sophomore and member of the golf team at MHS. “I have to take two prac tice swings; the third time is the charm,” said Beason.

While it may just be one ritual to help prepare some athletes, others have to do multiple rituals before they’re ready.

“I have to pray, listen to music and jump around,” said Dakota Couch, a junior and member of the track team at MHS. “It calms my nerves before a good race.”

Many have similar pre game rituals.

“I think that praying helps me stay focused before and during the race, and I don’t think anything I do is possible without God, so I don’t think I would do nearly as well,” said Righter.

Without doing these rituals, many students believe they would not have as good of luck as when they do.

“I get super nervous beforehand and need to calm myself,” said Couch.

Students have similar thoughts when it comes to superstitions, and the effects of not doing the rituals.

“Without doing so, there would be no good luck,” said Beason.

Tennis girls rally way through Apollo Conference

By Jarett Martin, Distribution Manager

Tennis had some good times last year. This season will be quite different with the switch from the Big 12 to the Apollo Conference.

One difference includes facing a new round of teams this year.

Even though there’s a new slew of teams, Mattoon’s tennis team is currently 6-1 overall and 2-0 in the Apollo Conference.

In addition to new competition, each year, Mattoon High School tennis receives new team members when seniors leave and freshman join.

This change in team members can be an adjustment, according to senior Allie Seaman.

“It started pretty rough, but we got it together,” said Seaman.

However, senior Caroline ZuHone said the team had no problem welcoming new players.

“We are really good friends, and we support each other,” said ZuHone.

Tennis coach Dwight Perry also said it has been a good experience working with new team members.

“They get along,” said Perry.

“We do have one team member out for the summer on a leg injury, but we do work well.”

Besides working on team dynamics, another goal for the year is preparing for sectionals and state.

Perry said he is focused on “practice[ing] hard for the Apollo Conference.”

Seaman is preparing for sectionals, too.

“By practicing hard, we take

PHOTOS BY K AYLIE HOMANN

Freshman Kristin Doty,above, volleys the ball to the other side of the net. Sophomore Kathryn Ervin, right, hits the tennis ball in practice. every match seriously,” said Seaman.

ZuHone also agrees with Seaman about preparation for state and sectionals.

“We have practice every day, and we tell ourselves we can do it,” said ZuHone.

Even though they practice as individuals, the MHS tennis girls team gets help and inspiration from its coach during the season.

“He’s been there for me, and he also knows how to pump me up,” said Seaman.

Alongside Seaman, ZuHone agrees their coach has inspired her in tennis.

“I think you can see his love of the game, and he helps us to be better at the game,” said ZuHone.

Throughout the tennis season so far, ZuHone thinks that the team has improved.

“We improved on our rallies during the season,” said ZuHone.

Even though a whole team has goals, individual players do as well.

Seaman said she wants to “improve on [her] ground strokes.”

This year tennis has been having a good season. Seaman said she thinks that it has been a better season overall.

“It’s been a better season, but

has been a long one this year,” said Seaman.

Coach Perry agrees.

“We like to reload from last year, but the game is the same,” said Perry.

As they reflected on past years, there have been some good moments for both the players and

coach.

ZuHone’s best moments are “going to state sectionals last year and also any games we won with the team,” said ZuHone.

Perry said he also has a best moment, which is “any game we played in tennis this season,” said Perry.

Golf becomes more than just a game

By Lane Plummer, Online Editor

The majority of sport talk in the hallways is about a legendary football clash, a close-call basketball game or a game-saving homerun. These sports obtain the bulk of modern American entertainment on television as well. There is always an overlooked child in a large family, however. That child in the arena of sports seems to be the lifetimelasting sport that is Golf.

Room 105 belongs to a history teacher, husband and proud father.

When Bill Behrends isn’t catering to the many needs all of those jobs come with, he’s fathering the golf team of Mattoon High School.

“I have been coaching our golf team for six years now,” said Behrends.

For these years, Behrends has taught many golf players what it means to play. Golf isn’t a rough man’s game of football or a running man’s game of soccer. It is a sport

of precision, discipline and posture.

For some, golf just doesn’t make sense to call a sport. These unfortunate people have never put forth the effort to discover what it means to play such a sport. Players like MHS junior Carter Price have learned such valuable lessons from coaches such as Behrends.

“When I first saw him, my first impressions were ‘This guy is scary and huge,’” said Price. “He is a very intelligent man and knows the sport of golf very well.”

Just like every other sport, golf evolves. As years move on, so does golf posture and club use. Behrends is finding ways to adjust to this ever-changing sport.

“I look to read golf magazines and incorporate what I watch on Golf TV to gain new mental approaches to coaching my team,” said Behrends.

So as the MHS golf team moves on through its short fall season, some of the students and coaches reflect on the origins of their pas-

sion for the sport, how it began and what kept them going.

“I didn’t know if I was going to play golf, but I soon became involved in it after joining the team.

Now it’s one of my favorite sports,” said Price.

Even the coaches pause in their busy lives to reflect.

“I’ve been playing golf since I was nine, and ever since then, I’ve never been able to collect words to describe my love for the sport,” said Behrends. “I’ve been given an opportunity to pass the love of golf to and for others to enjoy.”

At the end of a long day of practice, the golf players will stuff their organized clubs in a golf bag.

They’ll un-Velcro their gloves and stuff it half-way in their pockets.

The coaches will chat on the side and watch the students walk out to their cars and call their parents for rides home. This child of the variety of sports has more than enough reason to give its players pride in saying they play it.

For more information, go to mhsmirror.org