April issue of The Prowler

Volume 41 Issue 7 www.OTHStoday.com

The Prowler Mar. 30, 2012

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Juniors Meadow Nugy (Dorothy) and George Rushing (Lion), sophomore Alex Shelton (Tin man) and senior Tyler Harr (Scarecrow) on their way to Oz, Saturday March 17. (Photographique/for the Prowler)

Megan Ivey

For 2012, the OTHS music department meganivey@othsotday.com showcased “The Wizard of Oz” for the school musical. With a cast of over 75 people (including a dog and some baby chicks), the play highlighted the outstanding talents of OTHS students.

There were many notable roles in the performance.

Junior Meadow Nguy starred as Dorthy.

Singing, dancing and sporting the adorable dog named Riley Michael, who played Toto, kept her constantly moving across the stage. Throughout the performance she made multitasking look like a breeze.

Glinda and the Wicked Witch duo also sparked contrasting emotions. Seniors Danielle Long and Morgan Cooper, while contrasting, also complimented each other perfectly. Long played the sweet and elegant role to the dot.

March Madness, check out the Prowler’s

staff’s bracket.

(Jeff Siner/Charlotte Observer)

The bombing and violence continues to escalate in Syria, check out all the latest news.

(Hannah Allam/MCT)

Cooper was just as talented in the opposing role, portraying the mischievous and confident Wicked Witch of the West.

Junior George Rushing II, who played Lion,sophomore Alex Shelton, who played Tinman, and senior Tyler Haar, who played Scarecrow, teamed up and captured the friendship between the group and Dorthy flawlessly.

They added in many laughs for the audience along the way.

The munchkins, trees, crows, hunchman,

flying monkeys and villagers from the Emerald City all performed accordingly, adding to the whimsical scenes and making the World of Oz come to life.

It truly felt as if all the performers were a part of Oz instead of merely portraying them.

Many effects were used during the performance. Colorful lights, quick scene changes, imaginative costume designs and a floating head used for the wizard made the performance magical.

For a rundown of the movement behind the KONY movement and the celebrities supporting check out page 6.

Music reviews and band info check out the Prowler staff picks for this month.

(Mycal Hurley/The Prowler)

2OPINIONS

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

April fools day: harmless pranks or mean jokes?

Kameron Johnson

kamersonjohnson@othstoday.com “Have some good-hearted fun.”

Americans across the nation look forward to the first of April. This is the day where childish jokes that are typically seen as immature are accepted by tagging “April fools”at the end of the prank.

April fools jokes have been a tradition in the U.S. since early British and French settlers started the holiday, which has carried over until the present.

Yes, the jokes are simple and over-played, but holidays like these are what make up our society.

If pulling pranks is not American, then what is?

Those opposed to April fools day only discredit its importance because they have lost the mindset of a child.

Childhood is a time where things are simple, a time where the biggest decision you made was whether to eat a grilled cheese or a PB&J. No matter how serious a situation may seem, children somehow make light on the matter.

Today, we are too wrapped up in setting

impossible goals we may never reach. Not to discourage anyone from chasing their dream and become a miserable bump-on-a-log everyday citizen, but hopefully this article may click with your mind to simply relax and enjoy the beauties that surround us everyday at every moment we live.

If you are too grown up to enjoy April fools day, a day that gives us all permission to carry on as kindergarten playmates, there are other issues in your life that need to be worked out.

Live. Laugh. Love. Those are the three L’s that make this world worth while. Forget the past, plan for tomorrow and live in the now.

Do not fear to laugh at yourself if you get pranked. It is only human nature to do so.

Learn from the moment and prank the person back. Have some good-hearted fun.

Enjoy yourself on April 1.

Play a few jokes on unsuspecting saps; just remember to remain respectful (don’t over do it and lose a friend while trying to get a laugh). Keep it classy and have a happy April fools day!

Tyler Klaus

tylerklaus@othstoday.com “April fools is just a waste of time.”

The first day of April is a day full of practical jokes. While some are funny, most April fools jokes are unnecessary and mean.

Some people’s jokes are actually really funny and they are not harmful. But some ruin the whole holiday by going overboard. This is where I have problems with the holiday.

Last year, one of my friends got pranked badly by her parents on April fools day. She woke up as if it was a normal day, but in a matter of ten minutes everything changed. While she was brushing her teeth, the phone rang and her mom answered. She could

hear her mom say “Oh my goodness!” in a surprised and worried tone. After her mom hung up the phone, she told her daughter to go outside and look at her car. Her step-dad told her mom that someone had thrown a brick into the back windshield of her car and that there was glass everywhere. She freaked out and ran outside in her pajamas with toothpaste running down her mouth. Once she got outside, her car was fine, but all of her neighbors were standing around outside. She was completely humiliated.

April fools is a holiday that we can truthfully go with out. Why do we need a full day designated to play pranks on each other?

Take a look at Google. They always put out some elaborate April fools joke. A couple years ago, it was the pigeon video where they tried to convince everyone that pigeons were behind every search on Google’s website. Think about if they used that time, money and manpower for something other than a meaningless prank.

In my opinion, April fools is just a waste of time.

Teachers bullying negatively affects students progress Madeline Crowe

madelinecrowe@othstoday.com “Teachers need to start minding what they say and follow the Golden Rule.”

The purpose of a teacher is supposed to go further than the textbook. A teacher should lead by example, by the importance of moral values.

But what do students learn when the teacher becomes the bully? What kind of example does that set?

Students bullying other students at O’Fallon Township High School is punishable by suspension, but what about teachers bullying their students? I have personally witnessed and experienced this and have found myself feeling

trapped. Unlike student-on-student bullying, there is no opportunity for students to stand up for themselves.

If they do, they are sent to administration. For some, the fear alone of being being disciplined by an authoritative figure is extremely intimidating.

Therefore, they are forced to succumb to the verbal abuse that their teachers force upon them.

The verbal abuse that some have to deal with on a daily basis ranges from humiliation to degradation of one’s intellectual capability.

Not only does this hurt a student’s self-esteem in that particular area of study, but it also makes learning more difficult.

I know that I have found myself, on multiple occasions, so embarrassed and flustered that I wasn’t able to concentrate on the material being taught to us.

But don’t take my words for granted because I’m not the only person that has experienced

something like this.

Brandon Bullock, a sophomore at OTHS says,“Sometimes I feel like I can’t ask questions anymore because I’ve been called stupid for questions that I’ve had in the past.”

Between the harsh criticisms and the rude name-calling, teachers can become, in some eyes, belligerent.

I’ve felt myself in a situation multiple times where I leave a classroom sobbing; not because of a less-than-perfect grade, but because of the ridicule that I received due to the number written in red at the top of my paper.

Often teachers justify their discrimination by solely blaming the student. Apparently, students are not hard enough on themselves.

Apparently, they need someone there to make them feel even more worthless than they already feel or to state the obvious about their grade in front of everybody because that’s going to motivate them. NOT. Apparently, some teachers

haven’t heard of self-fulfilling prophecy.

However, I’m aware that this isn’t a one-way street. There are students who simply do not care about their grades and then there are teachers who go to great lengths to assist their students.

It becomes a problem though when students feel like they can’t reach out for help or understanding on the matter.

Ellie Edwards, a senior at OTHS voices, “Teachers should be more careful about what they say because students may take it the wrong way. Something that they may have meant as a joke may actually be really hurtful for a student.”

Teachers need to start minding what they say and follow the “Golden Rule.” If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say it at all; because like it or not, students are watching and hurting from your actions.

How safe are schools?

Emily Love

Editorial staff: Emma Gatewood Editor-in-Chief, News Editor Emily Love Web & Editorial Editor Kameron Johnson Sports Fact Editor

Tyler Klaus Photos & Web Liaison

Megan Ivey Copy Editor Mycal Hurley Sports & Entertainment Editor

Sarah Hesse Layout Editor & Entertainment Editor

Catherine Maness

Kailey Jaster

Katealia Lilly

Andrea Vernier

Dylan Highley Sports Fact Editor

Kaley Johnson

Gerian Summers

Madeline Crowe

Jason Nelson

Dianiche Baxton Editorial Editor

Ivan Leonard

Jacob Cook

General Staff:

Donald Eckerman

Faculty Advisor Ms. Ashlee Heady

Connor Holzinger Layout Editor

Contributors: Photographique, TJ Price

The O’Fallon Township High School newspaper, The Prowler, is part of the educational curriculum of O’Fallon District 203.

Although the paper is a class activity, OTHS students may submit materials, such as stories, photography, graphics, or art, for publication consideration. Students should bring any submissions to Room 608. Submissions may be edited for content, length and grammar.

If written, staff editorials will not signed and will reflect the opinion of majority of the staff members. Commentaries columns, on the other hand, will be signed reflect the individual writer’s views.

be the and and

Any person with an interest in the OTHS community is encouraged to submit letters to the editor. All letters must be signed. All

signatures will be verified through a phone call or personal interview.

Letters may be submitted to Room 608, mailed to OTHS Publications, 600 S. Smiley St., O’Fallon, IL 62269, or e-mailed to emmagatewood@othstoday. com. If excessive editing is needed, the letter will be returned to the author for approval. The Prowler reserves the right to edit any letter for grammatical errors, libelous content, or space limitations.

The Prowler is a member of the National Scholastic Press Association and the Illinois High School Press Association. Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service. The Prowler is printed by the Edwardsville Intelligencer of Edwardsville, Ill.

O’Fallon, our administrators would handle it very well, but what we need now is prevention. It all starts with bullying. emilylove@othstoday.com Our school has a big problem with bullying. I “In order for us to be safe, we know teens everywhere struggle with it, but I feel need to change our ways.” it is almost worse at O’Fallon than many other schools.

Almost every month, we hear about fights in the hallways or the parking lot. The hostility many of us have against other people in the Every morning we wake up. We get dressed. school is just ridiculous.

We eat breakfast. We brush our teeth. We walk Is that really how we want to live our lives? I out the door. Some of us drive to school, while sometimes fear that bad things can happen at others ride the bus or get dropped off by parents. this school and that we would be in danger. I We walk through the doors. don’t always feel safe here. It shouldn’t be this We see the administrators. We go to class. We way. We shouldn’t have to feel this way. sit in our desks when the bell rings. We stand up School is a place we go to learn, not to fear for and say the pledge. It’s our normal routine. We our lives and our safety. do this almost every day.

There are many things we can all do to make What if that could drastically change in one our school safer. The first day? In one hour? In one thing is to stop all the minute? In one second? For bullying and hatred for many people in America, others. it has. Why, you may be There is no point to it. asking? Because of school Also, if you see someone shootings. in the hallways being bulEvery so often, we hear lied, stand up for them or of tragic school shootings. report it.

For those schools, their days Do what is right. If you started just as ours do. notice someone is down Why did it happen, or upset, be a friend. Be though? In many cases, the the person people want to gunmen was a victim of be more like. Kindness is bullying at their school and contagious... spread it. they did it to get back at If you are being bullied, their bullies. Thousands of don’t lash out on other innocent people have died in Students and parents mourn after the Virginia people and get help. these massacres.

Tech shooting in April of 2007. (Joe Fudge/ Know that you are not One question that is always Newport News Daily Press/MCT) alone and many people raised when this comes up is, deal with the same things how safe are schools? you are going through.

I know that our administrators do everything In order for us to be safe, we need to change in their power to keep us safe, but is it enough? our ways. Just simple things like thinking before Yes, we all get our ID’s checked when we walk in you speak or act can make a long-term effect on the doors every morning, but in almost all school our school. People follow by example, so be a shootings, the gunman was a student. good person. Stand up against school violence.

What about our students here? It’s not like we By doing that, we can drastically improve our go through metal detectors or our backpacks get school safety. checked as we walk in.

I know that if something were to happen at

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

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OPINIONS

Are Social networks ....

Completely detrimental OR beneficial to society ?

Kaley Johnson

kaleyjohnson@othstoday.com “There are literally hundred of things I hate about Facebook”

There are literally hundreds of things I hate about Facebook.

The constant stream of self-uploaded pictures of girls pulling a duck face and a shot of their cleavage. The over-sharers who tell their entire friends list every second of their day as if someone actually cared. The electronic cat fights. The whiny statuses. The fact that I get on for a second and end up scrolling through the newsfeed for three straight hours.

And despite the fact that all these things make me want to kick Facebook in the metaphorical, well, face, I, like most of my peers, still indulge in this ridiculous social media everyday.

Its all too evident that social networking is addicting. It is also annoying, harmful, and a complete waste of our time as a society.

The fact is, our world would be a much better place without social networking such as Facebook and Twitter.

Teenagers don’t know how to practice moderation. In fact, people in general don’t. This is obvious in the age-old fact of life that no one has ever eaten just one potato chip. Likewise, no one has ever just gotten a Facebook or Twitter. When you sign up for these sites, you’re signing on to hours upon hours of your day that will now be devoted to electronic stalking and an addicting overload of information about everyone from Rihanna to that cute boy in Spanish class to that-randomold-guy-who-keeps-friend-requesting-you.

We’ve probably all either witnessed or experienced firsthand the unfortunate fact that people suddenly become much braver and, in turn, much meaner, when they’re safely hidden behind a computer. Its all too easy to forget that the name flashing up on your screen is actually a person, and the insults you throw at them have the ability to hurt.

With this lack of realization comes a sudden ability to say all those things that you would never, and maybe shouldn’t, say to a person’s face.

For example, signing on to Facebook or Twitter and seeing a passive aggressive status or subtweet calling you a home-wrecking weaselface is never a good way to start the day.

When this continuously happens every day, and especially when its done by a group of peers instead of just one, life can start to seem a little grim. Being put down on Facebook or other social media sites every day can lead to anything from annoyance to depression. According to bullyingstatistics.org, over half of teenagers have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber-bullying.

This cyber-bullying can in turn lead to isolation and, in some cases, suicide. While this may seem extreme, studies in Britain have shown that

at least half of suicides among young people are related to bullying, and much of this bullying occurs online.

Even more than friendships, Facebook and Twitter have a negative impact on dating and relationships. I’m not going to delve into this, however, because firstly, I could rant about it for a solid six pages, and, secondly, an article featured in last month’s issue already made this problem clear.

There are approximately 306,000 tweets per minute. Information flows faster than ever before, and misunderstandings can spiral out of control faster than you can say #drama. Fights with friends are going to happen; we’re teenagers.

But with the rise of social media, these conflicts suddenly reach an entirely new intensity when typing a few words ranting about the situation can be shared with hundreds of people with the click of a button.

If we didn’t have the option to simply type a few keys and humiliate someone online, we’d be forced to deal with conflict in a more mature, less detrimental manner. These sites are making the unavoidable conflict of teenage years worse than ever, and our ability to communicate would be much improved without them.

These social media binges are interfering with more than just our relationships. School work takes a back seat to this new digital world.

There have been countless times when I look at the clock and realize its 11 p.m. and I haven’t touched the ominous pile of homework next to my desk, all because I’ve just spent three hours scrolling through my friends’ pictures and obsessing over how many likes my status gets.

If we all didn’t have this social media distraction, it’d be so much easier to focus on tests and homework, and the late-night scrambles to study for a U.S. History or Physics tests wouldn’t occur nearly as often.

Facebook and Twitter may be used to keep in touch with those friends or family members that we don’t get to see that often. Especially for those who have moved, these sites can be a way to retain those relationships across thousands of miles. Unfortunately, this is not the primary use of these networks. 9 times out of 10, we use them incorrectly, whether its to complain about our lives, stalk our friends or strangers, start fights, or humiliate our peers. If you really need to talk to your friend who moved to Texas two years ago, pick up the phone and call them.

You’ll probably be able to engage in a more legitimately personal conversation this way, anyway.

Social media seems to hold a strange power over people, especially teenagers. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve spent an ungodly amount of time scrolling through pictures, posting on walls, or reading tweets. This way of life, however, is a step down from that of the previous generation, and has negatively impacted our world.

Humanity survived for thousands of years without these websites, and life would have been better if we had continued doing so. All in all, the world would be better without Facebook and Twitter.

Student protesters gone overboard ?

Jason Nelson

jasonnelson@othstoday.com “It’s not the motive I hate (believe me, I’m just as against budget cuts as the next Joe), but if you’re going to protest, why be ignorant about it?”

Student protests are ridiculous.

Budget cuts, spikes in tuition and teacher layoffs lay behind the rage. However, that rage has grown from a soft cry to a loud roar. Student violence is turning peaceful gatherings into world wide news.

It’s not the motive I hate (believe me, I’m just as against budget cuts and tuition hikes as the next Joe), but if you’re going to protest, why be ignorant about it?

Take for instance the pepper spray incident at UC Davis this past November. Occupy protesters blocked officers who were escorting fellow students off the grounds.

When traditional methods don’t work, it’s only

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natural to use force. Granted, the officer using the spray was highly unqualified. The fact still remains that the officers were compelled enough to go to such lengths to remove the protesters. If they had just cooperated, we wouldn’t be here 4 months later hearing about a lawsuit over something I find justifiable.

Earlier this month, Spain took measures to save money and cut spending towards education.

Now, keep in mind Spain is suffering some of the worst economic downfall in its history and the government is looking to lower the deficit.

It’s reasonable to protest the cuts because education is monumentally important, but it went further than that. In Barcelona, protests turned violent; no surprise. Reports say riot police charged first. Regardless if they did or not, you have no reason to respond with more violence.

Deal with it maturely and continue to demonstrate as you were before with peace.

So, why the violence? I understand if you feel strongly about your rights as a student, but you’re not helping the cause if you need to smash a window or torch a car to make your point.

If you’re going that far just to get a teacher back in class, think twice about your actions.

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Kateaila Lilly

katealialilly@othstoday.com “ Too many postive things have came about for millions of people because of these social networks . ”

The world is what we make it.

Stupid inventions and ideas are thrown all over the place everyday of our lives. The media is a constant reminder that we need to be one way or another or need to buy this and that to be successful in life.

People are what makes this world work and every issue we face can be blamed on the human race.

Within our world, especially as teenagers, social interaction through online networks or through real life situations is key to survival.

Myspace was the start of this new way of communication.

Now we all look back and laugh at our music play lists and the stupid flip phone mobile uploaded pictures we had on our profiles but at the time we thought it was the coolest thing out there.

Now we have (Tyler Klaus/ The Prowler) Facebook and twitter.

Are either one of those networking sites perfect? The answer is no but would the world be better without them?

Facebook and twitter are addicting.

In some cases that’s a bad thing because a person is just nosey and stalking people in random countries but for other people they’re just curious about what’s going on in the lives of people they care about.

Yeah, these sites can be a distraction to more important things like real life relationships or even homework but lets be honest, if it isn’t Facebook or Twitter distracting us we’d all find something else to get in the way.

It’s also true that Facebook and Twitter can be annoying and even harmful.

All I have to do is look on my newsfeed to receive a play by play about the fact it’s raining outside or someone just had an “awkward moment” that’s not even awkward. There’s also the I hate you, we were only dating for a week but you still broke my heart statuses to watch out for as well. Not to mention the strange stereotypical pictures teenage girls feel they need to post.

Some people don’t realize others aren’t inter-

ested in the ice cream they’re eating or the fact they just painted their nails.

Is this making the world a bad place though?

No, it’s not, if anything everyone has found themselves smiling and laughing at these ridiculous posts. I know it may seem bad but people find humor and enjoyment in others stupidity.

Here’s the beauty about Facebook and Twitter though; you completely control it.

If you’re not friends with someone in person why are you adding them to receive a million updates on their, to you, meaningless life?

There’s a decline button you can click and even the handy dandy block button if that person won’t leave you alone. On twitter you can simply not follow someone and you will never ever know what they’re tweeting about unless some other birdy re-tweets it.

Sadly, over the years, there have been a large amount of suicides that online bullying is to blame for. People do get more confidence when they don’t have to look into the eyes of the person they are tormenting over pointless reasons.

If it wasn’t for these new social networking sites teenagers probably would have gained the confidence by now to torture these kids in person but in that case you can’t just block someone or log out to avoid it.

In the past, kids in high school were shoved into lockers and even given swirlies.

The point is that yes, online bullying happens and it’s horrible but it’s something kids can control. If Facebook and Twitter didn’t exist, teenagers would find other ways to bully.

History is proof of that.

Social networking sites have actually improved the world.

They allowed long lost childhood friends to reconnect and activists to get organized. Facebook and twitter are aiding revolutions and helping people learn about their politicians and what’s actually going on in the world.

Just recently Kony 2012 was spread like wildfire because of theses sites.

Personally, every other friend on my list posted about it.

Facebook and Twitter are not responsible for the awful things that occur on it. People are responsible and the blame should be put on them.

Does Facebook and Twitter make it easier?

Yes, but it makes it just as easy to stop it and to improve the world.

Too many positive things have came about for millions of people because of these social networks.

Trying to say a world without Facebook and Twitter would be better is like saying a world without puppies would be better.

Depending on how you use or raise something all depends on whether it’s going to bite you or not.

Community colleges deserve a second look Madeline Crowe

madelinecrowe@othstoday.com “I don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on an education at a top-notch school when I haven’t even decided what I want to be. So next year, I’m attending SWIC- a community college.”

When I was a little girl, I was convinced that I was going to be a dentist and a ballerina. I was four years old and my dad asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Being a four year old, I had never really put much thought into it. I decided upon becoming a dentist because I had just gotten my teeth cleaned, and I had my favorite ballerina Barbie doll in my hands. Just like that, I made my decision- I wanted to be a dentist/ballerina. My dad laughed and thought that it was cute.

Now that I’m eighteen years old, however, it’s not so cute when my answer remains the same.

People are serious when they ask me now, and to be honest, I’m scared. I don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on an education at a topnotch school when I haven’t even decided what I want to be. So next year, I’m attending SWIC- a community college.

Community colleges often don’t receive the recognition that they deserve. They are a wonderful way to save money and start earning credits that you could use to transfer to a major university down the road.

According to the College Board’s report, “Improving Student Transfer From Community

Colleges to Four Year Institutions,” 4 out of 5 community college students transfer to four year institutions to work towards a bachelor’s degree.

Lily Altavena for the New York Times supports this statistic in her article, “4 out of 5 in Community College Students Want to Transfer, Report Says” by saying that some of the factors that make community colleges so appealing are that they are close to home, and the rising tuition of four-year schools. She also states that the average tuition of a community college is 36% of a public four-year university.

Considering today’s economy, this is a huge deciding factor for students who are choosing between living in their parents basement attending a community college, or living in a dorm going to a four-year school. Many students choose to attend community college and then transfer to four-year schools in order to save money and reduce the amount of school debt that they may accumulate over their college career.

Victoria Gainor, a 2010 OTHS graduate stated, “It was a great choice for me because when I started I wasn’t one-hundred percent sure on what I wanted to do. It’s an inexpensive way to figure things out while still getting an education.”

Going to a community college doesn’t make you any less intelligent than the next person; it just means that you’re conscious about the costs of college and you want to do your best to keep those costs down. In today’s economy, I feel as though that aspect is getting over-looker far too often.

4

OPINIONS

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

Anonymous avengers

Illuminati; fact or fake?

Gaining notoriety from this string of online assaults, Anonymous began to move up in the world, not long after this that the infamous donaldeckerman@othstoday.com Westboro Baptist Church claimed to have been attacked. This was widely believed to be a public“Is it right to pirate media and put it on online to download for free? ity stunt by the church to get their message out; Is making top secret government they may have crossed the line when they told information public via the Internet a terrible crime, or an act of heroism, Anonymous members to “bring it.” Not long similar to Robin Hood stealing from after that statement was released to the press, the privileged and giving to those who aren’t?”

Westboro Baptist Church was under siege during a live radio interview.

The world is an ever changing place with major In late January, Anons around the country revolutions, many today in the form of technoltook aim at The Department of Justice web sites ogy. However, with those revolutions come new and successfully took them offline, in addition ethical issues. Is it right to pirate media and to several major entertainment put it on online to download industry web sites. This digital for free? Is making top secret disaster was brought on by the government information pubcoalition nations that sought to lic via the Internet a terrible take down the online file sharcrime, or an act of heroism, ing web site Megaupload. similar to Robin Hood stealing Soon after this major attack from the privileged and giving against the United States to those who aren’t? government, the FBI decided Somewhere between Facethat Anonymous was a terrorist book and the types of web organization with the capabil(Andrea Vernier/The Prowler) sites you only hear about when ity to launch large scale attacks, you are watching “To Catch such as ones on the U.S. power a Predator” is the underground blogger site that grid. lies off the beaten path is annonnews.org. This After those accusations hit the international is where all the acne scarred mouse wielding, community helped spark the worldwide manpocket protected nerdy warriors of the 21st hunt for Anon leaders. The search had been century gather to plan their attacks. They call relatively fruitless until earlier this month when themselves Anonymous. six high ranking Anonymous members were The hacker activist or “hacktivist” group captured. known as Anonymous has been addressing these However the Anon rebellion refuses to be controversies with cyber attacks, or attacks on silenced even with the capture of several of their the web sites of the corporations and government notable members. Since their capture there have agencies who oppose them. Some of the more been two confirmed attacks on Vatican as well notable attacks are those against the websites as an exploratory attack into a pornographic of Visa and MasterCard, as well as PayPal in website revealing nearly 100 government e-mail defense of Wikileaks. subscribers (.gov/.mil/).

The idea of the Illuminati is to create a “new world order” and centralize the government, also known as totalitarianism, through quieting the mycalhurley@othstoday.com freedom for citizens to speak out against it, as well as making everything in our lives a product “There is no denying that Illufor them to sell. In simpler terms, the governminati influences are everyment wants complete and total control of trade, where.” the nation’s decisions politically, and even its citizens.

Even today, influences from the Illuminati can be seen through a variety of architectural and The infamous group, the Illuminati, is real. If geographical designs in Washington D.C., as you put “Illuminati” back words into Google, well as other cities around the world. In addiyou’ll be directed to the National Security tion, symbols the Agency website. CoinIlluminati have cidence? I think not. worshiped are on The Illuminati dates the back of any back to around the American dollar seventeenth cenbill, such as the tury, years before the “all-seeing eye” establishment of the and the motto, United States. Of the “novus ordo Illuminati members seclorum,” which in America, two translates to, “A important figures had new order of the a more direct influages.” ence of the nation’s There is speculafounding: Benjamin tion that the Franklin and George Illuminati still Washington. Not only may control our are these some of our government, but founding fathers, but there is no denying these two are the ones that Illuminati inwho created the Decfluences are everylaration of Indepenwhere; one just has (Emma Gatewood/The Prowler) dence, the basis of our to look “between government, meaning the lines” and find they had a hand in the creation of our governconnections. Whether you believe the truth or ment. Today, however, the Illuminati is no longer not, is utterly up to you. a group, per se, but rather an idea to progress

human evolution technologically, economically and logically, through mass manipulation.

Donald Eckerman

P.E. uniforms cause a hassle Sarah Hesse

sarahhesse@othstoday.com “By enforcing school wide P.E. uniforms a lot of unnecessary hassles would be eliminated.”

“Fweeeehhh!” This familiar sound of the whistle signals that class has started and the time to get your heart beat up has begun.

All students who graduate from O’Fallon Township High School must complete four semesters of physical education classes upon receiving their diploma.

O’Fallon provides a variety of physical education classes in which students can enroll. They range from intense weight lifting to less intense activities such as flag football.

So, regardless of one’s athletic ability, every student is given the opportunity to succeed in P.E. When exercising, school clothes do not suffice.

As of now, O’Fallon does not have school-wide P.E. uniforms.

Instead of (Andrea Vernier/The Prowler) traditional P.E. uniforms, O’Fallon has a policy in place for what is acceptable and what is not.

In my opinion, this causes confusion amongst students, teachers, and parents.

The policy by which P.E. students must obey is as follows.

Girls enrolled in physical education classes are limited to wearing a shirt in either blue, gold or gray.

As for bottoms, shorts must be either blue, gold or gray with an exception of black yoga pants.

The shorts must be school appropriate, which means they must reach mid-thigh in length.

Many times, girls do not follow this rule.

On numerous occasions, I have seen shorts that are too revealing.

As for boys, the uniform issue is not as severe.

In the 80’s it was cool for males to wear short shorts, much like the ones females wear today.

Nowadays, the “in-style” look for males is to have at least knee length, if not longer, shorts.

Therefore, male P.E. students are school appropriate while many female P.E. shorts at the moment are not.

Boys must wear t-shirts that are blue, gold or

gray. Their shorts must be either of those colors also.

If these rules are broken, the student may lose participation points for that day. If the student continues wearing the wrong outfits his or her grade will drastically decrease.

This is not fair on any level because the most important part about physical education is the physical part.

As long as the students are showing up and working out, then they should not be penalized for the color shirt or shorts they are wearing.

Momentarily, this is not the case within OTHS’s physical education department.

So instead of giving students options on what is acceptable attire for a physical education course, the school should enforce mandatory P.E. uniforms.

I know in the past this has been brought up and rejected because of money issues.

The money argument is old and unsupported.

Regardless of whether or not the school is enforcing uniforms, students still have to spend money on the clothes they wear.

On online web sites, school uniforms can be as cheap as $8.99.

What the school is allowing use to wear now costs more.

For both sexes the shorts typically range from anywhere between $5.95 and $7.00 a piece.

As for shirts that are required for P.E. participation, they generally cost $5.00 a shirt.

When these are totaled up, the cost is more than $8.99.

Therefore, enforcing school wide traditional P.E. uniforms for every student would put less of a dent on a students wallet than the current policy does.

Purchasing a traditional P.E. uniform should be mandatory upon registering for physical education classes, just the way book fees are mandatory for academic classes.

Not only would it save money, but it would also allow the instructors to focus more on the important things in the class, such as exercising.

By enforcing school wide P.E. uniforms a lot of unnecessary hassles would be eliminated.

School P.E. uniforms should become a part of the curriculum.

Mycal Hurley

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

Nodding Disease causes widespread death in Uganda Kaley Johnson

kaleyjohnson@othstoday.com

The strange affliction spreading across Uganda, South Sudan, and Tanzania resembles

less like themselves each time an episode occurs.

One mother commented while gently wiping off the face of her afflicted son, Francis, “I feel dark in my heart. This child has become nothing.”

After several investigations by the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, they have come up empty-handed for either a cause or a cure to the spreading epidemic.

a scene out of a movie.

Over 3,000 children in mid-Africa have been struck by the strange symptoms; unprovoked seizures ranging in severity from incessant nodding to grand-mal, stunted growth and brain development, mental retardation, and a lack of comprehension of their surroundings.

The strange disease affects children ages 5 to 15 in 93% of cases and so far, a cure has not been found.

The victims often Children with the most advanced form of Nodding Disease are often feared by the community times are or abandoned by their family. (Alan Boswell/MCT) tied up by their families so they don’t wander off when left unsupervised.

Dr. Scott Dowell, a leading investigator of the In many cases, if this is not done, the children CDC, says “We know now from the most recent will simply get lost in the bush and disappear. investigation that it is a brain disease... but we In a few instances, afflicted children have left still don’t know what causes it.” and started fires for unknown reasons. These One theory centers on the prevalence of the acts of unexplainable arson have resulted in the Onchocerca Volvulus, a parasitic worm comdeaths of around 200 men and women. monly found in the Black Fly. The parasite was In these African countries, Nodding Disease found in 93% of areas where the disease was can strike at any time and with no warning found. Investigators have also pointed to malnusigns. A child may be completely healthy one trition and, in particular, a deficiency of Vitamin day, and the next they are found suffering from B6, as a possible cause of the disease. small-scale seizures in which their eyes droop This theory, however, has not been confirmed and their heads move up and down for a minute and cannot be tied to all cases of Nodding before regaining comprehension.

Disease.

The episodes seem to be brought on by strange The only thing that is certain is that a cure for instances, such as change in temperature or if the this strange epidemic must be found quickly, child is presented with unfamiliar food. before it continues to spread.

Family members say the victims acts less and

Amelia Earhart mystery finally uncovered?

Kaley Johnson

75 years ago, a brave young woman ventured out into the open air and disappeared

lost contact with the world forever.

Since that day, historians and investigators have set out to recover Earhart and her aircraft. kaleyjohnson@othstoday.com The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery alone has funded 10 separate invesforever. The mystery tigations over the years, behind Amelia Earhart’s searching the thousands sudden disappearance of miles of ocean floor has been a favorite for in hopes of recovering historians and theorists the sunken craft. Their alike, and researchers now most recent investigation, believe they may have headed by Ric Gillespie, found evidence that will has led them to reexamine finally lead them to her a photograph taken three plane’s final resting spot. months after Earhart’s Now described as the disappearance by a BritOprah Winfrey of her ish survey team. While it day, Earhart was one of was previously theorized the biggest stars of the that the object seen in the 1920’s and 30’s. As a photograph may show a role model for ambitious piece of Earhart’s landing women everywhere, she gear, it was only recently became the first woman recognized as a significant (Library of Congress/MCT) and the second pilot to fly possibility. solo across the Atlantic.

Gillespie plans to head In 1937, Earhart set out to the area on July 2nd, on what she planned to be her last major flight 2012, exactly 75 years to the day since Amelia’s across the globe at the equator. On the final Earhart set out on her last flight. piece of her long journey, she took off from Lae, No matter what he finds, however, it is evident Papua New Guinea, for Howland Island, where that the world will forever be entranced by this she would refuel and then end her adventure on charming young woman who captured the world the Hawaiian Islands. Somewhere between these with her courage and beauty. two islands, however, the world-renowned pilot

5

NEWS

The shooting of Trayvon Martin results in repercussions around the US Kaley Johnson

On February 26, Trayvon Martin, 17, was killed by kaleyjohnson@othstoday.com a neighborhood watch officer while making a trip to the local gas station in Sanford, Florida. His shooter, George Zimmerman, claims he acted in self-defense, but the case has opened a heated debate on racial profiling.

Martin was talking on the phone with his girlfriend, who has told authorities that she wishes to remain unidentified, when he told her that someone was following him and he was attempting to get away. Shortly after, she claims she heard someone ask Martin what he was doing, and then the phone connection went dead.

During this time, Zimmerman told police dispatchers over the radio “Something’s wrong with him. Yep. He’s coming to check me out. He’s got something in his hands. I don’t know what his deal is. Send officers over here.”

The “something in his hands” turned out to be skittles and an iced tea.

Soon after, a witness who lives nearby the scene placed a call to 911, saying that she could hear something going on outside. Over the phone, screams of help can be heard in the background, but the caller said she was too afraid to leave the house.

Zimmerman placed a phone call to 911 shortly after, and Martin was unresponsive when police arrived on scene. Officer Timothy Smith, the officer on scene, stated that Zimmerman’s “back

appeared to be wet and was covered in grass, as if he had been laying on his back on the ground.

Zimmerman was also bleeding from the nose and back of his head.”

The Martin family has stated that they suspect race played a factor in Zimmerman’s “attack” on Trayvon, but Zimmerman claims it had no influ-

People gather for a rally for slain teenager Trayvon Martin in Washington, D.C., Saturday, March 24, 2012. (Keith Lane/MCT)

ence whatsoever. Public outcry has been building since the event, becoming a hot topic on Twitter and Facebook and has some saying that racial profiling is wrong and should be abandoned.

Race for the Republican presidential nomination intensifies even more Emma Gatewood

As the RepubliRomney (27%= 6 delegates) can National ConMaine- Romney (39%= 9 delegates) Santorum vention continues (18%= 3 delegates) emmagatewood@othstoday.com to approach, the Massachusetts- Romney (72%= 38 delegates) race for the ReSantorum (12%= 0 delegates) publican nomination intensifies. Mitt Romney, Michigan- Romney (41%= 16 delegates) Sanformer Governor of Massachusetts and Rick San- torum (8%= 14 delegates) torum, former Representative for Pennsylvania, Minnesota- Santorum ( 45%= 25 delegates) the two frontrunners of the race thus far, have Romney (17%= 2 delegates) to obtain 1,144 delegates to get the nomination Missouri- Santorum ( 55%- none) Romney without having to go to the Convention. This (25%= none) means that if they have to go to the Convention, Mississippi- Santorum (33%= 13 delegates) the candidate with the most delegates doesn’t Romney (31%= 12 delegates) necessarily automatically win. To obtain the delNew Hampshire- Romney (39%= 7 delegates) egates needed, candidates must win some or part Santorum (9%= none) of a state’s primary, where voters vote for which Nevada- Romney (50%= 14 delegates) Santocandidate they support. As of now Romney has rum (10%= 3 delegates) won 15 of the 28 primaries, with Santorum trailNorth Dakota- Santorum (40%= 11 delegates) ing only slightly behind with 11 wins, the other Romney (24%= 7 delegates) two went to Newt Gingrich. The breakdown of Ohio- Romney (38%= 35 delegates) Santorum the delegates goes as follows: (37%- 19 delegates) Alabama- Santorum (35% = 18 delegates) Oklahoma- Santorum (34%- 14 delegates) Romney Romney (29%= 9 (28%= 13 delegates) delegates) AlaskaSouth CarRomolina- Ginney(32%= grich(40%= 8 delegates) 23 delegates) Santorum Romney (29%= 7 (28%=2 delegates) delegates) ArizonaSantorum( Romney 17%=none) (47%= 29 Tennessee delegates) - Santorum Santorum Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are fight- (37%= 27 ing an almost ties battle to beat incumbent democrat President Obama. Romney delegates) (27%= 0 and Santorum are attempting obtain the 1,144 delegates needed to clinch the delegates) Romney Colorado- Republican nomination. (Scott Strazzante, Jose M. Osorio, Chris Walker/Chi- (28%= 15 cago Tribune/MCT) Santorum delegates) (40%= 17 Vermontdelegates) Romney Romney (35%= 13 delegates) (40%= 9 delegates) Santorum (24%= 4 delFlorida- Romney (46%= 50 delegates) Santoegates) rum (13%= none) Virginia- Romney (60%= 43 delegates) SantoGeorgia- Gingrich(47%= 53 delegates) rum (none) Romney(26%= 20 delegates) Santorum(20%=3 Washington- Romney (38%= 25 delegates) delegates) Santorum (24%= 7 delegates) Hawaii- Romney (41%= 9 delegates) SantoThat means that Romney has 568 delegates rum (25%= 5 delegates) which is about 50% of the delegates he needs Idaho- Romney (62%= 32 delegates) Santowhile Santorum has 261 delegates which is rum (18%= 0 delegates) about 23% of the delegates he needs. With 22 Illinois- Romney (47% = 41 delegates) Santomore states left to hold primaries the candidates rum (35%= 10 delegates) both have a fair chance of obtaining the delegate Iowa- Santorum (25%= 7 delegates) Romney count needed, but as the Convention approaches (25%= 7 delegates) so does the competition. Neither candidate can Kansas- Santorum (51%= 33 delegates) Romafford to make many mistakes, because they ney(21%= 7 delegates) mostly end in the candidate losing votes and Louisiana- Santorum(49%= 12 delegates) therefore delegates.

6NEWS

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

KONY 2012

Bill Gates-Entrepreneur (Steve Ringman/Seattle Times/MCT)

Rick Warren-Minister (Mindy Schauer/Orange County Register/ MCT)

Bill O’Reilly-T.V. Personality (MCT)

Sarah Hesse

John Boehner-Congressman (R-OH) (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)

Mark Zuckerberg-Entrepreneur (Rick Friedman/Abaca Press/MCT)

George Clooney-Actor/Humanitarian Harry Reid-Senator (D-NV) (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT) (Isaac Breken/MCT)

Patrick Leahy-Senator (D-VT) Stephen Colbert-T.V. Host (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT) (Rafael Suanes/MCT)

Kay Granger-Congresswoman (R-TX) Bono-Singer/Humanitarian Ileana Ros-Lehtinen-Congresswoman Justin Bieber-Singer (MCT) (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/MCT) (R-FL) (MCT) (Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times/ MCT)

O’Fallon, the place we all call home, is a highly sarahhesse@othstoday.com prestigious metropolitan area.

Located in the heart of St. Clair County, O’Fallon is home to 25,000 people. It has over 700 operating businesses and is well known for its excellent education.

The community is fast growing and is able to provide many positive opportunities to its citizens.

However, in recent times, there has been an ongoing tragedy taking place within the town.

Over the past five years, there has been an outbreak of heroin use.

As shocking as this may seem, it is a massive problem -- a problem that must be understood by everyone in order to solve.

Many wonder how such a drug could get into a community like O’Fallon.

Well, here is how it happens: 90% of all the heroin within the United States comes from South America and Mexico.

Once in the States, the drug is somehow dispersed to all the major cities.

The O’Fallon Police Department have found out that the heroin reaching O’Fallon is coming from Chicago and being delivered to North St.

Ban-Ki Moon-UN Secretary General (Facelly/Abaca Press/MCT)

Tim Tebow-Athlete (Marice Cohn Band/Miami Herald/MCT)

Condoleezza Rice-Former Secretary of State (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)

Ben Affleck-Actor/Humanitarian (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/ MCT)

Ryan Seacrest-T.V./Radio personality (Michael Goulding/Orange County Register/MCT)

Kaley Johnson

The purpose of this article is not to sound like one kaleyjohnson@othstoday.com of those awkward informational pamphlets they hand out in the doctor’s office.

The purpose of this article is not to make generalizations about self-harm, because everybody is unique. The purpose of this article is to either open people’s eyes to the fact that this is a serious and, unfortunately, extremely common situation, or to remind people who already know this that it is. Whether you personally self harm, know someone who does or have only heard about people doing it, there’s no denying that depression and self-injury is a growing trend at our school. And the simple fact is, it’s not going to get any better. It won’t until we accept the problem staring all of us in the face.

“Self-injury is the act of deliberately harming your own body, such as cutting or burning yourself. It’s not meant as a suicide attempt. Rather, self-injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration.”

This is the definition of self harm according to Mayo Clinic, an online guide to health. It’s so easy to define, and yet so complicated to fully understand. The methods of self-injury vary, but all of them are equally as potent. Inflicting cuts, burns, scratches, bruises or interfering with the healing process by picking at scabs are all methods of self-harm.

Self-harm, although most prevalent in teens, isn’t restricted to them; children as young as five have been reported to perform self-harm.

The reasons behind self-harm are perhaps the most difficult to pinpoint. There are almost an endless list of possible internal causes for cutting or any other form of self-injury. Some of them include, but are not limited to, problems with self image, stress, anger, loneliness, anxiety, fear, trauma from a past event, a negative home life, stress from school, bad relationships and un-

Oprah Winfrey-Personality/Entrepreneur (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/ MCT)

George W. Bush-Former U.S. Taylor Swift-Singer/Songwriter President (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times/ (Patrick Farrell/Miami Herald/MCT) MCT)

Ellen Degeneres-T.V. Personality (Nicholas Khyayat/Abaca Press/ MCT)

Mitt Romney-Republican Presidential Angelina Jolie-Actress/Humanitarian Candidate (Andre J. Jackson/Detroit Free Press/MCT) (Lionel Hahn/Abaca Press/MCT)

Stephen Harper-Canadian Prime Minister (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/MCT)

Bill Clinton-Former U.S. President (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

Lady Gaga-Singer (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

Rihanna-Singer (Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times/ MCT)

Rush Limbaugh-T.V. Personality (MCT)

healthy perfectionism. Any combination of these can pile up and cause a person to feel as if they have no other way to deal with their life than by inflicting harm on themselves.

While there are dozens of causes behind feeling the want to harm oneself, they may not be easy to pinpoint.

It’s extremely difficult to delve inside oneself and truly find the root of the problem; because of this, many people may be confused exactly why they or others selfharm. On the other end of the spectrum, some may be able to point to exactly what (Andrea Vernier/The Prowler) aspect of their lives is affecting them in such a negative way that they feel the desire to take it out on themselves physically. This, however, doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to stop.

Much of the time, self-harm is a vicious cycle, and overcoming it can be one of the most difficult challenges one will face.

Self-harming isn’t an answer; its a temporary solution to a deeper problem. There are numerous alternatives to self harm, including but not limited to; exercising, listening to music, or, if you’re a more artsy person, writing a poem or composing a song.

One of the most important things you can do if you do self harm is tell someone about it.

Seeking out a mature friend or trusted adult to talk to about what you’re going through can be terrifying, but it can be a huge relief to finally open up to someone about what you’ve been feeling.

Many people are presented with the opportu-

Lending a helping hand; ways to volunteer Jacob Cook

John Kerry-Senator (D-MA) (Brian Baer/Sacramento Bee/MCT)

Louis. business for life.

From North St. Louis, it crosses the MissisHeroin is the most addictive of all the opiates. sippi river and comes to O’Fallon.

St. Clair County has seen many tragedies due Efforts are being made by many prominent to heroin over the past few years. individuals and groups in order to stop this from In 2009 there were thirty five heroin ODs, taking place. in 2010 there were Once in O’Fallon, the twenty seven and in drug is sold and dispersed 2011 there were thirty to anyone who wishes to six. purchase it. Back in the In O’Fallon alone day, heroin was an expenthere have been nusive drug. Now, it is usually merous deaths due to costs anywhere from five to heroin overdoses. ten dollars.

In 2009, there were For this price, an four, in 2010 there individual can purchase a were three and in “button”.

2011 there were five.

A button is a capsule How heroin over which contains one tenth doses occur can be of a gram of heroin. To due to many different put this into perspective, reasons. twenty eight grams are For one, an OD can equivalent to an ounce. occur from the differMany drug dealers have (The Kansas City Star 2010) ent purity levels of the figured out how to get drug. more “clients”.

Many years ago the They do so by giving them their first button purity level within the heroin was extremely low, (which is a small capsule of heroin) for free, typically between 20-25 percent. knowing that they will return and have their In present times, it is not unusual to find

heroin with purity levels between 35-45 percent.

Also, it has been found that some heroin contains a purity level of 90 percent, which is lethal.

Due to the uprising in purity levels, heroin is a drug that can easily take the life of an individual, no matter if it’s their first time or twenty fifth time doing it. This drug is dangerous.

Many drug dealers are lacing other powerful drugs such as vicodin with the heroin they are supplying to others.

There are no “friends” in the drug community.

An individual will never know what is exactly in the substance they purchased.

Addiction does not care if you are a girl or a boy. It does not care about your racial background. It does not care if you are an athlete or a full time student. Simply stated, it does not care.

Heroin kills. It kills those who use the powerful drug, as well as their loved ones.

In order to put an end to this terrible epidemic we need to get involved.

People who OD and survive are the expectations, not the norms.

The higher authorities can not do it alone.

We, students of OTHS, need to take a stance.

Choosing to partake in these kinds of behaviors will result in a shortened life.

Do not throw your life away and do not allow your friends to do that either.

The Invisible problem; the scars that don’t heal

Jay-Z-Rapper (MCT)

Warren Buffett-Investor/Philanthropist (Lionel Hahn/Abaca Press/MCT)

FEATURES

Heroin finds safe haven in O’Fallon

Emily Love

For 26 years, Joseph Kony, ing or writing the alphabet. These books are then sent to the Ugandan warlord, has been school in Africa and enjoyed by all the children. the world’s most wanted On March fifth, a thirty-minute video made by the three emilylove@othstoday.com war criminal. He abducts men was posted on youtube. It went viral rapidly, reaching children, drugs them, makes tens of millions of hits. The video shows all of the horrible them child soldiers, forces them to be sex slaves and makes events going on in Uganda. It features a man named Jacob them kill their families. The question is, for that they met on their first journey to Africa. what reason? The sad truth is no reason They met him when he was only a teenager and more than holding power through fear. shared his story, showing video of him through Kony has been at the top of the Internathe years. tional Criminal Court’s most wanted list for The documentary calls the whole country to almost ten years and is held responsible for action. Their goal is to make Kony famous, not about 300,000 deaths. 2012 is the year for to celebrate him, but rather to raise awareness this madness to end. and gain support for his arrest. Before the video Three young men from California travcame out, 99% of the world’s population had eled to Sudan about 10 years ago to film the no idea who he was. That statistic is quickly civil war in Africa. When they flew in, the falling. people were very scarce and the film makers In order to make Kony known throughwere confused about where everyone was. out the world, especially America, they are Because there were no people around, they planning an event called “Cover the Night”. set out to find population. On their journey, On Friday, April 20 after the sun goes down, they met a woman named Jolly Okot, who people are encouraged to cover their towns and was nine months pregnant. She explained to cities with Kony 2012 posters so that people poster for the movement features them about the Lord’s Resistance Army and The who don’t know who he is will. the symbols for both the Democrat what they do to innocent children.

On top of the world-wide event, twenty and Republican parties coming After hearing this, the men wanted to go together to make the peace signal of a celebrities are teaming up with the campaign into the small towns and tribes in Uganda. dove. (MCT) as well as twelve politicians (which they based They asked Jolly to drive them and she off of the year 2012). All of the celebrities are gladly accepted. While on their way, two men were shot in a posting videos stating that they want to make Kony as famous truck in front of them. They stopped and asked a man walking as they are. down the street what had happened. He said that the LRA was Democrats and republicans are teaming up together for responsible for the attack. this matter. In October, Obama signed a bill to deploy 100 Once they arrived to Gulu, they saw thousands of kids U.S. troops on a mission to help the Africans capture Kony. hiding in a shelter. In order to avoid the attacks, the children If you would like to participate in “Cover the Night”, go walk many miles in the afternoon to these shelters where they out on April 20 after dark and hang the Kony 2012 postare able to sleep in a somewhat safe environment. ers on light poles or around your house. You can also join The movie titled “Invisible Children” shows first-hand the Facebook event, Cover the Night-O’Fallon. In order to the severity of the war. They show the horrors the children capture Kony, everyone needs to know who he is and be aware endure, such as mutilated faces and malnutrition. of what is going on. There are also many other things you can Because they felt they needed to do something, the three do to support the movement. You can buy t-shirts, posters and film makers started an organization called Invisible Children. bracelets, as well as donate money, sign a petition or contact Its aim is to give African children a chance to live their lives celebrities and political leaders. without fear of being abducted. With the proceeds, they have We all need to stand up for the children who have no built many schools to help the children obtain an education. voice. Imagine what life would be like if you had to live the In fact, O’Fallon High School has a sister school there. In way the kids in Africa do. Wouldn’t you want someone to the class Senior Writing Seminar, taught by Ms. Heady, Mrs. stand up for you? Make our generation aware of the war, and Seipp and Mr. Sahr, seniors do a project where they write a make Kony famous. small book, teaching a variation of learning skills like count-

7

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

Many students have now jacobcook@othstoday.com become inducted into National Honors Society (NHS) and are required to do a certain amount of community service by a certain date, but who really knows where or how to volunteer? We’ve all seen people picking trash along the highway, or taking time at an animal shelter, but how do you become a part of that without knowing where to go?

Why, other than to fulfill requirements, would someone want to do community service?

When presented with the opportunity to help their community, high school and middle school students tend to show increases in personal and social responsibility, communication and sense of educational competence.

They also rank responsibility as a more important value, are more likely to treat others kindly and increase their self-esteem and self-efficiency.

We’ve all seen the Humane Society commercials with Sarah McLachlan’s music playing in the background.

Yes, that commerical which makes

everybody tear up or flat-out cry. Volunteering at an animal shelter, like the Humane Society, can teach you how to treat animals with care and love.

So where are some places in the area where you can volunteer at?

Spencer’s Shelter (1405 East US Highway 50 O’ Fallon IL, 62269 (618)632-7387) Stray Rescue (2320 Pine Street St Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 7716121) The O’Fallon Food Pantry (801 E. State Street, O’Fallon, IL, 62269 (618) 624-7040) Almost any church can appoint you to someone with volunteering opportunities.

The O’Fallon Public Safety Building can give you someone to talk to about volunteering as well.

Keep in mind, even if you aren’t in NHS, volunteering is a great tutor and can teach you a great many things.

On top of helping you become a more well-rounded person. It also looks good on resumes and job applications.

Be sure to volunteer wherever and whenever you can. There’s always a need for a volunteer.

nity to help someone who self-harms, but most of those people have no idea how to actually help someone in that situation. One of the most important things to do in that situation is never be condescending or make accusations; many people who self harm probably already feel alone and judged.

Never give the person an ultimatum or punishments if they don’t stop; this will only serve to make them feel even more alone.

Probably the most important thing you can do in a situation where someone you know self harms is to simply be there for them. Listen to what they have to say and do your best to help them through their emotions. It’s not, however, your job to be a superhero. There are no magic words you can say to a friend to make their lives suddenly seem better or to convince them to stop self harming. Once you start feeling responsible for that person’s personal well being, the relationship becomes unhealthy on both ends.

Its also important to realize that just because someone self-harms does not necessarily make them suicidal. While there are times when depression and self-injury can lead to suicidal thoughts, this is definitely not always the case.

Self harming does not make someone insane or seriously messed up. Self harming in many cases is just misdirected hurt or anger, and usually stems from a need to place these internal struggles into the physical world where they’re easier to deal with. It’s difficult to understand and even more difficult to stop, whether you’re

the self harmer or trying to help someone who is.

Most of us are aware that self-harm is a rising issue, but its time we opened our eyes to the fact that self-harm isn’t just about about pamphlets and statistics. Depression and self-harm are all around us, and they’re a very real part of our lives. Its not just a problem on paper; self-harm is a problem within the walls of our high school, and accepting this fact is the first step to overcoming it.

New research reveals that one in four cases of self-harm go unreported and one in five occur under the influence of alcohol. Also, one in ten ‘self-harmers’ mention suicidal wishes. The new study also shows that self-cutting is not confined to young girls, but is the most common form of self-harm amongst young boys too. (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080903101414.htm) Number of emergency department visits for self-inflicted injury: 666,000 (http://www.cdc. gov/nchs/fastats/suicide.htm) Self-harm is a global health problem and is especially common among girls and women aged 15 to 24. Experts say they fear rates of self-abuse in this age group may be rising.

A total of 1,802 people responded in the adolescent phase, and 149, or 8 percent, of them reported self-harm. More girls than boys said they self-harmed -- with rates of 10 percent and 6 percent respectively, translating to a 60 percent increased risk of self-harm in girls compared with boys.

Keith Hawton of the Center for Suicide Research at Britain’s Oxford University Hawton said previous studies had shown that self-harmers who come into hospital during their teenage and young adult years are 100 times more likely than the general population to commit suicide. (http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/11/17/ us-self-harm-idUSTRE7AG02520111117)

8FEATURES

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

Relax a little longer; live a little longer

Technology: Friend or Foe?

Katealia Lilly

Technology: Kailey Trick or Treat? (probably should Jaster kaileyjaster@othstoday.com change this headline) With today’s society relying more on technology to live our lives rather than ourselves, we have to ask the question: is technology a trick, or a treat? Well, it’s both. Technology is revolutionizing everything we do; yet, it is leading to a dramatic decrease in: face-to-face conversations, family relationship, social interactions Years ago, when walking around and bike rides were socially acceptable as normal activities, (rather than hardcore exercise) people relied on themselves and would accept responsibility for their own actions. Yes, although technology has so rapidly lead to a revolution, it is also leading to laziness and stupidity (or lack of common sense).

Studies show that,“The average kid, ages 8-18, spends over seven hours a day using technology gadgets,equaling over two hours of music, almost five hours of tv and movies, three hours of Internet and video games and just 38 minutes of old fashioned reading according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. This totals the time which in children spend using technology to 75 hours a week.

There’s one thing all teenagers have in common: stress. katealialilly@othstoday.com From homework, jobs, friends, parents, grades, relationships and a long list of more personalized issues, we all have this pressure. Even though we may not notice, it’s literally hurting us. Life is short. There is so much to do and, in comparison, so little time.

Moments need to be seized and stress is robbing us of opportunities and time.

There are four different forms of stress.

Chronic Eustress is long lasting positive stress that is based off of the fun, excitement and happiness in your life. Acute Eustress is another type of positive stress only short term. Hearing good news or trying something exciting and fun are examples of this. Acute distress is short term negative stress. Chronic distress is simply long term negative stress. Although two of these types are considered positive, there can still be consequences. That’s why it’s always important to have down time and relax.

Negative consequences can be physical, behavioral and mental.

-Physical symptoms of stress: -headaches - fatigue - chest pain - muscle tension - high blood pressure - heart disease, obesity - sleep problems -Behavioral symptoms: - nail biting - poor hygiene - neglect of responsibility - aggression - use of drugs and alcohol -Mental Symptoms: - insecurity, - depression - anxiety, - insomnia, - pessimism - isolation - irritability - difficulty concentrating The best part of stress though is that you can control it and take small steps to prevent it. The first step is finding acceptance in your life. Once you can accept what’s happening, you can do something about the issue. The second vital step is simply avoiding stress.You can either change the situation you’re in or change your reaction to the situation. If schoolwork piling up is bothering you, then get organized.When certain friend drama is killing you, take a breather from that group.

The third step is learn how to breathe.

1.Sit comfortably and close your eyes.

2.Put one hand on your abdo-

men and the other one on your chest.

3.Breathe in through your nose and feel the way your hands rise.

4.Keep breathing in until your lungs are filled with air and your hands have risen.

5.Breathe out gently through your nose or mouth.

6.Repeat until you feel better!

The fourth step is get more sleep.If you have issues falling asleep, don’t eat before hand or drink anything with caffeine late at night.You can also try writing your thoughts down.The fifth step is eat healthy.If you feel good about your body, then your entire outlook on life transforms. The sixth step is listen to music, sing and dance.

Every psychologist will tell you that music is very important not only for stress, but your mental health in general. There’s even a special therapy method called music therapy that you can check out.

Taking time to shout your favorite lyrics and dance away your worries also gives you a terrific feeling of freedom. The seventh step is find an outlet to release stress.Triggering the artistic part of your brain by poetry, music or any type of fine art can help you relax. Exercising or playing a sport can help as well.

The eighth step is hang out with your friends.

Call up the people that make you happy and spend a day with them. Take a road trip to a fun place when the weather is warm, or stay inside playing lame video games with each other.

Don’t isolate yourself. Friends can be a great distraction from stress and may even help you sort out your problems. The ninth step is to meditate.Try yoga or join a club. Taking 15 to 20 minutes a day for stretching and centering your thoughts makes a big difference.

The last step is smile and laugh often! Smiling strengthens your immune system, relieves stress, lowers your blood pressure and release endorphins. All of those are incredible for your health.

Laughter relaxes the whole body, boosts the immune system and protects the heart. Just those two simple things can make stress disappear and help you make it day to day.

It’s important to respect yourself and your body. Life will throw many challenges at you everyday and you have to keep your chin up and shine on. Don’t let stress get in the way of your happiness.

There is a direct correlation to the amount of hours spent with gadgets and negative factors, such as obesity, poor grades, impatience, violence and a loss of family interest.

Children seem to be learning less. Even though there are multiple education video games/apps, many kids do not learn as much as they would by experiencing it on their own.

What buttons to press, or how to control an iPad does not teach children life skills.

Teenagers today can no longer rely solely on themselves. Household tasks such as laundry, cooking, ironing, car maintenance, and financial planning feel well beyond our abilities. How many of us can honestly say that we can preform some of these simple everyday common tasks?

Well, why should anyone fill their minds with these basic survival skills? Now that we can do everything online there is no use.

Twenty years ago, spending the day on the couch was seen as a huge waste; whereas now we can do almost anything by the tips of our fingers on a phone app. Sadly, many of us consider laying in bed on the computer a productive day.

How often do we have to get up off the couch to accomplish anything? Honestly...only to go to the bathroom or grab something (prepackaged) from our kitchen. The scary part is in the near future I’m sure we won’t even have to move.

ACT Tips; how to prepare Connor Holzinger

Out of all the tests you take in your life, connorholzinger@othstoday.com the ACT, or American College Test, might be one of the most important.

This test, which ranges in scoring between one and 36, is widely used by colleges to determine a student’s acceptance into their school.

This is especially true for colleges in the Midwest, although East and West coast schools use the ACT as well, despite the SAT being their preferred indication of a student’s abilities.

While you can’t study for specific content on the ACT, you can prepare yourself as a whole for the general sections of the test.

One important skill to keep in mind while taking the ACT is time management.

The reading test is the fastest-paced test; you are required to read four lengthy passages and answer 40 questions in a span of just 35 minutes.

You never want to spend too much time on any question; guessing is your best bet if you don’t know the answer or if you’re running out of

time. Never leave an answer blank.

You’ll also want to do some prep work. There are many books and guides available that provide information as to what is covered on certain portions of the ACT. It’s also not a bad idea to ask your math teacher what they think you should study for the ACT. One of the main keys to ACT success, however, is repetition. The best way to prepare for the test is to know the content well.The best way to do this is to have already taken the test at an earlier date.

Most students score higher on subsequent tries than they do on their first ACT exam. You can even get a list of the questions and answers so that you can review the details of your prior test.

This is helpful because it shows you which portions of the test you can improve on.

By focusing on time management and efficient test taking, you can prepare for the ACT. Once you take the ACT in April, it would be beneficial to take it at least one additional time to see if you can improve your score. As always, keep one thing in mind; practice, practice, practice!

Student of the Month; Daniels and Hobbs Megan Ivey

This March, the students who are recognized and earn the title of Student of the

Daniels and Hobbs’ activities outside OTHS are similar. Both are leaders of their youth group at St. Nicolas church. They also enjoy spending meganivey@othstoday.com time with family and friends.

Daniels and Hobbs both had teachers during Month are Matt Daniels their high school career and Kelly Hobbs. Both that inspired them. are excited to be added For Daniels it was Mr. to the long list of outCurry, who he says standing students. challenged him to think Daniels has been outside the box and involved in multiple never say the phrase activities at OTHS. In “I don’t know”. Mr. previous years he has Turkington and Mrs. been in SADD, the Magee inspired Hobbs Marching Panthers through their positive and FCA. Currently, outlook and energetic Students of the month, Kelly Hobbs and Matt Daniels. he plays in the wind personalities.

(Tyler Klaus/Emma Gatewood/The Prowler) ensemble and is in After this semester, NHS as well as French Daniels will be attendHonors Society. ing the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, while Hobbs can definitely be described as wellHobbs will go to Missouri State University to rounded by her list of extracurriculars. Once a major in communication disorder and pursue a participant in SADD, prom committee, PWP career in Audiology. and FCA, she continues to involve herself in The Prowler would like congratulate both Varsity girl’s soccer, NHS, Spanish club (where students in their major accomplishments. she sits as vice president),Spanish Honors Society and Lifesavers.

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

Donald Eckerman

Pop Culture Showdown

Hello and welcome to your donaldeckerman@othstoday.com favorite monthly trivia challenge POP CULTURE SHOWDOWN I thought it was high time it was decided which gender was truly dominant.

That’s why this month we are featuring BATTLE OF THE SEXES. Representing all of mankind is Jr. Kevin Wolf who enjoys hunting, shaving his chest hair, and revving the engine of his car.

And representing all of womandome is Mrs. Paproth widely known as the queen of softball and the master of all that is high school English. The game is simple 5 questions geared towards women and 5 more geared towards men..or well Kevin.

The score is 1-0 Paproth.

Question three what actor is the manliest of all men and popularized the round house kick?

Paproth: Chuck Norris

The score is now 3-2 Paproth

Kevin Wolf: Chuck Norris Both answer quickly and in a whisper as to not enrage Mr. Norris for taking his name in vain. It is actually rumored that when Alexander Bell invented the telephone he had 3 missed calls from Chuck Norris.

They both get the point the score is 2-1 Paproth

First question what is the biggest truck commercially available?

Question four What masculine feature was rumored to have been insured by full time manly man and part time vocalist Tom Jones?

Paproth: Is it the Dodge Ram? Kevin Wolf:...... uhh...ahem...uhhh Well I was driving a Toyota Tundra last night, its pretty spacious so ill say that.

Sadly no one got it right, despite the spaciousness of the Toyota Tundra. The correct answer was the Ford F-650 weighing in at approximately 37,000 lbs the score is 0-0.

Second question what movie holds the record for most explosions?

Paproth: I want to say Transformers?

Kevin Wolf: (A violent combination of frustration and confusion shows up on his face as he blurts out his answer) IRON MAN? While Kevin walks away having earned brownie points sadly that does him no good seeing as that Mrs. Paproth answered correctly with transformers. Transformers Revenge of the fallen has over 500 on screen explosions.

Well both of them got the three necessary days correct and Kevin even decided to go above and beyond the call of duty by giving the Saturday answer.

Paproth: Hmmm was it his chin?

Kevin Wolf: uhh wow.. His face?

Both answers are wrong Sir Tom Jones is rumored to have insured his Chest Hair for nearly 7 million dollars!

The Score is still 2-1 Paproth Question five and the last of the masculine questions What three days of the week is NFL football on TV? Paproth: Lets see Thursday?..Sunday and Monday Kevin Wolf: Well of course there’s Sunday games there’s Monday games and Thursday games and there’s also the possibility of a Saturday game but that’s usually because of a Holiday.

Question six what is the difference between a manicure and a pedicure?

It would seem that at this point Kevin senses impending doom but rather than rolling over and dying he chooses to suck up to the judge. As much as I loved that answer it just wasnt right Mrs. Paproth’s on the other hand was.

The score increases to 5-2 Paproth Question nine what beauty product is used to add volume to the eyelashes?

Kevin Wolf: uhh wow...YOUR NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS! But i know it the manicure is the nails and the pedicure is the toe nails.

Kevin Wolf: Uhhh..........Uhhhhh.... (out of pitty Mrs. Paproth gives help) Paproth: It has a wand...Its usually black....Im wearing it now.

Paproth: hahah I agree

Kevin Wolf: Oh Eye Liner!

The feminine questions are off to a great start for both participants they both got it right.

Paproth: … It’s Mascera Despite Kevin’s enthusiasm he is still slightly off but as a consolation his answer does go around the eyes so he was close. However Mrs. Paproth was right again with her answer of Mascera.

The score is now 4-3 Paproth Question seven what is the name of the leading actor who played Noah in The Notebook?

Kevin Wolf: I have no idea. Noah’s ark?

I just don’t know.

Paproth: Its definitely Ryan Gosling Mrs. Paproth definitely knows her movie trivia because she is right again. Noah was played by Ryan Gosling in The Notebook.

The score is now 4-2 Paproth Question eight what woman said this famous quote “If you cant handle me at my worst you sure don’t deserve me at my best” Kevin Wolf: oh god. I dont know Tony Stark Paproth: Marylin Monroe, I know because its on every ones Facebook

The gap continues to widen with a score of 6-2 Paproth The tenth and final question is what is the color women are not supposed to wear to a wedding?

Kevin Wolf: Finally one I know. Its white.

Paproth: He’s right its white.

Kevin finally managed to pull himself out of his trivial nose dive and got the last question correct making the final score 7-3 Mrs. Paproth.

You may remember that this battle of the sexes was intended to determine the superior gender, at this point i would like to inform the readers that this was completely inconclusive....this has nothing to do with the fact that the male representative lost.

Who do you think will win the NCAA tournament?

North Carolina

OTHS Newsfeed

- Kailee Peters, Senior,

Mizzou - DJ Sims, Junior

Pep rally fun Gerian Summers

Here in O-Town we raised the roof as every panther geriansummers@othstoday.com hit the dome for our last pep rally of the school year. In spite of their bitterness, seniors decided to participate in the lively celebration unlike the past rally.

The Spring Pep Rally was your typical HOORAHH! We introduced our spring sports and heard the magnificent voices of the Spring musical vocal cast. Expectations were sky high as we anxiously waited for the debut of the Intramural Dance Team better known as the IDM. They hit the floor and taught us all how to

dougie with the participation of some of the faculty. Everyone in the stand sat on the edge of the bleachers for the announcement of the Seniors who were nominated for Prom Court.

They serenaded by a great song from their peers. Varsity Golden Girls had a great performance to the song “ You Are Beautiful “ that really encourage everyone.

The cheerleaders hit the mats and kept the rally on the roll. The Pep Rally was an overall success as always.

Its a pep rally to remember. This assemblies really show how much school spirit we have and our OTHS pride.

Want to have a say in Newsfeed?

Send any funny tweets or statuses to newsfeed@othstoday.com.

Norfolk

- Dakota Spars and Jeff Barrett, Juniors

9

FEATURES

10

CENTER SPREAD Dylan Highley

dylanhighley@othstoday.com

THE PROWLER After a tough battle

South

the one thing that could have prevented Kentucky from reaching the Final Four game. The game was getting out of hand in a hurry, as Kentucky lead with a score of 42-22 at the half. This game even created a scare for Kentucky fans, as Anthony Davis hurt his leg, but then later returned to action.

The early control lead to a win, as Kentucky was on a 16-0 run going into halftime. The second half was all Baylor in the scoring department, but the deficit created in the first half was enough to hold out for Kentucky as they win, 82-70.

Kentucky can call themselves the Southern regional champions; however, the road is not yet over.

Kentucky now goes on to New Orleans and takes on Louisville in the Final Four game. This is one of the biggest game yet for Kentucky.

The last time Kentucky faced Louisville was this past New Years Eve, when Kentucky finished the second half strong and won 69-62.

Louisville has had their fair share of losses during the regular season; however, they have absolutely dominated March, making them a powerful contender for Kentucky to deal with.

Kentucky Western Ky. Iowa St. Connecticut Wichita St. VCU Indiana

New Mexico St.

UNLV

Colorado Baylor

Kentucky Iowa St.

Kameron Johnson

kameronjohnson@othstoday.com

Representing the Big Ten Ohio St. made it to the Final Four for the tenth time in the school’s history.

Under the radar compared to last season, the Buckeyes crept their way into the big dance and throughout tournament itself. Even ranked as a two-seed, experts and bracket contenders alike place Florida State or Kansas State more likely to face Syracuse in the Eastern conference championship game in Boston, against Big East power house, Syracuse.

With a lack of media coverage and small expectations from the nation, Ohio State had little to play for in their first round match up against Maryland small school, Loyola.

Against the odds, Ohio St. came out guns a blazing, dominating both sides of the ball, wrecking havoc on the Greyhounds in both

Kentucky

VCU

Colorado

Kentucky

Baylor Xavier

Michigan St. Memphis Michigan St. Louisville St..

Louis St.. Louis New Mexico New Mexico Louisville Louisville Louisville Davidson Murray St. ColoradoSt. Murray St. Marquette Marquette Marquette BYU Florida Florida Florida Virginia Florida Missouri Norfolk St. Norfolk St.

been a model of consistency, putting up 24 double doubles so far this season including a 30 point, 21 rebound obliteration of North Dakota. In the Sweet Sixteen match-up against N.C. State, he put up 17 points and 15 rebounds, winning 6057. He’s been the catalyst for the always consistent NC State NC State Bill Self-led NC State Jayhawks team.

“When he’s St. Macy’s (CA) on the court, he is our presence,” Kansas coach Bill Self said, “He’s our horse.

He didn’t The Big 12 Ivan score the ball in the second half.

He made his Player of the Year Leonard free throws, though. He drew a couple fouls. and unanimous ivanleonard@othstoday.com But he’s got a motor. He played to his motor First Team All today. Guys just get confidence through him American, junior forward Thomas Robinson and through Tyshawn [Taylor]. And it’s so looks to add a fourth national championship important for those two to play well, and they to the trophy cases of Kansas hoops. While obviously did today.”

Anthony Davis and Kentucky took college His tenure with the Jayhawks hasn’t always hoops by storm this year, quietly putting up 18 been a pleasant one however. After losing his points and 12 rebounds a game. He’s definitely mother, grandfather, and grandmother his

Ohio St.

Baylor

Michigan St.

West

Ohio St.

Syracuse

UNC

Louisville

72-68, despite Siva fouling out in the second half.

Louisville has some stiff competition going against the Kentucky powerhouse, who was 32-2 in the regular season, was well as first seed in the South. Despite the enormous challenge of facing Kentucky, if Louisville can stick with the mentality they displayed throughout the championship, they might be able to finally knock them off their pedestal.

Syracuse Syracuse UNC Ashville Syracuse Kansas St. Kansas St. Southern Miss.

Vanderbilt Vanderbilt Harvard Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin Montana Cincinnati Cincinnati Texas Cincinnati Florida St. Florida St. St. Bonaventure Gonzaga Gonzaga West Virginia Ohio St. Ohio St. Ohio St. Loyola (MD) North Carolina UNC Vermont UNC Creighton Creighton Alabama South Fl.. Temple South Fl..

Ohio Michigan Ohio Ohio San Diego St.

halves. Leading the way for the Buckeyes was 6’7” sophomore forward Deshaun Thomas. Thomas scored a career-high 31 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. His performance bonafide their spot in the next round cruising past Loyola, 78-59.

Their third round matchup was said to be their “make it or break game” as many expected seventh-seed Gonzaga to upset the Buckeyes. Gonzaga, a NCAA tournament regular, has had a history of making it to the Big Dance and upsetting top seeds.

In the 1999 tournament, Gonzaga was a ten seed and caused three upsets, including second-seeded Stanford.

Head coach Thad Matta knew all too well of Gonzaga’s reputation, and made sure his boys did not suffer the same fate. Battling throughout the game no matter how large of a lead the Buckeyes created, Gonzaga managed to close the gap. The final outcome came from Jared Sullinger scored 18 points, including two big baskets in the final three minutes. Ohio State ended the day making seven of eight free throws to put any upset talk to rest.

In dramatic fashion, Ohio State’s final moments to win the East would come against two of the Big East elites: Cincinnati and Syracuse.

Cincy, still pumped after defeating Final Four favorite and ACC champion, Florida State, entered with the ambi-

Kansas

Kansas

Kansas

Georgetown Georgetown Belmont Purdue Purdue Kansas Kansas Detroit

tion to beat Ohio State and to make history by knocking off a two and three-seed back to back.

Ohio State on the other hand entered the game calm, cool, and collected. This game, their fourth Sweet Sixteen appearance in four years under Matta, felt like a walk through the park for the Buckeyes.

After blowing a comfortable 37-25 lead from the first half of play, Cincy went on a 21-0 run to open the second.

Able to keep their composure, the Buckeyes bounced back again, lead by Thomas who was three for five behind the arc and totaled 26 points finishing Cincy, 81-66.

Now in the Elite Eight Ohio State faced Syracuse to determine who would make the trip down to Bourbon Street. This had to be Ohio State’s worst game worst game of the tournament if not the season. Sending Syracuse to the line 25 times Ohio State’s biggest trouble was recovering to play defense. Jared Sullinger recovered from first-half foul trouble to score 19 points and grab seven rebounds, helping Ohio State beat topseeded Syracuse, 77-70, on Saturday to advance to the Final Four in New Orleans.

The second-seeded Buckeyes will play the winner of Sunday’s Midwest Regional final between North Carolina and Kansas.

sophomore year, his teammate showed their support by following him to his funeral in D.C. “My teammates, you know, immediately became my brothers and strongest supporting cast I had,” Robinson said.

UNC barely escaped 13th-seeded Ohio at the Edward Jones Dome, 73-65, to advance to the Elite Eight. With the loss of point guard Kendall Marshall, seldomly used Stillman White chipped in two points and 6 assists and that was just enough to defeat the Bobcats.

Tyler Zeller had a monster performance with 22 points and 20 rebounds. Their season ended in the Elite Eight for the second year in a row.

With the departure of Tyler Zeller to graduation and possible losses of Harrison Barnes and John Henson, there are major question marks for next season. Leading scorer Barnes shot a subpar 33 percent in tournament play and without Kendall Marshall’s passing and leadership, they still played a decent game until finally crumbling in the last few minutes.

In what was a back and forth affair at first, Kansas slammed the door on Carolina in the end, defeating them, 80-71. In the second half, Self ’s triangle and two defense frustrated the Tarheels into scoring only three points in the last eight minutes of the half. Tyshawn Taylor led the Jayhawks attack with 22 points while Robinson chipped in 18 points and Jeff Withey had 15 points and three huge blocks. Their road to the Final Four wasn’t smooth however, narrowly escaping upset-minded Purdue and N.C. State by three points. The next team standing in the Jayhawks way is an Ohio State team they beat this season, 78-67, although Jared Sullinger wasn’t suited up. The match up everyone’s looking forward to is Robinson against Ohio State and Buckeye “big-man” Sullinger for a spot in the national championship. After losing to Kentucky last year in a heartbreaker, the Ohio State-Kansas game will not disappoint. Though Sullinger will put on a great performance, Kansas may do just enough to contain his teammates and grasp the win.

11

CENTER SPREAD

Midwest

Baylor Notre Dame Xavier Xavier Duke Lehigh Lehigh

Kentucky

Indiana

Indiana

Coming S. Dakota St. off a three game losmycalhurley@othstoday.com ing streak in the regular season, the fourth-seed Louisville Cardinals were able to stomp the competition in the West, enabling them to grasp a seat in the Final Four.

The last time Louisville was in the Final Four in the NCAA championship was in 2005, but were beaten out by the LIU Brooklyn Fighting Illini.

In 1986, Louisville won their first NCAA championship, defeating Duke by a mere 3 points. Unfortunately, the team hasn’t won a championship since then, but this season, the team might be able to win it all.

Long Beach St. The Cardinals are coached by their coach of nine years, Rick Pitino, who has also coached for Providence and Kentucky, leading them all to the Final Four, which no other mens’ coach has done before.

This year, the team was led by a dominant senior Kyle Kuric, who averaged 13.1 points per game, as well as 4.4 rebounds a game. In addition to Kuric, the team’s center sophomore Gorgui Dieng, averaged an amazing 3.2 blocks a game, preventing some late comebacks and even game-breaking layups.

March 15 marked the second round of the tournament, where Louisville Dieng got into some foul trouble with three in the first half, forcing them to Michigan State, which many considered play down one of their defensive men. to be the team to overtake Louisville.

In the end, Louisville prevailed over However, they thought wrong, as LouDavidson, 69-62, with junior guard isville defeated them, 57-44, proving to Peyton Siva scoring 17 points with six all that Louisville was in it to win it. assists.

In the Elite Eight match on March 24, In the third round, March 17, Louisthe Cardinals played against the sevville played the New Mexico Lobos and enth-seed Florida Gators. Not only was barely holds them off, with a final score this an even match-up, but Florida’s of 59-56. Sophomore guard Russ Smith coach Billy Donovan, was once coached earning 17 points that game.

by Pitino, making the game even more Going into the Sweet Sixteen on March nerve-racking for the two teams. In the 22, Louisville played against first-seed end, Louisville climbed out victorious,

Mycal Hurley

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

East

throughout the season and through the month of March the south region was taken over by the University of Kentucky.

Kentucky finished number one in the country this year with 32 wins and two losses. Their big regular season victories were North Carolina, and Kansas which can come to play because Kansas is one of the teams in the Final Four.

The big reason for their success is number 23 Anthony Davis. Davis averaged 14 points per game and leads the team in rebounds, averaging ten a game. With the assistance of head coach, John Calipari, Kentucky can definitely be 2012 champions.

After making it to the March Madness tournament, and being a number one seed, they turn their attention to Western Kentucky.

In that game, Anthony Davis put up 16 points and only missed two shots. Terrence Jones stood out with 22 points in the game. Kentucky kept the defensive pressure on and forced a lot of fast breaks this led to a victory of 81-66. The road continues for Kentucky, but that road comes to an end for Western Kentucky.

Kentucky sets their eyes on the round three opponent, Iowa State.

The story for this game is good defense leads to easy offense. Iowa State had missed so many of their shots throughout this game and Kentucky was able to capitalize on a lot of the rebounds. The star of the game was Davis with 12 rebounds. Kentucky may have outshot and out scored Iowa State throughout this game, but that did

not show at the foul line. Iowa State sinked 72 percent of their shots from the line and Kentucky only hit 68 percent. Iowa State’s lead scorer was Royce White who put up 23 points; however, his scoring was not enough to come away with this victory. Kentucky wins this game with a score of 8771 and their road will continue as they enter the Sweet Sixteen round.

The Sweet Sixteen round kicks off and Kentucky has to take on the Indiana Hoosiers. Davis played a smaller role in this game than everyone is used to seeing.

However, some other players stepped up to fill the role. Michael Kidd Gilchrist scored 24 points and Doron Lamb put up 21 points. Indiana stand out player was Christian Watford 27 points and making six out of eight of his free throws. Anthony Davis had the least amount of points among the starters with only nine. Davis still found a way to assist his team in the defensive part of the game as he lead the team in rebounds with 12. Indiana went back and forth throughout this game until the Hoosiers ran into foul trouble which became the deciding factor.

Kentucky made a total of 35 out of 37 of their free throws through this game going 94.6 percent from the foul line. Kentucky did not run into much foul trouble as they only allowed Indiana to get 13 points from the line. Once the fouls started to stack up against Indiana it was all over and Kentucky wins the game, 102-90. The road will still keep on moving for Kentucky as they go to the Elite Eight game.

After beating Indiana, Kentucky must turn their attention to third-seed Baylor. Baylor was

MAR. 30, 2012

12

ENTERTAINMENT

THE PROWLER

O-Tunes ARTIST Wiz Khalifa

ALBUM Taylor Allderdice

ARTIST Shinedown ALBUM Amaryllis

ARTIST Madonna ALBUM MDNA

MAR. 30, 2012

, h t n o m This ght i l t o p s we new s ’ t a h w tream s n i a m in die n i d n a music ts!!! artis On March 13, Wiz Khalifa dropped his new mixtape, Taylor Allderdice, featuring not only several key people in the rap game, but also his recently engaged fiancee, Amber Rose.

After his hit “Black and Yellow” back in 2010, Khalifa seemed to have blown up in the recent months, making him one of the most popular rappers in 2012.

Time and fame seems to have no toll on Khalifa, as his word-play and lyrics on the mixtape still have the same “Khalifa” feel to them and gets anyone catching

themselves singing his rhymes.

Taylor Allderdice features 17 songs, which include the likes of Juicy J and Rick Ross each lending their talents to the tape.

The first song on the mixtape, Amber Ice, is an obvious nod to Rose, as seen in the song’s title. The beat and the effects used throughout the song have a 90’s rap and R&B feel to it due to its slow tempo and is a fantastic attention-grabber.

Never Been Part II, the song featuring Rose and Ross, starts off very bass ori-

ented and stays like this throughout the song. In the song’s background, Rose repeats a few words throughout and Ross lays down a few rhymes before Khalifa begins rapping.

The mixtape was expertly created and has a full release quality to it despite it being free.

Fans of Khalifa should download this free mixtape now if they already haven’t.

For those who are new to rap, like rap or is a new Khalifa fan should download this too.

Released March 27, Shinedown’s newest album, Amaryllis, has a varied 12 song track list and is their fourth studio album since the band’s creation in 2002.

Almost four years since their last album, Sound of Madness, this album is full of the same rock tunes and ballads that fans come to expect from Shinedown.

Many of the songs on this album have hit the mainstream with each receiving extended radio play, five of which have

been considered No. 1 in the mainstream rock category on Billboard.

The album starts off strong and heavy with songs like “Adrenaline” and “Bully,” both which have heavy bass lines and sharp, quick solos, then slows down with power ballads that sooth the listener.

Towards the end however, the songs pick back up again at the end to keep listeners’ attention.

Despite a new album, Shinedown managed to keep their same quality of

music as seen in their past albums, but put out new songs that still entertain the masses.

Mainstream rock fans will probably already know about this album and have multiple copies in their collection.

Newer fans to rock should definitely consider trying this album out, as it is a great entry album and displays some of the high tones of a good rock album.

Madonna, one of the world’s most renowned pop artist, has released her twelfth album, MDNA, on March 23.

Sticking to what she knows best, she continues to pump out pop hits that can liven up any dance party, with upbeat and catchy songs, such as “Girls Gone Wild” and “Superstar.”

Unlike some of her other albums, this album has more ballads than usual, making it more robust and dynamic, catching the listener’s attention and holding on to it.

The song “Give Me All Your Luvin,” which features Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., not only was the keynote song at the recent 2012 Super Bowl half-time show, but also has risen to become one of the top 10 songs on Billboard’s Top 100.

In addition to this new album, Madonna is also planning on going on a worldwide tour in May, and ending in Australia in the early part of 2013.

Age has had no effect on the 53 year old Madonna, and has even shown that with age comes a sense of confidence in

her abilities that can be seen throughout the majority of this album. She “knows” that she’s still the queen of pop. And the people couldn’t agree more, with great reception coming from music review sites and fans.

For pop fans, Madonna fans and just plain music fans alike, this would be a wonderful addition to any pop collection and is great to start the party off with a bang.

Indie Rock

Copeland

Since the beginning of “indie” in the mid Catherine 1980s, the genre has been extremely diverse, Maness catherinemaness@othstoday.com and some might say, vague. It entails such a wide variety of possibilities. Copeland, the indie rock band formed in 2001, grabs hold of every possibility the genre has to offer while accomplishing originality. The first-time listener of Copeland wouldn’t have an idea of what the band is capable of. It takes several songs, if not multiple albums to display really what the band is like and how their sound works. Not to say that the first impression isn’t going to be a good one- quite the contrary. With a song for every mood, Copeland can satisfy someone with the most diverse music tastes. The sound is full and complete, while some songs thin out to show a softer side with one or two instruments. Songs like “Careful Now” and “Brightest” put you in a quieter chill mood while songs like “Pin Your Wings Down” and “Take Care” give you a chance to rock out and express real emotion. The song “California” entails both of these qualities in a really satisfying way.

The band was formed when guitarist and pianist Aaron Marsh started playing with friend and bass player James Likeness. It wasn’t until drummer Jonathan Bucklew and guitarist Bryan Laurenson joined the group that their was a clear distinction to their sound. In 2002, the band was signed the independent label the Militia Group, with whom they recorded their first album “Beneath Medicine Tree.” After a long run with the Militia Group (recording a full length and an early EP of what would be their next album “In Motion”) they signed to Columbia Records in 2006, with whom they recorded latter albums “Eat Sleep Repeat,” “Dressed Up and In Line” and “You Are My Sunshine.”

With five full length albums and six EPs, Copeland is not only accomplished but insightful and creative with their lyrics, moving with their unique chord progressions and phrases and dynamic with the structure of their songs.

pop punk

The Story So Far

This fun, energetic, five piece pop Catherine punk band displays a classic electric Maness catherinemaness@othstoday.com guitar, vox, bass and drum set up. If you’re a fan of emotional, powerful breakdowns, The Story So Far is the band for you.

The five member band originated in 2007 from Walnut Creek in California and has slowly, but surely, gotten their name out. The band is comprised of vocalist Parker Cannon, guitarists Will Levy and Kevin Geyer, bassist anc backup vocalist Kelen Capener, and Ryan Torf on drums.

With super strong choruses and extremely relatable lyrics, the four guys have made it on tour with big pop punk names like The Wonder Years and Transit. Their first and only full length album so far, “Under Soil and Dirt,” is a solid pop punk album that’s not just a good jam but a coming of age introspection that deals with every day post high school life.

The band has plenty releases like “Rally Cap,” “5pm,” “Jawbreaker” and “While You Were Sleeping,” and each is a complete concept of energy and enthusiasm. Using the classic and developed genre of modern pop punk, The Story So Far makes use of the genre by expressing teenage angst, life, and love.

So pick up a copy of “Under Soil and Dirt” and jam out in your car, bomb a hill on your board, or look up tickets for their upcoming spring tour.

Indie Pop Kina Grannis

You may have heard her Catherine first single “Valentine” this Maness catherinemaness@othstoday.com February off of her latest album “Stairwells” as it played during advisory on Channel One. Starting out just an average YouTuber, uploading self-made videos of herself playing guitar and singing with her sisters in her California home, the 24 year old indie artist has recorded four albums, been on ten talk shows and headlined in two tours.

Within her albums she plays piano, ukulele and even the glockenspiel, although she is most comfortable behind a guitar, singing along to her own strumming.

Kina’s delicate melodies and harmonies are backed up perfectly my soft maraca-like percussion and finger picking acoustic guitar riffs that are perfect for sitting at your favorite coffee shop with a warm mug, nodding along.

Her latter album is more popular than her previous three which she self released. Before releasing “Stairwells” she won a competition, resulting with her song “Message From Your Heart” being played during super bowl commercials and a recording contract in her name. You can almost hear her smiling, closing her eyes and swaying along to her melodic love songs. It will be hard not to sing along while listening to any song Kina Grannis has ever put out.

13

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT

d Must read Classic books d

Romance Classics

- Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen - The Pursuit of Love & Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford - Emma by Jane Austen - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte - Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Funny Classics

- Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh - Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes - The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens - Catch-22 by Joseph Heller - Decline and Fall by Evelyn Waugh - Tono Bungay by HG Wells

Crime Classics - The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins - The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas - The Hound of Baskerville by Arthur Conan Doyle - Crime & Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky - Rebecca by Daphne de Maurier - And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Sci-fi Classics

- 1984 by George Orwell - Fahrenheit 451 -by Ray Bradbury - Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury - Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein - All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

Books made into Movies Hunger Games In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead beforeand survived. (barnesandnoble.com) Considering what the book “The Hunger Games” is based on, the filmmakers had ample opportunity to create a film that offered a compelling experience to longtime fans and newcomers alike. While they succeed at making “The Huger Games” an enjoyable experience overall, it’s an experience held back by uneven pacing, poor character development and the filmmakers’ aversion to taking any risks. Lawrence puts on a strong performance throughout the film, giving Katniss a rough exterior while still showing enough emotion to reveal there is more depth to her than initially meets the eye.“The Hunger Games” also suffers from some weak pacing. Sometimes it seems to move through seemingly important events much too quickly, without ever building any tension.

(Jordan LaPorte) In theaters: March 23

(Lionsgate/MCT)

The Lorax Mirror Mirror Originating in seventeenth-century French folklore, the story of Snow White has long been one of the world’s most memorable childhood tales.

It is the story of an evil queen determined to do away with a girl—with skin as white as snow, lips as red as blood, and hair as black as ebony—who threatens the queen’s quest to remain the most beautiful in her kingdom. A princess takes refuge from her wicked stepmother in the cottage of seven dwarfs. (barnesandnoble.com)

The modern adaptation of the classic fairy tale Snow White has been revamped with new graphics and brighter colors, but the old story still remains. An evil queen steals control of a kingdom and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright.

In theaters: March 30

When Dr. Seuss gets serious, you know it must be important. Published in 1971, and perhaps inspired by the “save our planet” mindset of the 1960s, The Lorax is an ecological warning that still rings true today amidst the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the earth’s environment. In The Lorax, we find what we’ve come to expect from the illustrious doctor: brilliantly whimsical rhymes, delightfully original creatures, and weirdly undulating illustrations. But here there is also something more--a powerful message that Seuss implores both adults and children to heed.

(Amazon.com) (Random House Books for Young Readers/MCT)

Ted (Zac Efron) is out to win the heart of his pretty neighbor Audrey (Taylor Swift), who wants to see a real tree rather than the mechanical ones that overrun Thneedville. Ted’s granny (Betty White) tells him to go outside the town and speak with the Once-ler (Ed Helms). The Once-ler retells his story involving the ineffective defender of the forest, the Lorax (Danny DeVito), but forces Ted to keep coming back to hear the whole tale. Ted’s secret ex(Universal Pictures and Illumi- cursions out of town puts him under nation Entertainment/MCT) the eye of the Thneedville’s corporateevil-guy-in-chief Mr. O’Hare (Rob Riggle), who doesn’t want the trees to come back because they would ruin his business, which is selling bottled air. (Matt Goldberg/ collider.com)

14

ENTERTAINMENT

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

Catherine Maness

3

1

In this hit show, young adults from New Jersey all live in a house together. It shows constant drinking, late partying and completely inappropriate behavior. There is really no point to the show, except to feature the activities that these young people partake in. The problem with this show is that there are so many young teens who watch this show and think that it is perfectly acceptable to act like a careless party animal. The show is broadcast on MTV and has been airing for five seasons. The group has traveled to Jersey, Miami and even Italy.

As soon as this show started airing, a controversy arose. The show features young girls and a few young boys as they compete in beauty pageants. Almost all of these girls sport spray tans, fake teeth and fake hair.

The most shocking part about this show is the ways the parents act. Many of them force their children to be in pageants to win the money. Some girls like to participate in them, however, they are normally spoiled brats who throw temper tantrums in Airing for its second season, Dance Moms has almost every episode. Another shocking part about this show is what some of the little proved to be a hit. This jaw-dropping show girls wear. They strut around the stage features the Abby Lee Miller dance studio and its competitive dance team. The team travels wearing next to nothing, while their parents encourage it. all across the country, competing almost every weekend. In the show, Abby Lee Miller (the coach), is portrayed as extremely mean to the little girls. The biggest fighting, though, goes on between the moms. This season, most fighting occurs between the Abby Lee Miller dance studio and their rival, the Candy Apple dance studio. The rivalry started when Cathy, the coach at Candy Apple’s, joined Miller’s team.

While on the team, Cathy picked many fights and the arguing got so bad that they left and went back to their own studio. On top of that, one of Miller’s students left for the Candy Apple studio.

2

Prowler T.V.

More than a game The concept that someone can make a living from jasonnelson@othstoday.com spending their time in front of a screen for hours on end playing a video game is seemingly unreal. Video games today are still regarded as a worthless, even childish pastime.

In recent years, however, competitive gaming has reached a new point of growth, taking on the name of electronic sports.

Jason Nelson

In the beginning, e-sports was no more than just a few friends playing in an arcade. Today, entire convention centers fill to the brim with spectators and gamers alike--that’s not including the thousands watching from the comfort of their homes. Complete with commentators providing insight and play-by-play analysis, gaming events now rate just as highly as professional sports.

Major League Gaming is one of many companies dedicated to showcasing new talent and big titles such as StarCraft II, Halo and Mortal Kombat.

This wide range of genre appeals to a larger audience, thus generating community buzz and

appreciation for their favorite games.

There is no doubt that competitive gaming is exploding. Rising popularity has lead to some new forms of entertainment. Online streaming sites like Twitch.tv allow for professionals, commentators and hopefuls to interact with fans and other gamers in the community.

Competitive gaming is no joke for some people.

In fact, some of the best players make upwards of $100,000 a year. Companies such as NOS, Alienware and Stride even go out of their way to sponsor these professionals.

As far as fans go, MLG has done well to deliver quality streams, community interaction and top notch video on demand. Last year, more than 15 million hours of video were viewed in 175 countries just on five tournament weekends alone.

As long as there are video games, there will always be gamers striving to make it to the top.

Video games are no longer just mindless enjoyment; they’re a lifestyle.

“A” is finally revealed Ever since Pretty Little Liars premiered on ABC Family, it has started much talk. It rapidly gained fans and became a hit show. Today, it is one of the most watched television series and has earned great ratings. After many intense, suspensful episodes, “A” was finally revealed in the season finale on Monday, March 19.

The producers have put many teasers in the show, confusing viewers so they wouldn’t guess who it really is. In the finale, Spencer finds “A’s” lair with Mona. It is then that, Spencer realizes Mona is “A.” Mona, then, knocks her out and drives her away. While in the car, Mona mentions something about the “A team,” leaving many viewers suspecting Mona isn’t the only “A.” She then gives Spencer the choice of joining the “A” team or being shot to death. Spencer manages to send a message to the other girls, who meet Spencer and Mona at Lookout Point. Mona tries to push Spencer over the cliff, but ends up falling down herself.

She is still alive, but is taken to a mental hospital and diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder. As soon as the girls leave, they see Toby waiting outside. Finally, Toby and Spencer are back together. Spencer and Toby weren’t the only couple reunited, though. Hanna and Caleb shared a romantic dance at the masque. Ezra comes back to Rosewood for the masque where he and Aria share a dance unmasked. On their way to Emily’s house,though, they see police activity on Emily’s street. Emily’s mom informs the girls that a body was found in the house, that they think is Maya, Emily’s love interest. The episode closes with the body being wheeled away and Emily’s anguished sobs. Next season will reveal even more shockers, so look out for the summer premiere in June.

Ruby Tuesday

Unlike any other restaurants that it’s catherinemaness@othstoday.com often compared to like 54th Street or Applebees, Ruby Tuesday is as close to five stars as any run of the mill Bar and Grill franchise could go. Not that Ruby Tuesdays is run of the mill in any sense of the phrase.

When first walking in, you’re greeted by a friendly server that welcomes you to your seat.

The low light and quiet atmosphere is added to with the soft indie pop radio playing over the speakers high above. Seating is exclusive and separated, making you feel like you’re with only your party in the whole restaurant.

Even with picky, hard to satisfy taste, Ruby Tuesday’s menu varies from gourmet burgers

and french fries to a fancy shrimp fondue, with everything in between including the choice of a fresh salad from a fresh garden bar.

At the top of the casual dining list, Ruby Tuesday isn’t a place to put your elbows on the table.

This place is appropriate for a formal date or to celebrate a special event. Ruby Tuesday hosts and waiters are put through an intense training

course and really know how to formally serve with educated manners.

Ruby Tuesday is an admirable place that’s committed to preparing and serving food with freshness and great quality, and it shows. I recommend it for a nice night out.

15

ENTERTAINMENT

Restaurant Reviews

Top three worst reality television shows When we come home from school, most of us turn on the television to watch our favorite reality television shows, ranging from “19 Kids and Counting” to “American Idol”. When you think about it, though, television programming has taken a complete 180 degree turn from what it used to be.

While our parents grew up watching “American Bandstand” and “The Brady Bunch,” the things we watch today are completely different. Back then, television was completely censored to the point that a man and woman could not even be shown together in the same bed. But today it’s a different story. When we turn our televisions on we see promiscuity, fighting, drinking, smoking and other actions we don’t even know how to describe. Reality shows are the epitome of the so-called “bad television.” Read on to find out our staff’s top three worst reality television show picks.

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

Longbranch Coffee House

Catherine Maness

Unlike any other coffee house you or catherinemaness@othstoday.com I have ever been to, Longbranch Coffee House, located in downtown Carbondale, is driven by homemade values. The staff uses only organic and locally grown products support local farmers and devote themselves to the practices of sustainable agriculture.

You won’t find your typical burgers and fries here. No meat products are used and all meals are vegetarian, if not vegan. Vegan meals and deserts are in plentiful option. Since no meat products are used, the restaurant uses organic flour, free range eggs, homemade bread, organic brown rice and hearty amounts of tofu whenever possible.

I didn’t’ know about the eclectic place until it was suggested to me by a guy in his twenties at

a thrift shop downtown while shopping with a friend. He seemed to know what he was talking about and I’m glad we gave it a chance.

Walking in, we were greeted by the smells of freshly baked bread and tofu spices. Conversations were taking place in the corners near open windows. Some sat in solitude on their laptops with a coffee or pastry by their side.

There is art lining the walls and fun little details that you’ll miss if you blink while quickly scanning the place.

If you want a relaxed, personal setting, the warm atmosphere of Longbranch Coffeehouse will satisfy you. Their food is clean, fresh, healthy and delicious. It’s worth the trip.

What’s the Scoop? Ice Cream Reviews

Since the last time the weather has been this nice, there have been some worthy additions to our local ice cream and frozen desert spectrum. Since new ones like Dairy Queen and Orange Leaf, have the classics like I Scream U Scream and Gator’s taken a toll? Which ones scoop the best and which ones make a splat?

Located across from

aven H m a e O’fallon Park, Ice Cream Ice Cr

A common classic, Cold Stone is the ne work place and favorite of o t S Haven was voted the local favor- Cold many OTHS students, but ite. They’ve been quoted to have “amazing unfortunately not most. This ice cream ice cream at an amazing price!” Get a classic store made a splat on the Prowler charts, but vanilla cone on a hot sunny day with friends has won the hearts and stomaches of many for just $1.50 or go bigger with their variety locals. During summers lines are out the door of choices. Anyone can afford these deluctible and many people love the creamy ice cream. treats, and everyone is sure to enjoy them.

Being the newest addition to our local array of Located in downtown m a e r Sc U ice cream options, the Dairy O’fallon, I Scream m a n e e r e c Qu IS y Queen down the street has U Scream’s place in the top r i a D had mixed reviews, some good and three of OTHS’s favorite ice cream shops is no some not so good. Although many are a fan of question. With so many options like a rich hand the blizzards and dipped ice cream cones, the dipped cookie dough or a bowl of vanilla acnew store has yet to win all the hearts of the companied by strawberry short cake, its spring community it serves. opening is a highlight to everyone’s year.

Orange Leaf, located on f a e ge L n Highway fifty, has been open a r O since last spring. The frozen yogurt bar has had plenty of time to entice the taste buds of many students. It’s no surprise that the self serve, 79 cent per oz creamy yogurt is an O’Fallon favorite. With such a variety of flavors, toppings and “bottom-ings,” even non-dairy and low fat diets can agree.

On their 16th season, the successful frozen custard shop is set apart by the s ’ Gator fact that they’re the only frozen desert place that sells strictly custard.

Unfortunately they’re voted in the bottom three out of six, but the store has many consistent customers along with quality custard and great prices. Grab a delicious custard concrete with some friends.

16

ETC.

THE PROWLER

E T C

W hu hat na ng is me er Yo ga ur ? me s’

1) Write down the second syllable of your middle name.

If you do not have a middle name – Use the second syllable of your first name.

If your middle name is only one syllable, you may use the second syllable of your last name.

If none of your names have more than one syllable, your parents obviously read the children’s book Tikki-Tikki-Tembo, and you may use any syllable you like from Tikki-Tikki-Tembo-No-Sa-Rembo-Chari-Bari-Ruchi-Pip-PeriPembo’s name.

2) Write down the name of a plant.

3) If you are a female above the age of 30, write down the word “less.” If you are a female under the age of 30, write down the word “met.” If you are a man of any age, A) welcome! and B) write down the word “petra.”

4) Write down the first initial of the last name of your favorite English teacher from school.

5) Write down one simple action verb (i.e. “run,” “jump,” etc) Combine the answer from #1 with the answer from #3. That is your

Phobias th

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What are you scared of? of getchoos in

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Apocolocynposis- Fear of turning into a pumpkin. ar of uglie F ia b o h p Caco Hobophobianess.

Fear of bum Geum or beg gars. ophobia- Fear of s ar ia- Fe

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Example: 1. Chelle 2. Daisy 3. Met 4. M. 5. Skip So my name would be Chellemet M. Skipdaisy

ss. taste.

Fear of getting abi ho ip yt Rh b ho Xerop wrinkles.

Nostophobia- Fear of r of a e F ia b o h Xanthop word returning home. e h t r o w o ll e the color y Geliophob ia- Fear o yellow. ter. f laughor ng ni Deipnophobia- Fear of di blic. u p dinner conversations. in g in it r of w ophobia- Fear

Script Kathisop Walloonphobia- Fear of the sitting hobia- Fear o Vaccinophobia-

Lachanophobia- Fear of vegetables.

f Fear of vaccination.

down.

You and your family have a tendency to not get each other at the beginning of the month. Don’t rely on texts or e-mail - you should do all your communicating face-toface.You feel like starting a lot of new projects but you’re not so good at follow-through.

GEMINI

APRIL teen HOROSCOPE

Fear

first name.

Your middle initial is the answer to #4.

Your last name is your answer to #5 with your answer to #2 added to the end.

ARIES

obiah p o r y t u ib h c a Ar o the top t k c u t s r e t t bu Decidop ting peanut . h

Walloons.

MAR. 30, 2012

TAURUS

Smile a lot and say hello to strangers; you can make great new friends this way. The Moon challenges your sense of domestic bliss so don’t expect everything to be peachy around home.

CANCER

You’re usually game for confusing lately, but anything, but you find yourself hesitating Things have been everything gets a little clearer at the beginning of the more than usual. This might be a good thing; taking month.

You might start to get impulses to do things you time to think things through could be a step in the know you shouldn’t do. Trust your gut; you know the right direction. Your needs get met in all kinds of differdifference between right and wrong, these are the days ent ways, which makes you feel like the king or queen. to stick to your morals.

There’s a lot to keep track of; if you don’t write it all down, you’ll probably If you do a friend a favor, forget about something important. The attention is all they’ll not only appreciate you for it, but they’ll on you and you love being in the spotlight for a change. owe you one - and you may have to cash in on it later!

Now that all eyes are on you, take this time to say Decisions are harder than usual for you, so if you’re havsomething important. ing serious doubts, put off making a major change until you can clear your head.

LEO

LIBRA

Boys’ volleyball sets up for a successful season Jacob Cook

jacobcook@othstoday.com

Six seniors look to finish their season

the boys’ hard work will pay off and will help snatch them a win in their first home game of the season.

Wish the boys good luck in their game on Tuesday, and be sure to attend if you can!

on top of the conference With a squad full of seasoned seniors, the boys’ volleyball team starts its season Tuesday.

The O’Fallon boys’ volleyball team has been hard at work under Coach Katelyn Hagarty’s leadership. With the help of Coach Combrink and Coach Toejenes, Coach Hagarty is willing to take the boys as far as their determination and hard work will take them.

“I’m looking forward to a great season with the boys’; all 11 of them are just as hard working as the next and I hope it takes them far this year,” said Coach Hagarty.

Not unlike most varsity squads, the volleyball team’s varsity is dominated by six seniors this year including: Luke Gray, Mitch Maves, Kurt Tribout, Mitch Gibbs, Antuan McClenton, and John Mueller. With the help of junior Luke Terhaar, the boys are ready to take the SouthwestSenior Mitch Mavers spikes a ball in the blue and ern Conference by storm.

With their first game on Tuesday, gold game. (Tyler Klaus/ The Prowler) March 27 against Granite City, the team has only one thing to work on, communication. Other than that, Coach Hagarty believes

Stanley Cup: Do the Blues have a shot?

Dylan Highley

When the 2012 season started, we expected the dylanhighley@othstoday.com St. Louis Blues to improve from last season. The Blues have went so far above all expectations with the new Head Coach Ken Hitchcock.

This season started off great for the Blues under Hitchcock. Hitchcock’s plan was to get the offense to fire on all cylinders and play an overload style of offense. What this means is to

is Brian Elliot who has appeared on the scene for the Blues in a hurry. This is his first year on the Blues roster and he has a record of 21 wins and 8 losses.

The reason the Blues are number one in the entire league is due to the fact that each night the goaltenders are in perfect health and well rested. Usually, a team as one goalie who plays all the time in the Blues case the goaltenders rotate, which means you’re looking at a goalie who is 100 percent of every game. These two goalies combined have allowed the least amount of goals

CAPRICORN

are usually clear seem blurry; don’t say yes to anything major.

You can’t help but wonder why everything is so darn boring. It’s not just Someone is feeling you; your friends are feeling it, too! An uncomfortable really affectionate and you’re the recipient of all their feeling might nag at you but if you address it instead of warm fuzzies - which could be good or bad depending hide from it, you should be fine. on how you feel about this person! You get a boost of credits: Horoscopes from horoscope.com, excitement but don’t expect the adrenaline rush to last. phobias from phobialist.com, and images by Katy Don’t over-think things; just feel your way through.

Maness

PISCES

Boys’ track vaults to success Ivan Leonard

The 2012 O’Fallon boys Track team is ivanleonard@othstoday.com looking to take the Southwestern Conference Championship by storm this year with its combination of athleticism and experience. sa “We look pretty good altogether as a team, We expect to win the conference” said relay performer and 200 meter specialist Marico Cowans.

Big performers that look to add onto their success from last year include Junior Alex Riba, who took 2nd place at the state cross country meet and is an early favorite to win the state title in track.

“The Southwestern Conference continues to be the top track and field conference in the state.

Traditionally, a field and sprint league, this year the SWC will also have two of the best distance runners in the state.

Fortunately, one of them is ours — junior (TJ Price/The Panther) Jack Klop Alex Riba.

Edwardsville would still have to be the preseason favorite to win the league championship since they have won the last two years in a row and return many of their top athletes.”

Nick Barrett anchors the field events as he is the defending Sectional Champion for discus.

That group is led by senior Brandon Tiller on the shot put, and sophomore Dan Ryan, who broke a freshman record last year on the discus.

Due to Greg Belter’s graduation, Senior Ka’Ra Stewart lead the jump events and take over

Belter’s position at the triple jump. That group also features Tae Mon Franklin, who established a freshman record for long jump, and Jack Klopfenstein, the top returning pole vaulter.

The sprint group, led by freshman Tae Mon Franklin, returns a handful of runners last season. Franklin set a freshman record in the 100m and made the finals in every meet except state. Also returning are relay performers Marico Cowans and Bryan Mah and junior relay and meter specialists Paul Kramer and Kaleb Washington.

The hurdle events will be anchored by junior Damon Boone, who showed much improvement during summer sessions from last season.

This year’s boys team has many performers with varsity experience.

The key to a Southwestern Conference title will be its depth at every event. Their schedule is filled with top competition from top to bottom. Of course, the SWC runs throughEdwardsville Tigers. They have won the past two conference titles and return two of the top runners in the state. Don’t expect the Panthers to back down however as they will back down to nobody this season as they push for state.

Andrea Vernier

andreavernier@othstoday.com

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

17

SPORTS

Girls’ track runs for the gold

VIRGO

Why does everyone think they know better than you? It will Focus on be hard to get away from the know-it-alls. Your subthe details. You can worry about the big picture later, conscious is quite active; pay attention to your dreams but for now, you need to think about the little things. for good clues about a problem you’re having.

People will no doubt come to you for answers but if you don’t have the information they’re looking for, be sure to tell them that instead of making something up. You’re feeling uncharacteristically moody; try not to snap at You can someone who’s just trying to help. actually get away with sweeping your mistakes under the rug. You have a chance to connect with people you normally wouldn’t associate with, which could give you Are you being too critical of other people on? a great opportunity to expand your circle of friends.

You’re a smart cookie, but you don’t know everything, so You feel emotionally exposed which means you shouldn’t stop acting like you do! If you and your best friend are broadcast your feelings for everyone to hear. at odds take a little break from each other. Things that

AQUARIUS

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

The Los Angeles Kings’ Jeff Carter (77) takes a shot as the St. Louis Blues’ Alex Pietrangelo, left, defends along with goalie Brian Elliott in the second period at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

take the puck outside to the point and fire it in to try to capitalize on easy rebounds.

This style has payed off for the Blues, as they stand on a record of 43 wins and 18 losses. A huge key to the success is not only with the new coach, but the fact that the Blues are so dominating with the hometown crowd behind them.

When at home, the Blues have a record of 28 wins and 4 losses.

The Blues are in a great playoff spot this season and have a huge chance at winning the Stanley Cup. The reason the Blues have dominated the National Hockey League is because of their defense, the heart and soul of the team. When looking at the defense look no further than the goalies. Jaroslav Halak is the first goalie on Hitchcock’s list. This is his second year as the Blues goaltender with a record of 24 wins and 10 losses. Halak is the goalie who will be used in the playoffs for the most part because of his veteran experience in the postseason. The second goalie

per game in the entire league.

The Blues lead scorer, David Backes, has made 48 points,and 21 goals. The great thing about the Blues scorers is the fact that its not a one man team; they have three players with 40 or more points. The players to watch for that are over the 40 point mark: Backes (48 points), T.J Oshie (48 points), and Alex Pietrangelo (43 points).

Hitchcock’s team has a chance of winning the cup due to the solid defense and the great home record. This team has made a huge jump from being a losing team a few years back, to now being the first place team in the league. Hitchcock wants to be the guy who brings the Stanley Cup back to the Arch. If he succeeds, this will be the first ever Stanley Cup for the St. Louis Blues since joining the league back in 1967.

The O’Fallon girls’ track team is off to a running start to the season. At their first varsity meet in SUIC Indoor (which didn’t have placings) on Friday the 2nd the girls won the 800 and the 4x8 relay. On Wednesday, the 21st, the girls were in Alton and placed 2nd, and on Saturday, the 24th, in Edwardsville they placed 4th.

“Our times are already better than the start of last year, so hopefully this season will be one of the best. I guess we’ll see!” says junior Janelle Nikola, a varsity runner for girls’ track.

Ninety girls came out for track this season, the most ever, according to Coach Neil James, head of Sophmore Ciara Jones makes a hurdle. (Tyler Klaus/ The Prowler) the girls’ track team.

The team has some returning state qualifiers, like Kaylee Schmitz, Taylor

Klingelhoefer, Athena Eccher, Ciara Jones, Jayda Hill, Aleasha Jones, Brea Masching, and Sam Lapp. Other top returners include Erin Cain and Ashley Sullivan.

“Our goals [this season] are to win conference and sectionals and qualify as many people possible for state as we can,” says Coach James.

P L AY E R

O F Gerian Summers

As the season is changing, the OTHS track team starts to hit the track in great excitement for their season. Among these runners is senior Kaylee Schmitz.

Schmitz devotes most of her time out on the track. For her dedication, we’d like to recognize her as Player of the Month.

Schmitz, who has been on track for four years, continues to reach new heights.

Running the 800m and the 400m, she holds several school records. She is a record holder for the 4 x 800 relay and 4 x 400 relay. She also anchored the state championship 4 x 400 relay team in 2010.

Along with these accomplishments, she is already raising the bar in the beginning of this season. In a past weekend, she ran the third fastgeriansummers@othstoday.com

THE PROWLER

est time in the 800 during state. lifestyle.

She started running in 5th grade It affects every decision in my life and has been in and encourages love ever since. me to keep tryGiving her all is ing. Track and something she cross country does in every meet motivates me in because beating the classroom her past times and and posiwinning are her tively affects main focuses. my health and What she loves eating habits.“ most about her Her pre-run sport is the amazrituals include ing friendships striding, listenshe can build ing to music, and the feeling of and praying accomplishment. before the meet She also feels with the group. that it builds her Seniors Kaylee Schmitz olds several school She always records.

She is a record holder for the 4 x 800 character. looks up to relay and 4 x 400 relay. She also anchored the Schmitz comstate championship 4 x 400 relay team in 2010. Coach Neil mented, “RunJames for some (Emily Love/The Prowler) ning is more than useful advice a sport or hobby to me. It is a and looks forward to hearing his

Dylan Highley

Despite Craig’s injury will keep him benched throughproblems,the out spring training and he is due back by openCardinals look like ing day. dylanhighley@othstoday.com a strong team goIf you think about the great run the Cardinals ing into the 2012 had the month before the post season started,it is regular season. New Cardinals manager Mike hard to imagine just how dominating they would Matheny hopes to make his mark on the Cardihave been if starting pitcher Adam Wainwright nal organization in his first year ever as manager. had not hurt his elbow.

After the Cardinals won the 2011 World That injury forced him to undergo surgery and Series in a shocking fashion, several drawbacks miss all of 2011. However, this will not keep occurred. Longtime manager him out for much longer, as Tony LaRussa announced his he is likely to make his big retirement, and St. Louis had return on opening day. to say good bye to a previous Mozaliak has not only fan-favorite Albert Pujols. went out and improved the After losing Pujols, general roster through new trades manager John Moziliak knew and free agents, but has that dramatic changes needed also re-signed players from to be made to fill the spot of previous seasons. first baseman.

It was announced that The Cardinal organizacatcher Yadier Molina has a tion decided to keep Lance new five year deal with the Berkmann and place him on Cardinals. first base where he used to Short stop Rafael play, hopefully lowering the Furcal,another veteran chance of injury. By moving player, is making a return St. Louis Cardinals’ David Freese (23) is wel- in 2012.

Berkmann to first, there is comed by teammates after his game-winning a missing starting player in Furcal is playing his secsolo home run in Game 6 of the World Series right field. ond year with the Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, on The biggest announcement Thursday, October 27, 2011. Freese’s 11thafter five years on the Los of the year was announced Angeles Dodgers. inning blast lifted the Cards to a 10-9 win over the Texas Rangers and forces a Game when the Cardinals signed The main concern with 7. (Ron T. Ennis/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/ Furcal will be staying away veteran outfielder Carlos MCT) Beltran to a two year $26 from injuries. This is his million deal. first full year as a Cardinal, Looking into the next season, there is only one and it is crucial that he stays healthy and continthing standing in the way of the Cardinals and a ues playing as one of the best defensive players in dominating 2012 season: injuries. the MLB. Allan Craig had a great year in the 2011 season Great things are expected from this Cardinal for the Cardinals, filling the role of outfielder team, seeing as though they are World Series after the trade of center fielder Colby Rasmus.

Champions. However, many stars on the team Although it did not look like much when he are in their late thirties; the season depends on hurt his knee back in 2011, he has undergone its players staying healthy for the Cardinals to knee surgery. repeat last year’s success.

Girls’ soccer sets high hopes for 2012 season

from teamwork to Coach Dippel himself. “ Dippel pushes us to our limits and realizes our strengths and weaknesses the tries to limit kameronjohnson@othstoday.com those weaknesses to prepare us for the their eyes set on state this game,” said Senior season. After last years 5-6-4 Kelly Hobbs. record and disappointing first The strongest round loss to Belleville West, part of the Panthe girls have made it their thers team strategy goal to not have a repeat of is their defense. last season.

The Panthers have Sophomore Quin Wilkes limited Nernix Hall leads the team with two and Althoff, two top goals in the season both teams on both sides came against Althoff. The of the river, to a ladies have high hopes on the meager six shots on season and are prepared to do goal, none of which whatever it takes to become have made it across the best team in the area. the goal line.

Dippel told Belleville Swarming the Seniors Mikayla Moeller and Rachel Federhofer News Democrat after their ball and harassblock the opposing from gaining possession of the 2-0 win over Althoff, “Quin ing the offense has ball. (Tyler Klaus/The Prowler) is a strong girl with a lot of become the name speed,” Dippel said, “She is a of the game that has very calm-natured person and lead to the panthers she’s not one to get frazzled easily. On the first 1-0-1 start on the season. As long as the team shot, she gathered herself and got off a good can keep up their momentum, play aggressive shot on goal. defense, and capitalize on fast break situations This year the team is lucky to bring nine there is no reason why the girls should not take returning starters all who feel the scorn of last the conference win and have an amazing run in year’s season. When asked what it will take to the IHSA State Tournament in Naperville. make the 2012 season a success answers varied

Kameron Johnson

Coach Craig Dippel and the lady Panthers have

MONT H

T H E

World Series champs starting fresh Pujols’ absence causes Cardinals’ vets to step it up

MAR. 30, 2012

words of encouragement before every run.

James said, “Kaylee is a great student. Her leadership and focus set a great example for the younger members of the track team.”

Though track takes most of her time she, also participates in National Honor Society, Lifesavers and the Athletic Leadership Council.

For her achievements, she was announced as January’s Student of the Month.

As a friend of Schmitz, senior Katy Maness said, “Kaylee is not only a good sport on the track. She always has a smile on her face and her personality is endearing.”

In the future, she plans on attending Montana State University and running on their cross country and track team. She is on the prowl for success and we are glad that she’s a Panther.

K A YL E E S C HMI TZ

18

SPORTS

Boys’ lacrosse starts season with a win; first time ever Kailey Jaster

The boys’ laWith five returning starters from last year’s crosse team opened playoff semi-finals including O’Connell, they the season with look to improve and make it all the way to state. kaileyjaster@othstoday.com an intense and As their season came to an end last year, the boys’ ‘barbaric’, victory returned home only one game from state. against Pembroke Hill. After trailing 3-1 in the As the scoreboard time ticked down, 12 first quarter, O’Fallon made quite the comeback seconds left in the game, the 11 and final goal with five straight was scored by ryan goals in the third Bouas. When asked quarter. how they felt after their Led by Sean winning home opener, O’Connell, who seniors’ Griffin Trotter scored five goals and Kameron Johnson in the second responded, “We were half, the Panthers a little unsure about rallied behind the perseverance of the him and won defense, but we came 11-6. With only together as a team and seconds remainpulled out a great vicing, the Panthers tory.” capitalized on a Avis lacrosse fan, RoPembroke error man Meduga kept the The team made an astounding win against Pembroke Hill, and scored once Panthers in the game marking their season for victory. (TJ Price/The Panther) more. with encouraging words This is the first from the stands yelling, time the boy’s “KEEP OUR COMlacrosse team has opened their season with a win. POSURE.” These words echoed to the fields If they continue to build on this approach to the firing up the team to send Pembroke Hill home season, only good things can happen. in defeat.

Softball starts the season off right; sets tone for winning season

Mycal Hurley

After becoming both conference and third time mycalhurley@othstoday.com regional champions with a 27-5 record in 2011, OTHS Softball’s Lady Panthers have high hopes in meeting and exceeding their accomplishments this season.

Despite losing their starting pitcher and catcher, some of the ladies have risen up to the challenge, such as University of Wisconsin recruit senior Macy Oswald, McKendree University recruit senior Marla Schulte, Upper Iowa recruit senior Lauren Marlinghaus and junior Alexi Cavins.

With a 10-5 win against the Mascoutah Indians on March 16, and a close 3-2 loss to the Waterloo Bulldogs on March 21, the team is continuing to play as a team.

Then on March 24 the ladies grasped two wins against the Limestone Rockers, 6-1, and the Glenbrooke South Titans, 13-3, starting the team off strongly and only hopes to get better with time.

Along with a new season, the Lady Panthers have begun construction on their new field at the O’Fallon Community Park. Scheduled to begin in the summer of 2011, construction has just

recently been started, causing many of the varsity games to be transferred over to the JV field.

When asked about what to do to meet the same standards as last year, head coach Kate Walsh said, “Our girls need to play as a unit and work on consistency all around on defense and offense. Pitchers need to get ahead early in the count and step up as leaders. The girls are quickly realizing that all of them are important, not just one individual.”

On Monday, the Lady Panthers defeated Lebanon 3-2 at home. Winning pitcher Taylor Bowlby not only helped herself out but brought the team to victory with her game winning homerun.

MAR. 30, 2012

Boys’ baseball promises interesting season Donald Eckerman

19

SPORTS

THE PROWLER

It’s springtime in the fifth inning with a score of 15-0. again and that “I feel that our team really came together as a group in the game against the Boilers. We really donaldeckerman@othstoday.com means it’s time for Panther Baseball. shined with our hitting and showed our true The boys kicked potential”, said senior Brent Crain. off their season this month with their annual trip The team’s level of play and skill due in large to Tennessee, where they played against four very part to their five returning seniors: Logan Reno, formidable Brent teams and Crain,Cory came back Beyersdorwith a 2-2 fer, Sam record.

Hopkins, Upon and Kyle their Wilson. return, our Head boys met Coach up against Jason Portz stiff comsaid “I’m petition at really proud their home of my five opener seniors; against they are Columbia. all coming Despite into their fighting own as tooth and leaders on nail all Junior Ethan Wild shows off his pitching ability in the game against Quincy. (Tyler the team.”

Klaus/ The Prowler) nine inBe sure nings, the to go to Panthers were unable to pull out a victory falling some of their games as they continue to prove to Ccolumbia 5-3. themselves as a Southwestern Conference force Proving that their record did not define them, to be reckoned with. the Panthers re-emerged looking like an entirely different team. Their next two games were shutouts, beating Quincy 1-0. They proceeded to demolish the Kewanee Boilers in a game ending

Seibert honored as April Coach of the Month

Dianiche Baxtron

dianichebaxtron@othstoday.com

Teaching at both the Smiley and Milburn campus, Mr. Seibert is known for

his humor and sociable personality. He is OTHS boys’ varsity pitching coach, while also teaching physical education and driver education.

Nick Seibert was born in Worden, Ill. on January 8. Born second of four children, Mr. Seibert has one older brother and both a younger brother and sister.

He attended Edwardsville High School and graduated in. While at Edwardsville, he was a dedicated baseball player, practicing and playing the game every chance he could. Mr. Seibert was also a member of FCA. While in high school, Mr. Seibert was a part of a state undefeated championship team, which ( also went on to win the National Championship Legion in Las Vegas. He and his team were rewarded by being flown in to New York City for games one and two of the ‘98 World Series. They were honored at home plate

at Yankee Stadium right before the first pitch.

When asked what he wanted to be as a child, he said, “I wanted to be a firemen because that was what my dad and grandpa did. I’m not doing that now because I wanted to be involved in the school system and coach kids.”

After graduation, he attended the University of Kansas and SIUE. At both schools he continued to play baseball, and at SIUE he was on Leadership Group.

In college, Mr. Seibert studied mathematics and kinesiology, which is the scientific study of human movement.

During the summer of 2005, he came to teach and coach at OTHS. Mr. Seibert commented,“I was really excited to hear that there was a position open. I wanted to have a positive influence on young kids, the same way my baseball coaches had on me.”

His favorite coaching moment was watching the boys get medals put around their necks when they won state tournament in 2006 and 2009.

Outside of school, Mr. Seibert enjoys many outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, camping and hunting. He also loves spending time with his two daughters.

OTHS Sports Schedule

Girls’ lacrosse looks forward to a great season Jacob Cook

jacobcook@othstoday.com

Spring sports have officially taken off for the year, and it’s sure to be a great year for the girls’ lacrosse team.

Head Coach Doug Riddle firmly believes that the girls’ effort in the last few weeks will enable them to triumph over Barat Academy on Tues, March 27. Last season, the girls dominated Barat Academy 16-1 at home.

Coach Riddle also believes that even though there aren’t any star players this year, there does not

need to be because the whole team “forms well together”, a skill mandatory for such a team oriented sport.

Communication, according to Coach Riddle and Senior Brynn Laverdure, is essentially the only skill that the team could improve upon.

Coach Riddle was even hesitant to say that there was anything to improve on at all, given how much confidence he has in the team.

In the four years that the lacrosse program has existed at OTHS, Coach Riddle has Senior Mackenzie McIntyre evades an opposing player. (Tyler Klaus/The never had this much confidence Prowler)

in the team.

“I’m looking forward to the best season we’ve had so far, because that’s what the girls are gonna do,” said Coach Riddle.

Boys’ tennis swings into a good season Dianiche Baxtron

On Tuesdianichebaxtron@othstoday.com day, the boys’ tennis team started off their season against Alton at home.

Top players include, senior JD Owens and juniors Tyler Rutz, JD White and Nick Mullen. These four boys are also team captions.

Last season, the boys ended in the middle of the pack. Two singles and

one double went to state. The team also finished second in sectionals.

“They’re a good core group of boys.

We’re hoping they will complete well,” said Coach Erin Thoman about the team.

Coach Thoman Senior J.D. Owens swings to success. (Tyler Klaus/ also said that all the The Prowler)

players this year are at the same athletic ability, which overall makes

the team strong all the way through the line up.

“We want to advance players to state. That’s our main goal,” said Thoman “We also would like to finish in top three in conferences and top two in sectionals.

It’s early in the season, but Coach Thoman expects the boys to go far.

They are all committed to the sport and have put in a lot of time in the off season.

Baseball

3/30- Webster Groves (H) 4:15 4/3- Granite City (A) 4:30 4/5- Edwardsville (H) 4:30 4/6- Civic Memorial (A) 7:00 4/7- Normal Community (H) 2:00

Softball

4/3- Granite City (H) 4:30 4/4- Civic Memorial (H) 4:15 4/5- Edwardsville (A) 4:00 4/9- Marquette (H) 4:30 4/10- Belleville West (H) 4:30

Girls’ Track

3/30- Belleville West Inv. (A) 4:00 4/6- Lindberg Inv. (A) 9:00 4/9- Mt. Vernon/Mascoutah (H) 4:00 4/11- Edwardsville Relays (A) 4:00 4/13- OTHS Invitational (H) 4:00

Girls’ Lacrosse

4/3- Kirkwood (A) 4:30 (V)/ 5:45 (JV) 4/5- Marquette (A) 4:15 (V)/ 5:30 (JV) 4/10- Summitt (H) 4:30 (V)/ 5:45 (JV) 4/12- Visitation Academy (H) 4:30 (V)/ 5:45 (JV)

Boys’ Lacrosse

4/2- Kirkwood (A) 4:30 4/5- St. Louis U (H) 4:30 4/14- Champaign Round Robin (A) TBA 4/18- Chaminade (A) 5:00

Girls’ Soccer

3/31- Geneva (V) (H) 10:30 4/3- Granite City (A) 5:00 4/5- Carbondale (A) 5:00 4/10- Collinsville (H) 5:00

Boys’ Tennis

3/31- Edwardsville Trny (V) (A) 8:30 4/3- East St. Louis (JV) (H) 4:00 4/5- Edwardsville (A) 4:00 4/7- Triad Trny (V) (A) 8:30

4/7- Belleville East Trny (JV) (A) 8:30

PHOTO STORY 20

THE PROWLER

MAR. 30, 2012

Main Director: Mrs. Nordmin

Backstage Crew These students, even though they weren’t given parts in the play, worked on stage side-byside with all the performers.

Their jobs ranged from simple to complicated.

The backstage crew was in charge of moving props onto the stage in between scenes, moving them off stage, handling the curtain and changing the backdrops. They also did other random necessary tasks to help the entire performance run smoothly.

These hard workers are: sophomore Alex Clements, junior Chase Lay, senior Lyman Le, sophomore Della Almind, sophomore Peter Neary, sophomore Sravani Kolli who was also student director’s assistant, senior Rex chapman, and junior Katie keirstead who was given the frustrating task of the curtain.

Sophomore Alex Clements says, “ Backstage is fun, it can be hectic sometimes, but we get it done and always remember to have fun with it.”

Tech and Spotters What would a musical be without any sound?

It would be very odd and pretty much impossible. Junior Evan Anderson, freshman Braden Rodriguez and junior Lauren Payne are the reason none of us had to experience that.

For such a complicated job to be put on by just three people, they did an incredible job.

Mrs. Merril said, “ I’ve been teaching here 26 years and Evan is the best sound guy ever!”

She also said that she

hopes Braden will come back next year and his response to that was, “I will be coming back. It was a lot of fun.”

Sophomore Lindsay Kasza and senior Katlyn Kapp had a tricky job. They had to sit at the very back of the auditorium every night to work the two spot lights. Because of their hard work, they helped bring the entire feel of the performance.

together.

Set Painters

Mr. Brooks, a ceramics and pottery teacher at OTHS was in charge of turning simple cut-outs into houses, signs and even umbrellas. Mr. Brooks and several students put many hours of hard work into turning the entire set into Kansas, Munchkin Land, the Emerald City and more.

For about a week, several students worked on the set after school

at the Milburn Campus.

These students were: sophomore Alysha Griessemer, junior Jim Gass, junior Kayla Symonds, junior Kelly Buch, senior TJ Price, senior Megan Carr, junior Jessica Krammer.

An extremely devoted person, Jim Gass said, “ The whole experience was a lot of fun, especially painting the emerald city.”

Makeup/Costumes

If you missed out on seeing the musical, you missed out on seeing some of the coolest costumes to ever exist.

All of the credit for the wonderful creations goes to sophomore Abbie Rittenhouse and Mrs. Alicia Nugy.

Two amazing girls took ahold of this job and the outcome all three nights, making the week of rehearsals outstanding.

Junior Chrissy McMillan and senior Rachel Rosseau put

their artistic abilities to use and transformed normal OTHS students into witches, munchkins, evil monkeys and much more!

Chrissy says, “It’s really fun because I enjoy expressing my creativity.”

Creative is definitely a perfect word to describe what they did.

Several of the performers also helped with makeup by doing the basics themselves.

Technical Director: Mrs. Merril

BEHIND THE SCENES

Musicians These students each night of the musical and for many rehearsals played over 3 hours of music. Hidden underneath the stage, they played 50 songs throughout the show and were beyond impressive.

On each instrument were: junior Kristina Cornaquet - piano, senior Conner Blankenship - piano, senior Morgan Coers - saxophone,

senior Ryan Meyer trumpet, senior Leah Hasket - bass clarinet/ clarinet, freshman Hannah Deboes - clarinet, senior Jeff Jung - trumpet, senior Brady Page - bass guitar, junior Josh Johnson - oboe, junior Elaine Ethridge - flute, junior Alysha Pfeiffer - flute, junior Devann Bopp - bassoon and Dusty Page, an O’Fallon graduate also helped out by playing drums.

Senior Katie Missey was the magic behind the musical. She was the brains, the creative ideas, the hard work, the patience, and the determination. Her job was an endless list of impossible expectations but she always made them work.

Night-bynight she worked unbelievably hard and was devoted to making the musical perfect. She handled the stress and criticism put on her with great dignity and class.

Missey was quite an inspiration with the way she handled putting this show together. Her contributions added a great

touch. A personal favorite of the cast and crew was when she bought real baby chicks to be on set. She even took on the responsibility of keeping them alive and finding a good home for them after the musical was over.

Freshman Sydney Stogner agrees and said, “ She’s really creative and some of her ideas may seem wacky, but they always work out.”

Another freshman, Lizzie Weroner, says, “I think she does a good job. She is thorough and picky which is a good thing because she doesn’t settle for less.”

Student Director: Katie Missey