May issue of The Prowler

Volume 41 Issue 8

The Prowler

www.OTHStoday.com

May. 8, 2012

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Senior Edition

prowler@othstoday.com

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Senior Personality Winners

Abbie Cariker and Brooks Beherns

Cutest Couple

600 S. Smiley St.,O’Fallon Ill.

Joe Mueller and Katrina Anderson

Best Dressed Megan Carr and TJ Price

Prom King and Queen

Michaell Jackson and Sarah Hesse

Most Athletic

Roy Bullock and Taylor Klingelhoefer

Best Smile Most Scholastic

Erin Cain and Luke Gray

Biggest Heart

Most Likely to Appear on SNL

Megan Carr and Donald Eckerman

Kelly Eastman and Amani Perry

Most Well Rounded

Mackenzie McIntyre and Joe Mueller Most Outgoing Most School Spirited

Niko Venuti and Paige Ball

Donald Eckerman and Madelyn Nowak Roddy Megan Carr and TJ Price

Most Artistic Cody Ray and Alyssa Soehlke

Most Musically Talented

2OPINIONS

THE PROWLER

MAY 8, 2012

pets more beneficial Decrypting the friend zone Adopting than buying a pet Kaley Johnson

kaleyjohnson@othstoday.com “Don’t get me wrong; guys and girls can no doubt be friends.”

Pla·ton·ic [pluh-ton-ik, pley-] noun 1. purely spiritual; free from sensual desire, especially in a relationship between two persons of the opposite sex.

The words, “We should be just friends” have haunted the realm of girls and boys for centuries. For unrequited love, these words mark the end of a platonic friendship and the beginning of awkwardness. It seems like it happens all too often; guy and girl meet; they become good friends; one of them starts liking the other; the feelings are not mutual; and it all goes downhill from there.

So I asked myself this age-old question, “Can women and men be ‘just friends’?”

The majority of the time, unfortunately, guys and girls cannot remain “just friends”.

Don’t get me wrong; guys and girls can no doubt be friends. The true definition of being “just friends” however, makes it clear that in order for this to occur, neither member in the friendship can have any romantic feelings for the other or have possessed these feelings in the recent past.

As debated in “When Harry Met Sally”, men and women cannot be friends simply because there’s always going to be “something else” that gets in the way that will ultimately doom the friendship.

It is difficult to find that balance. I’ve witnessed dozens of friendships vanish when the girl suddenly notices how crushworthy her best guy friend is, or when the boy finds himself attracted to a girl he’s been “just friends” with for years. There are times when both members of the friendship discover they have these feelings at the same time, and, in these cases, the two may decide to pursue a romantic relationship and ride off happily into the sunset together.

But most of the time, this fairy-tale ending is hard to come by, and platonic friendships backfire in a chaotic array of mixed emotions, unmutual romantic feelings, and confusing physical attraction.

This usually ends in a one-sided friendship, in which one member of the friendship party is

banished to the unmentionable “friend-zone” while the other is left feeling awkward and confused.

Either that, or the entire friendship backfires completely, spiraling down a deep hole where other friendships go to die when romantic feelings are not reciprocated.

So what, exactly, makes guy/girl friendships so difficult to effectively work through?

Well, my sweet little angel-faces, the answer is hormones.

The number one barrier in being close friends with a member of the opposite sex is overcoming physical attraction. Let’s face it; a majority of us aren’t exactly the innocent little children that our parents like to think we are.

Not just hormones, but also a teenage obsession with finding “true love” in high school complicates girl/guy friendships. It’s a wellknown fact that if you don’t date 14 people in your four years of high school, you’re obviously doomed to wander the earth lonely and dejected for all of time.

Please note the heavy sarcasm.

Despite its obvious inaccuracy, this mindset remains ingrained in many of our heads, and it takes its toll on guy/girl friendships. There are times when we may convince ourselves we sincerely have feelings for a particular friend, if only in the fear that without a significant other in our lives, we’ll be doomed to be forever lonely for all of eternity, or worse, without a date to prom.

This isn’t exactly all our faults though.

Through the media and Hollywood, we’re taught from early on that boys and girls can’t be “just friends”. Just look at movies such as “When Harry Met Sally”, “The Ugly Truth”, “Friends with Benefits”, “13 Going on 30”, “While you were Sleeping” and all the Harry Potter movies.

All of these show a normal, guy/girl friendship transform into a romantic relationship when they suddenly look around and realize that love has been right in front of them all along. It’s a little disgusting.

For some reason, we are all obsessed with this idea that if a guy and girl are close friends, they’re obviously secretly in love with each other.

Yes, in some cases, I guess this can happen, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Speaking as a girl, some of my guy friends have proved to be some of the greatest friends I’ve ever had.

Platonic friendships are kind of awesome, and it’s sad that much of the time, they’re ruined by awkward feelings and unconquerable physical attraction.

Hopefully, once we’re out of high school, we can find a balance.

expenses yourself.

Pets from shelters though are already often spayed, neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. katealialilly@othstoday.com Since an animal’s life is priceless anyways, breeders and stores should be ashamed.

“Since an animal’s life is priceThe fourth reason is that you’ll feel better. less anyways, breeders and stores should be ashamed.”

There is nothing better than having a loyal friend who waits on you at the door, begs for your food, and at the end of a long horrible day, even if you’re sick and smelly, will still cuddle up on your lap to say, “Hey, I love you no matter Every year, 3 to 4 million animals are euthawhat.” nized in America because not enough hearts and Pets just make you feel better. Maybe it’s homes are bringing in these worthy pets. something about their soft fur or the sounds There are hundreds if not thousands of reasons they make or the funny moments they have, but to adopt an animal. animals are an amazing part of your life.

The main five reasons I list, that are also supA pet can cure a broken heart and stop you ported by the Humane Society of the United from feeling lonely. It can keep you preoccupied States, will hopefully convince you to make the from your stresses. right decision next time you want to give your Pets aren’t just good company; they’re good love, time and home to a fluffy new creature. medicine.

The first huge reason is that you will save lives.

The last reason is that you won’t be supportBy choosing to adopt instead of going to a ing puppy mills and pet breeder or shop, you not only stores. save the pet you have chosen, How you probably but you will also save another perceive these two things one by freeing up extra space is extremely different from at the shelter. how they actually are.

Too many people are giving Puppy mills simply up their animals when moving mean puppy factories or getting bored, and these because that’s exactly what animals are having to face they are. deadly consequences for selfish It’s an animal’s nightreasons. mare.

Don’t be selfish; be compasBreeder dogs are kept sionate. confined in cages to be Also, the small amount used year after year until of money you do pay to the finally they are “disposed” shelter will buy food, toys, treats and so much more for A dog that has been rescued will mostly likely of when they reach an the other homeless animals. make a better pet/companion than a dog from age where having puppies The second main reason is a breeder. (Barbara Haddock Taylor/Baltimore becomes difficult.

The dogs never feel Sun/MCT) you’ll get a healthy, unique compassion or love. They pet. don’t get played with and Most shelters examine and give vaccinations in almost all cases they don’t even get cared for to an animal as soon as it arrives. This stops the medically. spread of infections, diseases and other harmful They often have a lack of food or water, if any conditions to any other animal. at all, and they are neglected completely.

They also leave open the option of spaying or That’s just the older dogs. neutering your animal to prevent more cats, dogs The puppies go through the same treatment. and so on, from being brought into the world They’re taken from their mothers shortly after with no place to go. being born and are stuffed into tight cages, and One of the best parts of a shelter is that these until they find a home, they stay that way. animals are being played with and observed by But what if they don’t find a home? several workers and volunteers every day.

The word disposable comes up once again.

This allows people to get to know the animal’s This treatment doesn’t only happen to dogs habits, tricks, personality and any other awkward either. quirk it might have.

Breeders for cats do the same thing along with So when time comes for you to choose a new bunnies, rats, ferrets, hamsters and any other best friend, finding your perfect match will be cute, innocent animal you can think of. easy.

Frogs are stuffed into large plastic bottles, Sadly, people get it in their head that these animals are at a shelter because they are “broken” 100 frogs sometimes sharing one, and in hot conditions, they are shipped to Petsmarts all over or they’ve done something “wrong”.

America.

That’s a serious misconception.

Buying animals from these places is only supMost of the time it’s because of issues people porting murder, pain and anguish. are having like a newborn baby, allergies, movThe way to stop breeders is to stop feeding ing, divorces and even money issues. them money.

Bringing up money, that takes me into the So next time you’re out and about, I hope that next reason. you take the time to stop by your local shelter Adopting a pet saves you from spending huge and give a friend a home or possibly lend your amounts of cash. time and a helping hand.

Pets from stores or breeders are always overA life is a life, no matter how small. priced, and often you have to pay for medical

Katealia Lilly

Oh you’re violent; must be the video games Editorial staff: Emma Gatewood Editor-in-Chief, News Editor Emily Love Editorial Editor Kameron Johnson Sports Editor

Tyler Klaus

Donald Eckerman Dianiche Baxtron

General Staff:

Photos & Web Liaison

Kailey Jaster Megan Ivey & Andrea Vernier Copy Editors

Catherine Maness

Mycal Hurley Entertainment Editor

Kaley Johnson

Dylan Highley Gerian Summers

Katealia Lilly Jason Nelson

Faculty Adviser Ms. Ashlee Heady

Jacob Cook Madeline Crowe

Sarah Hesse Layout Editor

Connor Holzinger Ivan Leonard Contributors: 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.

Jason Nelson

jasonnelson@othstoday.com “We’re responsible for violent behavior. Parental and peer influences are far more influential than what games are played behind closed doors.”

According to the Entertainment Software Association in 2010, sixty-eight percent of American households play video games. Violent crime, particularly among youth, has dramatically decreased since the early 1990’s. Not to mention video games steadily increased in both popularity and use during this time. What does this mean?

It means that video games do not correspond with violent behavior.

I know what you’re thinking, “Oh, but what about the studies that claim the opposite, Jason?”

Truth is -- there are none. Not a single “study” conclusively proves a connection. Yes, it’s true that innately hostile individuals are drawn towards violence in games, and if stimulated, they would be more inclined to act. However, no “normal” youth is going to pop in their copy of Grand Theft Auto IV and take those in-game violent actions to the street. Saying video games lead to violence is like saying Monopoly will cause me to be more likely to gamble. Don’t be ridiculous.

What frustrates me most is when the govern-

ment blames the world’s ills on video games. As of late, a new bill titled the “Violence in Video Games Labeling Act” is proposing a mandatory institution of labels on video games (regardless of rating) claiming that they promote aggressive behavior, more or less in the manner similar to labels on cigarettes. What’s to stop kids from still buying these games? In fact, maybe they would be more inclined to purchase something with such a label.

What’s more interesting is that those who propose this bill fail to understand what video games truly are nowadays.

And how can I blame them? Gamers aren’t known to voice themselves unless it’s a truly pressing situation, but that shouldn’t stop us from educating both politicians and parents about what video games really are.

Parents should be aware of what their children consume in terms of media and anything else for that matter. If your child is overweight, and you blame the restaurants, you’re avoiding the real problem.

But I digress. We’re responsible for violent behavior. Parental and peer influences are far more influential than what games are played behind closed doors. We should be more educated on the things that are right and wrong.

Video games do not inherently make people violent and are not a direct cause of such behavior. Adolf Hitler never played a Playstation game called, “Exterminate the Jews,” but history shows he could do it through his own power. So why blame a recreational activity?

MAY 8, 2012

Double standards split our society Mycal Hurley

mycalhurley@othstoday.com “Why can girls get away with the things that guys wouldn’t get caught dead doing in public?”

Guys, have you ever went up to another bro and asked them if they want to stay the night at your house, but was greeted by awkward looks from bystanders? Yet when a girl does it, it’s seen as “acceptable?” Another example: Ever go in for a bro-hug, then immediately stop because you were afraid what others would think about you? But on the other side of that coin, girls can go hug another girl without any consequences.

What’s up with that? Men can’t even dress well without repercussions from others, calling them “feminine.” Thinking about showing your feelings? Be prepared to get laughed at.

Why can girls get away with the things that guys wouldn’t get caught dead doing in public?

Why does this dividing-line separating the actions of the two genders exist in society? There’s only one answer: double standards. A double standard is an excuse or concept that permits one specific gender, race, religion or social status to perform an action, but opposes the action in other groups. So yes, girls being able to hug their “girlfriends”, but guys being unable to hug their “bro” is a double standard. Never really thought of it that way, huh? Because this ideal is instilled in all of us as children, from being dressed a certain way to what we watched on television to what we as a society deem as “normal”.

Although these standards may sound like a bad thing, double standards are necessary (to an extent) for society to operate properly because (for a lack of a more scientific definition) men and women ARE different from each other. They are meant to keep the peace and order in a society.

However, the thing that hurts this system most is the refusal to allow universal actions to be used in everyday life. So this means simple, undesignated actions like, hugging someone of the same sex, expressing feelings that we all as humans feel and presenting yourself in an organized, cleanly fashion, can only be associated with one gender and not the other.

In the past, men were considered to be the unmoved, emotionless part of the social spectrum, while women held up the emotionally-driven end. Men were also seen solely as the “breadwinners” and head authority in the household, while women were seen as housewives who had little to no voice of their opinions. Unfortunately, some of the standards still exist today because individuals in charge of how our society operates want to shape the behavior and perceptions of everyone to meet the same fundamentals that were put in place generations ago, when life was vastly different than it is today.

Gender equality is more prevalent in 2012 compared to the past. Currently, these double standards are slowly being hacked down, and certain actions are becoming more socially acceptable among both genders. Today’s men and women are no longer bound to unwritten chauvinistic “laws” as they were in earlier times.

Women can do many of the same things men can do, and vice versa. For example, now there is seemingly nothing wrong with a man getting a pedicure or even a manicure. And for those who disagree, simply observe the name: MANicure.

Double standards continue to dominate our culture, but if we can continue to prove them wrong, that both genders have rights to perform actions that are universal to both sexes, we can make them a thing of the past. While these standards still exist, remember this: it shouldn’t matter what other people think of you. It shouldn’t matter how society wants you to feel and act; do what makes YOU happy because life’s too short to do otherwise.

Taking another look at year ‘round school Madeline Crowe

madelinecrowe@othstoday.com “We need to be focusing on taking steps forward, not taking two steps back and one step forward.”

As this school year comes to an end, I can’t help but feel relieved that a long awaited break is in sight. And for the most part, many if not all students share mutual feelings about summer’s arrival, but something many students don’t take into consideration is the stress to come in three months when they are to return to school, and jump back into “school mode”. This stress in return can affect student’s academic performance.

The traditional school year was molded around an agrarian culture, where during the summers children were needed at home to work on farms to plant and harvest food for the year. Because of the necessity for labor, the school system was created to work around this demand and created a schedule that allowed time off for students and teachers during the summers. This was essential for families survival, but since times have changed, a schedule like this is no longer needed.

Many people have a misconstrued idea of what year-round schooling is; year-round schooling is essentially a different construct of the traditional schedule. The “traditional schedule” is the schooling schedule that we are on right now at OTHS, which means we have short breaks

3

THE PROWLER

throughout the nine months that we attend school, and then have one long break that lasts for 3 months. With year-round schooling, there are many different schedules. The most common is the 45/15 schedule. The 45/15 schedule has students attend school for 45 days, and then receive 15 days off. There is typically a longer break throughout the summers, giving the students and teachers a 30 day break.

According to Paul Marsh in his article, “Camp and Year-Round School: Opportunity or Challenge?”, it helps students by making the educational process more continuous, which in turn helps students stay on track academically.

This would help students who have a hard time with learning new things, and for students who may come from an underprivileged background.

Students from upper-class families may receive special tutoring throughout the summer, or even the school year which helps them stay on track with their school work. But for children who come from a lower-class backgrounds, they won’t be able to afford a tutor throughout the summer or school to help them stay on top of their grades. This is where year-round schooling would help because they wouldn’t have to worry about forgetting information over the long summer break, and instead would stay in the mind-set of school.

We need to be focusing on taking steps forward, not taking two steps back and one step forward. And with year-round schooling, that’s exactly what we would be doing.

OPINIONS

Factory farming can promote animal violence

most cases, they never get to feel sunlight and do other activities essential to the well-being of a truly healthy hen. Many of these chickens and catherinemaness@othstoday.com their chicks die before slaughter due to crowding and exhaustion. Many chickens used for their “Too many people are blind to meat have their feathers burnt off in chemical what actually goes on behind barn doors.” baths, again with no painkillers while they are fully conscious.

If something like this happened to a cat in a home, ASPCA agents would be there as soon as they could, yet no one shows up to arrest for In June of 2011, 19-year-old Monique Smith neglect and cruelty to these animals. In America, had a fit of rage against her brother and took the word farming is becoming replaceable with it out on her beloved pet hamster. Slamming it the word manufacturing. against the floor, the hamster died and ASPCA Say a little girl asks for a pig for a pet instead (The American Society for the Prevention of of a dog or cat. She names her pig, loves it, Cruelty to Animals) agents came to their home and takes care of it like any other child would to arrest the angry the teen after an autopsy was for a pet. Because the pig is put in a domestic performed on the hamster. The arrest of Smith situation where it is owned and cared for by a is justified, but how is it that there is a barrier family, then all the standards are elevated.Now between the treatments of domestic pets and if someone were to cause, according to ASPCA, how we treat farm animals born and raised for “extreme physical pain,” or do so in an “espeslaughter? I believe this shows that there is a cially depraved and sadistic huge gap that only justice manner” that person would and prevention can fill when be charged for aggravated it comes to cruelty towards cruelty to animals because animals in America that it took place in a domestic ASPCA agents cannot or will setting . not do anything about.

Authorities can do nothing While violence toward about the abuse or extreme animals does occur and physical pain brought upon needs accountability within a pig done so in an especially domestic environments, it is depraved and sadistic manner ridiculous and contradictory because that pig was raised in to arrest for the immediMany farm animals are abused and nea factory farm environment ate and painless death of a glected. (Richard Sennott/Minneapolis Star and not a domestic one. hamster but not the cruel, Tribune/MCT) The fact is, it is legal to inhumane torture of millions torture and abuse animals as long as we end up of animals. eating them. The attitude of the industry is, In late 2011 and early 2012, an undercover “why not beat a pig with a rod? Why not throw investigation took place at Adirondack Farms, a live chickens into painful chemical baths because dairy factory farm. This “farm” takes in 180,000 they’re going to die anyway.” With this aspect, a pounds of milk per day and transports the pig owned and cared for as a pet and a pig that product to Massachusetts-based Agri-mark Inc., will be slaughtered and packaged for meat within which is the largest supplier of milk in New England, and last year, had $900 million of sales. years are not equal, even if they came from the same litter.

Investigators concluded findings of workers Their perspective of the value of a life of an “routinely jabbing and striking cows with a pole animal is completely obscured while behind the and cane on the face, the udder and hindquarveil of the food industry, factory farming and ters just while leading them into a room to be laws upheld by ASPCA. This is precisely why we milked. Workers jabbed cows, fully conscious, in as Americans are disturbed when we hear about the ribs with a screwdriver and dragged them an cats and dogs being eaten as meat in restaurants estimated 25 feet as well.” and homes of foreign countries like China The scary thing is that this is only one example because of the clouded barrier between animals of the cruelty and inhumane activity that takes as pets and animals as meat, even if they’re the place in not only factory farms but commercial same animal. factory farms across the U.S. There are many Too many people are blind to what actually farms like this across the nations committing goes on behind barn doors. Milk jugs and meat countless acts of cruelty, and this is not even packaging with picturesque farms and smilclose to the biggest. ing animals are only hindrances to us and the There is nothing wrong with farming. There enlightenment we should really develop. is something, however, totally wrong with the We need to open our eyes to the truth of cruperception of a civilized, refined farming experielty toward ALL animals and not just domestic ence that these animals go through, portrayed pets. All animal lives are valuable and should on packaging labels with pictures of blue skies, be treated with respect. Instead of concerning green grass and wide open fields where animals ourselves with a business mindset of how to get have space all to themselves. the most bang for our buck, we need to realize In most farms, hens used for their eggs are that some farmers are committing extreme acts crowded together in cages called battery cages of cruelty toward these poor animals. In order made of wire, made about the size of a microto see the truth, with my unveil these “masks” of wave oven, stuffing four to eleven hens in one ignorance and pay attention to what’s really hapcage. They never get a chance to spread their pening on “Old MacDonald’s” farm. wings, scratch or peck at the ground, and in

Catherine Maness

Should texting remain a part of our lives?

hindering our language skills.

Excessive texting provides us with an excuse to use improper English, poor sarahhesse@othstoday.com punctuation, in-correct spelling and horrible grammar.

“Although texting does serve By repeatedly using improper lanas a convenience in our ever so busy lives it is silently hinder- guage, we adapt and begin to lose the ing our language skills.” ability to distinguish between proper and improper language, punctuation, etc.

Many times, this occurs unconThroughout the course of a normal sciously because of the routines we create. day, many of us send a bare minimum If you’re used to saying “u” in a text mesof 75 text messages to friends and family sage instead of “you”, it could easily occur members. within an essay or homework assignment Texting has become a norm in our without one even noticing it. current society. Nearly everyone has a I challenge all of you reading this to becell phone and all phones being sold are gin using proper English and punctuation equipped with a keyboard designed to when sending text messages to friends and allow users to text as easy and as fast as family members. It could help keep your humanly possible. language skills sharp rather If you need to ask your mother what than losing them all together. time you should be home tonight what Since texting is here to stay, it is up to do you do? Call her and ask or send her a individuals to change their habits so that quick “mom wht time u want me home texting can remain a positive impact on 2night” text message? lives rather than one that cripples us withMy guess would be to send the text mesout our acknowledgment. sage because it’s faster and easier to do.

Although texting does serve a convenience in our ever so busy lives, it is silently

Sarah Hesse

4

NEWS

THE PROWLER

MAY 8, 2012

President Obama visits Afghanistan on bin Laden anniversary Kaley Johnson

In a surprise visit to Afghanistan on Wednesday, Presikaleyjohnson@othstoday.com dent Obama gave a significant speech that has many wondering what exactly it means for our relationship with the Afghan nation.

Obama’s speech left much to the imagination, and the implications behind his words has the media buzzing. While America’s tense relationship with Afghanistan has never been easy, Obama hinted that the decade of war being fought in the nation is coming to a close. The President also stuck to his claim that the majority of troops will have moved out of Afghanistan

by 2014, although he ensured the U.S. military would still have a role to play.

“We’ll work with the Afghans to determine what support they need to President Obama made a surprise trip to Afghanistan for the one year anniveraccomplish sary of Osama Bin Laden’s death by Navy SEALS. (Ali Safi/MCT) two narrow

security missions beyond 2014: counterterrorism and continued training,” Obama said on Tuesday.

Another interesting piece of Obama’s speech stated that the U.S. would be

“pursuing a negotiated peace” with the Taliban, despite a history of tension with the organization, which previously provided shelter for al Qaeda.

The controversies and general terms of the President’s speech has many saying that while his words may have had diplomatic purposes, they also held the ulterior motive of a man ready to begin campaigning for reelection in six months.

Florida hazing scandal results in the arrests of thirteen students Emma Gatewood

In regards to the death of Florida A&M University emmagatewood@othstoday.com student Robert Champion, which was determined to be as a result of hazing, the state of Florida has charged thirteen students.

Champion was a member of Florida A&M’s marching band as a drum major when he collapsed on a bus that was carrying the band from a football game where they performed. Medical examiners said Champion died “within an hour of a hazing incident during which he suffered multiple blunt trauma blows to his body.”

The Florida Attorney General Lawson Lamar has referred to the incident as “homicide by hazing.”

He goes on to say “we can prove participation in hazing and a death. We do not have a

blow or a shot or a knife thrust that killed Mr. Champion. It is an aggregation of things, which exactly fit the Florida statute as written by the legislature.”

As such, Lamar has stated the evidence will not support a charge of murder agaisnt any of the defendants.

Of the thirteen individuals arrested, eleven of them each face one count of third-degree felony hazing resulting in death as well as two counts of first-degree misdemeanor hazing. The other two individuals face a single count of misdemeanor first-degree hazing, each with a typical prison sentence of up to or less than a year.

Officials are also reporting that some of the charges applied were results of incidents involving two other hazing situations where the victims were not seriously injured.

Champion’s parents, while happy that the stu-

dents are being brought to justice have expressed disappointment that the punishments were not greater.

Sources say that Champion died as a result of a hazing practice called “Crossing Bus C,” where pledges attempt to run down the center aisle from the front door of the bus to the back while being punched, kicked and assaulted by senior members.

The autopsy confirmed this, where the medical examiner found “extensive contusions of his chest, arms, shoulder and back,” as well as “evidence of crushing of areas of subcutaneous fat,” fatty tissue located just below the skin.

The Champions later filed a lawsuit with the bus company and driver, stating negligence. The bus company contests that the driver, who was not on the bus when the incident occurred, did everything he could to help save Champion.

With charges being brought in the case, band director Dr. Julian White asked the university for full reinstatement. White has been on paid administrative leave since Champion’s death.

White’s attorney Chuck Hobbs stated that, “Dr. White remains disappointed that barely 48 hours after meeting with band members that Robert Champion was killed in an extreme, horrific and illegal act of bullying.”

This incident has caused the university to prompt an investigation to root out all hazing and has drawn national attention to a frequent problem on college campuses.

(CNN.com)

Chinese activist says U.S. turned a blind eye to his plea for help Kaley Johnson

Chen Guangcheng, a blind Chinese kaleyjohnson@othstoday.com man born in 1971 in a small farming village in China, has recently come into the spotlight after he escaped house arrest and sought refuge in the U.S. embassy in Beijing.

Chen, however, claims that the United States had disappointed him through their weak diplomatic action in response to his plea for American aid.

Chen became a locally renowned figure at a young age. By 25, he was known by his fellow villagers as an advocate for their rights, and many times was the first person they turned to when help was required in the community. By the early 1990’s, after attending a school for the blind in which he became a lawyer, he and his wife had

taken on the human rights issue of forced abortions in China.

Due to China’s strict one-child policy, 35,000 abortions are performed every day in the country. Rumors and reports of violent, forced abortions and sterilizations have abounded in the nation. Stories of these governmentally induced abortions led Chen and his wife to eastern China, where, after in-depth investigations there, they took the matter to the government in Beijing. Although Chen organized official lawsuits for the victims against authorities, he served four years in prison for illegal, “disruptive” activities.

In 2010, he was confined to house arrest, where he and the rest of his family were guarded by Chinese authorities and reportedly were physically abused on a daily basis and received a scant diet.

Last month, Chen escaped from house arrest and made his way to the United States Embassy in China with the help of a network of supporters. His arrival created a complicated situation between American diplomats, such as Hillary Clinton, who was on a diplomatic meeting with Chinese officials, and Chinese authorities.

Chen says that he was concerned for the wellbeing of his followers as well as his family while staying at a hospital near the embassy and considered leaving the safety of the area to stay in touch with the outside world. He claims he only left, however, after he was encouraged to do so

by American diplomats. Chen admits he is “very disappointed” with how the Obama Administration has handled the situation, especially after they responded so weakly to his recent plea to President Obama to help his family, who is still

under house arrest.

American officials, however, claim that Chen insisted he leave the embassy and never discussed the abusive situation of his wife and children.

The situation is further complicated as the U.S. attempts to balance a pro-human rights policy while retaining their essential, and yet tense, relationship with Beijing.

Chen has now been reunited with his wife and children.

“The Chinese are now under an open and transparent obligation to provide this guy the security and assurances they told the Americans they would.” says Douglas Paal, a former State Department and CIA official. “Otherwise, their relations with the United States will take a sharp downturn.”

British hacking scandal moves review to Parliament; Murdoch declared unfit Emma Gatewood

Media tycoon Rupert Murdoch has had his capaemmagatewood@othstoday.com bility of running his company called into question after a phone hacking scandal was brought to light. Murdoch is the CEO of News Corp. which owns “The Sun” and “The Times” in London, as well as controlling “The Wall Street Journal”, “The New York Post” and “Fox News”.

The scandal resulted from a Murdoch employee hacking the voicemail of a missing thirteen-year-old, who later turned up murdered.

This has caused an investigation that uncovered many alleged incidents where phone hacking by Murdoch employees has been used to uncover stories.

As a result, Murdoch has been called before British Parliament to determine whether he is fit to run his international media business. The Parliament's Culture, Media and Sport Committee found that the “News of the World” tabloid publisher, News Corp. “wished to buy silence in this affair and pay to make the problem go away.”

As a result, in a report issued by Parliament, it

was announced that Murdoch was unfit to run (BSkyB) which is a large part of his holdings. his companies. The most damaging evidence in Ofcom, the British media regulator, which could the report was force Murdoch the accusation to sell BSkyB that Murdoch has stated that and his son they were reading James showed a the report from "willful blindParliament “with ness" to phone interest”. Ofcom hacking at the went on to say “News of the that they “have World” tabloid as a duty under the well as the newsBritish Broadcastpaper "delibering Acts of 1990 ately trying to and 1996 to be thwart the police satisfied that any investigation" person holding into the illegal a broadcasting activity. license is, and This deciremains, fit and sion may cause proper to do so.”

British regulaDespite this tors to make the News Corp.

Murdoch sell board sent out his controlling a statement that Murdoch the CEO of News Corp. was called before Parliament to determine whether he was fit to run his news empire. (PA Photos-Abaca announced "its stake in British Sky Broadcasting Press-MCT) full confidence

in Rupert Murdoch's fitness and support for his continuing to lead News Corporation into the future as its chairman and CEO." They went on to say that "the board based its vote of confidence on Rupert Murdoch's vision and leadership in building News Corporation, his ongoing performance as chairman and CEO, and his demonstrated resolve to address the mistakes of the company identified in the report by the Parliament panel.”

Police have arrested dozens of people as part their investigations into the phone hacking, email hacking and police bribery allegations.

While testifying before a police inquiry, Murdoch admitted that there had been a cover up of the hacking at the now defunct News of the World tabloid. He went on to say that News Corp. was the victim of the cover up and not the perpetrator.

In a statement to his 50,000 employees Murdoch said that Parliament’s report “affords us a unique opportunity to reflect upon the mistakes we have made and further the course we have already completed to correct them.”

Murdoch was forced to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds to the victims of the hacking scandal.

MAY 8, 2012

THE PROWLER

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NEWS

Keep the search going ; don’t let the economy affect your college dreams Gerian Summers

In regards to education today, a high school geriansummers@othstoday.com diploma doesn't make the cut when you are pursuing a career. You cannot get far without furthering your education past high school. But in recent times, with the economy being at its worst, higher education is becoming a slim option for some.

College costs have increased at about twice the inflation rate since the economy started falling in 2009. Current increases have averaged 5-8 percent.

According to the “College Board's Trends” in college pricing, the average totals in 2011-2012 for college (including tuition, fees, room and board) were $17,131 for students attending four-year public colleges and universities in-state, $29,657 out-of-state, and $38,589 for students at four-year private colleges and universities.

Assume an additional $4,000 for textbooks, supplies, transportation and other expenses. This is outrageous. We stand as the future of this na-

tion, but how can we continue to keep America on top if we can’t get an education at a reasonable cost?

As the economy continues to show no im-

In addition, college enrollment has decreased about 12 percent in state universities, and state leaders in education are saying the problem is that the rise in tuition and the worsening in economy is causing students not to go to college, second guess their first options, or postpone the idea.

As a result to the horrible economy and the skyrocketing tuition prices, more high As the price of college continues to increase, the ability of students to pay has decreased. school graduates More students than ever are graduating with more debt than their parents. (Randy Pench/ are resorting to Sacramento Bee/MCT) community colleges and trade provement, colleges are starting to give out less schools. Troubleshooting the problem continues and less financial aid to aspiring college students. to boggle the mind of state Congress and other

leaders.

As a senior, there are tons of ways to help you get around the problems of the economy that can put your college plans in a rut. You could find several scholarships floating around, or visit guidance, where several pages of scholarships can be found.

You can also apply for grants or find government money. If you find no other options while trying to get around the woes of the economy while searching for colleges, there is always the unspoken “L” word … LOANS! Loans are usually a last resort because they tend to have high interest rates and take forever to pay back. But you must always be smart and make sure not to borrow more money than you need. Loans are sometimes inevitable and help students come up with a plan to pay back college tuition once they get a “real job” after college.

Although the economy is down, you should not allow it to affect your college search. Your education is the smartest investment you could ever make!

How to diet safely during the summer Emily Love

Ahhhh... the dreaded swimsuit season. In a little emilylove@othstoday.com over a month, we will all be out of school and into the lazy days of summer. We put away the winter clothes and out come the shorts, tank-tops and swimsuits. Want to have a plan for dieting this summer? Read on for ten tips on how to safely diet over the summer.

1) Don’t go on a crash diet. They are not healthy and can have horrible side effects. And in most cases, as soon as you stop those diets, you gain all the weight back, if not more.

2) Eat breakfast! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When we sleep, we burn so many calories, and when you wake up, your body craves the calories to jumpstart your metabolism for the day. Don’t pig out though. For breakfast, I like to eat half of a grapefruit with some stevia (a natural sugar substitute with no calories) in it. White egg omelettes with spinach and tomatoes are also delicious and keep you full for hours. Fruits like berries or bananas also go great with breakfast.

3) Drink lots and lots of ice water. Your body needs water, and when you add ice to it, you burn calories because it takes more of your body energy to melt it. Choose water over sugary drinks and soda. When you drink sugary drinks, you are just retaining water and you will feel bloated. Many people think that sports drinks are healthy, but they are filled with sugar and calories. Water is a refreshing drink that actually quenches your thirst, especially in the hot summer 4) Don’t oversleep. When we sleep too much, we are normally pretty sluggish and very tired.

Get up and make yourself busy. You will sleep better at night and have more energy.

5) Surround yourself with a support system.

My family and friends have been extremely supportive of my dieting and that makes it easier. My mom started dieting with me, and by replacing her sandwich in her lunch every day with a can of Progresso soup, she has lost about 25 pounds. My younger sister has been my “conscience” throughout everything. When I’m about to eat something I shouldn’t, she always says, “Do you really want to eat that?” Now, it’s

to the point where every time I am about to eat something, I hear her say that in my head. The most supportive person, though, has been my best friend. She and I made a pact to go on walks for a few miles every day. It’s great exercise, and it gives us time to just let go of the stress from the day.

6) Keep unhealthy food out of sight. If you have food that is just sitting out, you are more likely to eat it and just think, “Oh it was out; I’ll just eat it.” DON’T! Keep foods like fruits and veggies on hand at all times and eat those when you are hungry. A great snack I have found is eating pico de gallo with melba toast instead of chips. It’s yummy, fills you up, and has few calories.

7) Don’t starve yourself. When you go without eating for a while, you are more likely to binge eat later, completely throwing your metabolism off.

8) Have confidence in yourself. Know that you can get through it and you will lose the weight.

It just takes some time. You will get there and it will feel so good when you do.

9) Keep a food log. Write down everything you

How much homework is too much?

Megan Ivey

Throughout the studying habits. Students from low income families hallways of OTHS, would not benefit as greatly as students from high you hear students income families. In many cases, students in low meganivey@othstoday.com complain about the income homes do not have the resources (such as huge amount of computers) or drive to put in time for studies outside homework and projects that are due. Teenagers are of school. Even something as external as race can known for complaining, but now some adults are have a benefit. A national study showed that out of in agreement, saying the numerous assignments are five different ethnic groups, Asian-American students a burden. Research has made the argument valid as saw the greatest benefit from homework toward the well. So, what’s the answer to the long asked quesimprovement of their grades. tion: how much homework is too much? And is it Regardless of the studies and opinions, most really beneficial? students are struggling under stress.

Teachers, as expected, wish Take junior Brea Masching for to push their students and help example. On a normal day, her them succeed. School districts set schedule goes something like this: standards for both the teachers and From 8 am until 3 pm, Masching students to meet. goes to school. Right after school, The standards differ greatly by she heads straight to a two hour whom you talk to. track practice or an even longer track Even within the same department, meet. After her sport, Masching you can find teachers with different spends time with her family while opinions on the amount of time stuenjoying dinner. But that “free” time dents should spend on homework. is soon lost with the average three Mr. Joe Bauer, who teaches Amerihours Masching spends on homecan history, has a different approach work each night. than some of his colleagues. Instead School athletes are not the only Students deal with both large of giving a homework assignment ones with a busy schedule. Junior amounts of homework and other to review what students learned Ashley Krebs participates in activistress. (Shmuel Thaler/Santa Cruz that day, he introduces new topics ties such as the school play, which Sentinel/MCT) the night before with a homework during opening week held practices assignment. Then, the next day, he as long as six hours, along with reviews the assignment which leads into that day’s dance and frisbee. discussion.

“On average homework nights I have at least two He said, “I give homework differently today than I hours of it, but on the denser nights sometimes I did a decade ago. Today students have many obligaprobably have closer to four or five. It makes it really tions. Athletics have become more important, and in rough when you’re trying to stay in extracurricular today’s economy, many of my students have to work activities and have a social life. I feel like sometimes after school hours.” it’s way too much. My mom even makes me stay in In the end, Mr. Bauer says that his homework is a on the weekends if it’s been a rough week, which way to help his students. If a student is a poor test means less time with friends. That sometimes only taker, they can benefit as long as they put in effort. adds to the stress,” said Krebs.

Research varies in this debate as well. According While students understand the importance of to centerforpubliceducation.com, there is no direct furthering their education, some wish that the time connection between homework and student achievespent at school was the only time needed for that ment. purpose. Teenagers wish to spend their after school However, the website did give insightful informahours on other activities, such as athletics, music or tion by saying that certain types of students benefit jobs. from homework more than others. Older students If there is no direct relation to homework and imbenefit more from homework than younger students, provement of grades, who’s to say massive amounts possibly because older students have accelerated are necessary?

put in your mouth because you are less likely to eat something if you feel bad that you have to write it down.

10) Don’t weigh yourself every day. I started doing that, and I just became obsessed with it.

I felt like it wasn’t happening fast enough and that is because you can’t just lose all the weight overnight. I weigh myself once a week, so it’s a nice surprise when I lose a few pounds. It’s much more rewarding than losing around .2 pounds a day.

I know that it is hard to start dieting at first, but trust me, it gets so much easier with time.

Not only are you losing weight, but you are getting healthier.

You are less likely to develop diabetes and become obese in the future. It is good to start dieting now as opposed to later because it is easier for young people like us to lose the weight than it is for people a little bit older. So, get out there, get active, eat right and get healthy!

6NEWS

THE PROWLER

How to effectively plan for final exams Emily Love

The school year is wrapping up and it’s almost time for emilylove@othstoday.com finals. You know what that means?

Time to crack down and get ready for those dreaded exams. I know I’m not the only one who gets super stressed out by studying and preparing for these tests. I have learned many different study strategies over the year, so I will share them with you.

1. Don’t put studying off until the last minute. Start getting ready for finals now. I have started to make my own study guides off of things I have learned from teachers and from tests and quizzes.

Take the questions from tests and quizzes and make your own packet out of the questions. Review one packet each night, and you will gradually retain the information.

It helps you remember the material easier and is a great study tool right before exams.

2. Make study groups with friends in your classes. My best friend and I get together before finals and play review games. It’s a great way to study and it’s fun all at the same time.

3. Pay attention to review activities in class.

Many teachers give hints to things that are on the final exam while reviewing with you. Write

it down. More often than not, that information is on the exam and will be easy answers to some questions.

4. Get a good night’s sleep the week of exams.

When you sleep well the night before, the next morning, you will feel refreshed and energized.

You won’t be sluggish and you will be able to focus more on your tests.

5. Eat breakfast. Even if you don’t normally eat breakfast, make sure to eat something on the days of finals. I’m not saying pig out on Pop-Tarts or toaster pastries, eat something substantial that will keep you energized. Eating protein like an egg is always good or even whole wheat toast with a glass of orange juice. Your brain needs the energy and nutrition to attack those exams.

Now I know many people have their own ways of preparing for final exams, but these are just a few ways that have helped me and might help you succeed.

The biggest thing to remember is to not stress too much over them. Yes, they are important and you should do all you can to prepare for them, but don’t get too anxious. The best thing you can do is prepare for them ahead of time and take care of yourself. Good luck to everyone on their exams and have a great summer!

Mr. Dickerson celebrates Model United Nations success The Model United Nations was in session at McKendree University April 11, 12, 13 and O’Fallon students performed with great distinction, winning a multitude of awards for their excellence.

The Model United Nations gives students the opportunity to examine a wide range of international issues and to do so from a point of view that students, perhaps, had never considered before becoming a delegate.

The skills of research, writing, public speaking and debate are all developed by the experience.

There were sixteen area high schools participating in the Model United Nations along with OTHS. In the Special Political Committee,senior Emma Speight received the Superior Delegate Award representing the United States. Speight also received a Superior Award for her research position paper, which is a written paper on an assigned international topic.

In the Security Council, senior Mackenzie McIntyre received an Honorable Mention Delegate Award representing the United States. In addition, McIntyre received a Honorable Mention Awards for her United States Policy Statement, which is a speech given before McKendree College staff and her position paper.

In the General Assembly, senior Zach Toennies received the Superior Delegate Award representing the United States.

In the Political Committee, sophomore Ryan McK-

Students must stay aware of their personal safety Katealia Lilly

The summer is Rule number 3: Make sure someone always finally here and knows where you are going at all times. we all know what It could be a parent, close friend or another katealialilly@othstoday.com that means; party, trusted adult. This way if you go missing and work, party, work don't show up where you said you’d be, they can and then of course party some more and then retrace your steps. party again, oh and don’t forget to party.

Rule number 4: Avoid strangers.

Everyone has their own ideas and plans for It doesn’t matter if a friend of a friend knows what they are stoked out of their minds to do in them or if they seem cool. just a couple short weeks.

Try to avoid cars and alone time with people Some are going to party at a campsite with you don’t know. family and close friends, others will dance it up Trust me, it’s smarter to get to know somewith 100 or so other people in a house that’s way one when other people are around to interact too small with music that’s way too, well, bad. with. This eliminates any awkward moments or Either way, it doesn’t the potential of being matter. What does matharmed. ter is that you’re safe.

Rule number 5: Have This needs to be a a plan. summer to remember, It’s cool to wing it not one to forget. sometime, but if you I know you’ve all think ahead and have heard from your parents some sort of idea what and other adults that you’re going to do then you need to do this and you can properly prepare avoid that which over for it. the years has become Now here are some annoying and repetitive, simple tips to stay safe: but there is truth to all 1. Don't accept open of it.

Alcohol is one of the many things students should avoid drinks from people Every day, girls and if everyone there isn’t during this upcoming summer in order to stay safe. boys are kidnapped, (TJ Price/The Prowler) someone you trust. violated and murdered 2. Bring a safety kit. because of foolishness.

It can include first aid items and bobby pins or This summer, I hope all of you will take a few supplies for a sleepover. words of advice and live by these rules.

3. Don’t be by yourself.

Number 1 rule: 4. Eat before you go to parties, this way you Be aware of your surroundings. Nothing is avoid people putting things in your food that more important than knowing what is going could potentially hurt you. on around you. I know it’s easy to get caught 5. Wear sunscreen. Skin cancer is also a sumup in the moment with your friends or to space mer danger. out what's happening next to you but this is 6. Avoid drugs and alcohol. dangerous. Not only does having your eyes open 7. Wear your seatbelt. keep you safe, it allows you to help others out if 8. Keep an eye on your belongings and food or they’re in a bad situation and no one is noticing. beverages.

Rule number 2: Always use the buddy system.

9. Have self-respect. This closes a lot of doors There is power in numbers and it’s always nice to harmful situations. to have a friend or two to be there if you need 10. Make smart decisions overall! help.

Be safe O’Fallon!

eown received an Honorable Mention Delegate Award representing the United States. McKeown also received an Honorable Mention Delegate Award for his research position paper.

In the Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee, sophomore Elizabeth Bieri received the Superior Delegate Award representing the United States.

In the Economic and Social Council, junior Alexandra Pokorny received the Superior Delegate Award representing the United States.

In the Legal Committee, senior Emma Gatewood received an Honorable Mention Delegate Award representing the United States.

The OTHS delegation of the United States received the Outstanding Delegation Award, which is the highest delegation award to be received. Representing the United States were McKeown, Bieri, Gatewood, Pokorny, senior Megan Laney, Speight, McIntyre and Toennies.

“Our school and community can be very proud of the efforts put forth by all of our students at the McKendree University Model United Nations Conference. Our students represent the very best qualities of hard work, dedication, diplomatic skill and a commitment to making the world a better place. I’m proud of the effort put forth by all of our students and it’s extremely exciting to see them be rewarded for their hard work and dedication.

They all worked extremely hard and they deserve the recognition.”

Brad Dickerson OTHS International Relations Teacher Model United Nations sponsor

Mock DUI shows OTHS students dangers of driving while intoxicated Megan Ivey

MAY 8, 2012

On April 19, SADD and juniors Anna Martin and Jessica Warchol were sent teamed up with firefighters to the hospital with critical injuries. and CarrolAnn and Mitchell was rushed in a helicopmeganivey@othstoday.com parater, sadly passing away. medAs a follow up, the Panther ics to demonstrate the dangerous Beat created a video of Mitchell’s effects of drinking while driving in “funeral procession”. Her parents the annual Mock DUI. even recited a eulogy she wrote As students walked out to the herself.

Weber at the end of the school day, The Mock DUI is a perfect they were shocked to see fire trucks, example of what could happen a helicopter and two destroyed cars when students let their guard centered in the parking lot. down. It is important to rememSADD members played roles of ber the consequences of drinking people in the crash, making the while driving. experience that much more real.

The Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Malibu used Senior Nick Bauder was the driver in the Mock DUI are barely recognizable after their and charged with underage drink- collision.

(TJ Price/ The Prowler) ing and driving under the influence of alcohol. Senior Katie Missey

THE PROWLER

MAY 8, 2012

OTHS students welcome incoming freshmen with Blizzard Emily Love

hol, and making bad decisions. emilylove@othstoday.com Different from most years, the On April 3, 2012, the curprioner only spoke rent high schoolers put on for approximately the Blizzard program for the three minutes. incoming freshman. Eighth Because he was graders from all the feeder in the process of schools in the area were in going to trial, he attendance. The program was not able to started off with eighth graders tell the audience trying to find their way in why exactly he was the Milburn campus gym to arrested and awaittheir assigned groups. Once ing trial. After the everyone was accounted for, prisoner spoke, the program really began. the audience It started off with the SADD broke into two Incoming freshmen participate in Blizzard games, meetofficers introducing themselves ing their classmates for next year. ( Shannon Wallace/ groups with half to the audience. Next, Officer The Panther) of them going to Jay Spanley brought a prisoner watch a video on in to speak to the audience peer pressure and and tell them his experience with drugs, alcothe other half breaking into their small groups.

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FEATURES

In small This year’s groups, Blizzard the high was a schoolers huge sucprepared cess with ice one of the breaker biggest activiturnouts ties and in the 21 games years it for the has been eighth going on. graders to Hopeparticifully due pate in. to the sucAfter cess of the they all event, the warmed new highup to schoolers A few of the Blizzard leaders gather together for a picture while waiting for the eighth graders to arrive and join their groups. (Shannon Wallace/ The Panther) each will make other, the good eighth decisions graders asked the high schoolers questions about throughout their time at OTHS and will be things they will face in high school. good role models for years to come.

What colleges look for in high school transcripts Connor Holzinger

We all know that colleges look at connorholzinger@othstoday.com your high school transcript when you apply for admission, but what exactly do admission offices look for?

Class rank, one of the factors that used to be thought of as a decisive component in college admissions, does not hold as much weight as it used to. One of the main reasons for this is that a student’s class rank only represents them out of the rest of their class; it’s not necessarily an accurate representation of the student’s academic rank as a whole. However, while it may not individually determine your admission, a high class rank can help “tip” a college’s decision to admit you if they are still indecisive about other

admission factors.

Another factor considered in college admissions is what level of classes a student is taking. This can vary individually by high school and college. For example, if a high school only has regular or honors chemistry, then honors will look good. If, however, you have an AP class as well, honors chemistry may not seem so impressive. Some schools also add to your GPA if you get a certain grade in an honors or AP class. However, you need to check on this for any college you are considering, since every school is different.

While colleges strongly con-

Standardized tests; inadequate measure of student’s intelligence

Andrea Vernier

Every year, social economic standards and students with students across the mental disabilities-- with the hopes that every nation are forced single group will perform the exact same and andreavernier@othstoday.com to take standardreach above the line set for the tests. ized tests. The only “The act punished schools for not making way they are able to prepare is by taking other ‘adequate yearly progress’ toward having all standardized tests, getting a good night’s rest, students proficient at ‘challenging’ standards eating a proper breakfast and sharpening their by 2014, regardless of student’s socioeconomic number 2 pencils. disadvantages or even of their own disabilities,” Students are told to do well on these tests so says research associate of the Economic Policy that they can get high scores, which helps them Institute Richard Rothstein. get into a good college, earn scholarship money Rothstein also states that the NCLB has failed and prove their smarts. in its mission to provide equal access to quality However, according to public education for all FairTest, an organization students in the U.S., and that advocates for the that the legislation has reform of standardized unbalanced curricula and testing, standardized testhas created unrealistic ing does not test creativexpectations. ity or complex thinking As of now, many states skills. They rely largely on have requested governirrelevant state standards ment permission to work and are not objective around the requirements of measures of student ability NCLB. In September 2011, or achievement.

President Obama stated Many people feel that that the government would something needs to be grant wavers to states who done to reform or abolish Only people question whether everyone is equal. Studies could come up with “rigorcurrent standardized test- show that standardized tests are easier for upper class ous and comprehensive ing.They feel it’s unaccept- citizens, because the tests use terminology that they are plans” aimed at improving more familiar with. (Tyler Klaus/The Prowler) able to rely on standardtheir state’s educational ized tests to label a person’s standards. potential.

Despite all the hype against standardized testThese tests are tests in which all students ing, many do believe that it is helpful. A Nov. answer the same questions, in a multiple choice 2010 report by McKinsey & Company, a global format, and each question has only one correct management consulting firm, found that school answer. systems in 20 countries “that have achieved “They reward the ability to quickly answer susignificant, sustained, and widespread gains” on perficial questions that don’t require real thought national and international assessments, and had to actually answer,” as stated in a FairTest article. used “proficiency target for each school” and Every student has their good and bad days. “frequent standardized testing to monitor system Based on the mindset of FairTest,relying on one progress.” test could not possibly determine how smart and Those who are pro-standardized testing capable a student truly is. believe it to be helpful, and consider it a precise The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) plays a measurement of intelligence because it creates key role in standardized testing and how it affects conditions where everyone is equal. a community.

Only people question whether everyone is NCLB, also known as Public Law 107-110, equal. Studies show that standardized tests are was passed in 2001 by President Bush. It states easier for upper class citizens, because the tests that if students don’t all get above a certain score use terminology that they are more familiar with. (which differs for each school) on a standardized Although many are fighting for standardized test their school will be dubbed as “failing” and testing reform, it is sure to be a while before a will also be fined and penalized. change is established in our nation’s schools.

The standardized tests that are distributed Still, people will continue to push for reform, so according to the act are given to every single that our nation’s students will stop being judged student in a school-- black, white, high and low based on a number.

sider class difficulty when admitting students, a pupil’s GPA is still important. A student’s GPA (Grade Point Average) can roughly show their overall rank and can be a valuable tool when comparing students across different schools. Do not, however, assume that a high GPA will automatically assure admittance to a school; colleges are more impressed by strong grades in challenging classes than straight A’s in easy classes.

Attendance is a factor that should also be considered. A few sick days won’t hurt a student’s chances of being admitted to a particular college, but long stretches of absences (or skips) will undoubtedly raise a

red flag at the admissions office. Skipping school will show a college that a student is not willing to work hard, just like poor grades do. If a student has had extended absences from class due to a legitimate reason such as a health problem or family emergency, the student should be sure to note this when applying to the college of his or her choice.

Getting into college may be tough, but if you keep in mind what colleges are looking for, you stand a better chance of showing schools the best that you have to offer. Try your best during school, in addition to doing well on the ACT, and you’ll have a solid chance at getting into the college you desire to attend.

Sodexo rewarded for participating in Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign Donald Eckerman

donaldeckerman@othstoday.com

Many of you might not have known but for the past

campaign to help put an end to obesity in American youth. Sodexo’s healthy eating initiative featured over 200 different schools with awards ranging from $500 all the way up to $5,000.

Each day when you went to lunch and purchased a healthy item it contributed points to the school’s score and were worth double if you happened to choose the healthy item of the week.

So continue to eat healthy both inside and outside of the cafeteria, and keep up the good work O’Fallon.

(Lane Christiansen/MCT Campus) six weeks OTHS has been participating in a nationwide competition to help promote healthy food choices in teenagers. At a board meeting last month, the school was awarded $500 as a Consolation Prize for being a participant in the Healthy High School Challenge.

This contest sponsored by O’Fallon’s very own lunch food provider Sodexo is in partnership with Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move”

Journalism students compete at SIUC Megan Ivey

On April 21, students from the journalism promeganivey@othstoday.com grams (newspaper and yearbook) headed to SIU Carbondale for the IHSA Journalism Sectionals competition. At Carbondale, the students each competed in separate categories, highlighting their talents in writing, layout design and photography. The trip was also a way to check out the many journalism opportunities SIUC has to offer. OTHS had many students place and advance to state. Awards were

given to: junior Katealia Lily, Advertising (3), sophomore Lauren Reeves, Broadcast Newswriting (3), junior Andrea Vernier, Copy Editing (1), senior Katy Maness, Editorial Cartooning (2), senior TJ Price, Feature Photography (1), junior Connor Holzinger, Info Graphics (3), senior Mycal Hurley, Review Writing (1), junior Tiffani McCormick, Yearbook Copy Editing (3), sophomore Abby Rittenhouse and junior Matt Meyers, Yearbook Theme Development (2) Those students listed competed in the IHSA State Competion at Eastern Illinois University on Friday, April 27.

8FEATURES

THE PROWLER

ZULA

Tips for a good transition from high school to college

College is upon us seniors, and the pressures of the many universities we have part of a student’s time in college. At the same applied to have hit us and have probably time it may be the most dangerous. waded in the water by now. But now a new set Solution: When choosing a fraternity or of problems arise as we bury the past. The social problems of college may cause a greater headache sorority, first do your homework on the group.

Understand what it is they stand for. Hazing is than the files of applications and request forms we filled out to get there. This guide to my fellow a key component of pledging, and though it is illegal, it will forever be a part of the Greek life seniors should help with the top five problems process. If you ever feel uncomfortable or feel the incoming college freshmen face. need to leave, do so and keep yourself safe.

5. Homesickness 2. Partying Problem: Whether some admit it or not, most Problem: Partying is not a problem. Parties students will at one point get homesick. This were designed so that attendees could have a is especially common for students who go to good time. However, many of the parties that a school that is more than 3 hours from their go on at colleges home. Hometoday have the sickness also potential to cause affects freshman problems. At as it is presummany parties ably their first alcohol and drugs year away from can control the home, and most night. Alcoare not allowed hol can lead to to have a car drunkenness and during their potentially poor first year away. decision making.

Solution: If Solution: the student While parties are lives within a good time, stu3-4 hours from dents should plan home, (considto enjoy them in ered a comfort- Zula prepares to school students on college. a responsible and able day’s drive) (Ashlee Heady/The Prowler) legal way to ensure he/she can plan that they do not to visit home perhaps once every month or two. create problems for themselves or for others. A Care packages, emails, and phone calls to and from friends and family members can also greatly simple internet search for drunk driving will turn up plenty of pictures and news articles which assist in reducing feelings of homesickness. really do not need to be repeated.

4. Working 1.The Freshman 15 Problem: To combat the high price of college Problem: Dining halls can be a nightmare for tuition, many students must get a job. Juggling weight-conscious individuals, especially with the a job, 15 to 18 credits, and sometimes a club or overabundance of high-calorie foods and friends sports team is quite a chore. Many students try who push you to indulge. to cram all of these activities into one day, and Solution: Avoid these obstacles by deciding time spent sleeping suffers. Without proper rest, what you’re going to eat before each meal. When the student can then become susceptible to diffinished with your meal, wait 20 minutes after ferent kinds of health problems. finishing to go back for more. That’s how long it Solution: Decide what is important. The student must prioritize and then schedule events, takes for your stomach to tell your brain it’s full.

Fitting in time to exercise may become a hassle games, meetings, and studies accordingly. Also, with studying and socializing, and the last thing a college student must be well aware of their on your mind may be taking a two mile jog. To options when getting a job. Many times the university will offer jobs to students that are flex- sneak in a workout, strap your book bag on your ible and fit into the student’s schedule. For more back and take the stairs up to your dorm room.

By following these five simple rules, you will information, see the “College Jobs Guide”. make your freshmen year that much more enjoy3. Pledgeing able and stress-free.

Problem: Pledging can be the most exciting

MAY 8, 2012

Gravlin and Mueller named April SOTM Emma Gatewood

This April, the Students of the Month are John emmagatewood@othstoday.com Mueller and Lanie Gravlin. Gravlin plans to attend the University of Missouri at Columbia to pursue a degree in business and fine arts. Gravlin says, “This was a very hard decision for me because I want to be able to find a decent job out of college and there aren’t many opportunities for an art major. At the same time, art is my passion, and I can’t imagine sitting behind a

teacher because “I’ve learned so much about the world from him.” She goes on to say that “because of his class, I now find myself connecting the dots from things he’s taught me about WWII or some other event to what’s happening now or in other classes. He’s also hilarious.”

Mueller plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where he plans to pursue economics and business. The best part of being SOTM in Mueller’s opinion is “being recognized for my achievements, and, of course, the parking spot.”

Seniors Justin Lewis and Brent Crain cheer on their class at the fall pep rally. (Tyler Klaus/ The Prowler)

Senior John Mueller is a member of various school activities (Emma Gatewood/The Prowler)

desk 9-5; it just wouldn’t be enough for me.”

Gravlin says the best part of being named a STOM is the recognition of all of the hard work she has done, and, of course, the parking spot.

She admits that her best quality is her creativity.

She says, “Recently, I’ve been really interested in blank canvas shoes and decorating them with sharpie markers. I love turning something as simple as a pair of shoes into a walking piece of art.”

Gravlin notes that Mr. Bauer is her favorite

Senior Lanie Gravlin plans to attend Mizzou next yearability (Emma Gatewood/The Prowler)

Mueller is part of many extracurricular activities including varsity boys’ volleyball, SADD, LifeSavers, FCA, and he is also the leader of the St. Nicholas Church youth group. Mueller admits that his best quality is his generosity but his worst quality is being impatient.

Mueller says that his favorite teacher is Mrs. Haisler because “she teaches my favorite class, Honors Accounting, and because she helped to guide me on my path to major in business at University of Illinois.”

THE FINAL POP CULTURE SHOWDOWN!

obviously clear. goes to Mr. Wilson, further broadening his lead The score is 3-0 Wilson. to 5-0.

Round 4: Round 6 Technological messiah Steve Jobs died last year How many World Series had the Cardinals donaldeckerman@othstoday.com - what is he famous for having created? won in 2012?

Federhofer: Federhofer: “Apple!” “uhhh... one?”

Wilson: Wilson: Computers.

“Hahahahah! It’s Apple Comtrue; they did puters. She only win one didn’t finish World Series her answer.” this year.”

Dis…. they gruntled as both score on a Rachel may technicality. The be, she did answer I was rein fact fail ally looking for to complete was 11. her answer, The score is which was now 6-1 Wilanswered son.Round 7: correctly by What IroniMr. Wilson. cally named The score The rivalry begins as the opponents chose their weapons of choice. senator was Wilson and Federhofer “fight to the death” in a especially “close” battle of wits.

SHOW- (Ashlee Heady/The Prowler) Mr.Wilson’s is now 4-0 forced to resign (Ashlee Heady/The Prowler) DOWN! favorite Wilson. for sending This month, we are featuring the King of Chemcolor? inappropriate istry, the one and the only, MR. WILSON! FederRound 5: pictures in text messages?

His opponent, who has the gift of gab, Rachel hofer: What Grass*Mr. Wilson leans over and whispers the Federhofer. The topic this week is revenge, and, “Blue!” roots political answer into Rachels ear* in full disclosure, the host of this loosely ruled Wilmovement Federhofer: “NO, I’M NOT SAYING gameshow may be slightly biased. son: started in THAT!” Round 1: “Ding!

September Wilson: “Hahaha, Anthony Weiner.”

Last year what military policy was repealed Ding! by a group Federhofer: “......... oh, I thought you were allowing homosexuals to openly serve in the Ding! enraged by the kidding...” military?

Clear.” salaries of the Mr. Wilson is right for the 7th time in a row, Federhofer: “I know this! ........ I don’t rememAs “top 1%”? for those of you keeping track at home the score ber it, but i know it! Umm...” shockFederhofer: is neck and neck...... 7-1 Wilson.

Wilson: “Ding! Ding! Ding! “Don’t ask don’t ing as “The the the Round 8: tell.” this may the wall street What blockbuster movie came out last Friday Despite the fact that Rachel “knew it” she seem, thing, the uh starring Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and couldn’t come up with the answer before time Rachel uh uh uh.....”

The Hulk? ran out, so the point goes to Mr. Wilson. has Wilson: Federhofer: “OH OH OH I KNOW THIS..

The score is 1-0 Wilson. missed “I believe its ..........”(Deja Vu?) Round 2: her third Occupy Wall Mr. Wilson: “The Avengers, duhh.”

What teen artist came out with the audio asquestion Federhofer is ready to rumble while Wilson shields is body with the Street.”

Well it was a real nail biter folks, but in the saulting pop flop “Friday” which grossed over 40 in a row, Prowler. (Ashlee Heady/The Prowler) Federhofer: end Mr. Wilson emerged victorious, rounding million views on YouTube? because “Yeah! I knew out the game with a final score of 8-1 Wilson.

Federhofer: “Pop flop.....? What......?” even tribal Aborigines living in the Outback of it was Wall Street.”

Have a great summer everybody.

Wilson: “Ding! Ding! Ding! Rebecca Black.”

Australia know Mr. Wilson’s favorite color is Close, but no cigar for Rachel. This round also

Donald Eckerman

Welcome to the final installment of OTHS’ favorite written game show POP CULTURE

Federhofer: “OHH, I KNEW THAT!” If Rachel’s epiphanies keep coming just moments after Mr. Wilson answers the question.

This could prove to be a very long game for her.

The score is now 2-0 Wilson.

Round 3: (Biases begin here) What is

9

FEATURES

THE PROWLER

MAY 8, 2012

D Erica Adams Hannah Adkins Allexis Akins Shannon Alley Julia Allison Amber Alsup Stefan Alvarado Katrina Anderson Katalina Anderson Devon Andreasen Caitlin Armstrong Taylor Arndt Alexander Ashley Justin Ashley Alyssa Ates Kyle AuBuchon Kylee Bailey Christian Baker Devhin Baker Paige Ball Steven Bandy Eric Banker Emily Barker Kelsey Barksdale Taylor Barnouski Nicholas Barrett Kein Bartlett Tiani Batiste Nicholas Bauder Jordan Baum Sarah Baynes Tremiya Beamon Blake Beardsley Jacob Becker Brooks Behrens Abby Belongy Anne Bennett Abbey Benton Cory Beyersdorfer Ruth Bieri Paxton Bione Sarah Bishop Mike Blackhawk Samantha Blackmon Connor Blankenship Brandon Boeckman Nichole Boewe Brandi Bogan Brandon Boone Charles Boothe Kassidy Border Tamidre Bornnard Bryan Bouas Isaac Bouquet Lorin Bowlin Rebecca Bowlin Je von Boyd Anna Bradley Trichelle Branch Kayla Braswell Kurtis Breger Blake Britton Chloe Brock David Browers Alexis Brown Chaney Brown Erika Brown Jenee Brown Roy Bullock Faith Burrelsman Kendall Butler Erin Cain Joseph Calcagno Alayna Calderon Anthony Calderon Roger Caldwell Victoria Call Katelyn Campbell Abigail Cariker Angelica Carlisle Alex Carlson James Carnes Kathryn Carr Megan Carr Alexa Carson John Carson Brent Carthy Jacob Cassidy

Max Caticchio Kevin Caveny Caleb Chapman Charles Chapman Rex Chapman Kristian Chavis Nicholas Cherry William Cleveland Anthony Cobb Sarah Cobble Morgan Coers Maya Coleman Tyle Collico Bridget Conley Andrew Connors Kenneth Conrad Amber Cook Seamus Coonan Morgan Cooper Shelby Cooper Austin Corbier Kayla Corda Peter Constantinou Douglas Costin Michael Cotton Amanda Couture Marico Cowans Jordan Cox Katelyn Cozad Kirsten Crabtree Brent Crain Madeline Crowe Jessica Cruz Rebekah Cunningham Sean Curran Ennessa Curry Christopher Daniels Matthew Daniels Clara Darling Danielle Daughenbaugh Ceja Davis Dee Day Arianna De La Serna Brenden DeBolt Julia del Rosario Zeke DeVries Tyler Dickenson Matthew Dotson Molly Doty Joanne Duarte Kelly Eastman Donald Eckerman Benjamin Edith Elizabeth Edwards Nicholas Edwards Mark Ellis Kyle Emmerich Nicholas Ettling Thomas Evans Chauncy Everett Cody Faneuff Chrysteena Fay Tawny Fedderke Rachel Federhofer Evan Figueroa Adrian Fipps Jordan Fisher Margaret Fleming Paige Foster Brett Fredericksen Justin Freeman Brittani Fricke Evann Fries Elizabeth Fuld Blayne Fullem Jennifer Furrow E Shara Gaddy Puanani Gagne Taylor Galbraith Kaila Garst Emma Gatewood Bradley George Stephanie Germuga Mitchell Gibbs Anthony Gilmore Kyle Gilstrap Michael Glosecki Paula Goldberg

Ryan Gonsalves Nicholas Goodrich Lauren Graham Robert Gravelle Melanie Gravlin Aaron Gray Lawrence Gray Christopher Green Allison Greer Danielle Greer Ashley Gregory Khairie Gregory Ryan Greynolds Allison Griggs Samantha Gruberman Heather Guetterman Jennifer Gumber Brian Haas Jonathan Hackmann Brooke Hall Kenneth Hall Victoria Ham Katherine Hamilton Sara Hamilton Kenya Hampton Tyler Hampton Brittany Hamuka Seoungyeon Han Brendan Hanrahan Nathan Harer Jasus Harkins Jennifer Harper Tyler Harr Ethan Harris Lukas Harrison Leah Haskett Joshua Haupt Jared Hayes Johni Hegger Samantha Heinrich Donovan Henson Sarah Hesse Denise Hicks Dylan Highley Justin Hill Ayrton Hilton Lleyna Hinton Kelly Hobbs Dante Hoffman Emily Hoffman Gregory Hoffmann Daniel Hogue Amy Holder Michael Holland Ebony Holmon Benjamin Hoormann Jennifer Hoots Samuel Hopkins Emily Horton Melissa Householder Brandon Hovick Natali Hudson Nicholas Hughes Mycal Hurley Taylor Huston Kameron Hutchens Deanna Hyde Conner Jackson Gabriella Jackson Kalyn Jackson Michael Jackson Tyler Jackson Erik Jaklitsch Jordan Jansen Amanda Jaroch Kailey Jaster Victoria Jaye Edward Johnson Kameron Johnson Alison Jones Hannah Jones Joshua Jones Julia Jones Savannah Jones Triana Jones Kayla Jordan Michael Jordan Adam Jung

Haewon Jung Jeffrey Jung Lauren Jung Jared Kaemmerer Elizabeth Kanaskie Kristen Kanaskie Dong Kang Katlyn Kapp Kristie Karibian Courtney Kayser Kristie Kemp Kaitlin Kendall David Kennedy Jessica Kerr Christopher Kingery Elizabeth Kingsley Elijah Kinmon James Kirk Kaden Kirtley Brenden Kleiboeker Kolin Klein Taylor Klingelhoefer Krystal Klopfenstein Allison Knight Casey Koontz Brandon Kreiser Jonathan Kube Kristen Kunkel Jamie Kurtz Megan Laney Kevin Lapp Brynn Laverdure Ryan Lawhead Caplin Lawrence Lyman Le Nathan Leadbetter Emily Lecours Ivan Leonard Justin Lewis Garrett Libbra Joshua Lincoln Andrew Lindsay Danielle Long David Louis Emily Love Bryan Lucas Chantia Lunnon Andrew Maberry Ahab Mack Dylan Madden Bryan Mah Adrian Maldonado Ramon Maldonado Jessica Manera Catherine Maness Christian Mangino William Mann Lauren Marlinghaus Theodore Marotte Bethany Marshall LaShalonda Marshall Brady Marston Hillarie Martin Bert Massena Brittany Mater Dominique Matlock Mitchell Maves Kenae Mayhorn Alexander McArthur Alexander McCandless Cassidy McCandless Michael McCarthy Antuan McClenton Nicholas McCoy Lauren McCulley Mackenzie McIntyre Meagan McKay Molly McKinstry RaShawn McKinney Ryan McLean Amanda McMillan Alexas McNair Jay McPherson Megan McPherson Roman Meduga Bailey Messer Ryan Meyer Erin Michelfelder

Taylor Michel Kellie Midkiff Jacob Miller Sara Miller Katie Missey Tivon Missi Jocastia Mister CarolAnn Mitchell Crystal Mobley Keleka Mobley Tyler Mode Mikayla Moeller Jade Monroe Elizabeth Moore Meaghan Moore Ashley Moreno La Monte Morris Ryan Morse Matthew Mosby Tyler Moss John Mueller Joseph Mueller Markesa Mull Hunter Munie Jarrett Munton Alison Messer Jason Nelson Khadijah Nichols Elise Nickish Pauline Nicolle Chelsea Nipper Patrick Nittler Jahred Nixon Madelyn Nowak-Roddy Michelle Nunn Sean O’Connell Elizabeth O’Donnell Megan O’Neil Ryan O’Sullivan Tyler Ohlendorf Kyle Oldenburg Derek Oliver Macy Oswald Tatiana Otero Gavin Otte Abigail Oulvey James Owens Justyne Owens Mary Owens Brady Page Kenneth Palausky Danelle Palmer Kaylin Palmisano Mindy Park Rachel Park Tanvi Patel Hunter Peebles Zachary Peel Amani Perry Madison Perry Kailee Peters Steven Petrovic Emily Pettigrew Paige Pfankuch Jade Pickens Adam Pierce Bryon Pierson Danielle Ping Jordan Pinkard ReShonda Poe Abigail Polley Matthew Pool Justine Pratt Michael Price Thomas Price Mark Pridmore Phillip Pugh Kyle Quellmalz Nicholas Ramage Jason Rambo Abraham Ramirez Albert Randle Jessica Ratz Ashlyn Ray Cody Ray Erica Reed Franchesca Reed Brent Reeves

Jonathan Reichling Alexander Reifschneider Zachary Reilmann Jacob Reinier Ryan Reinier Logan Reno Lauren Restoff Myki Rhodes Tyrell Rhodes Blake Rickard Angelo Riley Christopher Ringdahl Jesus Rivers Athalia Robinson Kaela Robinson Larry Rodgers Ashley Rogerson Jacob Rogers Kelsie Roos Alec Roseveare Cody Ross Rachel Rousseau Christopher Rowland Devin Rucker Sarah Russel Joseph Rutledge Manuel Sanchez Kari Sanden Nate Sanders Nicholai Sarpy Joshua Sartin Kelsey Sartin Cassidi Sassman Alexis Schad Tyler Schempp Nrpple Schenk Shannon Schenk Joshua Schilling Michael Schleckser JAcob Schmittling Kaylee Schmitz Olivia Schmidt Rachel Schmidt Mark Schorfheide Marla Schulte Samantha Schultz Haley Schutzenhoffer Jenna Schwarz Alexis Scott Patric Scott Camby Self David Severn Jordan Sexton Robert Shannon Chad Shaw Mahde Shawahin Kelsey Sheldon Dionte Shields Anthony Siler James Simms Robert Simpkins Megan Singleton Kristin Sjoquist Kaitlyn Slaby Car Ron Slater Marcus Smiley Amanda Smith Asia Smith Eleka Smith William Smith Dolph Sneed Soehlke Alyssa Abby Solomon Covert Soule Eric Souser Emma Speight David Spencer Michael Sprague Blake Stafford John Morgan Stallons V David Stanton Brianna Stein Roger Stephens III Deidra Stewart Ka Ra Stewart Keith Stewart Sharlyn Steward Kareem Stone

Dylan Stratman Kelby Stroughter Ashley Sullivan John Sullivan Gerian Summers Andrea Sutherlin Joseph Swanigan Brian Swanson Wade Sweger Daniel Swezy Kyle Szopa Briel Tabbs Caleb Tabor Lina Tauiliili Kyle Teague Julian Thomas Rebecca Thomas Nickolas Thompson Sarah Thompson Joseph Thouvenot Ciara Tickle Brandon Tiller Zachary Toennies Ashley Torres-Lopez DeMontee Townsend Dustin Townsend Adam Trelow Emily Tribbett Kurtis Tribout Wayne Triplett Griffin Trotter Bryan Tucker Charles Tucker Erin Turk Khala Turner Christopher Underwood Paul Valenti Joshua Van Bevern Allison Vance Andrew Vance Mariellen Veach Nikolas Venuiti Jacob Villagran Caitlin Wade Caitlin Wade Kaitlin Waeltz Lorenzo Wagner Adam Walkington Rachel Walton Melody Warfield Andrew Warner Zachary Warren Airelle Washington Blake Watts Aknyia Webb Lawton Webb Justin Wegner Leah Wells Kelsey Werner Molly Wesslund Leon Dre Whaley Anthony White Jack White Kevin White Nathan Wiederholt Joseph Wiegert Jakyra Wilkinson Mark Williams Mitchell Williams Romonda Williams Sharelle Williams Sydnee Williams Ian Wilson Kyle Wilson Austyn Winfrey Elizabeth Wisdom Andrew Wise Adam Wolfe Sloane Wolter Alyssa Wood Tayler Woodbury Alissa Woods Brenden Wright Brianna Yawn Ashley Ybarra Joe Young Keely Zimmerman

10

CENTER SPREAD

THE PROWLER

MAY 7, 2012

MAY 7, 2012

Prom 2012

A night in Venice

THE PROWLER

11

CENTER SPREAD

12

ENTERTAINMENT

THE PROWLER

MAY 7, 2012

Se n i o r u m m e r

T

S I L Y PLA

Music has been an important part of our lives since we were able to enjoy it. From the time we were little to where we are now, we’ve cried to it, laughed to it, and expressed every emotion through as little as three chords and a melody. This playlist serves as a reminder of the feelings we’ve all shared growing up and hopes to provoke the unity that was so present when we were kids. For a while, do yourself a favor and forget about college decisions, graduation, or what you’re going to do with your life. Whether you throw on a snap back, get out your old deck of Pokemon cards, or drive down the back roads with your best friends, download this nostalgic playlist and jam out. Now here’s to every year of the unifying pop culture we all shared. Here’s to the 90’s kids.

2012

“Summer Fling, Don’t Mean a Thing”

BY NEW FOUND GLORY 2010

2009 “When I’m Alone”

BY LISSIE 2008 “Sleepyhead” BY PASSION PIT 2007 “Misery Business”

BY PARAMORE 2006

“I’m gonna stay eighteen forever, so we can stay like this forever.”

2004 “1985” BY BOWLING FOR SOUP “Hey Ya” BY OUTKAST

“Soco Ameretto Lime”

BY BRAND NEW “99 Red Balloons”

BY GOLDFINGER 1999 “All The Small Things”

BY BLINK 182

“Time grabs you by the wrist and directs you where to go.”

1998 “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”

BY GREEN DAY 1997

get up again!”

“Tubthumping (I Get Knocked Down)”

BY CHUMBAWUMBA 1996 “Just a Girl” BY NO DOUBT 1995 “We’ve Got It Going On”

BY THE BACKSTREET BOYS 1994 “Say it Aint So”

by Weezer

Released on March 23, “The Hunger favor of potential sponsors and the audience. Although Peeta isn’t feigning Games”, although a highly entertaining movie any feelings, throughout the books Katniss is, and only after they come back to watch, left many longtime fans unhappy from the games does Peeta realize she was acting, hurting his feelings. andreavernier@othstoday.com and new fans confused.

Near the end of the books, when Katniss and Peeta are told the earlier Having read the book, I have to say that I revision to the rules has been revoked, and only one tribute may survive, was extremely excited to watch the movie, and that I left the theater exhilaPeeta moves to throw his knife in the lake, and Katniss, seeing his sudden rated. But upon looking back at the movie, I hate to say that the directors movement as a threat, immediately loads her bow and aims her arrow straight and actors could have produced a better film. at his heart. In the movies, they just left the part out entirely. I First off, there were many crucial parts of the thought this was a bad move, seeing as how it would’ve only taken book that were left out of the movie, or were a moment to add it, because it shows how Katniss is still very revised and ended up creating confusion. untrusting. Her trust issues are a significant role in the books, I was highly agitated at the way the film especially when it comes to her relationship with Peeta. spun the story behind the mockingjay pin.

The movie is also much less graphic than the books, and some of In the movie, Katniss is trading at the hob the CGI (computer generated imagery) doesn’t do the books jus(District 12’s black market), and she finds the tice. Although the directors were trying to make the film PG-13 so pin and the shopkeeper lets her take it. Katniss a wider range of audience would come see it, the wimpy portrayal gives it to her sister Prim for good luck, and of the killings takes away from the major animosity of the entire after volunteering for Prim at The Reaping, situation. has the pin given back to her as a token for Although, many things were incorrectly portrayed or taken out good luck. In the books, the mayor’s daughter, in the movie, the directors were still able to do some things right, Madge, comes unexpectedly to see Katniss beand make good changes to the movie. The fact that Caesar Flickerfore she leaves for the capitol and gives her the man addresses the audience like a news reporter helps to explain pin, urgently telling her that she must wear it things in the movie that would have been lost. Since the book is Katniss and Gale spend one last moment in the arena. in first person, Katniss is able to explain everything going on, an together before the games. (Murray Close/ Many characters are never fully developed aspect that would have been lost in the movie. It was a clever fix to MCT Campus) throughout the film either. Take Haymitch, show Flickerman addressing the audience and filling them in on for example. They just toss him in and call what is going on. The rioting in district 11 after Rue’s death is also him Katniss and Peeta’s mentor, without explaining who or what the mentors a great addition to the film that wasn’t in the books, because it sets up the are and how they’re chosen. next movies in the series for the audience, helping to create a smooth transiAnother thing the movie did which took away a major aspect of the book tion to problems that will arise later in the series. was that it made it seem, as the movie progressed, that there was no uncerIn all, the movie was exciting to watch, but it left everyone - long time tainty of Katniss’ love for Peeta.

“Hunger Games” fans and newcomers - unhappy, confused and disapIn the books, Katniss is told to act like she’s in love with Peeta to gain the pointed.

Kailey Jaster

2001

2000

“Figures A and B”

BY HELLOGOODBYE “I get knocked 2005 “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” down but I

BY DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE

2003

1.

Andrea Vernier

“Titanic 3-D” doesn’t float the same with movie-goers

“Starry Eyed Surprise”

BY PAUL OAKENFIELD

13

ENTERTAINMENT

“The Hunger Games” leaves fans unhappy, audience confused

2002

“Both of Us”

BY B.O.B AND TAYLOR SWIFT 2011

“Feel It In My Bones”

BY TEGAN AND SARA

THE PROWLER

MAY 8, 2012

The original 1997 movie made an incredible $1.8 billion worldwide, kaileyjaster@othstoday.com while only fifteen years later, rereleased in 3D, pulled in an astounding $29,703,963 opening weekend. Although the question of was it really worth the $18 million to convert it to 3D still remains unanswered for many. The question is whether the film’s twin values of humanism and spectacle are enhanced by Cameron’s 3-D conversion, and the answer to that is: they aren’t.

“That isn’t to say that “Titanic 3-D” looks bad. All too often, movies that are converted to 3-D after the fact look murky, monochromatic and cheap. Cameron has spared no expense or expertise in making sure that Jake Dawson (DiCaprio) embraces Rose his film loses none of the brightness or detail that’s Bukater (Winslet) on the original movie cover. usually sacrificed for added depth of field. But that (Handout/MCT)

3.

extra depth brings no added value by way of visual texture or narrative drive. If anything, 3-D conversion creates distance where there should be intimacy, not to mention odd moments in framing and composition: there are several distracting instances when figures in the side foreground of a shot receive equal visual billing with the actual subjects of the scene,” commented Ann Hornaday, movie critic from “The Washington Post”.

“This is the only disaster film in history that can truly be called a work of art,” she went on to say.

2.

“The Lucky One” hits jackpot in theaters Emma Gatewood

“The Lucky One” emmagatewood@othstoday.com starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling, tells the story of an army veteran who finds love in a small town.

While in Afghanistan, Logan (Efron), finds a picture of a girl, and as he goes to pick it up, a bomb blast goes off where he was previously sitting. The picture had saved his life. He vows to find the girl and to thank her for saving his life. Logan tracks the picture to a small town in Louisiana.

Logan (Efron) and Beth (Schilling) come

Once he gets and finds the girl whose name is Beth (Schilling) he can’t find the words to thank her. Instead, he ends up taking a job at her dog kennel. As the movie progresses, Beth overcomes her initial mistrust of Logan and a romance develops between the two. This movie is filled with both sad and sweet moments that make it the perfect movie to see with a group of girlfriends or to see with a date.

together for a kiss. (Alan Markfield/ MCT Campus)

“Mirror Mirror” on the wall, this movie’s the greatest of them all

Catherine Maness

Tersem Singh, the director of 2012’s “Mirror catherinemaness@othstoday.com Mirror” retells the classic story of Snow White in an epically romantic and twisting tale. The story mirrors (pun intended) the tale of the pale princess and the seven dwarves very well but has many variations and changes to the story such as the princess being the one to save the prince, the evil queen wanting to marry the prince, and a surprising dance scene at the ending. Julia Roberts did a fantastic job embodying the character of the evil queen. She’s easy to both hate and laugh at when things go wrong for her. The seven dwarves, played by little people Jordan Prentice, Mark Povinelli, Joe Gnoffo, Danny Woodburn, Sebastian Saraceno, Lily Collins, the actress who played Snow Martin Klebba and Ronald Lee Clark, hilariously White, smiles for a picture at the movie’s demonstrate the crew of witty characters with names release. (Graylock/ MCT Campus) like Chuckles, Wolf, and Half Pint instead of names

like Dopey, Grumpy, and Bashful.

The entire movie is somewhat confusing. It’s difficult to separate whether it was a kids movie or and adult movie, and whether it was an action or a comedy.

Some jokes were immature and hard to relate to, and the ending Bollywood style dance scene before the end credits was completely random.

Despite many confusing aspects to the movie, the cinematography, costume and makeup design, scene design, and acting was incredible. The Prince, played

by Armie Hammer was an attractive, masculine gentleman who was easy to love, even when quarrelling with the princess. Snow White, played by Lily Collins was exquisite and classy. She had a youthful innocence within her character that Snow White should be portrayed as. The costumes and makeup were over the top, exaggerated, and extraordinary, worthy of any Tim Burton film.

Ellie (Danner) focuses while painting a picture. (Alan Markfield/ MCT Campus)

4.

ENTERTAINMENT 14

THE PROWLER

MAY 8 , 2012

Supplying the music your ears crave

Katealia Lilly

St. Louis is a music lover paradise, especially during the summer.

If there is one thing everyone can katealialilly@othstoday.com agree on about our dear city it’s that there is nothing better than being able to do so much for free, like the zoo, art museum, history museum, science center and upcoming concerts.

The “Celebrate St. Louis Summer” concerts are going to begin in July. So far on the list is Bell Biv DeVoe on July 15, Gavin Degraw on July 16, Keb’ Mo’ on July 22 and Barenaked Ladies on July 23.

Also coming up is the 32nd annual fair of St. Louis which will feature three days of free entertainment on the grounds of the arch.

This fair will feature Heart performing on July 4, Third Eye Blind on July 6, and Dierks Bentley on July 7. As the summer gets nearer and nearer, more line-ups are sure to be announced.

Besides the free concerts the city itself offers, many of the local venues are hosting some spectacular shows. The Verizon Wireless amphitheater will be hosting a huge event that travels across our nation.

Vans Warped Tour is the concert for alternative, indie, and pop punk music lovers. This year’s line up is one of the best anyone’s seen in years. Man Overboard, All Time Low, Sleeping With Sirens, Yellowcard and easily a hundred more bands will be there.

This is an all day event that will be happening on July 5, so wear a lot of sunscreen.

Another concert coming up at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater is actually a two-day event.

It’s called Pointfest.

This show is for the metal, hardcore, old time rock and roll lovers.

Pointfest will be happening May 19 and 20, so get your tickets quick.

The Pageant will not be holding any all day events this summer, but they will have plenty of shows that you should go to. Flogging Molly on June 8, Alice Cooper on June 16, Fun. on June 9 and the Shins on June 4 are just a few to name

LLY

FLOG

HEART-JULY 4th-FAIR OF ST. LOUIS WARPED TOUR-JULY 5th-VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHI THEATER TECH N9NE-JULY 5th-POPS THIRD EYE BLIND-JULY 6th-FAIR OF ST. LOUIS DIERKS BENTLEY-JULY 7th-FAIR OF ST. LOUIS BELL BIV DEVOE-JULY 15th-CELEBRATE ST. LOUIS GAVIN DEGRAW-JULY 16th-CELEBRATE ST. LOUIS KEB’ MO’- ULY 22nd-CELEBRATE ST. LOUIS BARENAKED LADIES-JULY 23rd

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Construction on the Milburn Campus takes off, finalizing the lasst stage of the Freshmen Relocation Center. (Tyler Klaus/The Prowler)

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President Obama is sworn into office, making history as the first African-American U.S. President. (Oliver Douliery/Aboca Press/MCT)

“Twilight” premieres as a movie, beginning a blockbuster trilogy and an unhealthy obsession for teenage girls everywhere. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

mo

The Bathroom hall passes are introduced, leading to a greater hope that everyone washes their hands. (Tyler Klaus/The Prowler)

STREELIGHT MANIFESTO blessthefall

THE USED

The Recession officially begins, marking a cheery way to start off high school. (Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

TH

E8 JUN

CONCERT DATES: POINTFEST - MAY 19th & 20th-VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHI THEATER RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS-MAY 24th-POPS SNOOP DOGG-MAY 25th-POPS THE SHINS-JUNE 4th-THE PAGEANT MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK-JUNE 6th-FIREBIRD FLOGGING MOLLY-JUNE 8th-THE PAGEANT FUN.-JUNE 9th-THE PAGEANT ALICE COOPER-JUNE 16th-THE PAGEANT

2008-09

MO GING

Pops this summer will have Red Jumpsuit Apparatus performing on May 24 for free, Snoop Dogg on May 25, and Tech N9ne on July 5. Those are just some of the more popular names out there so keep in mind a lot of smaller local bands are having their CD release parties there this summer and that’s always a neat way to discover new music.

The Firebird so far only has one big name band playing at that will be on June 6 with Motion City Soundtrack. Just like Pops though, The Firebird is local music friendly and has tons of cheap awesome bands playing and you should check them out as well.

So this summer don’t starve your ears for the incredible music they crave.

Check out any and all St. Louis venues and rock your heart out.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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MAY 8, 2012

re

Michael Jackson dies, leaving suspician towards the family physician. (LA Times/MCT)

Haiti is shaken up in a massive earthquake; the world rushes to its aid. (Patrick Farrell/Miami Herald/MCT)

OF MICE AND MEN 2010-11

Osama bin Laden is killed in a covert operation.

(Balkis Press/Abaca Press/ MCT)

MAYDAY PARADE

r o i un

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RISE AGAINST

WARPED TOUR

OTHS Prom is moved back to St. Louis! (Tyler Klaus/The Prowler)

The Japanese experience a 8.9 magnitude earthquake and severe tsunamis. (Yamiuri Shumbun/MCT)

The infamous Casey Anthony trial ends in the controversial freedom of the accused woman.

(Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel/MCT)

Prince William and Kate Middleton seal it with a kiss in the Royal Wedding; the most popular real-life fairy tale in history. (Abaca Press/MCT)

ALL DAY JULY 5th

BELL KEB

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2011-12

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The Cards play a wild card and become World Series Champions. (Ron T. Ennis/ Fort Worth Star Telegram/MCT)

TE ST. LOUIS SUMMER CONCE A R B E RT CEL

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At the Winter Pep Rally, the Senior Blackout protests the freshmen win of the spirit stick. (T.J. Price/For the Prowler)

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BELL BIV DEVOE: JULY 15th GAVIN DEGRAW: JULY 16th KEB’ MO’: JULY 22nd BARENAKED LADIES: JULY 23rd

Hail storms and tornadoes sweep in and create an odd atmosphere on prom night. (Tornado Chaser)

Class of 2012 Graduation! (David Lincoln/For The Prowler)

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MAY 8, 2012

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th e r a

“Doug” “Recess” “CatDog” “Bill Nye” “Zoboomafoo” “Arthur” “Rugrats” “Johnny Bravo” “Hey Arnold” “Scooby-Doo” “Angry Beavers” “Rocket Power”“Boy Meets World” “The Powerpuff Girls” “The Wild Thornberrys” “Aaahh!!! Real Monsters”

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Toys!

Style

ETC

TELEVISION

O’ Game, set, match!

Connor Holzinger

With the warm spring weather now making its way connorholzinger@othstoday.com into the area, the boys’ tennis team has been hard at work perfecting their technique in order to do well during their season.

The boys have been working hard all season to compete in the Southwestern Conference.

“We’re way more improved from last year.

We worked hard in the summer, and you could Nikhil Shekar practices his serve definitely tell a in a practice game. difference in our (TJ Price/ The Panther) play. Teams that gave us trouble last year had to step up their game this year against us,” said junior Nick Mullen.

The boys’ tennis team has had a strong group of varsity players this year, including senior J.D. Owens, juniors Nick Mullen, Tyler Rutz, and J.D. White; sophomore Nikhil Shekar; and freshman Neal Shekar. Standout doubles teams include Rutz/Owens, White/Shekar, and Mullen/Shekar.

On Saturday, April 28, the boys traveled to Champaign for a tournament, after which some players had to rush home in order to make prom, while avoiding a maelstrom of hail.

The doubles team of Mullen and White finished second, beating Centrailia and Teutopolis, but lost to St. Anthony during finals.

nado, Mr. Norm Henry, started as an intramural activity seven years ago with roughly 36 participants in the program total. Now, UFC has roughly 230 participants, all of which come from a variety of grade levels and are divided into 18 teams, each with their own creative name and t-shirt color to distinguish them from the others.

So far, the season is going extremely well, with the exception of the weather. Unpredictable weather has had a large impact on the result of many of the games. Windy days earlier in the season made throwing the frisbee against the

- Flubber

“I love you with every cell, with every atom. I love you on a subatomic level.”

-”Back To The Future”

“If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.”

o” - “Rufi

ll d we ki n a s e t ira ps are p u n w o r “All g pirates.”

“-Ace Ventura”

“It’s ALIVE! It’s ALIVE!”

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- “The Amanda Bynes Show”

mycalhurley@othstoday.com

Ultimate Frisbee Club, or UFC, led by OTHS’ own Spanish aficio-

“Now this is a story all about how, my life got flipped, turned upside down” - “Fresh Prince of Belair”

“They hold the first place spot in the Central Division with a 3 1/2 game lead over the Cincinnati Reds.”

The Cardinals have a huge season Carto live up to and dinal dylanhighley@othstoday.com a lot is expected. fans After winning have the 2011 World Series in the most unbelievable had the pleasure of seeing many homeruns early fashion, the Redbirds look to repeat under new this season as Matt Holiday and Carlos Beltran leadership in manager and former Cards catcher, have stepped up for a combined 12 long balls.

Mike Matheny.

Starter Adam Wainwright is off to a slow start After the championship, the Birds battled huge after recovering from last year’s Tommy John obstacles in the retirement of 16-year manager surgery. Chris Carpenter went through the same Tony LaRussa and the signing of first baseman procedure and came back in 2009 with a 17-4 Albert Pujols to the Los Angeles Angels. record and held the National League’s best ERA The Cardinals started off this season on a very positive note as starting pitcher Kyle Lohse has stepped up as the ace of the club.

The big story as far as pitching goes in St. Louis is the young starter Lance Lynn. Lynn has started four games in Carlos Beltran high fives Cardinal Clubhouse manager. (MCT Campus the 2012 season and has an ERA (earned run average) of 1.33 and the best record in the pitching rotation at 2.24.Adam Wainwright hopes to come back with four wins and no losses. just as strong.

The Cardinals are 16-9 at the start of the The Cardinals lost their ace pitcher Chris 2012 season. They hold the first place spot in Carpenter due to nerve inflammation in his the Central Division with a 3 1/2 game lead over right shoulder which will keep him on the DL the Cincinnati Reds. (disabled list) until the end of May.

Intramurals dominate OTHS athletics Mycal Hurley

“Bring in the dancing lobsters!”

Life after Albert

Dylan Highley

wind very difficult, which influenced the final score in many of the games. On the second day, rain poured down as the players muscled through the extremely muddy and difficult to traverse field, but the players still had a great time diving and wrestling in the mud.

Halfway through its current season season, UFC had only one team that could claim to be undefeated: Minority Report.

When asked about his team’s success, Minority Report’s team captain senior Niko Venuti said, “We’re all athletic. We’ve all played sports before, so I feel like that gives us an edge.”

Despite the competitive nature of the sport, many players still find a way to have a great time and not worry so much about their records, which is exactly what the club wants to capture: the joy the sport brings.

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Lance Berkman also pulled his leftcalf muscle during warm-ups and will be out until mid-May as well.

The Cardinals lost two outfielders in Jon Jay and Allen Craig, but both returned early last week.

These injuries have set the Cardinals back, but they have made adjustments as the season rolls on. Even with injuries, the team has talent on the bench with strong replacements in Matt Carpenter, Daniel Descalso, and Tyler Greene.

The Redbirds are a dominant team thus far but need to keep veteran player like Beltran and Berkman healthy in order to continue winning.

As of right now the Cardinals stand on top of the division and would like to repeat last year’s success. For the Cardinals there is a lot of pressure to follow up 2011, but with all the talent on this team it should not be a problem.

Underclassmen team takes first place in local invitational Kameron Johnson

Tuesday April 24, The O’Fallon Panthers took kameronjohnson@othstoday.com 2nd at the third annual St. Clair County meet hosted by the Belleville West Maroons.

Leading the scoreboard for the Panthers was senior Jacob Becker. Becker placed first in the 3200 meter race and the 3200 meter relay.

In the field, events senior Nick Barrett earned the blue ribbon in the discus throw, accumulating for two of the three first place finishers in field events. Jack Klopfenstein vaulted to a second place finish in the pole vault competition.

The excellent results were accomplished despite earning only one blue ribbon by Barrett. Most of the Panther points came from six second place and three third place finishes. Alex Belongy and Chris Wiggins tied for second in the high jump.

The O’Fallon young track team gave a promis-

ing performance winning the OTHS Freshmen Invitational. Taemon Franklin earned a second place medal in the long jump, and Patrick Perrier was second in the 1600.

The freshman squad showcased their overall talent and team depth. The local ninth-graders bested a field of 11 schools to take the team victory with 159.5 points, 40 better than second place Cahokia.

Also in a recent open invitational, many underclassmen earned the chance to run in their first ever varsity meet. Due to prom, many varsity runners were not able to attend the meet, forcing Head Coach Ron Koch to run underclassmen. The Panthers placed 3rd behind the Cahokia Comanches, last year’s champion, and East. St. Louis Flyers, the invitational’s runnerup.

Batters up in Busch Donald Eckerman

As the 2012 school year comes to a close, O’Fallon baseball continues its tradition of athletic excellence. Just donaldeckerman@othstoday.com last week, the Panthers traveled across the river to seek competition from Galesburg in their yearly trip to play at Busch Stadium.

Although this field is a place typically reserved for major league players, the boys had absolutely no trouble coming in and making it seem like they owned the stadium. With major plays coming from unexpected players, the game was certainly one of the most exciting and entertaining of the year.

One of the most notable of these unexpected plays came from Kevin Wolf, when during his first at bat of the season struck out.

However, an error was made by the opposing catcher allowing him to take first and giving the player on third base the opportunity to run home making the final score at the Busch Stadium Game 9-2 Panthers.

When Wolf was asked whether or not he was nervous when he found out his first ever varsity at bat would be at Busch Stadium, he responded by simply saying, “You’re not going to believe this, but I knew what I had to do walking up to the plate, and that was to get on base any way possible.”

Back on the Illinois side of the river, the Panthers have secured the coveted number one rank in the Southwestern Conference having an in conference record of 8-1 and an overall record of 18-6. Be sure to make your way out to their next home game this Thursday against Belleville West as well of the remainder of their games throughout the month of May as the Panthers begin to close out their season.

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Sports summer feature:

The I-55 rivalry starts off strong Ivan Leonard

While the consensus among baseball fans is that ivanleonard@othstoday.com the Red Sox/YanMadeline kees rivalry is the fiercest across the Crowe madelinecrowe@othstoday.com nation, ask anyone who follows one of the teams in the I-55 rivalry and they’ll argue otherwise.

“Both teams have very passionate fan-bases.

Cubs fans are your typical lovable losers who have gotten used to losing,”says O’Fallon head baseball coach and avid Cardinals fan, Jason Portz.

While the Cubs lead the Cardinals in head-tohead games, 1096-1054, the Cards have won as many World Series in the past six years as the Cubs have in their history. With an 11-2 edge, one could say the Cubs play hard in July...but the Cards play harder in October.

It all started in 1885, when the Cardinals and Cubs played their first series against each other in an annual exhibition for the American Association of Victors where neither team won. The next year, after both teams won titles for their leagues, they met again to play a precursor game to the World Series. This time, the St. Louis Browns won (go figure). As time went on, the American Association disbanded, and the National and American Leagues were formed, and both St. Louis and Chicago changed their team names. The once St. Louis Browns became the St. Louis Cardinals, and the once Chicago White Stockings became the Chicago Cubs. Although the team names were changed, their hatred for one another continued and even grew. This was partly because of the constant battle for territory between the two cities and partly because the Cubs were envious of the Cardinals’ ability to win several World Series victories in the past century compared to the Cubs zero victories.

Nowadays, the rivalry continues on in a light-

hearted manner. Whether it’s through trash talk, throwing stats in each other’s faces or telling funny jokes about the other team, the Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals rivalry can be very entertaining. Even the players have been found “bashing” each other. Ryan Theriot, former Cubs shortstop, after signing with the Cardinals said, “I’m finally on the right side of the CubsCardinals rivalry,” creating even more sparks for the feud.

As Cardinals fans, we know that we’ve found ourselves telling jokes about the Cubs. Here are a few of our favorites: Q: What do you call 40 millionaires around a TV watching the World Series?

A: The Chicago Cubs.

Q: What do Michael Jackson and the Chicago Cubs have in common?

A: Both wear a glove for no apparent reason.

Q: What does a Chicago Cubs fan do when his team has won the World Series?

A: He turns off the PlayStation 3.

Q: Why do the Cubs use the Internet?

A: Because that’s the only way they can get three “Ws” is a row.

Q: What did Jesus say to the Cubs the last time he was on Earth?

A: Don’t do anything until I get back.

A Tigers fan, a Rangers fan, and a Cubs fan were sitting on the roof of a 3-story house. The Tigers fan says, “This is for Detroit” and jumps off the roof.

The Rangers fan says, “This is for Texas” and jumps off the roof.

The Cardinals fan says, “This is for America” and pushes the Cubs fan off the roof.

So far, the Cardinals and Cubs have split their season series 3-3, and those three wins have accounted for half of the Cubs victories so far.

Their 14 game season series is definitely something to watch over the summer days. Hopefully for Cubs fans,their three year playoff drought will end. After the infamous “Bartman” incident, the Northsiders have yet to win a playoff game.

VS

Girls’ soccer continues their season; looks to postseason Jason Nelson

With less than three weeks left in the regular season,

because they’ve been playing together for so long that their experience rubs off on you,” says sophomore Sydney Pfankuch. jasonnelson@othstoday.com

“We the Lady Panthers would kick their way tolike to wards the postseason. end the

The girls regular squared off against season St. Dominic, Rockpositivewood, and Francis ly and Howell Central at carry the St. Dominic that into tournament, where the postthey finished 2-1. season,” The ladies cursays rently hold an 8-3-2 Dippel. record.

“We’re pretty Four happy where we’re regular at so far this season,” season says Head Coach games, Craig Dippel. two of

“A lot which of our season’s sucare concess is benefit from ference, the senior leaderremain ship,” he said. before That leadership the team contributes to the hosts balance and consis- The girls’ soccer team springs into action as the season kicks off hopefully the first tency seen on the round proving this to be the year for the Lady Panthers. (TJ Price/ The Panther) field. of re The team gionals this year has shown great strength in both their against Belleville East. offense and defense only forfeiting 7 goals this season.

“The team has been doing really well this year

MAY 8, 2012

Do’s & don’t’s of summer training Mycal Hurley

Staying in shape constantly expand and contract the rubber band, has its benefits. it puts stress on the rubber, causing it to snap.

Not only does it Not practicing proper form when working mycalhurley@othstoday.com make you look out is one of the top ways to get injured when good physically, it also increases energy levels exercising. Full range of motion should be utiand alertness. Unfortunately, many people lized during a workout; no less and no more. If who workout receive little to no results, usually you overexert a muscle, not only will it hurt, but because they don’t follow a few simple, but key may hurt you beyond repair which may require rules to exercise: nutrition, stretching, proper surgery or worse: paralysis. Realize your limits. If form, hydration and sleep. you can’t bench 200 pounds but can easily bench Nutrition is one of the key factors when 100, find a happy medium that challenges you, determining how well a workout will progress. but still breaks down the muscle for it to grow.

For example, in Rule of thumb, order to have the if you can do energy to perform more than 12 the workout, make reps, increase sure to eat a balthe weight. anced breakfast with That being said, enough slow-acting if you can’t carbs and protein perform 12 to sustain you while reps, you need you workout. After to lower the a workout, drink weight. or eat a fast-acting Water is protein, such as needed for every the ones in whey organism on this protein shakes, or earth to live. So (for those against it only makes artificial proteins) sense that you eggs, milk and soy. need to be propIn addition to the erly hydrated in food you consume order to be in for post and pretop form for a workouts, one must workout. The also keep in mind FDA recomthe amount of calomends that ries you consume. you drink at The Shake weight was the way to go back in 2010 when it busted The amount of calo- out onto the scene and has been a creative way to get the into a daily least eight eight routine. (Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune/MCT) ries one consumes ounce glasses usually depends on of fluids every their weight. So to day. Not only properly calculate how many calories you need to does water keep you healthy and in prime form, sustain, lose or gain weight, go online and look it deters dehydration and its effects. Drinking up calorie calculators. too much water too quickly can also have its Contrary to popular belief, stretching before consequences, such as water poisoning, or water a workout is a bad idea and may even hinder intoxication, which hinders normal brain funcathletic performance. Instead, a brisk jog should tion by diluting sodium compounds in the body. be put in its place to warm up the cardiovascular Finally one of the most important aspects of system. However, stretching after a workout being health is sleep. During sleep, namely the is still recommended to prevent soreness from REM stage, the body is repairing all the muscles the workout. Not only does stretching increase after an intense workout. Nine hours of sleep is overall flexibility, it warms up the muscles for a what’s recommended per day, and having too few workout and it decreases the chance of injury. or too many more hours can harm the body.

To properly stretch, focus on every muscle in If you make sure to stick to your workout plan the body, hold the stretch for 30 seconds and and follow these simple rules, you’ll see results do not have jerky motions when stretching. from your summer workout sessions in no time!

Think of the muscle as a rubber band: When you smoothly pull it, it expands. However, when you

Boys’ volleyball spikes into another great season Jacob Cook

Coach Like the others, he does not intend on playing in Katelyn Hagarty, college. a record holder

McClenton, who used to be a star jacobcook@othstoday.com for the O’Fallon track athlete, started playing volleyball last year. girls’ volleyball His phenomenal athletic skill got him a spot on team from 2002-2004, has taken over the boys’ varsity his first year. McClenton will be playing volleyball football at Colprogram, and lege of DuPage. with the help of

Maves Coach Toejenes has been playand Coach ing volleyball Combrink, they for three years. hope to bring He’s undecided home a trophy as to whether this year. or not he’ll play

The in college. team is led by

One of six seniors; the memorable Luke Gray, emcee’s at FrolMitch Gibbs, ics was Gibbs, Mitch Maves, is the middle Antuan Mchitter for the Clenton, John boys. Like most Mueller and of the other Kurt Tribout. seniors, he With this being doesn’t intend their last season on playing in in high school, college. the boys are

Last, giving it their but not least, is all in the final The O’Fallon boys’ volleyball team starts off the spring season as they Gray. He is one huddle up to take on another year here in 2012. ( TJ Price/ The Panther) of the team’s rounds. Some of the boys, like outside hitters Tribout, have been on the playing since they and is an essential player with his large vertical started high school and are essential to the team. jump. He intends on playing either golf or vol Tribout, aka “Grizzly Adams” as some leyball at University of Notre Dame. call him due to his beard he’s had since he was

It’s hard to see such a strong, close15, is a three year backup outside player for the knit group of players leave all at once; however, boys. He does not plan on playing in college. there is no shortage of talent in the underclass Mueller is the defense specialist for men who will continue the team’s success in the team and has been around for a few seasons. future seasons.

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Crack of the bat, softball is back

Ivan Leonard

While the word “family” is used often ivanleonard@othstoday.com when describing groups or sports teams, it’s much deeper when describing the girls’ softball team.

“We are all really close both on and off the field,” said senior Marla Schulte. “We frequently hang out together before and after games.”

Their togetherness can somewhat be explained by the yellow strings they tie to each of their left cleats.

Whenever one player looks down after committing an error, she looks at the string and remembers to think of her teammates before herself.

This season, the seniors, Taylor Barnouski, Lauren Marlinghaus (Skippy), Macy Oswald, Kelsey Sartin, and Marla Schulte have definitely stepped to lead the team with their experience and leadership skills.

“Well I’m the loud one!” jokes Schulte. “Macy does a great job leading by example, and the other seniors’ positive attitudes are contagious.”

Coach Walsh preaches togetherness and playing with consistency, and so far, the Lady Panthers have responded tremendously on offense and defense.

Pitchers junior Taylor Bowlby and senior Barnouski anchor a Panthers defense that allows only two runs on average and average three strikes per ball. So far, Barnouski has a 9-4 record 2.23 ERA, including a 16-0, 12 strikeout thrashing of East St. Louis and a another shutout against White County.

Bowlby hasn’t disappointed either after finishing last season 6-2, and is currently 9-1 with a 1.29 ERA. Their offense isn’t anything to joke about either, with nine double digit victories so far including three shutouts wins. Led by seniors Schulte and Oswald, the Panthers are currently averaging seven

runs a game while 8 players are hitting near or past .400. What makes their offense so tremendous is the balance they have within their lineup.

At only 2 runs allowed per game, their defense is allowing less runs than last year when they won 27 games.

The only team standing in O’Fallon’s way for an SWC title looks to be the Tigers of Edwardsville.

In their first match, a four hour 15 inning affair, the Panthers handed the Tigers their first loss in a 15 inning showdown. Down 7-2 in the sixth inning, Schulte and Oswald each responded with two run hits to cut the deficit to one before going into extra innings tied at eight.

“I just kept preaching, ‘chip away, chip away.

I need base runners; let’s make things happen,’’ Coach Walsh said.

Each team would chip in two more runs until the

Panthers ran away in the 15th. Underwood started the bonanza with a double, and Becca Proper, Lauren Marlinghaus, Sam Busekrus, Sam Ralphs would get singles while Schulte put the nail in the coffin with a 2-run bases loaded single as the Panthers sent an astounding 11 batters to plate that inning and the ended the night with a 15-10 victory of topranked Edwardsville in Edwardsville.

They started their “true” home opener” with a bang on April 24th, defeating rival Belleville East 5-3 highlighted by sophomore Taylor Underwood’s three run homerun. Barnouski didn’t allow the Lancers to score, or much less field a hit in the final three innings.

The Lady Panthers also defeated Granite City 13-3 last week and look to play five home games every day this week against SWC Alton and Belleville West.

NHL Playoffs; who’s taking home “The Cup” Dylan Highley

It’s that time of the year again folks, playoff time dylanhighley@othstoday.com and the Blues are joining the party this season. Many teams came in but after the first round, only a handful can continue their season past the semifinals.

Western Conference Round two: St. Louis Blues vs 8. Los Angeles Kings The feel-good season of St. Louis continues for its hometown Blues. The defense has been incredible under the leadership of Alex Pietrangelo, and Barret Jackman. David Backes is the leader in points (54) , and in goals scored (24), and his leadership is crucial for the team to be top contenders for The Cup. Their goalies include Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott. Elliott leads the NHL in both goals against (1.56) and save percentage (.940). As far as the playoffs go, Hitchcock is going to go with Brian Elliott as the goalie as Halak is still battling injuries. After their impressive series win in the playoffs taking over San Jose, they turn their attention to the L.A. Kings.

They have a huge chance to win the entire thing with the fast paced offense of strong leaders. The offense is led by Center Anze Kopitar (76 points) and right wingers Justin Williams

(59 points) and Dustin Brown (54 points).

The Kings have a dominant goalie in Jonathan Quick who has lead the NHL in shutouts and has a goals against average of 1.95. The Kings defeated the first place Canucks, winning the series 4-1.

Phoenix Coyotes vs Nashville Predators The strength of third seeded Phoenix is their defense which is the main reason Phoenix have done so well offensively. The offense is led by Keith Yandle (43 points), and Oliver EkmanLarsson (32 points), both great leaders on both ends of the ice.

The key player for Phoenix this year is the goaltender Mike Smith who played in 67 games and has 38 wins. For Phoenix to be successful, they need to do what they have done all season, get the puck outside, take point shots and capitalize on key offensive rebounds up front. In the playoffs, puck possession time for the Coyotes is very crucial especially since they will go against the Nashville Predators.

Some big contributors for fourth seeded Nashville are forwards Martin Erat (58 points), David Legwand (53 points), Mike Fisher (51 points), and lastly the Kosititsyn brothers Andrei (36 points), and Sergei (43 points). The strategy all year for success has been taking the puck outside to the defensive players lead by Ryan Suter (46 points), and Shea Weber (49 points).

Girls’ track is running strong Andrea Vernier

andreavernier@othstoday.com

The girls’ track team is going strong and continues to perform to their max as they move into their postseason.

Girls’ track Coach Neil James, comments on their season, saying, “We have run some really good times, and have continued to improve as the season has gone along. We have had some younger athletes step up and fill

important roles for us.”

James also said that this season girls’ track has seen some great senior leadership out of Kaylee Schmitz, Erin Cain, Heather Guetterman, Alexas McNair, and Ashley Sullivan.

He believes the team has a really good chance at qualifying all four relays for state. On top of qualifying for the four relays, the team also has a good shot at qualifying for the 800, 100, high jump, and triple jump as well.

“We are looking for the girls to continue to improve and get ready for the postseason,” says James.

JJr Medium-dis“All our relays have run some of the fastest times in tance runner Janelle Nikola going all out. the state so far.”

We wish girls’ track luck as they move into their (Lindsey Kusmiercpostseason! zak/The Panther)

NBA Playoffs are here, is Heat Thunder a lock?

Kameron Johnson

All was looking well for the first kameronjohnson@othstoday.com seeded Chicago Bulls on April 28th.

They were looking to bring back the finals to Chicago for the first time since ‘98 when Michael Jordan dominated the league. Derrick Rose was his phenomenal self, posting 23 points 9 assists and 9 rebounds. With the Bulls leading comfortably, he drove down the lane in the fourth quarter and tore his ACL. With Rose missing the rest of the postseason, their title hopes look dim against the balanced 76ers, much less the title hungry Miami Heat.

Heat-Knicks What looked to be an interesting series in Miami and New York has quickly become a major mismatch just like that. Likely MVP Lebron James led Miami over the Knicks with 32 points in a blowout 100-67 game one victory. The Knicks put up a much better fight in game two led by Carmelo Anthony’s 30, but that wasn’t enough as they would fall to 0-2 in the best of seven series 94-104.

Magic-Pacers One series that hasn’t garnered the attention of casual fans in the Magic-Pacers series. Despite not having their superstar center Dwight Howard, Orlando still managed to steal game one 81-77.

Indiana took games 2 and 3 easilyhowever and is the heavy favorite to close out this series in five.

Boston-Atlanta So far the most interesting series to date is the Boston-Atlanta match-up which saw the Celtics lose game one 83-74 highlighted by the ejection and suspension of star guard Rajon Rondo. Despite this, and without other key guard Ray Allen, the experienced Celtics defeated the Celtics 87-80 as Paul Pierce scored 36 points and pulled down 14 points to even the series heading into Boston.

Spurs-Jazz Last year, the Spurs entered the NBA playoffs as the number 1 seeded team and were bumped out of the first round by the Memphis Grizzlies. This year San Antonio set out to not have a repeat of last year against a vastly overmatched Jazz squad.

Matched up against the Utah Jazz the Spurs seem to have a probable chance of making with Coach of the Year Gregg Poppovich.

Lakers-Nuggets The biggest news about this match up does not come from the fact Kobe is back after being injured for two weeks prior to the playoffs, but SF Metta World Peace (Ron Artest) will be missing the entire first round of the playoffs due to a seven game suspension. Without Artest, the Lakers feel confident in his replacement David Ebanks. The Lakers may also rest assure there is nothing to worry knowing they have more playoff experience than their opponent. Kobe Bryant alone has more playoff appearances than the entire Denver line-up combined.

OKC-Dal After Oklahoma City escaped Dallas 99-98, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook narrowly escaped the defending NBA champions 102-99 in Game 2.

Reigning finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki put up 31 points in a losing effort.Though they lost this year’s Defensive Player of the Year in Tyson Chandler to the Knicks, the meat of this roster has faced adversity before.

LAC-Memphis Arguably the best series in the west, Game 1 failed to dissapoint as the Clippers rallied from a 27-point deficit to win 99-98, leaving the Memphis crowd stunned. The Grizzlies would comeback Game 2 and defeat the Clippers.

Although the offense has been explosive this year for the Predators it really helps out alot to have a top five Goaltender in Pekka Rinne who has 48 wins and only 18 losses. The first round went very well for Nashville as they were able to take out the Detroit Red Wings. Nashville will be put to the test against a red hot goalie in Mike Smith. Both goaltenders are amazing, and the big deciding factor on who will move on to the conference championship round will be based on puck possession time.

Eastern Conference New York Rangers vs Washington Capitals The first seed in the East is the New York Rangers. The Rangers have thrived with their offensive play with star center Brad Richards with 66 points, and right winger Marian Gaborik with 76 points. Their goalie is doing a great job leading the team with a record of five wins and three losses so far in the playoffs. The Rangers escaped near elimination, barely beating Ottawa Senators in seven.

The big story in Washington is the Capitals new goaltender Braden Holtby and his goals against average of 2.16 in the playoffs. He will need to be excellent in the net as he has to take on the first place New York Rangers and their star forward Marian Gaborik. The team has thrived off of the leadership of star forward Alexander Ovechkin, who has five points so far in the

playoffs. They did a great job at shutting down the Boston Bruins in game seven and Holtby’s play behind net held strong. Now it’s off to New York for the Capitals.

Round two: Philadelphia Flyers vs New Jersey Devils Fifth seeded Philadelphia escaped the first round by taking out fourth seeded Pittsburgh Penguins. The X-factor for Philadelphia throughout the season was Claude Giroux with 93 points his success lead this team to the playoffs. The Flyers goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov has been average so far with a 3.70 goals against average dueling with forwards Malkin and Crosby is not a easy task but the Flyers shooters were able to run up the score so much there was just no way for the Penguins to catch up. Now for the Flyers, they have to go up against the New Jersey Devils and their veteran goaltender Martin Brodeur.

They will go toe-to-toe with the sixth seeded New Jersey Devils. The Devils have relied a lot on the success of their star forward Ilya Kovalchuk through the regular season and he has been a big help as a leader in the playoffs. Travis Zajac has made some very crucial goals and that has led to the close victory over the Florida Panthers four games to three.

Girls’ lax in full force this season Jacob Cook

jacobcook@othstoday.com

Returning from their trip to the Windy City Classic, girls’ lacrosse left Chicago on a

also received praise from Coach Riddle because of her tremendous growth. Senior goal keeper Kelly Eastman continues to excel as well.

Coach Riddle has nothing but inspiring things to say about the girls this year. The girls have meshed extremely well this season.

Coach Riddle believes that so far the team’s biggest opponents have been Hazelwood West and St. Joseph’s.

Let’s hope the girls can continue their excellent season this year and win the state competition.

2-1 record. The girls record is now 9-3-1, and Coach Doug Riddle is extremely optimistic about the rest of the season.

Coach Riddle commented,“The girls are truly playing selfless lacrosse which makes them extremely successful.”

The girls are all working incredibly well together, so Sophomore Tessa Boots, and Senior much so that they’ve impressed Coach Riddle. Seniors Mackenzie McIntyre competing against Jenn Furrow, Brynn Laverdure St. Joseph’s Academy. (T.J. Price/The and Mackenzie McIntyre are Panther) all pulling their weight as veteran players. Sophomore Gretchen Bolhofner has

Minus 36 , a great game; even better cause Kailey Jaster

Friday, April 13, the boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams kaileyjaster@othstoday.com challenged each other in a battle of the sexes. In efforts to raise money for Minus 36, an organization to help with children’s cancer research, the boys and girls went toe-to-toe for a great. Why is it called Minus 36 you might asked? Everyday 36 kids are diagnosed with cancer, so what better way is there to earn money than through the ultimate challenge!

“There’s nothing better than fighting for a cause that’s worth fighting for.” said senior goalie Kelly Eastman The bleachers were filled with enthusiastic fans, who enjoyed laughter all through the night.

Kicking off with both team warm ups, the boys’ unleashed their inner “feminine side” wearing fairy wings, hair accessories, short shorts, skirts, and eye blinding amounts of pink. As for the

girls; black ink facial hair, and scars decorated their faces.

By the end of the night, Minus 36 had raised $2100 all going to help research at St. Judes Hospital; much of which came from T-shirt sales, and donation.Final score: 7-3 one goal was not accounted for. Although neither team was playing “hardcore,” (playing to win) the boys had the crowd in shock when they received a pass near the girls goal and instead, turned it around, sprinted down field and scored on themselves.

A few of the ridiculous plays ran that night: Snake, one person gets the ball, calls snake, and the whole team runs behind like Follow the Leader. Genocide(Everyone just falls out, and the guy with the ball sprints down field), Kamikaze: (When the goalie makes a save, then calls kamikaze, and sprints down the field as the rest of the team falls over,and lays as if they’re dead.

PHOTO STORY 20

THE PROWLER

MAY 7, 2012

D

ear Class of 2012 Students, Congratulations on your upcoming completion of high school and graduation! All of us at OTHS are most proud to have been able to work with you and see your growth these past four years. Although we are sad to say goodbye to you, we are quite excited to see how you will use your talents and abilities to make an impact on your world. You have the power to truly make a positive difference. Commit yourself to doing your very best in all you do. Be courageous and be upstanding for what is right. Be the kind of person you admire most. Be willing to access the wisdom of your parents and family members along the way. They have faced many of the same challenges you will be facing as you take the next steps in your life. You can beneFit tremendously from their perspectives. We at OTHS encourage you to keep us updated on all the exciting things you do in the future. We’d love to hear from you! As you Finish this chapter of your life and prepare to start a new one, always know that all of us at OTHS are wishing you the very best in everything you do.

Sincerely, Mr. Bickel

2012!

D

ear OTHS, Although the phrase may be overused, as this school year comes to a close, I can only say, “how time flies”. It seems like yesterday that the Class of 2012 was gathered as freshmen in the Panther Dome, listening to Mr. Dirnbeck explaining the school rules and regulations, and encouraging us to make the most out of our high school experience. Four years have passed and the Class of 2012 will gather again to graduate on May 19th, and to celebrate a long list of personal and group accomplishments. The 2011-2012 school year will be remembered as a success. Measured by the strong records of our athletic teams, the marching band’s top 25 placement at Grand Nationals, the outstanding works of the Fine Arts department, and the accomplishments of the many other school organizations, it is clear that OTHS students succeeded in representing our school and community well.

I offer a few thoughts to my fellow classmates: To the underclassmen, I suggest you stop wishing that it was you graduating this May! Your time will come soon enough, so don’t miss out. Take advantage of the opportunities for you to explore high school and find something that will make your experience memorable and your post high school plans more clear. To the Seniors, congratulations! You have completed the first leg of life’s journey. Whether you are headed to a university, a trade school, the military, or joining the workforce, you have arrived at the starting line for the rest of your life. Savor this time, but be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Finally, I encourage you to thank the faculty and staff, parents, friends, and others who have made it possible for you to reach your goals.

Education comes in many forms; through a book, a lecture, observation, or coaching, but most importantly through hard work. It is the cumulative experiences that we have in high school that molds each of us as we prepare for life. To all of OTHS, I’d like to say thank you. I will never forget my high school experience and I realize that each person that I have interacted with at OTHS has contributed to my education.

Stay classy, O’Fallon,

Brady Page Student Body President 2011-2012