December 19, 2017 Print Issue

Ec ho

Rolla High School - 900 Bulldog Run Rolla, Missouri 65401- Volume 69 - Issue - 5 December 19, 2017 - www.rhsecho.com

6 10 16

Display Case Preview from RHS’s athletic past ECHO’s first ever spread on the Rolla Public Library

Athlete of the month features basketball and wrestling competitors

Photo by Bailey Allison

In this issue...

Christmas Gift Ideas.......................................................................6 Early Graduates............................................................... ..............8 Winter Sports................................................................................15 Monthly Movies............................................................................17 Sam’s Soapbox..............................................................................19

Letter from the Editor There are some people who have been passionately engaged in the Christmas spirit since before Thanksgiving, but I don’t truly embrace the holiday until I start to see decorations around town.

These decorations start to appear slowly, but then suddenly the whole town is covered in nativity scenes, flashing lights, and holiday wreaths. I can not explain the warm, cheerful feeling I get any time I drive by a decorated house. There is just something about twinkling lights that can turn any night into a pleasant one. Part of what makes the holiday season so magical for me is the effort that people put in to show off their Christmas spirit.

Every house has its own take on Christmas; some houses are decorated from top to bottom, and some are not decorated at all.

My house often falls somewhere in between these two categories, which could be why I enjoy other people’s decorations so much. I have so much appreciation for all of the dedicated decorators out there; they keep the tradition alive.

Christmas 2017 looks to be in full swing based on my method of judgment. The lights are out, and I can spot Christmas trees through big windows. I even heard Christmas music playing at the grocery store a couple days ago. After an entire year, Christmas has snuck back into our lives. Enjoy this one before it suddenly disappears into the new year.

2017-2018 Rolla High ECHO Magazine Staff Editor In Chief - Sophia Gesualdi Copy Editor - Adrienne Pyeatt Managing Editor - Lydia Giesey Photo Editor - Bailey Allison Section Editors: Abbee Hilgers (Opinion), Maia Bond (Arts & Entertainment), Kayla Copeland (News), Brandon Kirchner (Sports), Jessa Swearingen (Feature) Staff Writers - Nalani Massaro, Lorren Black, Brett Gonzalez, Tutu Hardwick, Elizabeth Kaelin, Sam Kimball, Taylor Miller, Isaac Stormes, Nicole Van Horn, Abbee Hilgers Adviser - Mary Gillis ECHO is an open forum for student expression. All letters to the editor must include the writer’s name, signature and class or position. Anonymous letters will not be published. ECHO reserves the right to reject any letters. Letters should be sent to ECHO, Rolla High School, 900 Bulldog Run, Rolla, MO 65401.

ECHO is a member of Missouri Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, and Quill & Scroll Honor Society

2

Table of Contents

Echo Encourages Missouri’s strides toward safety A look into the Real I.D. Act Staff Editorial Ever since the world watched the collapse of the Twin Towers, one of America’s greatest concerns has been the nation’s safety. This has led to a major upgrade in airport security, including the creation of the TSA and the prohibiting of dangerous items, such as pocket knives. One of the safety measures included the Real ID Act, which was passed way back in 2005 (the year most of us high schoolers remember as the beginning of Suite Life of Zack and Cody). This act established the 9/11 Commission’s desire to set minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and ID cards. These standards include a person’s full legal name, their address, birth date, gender, driver’s license number, signature, and a photograph. However, this act also keeps federal agencies from accepting licenses in states that don’t meet these standards by the end of 2017. So, for example, if your license isn’t up to code, you can’t fly.

Most states have met these standards, but not Missouri.

Don’t freak out just yet, we still have a little bit of time. We have until January 22, 2018 to provide compliant IDs while traveling in all states. At first, many were concerned that this meant we simply wouldn’t be able to travel --at least not out of state-- without a passport, something that not everyone has. However, Missouri residents will be okay, as we’ve acquired an extension to continue using our current IDs for the two years it will take for the changes to be made. When Missouri meets all the federal standards, residents will have to apply for a license that either meets the guidelines, or use passport. ECHO supports Missouri’s strides to meet these standards throughout the next few years.

Festive Treats That You Can Eat Gingerbread houses: why oh why do we spend money on icing, candy, and other supplies to decorate a cookie bread we can’t even eat?

Gingerbread does not make a sturdy house to decorate, and after being left out, it gets stale. I am here to bring up the point that gingerbread houses look fun to make, but in reality they are wasteful, stressful, and uncooperative. We should opt for some new edible decorating activities to celebrate the holidays. To fix this problem, I decided to make Rice Krispie Treat snowmen that you are able to actually eat and enjoy. Building snowmen out of a wonderful marshmallow treat sounds really great compared to hard and stale spice bread. However I might be a little too harsh on gingerbread houses.

b y

N

a l a n i

Ma

s s a r o

Staff Reporter

So, I’m going to attempt to assemble both a gingerbread house and a marshmallow snowman family to prove that gingerbread houses are pointless.

In conclusion I have decided that making Rice Krispie Treat snowmen is in fact easier and more satisfying to make compared to assembling and decorating a gingerbread house.

I took a trip to Kroger, bought a Candy Land gingerbread house making kit, which looked fun to make, but did not turn out well.

The gingerbread house has very little, if any redeeming qualities, while the snowmen allowed my friends and I to create a personality for each snowman, resulting in lots of laughter.

Staff Editorial 3

ECHO Awareness

Bringing light to America’s opioid epidemic each issue

The holiday season is a wonderful time for families to come together. For those in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, it can be an opportunity to spend time with loved ones who would otherwise be forgotten. In past articles, we’ve discussed the effects of losing a loved one due to opiates. We have yet to discuss the importance of being there for struggling loved ones while they’re still in recovery.

For those struggling with substance use disorder, the holidays can be a turning point. They can be used as a healing opportunity, or they can possibly trigger a relapse. As Clif Johnson, Director of Clinical Compliance and Physician Services at Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Inc. (SEMO-BH), explains.

“It can be [difficult]. It can be used as an excuse to use, as many see it as a holiday to party, with Christmas Parties and New Year’s Eve, but it also can be good for recovery if it brings the family back together especially if it brings those in recovery back together with their children.

With those we have in our centers we do encourage passes and visitation with their loved ones,” Johnson said.

SEMO-BH recognizes the importance of family relationships and incorporates this into their treatment. “We encourage family/ significant other involvement from the start of treatment. Many times the family and other relationships are so strained it is difficult to get them to be involved, sometimes they have grown weary of the usage and problems associated with it, but their involvement is key as that relationship can assist in a successful recovery as they can be a support system. Family therapy is just one part of the overall treatment of the individual, in regards to the opiate crisis, we are using medications such as Suboxone very successfully in helping those using this drug and needing to get through the withdrawal without craving,” Johnson said.

“A good number of persons we serve are still on site during the holidays, we provide Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner and have gifts for all the clients,” Johnson said.

If a loved one you know is in the hospital this holiday season, be sure to pay them a visit. It could make all the difference.

4

ECHO Awareness

b y

Ab

b e e

H

i l g e r s

Opinion Editor

6,748 people per day are sent to the hospital due to substance use.

867,000 adolecents suffer with substance use disorder. That’s 1 out of 6 people between the ages of 18-25.

45-54 people die per day during the holiday season due to inebriated drivers. During the rest of the year, that number drops to 36 per day.

“Drug Rehab Success Rates and Statistics.” American Addiction Centers, americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/success-rates-and-statistics/.

“Statistics on Drug Addiction.” American Addiction Centers, americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-statistics/.

Barker, Howard. “Is Addiction Relapse More Common During The Holidays?” New Life House Sober Living & Drug Rehab Aftercare, 4 May 2016, newlifehouse.com/is-addiction-relapse-more-common-during-theholidays/.

7th and Pine Street Downtown Rolla www.reddoorgiftsrolla.com

Las Vegas attack affects RHS family b y

N

i c o l e

Va

n

H

o r n

Staff Reporter

On Oct 1, 2017, an attack occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada. At the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival, where thousands of people were gathered, a mass shooting occurred. Fifty-nine people, including the perpetrator, were killed. Five hundred and forty-six people were left injured and sent immediately to the hospital. Many families were affected by the event, including the family of Rolla High School’s teacher Dr. Keith Peterson.

Dr. Peterson’s sister, Amanda Peterson, was attending the concert when the attacker opened fire into the crowd. She was immediately taken to the hospital and given medical attention to treat her wounds and restore her health. She is currently recovering from her procedures and healing at a nice pace, staying strong.

Without a constant focus on social media, Dr. Peterson was unaware of the horrific event until he received a call about his sister.

“I don’t really watch the news much so with the events that happened in Las Vegas, my first knowledge of it was when I was notified about my sister. Outside of my isolated experience with it, I haven’t watched a lot of news and don’t know a lot of information,” Peterson said.

While many can be informed about the event that took place through the news or social media, it is not often that we can hear personal stories about the recovery afterward. Inside the hospital was a different experience.

For Dr. Peterson, his experience was spending time with his sister in

the hospital and talking to other families who were also recovering and offering support. “[There was] a lot of caring and compassion for a lot of people. Hospital employees were fantastic. It was Sunday night when it happened; there were nurses who were on call or off that day, and they had heard about the incident. They just went to work and started working to help people because of the numbers of people who were injured.” Dr. Peterson said.

People were focused on caring for others and coming together to help. Citizens brought in supplies such as food and clothing while other families in the hospital greeted one another and helped out any way they could. Some citizens of Las Vegas were even offering their homes for families of victims to stay in so they would not have to pay for the cost of a hotel. Despite being complete strangers to one another, people came together and helped to restore health and tranquility in the community.

Witnessing such support and sympathy was an amazing experience for Dr. Peterson, allowing him to view the better side of human nature, finding a way to stay strong together.

“Sometimes, it seems like it takes a dramatic event like this for that to come out but it’s there, and it’s in most of our natures to be like that.

Sometimes it seems like its doom and gloom but we wouldn’t have things as well as we have them if we didn’t have caring and compassion,” Peterson said.

This Month in History: Origins of the Christmas Tree Staff Reporter

b y

Lo

r r e n

Bla

c k

Each month in this column I will feature exciting events that happened in the past. Anything from iconic historical moments, influential movements, or just silly random events. I have always enjoyed learning about history, and I hope you will too!

Years before the use of evergreen trees as a traditional part of the Christmas season, plants that remain green all year held significant meaning to ancient civilizations in the winter. On December 21st or 22nd, the shortest and longest night of the year falls in the Northern Hemisphere, which is called winter solstice. Ancient people in these regions believed that the sun was a god and winter came when the sun god had become weak. They celebrated this because it signified that at last, the sun god could retire until Spring to recover. Boughs of evergreen that grew in the land around them reminded them of the greenness that was supplied by the sun god in the spring and summer, that would eventually be returned to them. Ancient Romans celebrated the solstice with the feast of Saturnalia in honor of the god of agriculture, Saturn.

For the Romans, Solstice marked that soon the land would again

be prosperous and flourishing.

They celebrated with boughs of evergreen as well, by decorating their homes and temples with them. In the 16th century, the tradition as we know it now began in Germany when Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Others would build pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles.

Martin Luther, a 16th-century Protestant reformer, is credited with being the first to add candles to the tree. It’s said that as he was walking home one evening, he was awestruck by the twinkling stars amongst the evergreens. To give this experience to his family, he put an evergreen in the main room of their house and strung lighted candles along its branches. This is what sparked the traditional Christmas tree that we use today.

This history of “Origins of the Christmas Tree” was compiled using information from the following websites: http://delongfarms.com/tree_1.html http://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmastrees

News

5

Pick of the Pack b y

Eli

z a b e th

Ka

e l i n

Staff Reporter

b y

Ta

y l o r

Mi

l l e r

Staff Reporter

Hello! Welcome to Pick of the Pack, ECHO’s monthly column all about the lovable pets waiting down at the Rolla Animal Shelter! The Rolla shelter always has many dogs and cats hoping for someone to come adopt them into a loving home. If you are interested in adopting any of these animals, go to our local shelter located at 1915 Sharpe Rd in Rolla.

Name: Taz Gender: Male Age: (Professional guess: 2+ years old) Breed: Hound Mix; part Basenji Description: This dog is truly amazing! He is very lively and loud. This pup is quite a barker; he wants every bit of your attention. This stray has not been neutered, but he has received his vaccinations from a previous owner. If you take a liking to this dog, please go to the Rolla Animal Shelter as soon as possible to take him home!

Name: N/A Gender: Female Age: Kitten (Professional guess: 10 months old) Breed: American Shorthair Description: This lively cat will melt your heart! She was taken in as a stray by the shelter on November 16, 2017. This tabby just recently got all of her shots and is now cleared by the vet to find a loving home. However, she hasn’t been declawed or spayed. She’s a rather small kitten, but she’s filled with love, and she’s still got room to grow! This kitty is very interested in playing and being active, so she requires a bit of attention. She also absolutely adores being held. If you’re interested in adopting this cat, head to the Rolla Animal Shelter today!

The

Gift Guide for a

Broke

High School Student 6 Feature

b y

Tu

t u

H

a r d w i c k

Staff Reporter

So you’re a broke high school student and it’s almost Christmas.

Your friends keep exclaiming how excited they are about the presents they got you. They send you a wink, as if to say I expect the best present in this entire world.

It’s Christmas Eve now, your palms are sweating, and you find yourself standing in Walmart in a panic. After several minutes of deep contemplation, you find yourself walking straight towards the candle aisle. Perfect, you think, a candle. Now all you have to worry about is choosing the right scent: Cut Frasier or Board Walk? But wait -- what if they want socks more than a candle?

Perhaps a pair of socks with some animated avocados all over the front will do the trick. No, you think, that’s not enough. Your friends need more! So maybe a package of their favorite candy on top, and a nice insulated cup for those chilly winter mornings, and a soft cotton blanket from the bedding aisle.

Your arms are stacked with all of these gifts. Inexpensive, but still nice. You walk to the checkout aisle with a grin on your face, happy with your last-minute shopping results. You’re just grabbing your wallet, without a doubt in your mind, when you see the chapstick right by all the other the knick-knacks. With undoubted success, you can be assured that your friends will be satisfied with their gifts.

All-Inclusive celebrations for holiday time b y

Eli

z a b e th

Ka

e l i n

Staff Reporter

It is the time of year where the streets will be lined with lights and bows. When people think of the Holidays they usually think of the traditional Christmas, a Christian holiday celebrated by 90% of Americans.

Many other people do not know of the different celebrations that happen during the winter season. Three of the main traditional holidays are; Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Krampusnacht.

Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday to honor African American history. It is celebrated

by African Americans and parts of the African diaspora. From December 26 to January 1, there are nightly rituals that each family performs personalized to

their family. These rituals can include drums, chants, songs, and discussion on that night’s Nguzo Saba. The Nguzo Saba are 7 different values: Unity (Umoja, oo–MO–jah), Self-determination (Kujichagulia, koo–gee–cha–goo–LEE–yah), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima, oo–GEE–mah), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa, oo–JAH–mah), Purpose (Nia, nee–YAH), Creativity (Kuumba, koo– OOM–bah), and Faith (Imani, ee–MAH– nee). The main symbol of Kwanzaa is the Kinara (kin•a•ra), a candle holder with 7 candles of three colors: three red on the left, one black in the middle, three green on the right. Each of these candles represents the day’s value. The Kinara is lit by a child of the family right before the ritual.

A well known winter holiday is Hanukkah. Hanukkah is a Jewish eight-day celebration for the tale of when the Jewish people rose up against their Greek-Syrian dictators of the time, in the Maccabean Revolt. Hanukkah stars on the 25th day of Kislev (the Jewish calendar). It usually falls in November or December. Of the limited knowledge people have for Hanukkah, many think of the Menorah. The Menorah

has nine candles. Eight of them represent the days in Hanukkah, while one is used to light the rest. This candle is called the shamash, or the helper. This holiday is a time of food and family. All the traditional Hanukkah foods are fried in oil. Latkes, which are potato pancakes, are a favorite of many Jewish families. A common activity for children is to play with four-sided tops called dreidels Perhaps the least known holiday of winter time is Krampusnacht. Krampusnacht is celebrated on December 5th in Bavaria, a state in Germany. It is a day or fright. It celebrates Krampus, St. Nikolaus’ devilish counterpart who punishes the naughty children. He is half demon half goat. The women and children of the towns line the street while the men of the families dress as this creature and scare delinquent children. Some men even carry a switch to “hit” the children with.

The Christmas season is a wonderful time for all, but it is nice to also remember there are many other celebrations happening as well. Learning about all of these holidays can help you better understand, and enjoy your holiday season.

Early Graduates

b y

So

p h i a

Ge

Editor

s u a l d i in

Chief

As the fall semester comes to a close, many students at Rolla High have decided to graduate early. ECHO would like to take some time to acknowledge their accomplishments and future plans. Here are the plans of some of Rolla High’s early graduates.

Tyler Wilson

“I was honestly just getting tired of the stress school put on me with having to balance work, school, and extracurricular activities. Graduating early is just a way to relieve some of my stress.

After graduation, I plan on taking a year off, so I can work some and build up money for college. After my one year is up, I plan on using my A+ scholarship to go to ECC to take care of my general studies. What I would let other students know is that before you make this decision, you need to take the time to look at your options for college or work because once you make this decision and turn in all the papers, there is no going back. Be wise and think,” Wilson said.

Marc Lyle

“I was offered a spot in a couple touring bands. I’ll be touring the country playing shows in every state. When I’m not traveling, I’ll be recording music in various music studios in Springfield and St. Louis. I’ll also be teaching drum lessons and taking a few college classes here and there. As far as anything else, people can follow both my bands ‘The Wild & Free’ and ‘The Winks’ on any social media platform and music service. They can also watch my own drum content on my YouTube channel MarcLyleDrums,” Lyle said.

Congratulations to Emilee Bias, Sayer Ede, Madison Eye-Cottrell, Hannah Henson, Cameron Hodges, Kimberly Jannick, Sara Kilbert, Hazel LawingThomas, Marc Lyle, Emmanuel Rogers, Zechariah Strom, Jessie Turnbough, Andrea Westall, Tyler Wilson, and Payton Wright on their early graduation.

New Year, New Schedule First semester is coming to a rapid close, holiday break is coming up, and AP course booklets are being given out. After two weeks of break, everyone returns to school and is thrown into the stress of scheduling for the coming year.

Every year, the same questions are asked about why students need to fill out their schedules in January when there will be nearly seven months to prepare for the school year. Counselor, Sarah Kaelin, understands the stress and is an expert at calming the hectic start of second semester.

“We schedule earlier in the year because, after students submit their schedules, then the counselors have to go through them and make sure that students are taking classes they are allowed to take and choosing to challenge themselves,” Kaelin said.

Along with having to check hundreds of students’ schedules, they also have to evaluate the number of students taking each class.

“We also have to make staffing decisions, such as adding teachers or how many hours we need to have teachers that we share with other schools,” Kaelin said.

Before any of these things are decided, or scheduling begins, new courses are added and taken away. Each year, they work on new courses that can be offered and decide what would benefit students the most. In December, the altered course book goes to the school board, who either approves or rejects the new changes. The book is then changed ac-

Emmanuel Rogers

“I decided to graduate early because I could complete all my credits this semester and I wanted to get a head start on my post-high school plans. I’m signed up for the Air Force, so I will be leaving for basic training in February. I plan on being a TACP; their job is to direct airstrikes and artillery. I would recommend graduating early if you plan to go directly into the workforce or military, otherwise I would say stay in and attend classes that would look good on a college resume,” Rogers said

b y

Ma

i a

Bo

n d

Arts & Entertainment Editor

cordingly and given to students to prepare their classes in January.

New courses can mean anything from new art, math, or AP classes. Knowing which AP classes are the right choice for individuals can depend on whether they are dual credit or not. If a class is eligible for dual credit, the teacher must have a masters degree in that subject, which is not always the case.

Students may also take into consideration what AP tests they want to take, so parents can set aside the $90 it costs for each test. However, if a student receives free and reduced lunches, then the cost is only $53, and it is not uncommon for a student to go to a counselor or administrator and express the need for a higher discount. If it is evident that a student wants to take an AP test and try their best, the staff will find a way for a student to take it.

Whether AP classes are right for some students or not, Kaelin advises all students to keep in mind their interests and profession of choice when scheduling for the 2018-19 school year.

“Take the most challenging courses available to you, because they will prepare you for what you want to do after high school. Particularly if you are planning to head to college, take those hard classes while you are here and they are free.

Whatever you want to do, make sure you are taking classes that are relevant to what you want to do,” Kaelin said.

AP Classes

AP Biology AP Calculus AB AP Chemistry AP English Lit. and Comp.

AP European History AP Lang. and Comp.

AP Music Theory AP Psychology AP Statistics AP Studio Art 3D AP Studio Art 3D AP Studio Art Drawing AP U.S Government AP U.S History

Political Plans:

b y

Sa

m

Ki

m b a l l

Staff Reporter

An Interview With the Republican Party County Chairman This is part one of a two part series. Join us next month for an interview with the Democratic party.

In 2018, the midterm elections will take place in Missouri.

Despite the elections being almost a year away, political parties are already thinking about them. I interviewed Jonathan Hines, the Republican Party county chairman for Phelps County to hear about his views on the upcoming election.

From a local perspective, Hines wants senators and representatives to come from Phelps County.

“Our state representatives cross county lines. The senate crosses county lines. Senator Brown is term limited out. Representative Keith Frederick is also term limited out. So, both of those seats are coming up. I think it’s important that the county have a senator.

Even though they represent multiple counties, I think the senator should come from Phelps County. We have the university, we have a lot of other stuff that goes on here.

It really comes down to this: is our state senator going to come from Phelps County, or up by the Lake [of the Ozarks],” Hines said.

Hines thinks that having a senator from Phelps County would be very beneficial.

“It’s better for us if it’s someone here local, that we can see every day basically. Doc Brown treats my pets. I know him. I know I can trust him. I know that when he says something he means it. If it’s somebody else fifty or sixty miles away at the Lake [of the Ozarks], it’s different,” Hines said.

“I want to not let people’s opinions about me affect the way that I feel about myself and others.”

-Bella Hardwick

“I plan to expand my knowledge of basketball.”

-Jeron Hicks

Hines put emphasis on the fact that there are disagreements within the party that arise from geographical facts.

“Even within the party, there’s those types of push and pull factors in the primaries. That’s what the primaries are about,” Hines said.

Despite the differences among members of the parties, Hines thinks that the party should support whoever wins the primary.

“How politics works is to fight like cats and dogs in the primary, and then when the primary is over, you vote along party lines, even if you have to hold your nose to go vote for them, that’s what you do,” Hines said.

Hines also had thoughts on the local democratic party, especially about their primaries.

“There aren’t enough people left to have democratic primaries. I would love to see it. I think that the debates are good, prior to the regular election. Right now, we have multiple people in the republican primary. There is only one person running for the democrats.

Democrats are okay with that. They say, ‘let the republicans beat the snot out of each other. We got our one guy that we are supporting. We’re not wasting our money in a primary, so we’ll put it all towards the general election.’ That is good for a democratic party candidate for a while, but I don’t think it’s healthy for a party in the long run,” Hines said.

Join us next month to hear what the democrats think of the the republicans.

“I intend to stop lying to myself about making lifestyle changes.”

-Leah Rasco

“Next year I would like to make new personal records for my track events. I run the 4x8, 800, 1600, and sometimes the 3200.”

-Abbey Williams

“I want to grow my clothing empire.”

-Logan Choi

2018 our plans for

“I hope to improve my golf game in 2018 and break 80.”

-Jack Gesualdi

b y

“I want to focus on working hard at the things I enjoy. I’d like to paint a lot and I’m trying to look at my phone less.”

-Brooke Gillman -

“I hope to make All-National Band.”

-Sudatta Hor

“I’d like to practice guard 4-5 days a week.”

-Lyndsi Blakley

Ad

r i e nn e

Py

“I’d like to graduate, although sometimes I feel like I’m ready to drop out.”

-Kelton Heavin

e a tt

C o p y E d i t o r “First of all, I plan

“I want to finally find Waldo.”

-Charles Victor

to read more books.

Secondly I need to be more grateful for friends and family.”

-Shaylea Hansel

Feature 9

The Rolla Public Library Ma

b y

i a

Bo

n d

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Lo

b y

Legacy

The Rolla Public Library resides as one of the staples of the small town community, providing childhood memories from the summer reading program, giving back with community service, and serving the people for over one hundred years. The history of the building still stands on display today and Library Director, Diana Watkins, gives a brief history of the library on Pine Street.

“This building was built in 1914 as a post office. Before that, it was a livery stable, but when the post office was built, individuals that were being drafted into the military signed up in the office upstairs,” Watkins said.

The building became the library in 1963 and has been evolving since. Watkins, who has been the director for just over three years, has been involved in much of the library’s history, which includes such things as the addition of the mural, new entry steps, and a even a lawsuit filed by New Approach Missouri Coordinator, Randy Johnson. Watkins does everything from “unclogging toilets, to accepting summer reading grants, and everything in between.”

Despite her all-inclusive job description, desk littered with papers, and various appointments, she folds her hands and assures that it is all worth it.

“The people. Everyone that comes in is very unique in what they need from the public library. I may have kids coming in that aren’t even in school yet, or parents who are homeschooling several kids.

There are college students looking for a place a little quieter to work and retirees looking for information on hobbies or current events,” Watkins said.

Watkins proudly recalls one day where a family from Nigeria who had never been to a public library, were fascinated with the idea of taking the books home. Later in the day a couple visiting from Germany discussed the history of the building. Just like the wide variety of people in the library, there are also an array of different services they offerof people that the Naturally, when one hears the word ‘library’, they think books, but the Rolla Public library also offers movies, databases for career development, TumbleBooks, which are recorded books for children, preschool and family storytimes, DVD’s, EBooks, and community events. One of those events was the lighting of the tree in the courtyard.

r r e n

Bla

c k

Staff Reporter

.

b y

b y

Ab

Ka

H

b e e

i l g e r s

Opinion Editor

y l a

C

o p e l a n d

News Editor

Art Club & Library

This year at the Rolla Public Library, a Christmas tree was put on display December 1st. The tree is featured in the new library mural space that was recently painted by students of RHS. The tree’s purpose is to give back to the community and to spread holiday cheer. The RHS Art Club is a part of this project, and made ornaments to decorate the tree.

The Art Club has been involved with the library before, so when RHS art teacher Connie Shoemaker, was asked to be a part of this project, she was more than happy to accept.

“Jeff Sandquist is the retired choir director, but is still really involved with the community. He contacted me and asked if the art club could do decorations for a 20 foot tree that they are putting up at the new library mural space, so I said yes,” Shoemaker said.

Shoemaker cites several reasons why they decided to take on the project for this holiday season, adding to the festive downtown decorations.

“It’s a good community service project, it’s very public, a lot of people are going to see it. It’s also a good project for the holiday season and to reuse materials that we’re using to make the ornaments,” Shoemaker said.

The ornaments are all very low cost, because they are being made out of recycled materials.

“We’re using CD’s, glitter glue, sparkles, and drinking straws that we will zip-tie to add dimensions to big ornaments,” Each individual makes their own ornaments, but it’s more than just making a decoration to put on a Christmas tree.

“It represents Art Club, and something we’ve put forth effort into to give to the community,” senior Tori Rose said.

This is the first year the Art Club has participated in this project, and the students of the Art Club hope it will continue for more years to come.

“I think if one thing that we’ve done this year should continue, it should be this, it’s important to always give back to the community,” senior Tanner Mease said.

Along with the art club, students at the Rolla Technical Institute are also helping with the project by constructing a base for the 20 foot tree. The tree went up November 29, and on the 30 the Art Club went to the library to decorate it. The tree is on display just in time for the holiday season.

In addition to community events, the library also visits various nursing homes and group homes for the developmentally disabled.

They also offer a popular summer reading program for all ages that brought in about 700 people this past year. Watkins sits up and unfolds her hands.

The Children’s Library

The Children’s Library was introduced about seven years ago because that section had previously been where the audiovisual materials reside, and it was simply not big enough. People coming in wanted things to be little quieter and it is off-putting for children to go somewhere and be told be be quiet.

“This program was originally developed to keep kids from losing what they learned during school, while being at home all summer.

By reading over the summer, they have less of that problem. Now it has been expanded and we do a lot of things for kids that are not in school and even adults,” Watkins said.

She recounts a specific young boy “all of six years old” who participated in the program, much to his dislike.

“My first summer for summer reading, a little guy told me on the very first day that he did not like reading, he hated books, and he did not want to do the program. By the end of the summer, he was checking out books because we asked him what he did like.

Of course he loved cars and motorcycles and he wanted to big enough to go hunting with Papa. We were able to get him books that he liked and make that connection that reading was not something he had to do, he really enjoyed it,” Watkins said.

On the child’s birthday, he brought Watkins a cupcake, mostly icing and sprinkles, and his grandmother assured her that she did not have to eat it. Watkins looked up and said how that is just how she liked her cupcakes.

Watkins has undoubtedly left her mark on the library with the summer reading program that reaches hundreds, even those who hate to read, and community events such as the Christmas tree in the courtyard. Before her time at the library, another addition was welcomed.

Facing Controversy The Children’s Library was a necessary element to add, but was the source of some controversy in May of 2017. Coordinator for New Approach Missouri Randy Johnson faced difficulties when attempting to hold a meeting in the public library, and was denied.

New Approach Missouri is the campaign for the initiative to petition for medical marijuana to make it on the 2018 Missouri ballot.

Johnson sets up meetings to train people to fill out the petition in an ethical and proper manner, and also sets up places where people can go to sign the petitions. That is exactly what he was trying to do at the public library.

“I was trying to set up one of those meetings where I put out a notice to the public to inform them that I am trying to train people to collect signatures for the petition,” Johnson said.

There are certain ways to fill out the petition and if there are any mistakes, then the signature is thrown out. In order to help alleviate this issue, he has these meetings in public spaces teach volunteers how to petition correctly.

“Initially, I called the library and a young lady answered. We set up a time and a date that was open and she told me that the director had to approve it and make sure we were not a for-profit company and we met all of the requirements to have our meeting in a public space. I called the director the next day and she asked me my name, what the organization was, and then she asked what we did. At that point she said ‘Oh no we can’t do that, it is too close to the children’s section of the library,’” Johnson said.

A few years prior Johnson had booked a room at the same library, under the organization name Show Me Cannabis, which was cancelled due to its growing size and relocated to a room at The Centre. It was however, booked and approved under a different Library Director.

“She said that it was her say and she had the final word. I told her that her library takes taxes and state funds so my group is allowed a room,” Johnson said.

Watkins held her ground and remained firm in her decision to refuse a room to Johnson’s meeting.

“I then contacted a senior volunteer coordinator, who contacted the director, and the director said the same thing. A board member of New Approach Missouri also contacted her, and the director said the same thing again. At that point, I knew my first amendment rights were being taken away from me. I contacted a lawyer who reached out to the library board, and nothing happened. They did not respond at all, so we approached the ACLU of Missouri to take the case,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s advocacy for medical marijuana stems from the effects it could have on his own family. When his rights were compromised, it was more than just an inconvenience.

“My sister has multiple sclerosis. Her daughter has cerebral palsy with seizure disorders. I was hearing things in 2010 about some of the things that marijuana has done. I started researching and found out that the country of Israel has a medical marijuana program. They have been researching for over 50 years and have discovered the compounds in marijuana and an

endocannabinoid system that we all have in our bodies. I was watching Israel’s research and the variety of symptoms and illnesses medical marijuana treats and helps alleviate. multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and seizure disorders were all treatable by medical marijuana. From there, I got my hopes up and now I’ve also found out that in England, GW Pharmaceuticals has a spray for multiple sclerosis muscle spasms derived from marijuana. This movement is broadening and moving to the United States now too,” Johnson said.

His excitement has not slowed despite difficulties. Johnson discussed matter-of-factly about the story, making sure to state his paper trail on each event.

“The ACLU went into the library and changed the way they set up their policies, so we and others could be allowed access to their rooms. The way the library’s policy was set up, their denial of a room could be based on personal belief,” Johnson said.

Johnson had never experienced a problem like this before, having set up meetings at the Camdenton Library and Osage Beach Library as well. He apologized for his lawsuit causing such an uproar, he only thought he was standing up for his rights.

“If someone does not speak up for their rights, their rights will go away,” Johnson said.

Watkins looked at the sticky notes lining her desktop computer.

When asked if she would clarify anything or share her side, she remained tight lipped.

“We have a very standard meeting room policy that will unfortunately involve a lot more paperwork for the people wanting a room,” Watkins said Watkins did however share a very strict policy that prevented media from attending presentations and recording what happens in the library.

“We are probably only of the few government entities that really protect your privacy. Individuals can come in, use the computers, check out books, whatever resources they need, and know that it will not end up in the media. (...) but to bring the media to a group that, in some cases were low income, or non English speakers, is a violation of their privacy,” Watkins said.

In order to gather information on some of the services the public library provides, media attempted to attend a presentation that was geared to teachers and parents whose children were not yet in the school system. The library works with schools and has outreach programs, but media was unfortunately not allowed to attend in order to inform the public, due to the possibility of us reporting on the details of parents and teachers there. We were not given the opportunity to ask permission of those attending to clarify our purpose was not to report on them. We were only informed that media is restricted from attending and that interviewing in the library is prohibited, though we conducted an interview with Watkins in her library office one day later.

Watkins cites these strict privacy protection policies as part of the Library Code of Ethics, which has been around since the 1940’s. It is also stated in the Library Code of Ethics to “distinguish between our personal convictions and professional duties and do not allow our personal beliefs to interfere with fair representation of the aims of our institutions or the provision of access to their information resources.”

e T a Tl n S how b y

14

Ly

d i a

Gi

e s e y

Managing Editor

Rolla High School’s talent show took place for the second year on December 1st. Students danced, acted, serenaded and were met with much praise and approval--Thus is the journey of a talent show. Talent shows serve as a place of encouragement and celebration of people’s abilities. They allow others to show a new side of themselves that people may not expect. This isn’t the first time Rolla has seen a showcase of this type, and hopefully won’t be the last.

Senior Virginia Northern took on the responsibility of continuing the talent show for her leadership class event.

“I’ve always loved talent shows, ever since I was younger. Last year, when Noah [Lewis-Daly] did it, it was the first time it happened in ten years. So I wanted to keep that rolling. If it happens two years in a row, hopefully, more people will do it and it will keep going, because I feel like a talent show is a really good environment that really allows kids to express themselves to people who may not know who they are,” Northern said.

Northern felt that a talent show is an event that would benefit RHS, creating a safe space that encouraged people to be themselves.

“It was an opportunity for high schoolers to go out and show their peers and their families their talents, in a safe environment where no one’s going to be judging each other. It [also] gave kids who aren’t in band, choir or drama, what have you, an opportunity to say, ‘Hey, just because I don’t take those classes, I can still do this.’ There was going to be a judging system, and there was a first, second and third place winner, but everyone got a participation award,” Northern said.

Like most leadership events, the talent show was put on for a good cause. This year, the proceeds will go to serve the fine arts.

“The money is going to be split between the choir and the drama departments. Because they don’t do as many fundraisers as band would, I felt like we should give back to them. We also had a lot of singers, so [in a way] it was more oriented towards them,” Northern said.

Senior Demetric Hawking performed an original rap in the talent show and placed first in the competition.

Focus

“It was just like, one of those feelings where I’m sitting and didn’t know how to breathe, like, ‘I don’t know what’s going to happen and I feel like I’m going to fall or something,’ just something negative. But then, when you first get on stage, it’s like that free feeling. You feel free, you feel at peace, and you feel like you can just be yourself without worrying about anything. Plus, to top it all off, there were people I know who didn’t even like rap music, who actually told me I did a good job,” Hawking said.

Junior Kat Conaway also participated, both playing her ukulele and singing La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf.

“I have performed in every talent show since kindergarten, so I figured I should probably do this one. I was on youtube, and I googled ukulele songs. I found Moon River and La Vie en Rose, which I hadn’t heard before. So I listened to both of them, and was like, ‘Woah! This one is in French! That sounds crazy,’” So I decided, you know what? I don’t speak French, but I’m going to learn it to play this song correctly. So I did it in both English and French and it was super fun,” Conaway said.

Overall, the talent show was a grand experience for both the participants and the audience.

The continuation of this event would do much to benefit Rolla High School, and allow students to express themselves.

“Personally, it’s one of the things where you have people who don’t [usually] get to show their light and get to show their talent, but they show it that one time, so it’s like they can at least stand out. I know there are people who get picked on in high school; I’m one of those people. The talent show is like one of those times where you can show people who you actually are, or show a different characteristic about you, and that you have a secret gift that nobody knows about,” Hawking said.

Winter sports look forward to season b y

Since Winter is upon us, it is both important to remember the success of Fall Sports and to look forward to the start of the Winter Sports Season. The Rolla Wrestling Team had quite the success last season with wrestlers placing toward the top at State, however, losing the wrestlers from the 2017 senior class it may make it difficult to recreate the same success. Coach Marty Hauk has been the head coach of the wrestling team for the past few years.

“Losing guys such as Tristan Barr, Seth Veatch, Gage Maxwell, Xavier Douglas, and Alton Heyer 3 of which were at the state tournament and medaled the past two seasons, is not easy. However, by them achieving those goals it helped our team and program reach a new expectation and raise the bar. We have been in the top 10 the last 3 years, and we expect to be in it again this year. Those guys helped get us into the top 10 and now we have to keep creating a culture of love for the sport, which in return will drive the passion to want to surpass them and their achievements. So far in the past 3 season, we have continued to grow and this season we are outscoring last year’s team points at this point last season,” Hauk said.

When you’re one of the top wrestlers in the state it is important to be able to recreate the same success over and over again. Senior Coleman Brainard has placed in the State Wrestling Championship for the past three years and is working on returning during his senior season.

“Just continuing to work hard in the practice room, and learn new things from the coaches. Also to work on new things to get better,” Brainard said.

The Rolla Basketball team has had some success the past few seasons thanks to Head Coach Mark Miller and he will be looking to recreate the same success this season with a bunch of new faces.

“We return 3 full-time starters from last year and several others that played a big role for last year’s team, so experience should be a strength of ours. We have good size, quality ball handlers, good shooters, and a strong bench. Those things make a high caliber basketball team.

Our captains are Nick Janke and Josh Pritchett. Other starters are

Br

a n d o n

Ki

r c hn e r

Sports Editor

Blaize Klossner, Coby Martin, and Alec Buhr. Other varsity players looking to get plenty of minutes are Aaron Cunningham, Davie Pound, RJ Alfred, Muluken Pritchett, and Ahmadou Boubacar,” Coach Miller said Being a starting senior on the team affects your mentality heading into games. Senior Josh Pritchett plays forward for the Rolla Basketball Team.

“I just have a lot more confidence now since I’m a senior. I feel like now every game we play we will win,” Pritchett said.

Being an upperclassman on the team means you have to be a good role model for the lowerclassmen. Junior Blaize Klossner is one of the leaders on the basketball team.

“The main way we lead them is just setting examples during practice and simply working hard in practice. They generally pick up on it and follow you,” Klossner said.

Last season, the Rolla Girls’ Basketball team did not have quite the success they were looking for. Head Coach Luke Floyd is looking forward to- a good 2017-2018 campaign.

“We knew that being young last year would mean that we’d take our lumps, but hoped that getting that year of experience would help us moving forward. We have seen the benefits of that so far this year. Even though we are still very young, we know what it takes to compete on a nightly basis and the practice habits we need to have in order to be successful,” Coach Floyd said.

This season, the Girls Basketball team doesn’t have many seniors on the squad to provide leadership. Mattie Dean is the only senior on the basketball team.

“I’ve been on the team the longest, but we’re all one big family.

I just try to provide good examples for them and just be a role model,” Dean said.

When you’re only a sophomore starting on the varsity squad it is quite the challenge to play at a higher level of competition. Sophomore Loran Pritchett is a starter on the Girls Basketball team.

“I’ve been playing Basketball since 4th grade and I work hard in the offseason and during practices. Also playing against my teammates makes me a better player,” Pritchett said. Sports 15

Athletes of the Month Rebecca Janke b y

Br

e tt

Go

n z a l e z

Staff Reporter

As a sophomore, Rebecca Janke is already a three time letterman. She is an avid competitor in volleyball, basketball, and track.

Sports have always come naturally to Rebecca and she started playing at a young age. She’s always been a natural at basketball since it runs in the family and it’s what she grew up with.

“All of my older siblings have played basketball, and I’ve always been tall. I’ve played basketball since kindergarten, volleyball since sixth grade, and track since ninth grade, but it’s easier to pick up on. In volleyball I’m the middle hitter, in basketball I’m the post, and in track I’m a thrower,” Janke said.

Rebecca is good at all three of the sports she plays, but really enjoys volleyball.

“I think it’s the most enjoyable out of the three sports. I really enjoy the games and being in the moment”, Janke said.

She is also a standout in basketball, earning an award in her first year of playing at the varsity level.

“Last year I was on the Ozark All-Conference Defensive Team” Janke said.

Of course she’s going to try and improve on what she did last year, but her goal this year is set more towards the other side of the ball.

“I want to get stronger offensively this season and to just keep improving overall,” Janke said.

The Lady Bulldogs are a very young squad this season, but their team chemistry will overcome the experience they lack in varsity time.

“We are all pretty close, and it’s easier to play with your friends and it makes it more enjoyable. Hopefully, our junior and senior year we will be winning a lot more games and going farther past districts,” Janke said.

The American Taco Company has generously agreed to award each Athlete and Artist of the Month featured in ECHO a $10 ATC Gift Card.

Coleman Brainard

b y

I

s a a c

St

o r m e s

Staff Reporter

Coleman Brainard is a three time state qualifier and current RHS senior wrestling Captain. He has been involved in wrestling for years and loves the sport and competition that accompanies it.

“I’ve been wrestling since I was seven. My dad put me in the [wrestling room] put shoes on me and told me to go out there and try it. I first wrestled at the Rolla youth club. My first year was a struggle because I wasn’t very good, but I kept at it and got better,” Brainard said.

And indeed he did get better. Cole has had an amazing high school career and plans to top it off with an even better senior year.

“I have finished 2nd, 3rd, and 6th in the state. It pushes me harder to finally be on top of the podium. Getting so close and not finishing kinda sucked and makes me realize how bad I want it.

My goals this year are to win state and see where that takes me, see what kinda college offers I get.” Brainard said.

Despite all the success he has experienced Brainard still admits the hardest part of wrestling is losing.

“The hardest part of it is the mental side of it, because you are the only one out there and it’s you vs another person. If you screw up it’s all on you, you are the reason you win or lose,” Brainard said.

Cole looks at this adversity positively and sees it as blessing.

“I like the one on one part of wrestling, because you can feel what the other person is doing. I like the mental side of it too.

Wrestling has given me mental toughness, with maintaining weight you also have to be mentally disciplined,” Brainard said.

Coleman is a team player and knows what is expected of him as a team leader and captain.

“Being a leader in the wrestling room, I try to keep people involved and having a good time” Brainard said.

As Coleman and the wrestling team are poised for a big year, look out for Rolla wrestling to take its place as one of the top schools in the state.

“Our goal as a team is to finish top four in the state and come home with a plaque. We finished 10th last year so it’s a big jump but I think we can do it. We’ve never finished higher than 9th” Brainard said.

Next on

Netflix b y

Ba

i l e y

All

i s o n

Photography Editor

I am definitely one to go to Netflix, browse through the trending category, watch the first episode of literally everything, and likely never continue the series. So for this column, I’m going to watch the first episode of a recommend series on Netflix to give my first impressions and whether I would continue the series or not. For the month of December, I watched the raved about show Shameless.

I feel as though Shameless isn’t as popular as it once was, but I have always been intrigued by it. After being added to my list for several months, I decided to give the hit series a shot.

Although Shameless was much more risque than I imagined it to be, I thought it was hilarious. It was eye-opening to know that families still live in the rough conditions that the Gallagher

family has somehow pushed through. For those of you who don’t know, Shameless, which is currently in the midst of season eight, is about a spunky family of an alcoholic father and a flaky mother who all work together to survive the difficult living conditions of Chicago suburbs. Fiona, the oldest daughter took charge when she was old enough to realize her parents neglected to take care of them, yet they ended up having several more children.

I love all of the vastly different family members and their friends who use their interesting and unconventional ways to survive and add interest to their rough lives. I could definitely see myself recommending this to a friend and I can see myself continuing the series.

Monthly Movies Christmas time is finally here, and since it is my all time favorite holiday, I would like to share my all time favorite Christmas movies.

The Santa Clause

Elf

Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is not a fan of Christmas, but after Santa falls off his roof and onto his front lawn, Scott is taken to the North Pole where he discovers that he is to be the new Santa Claus. Scott is then left to deal with this new responsibility. This is a funny and feel good movie, and it’s one that I watch every year.

Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) is a human that has been raised among Santa’s elves in the North Pole. After wreaking havoc at his home, he decides to travel to New York City to meet his biological father. This movie is hilarious and it’s great to watch with friends.

b y

Ka

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

y l a

C

o p e l a n d

News Editor

Home Alone

For those who haven’t seen this movie growing up, you’re Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) missing out. Eight year old Kevin and his family had huge plans McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) for their upcoming Christmas, is part of a huge family that is but everything that could go about to go on a Christmas vacawrong does. Before Christmas, tion. The only problem is that Clark already had his entire after a crazy morning he is forbickering family living in his gotten at home. His Christmas house, got locked in the attic, after and the events beforehand and had things go wrong at make this an incredibly funny work. This movie is a great one and lovable movie. to watch with your family, and despite all of the things that happen it leaves you in the Christmas spirit.

Arts & Entertainment 17

ARTIST

b y

N

a l a n i

Ma

s s a r o

Staff Reporter

b y

Ma

i a

Bo

n d

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Of The

MONTH Payton Pennington Senior Payton Pennington has dedicated the entirety of his highschool career to drama and musical theater. Throughout high school, there are various social cliques that divide our student body. Drama at RHS brings students from each of their cliques and circles together which allows them to form close friendships while bonding over acting, singing, and all that goes into putting on a production.

“With drama, it’s kind of like everyone is combined, so you meet a lot of people that you thought you would never talk to, not to mention just making awesome friendships,” Pennington said.

Growing up in a house full of actors and movie fanatics only boosted Pennington to pursue drama.

“My brothers being apart of drama with me has just increased my want to get better; there is of course brotherly competition, but it definitely makes me want to try harder. If you’re going for the same role it can be a little heated between the brothers, but I enjoy having them around,” Pennington said.

Influenced greatly by his father’s love of movies, Pennington decided to audition for the play, “Check Please” his freshman year and found his niche.

“Sophomore year I was in the play ‘You Can’t Take It with You’ and the musical ‘Bye Bye Birdie.’ Junior year I was in ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ and ‘Once Upon a Mattress.’ This year I was an old man in ‘12 Angry Jurors’ and we are currently auditioning for the musical ‘Guys and Dolls.’

18 Arts & Entertainment

Outside of the performances for the high school, I was in ‘Seussical the Musical,’” Pennington said.

There are many different outlets to express creativity, and Pennington happened to find drama to show off his.

“My favorite part about drama would be the variation of roles you play. Some are really similar to me but sometimes I can play a role that’s completely opposite to me. For “Twelve Angry Jurors” I played a very stern and violent old man who was very vocal about his opinions which is the opposite of me,” Pennington said.

Payton has been acting throughout all four years of high school; he is taking a couple drama classes this year and is involved with all of the school productions.

“Pursuing a career in drama is something I am extremely interested in. I’m currently looking at MSU in, Springfield however, I’m going to the thespians state conference this year to audition for scholarships. There are a multitude of colleges I will be exposed to that may want me based off my auditions,” Pennington said.

Penningtons largest influences come from a variety of actors including his peers, but his main influence would be his father because he is constantly encouraging him to be better.

“I love drama because of the family you build; we call it our tribe,” Pennington said.

The Arena b y

Tu

t u

H

a r d w i c k

b y

Ad

r i e nn e

Py

e a tt

Staff Reporter

Copy Editor

Eggnog is a timeless holiday drink that has been the supplement of sentimental entertainment since the 13th century. With the drink’s all-inclusive flavors and dairy options, it is almost impossible to hate this flawless beverage. Besides soda, eggnog is the most American that a drink could get. According to thedailymeal. com, our first president would often serve eggnog at his parties and create his own recipes; however, these recipes did include alcohol. Washington got this idea from his colonial ancestors who would use Caribbean rum to spice up their holiday get togethers.

It is quite obvious that we are creatures of habit and to this day utilize eggnog as a unity for the sacred holidays, as it is something that can be enjoyed by every person in every place.

Since I was little, eggnog has been the center of my family’s holiday festivities. Every year, the grandparents, parents, and the children will all get together and reminisce on family memories while drinking eggnog. For me, eggnog is much more than a creamy collection of spices and dairy: it holds generations of memories. There just isn’t any denying the delightfully pure taste of the drink itself.

Eggnog, the proverbial beverage of the holiday season, is a disappointment at its best. Mixing milk, sugar, cream, and eggs certainly sounds like it would create a delicious concoction, yet I can’t help feeling instantly betrayed by the first sip. It’s like drinking melted ice cream, but so much worse. Personally, the thought of consuming the thick mixture makes me a little bit nauseous, as I can’t help but consider its consistency to be that of mucus.

The one redeeming quality of eggnog is that it is an exciting way for adults to spice up their mixed drinks during the holiday season. Unable to reap these benefits as a highschooler, I simply don’t understand the fascination with the GMO-filled nightmare of a drink. At least when you puke it will most likely be on an already ugly sweater. In my opinion, it’s not worth the consequences; over 75% of adults are lactose intolerant and 60% can’t digest milk according to USA Today. Before you guzzle the viscous beverage over winter break, consider the repercussions that will likely ensue.

Take our Twitter poll @rhsechonews Which side do you take?

Sam’s Soapbox Rolla High School Needs a Smaller Vehicle for Trips b y

Sa

m

Ki

m b a l l

Staff Writter

Almost every Saturday, I have an Academic Team competition. I arrive at the high school at about seven in the morning and get on a bus.

Finding a seat takes about five minutes, not because the bus is too full, but because there are only four people there.

I am in a lot of small clubs at Rolla High School.

From Debate Team to Eco Club to Academic Team, we are constantly put in the position of having to pay for a full bus if we want to go anywhere.

With small budgets and a small number of people, this doesn’t make sense. Why does academic team need a full sized bus if only four students are going to a competition? Why does the debate team have to use almost its entire budget if it wants to go anywhere? Why does FBLA need to use a teacher’s

car to travel to the state conference?

There needs to be a solution, and it is clear: Rolla Public Schools needs a smaller vehicle for trips. While it would cost a significant amount of money up front, it would be much cheaper in the long run. A smaller vehicle is simply more efficient for a smaller number of people.

Having a vehicle for trips that is smaller than a full-sized bus would stop the need for teachers to use their personal cars to transport students to events, removing liability for the school. It would let small clubs go to more events, enabling them to grow. It would encourage diversity in extracurricular activities by lowering the number of people that are required to make a trip feasible.

What are the issues you’d like to hear about? PM us @rhsechonews on Twitter

Opinion 19

Spread some joy this holiday season (RED)

The Mission

Founded in 2006, (RED) is an organization that teams up with well-known brands and corporations to aid in the abolishment of AIDs. You can easily help by purchasing from companies such as Apple, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, and Beats by Dre. Select products from these brands donate as much as 50% of earnings to help fight AIDs globally. You can also shop on (RED)’s website and purchase other merchandise to contribute to the cause. Your purchase will add to the $475 million plus dollars the (RED) has already raised.

By now, citizens of Rolla and surrounding towns are familiar with The Mission.

The Mission is a day shelter, located in Vineyard Church here in town, that provides free services to those in need. Facilities include laundry services, showers, toiletries and towels, and one meal a dayall at no cost. Interested in helping? Volunteer applications are available on their website, www.therollamission.org, or feel free to donate items found on their frequently used list, which is also available on their website. For more information on The Mission, check out the January 2017 issue of ECHO for a full story or visit The Mission’s website.

G.R.A.C.E. Also available here in Rolla is the Greater Rolla Area Charitable Enterprise, also known as G.R.A.C.E. Founded in 2000, Rolla’s G.R.A.C.E. is well known for bringing families in the area the Christmas and Thanksgiving they deserve. G.R.A.C.E. helps everyone in need, from children to adults. To help G.R.A.C.E., for more information on how to donate or volunteer, check out w.gracerolla.org the GRACE Greater Rolla Area Charitable Enterprise Facebook page.

b y

Ba

i l e y

All

Photography Editor

Contact Us Follow Us on Social Media @rhsechonews Rolla High School ECHO @rhsechonews

i s o n

Contact RHS ECHO Magazine Mary Gillis, Adviser mgillis@rolla.k12.mo.us (573)-458-0101 ext. 14302 Room 302