…and LHS said, “Let there be light!” February 9th, 2011
Two Lafayette High School Students Head to NYC By: Allison Beatie, Beat Writer: allison.beattie@lhsirish.net If you have ever been to New York, then you have possibly heard of Carnegie Hall. It is a beautiful concert hall built in 1891, where people like George
York during February for five cal. When asked how they had on my voice.” days to perform. Kaitlin Bunse When asked the same (LHS Junior) and Kaitlyn question, Kaitlyn ChrisChristian (LHS Senior) have tian said, “I started both been chosen to represinging after I took piano lessons. My piano teacher said it would be great to have voice lessons so I started with Karen Jensen and she has gotten me so far!” Continued on Page 8 Below: Kaitlin Bunse pefroming a solo at SRO
Above: Kaitlyn Christian performs during SRO
Above: Kaitlin Bunse and Kaitlyn Christian pose after performing
Gershwin and Maurice Ravel, both famous composers, have created wonderful works of music. Lafayette is proud to say that they have two very talented young vocalists going to New
sent our nation at the famous hall. When they arrive, they will practice for several hours a day and perform at the end of the five days. While on this trip, they get to go sight seeing and watch a Broadway Musi-
started singing, Kaitlin Bunse said, “Well, I think my mother got me started on singing. She always took me up on stage when she sang for church and then when I was about five, I started singing with her. And after that I just loved to sing and kept working
Lafayette High School Shows Its Talent By: Kelsie White, Beat Writer: kelsie.white@lhsirish.net Last year, prior to Winter acts and performances, but also Break, Lafayette High School because it was in the auditorium
auditorium and that created a demand for tickets. In fact, every one of the LHS Auditorium’s 400 seats was sold! The students that went to the talent show
Above: Mr. Arnold and Jaron Warner Right: Tavean McRelly and TopFlight hosted the end of the year student talent show. Many students expressed that they believed this talent show was one of the best LHS has ever had. LHS liked the show not only because of the
instead of the gym. Mrs. Terri Johnson, Lafayette High School Counselor, was the sponsor for the talent show. She expressed her appreciation and excitement that the talent show was in the
seemed like they enjoyed themselves. The students were amazed by their peers’ artistic
abilities. The performers tried very hard to impress the crowd and judges. They succeeded. The first place winner was, Junior, Sara Veneman. Continued, Page 8
Page 02
The Light
NEWS
February 9th, 2011
LHS Boys’ Basketball Keeps Rolling
LHS Booster Club Supports LHS
By: Ryan Holcomb Beat Writer: ryan.holcomb@lhsirish.net
By: Troy Rash Beat Writer: troy.rash@lhsirish.net
It is not a secret that the Lafayette High School Boys Basketball Team is doing excellent this year. When asked about his thoughts on the season, Coach Chris Neff sat there quietly for a moment, followed by, “I think that this has been a very successful season.” Tim Nelson, Senior Varsity Player, has been the standout player of the season and according to Coach Neff, has been, “playing really well.” With every good team comes a bad flaw. With every bad flaw comes much improvement. Every game needs improvement. When asked what improvements needed to be made, Coach Chris Neff postured up, became more serious, sought
the right words, and finally came up with, “we need to improve our level of consistency in our offense.” Lafayette Boys’ Basketball Team played in the Kearney Tournament two weekends ago. They played three total games and lost only one. Scores from Kearney Tournament: Game 1: NKC 44-LHS 46, Game 2: Kearney 39 LHS 35, Game 3: Warrensburg 52-LHS 57. These wins and losses brought the teams total record to 10-6. Tim Nelson and Jeff Leeson made the All-Tournament Team and Lafayette’s “Tower of Power”, Senior Ian Toalson received an award for outstanding hustle.
LHS Class News By: Breeanne Frederick breeanne.frederick@lhsirish.net It’s very important to keep up with what is going on in the classes at LHS. To stay informed, please see the following class news: Seniors (Class of 2011): --The Class of 2011 is winding down and settling into their last semester of high school. Graduation is only four months away, seniors. Fill out applications for the colleges of your choice and get your FASFA completed online as soon as you can. Savor these last few months and take the time to do things you haven’t done in high school: go to a game, join a club, make some new friends. Have fun. Juniors (Class of 2012): --The Junior Board is busy working out the details for Prom. They have been meeting weekly to pick items, food, DJ music, etc. Juniors are also working most Boys and Girls home basketball game concession stands to raise money for Prom. Sophomores (Class of 2013): --The Class of 2013 is getting ready for the end of year exams and finishing up the SRI. They’ve made their way into second semester and are working on making their class proud. January 14, Paula Stegman, Hillyards Counselor, visited LHS to talk to sophomores about the programs Hillyards offers. Also, Upward Bound representatives visited January 20th. The last week of January, sophomores took a visit to Hillyards to see if it was a place of which they would be interested in attending. Early applications are available now in the Counseling Center. Freshmen (Class of 2014): The Class of 2014 have completed the first semester of high school and are on their way to being sophomores. The freshman are getting prepared for the end of year exams and have been finishing up the SRI testing and getting back into the groove of school. In conclusion, all four classes are very busy this year. The Light will continue to monitor their progress. For more information, continue to read “Class News.”
Booster club is an organiza- every month from 4-8pm. In tion that helps other organiza- additoin, LHS Booster Club tions or sports with Lafayette holds an LHS Dairy Queen High School students. Booster Club raises funds and then donates money to help with equipment for sports and also gives money for items purchased by other, non-sport, LHS organizations. The 2010-2011 Lafayette High School Booster Club President is Mrs. Melinda Wolf, wife of LHS Teacher, Above: Mr. Craig Wolf, LHS Booster Club Mr. Craig Wolf. LHS Booster Club meets Night the first Thursday of evthe first Wednesday of every ery month from 5-8pm. month in the Lafayette High Please come support the LaSchool Library at 6:30 pm. fayette High School Booster They also have an LHS Ci-Ci’s Club because they support Night on the first Friday of you!
ACT Strikes Again By: Jacob Beattie Beat Writer: jacob.beattie@lhsirish.net December 11th was another long and strenuous day of testing for Lafayette High School. The test, of course, was the dreaded American College Test (ACT). All students fear the day when they have to face this beast of an exam. Registering for the test started around 7:30am and the test itself was finished by 12:15pm. Over 100 students took the test December 11th, and while the individual scores are not released publicly, Lafayette High School as a whole scored right at the national average; with an increase in English and Reading. When asked how Lafayette High School did compared to last year, Ms. Debbie Fite, Lafayette High School Counselor, stated: “Kids this year were more
prepared; they knew what to expect; they took it seriously and stayed focused the entire time.” When asked if anything needed improvement, Ms. Fite recommended that, “ The students need to practice for the test next time, to plan ahead, and read some non fiction regularly. As long as they they bring their own #2 pencils next time, we shouldn’t have to worry.” The next ACT test for Lafayette is February 16th. For more information for test preparation, see Mr. Chris Early or Mr. Chris Neff. For more information regarding test registration and testing procedures, please see either Ms. Debbie Fite or Mrs. Diane Guthery in the Counseling or Career Center.
Page 03
The Light
February 9th, 2011
Lafayette High School Phat Stats By: Matthew Hillhouse Beat Writer: matthew.hillhouse@lhsirish.net Date
Level
Opponent
Location
Varsity Start Time
LHS
Them
Record
59 40 40 51 50 43 59 53 33 46 game 2 game 3 43 38 44 36 46 44 35 39 57 52 66 57 44 36
4-1 4-2 5-2 6-2 6-3 6-4 6-5 7-5 8-5 9-5 9-6 10-6 11-6 12-6
BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL: 12/16/2010 12/17/2010 12/21/2010 12/23/2010 12/28/2010 1/4/2011 1/7/2011 1/10/2011 1/24/2011 1/25/2011
Varsity LeBlond High School Home 8:00 pm Varsity Central High School Home 8:00 pm F/JV/V Benton High School Away 7:30 PM Varsity Maplewood Rich. Hts. Away 8:30 PM Varsity Great 8 Basketball Tour. Away Bixby, OK F/JV/V Savannah High School Home 7:30 PM F/JV/V Liberty North Home 7:30 PM Varsity Kearney Tournament NKC TBA Kearney Warrensburg F/JV/V Hogan Prep Home 7:30 PM F/JV/V Maryville High School Home 7:30 PM
GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL: 12/27/2010 Varsity PVCC Holiday Tourn. Hogan Prep TBA 50 42 1/4/2011 F/JV/V Savannah High School Away 7:30 PM 48 38 1/7/2011 F/JV/V Maryville High School Away 7:30 PM 27 42 1/10/2011 Varsity Kearney Tournament Away Benton 24 36 Liberty North 47 36 Chillicothe 44 36
2-7 2-8 3-8 3-9 3-10 4-10 5-10
Hoop! There It Is! By: Torrie Gibson Beat Writer: torrie.gibson@lhsirish.net
“We started the season 1-8. Since that time, we’ve played pretty well,” Ryan Madison, Lafayette High School Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach stated. With five wins and twelve loses, the girls’ basketball team has come a long way from last year’s accomplishments. With wins over teams such as Liberty North, Savannah, and Chillicothe, the team is certainly
Above Left, Myia Weston follows her shot and Above Right, O’Ceonna Weston tips off during Lafayette High Schools narrow loss to the Cardnials.
improving the name of Lafayette High School Lady Irish Basketball. Coach Madison says, “All the girls have stepped up in certain games.” However, if he had to chose his two most outstanding players, he said it would have to be Myia Weston and O’Ceonna Weston. Hopefully the girls keep playing well. Maybe, by the end of the year, they could have many more wins than losses. Please come out and support the girls in their future games and future victories. Many believe the games to be exciting and worth attending.
Page 04
The Light
February 9th, 2011
Wrestling Takes the Mat By: Kaytlin Moberly, Beat Writer, kaytlin.moberly@lhsirish.net
Lafayette High Schools’ Varsity Wrestling team has been doing great this year. The wrestlers are all excited and energized for their next wrestling match. Eric Piles, Senior Wrestler, says, “I would encourage anyone to join the wrestling team. It helps you build strength and confidence.” Skylar Adams, Junior Wrestler, stated: “The wrestling team is young and we are all stepping up.’ The Lafayette High School Varsity Wrestling Team includes: (note: Weight Classes can change from match to match)
W.C. 103- 112- 119- 125- 130- 135- 140- 145- 152- 160- 171- 189- 215- 285-
SPORTS
Wresteler Jordan Miller- OPEN OPEN Stephen Wilds- Cordell Wallace- Lake Sisk- Devin Adkins- Kylan Kuritz- Kyle Kendall- Skylar Adams- Preston Gregory- Jacob Allen- Eric Pyles- Spencer Riddle-
Year at in School 9 9 10 9 10 9 11 11 10 12 12 10
Coaches Kevin Jones Trevor Cogdill Gregg Haynes Preston Gregory, Sophomore Wrestler, suggests his teammates remember, “You ain’t tired!” While Freshman Wrestler, Lake Sisk added, “It has been a great and very fun experience.” All those involved in the Lafayette High School Wrestling Program and their supporters urge everyone to get out and support the wrestling team. For more information, please contact Mr. Keven Jones at Robidoux Middle School.
Above: Coach Jones, Haynes, and Cogdill Next: Senior, Eric Pyles goes for the pin Next: Preston Gregory, sophomore, gets ready to begin Next: Skyler Adam, junior, gets ready for the match Right: Freshman, Lake Sisk fights for position Left: The Varsity Squad
Page 05
The Light
February 9th, 2011
Super Bowl XLV Poll Taken By: Ryan Holcomb Beat Writer: ryan.holcomb@lhsirish.net
On Friday, January 21st (prior to the AFC and NFC Championship games) many students were asked the following question:
Opinion Teacher Spotlight: Selina Chappell By: Nick Sutton Beat Writer: nicholas.sutton@lhsirish.net
Ms. Selina Chappell has When asked what is taught Family and Con- something most people sumer Science (FACS) does not know about her
“Who do you think will ulimately win the 2011 Super Bowl XLV?”: Results: New York Jets 33% Pittsburg Steelers 07% Green Bay Packers 27% Chicago Bears 33% The Pittsburg Steelers and Green Bay Packers meet in Super Bowl XVL, in Dallas, Texas on February 6th, 2011. Ultimately, the Green Bay Pakers beat the Pittsburg Steelers 31-25.
for 13 years. She has she answered, “I love to taught at Lafayette High go canoeing.” School for three years.
STUCO NEWS By: Breeanne Fredericks Beat Writer: breeanne.fredericks@lhsirish.net
The Light Staff
…and Lafayette High School said, “Let there be light!” Editor: Writers: Supervisor:
Jessica Johnston Allison Beattie Clubs Jacob Beattie Opinion Bree Frederick Beats Kelsey Gardner Performance Torrie Gibson Holidays Damara Hall Activities Matt Hillhouse Daily News Ryan Holcomb Beats Kaytlin Moberly Liaison Troy Rash Beats Nick Sutton Advertising Kelsie White Arts Dr. M. Shane Heard
There are numerous things going on this month, and the beginning of next month, with STUCO. Homecoming will be held Friday February 18, 2011 in the Practice Gym. Also coming up is the Blood Drive in early February. STUCO is helping raise money for the Special Olympics so make your donations to help a child. Last, but not least, on February 12, the Polar Bear Plunge will be held at Lake Contrary, where people
launch themselves into the
climateprogress.org
freezing water. “Shiver” the Polar Bear made an appearance at the basketball game on January 28. Many great photos were taken.
Page 06
The Light
February 9th, 2011
EXTRAS
Irish Spirit Teams for a Cure By: Kelsey Gardner In October, the Lafayette High School Poms Team were busy “Dancing for a Cause”. The girls wore pink t-shirts with the Breast Cancer Ribbon to stand out at the gate. During the first half of the Savannah/Lafayette High School Varsity Football game, they collected donations. The LHS Poms and Cheerleaders were able to collect $205.00. Now, the Lafayette IrishSpirit teams are, once again, fighting for a cure. The LHS Cheerleaders and Poms worked to raise awareness of Breast Cancer and col-
Beat Writer: kelsey.gardner@lhsirish.net
lected donations for the cause. To start off the excitement, the Cheerleaders sold “Save Our Shamrocks”, t-shirts in an effort to bring attention to the cause. The shirts were sold for ten dollars each and 50 percent of the profits
were sent to Breast Cancer Benefit Fund. On Tuesday, January 25, the Spirit teams stood at the front doors during the Maryville/ Lafayette High School Varsity Basktball game and collected donations. The LHS Cheer-
leaders were able to collect $600 and are looking forward to their next chance to support the cause. The Lafayette Poms and Cheerleaders were able to allow individuals to donate in memory of someone who has been affected by Breast Cancer. The names of those being honored will be turned in with the donations. What better way to honor the memories of those men and women than that? For more information, please contact Jennifer Koch at: 816.671.4220.
Irish Spirit Clinic Helps Young Girls By: Kelsey Gardner On Saturday, January 22, the Lafayette High School Poms Team and Cheerleading Squad put on a spirit clinic. The spirit
Beat Writer: kelsey.gardner@lhsirish.net
expected a great turn out for this year’s Winter Spirit Clinic. Over 40 young girls attended the clinic. “The best turn out
Above and Right 2011 LHS Spirt Team work with area youth
clinic was for girls and boys school ages: Kindergarten through the sixth grade. Children were invited from all the Lafayette High School feeder schools: Lindbergh, Humboldt, and Pershing Elementary to learn chants from the cheer leaders and a dance from the poms. “Last year’s fall spirit clinic had a pretty good outcome,” said junior cheerleader, Elizabeth O’Roke. The coaches of both teams, Jennifer Koch (Cheer) Nicole Shiflett (Cheer), and Tina Shaginaw (Poms),
we have had in a long time,” said Cheer Coach, Jennifer Koch. Each participant in Lafayette High School’s spirit clinic paid 20 dollars to get one of the “Save Our Shamrock” t-shirts. The fee also enabled the girls to perform the chants and dance at half time at the Lafayette Varsity Basketball game against Maryville High School. “It was so exciting to teach the little girls chants and they were so cute!” exclaimed junior cheerleader, Kylee Pettijohn. The crowd seemed to
absolutely love them. What made this spirit clinic even more special was that half of the proceeds went to Breast Cancer Awareness to add onto the “Save Our Shamrock” t-shirt sales and dona-
tions. The Lafayette Poms Team and Cheerleading Squad have been ecstatic to promote the “Spirit Squads for a Cure” cause in any way they could.
Page 07
The Light
February 9th, 2011
EXTRAS
LHS Secretaries Run the Show By: Damara Hall Beat Writer: damara.hall@lhsirish.net In every great organization, there are many people working behind the scenes. Lafayette High School is not any different! LHS is held together by four beautiful secretaries: Mrs. Sharon Miller, Mrs. Shelly McDaniel, Mrs. Kim Davis, and Mrs. Becky Zuptich. Sharon MillerSharon Miller is the Finance Secretary for Lafayette High School. She has been working at LHS for three years. When asked why she loves working for Lafayette, she stated, “Because it feels like a family.” Mrs. Miller’s favorite thing about Lafayette High School is the staff and students. When asked if she would change anything about LHS, she quickly replied, “NO!” Sharon has three children and five grandchildren. Her desk is located in the West Office, or in the window marked “Bookkeeper”. Shelly McDanielShelly McDaniel is the Principal/ Activities Director Secretary for Lafayette High School. She has been working at LHS for 19 years. When asked why she loves working for Lafayette, she said, “Staff and students are the best in St. Joe.” Mrs. McDaniel’s favorite thing about Lafayette is that there is something different everyday.When asked if there was anything she would change about Lafayette, she said, “NO WAY!” Shelly is 46 years old and she has one child, as Freshman, who attends LHS. Kim DavisKim Davis is the Attendance Secretary for Lafayette High School. She has been working at LHS for six years. When asked why she loves working for Lafayette, she stated, “We are family. I love the people I work with and I love the kids.” Mrs. Davis’s favorite thing about Lafayette High School is “our Irish Pride and the way we stick together!” When asked if there was anything she would change about LHS, she answered, “No, I love who we are!” Kim is eternally 17 at heart. She has two sons;: “Luke and Josh both graduated from LHS. Luke teaches science at LHS and Josh hopes to teach math at LHS someday!” Kim has one granddaughter named Mackenzie who is three months old and will grow up Irish! When asked if she had anything extra to add, she reported, “East Office Rocks!!” Her desk is located in the East Office, or in the window marked “Attendance”. Becky ZuptichBecky Zuptich is the Assistant Principals’ Secretary for Lafayette High School. She has been working at LHS for eight years. When asked why she loves working for Lafayette, she said, “the staff and students that I work with.” Mrs. Zuptich’s favorite thing about Lafayette is that, “we are like family and have great Irish Pride.” When asked if there was anything she would change about Lafayette, she said, “No, I think we are great the way we are.” Becky is over 29 years old, and has two sons, Josh and Jonathan. When asked if she had anything extra to add, she reported, much like her fellow East Office colleague, “The East Office Rocks!” Her desk is located on the right as soon as you walk into the East Office door. Lafayette High School is lucky to have such wonderful individuals watching over the school.
Special Education Making a Special Impact By: Matt Hillhous Beat Writer: matthew.hillhouse@lhsirish.net The Lafayette High Special Olympics Basketball Team are planning to make an impact this year. They feel they can come off with a bigger and better year this year by making their mark in practices. The players plan to give it their all because they know they can be the best. This January 29th, from 7-3, the SOMO Tournament was held at Missouri Western State University. The coaches for this year’s team were Dr. Tyran Sumy, Lafayette High School Principal, and Coach Katie McCullough, Lafayette High School Special Education Teacher. The Lafayette High School Special Olympics Basketball Team consists of ten Olympians. The team went far last year but ultimately lost to an older team. Supporters feel like the team can add another spot to the Lafayette glowing credentials. Go out there and support them in future games!
Do you like the look of the new Light? If so, we need your help. It is important that our staff find enough advertisments to support future edition of the school newspaper. If you, or someone you know, would like to advertise in The Light, please see Dr. Heard, Jessica Johnston or any Light Stafff Member. Remember: LHS said, “Let there be light!”
Page 08
The Light
January 31st, 2011
“Students Head to NYC” Coninued
Back Page LHS Shows Its Talent Continued
By: Allison Beatie, Beat Writer: allison.beattie@lhsirish.net
By: Kelsie White Beat Writer: kelsie.white@lhsirish.net
According to Ms. Kim Evans, LHS Choral Director, “Kaitlin Bunse and Kaitlyn Christian will be participating in the Missouri All State Choir at the MMEA Convention next Wed-Sat. Both young ladies were chosen to represent our district as so-
There was a tie for the second place spot. The second place winners were Lisa Matschke, foreign exchange student from Germany, and Mr. Nathan Arnold/ J a r o n Warner, Science Teacher and LHS Senior. Mrs. Terri Johnson stated, “It was a really great event that the stud e n t s Above: Gerald Clouse raps for the crowd, s e e m e d Below: Sara Venneman plays and sings an original song to enjoy. Far Below: Eric Pyles, Katie Judd, and Danielle Gibson It was perform a number together. a good way to celebrate and end the semester.” All who attended the show seemed to e n j o y t h e m selves.
Above: Kaitlin and Kaitlyn during Duet Competition at MWSU
loists at the convention. We were the only school to have more than one soloist audition and the only school chosen to represent the Northwest District. The two girls auditioned against many other students for the solo. These two girls have also been chosen to represent LHS in New York City Feb 16-20. The girls will be missing quite a bit of school for these prestigious honors. They will have to work
Above: Ms. Bunse and Ms. Christian take a rare moment to relax
hard to keep up their grades as well as work to prepare for the trip to NYC. Lafayette High Shool students and staff wish these girls the best of luck on their trip. Break a leg!