Volume 46 Issue 1 - Oct.15, 2010

Colorguard entertains many page 4

New technology is seen everywhere

Harry Potter movies

page 5

page 7

a student newspaper

the Talisman

Sheldon High School 2455 willakenzie Rd., Eugene, Or 97401 vol. 46 Issue 1 Oct. 15, 2010

Sheldon Academy rededication; a big honor

Erin McLyman; a student who graduated from Sheldon in 2001

by Anthony Rhoads editor-in-chief

The Sheldon Academy has been around for twelve years and is a program for all Sheldon students for studying, skill development and credit recovery. For the twelve years that the Academy has been around, a lot of people have passed through and gone on to great things. The Academy is the only one of its kind in Lane County; students can go through the academy and graduate with their peers while retrieving credits. The Academy building is going to be renamed The Erin McLyman Study Center.

The new name will be displayed on a banner, and a plaque with a picture and bio for McLyman. Director Fran Christie said, “I hope the Academy inspires people to finish high school and be in charge of themselves.”

Private First Class Erin McLyman of the US Army was one; she was among the first students to go through the academy. After graduating she went on to the military, and

was. assigned to the 296th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, who were shipped to Iraq,

she than fell in combat, she was the third women from the Oregon Southwestern Washington area to fall. Christie said, “The academy is unique with really dedicated staff who want to see students succeed, and I have respect for all young people who serve in the military.” The decision for the rededication was made by the whole academy, and is scheduled for October 21 at 3pm in the Sheldon Academy study center. Vice Principal Mike Johnson said, “I think it should bring a high respect for people who go through the program. [To have an example of] a person that is a result of this school and that program, who gives her life for all the freedom we enjoy, and to see her name everyday as a reminder, that she committed herself to her country.”

Sheldon Academy is a great program and Sheldon is honored to have the privilege of honoring a fallen hero, who didn’t have to do anything, Yearbook scan yet she did; she gave up everything Erin McLyman (seen here in her 2001 senior picture) will have Sheldon for her country, and our freedom, Academy rededicated in her name and her memory on October 21. and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Budget cuts continue to cause trouble for Sheldon

Economic problems have posed serious threats to students’ learning

by Marisa Aiello staff writer

Everyone has heard about the budget cuts occurring all over the United States. But how much is it affecting the schools of Eugene, Oregon? In the first semester of the school year, there are only eighty-one and a half days, while in second semester there are eighty-five and a half. To some students and teachers this is a big deal.

Teachers at Sheldon are getting paid for less and have less time to teach the material; not to mention, they have to cut units and curriculum. As most would imagine, this presents a major problem for teachers, and for students.

The one area of teaching that is most affected by budget cuts is the science program. With overcrowding

in some classrooms, new hazards have arisen. Sophomore John Robertson said, “In fact, I’ve known people that haven’t been able to find a class to fill their schedule because of overcrowding. It doesn’t really bother me, hurray for free periods, but for overachievers it must be difficult.” Chemistry teacher Johannes Volwerk said, “According to the American Chemical Society, eighteen high school students can safely be supervised by one adult in a chemistry lab. Our lab space is designed for 28 students maximum. Student safety is a major concern directly impacted by the budget cuts.”

The budget cuts have made it difficult for some students to learn due to too many peers in the classroom.

Sophomore Maddy Woods commented, “There were many distractions from other students who didn’t want to learn and the teacher tends to stand in front of the whiteboard after writing information on the board so I can’t see or think straight.” Robertson added, “Three dozen people talking at once, while a single teacher is there? It’s like trying to stop an anvil with an umbrella!”

There have also been some problems with funding materials for classes. “In our science classes we charge a small lab fee to those students and families who can afford it. This has saved us in terms of being able to maintain supplies and replace and update our equipment. If we had to rely on the general budget only, we would be in far worse shape,” said Volwerk.

Sometimes unknown to students, teachers personally are affected by the budget cuts. “Yes, the furlough days and delay in the step increase, which is intended to compensate for increased costs of living, have a significant negative impact on teachers’ salaries,” said Volwerk. However, there are some students who feel the effects of the budget cuts on the school as well as the teachers. “Not only are the classes fuller from the cuts themselves, but we’ve had such an influx of freshman this year, it’s ridiculous,” said Robertson.

With budget cuts all over the United States affecting schools everywhere in different ways, Sheldon is doing its best to manage their budget in ways to help students get the best education the school can offer.

Free periods and an open campus require student maturity Free periods can be study time or lost time

by Vanessa Hendricks staff writer The controversy over Sheldon students’ right to a free period and open campus has been a hot topic as of late. Parents, Sheldon staff and students are caught in a whirlwind of questions and confusion concerning this topic. Does having a free period detract from your learning abilities? Does open campus lead to distractions and loss of dedication to education?

Junior Kelsey Love has a free third period for the first semester. She is content but her father was not, until she convinced him. “You can use it to do homework, listen to music and chill,” said Love. While there are advantages to having a free period, students and staff agree that free periods can lead to kids potentially being late to class and getting into bad habits.

Sheldon Principal Dr. Robert Bolden believes that, having open campus and free periods here at Sheldon, can definitely lead to unsatisfactory behavior. “A lot of students have difficulties with responsibility.”

Commented Dr. Bolden. On the other hand Dr. Bolden thinks that free periods can affect student’s progress in positive and negative ways, but free periods can provide extra time to pursue more enriching things.

Amidst the upsides and downsides of allowing students The budget cuts around our country are only causing more students to have free periods. Without the staffing the freedom to go off campus and to choose to have a free to have classes for everyone or even a study hall period, the opinion of most students will always stay in favor instead of free period, tons of students are left with while parents may not agree with what can’t be changed. emaciated schedules. “If we could we would. We just don’t have the staff.” Explained Dr. Bolden.

There are many safety issues that relate to open campus and student’s having free periods. Parents are most concerned about kids getting into drugs and not knowing where their kids are and when. The kids may need the trust but most parents aren’t prepared to give it.

Majority of students seem to use their time wisely while out of class or off campus. Lots of students use their free periods to visit with friends rather than being distracted in our 86 minute classes that are never easy to sit through.

One article on mlive.com written by Adrian Johnson from the Kalamazoo Gazette looked at the difference of school schedules in different countries.

“French students have a two-hour lunch break…

During their two-hour lunch break; they can eat at home or at a restaurant.” The upside of such a long lunch is there is no need for a free period, as long as staff is available. And it gives students the freedom to eat whatever they’re craving on that particular Vanessa Hendricks photo day. This time also allows them study time or time Juniors Samantha Little, Nic Rea, and Anissa Chin spend to prepare for the rest of their classes that day. their free period studying, doing work, and socializing.

2 Oct. 15, 2010

News

the Talisman

County 4-H loses funding 4-H of Lane County has been part of the unfunded OSU extension service Hope Zima assistant editor I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world. The 4-H pledge has rung true for hundreds, if not thousands, of youth in Lane County for the past 96 years, but unfortunately it will no longer do so. The OSU Extension Office, which has funded 4-H in Lane County as long as it has been running, has cut 4-H due to lack of budget. This means that, while 4-H clubs across the County can continue to meet independently, there will no longer be a 4-H Fair for Lane County. The 4-H Fair, usually taking place in mid-July, was the climax of the 4-H season, bringing together clubs from across the county to compete against one another in a variety of sections, including Livestock (pigs, cows, sheep, goats, etc.),Small Animal (hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, etc.), Horse, Dog Training, Quilting, Cooking, and Photography. That fair no longer exists.

Local freshman Destinee Redding, a member of the Horse section of 4-H for the last 3 years commented, “I really don’t want 4-H to be cut because it has helped so many young riders become better.” Redding is an intermediate level rider for her club, the Rock and Roll Riders. She participated in the 4-H Fair last summer, but is unsure whether or not she is willing to trailer to the Linn or Benton County Fairs this summer.

Linn and Benton County have decided to open their

fairs to 4-H members outside of their counties, although they are charging $150 for the haul-in fee, rather than the traditional $50 for in-county members. Local sophomore Raelissa Glennon, also a member of the Rock and Roll Riders club, expressed her opinion about having to attend another county’s fair, “It is upsetting, but at least both Linn and Benton Counties are welcoming us with open arms!” Glennon is a senior level rider in 4-H after having participated for 5 years and said about it, “4-H is wonderful! You meet so many great people and make great connections in the horsey world, plus you get to learn the correct way to show!” There are many, many participants who feel the same way about the program and are extremely sad about it’s ending.

George Slusher, a leader in the Horse section of 4-H for the last 12 years, commented about his club, “We are definitely planning on continuing our club meetings.” Slusher specifically instructs his members on the English aspect of riding, and is a big part of general 4-H as well. He would hate for 4-H to end and is doing everything he can to prevent it.

Madison Baker photo

4-H Code of conduct

Music education in danger

Elementary music could get cut from 4j Lindsey Ragsdale staff writer

Many people take music for granted. Everyone had music class in elementary school at one point or another.

Some people loved it; others liked P.E. or library time more. “There are just so many activities to choose from,” said Tama Rowan, a music teacher for Mount Vernon in Springfield. What a lot of people don’t know is that 4J is considering cutting music education from elementary schools. Everyone is talking about budget cuts and losing school days. Music contributes to all parts of education and many people are against it being cut. “I think it’s stupid,” said Corinne Cornwell, a senior at Sheldon who has been in band since freshman year.

There are two main reasons why the arts and music get the short end of the stick when it comes to budget cuts. The obvious reason is money. “The money just isn’t there,” said Sheldon Drama and Choir director Nancy Anderson. Public schools just aren’t getting the funding that they used to.

The second reason is pressure to raise test scores.

This has prompted educators to add extra reading and math classes that crowd out electives and arts. “How much hard core education can you cram down a kid’s throat?” said Anderson. “You can’t expect them to focus, focus, focus, and run around for ten minutes a day. The arts are a release and a time to make different kinds of connections in the brain, and let kids be able to express [themselves].” Music can be a learning activity. While playing an instrument or singing you are using different

connections in your brain and it makes you a stronger thinker. Cornwell said the best part of music class is, “learning new things and becoming a better musician.”

Elementary school kids have an opinion about the music education also. Katie Testi, age 10, from Meadowlark Elementary said, “I think cutting the music program would be kinda bad. I like music. It’s really fun playing games and instruments.” The school district is trying to get more money for schools, but the kids don’t have a say about their education. “Music makes me feel more confident,” said Testi. “When I’m singing with my mom at church I don’t feel embarrassed because I know everyone else is doing it, too, and I have fun.”

Some kids don’t even know that they have musical ability until they find it in music class. “If you are not lucky enough to come from a family that values the arts, then you have to find it in school,” said Anderson.

Many children discover their talents in elementary music class. “I had a really great musical classroom teacher in elementary school,” said Tama Rowan. “It all started in elementary.” What does cutting music class mean for future generations? How will it change the learning environment in school? What will happen to all the music teachers when the music programs get cut? Rowan said, “When you cut programs, you are cutting people.” These are the questions that the district is trying to answer before they make a decision.In the past five year’s years of school in the 4j district, class sizes have increased noticeably. Larger class sizes create many issues as well as many opportunities.

It is plausible that certain classes should have larger class sizes than others. There are many mixed opinions about this current situation and the teacher student ration.

New mandatory requirements for graduation Current juniors, sophomores and freshmen each have to meet new state requirements to graduate Shyanne Church entertainment editor Oregon high school graduation requirements have been changed. With more core classes to take, tests

to pass, and basic skills to complete, the standards have become more rigorous for students. Students in younger grades will need to pass more tests than students in older grades in order to graduate. Seniors do not have to pass any state tests, and juniors need to pass the reading test.

Sophomores need to pass the reading and writing tests, and freshman will need to pass reading, writing, and math tests. “I feel that the writing test is a good standard to complete, although it may be more difficult for students with disabilities,” said English teacher Andrew Cabrera.

Students have at least three chances to pass required tests. “You should be able to graduate even if you don’t pass your required test,” sophomore Ashely Patterson said. If a student doesn’t meet the Oregon diploma requirements, there are alternative ways to graduate from Sheldon. The modified diploma and extended diploma are both designed for students who show inabilities to complete academic requirements.

According to the 4J website such inabilities may include learning and instructional barriers, a serious illness, or an injury that changes a students’ ability to be involved in grade level activities. These students who may be pressuring the extended diploma are required to complete twelve credits, in specific subjects, while no more than six can be self-earned in a self-contained special education classroom. These students do not need to complete essential skills and or personalized learning requirements. Students who receive the modified diploma have been unable to complete academic standards even with modifications, but have completed classes with a large amount of academic content.

Students who are looking to achieve the standard Oregon diploma are required to complete twenty-four credits.

With less elective and more core class credits, “I think the new requirements are a good thing. Students need more core subjects to be successful in the future,” said register Jan Gordan. “Unless you are pursuing a career in teacher assisting,” Gordan said jokingly. Students also need to complete three basic skills which includes: reading and comprehending a variety of texts, writing clearly and accurately, applying mathematics in different settings, and four personalized learning subjects: education plan, career learning experience, extended application, and career related learning standards.

Any students who may have questions about the new graduation requirements could have their questions answered by asking counselors, or by looking in the curriculum handbook, and school planner.

Too many students for classes with too little space Lack of space is making it difficult for teachers and students alike Dominic Travis staff writer Sheldon High school class sizes have reached an alarming rate. Classes average roughly thirty to thirtyfive students per classroom, estimates vice Principal Mark Watson. Oregon school funding is down and the impact is being felt by students everywhere, especially in Eugene 4j.

Watson stated class sizes have been close to class sizes in the past, but have gradually increased.

Sheldon’s student population has decreased from 1,657 students during the 2006-07 to 1,564 in the current school year as reported by the Oregon Department of Education’s AYP report card and 4j school district.

The school has been directly hit by budget cuts. This

lack of funds comes as a result of the declining economy.

Oregon schools get their tax dollars from property tax and income tax. Unemployment and foreclosures of property have yielded less tax dollars in recent years. The dropping enrollment rate has also affected the situation. Schools in 4j are given respectively 5,522 dollars per student enrolled in each school. The decrease in the number of Sheldon students results in the school itself receiving less money.

“As an educator,” Watson said, “I always want smaller class sizes, but reality is, decreased funding leads to less teachers.” The class sizes are predicted to decrease slightly during the school year due to students leaving.

Ms. Murchison, who teaches French 1, said that between her two classes she averages around 36 students.

She also said that her classes have grown from the lower thirties to the upper thirties in the past few years. Ms. Murchison also said that one of the challenges of having a lot of students is the pile up of grading. According to Sheldon records reported in 2006 the foreign languages department h-eld the largest class in Sheldon, Spanish 4,

taught by Rosemary Brockmann, which had 43 students.

The smallest class in Sheldon during 2006 was Algebra Concepts 3 with twelve students in the class. Each class does, however, receive a cap, or maximum amount of students which may be allowed in the class. The process for creating caps for classes has been melted down to a science

by Mark Watson. He compares the class sizes to the year before and begins calculations. He takes in factors such as the type of class, the age of students, the classroom itself and the number of sections the class has. The teacher’s years of experience is also weighed in the equation.

During 2006, the largest cap was 45 students for Japanese 2. Foreign languages, P.E. and social studies had the highest cap averages. Technology classes and study hall type classes held the smallest cap averages, due partially to technology classes having only thirty computers in each class.

Freshman Liam Talty said, “With a larger class people get away with breaking the rules more than smaller classes.” He also said that he believes that with smaller classes students would get more time with the teacher than in larger ones.

Entertainment

the Talisman

0ct. 15, 2010

3

Harry Potter fans ultra excited for the last movie Harry Potter fans unite! The new twopart movie comes to threaters soon.

Cameron Richey news editor

Avadacadabara! Harry Potter fans unite! The new two part movie comes to theatres soon. Have you gotten your ticket yet? Harry Potter has been published since 2001. Since then, the series has gotten millions of fans and that number continues to grow.

The first part of Deathly Hollows premieres November 11, 2010. Fans are more than ecstatic for the opening.

Senior, Lacey Phillips said, “I live and breathe Harry Potter. I quote it all the time and I’ve obviously read all of the books. The thing is, though, it really makes me mad that they split the last book into a two part movie.

I could have guaranteed that if it was just one big movie,

it would get way more popularity for the first showing.”

Phillips is one of the many that are angered by the “splitting” of the last book. Sophomore Avalon McCormick stated that “splitting the last one was not a good idea. I guess it would build more suspense for the second part, but, we’ve waited too long”. Fans also think that the movies (starting with the 3rd one) have begun to fall too far from the original storyline. Phillips said “I don’t know how well the first and second parts will portray the book. I hope much better than the 6th movie.

It changed too many aspects, the same with the fourth.”

Even though the two part thrillers are split for different dates, the last Harry Potter movies will go out with a bang.

Senior Hannah Brown said “I like it, not love it, but I’m looking forward to the movie. It’s more exciting to wait for these two movies than waiting for the previous ones. But it should be really great. People who are going to see it are in for a really nice movie showing. Dressing up and going to midnight premieres is the best! On a scale of excitement for 1 to ten, I’m about a twenty-seven!” The second part of the Harry Potter Deathly Hollows book is released July 15, 2011. Hope to see all the Sheldon fans there!

Lauren Scott photo Anthony Rhoads photo

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

School starts and entertainment movies pick back up Dramas pick back up, children’s movies are ever present, and horror films are plentiful for late October Tim Alley copy editor Once school starts and summer draws to a close, so does the season of high-budget action blockbusters that come out every year, as they have the year before. However, the end of the yearly blockbuster season doesn’t mean the end of movie-going. During fall, when students unfortunately have less free time, the lineup of films becomes varied once again.

Dramas pick back up, children’s movies are usually never absent, and horrors are plentiful for Halloween weekend.

Just over a week before school started, Avatar—the film that topped the box office last year with over two billion dollars in gross revenue—was released for theaters with extra scenes. Over nine million dollars was put into the advertising and additional production, but the re-release did not come close to matching the film’s original success last December. “I wasn’t really excited,” sophomore Kelly Ahrens said of the longer edition. While the re-release yielded overall financial gain for 20th Century Fox, Avatar is far from being on the top of people’s minds these days.

When it comes to dramas, The Social Network (based on the book The Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich) will be a contender for Best Picture with its storytelling of the early history of the megasite Facebook from the eyes of some Harvard students who started it in 2003.

Mark Zuckerberg (played by Jesse Eisenberg), who founded the site, ended up being sued by the founders of a similarly-functioning website, and then by his best friend. He later became the youngest billionaire ever. “It looks like a real bad movie,” junior Colton Collingwood said. “I would not see it in theaters.” However, before it was even released, critics praised the movie and gave it exceptionally positive reviews. Rolling Stone magazine published in September that it was “the movie of the year that also brilliantly defines the decade,” giving it four stars.

Though adolescents tend to care less about children’s movies as they grow older, such movies make a comeback once the more mature action movies of the summer are gone.

Children’s movies in this category are headlined by Alpha and Omega and Megamind, both in 3D CGI animation.

Megamind (produced by DreamWorks, the makers of Shrek) is a mutated version of Superman’s transit as a baby from planet Krypton to Earth, featuring a star-studded cast with Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell and Justin Long providing voice work. However, where Superman was the hero when he came from Krypton, Metro Man is the antagonist against the title character, who had to assume the role of the evil mastermind in their rivalry.

Thriller and horror movies always get big during fall, and such titles this year include Resident Evil: Afterlife, Saw 3D, Devil this year—the first two available in 3D. “I saw the Resident Evil movie opening night at midnight,” senior Cody Smith said. Afterlife passed $200 million in tickets—over three times the production cost. “Resident Evil: Afterlife was a great installment in the trilogy, featuring a lot of action and some great battle scenes,” Smith said. “I would recommend

Kumoricon becomes increasingly popular Anime fans are gathering for Kumoricon once again, with more people than ever before Hunter Anderson opinions editior The popularity of anime and manga is rapidly increasing. More and more people are becoming aware of Japanese culture. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that a convention has been formed for the fans. Kumoricon is held annually on Labor Day weekend in Portland, and is open to anyone. Many people from all over Oregon attend this event, although people from Washington attend as well. Though relatively new, Kumoricon is gaining popularity. Nearly 3,000 people attended this year.

Junior Katheryn DeRoos was amongst the Sheldon attendees this year. “Kumoricon is one of my favorite places on Earth,” DeRoos said. Kumoricon is Japanese for “cloud convention”. The first Kumoricon was held in 2003 and was held in Springfield. The convention was held in Portland next year, to accommodate growing attendance. Kumoricon is now a huge event, taking up an entire **-floor hotel. The surrounding city blocks are filled with costumed nerds for three days.

Many events make up the three days of Kumoricon.

There’s the Slightly Anime Dating Game, Who’s Line Is It Anyway?, the Kumori Ball, Karaoke, Dealer’s Hall, Cosplay Chess, and many others. “My favorite

event is the Slightly Anime Dating Game,” DeRoos said. “Even though the participants have to keep the game PG-13, the Dating Game is still my favorite event.” In the Slightly Anime Dating Game, cosplayers are pulled from the audience and placed in a dating game scenario similar to those popular in the 1960s.

The three-day convention is split into many “panels,” or open-ended discussions about a pre-set topic.

Many are about popular anime or manga. Special speakers come from all over to present at the panels.

Many people cosplay, although it isn’t required. Cosplay is short for costume play. A lot of attendees cosplay as their favorite characters from anime, manga, video games, etc.

Cosplays this year ranged from Jack Skellington to Pac-Man. Lots of these costumes involve weapons. Many rules are in place to prevent the use of dangerous items in the convention.

Although most events are open to all ages, some of the “after dark” panels and events are age-restricted. For example, minors aren’t allowed in the Kumori Rave. There are many other adults-only events at Kumoricon.

Kumoricon may sound like a string of events and panels, but it’s really not. All of the events are optional. Many people choose to spend their time wandering around, taking photographs of different cosplays, or hanging out in the Dealer’s Hall (the market).

All in all, Kumoricon is an entertaining experience for people of all ages and differnt outlooks on life.

Resident Evil fans to see it, or possibly buy it on DVD.” Although the film was a success, movie critics were more negative than fans by a landslide, with Rotten Tomatoes giving the film a 20% out of a possible 100%.

Just because movies that break records year after year are over for this one does not mean that all the good films are gone until next summer. There are some pretty interesting movies out there this month, so take a break from studying, buy some concessions, and have a good time at the theater.

Talisman Staff Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Features Editor Features Editor Sports Editor Backpage Editor Entertainment Editor Opinions Editor Frontpage Editor News Editor Ads Manager Photo Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Staff Writers Marisa Aiello Simone Balazs Mercy Barnes Gabby Bernhardt Ben Chamberlain Andy Conrad Quinn Daniel Lauren Davies Henry fowler Staff Advisor

Anthony Rhoads Hope Zima Maggie Schmaedick Hope Zima Drew Haugen Elizabeth Davis Shyanne Church Hunter Anderson Anthony Rhoads Cameron Ritchey Anthony Rhoads Madison Baker Bre Womack Tim Alley Lucas Gomez Tiwanna Hamilton Tatianna Hasan Vanessa Hendricks JJ Juilfs Danielle Peterson Lindsey Ragsdale Dominic Travis Vanessa Tshionyi Greg Cantwell

A message from the Talisman The Talisman is run by students for students. The views expressed in the Talisman are not necessarily those of the Talisman staff, those of Sheldon High School, or those of the Sheldon community. If you have any letters to the editor, please e-mail the Talisman at shstalisman@gmail.com, or drop a letter in our box located in the office. We kindly reserve the right to edit all stories we print.

F e a t u r e s

Where is our sports budget going?

Sports are very expensive. How do Sheldon sports programs get their funds?

Elizabeth Davis backpage editor

Money does not grow on trees, so how are athletes receiving their money for their team or to play? Budgets are major topics, especially these days. Sports can be expensive and sometimes parents aren’t willing to pay another fee. So, where does the money for sports come from?

For OSAA sports, money from sports registration fees and gate fees goes to the district office which uses the money for coaches’ salaries, transportation, and supply fees.

Due to budget cuts, the district office cut back athletic funding by 75% last year.

Less money for sports means the Sheldon athletic trainer got cut from a full teaching job to 0.8 of a position. Also, the district office went from paying for charter buses to yellow school buses. If sports want a charter bus they have to pay the difference themselves. Money is an issue right now, so in order to improve sports’ financial security in the future there is an increasing need for fundraising, marketing by corporate sponsorships and support. “The goal is to reserve as many sports as possible in these hard times,” said Athletic Director Matt Binkerd.

Most coaches are paid from the school account. Did you know that lacrosse is actually considered a club? Because of that, lacrosse is an example where they

The Arts add diverstiy in a student’s learning, but budgets are restricted.

get no money from the athletic department. “We receive our money from three things: 1) player fees, 2) fundraising, and 3) grants, help from boosters, and ASB,” said lacrosse coach Ike. Sanderson. Some of their fundraisers include Johnson Bros. flower sales and raffle tickets to Vegas.

Cross country (XC) is one of the many fall sports. Assistant cross country coach Tom Bolden said they get most of the money like lacrosse does. Their main fundraiser is the Twilight River Run, which is a road race. XC comes out with about 50% of the money raised. To participate in XC, athletes have to pay the participation fee that is $150. Bolden said that there are scholarships available, but he thinks costs keep some students from going out for sports. “I think a lot of kids don’t go out for sports because of the cost to register and they either don’t know about scholarship help or don’t want to ask,” said Bolden. There is also the deferred payment plan where you pay a certain amount over time.

Money may seem like a bland topic to most students, but when it affects others, their family, and someone’s sport, people should be involved in knowing what’s going on. They should be aware and try to find a way to help out. It’s time to get involved.

Flagging down the colorguard This exciting sport is often overlooked by the student body.

Maggie Schmaedick features editor An integral part of our school atmosphere, colorguard has been supporting our school and competing for years. But how much does the student body really know about this unique activity?

Colorguard is “a mixture of flag work, rifle work, dance, and marching” said senior colorguard co-captain Jojo Merrell. Merrell has been doing colorguard for three years, and she co-captains the colorguard team with senior Kayla Wilkinson, who has been on the team for four years.

When asked if colorguard is often overlooked by other students, Merrell and Wilkinson both responded, “Oh yeah!” Merrell added, “We work

a lot harder than people think,” Merrell said. Hardly any money is given to colorguard by the school. Almost all of the budget comes from their own fundraising.

Contrary to what many students believe, colorguard is a sport. The team works hard to perfect their routines, and it does require physical activity. The team practices every day during fourth period. A typical practice includes stretching and warm ups, flag and dance basics, reviewing old routines, and going over new choreography. And, like all fall sports at Sheldon, colorguard had an intense threeweek camp this summer to get ready for the season. Junior Chasity Barnes, said “We are the people who do beautiful flag work. We make the band look pretty.”

In addition to performing at football games, the colorguard has a few interscholastic competitions in the fall. Sheldon usually places in the middle of the road, not the best team, but certainly not the worst. Plus, the team is super close and friendly with each other. Barnes said “ We joke and pick on each other all the time.” Senior Nicole Callison said “Yeah, some of [the colorguard members] are pretty much my best friends.”

Colorguard is much more than waving flags. The members of colorguard work hard at what they do, and they provide Sheldon with plentiful school spirit.

New Hope break dancing crew brings style and flair to Sheldon Sheldon’s crew dances into significance as more and more people recognize it.

Tatiana Hasan staff writer

B-boy Sonny, a former student at Sheldon, created New Hope Crew, Sheldon’s own break dance crew, four years ago. The crew is still up and running with leader Terry Busby, currently a junior, who has been with New Hope Crew for two years.

Fierce competition rises as they prepare for the five battles against other high school crews from the West Coast. “Break-dancing is battling against other crews; a fight, but not physically,” Busby said. Most competitions are held in Portland, Oregon, but some are held in Washington and California.

There have been four generations of the New Hope Crew. The older generations have a crew at the University of Oregon but often come to visit and practice with the new members of the crew. Since most of the members in the crew were from the older generation, a lot of them have now graduated. Though this is true, the crew still stands strong with the few members that it has.

Practices are held twice a week in teacher Jose Alonso’s classroom for three hours.

A typical practice includes stretching and battling others in the crew to warm-up.

There are many different styles of dancing provided by different members of the crew. Toprock, power moves, and freezes are some of the many.

It takes a lot of muscle strength to be a break dancer, mostly upper body strength. A lot of the moves in break dancing have to do with being on your hands including hand stands, head stands, and hand/ head spins.

Practice is essential to the members to improve their skills and strength.

Not only is it hard work being on the crew but it is also hard work to join. It isn’t like average tryouts for regular sports teams. To join the break dance crew someone would first have to practice for two weeks and work on their technique, form, and style of their dance moves. After practicing for a while, battling another member of the crew is the next step. One must show ambition and the will to learn and get better to be accepted into New Hope Crew. Over all the crew is a very hardworking and positive group. With unique style and moves all around, it is no surprise that they are known amongst the high school crews along the west coast. Even though break dancing is not very popular in Oregon, our Sheldon Crew has come to leave their New Hope mark with their unparalleled skill. Sheldon students should be very proud .

From beaches to books: adjusting from summer Summer is a time for Getting us to take a break from the hard days of school. Many students venture across the world or just in their own backyards. Most hang out with friends, watch movies, or play video games. But by the end of the summer they have developed many habits such as staying up late, going on long trips, and sleeping in that are hard to break when school starts up again. Junior Olaf Lindquist said, “It was hard to get up a lot earlier because during the summer I usually go to bed very late and wake up around 3:00 p.m., but during the school year I wake up at 5:30 a.m. so there was a very big change for me.”Along with getting up earlier many students face schedule changes or are attending Sheldon for the first time as freshman or as new students.

Sheldon may be a great school, but not knowing your way around can make your first days full of confusion and stress. Sophomore Satie Allen, who moved from Florence, commented that, “Yeah, finding my class was kind of hard, but I also had friends to tell me where it was, so it made it a lot easier.” There are a lot of new faces around school, mostly freshman, who have said that their time here at Sheldon has been amazing. “The homework is a lot harder because there’s a lot more of it but the classes aren’t very hard,” said freshman Dreyan Watson. As school starts going further into the year we start setting goals that will keep us motivated throughout the year. “One goal that I have this year is to not procrastinate on doing my homework and studying more often,” said junior Baylie Cuddeback. Summer is a fun time to hang out with friends and relax, but adjusting from it gets easier as the year goes by.

Arts Department: important to students’education, but could be lost

used to waking up early and studying late into the night can be a struggle for many students.

Mercy Barnes staff writer

Maggie Schmaedick photo

Madison Baker photo editor When students and teachers take a walk through the Arts department at Sheldon they may hear the various bands practicing, choirs warming up or even actors rehearsing for the next big play.

If they take the time to listen closer they will hear the voices of friends who are as close as family. Unfortunately what these kids strive and live for every day could be gone at any moment.

With budgets getting smaller and smaller, school districts seem to cut the arts first because, according to Sheldon’s Choir/Drama director Nancy Anderson, “The arts aren’t believed to be core or necessary classes that are vital to students’ future success.” If they aren’t necessary, then why do they help students to excel in other aspects of life? For instance, it has been proven that music can help a child to excel in math. According to the Arts Issues Unified Statement, “A child’s education is not complete unless it includes the arts. The No Child Left behind Act of 2001 lists the arts among the core academic subjects.”

Not only do the arts help teens excel in school and in life, but they help them build long-lasting relationships with the other people involved. Sophomore Cassidy Pasley, known as Sassafrass, has been involved with Sheldon Theatre since Dracula last fall. Pasley said, “The people in theatre are my second family.

We have many traditions and are very close. When you take away the arts you’re taking apart that family.”

Theatre is not the only part of the arts at Sheldon. There are also the many choirs and bands which make up a huge part of the department. Senior Alyssa Jensen has been involved with band since her freshman year. Jensen said, “We are like one huge family split up into three different rooms, and when we come together it’s a huge explosion of talent and creativity.”

The numerous arts at Sheldon provide an outlet for numerous high-schoolers. Whether it is in theatre, choir, or band, all the students are able to find a place where they belong. Sophomore Ian Rankins said, “When you join Sheldon Arts you are instantly accepted.” Senior Kelsey Blancher said, “We’re like one of those huge crazy families - everyone loves each other.” Blancher and Rankins have both been involved with Sheldon theatre and choirs since their freshman years.

The arts are something that kids and adults alike have been involved in for centuries. Here at Sheldon the arts kids treasure their music and theatre very much - it’s a part of their lives. HopefulMadison Baker photo ly the arts here at Sheldon will be something that teens will be able to enjoy for generations to come. Choir director Nancy Anderson leads Varsity Choir rehearsal.

Scheduling woes frustrate students Coming back from summer leaves some students scrambling for classes.

Gabby Bernhardt staff writer

F e a t u r e s

It’s the first day of school and you walk into the classroom. Is your reaction, “Yes! This class is going to be the best!” or “No! I didn’t sign up for this class.” Either way, you’re there because it is on your schedule. Do you decide to change it? Maybe, or suck it up because it’s only a semester long class? Or maybe you have a problem with your schedule. There’s something you need to change, and the last thing you want to do is wait in a long line, because for some reason everybody has decided to change their schedules too.

Some people may have had multiple problems with their schedules. Junior Aubrey MacDonald said, “I had to change my classes two times.” Maybe you had more than one free period. MacDonald also said, “I had a free third and fourth period, now I only have a free fourth.” Sometimes you have to change multiple things on your schedule, or maybe your schedule is just perfect the way it is. If so, you are one of the lucky ones.

Junior Christian Nilsen is one of those lucky ones, who came to school with a perfect schedule. “I am actually really happy with all my classes.” Everyone has his or her favorite class and least favorite class. From PE to art, history to science. What makes one your favorite? “My favorite class is either Advanced Strength and Conditioning or US History. I love working out and I love history. The teachers are great and its just fun,” said Nilsen.

Budget cuts have changed scheduling by cutting classes. Maybe one of the cut classes was your favorite one. “Im glad that orchestra is still around, because it seems like they are taking more and more art and music classes and keeping all the sports,” freshman McKenzie Leclair said. Jose Alonzo who teaches Multicultural Studies and an elective class, Courageous Conversations, has got his schedule cut in half. “I only have two periods now,” Mr. Alonzo said.

From budget cuts to crowded classes, schedules are necessary and increasingly difficult to fill.

New technology is making an entrance in our lives

Apple products are becoming more and more sophisticated and popular.

Simone Balazs staff writer

You listen to them in class, you can plug them into your car, and you can even check your Facebook with them. The family of iPods has rapidly grown since 2001. From the iPod Nano to the iPad, the iPod family has made a huge impact in teens’ lives.

The iPod Touch and iPhone were big steps for Apple. They were the first to capitalize on the touch screen craze. Sophomore Sammy Gonyea said, “I really can’t live without my iPod Touch. There’s so many apps I can use. There’s also some apps I use for fun.” The apps for the iPod Touch and iPhone include a wide variety of things, anything from dictionaries to games. Gonyea said “I love Traffic Rush, it’s so much fun! I play it whenever I’m bored, or have nothing to do.”

The iPod family has grown even bigger and better, as Apple introduced iTouches and iPads. Sophomore Heather Murphy said, “the iPad is very user friendly, and it’s smaller than a laptop so it’s easy to take everywhere.”

The iPad is a really nice addition to the family of iPods.

The reason people adore the iPod family so much is because it has made life much easier for some people. The apps and the user friendly navigation has made it loved by so many people. The easy to use touch screens and compact design has also helped Hope Zima photo out the iPod. Although the production of coming out with a new Multimedia devices are greatly influencing people’s lives. product is slow at times for Apple, there are sure to be more!

6 Oct. 15, 2010

Opinions

the Talisman

9/11 ground zero mosque controversy A dual take on argument regarding architectural plans near ground zero Lucas Gomez staff writer Through the history of America a lot of things have happened, whether good or bad, but on September 11th 2001 one of the most tragic happenings of this great nation occurred. September 11th was the date we all came to know as the day the Twin Towers were struck down by two large commercial aircrafts. Lots of lives were lost and families crushed due to this. On Sep. 9th 2010 Pastor Terry Jones announced that there will be a local Quran burning due to the fact that Cordoba developers were planning to build a mosque around ground zero. This provoked many bad actions from all over the world and it was just one more thing president Obama would have to deal with. With soldiers over seas and lots of other problems such as the bad economy this was the last thing we needed as a nation. I am down on the building of the mosque. I think burning the Quran might be a little bit far, but I don’t think the Cordoba Corporation should build a mosque\community

center so close to ground zero.

I went in the halls of Sheldon to see what people thought about this subject. I interviewed a few people but I couldn’t find anyone who was against the building of the mosque.

I could find one girl who wanted to be anonymous but she was neutral on the subject. What she said was “in their right they should be able to build the mosque. But with it there could possibly be danger and terrorist threats from both Americans and Muslims. But as far as the rights of Americans go, they should have a place to go to practice their beliefs and religious views. Just maybe not to close to the place where people of their religion caused us so much pain, not all Muslims are to blame for this happening, Islam is a common world religion and over 1.5 billion people practice it. Me being an American I think that after such a horrific ordeal of loosing so many people and so many families’s suffering , they should not be able to build a mosque anywhere near ground zero. They can put it anywhere else, but I think that the New York area should be free of mosques and other large religious monuments. I have no problem with them practicing their religions and having Muslim people living in the area, I just don’t want a large monument built to the people who caused our nation so much pain and not nearly as close to ground zero as they want.

Growth of the cell market Teen obsession meets a very sensible comparison of a well-loved item Quinn Daniel staff writer Smart phones are always changing these days, from Droid to Droid, from one generation of iPhones to another.

Modern technology is getting quite spendy. In the past few years technological advanced. Currently we have phones that have GPS, touch screens, phones with QWERTY keyboards on the back that can be flipped over to help you text faster, high quality cameras and video recorders and phones more durable than a tank! It’s getting crazy out there for phones.

Some challenges with phones can be overcome by buying an unlocked phone. You can get just about any phone unlocked, meaning, if your company uses a SIM card you can insert the SIM card into any unlocked phone and it will transfer the information to the new unlocked phone. Companies won’t fully be happy with the choice because it has nothing to do with the company and they can’t put you on to a new contract. Still the question remains of what phone to get.

Upcoming technology has come to where buds will be

Student Lunch Time

Sheldon attendee speaks about lunch schedule and why it should be changed Tiwanna Hamilton staff writer Do you think that Sheldon has a long enough lunch? I sure don’t. I feel as though once I get out of class, get past the traffic, and get to the place I would like to eat lunch, and buy my food, it’s almost time to come back to school. I know that it may seem a little unreasonable to ask for more lunch time, because in some students’ cases forty minutes is enough time to eat. I would say that for everyone to enjoy their lunch on a daily basis and have time to socialize with friends, more than forty minutes would be necessary for a lunch time. Junior Jared Awmiller said “Lunch time is too short in my opinion. There are many students, way too long of lines, and basically just not enough time.” Sounds like I’m not the only one with a concern here.

The many students that I have talked to about lunch time said that they would appreciate more lunch time. “It should be fifty minutes at least. I feel rushed,” commented Trinidad Barajas. I believe that if we get enough students to agree to a longer lunch the administration should consider accommodating a reasonable lunch time. “If lunch was longer there are other benefits besides just eating longer, you could work on homework before a class,” added Paige Heaton. Students make a big point; I believe that if Sheldon is able to get one hundred signatures from students agreeing to a longer lunch, then we should receive a longer lunch at least by next year.

placed in the ear and functions will all be voice command.

Currently we have unreal technology in the palms of our hands, such as in the iPhone 4 with amazing apps and utilities, the Droid, with full touch screens or with keyboards and free music. There are so many new options and tools available with cell phones now. Many of the best phones are the most expensive, but are they worth the money?

A large group of Sheldon High School students were asked on what one was better and many said that the iPhone 4 was a better phone than the Droid, not just on the most recent release but also in all comparisons between the two amazing phone. Freshman Grant Herring said, “The Droid has a better touch screen, free music and the sickest apps.” But now from the perspective of an iPhone user. Dave, an employee at AT&T said, “It was made by Apple; enough said.” Along came a few chuckles from the employee with that quote.

Anthony Rhoads photos

A wide variety of cell phones are currently available.

Ben Chamberlain staff writer

On September 11, 2001, our country experienced a great tragedy in the city of New York, New York. To this day we still mourn that day, the loss of loved ones, and the destruction that was caused by the attacks. Now there is a plan to build a religious structure two blocks from the spot where the Two Towers used to loom above the surrounding buildings in the city. The structure is a Muslim mosque, but it is also a community center.

A mosque is being built not too far from Ground Zero; when finished the mosque will have the title of Cordoba Initiative Mosque. It isn’t just a place of worship; it will have swimming pools, basketball courts, a library, a restaurant, and even a cooking school. The Cordoba developers have all of the permits and the state’s approval for the structure. They have legally bought the spot where they are building. But still there are people in the city of New York who say that it is not right to put a Muslim Community Center near Ground Zero. But that is where I think they are wrong. In saying that, I believe people are being entirely unjust. If a Christian church was being built in the same location, do you think that the community would have the same reaction as the mosque? I believe that the Muslim community has the right as American citizens to practice freedom of religion. That right is even protected by our constitution. The First Amendment states that all citizens have the freedom of religion and assembly. If they have the permission of the city, then the Cordoba developers have the right to build it.

In one case Preacher Terry Jones from Florida even said he and a group of followers were going to burn the Quran in protest. The Quran is the holiest book in the Muslim religion. It is the main study of the religion, just like the Bible in the Christian religion. This act would be horrifying to the Muslim community all over the world.

In retaliation, the Taliban, (our current foe in the war in Afghanistan) said they would perform much violence to the civilians and troops in Afghanistan. I believe that even the thought of doing such a thing to the Holy Bible would cause the same reactions from the Christian religion. That is why I think that building the Cordoba Initiative Mosque must happen in the city of New York. If the construction does not take place, I think that it will display an extreme amount of ignorance and racism from the mighty or not so mighty United States.

I went to the halls of Sheldon to hear from people as to their feelings were about the mosque. Campus supervisor Darin Henry said, “People are confusing terrorism with religion. We would be doing the same thing Christians did to the Native Americans.” When I asked Henry if he thought that our country would have this problem in the future, he replied, “As long as we have narrow-minded people in the United States we will continue to see this happen.

When people start to learn from this, that’s when we will see these situations stop.”

Junior Dylan Campbell said, “If the mosque was being built on the same exact spot where the Two Towers were, then I would think that it shouldn’t be built. But since its being built two blocks away, I don’t have any problem with the mosque being built. I think that the developers have every right to build the Muslim Community Center.”

Year-round school has many advantages An alternative to a traditional school year schedule is discussed Lauren Davies staff writer Many of us have had to be in school since the September after we turned four. School years have always been around nine months long, or longer. We always have a long break to go along with it. What if school was year round? What if students had no summer? Year round school means that we would have three months of school, then one month off and so on. This also includes having holidays off.

Junior Olaf Lindquist said, “If we had school year-round we wouldn’t forget things.” I agree with this because when I go to school and then have a 3-month break for summer; I forget almost everything I learned. If we had school year round we wouldn’t forget what we learned as much. Parents too would appreciate year-round schooling because their children would learn more and they wouldn’t have to worry about what they’re doing. Students would be more grounded if there was school all year. Parent John Barnes said, “Year-round schooling would be good because I have long days and I have to come home late from work and I wouldn’t have to worry where my child is because they’d be at school.” Although it would be a big plus for parents,

I think teachers would also be pleased with the thought of year-round school too. Sam Hazelett an Instruction Assistant said, “I think we would benefit from it as long as we have adequate vacations.” I think teachers would like this a lot because they get to teach more and get more pay to go along with it. I am half and half on the idea of it because we wouldn’t forget things but I also love having 3 months of summer off. With this said I am still undecided about school year round, but I have never experienced year round schooling so it would be something exciting to try.

Hunter Anderson photo

Sheldon is not a year-round school, but imagine if it was; how would that change affect all of Sheldon?

Sports

the Talisman

Oct. 15, 2010

7

A new season of fall sports is here School is back in session, meaning fall sports are in full swing at Sheldon

at Sheldon. They have won three state championships, and eleven league championships. They are ready to have yet another successful year. Joseph Kuehn, a quarterback on the freshman team, said, “We have

been preparing very hard to achieve our goal of going undefeated”. All three Irish football teams are expected to do really well this season. Kuehn said, “I believe that we have a very good chance to go undefeated”.

Henry Fowler staff writer A new school year has come and with it a new year of fall sports. Sheldon fall sports include: football, soccer, cross country, volleyball, and many more. Sheldon has had success in many sports.

The boys’ soccer team has won eight league championships and one state championship. They are preparing hard to do well again this season. Cameron Reese, a midfielder on varsity, said, “We have prepared for this season by doing daily doubles and running”. There is a lot of excitement this year for soccer. Reese said, “I am excited because I am a freshman on varsity, and I think we will do well this year”.

Cross country has been working very hard to prepare for this season. Coach Chad Schacht said, “The legacy of cross country at Sheldon is that our team is like a family and we are one of the most supportive teams”. Sheldon has won one league championship for boys cross country, and five league championships and one state championship for girls cross country. Coach Schacht said, “I think that everyone will have their best races at the end of the year and varsity girls have a good chance at making state”.

Football has been one of the most successful programs

Drew Haugen photo The Sheldon Irish football team started the 2010 season out right with a 34-27 victory against West Salem.

High school lacrosse ready for reform Student athlete feature: High school lacrosse teams across the state are in need of more support Jackson Shawn-Hays staff writer For years now the Irish men’s lacrosse team has been a powerhouse in the Willamette Valley, racking up marquee wins around the state of Oregon. Their success can be attributed to a core group of players though the years and a tradition for excellence as well as hard work from the coaching staff. They are also “very well supported by our athletic director” said coach Ike Sanderson, head coach of the men’s lacrosse program here at Sheldon. Yet at other schools in the valley and other parts of Oregon, lacrosse teams are not being as well treated.

A lot of teams simply do not have the facility access or equipment to get better. It also creates a lack of competition and a small number of recruits for some teams.

One way to combat these issues is to have lacrosse in the Willamette valley be sanctioned by the OSAA, but as coach Sanderson says “athletic departments around the state having some serious budget cuts”. If a school is going through tough financial times the last thing on their agenda would be to add a new sport. However, the OSAA could give our Willamette valley lacrosse teams a tier one status. A tier one status “would get the same facility classification as an OSAA sanctioned sport” explained coach Sanderson. This means that struggling

lacrosse programs could be given a helping hand with gaining practice time and possibly bringing in more recruits, thereby helping lacrosse to grow faster in Oregon and help bring lacrosse to more high school students.

Drew Haugen sports editor Legendary football player Frank Gifford once said, “The game of football is like war. There are no winners, only survivors.” Nike must have taken this into consideration when they launched their “Prepare for Combat” campaign last fall. This promotion included ten college football teams receiving state-of-the- art “Pro Combat” uniforms as well as new lightweight cleats and gloves. This year Nike has unveiled a new set of Combat uniforms for the 2011 season.

One of the teams that will be donning new duds this year is Oregon State. The Beavers unveiled the uniforms last month and will be one of ten schools to wear the Pro Combat uniform later this season including Boise State, Alabama, Florida, West Virginia, Pittsburg, TCU, Miami, Virginia Tech, and Ohio State. Junior Tyler Osborne said, “The new OSU jerseys are tight, literally. They give the players an advantage on the field.” These uniforms have been engineered to provide not only extreme comfort but also superior protection and durability.

Combined, the jersey and pants are thirty seven percent

Sheldon softball catcher and outfielder is well-respected by her teamates and coaches alike Danielle Peterson staff writer

Drew Haugen photo

Lacross equipment is in short supply due to the lack of support from the 4j school district since it is not as big as some of the other sports in the area.

Nike releases new Pro Combat uniforms Ten teams including Oregon State to receive state-of-the-art football uniforms

Emily Hemmerle

lighter than traditional Nike uniforms. “The game of football has evolved,” said junior Curran Mendez. “The uniforms are evolving too.” However, the improvements only start at the surface. Under the uniforms, players will wear the Pro Combat system of dress which gives the player optimal protection at areas of high impact, as well as breathability. “I think these uniforms will revolutionize the sport,” said junior Ryan Land.

Each uniform is unique and takes design cues from historical periods in the team’s football history. Oregon State’s look was created with the 1967 “Giant Killers” in mind. That year, the Beavers knocked off two top ranked teams and tied a third on their way to finishing second in the then Pac-8. This reputation for beating ranked opponents is one that the 2010 Oregon State team has earned as well. For this reason, Nike has brought back the look worn by the “Giant Killers” to pay homage to the `67 team as well as inspire the current one. “The Nike Pro Combat jerseys are the best that Oregon State has worn. I think these uniforms will become more common in the college game in the coming years,” said Osborne.

There is no telling what the future will hold for the 2010 Oregon State football squad. The only thing that is certain is when they line up against Oregon on December fourth wearing their Nike Pro uniforms for the first time; they’ll be ready for combat. Football is, after all, like war, but the Beavers hope to come out with a win.

Sheldon High School has many hundreds of students. Among those students many are athletes that represent Sheldon High.

Emily Hemmerle is involved with softball at Sheldon High School. She loves to be out on the softball field. She plays catcher and outfield mostly, but she said, “I will basically play where ever the coach puts me.” Now that’s team spirit.

Hemmerle has been playing softball for 12 years. She got started playing by being force by her father. She loves hitting and throwing the softball around with friends. She enjoys playing softball for Sheldon High because she gets to get out of class early for games that they have to travel for. They travel to northern and southern Oregon.

Hemmerle has many friends on her softball team, and they really enjoy her company. Sarah Barnett said, “She was a good softball player, she played great outfield and she was a fantastic catcher.” Barnett was also mentioning what a joy it was to have Emily on the softball team.

Tori Steiner, one of Hemmerle’s friends, said “It’s a good thing Emily plays softball because it shows her good sportsmanship and it keeps her in shape and athletic.” Hemmerle talked Steiner into playing softball this next softball season. Steiner said she is looking forward to playing with her friend Hemmerle.

The coaches, Bill Temple and Mike Faulconer, have been coaches for a very long time, but this is both their first year as the Sheldon JV coach. This is Temple’s first year coaching softball, he has previously coach baseball for many years. Mike Faulconer has coach ASA softball for many years with varsity coach Lee Lashway. They have coached together for at least 5 years. Having the experience that those coaches had really helped out with the teamwork of the Sheldon High School’s JV softball team.

Tori Steiner has been Emily Hemmerle’s friend for almost 3 years. She has been going to Hemmerle’s softball games ever since they met and she enjoys watching the game being played.

Emily Hemmerle is really looking forward to playing softball for Sheldon this spring. We wish her good luck for trying to make her Varsity spot.

Dance till you can’t dance no more!

Dances: the places teens let go and have no inhibitions J.J Juilfs staff writer

Dances are a significant part of a student’s high school experience. This year, Sheldon’s pants will be full of ants with the news of the dance lineup for 2010-11. The Associated Student Body (ASB) is already hard at work meticulously planning the dances for the entire year. As is typical there are the big two: Homecoming and Promenade Ball which are surefire bets to be big hits. This year Homecoming is Saturday after the home football game against Roseburg.

What are often overlooked are the smaller dances like Sadie Hawkins. These smaller dances don’t have near the popularity that the big two do, but with the right attitude they

can be just as fun. No matter how big or small the dance, “We make it our priority to have a rocking D.J. at all the dances,” ASB Activities Coordinator senior Allison Mohler said. When asked about what makes the smaller dances enjoyable many students gave a common reply, the “less stress” factor. Senior Louise Mulvey said, “I look forward to the small dances as much as the big ones because of the themes and the relaxed atmosphere. There’s no pressure.”

Sadie Hawkins Dance : Feb. 12, 8:30-11

Prom : May 7, 8:30-11:30 Morp: June 4, 8:30-11

Some students are already preparing for the dances.

“With all the great dances this year I’m gonna have to go on the internet and Google how to dance with girls, because that’s what’s up,” said junior Dillon Miller. Mohler expressed the difficulties of preparing for the dances and expectations for this year. The dance budget has been reduced along with all the other cuts schools have made recently. The students have had to find ways to limit expenses including reusing materials and purchasing new only when necessary; despite the limited budget, ticket prices are not expected to rise. In addition to cost, class officers must consider how to maximize safety and minimize inappropriate behavior. Mohler’s goals for this year’s dances are to continue to increase attendance and facilitate a safe and fun experience for dancegoers. Senior Class President Erik Davis also hopes for a good attendance at this year’s first dance, “Whether by car, limousine, bus, boat or train get yourself down to SHS on Saturday the 16th. Again that’s Saturday, October 16th, See you there!”

Are you ready to battle? OBOB is where it’s at Team...check. Books...check. Ready to battle...CHECK! Bre Womack photo editor What does a woman who loves a beast, a deceased suicidal tape sending girl and a seemingly spoiled rotten little brat named Jenna Fox have in common? They are all the main characters in the books being read by the Sheldon students competing in the Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB).

Sheldon’s OBOB club was started last year, but had not gained much enthusiasm until the beginning of this year.

Kicking off the season this year with five Sheldon students already, OBOB has high hopes for the battles this year.

“I’m looking forward to the battles this year,” said sophomore Justice Nunley, “my strategy is going to be to take notes on every single book that I read for the competition because I know that it will help me retain the details for the battles.”

Some of those who joined OBOB this year joined just because they love to read. “I love to read and it is the thing that I believe I am most talented at,” said senior Crystal Bivins.

But others joined for completely different reasons entirely. “I joined OBOB to rekindle my fascination for the amazing imagination writers use to create the imagery in really good books,” said senior Mathew Summer.

Though there are a lot of different books on the OBOB booklist, some of its members would be interested in

adding a few books from their own favorite collections.

“If I could add two more books to the already amazing OBOB booklist, I would want to add Ender’s Game by Orsen Scott-Card, because even though I have read it nearly eight times; I learn something new every time I read it,” said Nunley.

Although the majority of the books on the list are to the taste of the members of OBOB, some members do not like some in the selection.

“If I could take a book off the booklist it would have to be the Adoration of Jenna Fox, due to the book cover which states that her parents were obsessive over her, and in my opinion obsessive parents are weird,” said Bivins.

If you want to join in all the fun just come to the library on Thursdays during lunch and come find out for yourself!

Not so silent library SHHHH!!! Be quiet in the library! Who hasn’t heard that before?

Vanessa Tshionyi staff wrtier Many of us have free periods so where do we choose to go during this time? Many people go to the library with their friends to study and do school work. Have you ever been sitting with your friends and one of them tells you a funny joke? You can’t help but to laugh really hard.

This happens almost every day here at Sheldon, so what can we do about the noise level in the library? What if the library was only accessible to classes? What would the people who go to the library do during free periods? Many of these questions come up when discussing the noise level in the library.“I think the library is so loud because students like to talk and socialize and it helps us work on our grammar,” said senior Brooke Bardwell. Many students agree that talking in the library is just something to do.

The noise level does not only affect the students working, but it also affects the staff. “So many people come through the library doors each day. Almost 729 people walk in and out of the library to do work. Even more people come during finals week; we have almost 1,000 students in the library a day,” said librarian Patricia Kessinger. It just goes to show that so many of us go to the library to work, so why are we so loud?

Noise affects students’ abilities to focus on the work that they have to do. “The library should be just a place for studying or doing academic work. Sheldon has nice benches outside for talking and they are covered for when it is raining, and for when it is colder, Sheldon is an open campus and students can go home or go to Brewed Awakening,” said Kessinger.

Junior Johnnie Ramirez said, “Me and my friends go to the library all the time to do homework or work on projects. It’s my favorite place to go and socialize with my friends as well.”

The library is one of the only places students can go to get their homework done, so where would students go if the library was not open to the students? In the library, the noisy atmosphere makes concentrating impossible. Let’s keep the library a quiet study place again so students can get their work done and then go socialize with their friends someplace else.