TBHS Unleashed

ue Is s ay ol id H

5Tips

for Wearing Season’s 10 Hottest Boots

Lauer’s Fast & Easy Holiday Dishes

POLITICAL FACE-OFF

Liberal Democrat and Conservative Republican weigh in on presidential campaign

Bieber’s Holiday Tunes Hit All Right Notes

Amanda Huffman

Letter From the Editor

Hey TBHS, I am overwhelmed by all of the positive feedback we have received from the Clubs & Organizations/Fall Sports Issue and the website. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’d also like to thank the Journalism I class for spending countless hours on designing, taking photographs and contributing stories for this month’s issue of TBHS Unleashed. In this issue, we celebrate the importance of the holiday season and its influence on society.

Still debating on what to get your significant other for Christmas this year?

Look no further than the featured gifts for couples (pg 6). If you haven’t heard?

Controversial teen heartthrob, Justin Bieber, recently released a Christmas album (pg 8). For political buffs, check out the heated political debate between staffer Belcher and Patrick (pg 5). Also, be sure to check out tbhsunleashed.troy.k12. mo.us often for additional stories, if you haven’t already. Happy Holidays!

Sincerely, Amanda

“I knew a bigger university might be overwhelming, so I

chose SCC

because I was able to stay close to home, go to school and play soccer.” ~ Daedriana “Spunky” Kroninger Current SCC student Troy Buchanan alum

Find SCC on : Ask your counselor how to get started at St. Charles Community College. Call 636-922-8000 or visit stchas.edu.

of

Table contents In The News...

In Every Issue...

4 Oh, the Places They’ll Go

2 Editor’s Letter

by Olivia Grelle

by Amanda Huffman

9 Trends

Turkey Trot Aides Pantry

by Kayla Bishop

by Haileigh Heppermann

6 Puppy Love

12 Oh Snap!

by Nicole Sanders

by Kayla Gardner & Jenna Massey

EDITORIAL...

8

9

5 Political Face-off

by Jessa Kiker

12 Commercialization of

by Cayla Brown

5 Arts and Entertainment...

7 8

photographers KaylaGardner HaileighHeppermann CheyenneRodgers

Winter Concert Calendar

by Dakota Zinn

Justin Bieber Melts Snow,

MojisolaOladehin/adviser

Hearts in Christmas Album

by Mallory Bochantin

Conner’s Corner

by Rachel Caldwell

6

FEATURES...

6 Cutest Babies on the Block

by Alexandria Walker

7

10 Hoop Dreams

by John Belcher

11 Mature Wrestlers on Right Track to State

Christmas Craziness

7 Lauer’s Sizzling, Sweet Holiday Recipies

by Jessica Talley

8 Tales of Christmas Past

by Kristen Hartwig

by Lance Patrick

Cover Photo by Dakota Zinn Styled by Cayla Brown & Dakota Zinn Special thanks to Melissa Surber and TBHS Librarian for props.

10

11

Gift Giving: Couples’

by Meagan Hamilton

Team Transitions into New Season

AmandaHuffman/ editor-in-chief ToriHeppermann/ managing editor MalloryBochantin/ business manager LancePatrick/ sports editor

staff writers: JessaKiker JohnBelcher KaylaBishop RachelCaldwell CaylaBrown JenniferFiroved JoHannahMcDonald

the Holidays

Sports...

Editorial Staff

web editors: AlyssaHenderson DakotaZinn

by John Belcher & Lance Patrick

Grinds My Gear

6

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

EDITORIAL POLICY: TBHS Unleashed is a free, monthly publication produced

by Troy Buchanan High School’s newspaper staff. The newsmagazine functions as an open forum, with the intention of accurately and fairly reporting the news to the student body, faculty, and administration of TBHS, as well as the surrounding comunity. TBHS Unleashed is solely funded by advertisers. Advertisements that appear in TBHS Unleashed do not necessarily represent the beliefs or viewpoint of the newspaper. The opinions expressed in this newsmagazine may not be those of TBHS, Lincoln County R-III School District, faculty, staff, or administration. TBHS Unleashed is a member of the Quill &Scroll Society and SSP of St. Louis. Troy Buchanan High School is located at 1190 Old Cap-Au-Gris Rd. in Troy, Missouri.

Journalism 1 Contributors photographers: SamanthaCameron CassandraNegele ThomasRunge MeganRyba JohnSchroeter KirstieTryon staff writers: OliviaGrelle MeaganHamilton KristenHartwig NicoleSanders JessicaTalley AlexandriaWalker designers: ZackaryHudgens PaigeMartin LaurenWion JennaMassey TuckerMcDaniel LynleyRamsour SamanthaShipley

Oh, the Places They’ll Go

OliviaGrelle/contributing writer

With gas and plane ticket prices rising, it is difficult for families to come together, especially if members are out of state. Junior Counselor Nicole Smith will be traveling with her family to Chicago this holiday season. She said they will be driving and with the price of gas. It will be appoximately $100 each way. It is about a sixhour drive but then, they can take whatever Smith’s family needs. If the Smith family flew, round trip tickets would be $59 per person.

Art teacher Dianne Henrikson could be traveling to either New Mexico or North Carolina this holiday season to see family.

Henrickson will most likely be driving to either place. “I have to put thought into gas prices,” she said. Henrikson has decided she will most likely be driving to North Carolina. If she flew to North Carolina over Christmas break, round trip would be $102 per person.

Katelyn Idziak (10) will either be traveling to Michigan or Florida

to see family. They will be flying. Idziak has been to both places for past Thanksgivings and Christmases. If her family flew to Florida it would be about $149 dollars per person round trip.

Katie Kemmery (12) said she has been to Michigan and Canada for past holidays. She said her family have always driven and they have always gone to see family.

Kemmery stated the drive is usually about 18 hours to Michigan and longer to Canada. “It is cheaper for my family to drive than to fly,” said Kemmery. If her family flew to Michigan it would be about $112 per person round trip.

Katie Miller (11) said she has visited Kansas over the holidays to see her family. They have always driven. “It is nice to see my family,” said Miller. If her family flew to Kansas it would be about $118 per person round trip.

According to CNN.com, about 42.2 million people will fly over the holidays and 85.7 million people will drive this year. That is almost twice as many people who will be driving instead of flying.

It may not be easier, but in the long run, traveling by car is much cheaper.

Turkey Trot Aides Pantry

KaylaBishop/staffer The 6th Annual 5K Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot is an event that celebrates Thanksgiving and raises funds and canned food donations for Bread for Life during the holiday season. The Turkey Trot starts and ends at Troy’s City Park from 6:00 to 9:15 a.m. There are even awards for the event. Pre-race awards will be presented to the most unique trotters who fall into the following categories: Most Festively Dressed, Farthest Traveled, Ageless Wonder, and Largest Flock. The band will also hold the Back At Ya drawing before the race. Post-race award trophies will be awarded to the first, second and third place male and female runners. Turkey Gobble Wobble is ¼ mile sprint through the park for kids ages Pre-K to 5th grade. The cost for the Turkey Gobble Wobble is $1 and four jars of baby food. No pre-registration is necessary. Everyone who finishes receives a prize. The event is hosted by Bank of Old Monroe, Full Contact Fitness Center, Lincoln County Farm Bureau, Lincoln County Medical Center, Lincoln County Music Supply, Toyota- Bodine Aluminum, and Troy Convention & Visitors Bureau.

4

The last day to purchase a 2011-2012 Seige Yearbook is NOVEMBER 30!! This year’s theme is LOOK. Don’t miss the chance to purchase these captured memories.

Political Face-Off

CONSERVATIVE

Republican

Lance Patrick

VS

March 17 marks the Missouri Republican caucus. On that date, thousands of voters will come out and vote for who they feel should be the official Republican candidate for the 2012 Presidential election. With the economy in desperate times and 16 declared candidates to choose from, it has never been more critical to be well informed for this year’s caucus.

The current front runner, at 26% of Republican votes, is former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, Herman Cain. Cain’s campaign has gained hype from his controversial campaign ad and alleged harassment charges, but what really has people talking is his proposed tax plan called the “9-9-9” plan.

This plan would involve completely abolishing the current federal tax codes and replacing them with a 9% Business Flat Tax, 9% Individual Flat Tax, and 9% National Sales Tax. Cain claims this plan will create six million jobs for Americans, but supporters on both sides are speaking out against the plan, classifying it as Class Warfare.

Trailing behind Cain by 2% is former Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney. Romney has extensive business leadership experience and towers over Cain in political experience. One of Romney’s most prominent executive moments was his emergency appointment as President and CEO of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee for the 2002 Winter Olympics. He took the $379 million deficit and turned it into a $100 million profit.

Some republicans find Romney to be bland and his beliefs too moderate to be the primary candidate. For many, the most appealing part of Mitt Romney is that he is not Herman Cain. His current status as a Mormon and his Obamacare-cloned state healthcare plan may also come into play during this year’s primary election. th

Grinds My Gears

”

LIBERAL

Democrat John Belcher

With such a monumental election in 2008, enlightened Americans can anticipate an equally exhilarating election in 2012. Barack Obama won his last election due in part to his wide-run campaign. He utilized the Internet more than any other Presidential candidate has since its beginning. On all sides of the 2012 election, the dynamics of each party’s candidates’ campaigns will determine the overall winner.

What can we expect on the Democratic edge of the 2012 election? Considering President Obama’s eloquence, current position in office, and his ability to run a campaign, he has gained relatively no Democratic competitors. Unlike the Republican Party’s recent activity in the media, the only candidate who even comes close to posing a challenge to our Commander-in-chief is pro-life activist and author Randall Terry. Interestingly enough, it would seem Terry’s only platform to challenge the current president’s position is his pro-life policies; however, he has often spoken out against homosexuality as well.

In fact, he has branched out so far on the latter issue that he has disowned his son.

On the Republican side of the election, the numerous Republican candidates battle for the number one spot. In my opinion, Obama will secure his spot with the Democrats battling either Herman Cain or Mitt Romney for his second term. I think that Cain runs a confident campaign, but he lacks appropriate funding and experience that his competitor, Romney, has held for years.

Basically, the next election may just end with business versus politics.

As for the debating abilities, Obama is known for his eloquence, and previous Republican debates show that Romney may be the only competent mind the party has left. Between Cain’s strictly business-oriented mind and Perry’s short-term memory, Obama may just secure his presidential power for another term.

As I walk through the halls, a gross double standard becomes apparent to me. Every day, I watch as chains are tucked, tails forbidden, and simple things like cat ears, spikes, fangs, and other accessories are banned from the dress code, but the dress code itself is not enforced. Consistently, I see girls with super low-cut shirts, along with shorts, dresses, and skirts so short that inappropriate amounts of flesh are exposed as JessalynKiker/ they are traveling through the halls. Just the other day, staff writer I had to tuck in my wallet chain as I made my way There is no to class. Yet, a girl with a dress so short that professional building indecent exposure occurred as she strutted where employees are right past an administrator did not receive a in miniskirts, pajama single reprimand. I was appalled; I could not pants, and hoodies. believe that I, as a student who prefers a darker

‘‘

Editorial

dress style, was being forced to curb my appearance, yet this girl was allowed to blatantly ignore the dress code. It is my opinion that if the dress code is to be expanded and enforced, then it should apply to everyone. School is meant to prepare students for the work place. There is no professional building where employees are in miniskirts, pajama pants, and hoodies. I find it extremely unfair that the harmless parts of the dress code are enforced and labeled as “distractions,” but the parts that are actually harmful to the learning environment are allowed to slide under the radar. Ask yourself this: which is more distracting, a tail attached to my jeans, or the girl sitting across from you with her intimate parts exposed?

5

A Case of Adopted Puppy Love

Communication Arts teacher Deborah George’s son, Graham, enjoys spending time with their adopted Lab and German shepherd mix, Pablo Picasso. “We looked at photos of available pets online and traveled to the St. Louis Humane Society on Macklind,” she said. “It’s great to get an older dog because there’s no irritating chewing stage to endure. Also, we didn’t have to house-break him.”

and neutered, and vaccinations are taken care of. Madison Burris (10) thinks animal shelters are a good idea. “I think they are good except when they have to put animals down when they run out of room.”

Adopting Puppies

Puppies might be cute and cuddly, but they are destructive.

They also have small bladders

Gift Giving: Couples’ Christmas Craziness Christmas is one of the most stressful times, especially when it comes to buying a gift for that special someone.

According to

Page Martin (11) and Cameron Swarts (12)

informationisbeautiful.net, the two weeks before Christmas is tied with Spring Break when it comes to breakups. Cameron Swarts (12) said a good gift to get a girlfriend for Christmas is beautiful jewelry.

Nicholas Travis (10) said be careful not to give a current girlfriend jewelry from a past relationship, “That would be bad,” he said.

When it comes to married couples, it is a different story. Laura Robinson, math teacher at TBHS,

6

and have to go to the bathroom at least every three hours. That includes during the night. Some puppies are known to destroy kids’ toys, carpets, and even pieces of furniture. They constantly run around and when they want to play with their new owners, make sure the person receiving the puppy is informed. Adult dogs, on the other hand, instantly bond with new owners. They have a developed bladder and sleep often.

Shelter vs. Pet Store

Stores get their dogs either from a backyard breeder or puppy mill.

Backyard breeders are people who breed dogs just for the sake of breeding. Puppy mills breed dogs for money. Dogs from puppy mills can have health problems because the parents have been bred too many times. By adopting a dog from a shelter, you are giving them a second chance and saving a life. (cont. on page 10)

Cutest Babies On The Block

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1

b

2

c

3

Christmas comes around, Robinson and her husband are switching it up.

“What we’re doing now is that I’m buying my own presents and he’s buying his own presents.”

They will then wrap them and Samantha Cameron (10) and on Christmas Nick Travis (10) morning, “We’re going to open them so he can see what I like and I can see what he likes,” she said. This is a straight forward approach that easily avoids the long return lines after Christmas.

“When giving a gift, it’s key to be creative,” Campbell said.

“From experience, I’ve learned that through numerous celebrations, lots of people give lots of gifts.”

He said the last thing someone wants is to give someone else a gift they’ve already received.

JessicaTalley/

Contributing Writer

ThomasRunge/photographer

If you like to cook, then you are in luck. Here are some easy recipes recommended by Family and Comsumers Science teacher Laura Laeur that will blow your family’s taste buds away. These amazing recipes are easy to make and delicious.

Tortilla Roll Ups 8 oz.cream cheese, (softened) 1 tsp. taco seasoning 1/3 c. picanté sauce 12 flour tortillas

MeaganHamilton/Contributing Writer

said, “Don’t give me cleaning stuff. Don’t give me house stuff.”

She would prefer a spa day.

Kevin Campbell, who also teaches math at TBHS, has been married for six months and says he is not a fan of food gifts or baskets. “Food is something to be shared and I, personally, believe that wouldn’t classify as a gift,” he said. “Tools or clothes are good.” However, Will Vandiver (11) said clothes are a bad gift idea. “You don’t know exactly what they want.” Vandiver prefers money.

If gift giving is not ones area of expertise, things can seem awful.

“One time I got my girlfriend a stuffed bunny,” Travis said, “but the year before, I got her a teddy bear.” Swarts can help remedy that. “Find out what they like and what they’re into,” he said.

When a person really gets to know someone, he or she can then get a good gift for them. When this

Lauer’s Sizzling, Sweet Holiday Recipes

Tyler Vance (12), Kaitlynn Baue (11), and Taryn Kreder (12) made cupcakes in Laura Lauer’s Culinary Arts cooking class on October 21.

d

4

Beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add taco seasoning, picante sauce and mix well. Spread mixture on each tortilla. Roll tightly place seam side down in a container. Chill at least 2 hours. Slice each roll into 1 inch slices forming a pinwheel.

Easy Sweet Potato Dish

e

F

5

6

Answers: Baby A- Person 2 (Tia Jones ), Baby B- Person 6 (Emily Rhoads), Baby C- Person 4 (Jacob Martinez), Baby D- Person 1 (Chris Shannon), Baby E- Person 2 (Tamara Jones), Baby F- Person 5 ( Mike Branson)

If one is having trouble finding the perfect present for a friend or family member, then consider adopting a dog from a rescue, pound, or animal shelter.

Shelter dogs are mistreated. Some people think dogs at shelters are mangy, flee-ridden animals, but that is not usually true. The shelter employees not only take care of the dogs’ health, they also make sure they are spayed,

NicoleSanders/contributing writer

1 lg. can sweet potatoes 1 can apple pie filling 1/2 c. raisins 1/4 c. brown sugar butter Drain sweet potatoes. Reserve liquid.

Mix ingredients in baking dish. Add enough liquid to moisten. Dot with butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Serves 6-8.

Easy Pumpkin Pie 1 env. Dream Whip 1 c. canned pumpkin

2/3 c. milk 1 pkg. vanilla instant pudding 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. ginger 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 baked pie shell You can use 3/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice instead of nutmeg, ginger and cinnamon. Prepare Dream Whip as directed on envelope. Set aside 1 cup for garnish. To remaining 1 cup Dream Whip, add pumpkin, milk, pudding and spices. Mix slowly with beater, just until blended, 1 minute.

Pour into pie shell. Chill at least two hours. Garnish with topping.

Winter Concert Calendar Nov 24 - The Bottoms Up

Blues Gang at Three Kings Public House Nov 25 - Soulard Blues Band at The Sheldon Concert Hall Nov 29 - The Magic of Mozart at The Sheldon Concert Hall Dec 7 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas Musical at Peabody Opera House Dec 9 - Good 4 the Soul Jazz

DakotaZinn/Contributing Writer Band at Jazz St. Louis Celebration at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center Dec 10 & 11 - Ambassadors of Harmony at University of Dec 17 - Trans-Siberian Missouri Orchestra at Scottrade Center Dec 10 - Michael W Smith at Dec 18 - Steven Curtis Powell Symphony Hall Green Chapman at Independence Room Events Center Dec 14 - Matt Hill at B.B.’s Jazz Dec 29 - St. Louis Symphony Blues & Soups Live at Powell Hall Concert: Music of John Williams at Powell Dec 16 - St. Louis Symphony Symphony Hall, Grand Holiday Concert: Holiday Center

7

Tales of Christmas Past KristenHartwig/Contributing Writer

Traditionally, people tend to play in the snow during the winter. Yet, Michael Gebert (10) had to be different. Instead of a snowball fight, Gebert and his brother engaged in an acorn fight. When he hit Joe in the face, his step-dad decided to take action by taking a bucket of acorns and attacking him, causing him to flee into the woods, where he tripped and fell. Gebert landed face-first into a tree causing him to need 32 stitches on his face and neck. That day he learned a valuable lesson about picking on his younger brother.

CD REVIEW

Dalton Hulme (10) loves to play in the snow.

Several winters ago, he was sledding behind his four-wheeler with his dad and uncle. With a big headed attitude, Hulme tried unsuccessfully to beat his family members up while on the sled. In his attempt to rough house, he was thrown from the sled and sent rolling into a barbwire fence. Yet, he hadn’t learned his lesson and was sent flying into a tree on his second attempt. As revenge, he decided to drag his family through a wet and muddy ditch. Despite the dangers of sledding Hulme said “It’s okay, my fluff protected me.”

One year for Christmas Jake Zorn (11) and his family went to Cancun, Mexico. The Zorn family was extremely excited to be free of the Loren “ Andrew” cold and dreary weather Awalt (12) enjoys the that Troy was experiencing winter, the snow, and without them. While in hanging out with friends.

Mexico they got on board a One day, his friend and tour bus on the way to their several girls were in resort. Becoming bored all Awalt’s backyard having an aggressive snowball the vacationers began to tell stories about fight. Out of ammunition, Awalt reached their families. Everyone on the bus wanted across the pool for fresh snow to make yet to know about the Zorn family and their another snowball. Ignotz called out “Dude! matching t-shirts. As a joke they pretended You got it, just go for it.” Sensing the chance that their shirts were for the International to show off, Awalt stood up on the edge of the Hide and Go Seek Championship. They told pool and back-flipped straight into it. However, their new friends that they were the American Awalt hadn’t anticipated the two feet of frozen Representatives and the championship was water at the bottom. As Awalt stood astonished taking place in Cancun that year. Zorn said he in the freezing water his friends only managed would like to have shirts made for this ‘Hide to stop laughing long enough to bombard him and Go Seek Championship’ and go back with their remaining snowballs. someday so he can further confuse innocent vacationers.

A popular winter activity would be sledding. Luke Christman (12) and his brother Cole Christman (10) were sledding with their family one year, being pulled behind their four-wheeler on three tire inter-tubes. Their dad was pulling them around a field behind their house, driving faster and faster in circles trying to shake the boys. When all of a sudden his dad took a turn sharp and they were sent flying into one another’s tubes. Cole’s tube was sent into their younger brother’s, knocking both brothers off. Hating to stop the fun Luke Christman and his dad just kept driving, leaving Luke’s brothers in the snow.

Connor’s Corner I am so excited for Christmas!!

Bieber Melts Snow, Hearts in Christmas Album MalloryBochantin/Staff

1/2 Justin Bieber and Christmas music share one similarity: they are loathed by many and enjoyed by few. Bieber’s latest album, the 11-track Under the Mistletoe, celebrates the joy that is Christmas mixed with the excitement of young love. Usher, Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, The Band Perry, and Boys II Men make appearances, with the latter executing the most notable collaboration. At his best, Bieber’s voice injects much-needed soul into the tired, overplayed songs; at his worst, he veers too deeply into uncharted territory (the attempt at blending rap and hip-hop on “Drummer Boy” comes to mind).

Skip the upbeat, artificially sweet tracks in lieu of the slower, more festive songs like “Christmas Eve.” Fans will enjoy Bieber’s soft voice and smooth melodies; non-fans should listen to his rendition of “Silent Night” – it just might make them Beliebers. cartoon by RachelCaldwell/staffer

CONNER!!!

I’m so excited I gonna go christmas shopping and make cookies!!!

Christmas is still a ways away.

umm Conner?

WAAAA!!!

poke

What?

WAA

!

Conner.

Huh?!

Hummell Boots $89.99, jcpenney

Whatoname Boots $99.99, jcpenney

Kincannon Boots $99.99, jcpenney

Bres l $90 ow Boo .99, Aldo ts

Begen Boots $195.99, Aldo

Groves Boots $140.99, Aldo

Nina Boots $139.99, Macy’s

BOOTilicious

Lanica Bootie Boots $49.99, Macy’s

this season’s hottest boots

HaileighHeppermann/photographer

Khombu Boots, $99.99, Macy’s

Tips & Tricks:

ts Boo t r Sho ’s rto Macy o p S .99, $79

• Over-the-knee boots tend to make you look shorter. If you’re petite, choose a boot that is slighty below the knee.

• Always wear socks when trying on boots so you have an idea of how they will fit with socks on.

• If the boots you want to purchase are expensive, try online stores for cheaper prices.

• As the weather gets colder, no-slip grips will keep you from sliding around.

• January is the best time to purchase boots.

9

Sports

H

p Dreams: Perseverance to Lead to Victory CaylaBrown/photographer

championship 53 to 63, surely the Trojans are hungry for victory. With 17 in all surviving tryouts, all that’s left is to work them into shape before the start of the season. JV coach Mark Thomas said this of his Trojan squad: “All I want from them this year is for them to be competitive.”

Last year’s performance may be a tough follow-up, but the program rarely disappoints … especially with fellow Trojans for support. “We lost some really good players from last year, but I still expect them to be just as competitive this year,” stressed Thomas pertaining to his thoughts on the potential of this year’s team. With the season just getting fired up, there is still some time before Buchanan High will be able to develop its own evaluations, but nonetheless, the results shouldn’t fail to impress.

Sophomores Brandon Gonzales, Jonathon Mooney, and Jake Harke run a quick passing drill. Harke said, “Coach Thomas works with us everyday to get better, which helps throughout the season to get pumped up.”

CassandraNegele/photographer

Coach Mark Thomas “All I want from them this year is to be competitve.”

Sophomores Michael Gebert sneaking past Nicco McGinnis and Shane Ponder as he took the ball to the net.

Team Transitions Into New Season

With all the hype surrounding this year’s basketball season that is quickly approaching, let’s not all forget about our Lady Trojans basketball squad.

With the program’s success in recent years, the players anticipate a chance to prove what they are really worth. Already a few weeks into the regular season, the JV ladies gear up to redeem a mere four losses from last year. With a few weeks left until the Rockbridge matchup, there are still a few changes to make, but the squad is readily preparing itself after vigorous preseason workouts that will surely determine a victorious outcome.

“I feel like we will do better because we are playing better already and we have more of team chemistry than last year,” notes Madeline Thoroughman (11). With optimism favoring a fast-approaching season, the Lady Trojans push forward battling any losses from the 10-11 season. Check out your Lady Trojan JV team in their first game against Rockbridge the day following Thanksgiving.

Mckala Lawler (10) “It’ll be a good year because coach always says have intensity and we always put it all on the floor.”

CassandraNegele/photographer

JohnBelcher/ staff writer

10

(continuation from page 6) About four million dogs are euthanized every year, most of them being adults.

Kelsey Eckert (10) has recently adopted two puppies, Marlow and Kiba, from Pals in Hawk Point. They are a hound and German shepherd mix and four-months-old.

Eckert said, “There were about 17 dogs at Pals,” she said. “There was one husky and a black lab that I can remember. There also was this annoying little dog that wouldn’t stop barking.”

Deborah George, the owner of a lab/German shepherd mix, said, “We

[George and her family] don’t really like ‘purebred’ dogs, and don’t want to perpetuate the problems with stores and breeders that mistreat animals. In the past, we’ve taken in strays or dogs other people foisted onto us when they no longer wanted them.”

JohnBelcher/ staff writer With football season coming to a close, TBHS basketball players lace up for the school’s most popular spectacle. After last year’s marvelous performance on the court taking the Varsity team to finals against McCluer North and losing the

Puppy Love

Giving a Dog as a Gift

The receiver of these dogs may not have the time or the money to take care of them, so it might become an inconvenience to that person. So make sure he or she is prepared for the responsibilities. One might want to hint around to find out if they would even like a new member of the family.

Be sure to do your homework about the different breds of dogs and their temperment to ensure they match the lifestyle of the person you want to give it to.

Mature Wrestlers on Right Track to Track The nights are getting cooler, but that can’t stop the fire coming from the Trojan wrestling room. Last year’s season suffered greatly from a lack of seniority which forced the Varsity roster to be comprised of mostly sophomores and a handful of juniors. This problem exposed the young blood to the Varsity experience, maturing their skills at a faster pace than usual.

“We’re young again this year,” said Varsity Head Coach Pat Nichols. “We are on the right

track though. We’re working hard.

Everyone has a good attitude, and

they’re a bunch of sponges— soaking up everything I show them.”

CassandraNegele/photographer

LancePatrick/sports editor

Getting his or her name and weight class printed on the mezzanine wall is the goal of every wrestler. The only way to receive this honor is to place amongst the top six at the State Tournament.

State qualifier, Tim Hoffman (11), lost in his bubble match last year to receive a State medal. “It was awesome to go to State as a sophomore, but this year I’m Dustin Heisse (11) was wrestled to the ground by Justin Suphin (10) during wrestling practice. practicing harder so I can get my my moves.” name on that wall,” he said.

This year’s Varsity prospects are promising.

The road to glory isn’t one paved in “The guys are beginning to come into their gold, but rather in pain own and developing as true wrestlers,” said and sweat. The 2011 Heisse. “We’re all stepping up our game so District Champion at we can come out number one.” Indeed, with 160, Dustin Heisse (11), three returning State qualifiers and a host of is working just as hard aggressive youngsters, Trojan Wrestling will outside of practice as he be a force of destruction in the GAC South is on the mats. He said, Division. The Trojans take on Timberland “I’m running every day, putting in extra time with High School for its first home dual on Nov. 22. Claws will be unleashed, fur will fly, and the weights, and staying champions will be made. after practice to perfect

Commercialization of Christmas CaylaBrown/staff writer What are the holidays about? Family?

Memories?

Traditions?

Our society seems to view the holidays as a time to buy presents, decorate the house, and have free time off work or school.

Where did the original meaning of each special holiday go? It has been passed over in lieu of extravagance and flash.

Some of the celebrations have even been given nicknames such as a “Hallmark Christmas.” It is the mindset of a “perfect” family who is always happy and together beside a tree with piles of presents underneath. This ideal image is nowhere close to the truth.

Participating in the holiday clichés that have been passed down through generations are memories people never forget, or at least they didn’t until now. Some have forgotten about the traditions in response to the new and disposable society we reside in. Gifts, money,

1.

4.

2.

5.

6..

12

7..

9.

and lavishness are not what holidays are all about! They are meant to be a time to spend with family, friends, and celebrate beliefs. Yes,

bragging about what gifts you received is customary, but it is the jaded reality we have come to know. I believe people should discuss how important the holiday may be for their religion instead of how much they spent or how much they are favored.

Various people dread holiday time because of the competition for gifts and the who’s who of giving gifts, but this time of year should always be close to our hearts because of the times we spend with the people we love.

3.

8.

Oh Snap!

10.

11.

1) Gabbi Jackson (10) and Brett Henke (11) played a game of Spanish Jepordy in Lisa Snider’s class. 2) Teachers Elise Edman and Emily Hogan spent their time after school discussing their weekend. 3) Kirstie Tryon (12) sported her Halloween spirit. 4) Brittany Fangrow (11) assisted Count Dracula with a game during NHS’s Trick or Treat for Relief.

5) Patrick Lacey (10) took his World History test in Thomas Johnson’s class. 6) Sophomores Austin Kreuger and Karli Reynolds goofed around in Art teacher April Rothweil’s class. 7) Kayla Harrington (10) does bookwork in Michael Crowell’s Spanish I class. 8) Lauren Holmes (10) cut the cake she baked for Epsilon Beta’s Cake Decorating Contest. 9) Sawyer McDanielz (12) and Kiera Loveless (10) played ‘Red Light, Green Light’ with 3-year-old Lilly in Child Development I. 10)Juniors Samantha Combs and Alex Montgomery sewed goody bags for soldiers. 11) Seniors Chelsey Clark and Andrew Parrett work on a ceramic project in Brent Dildine’s Ceramics 1 class.

Pictures 1-7& 11 by Kayla Gardner; Picture 8 by Alyssa Henderson; Picture 9 by Samantha Cameron; Picture 10 courtesy of Georganna Krumlinde.